Christmas Gift Exchange Hop

Today I'm very excited to share the Christmas gift exchange I participated in with my friends from The Blended Blog.  These ladies have been such a blessing in my life this year, and someday I hope to meet them all!

If you're hopping over from Sheila's blog, Making The Most Of Everyday, welcome!  When the mailman delivered a box from Sheila, I couldn't wait to see what was inside, because I knew it would be lovely.

One of my goals for 2016 is to add consistent devotional time. In the past this has been hit and miss with me.  But on those mornings when I got up thirty minutes earlier to read and reflect, my entire day was more peaceful and smooth.  With everything that's been going on around here, I definitely need more of that!

The tagline of the book, "Living abundantly where you are, as you are" might just be my new mantra.  I couldn't wait until January 1st to start reading, so I peeked at a few pages.  From December 21st:

During Christmas, God's presence is more palpable than any other time of the year.  What we've lost is also more present to us; the pain or the loneliness or the fear are more present than at any other time.  It's a glorious, beautiful time and also one in which even the smallest kindnesses can transform us.  It takes time to give and receive and enjoy the intangible gifts of Christmas, and it's well worth taking that time.

This passage immediately spoke to me, and I found myself with tears in my eyes.  Thank you so much, Sheila, for your kindness in sharing this beautiful book.  I have a feeling it will help transform me in 2016.

My second gift is this lovely pair of earrings.  Sheila has great style, and these silver studs are a perfect addition to my wardrobe - I don't have anything like them!  Thank you again, Sheila, for such thoughtful gifts.

Now it's time to hop over to Alison's blog, Puppies And Pretties, to see what I sent to her! And be sure to stop back here tomorrow for some ugly and not so ugly Christmas sweaters.