Every Friday, I join an online Christian writing community, Five Minute Friday. We are given a one-word prompt and write – unscripted, unedited, pure free-write – for 5 minutes. Five Minute Friday is a great place to hone my writing practice and be encouraged by other writers as I write. I will set the timer for five minutes and then write. Here we go! I am excited to invite you in, welcome.
Daisy
Gathering Together Invites You to Witness Beauty
The way the flour gathers on the island, or perches on the four year old's lashes catches you by surprise-had it always looked like that? I have been experiencing moments like this more often, as I lead my soul to see the beauty strewn around just for my delight. Cookie baking becoming a time of diaphanous beauty, one in which I encounter His kingdom breaking in to the very mundane moments of my life.
Simple gatherings lead to simply paying attention to our lives. It is the richness of the people we have in our lives and how their presence imprints on us the joy of community. This leads us to reflect on the generations before us and how their creativity and desire to lead their family to beauty created beautiful traditions. This week on the blog by friend Courtney is sharing with us her grandmother's butter cookie recipe, but more importantly the togetherness it brings as her and her daughters carry on the tradition too!
I can not wait to try her recipe with my daughters, giving them part in a legacy of love and simplicity. Creating together is a simple way of inviting others to gather adding eternal beauty to the mundane everyday moments. Go over to the last blog post and read more about how Courtney has found this to be true with her family with invitation for your family to join in!
Holiday Traditions Bind our Hearts for Generations
Welcome, your place is ready. Sit down. Breath. Feel your soul exhale as you wrap your hands around a warm cup of tea and a story. The stories shared here are the perfect mix of encouragement and practical. These writers want to share a bit of their heart with you so that gathering at the table is seen in the right light. Gathering together is how we are wired. Gathering at the table is how we are formed and known. Praying for you, that as you read your soul will fill its worth, He is waiting for you at Table, come.
Daisy
I come by it honestly, my love for creating a cozy and beautiful home, a space that you want to gather with those you love. That is true of me throughout the year, but especially during the holiday season. My mom always had a way of making Christmas feel magical and special, and that had a lot to do with the family traditions that she and my dad created for my brothers and I, and it’s something that I love having the opportunity to do as mom to my three little girls. The twinkling lights throughout the house, a tree in (almost!) every room, and my ever growing collection of vintage Santa’s add to the fun, but it is the little traditions that really make it feel extra special year after year.
Central to my memories of holiday gathering’s growing up involves a lot of flour, butter, and yummy things baking in the oven. From pies, to cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning, my mom’s delicious turtle bars, and chocolate fudge, we love making our favorite sweet treats each year. But the one that most certainly stands out the most in my memory, and will hopefully continue for generations to come, are my Grandma Perkin’s Butter Cookies. I have the sweetest memory of calling my Grandma on the phone when I was home from college one year because I couldn’t find her recipe and she of course was ready and willing to share. I still have the scrap of paper that I wrote it down on and I tear up every year when I pull it out of the recipe box.
Three Generations of women gathering together in their kitchen, creating holiday traditions.
Now, the recipe is of course a necessary component, but it is the cookie cutter itself that is central to the story. I didn’t know until a couple of years ago, that the tradition started when my mom was a little girl, and my Grandma baked Santa Cookies (as we call them) for my mom’s 1st grade (December) birthday party at school. From that point on they became a yearly favorite for my mom and grandmother and now for me and my girls. Being the avid thrifter and antiquer that I am, I always have my eye out for that one special Santa cookie cutter that we have used for decades. My mom’s sister Janet, and her kids have one, as do my brothers and their kiddos, and my girls and I cherish ours. I have collected 10 or more over the years, and as we were growing our families we tried to make sure each new addition has one as well.
As soon as my girls were old enough to help, they have been helping me roll out and decorate these cookies (he must have a red hat and a white beard) and it is a tradition I hope that they will remember and share with their children someday.
4.*optional* You can chill the dough for 30 minutes before you roll them out to make the dough easier to work with.
5. Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees
6. Roll out and cut with cookie cutters of your choice (but we of course recommend Santa!)
7. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes
8. While the cookies cool make the vanilla buttercream
9. Mix all butter cream ingredients in the mixing bowl and whip until creamy!
Once cool decorate and Enjoy!
The Tenderness of a Holiday Tradition
I’ve so enjoyed taking the time to think through this holiday tradition that is so near and dear to my heart, and thank Daisy for inviting me to share it with you! I hope that you will make your own batch of Grandma Perkins’ Butter Cookies as you share the season with those you love. Because in our house, it doesn’t *truly* feel like Christmas until we’ve had our first bite of Santa Cookie.
Courtney is a fair trade stylist and storyteller who has a deep love for thrifting, travel, photography, and motherhood. She thrifts and bakes in St. Louis but her wanderlust heart is alway thinking of her next travel adventure.
Cultivating a Spirit of Togetherness this Holiday Season
Welcome, your place is ready. Sit down. Breath. Feel your soul exhale as you wrap your hands around a warm cup of tea and a story. The stories shared here are the perfect mix of encouragement and practical. These writers want to share a bit of their heart with you so that gathering at the table is seen in the right light. Gathering together is how we are wired. Gathering at the table is how we are formed and known. Praying for you, that as you read your soul will fill its worth, He is waiting for you at Table, come.
Daisy
Gathering with friends and family, especially during the holidays, is a treasured gift. To see loved one’s faces and hear their familiar voices nourishes our souls just as the meal nourishes the body.
We know, however, that it’s not always possible to have everyone we love gathered around the table. While it’s never the same without the uncle who cracks the corny jokes, the grandmother who bakes a family recipe to perfection, or the sibling who helps to make the unseen feel seen. There are ways to honor their absence, as well as create lasting memories for those who are around the table. In honoring those far or no longer with us, we cultivate a spirit of togetherness that will thread gratitude throughout the generations. Grounding us to the present and helping us see that our time of gathering whether in person or in spirit remind us that we have received grace upon grace.
Ideas to Cultivate a Spirit of Togetherness
Because sometimes we need a go to list of ways to be together without a big fuss, I have made you a list to tuck away, go to when you need a reminder for how to extend an invitation, and gather those near and far.
Choose joy. Focus on those who will be around our table this holiday season. Not every situation creates happiness, but we can always choose joy. Though we miss those around our table, we can choose to celebrate the power of being present with those who are with us.
Send a card. If possible, ask as many relatives as possible to either sign your card or send one of their own to the person who is unable to attend. Be specific about why you will miss them.
Fill up plates. Does the missing someone live nearby? If their absence is due to an illness, deliver a plate of food (and don’t skimp on the pie!). Deliver it with a smile and a holiday-sized air hug to make it extra special. Food has a way of bringing people together in a way few other things do.
Plan a Facetime or Zoom session ahead of time. It will give everyone something to look forward to, especially the person who is unable to be there in person.
Give to others. Donate the money usually spent on additional groceries to a ministry that feeds the hungry during holidays in honor of those missing from your holiday table.
Create a “Why We Love You” Jar. Write down various reasons why you love the person who is missing on slips of paper. Place them in a plastic jar to ship, or mail only the slips of paper in an envelope, if you prefer. Include directions to draw one a day leading up to the holiday and read it aloud. It’s sure to be a warm reminder of your love for them.
Create a table runner. A week or two before the holiday, ask loved ones to draw and/or write messages on Kraft paper. Cut it to the size of a placemat or table runner. Drop it in the mail in time for missing loved ones to place it on their holiday table. If you’re unable to create a table runner, consider writing messages on a card that can be folded and put on display. As always, it’s the message that matters most.
Make a voice recording. Pass a phone around the table so that everyone can share with the missing loved one that they’re missed. By sending a recorded message, your loved one can listen to it on repeat.
Make a video. Like the voice recording, pass a phone to each person and record a short message. The advantage of sending a video is that the missing loved one can see both their faces and hear their voices, which is a blessing indeed.
Add an empty chair around the table. It’s a simple but powerful reminder that although a loved one’s physical presence is missing, they are not forgotten.
Share memories. When we share specific things remembered from past holidays, especially with the younger generation, we partner with God, reminding everyone present that they belong to your family, and hopefully, a godly family heritage. If the missing loved ones have passed, ask everyone to celebrate their memory by sharing their own favorite remembrance of them.
Speak truth. Write holiday-themed scripture verses on small cards, handing out one to each person around the table. In place of a meal prayer (or in addition to), take turns reading the various cards. The Word is living and active and the most powerful source of togetherness regardless of who is present around our table.
A Prayer of Togetherness
Take a deep breath and remember that it’s not up to you to make togetherness happen but you get to partner with the Maker of Unity. You get to partner with the Prince of Peace so come before him in prayer and join him in the art of gathering through his strength.
Heavenly Father, we are thankful for the spirit of togetherness we share with You through Jesus Christ. As we navigate this holiday season without loved ones present, help us to remember that You are here in our midst, offering comfort and joy despite the disappointment. Show us how to be present—emotionally, spiritually, and physically—with everyone You seat around our table for Your purposes and pleasure. Amen.
Cathy Baker writes from a tiny studio lovingly known as The Tiny House on the Hill in the Foothills of SC. As an author, Hope Writer, and Bible teacher for over twenty-five years, she encourages women to pause and embrace the seemingly small, mundane moments of their day for God’s glory. She invites you to join her in the tiny house where you’re always welcome to come on in and take a seat. There, you’ll find a free copy of Ways to Pray Throughout Your Home. You can also connect with her on Instagram or inside her free Creative Pauses Facebook Group.
Welcome, your place is ready. Sit down. Breath. Feel your soul exhale as you wrap your hands around a warm cup of tea and a story. The stories shared here are the perfect mix of encouragement and practical. These writers want to share a bit of their heart with you so that gathering at the table is seen in the right light. Gathering together is how we are wired. Gathering at the table is how we are formed and known. Praying for you, that as you read your soul will fill its worth, He is waiting for you at Table, come.
Connection Meals Joy Sorrow Journaling Learning School Deep talks Board games Meaningful conversations Meeting with my Maker
Gathering at the table represents more than eating a meal at dinner time, it’s the center of our home. I have encountered my Maker there for devotions in the early morning. It’s where my husband and I did our very first devotions together as husband and wife. Then with our boys nestled between us we hold family devotions together. We have expanded the table over the years to make room for our small groups and feasts with friends. The table is where every one of the boys birthdays has been decorated and celebrated. The table is a precious and integral part of our lives.
I remember the day I met Daisy for the first time at the table. I was invited by a friend to go to my first IF:Table and Daisy was the host. Event though the table was beautifully decorated and inviting, the one thing I recall is Daisy’s warm smile as she said, “Welcome.” That day marks the beginning of our gathering at table but thankfully of our friendship as well. Invitation does not call for a perfect place, just a place that is full of the Lord’s love and grace.
Gathering and making room at the table for others is important especially when you make space their season of grief. Over a year ago my dad passed away leaving me feeling a bit untethered. I found myself at the table and I found it full. Friends and family brought food and friendship to our table giving me the freedom to just be with my mom and extended family. What a gift. During those months we continued to meet with our small group, eating together created space for me to share my grieving heart. It was joy mixed with grief a reminder of the kingdom of God-the tension of the here and the not yet. My father is a believer in Jesus Christ he loved the Lord, and I know that I will see him again. I know that there will be moments when I will miss him espcially his prayers.
The way my parents practiced gathering around the table was to always have an open spot ready for anyone. I remember sharing the table with missionaries, friends, and sibling’s friends-eating together as a family. The more I gather at the table the more I realize that Inviting others over even if they say no, is important. The invitation is the just the beginning to know that you are thought of and invited is the catalyst to gathering authentically.
You don’t have to be the best cook, because I’m certainly not. If all else fails, make it a Mexican food night— you can’t go wrong. Everyone loves chips + salsa. Your heart for each other and the kindness of gathering at the table are what truly matters. So, do the inviting without hesitation because you have been invited first by the one who longs to meet you at the Table. He will give you the grace to make room at the table for others. I invite you to then pray ahead of time. Ask the Lord to meet you and your guests as you “break bread” together. May your table be filled with nourishing grace.
Gracefully,
Johanna
Devoted to my Maker. Married my husband David, for over 23 years + mom to three wonderful guys. Yes, I am surrounded by testosterone and BOY do I LOVE being their mom! I am a graphic designer by degree and author for the love of it. I’ve recently started selling Scripture Collections. My Christmas ScriptureCollection sets just launched, please visit me and get a set for your own table.
Every Friday, I join an online Christian writing community, Five Minute Friday. We are given a one-word prompt and write – unscripted, unedited, pure free-write – for 5 minutes. Five Minute Friday is a great place to hone my writing practice and be encouraged by other writers as I write. I will set the timer for five minutes and then write. Here we go! I am excited to invite you in, welcome.
The Art of Gathering
I will extend an invitation to sit at table with others quickly. I don’t know exactly when this practice shifted for me from planned ahead invites to spontaneous ones. What I do know is that shift also shifted my life paradigm. I now can see the absolute treasure of having a table moment with others, and the richness it brings.
I don’t spend much time focusing on the state of my home or the lack of whatever ingredient. But I focus instead on the time together. We will get to be creative as we prepare our meal together. I remember that I will also catch a glimpse of Jesus as I spend time breaking bread together with my friend. I want to make time to see and taste the goodness of God the part that I can only find through the life of the person sitting at table with me.
So, once again the table is changing my life. I am passionate about gathering and I want to come alongside you and show the beautiful simplicity of practicing it. I want you know that gathering together does not have to be extreme instead its a beautiful practice that will change your life because of its simplicity.
This is really a little teaser! make sure you sign up for the newsletter so you don’t miss the upcoming fun! A simple and beautiful gathering guide, a giveaway, and stories that will encourage us to shift our view of gathering around the table. I don’t want you to miss it!
Gracefully,
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Creating together A universe of wonder Your eyes alight Free
~dfd
Giselle and I made these quick treats on the Fourth of July.
I love that you can keep most of the ingredients on hand, and the colors can be adjusted for any occasion. Although I have made a version of these before, These were inspired by Brighter Day Press
Here’s a quick but detailed recipe.
Ingredients:
1 large packet of of Quick Candy bar (or 2 cups of Candy Melts)
1 cup of of blue candy melts
1/2 cup of red candy melts
1 bag Long pretzel rods (you will get about 24 rods)
White and blue Sprinkle stars
Parchment paper
2 microwave safe bowls
1 microwave safe jar or measuring jar
Spoon, fork, mini spatula
Cookie sheet
Instructions:
Gather all of your utensil and ingredients to your work area
Place one piece of parchment paper on the counter.
Place a second piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet
melt the white quick candy coating according to instruction
Dip the pretzel rods in the melted white chocolate place them on the cookie sheet and when full place it in the fridge to help them harden quicker.
While they harden melt the blue and red candy melts. Or divide up the white chocolate putting about half of cup and add food coloring to get the desired color.
Take the white dipped rods out of the fridge and dip the tip or as much as halfway in the blue chocolate.
While the blue is still wet sprinkle with stars
Dip the rest of the rods in white chocolate and put them in the fridge on the cookie sheet And repeat the blue dipping plus star sprinkling process on the newly hardened pretzels.
Next line them up side by side in both parchment papers
Melt the red colored candy melt
Using a fork drizzle the red chocolate over the white chocolate part of the pretzels
Let them harden and enjoy!
Or place a few in a treat bag and share with your neighbors!
It sometimes tip toes in
It sometimes catches us by surprise
But mainly it stops us and makes us pay attention.
I am adjusting constantly
My body adjusts in microscopic ways unbeknownst to me
I adjust again
A coffee sent me reeling
A lack of in-home barista
A lack of your presence
I adjust again
Reminding myself of your smile
Of the way my heart will flutter
When you walk in the door
I adjust again
I wait
Your presence a gift
I froth milk
Reheat the coffee you left me
I adjust again.
~dfd
Shalom as we change with grace,
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Sometimes a food will bring up nostalgic feelings, this salad always takes me back to a golden time in my life. A time of discovery, growing up, and lingering in the what could be. I loved sitting around Aunt Linda’s island chatting about school, she would check on our hearts, and together we wondered and dreamt about the future. Does food do that to you? I’d love it if you shared!
Today, I give you a snack that could also be used for lunch! Serve it over a bed of greens or on a veggie board along with humus and crackers. I hope you try it and then tuck it in to your go to recipes. You are going to love how it comes together quick and easy!
Ingredients:
12 oz shredded chicken (1 can) 2 green apples diced 1cup of raw almonds 1/4 cup mayo 1/2 tbsp of dry dill salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Begin by gathering all the ingredients to your work space
2. mix all ingredients in a large bowl
3. Serve and enjoy!
4. Can be refrigerated for a day or so, may dry out but just add a bit of mayo to moisten!
La Ensalada de Pollo de Tia Linda
Ingredientes:
12 oz de carne pollo desebrada (una lata) 2 manzanas verde cortadas en cubitos 1 taza de almendras crudas 1/4 taza de mayonesa 1/2 tbsp de eneldo seco (dry dill) sal y pimiento al sabor preferid
Instruciones
1. Comienza recogiendo todos los ingredientes
2. agrega los ingredientes a un tazón y mezcla
3. listo! sirve y disfruta!
4. puedes guardar la ensalada en la refrigeradora por un día, si se seca le puedes añadir un poco de mayonesa!
Buen provecho,
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Oh Covid-19,
Spring is here in its usual SPRING LIKE JASMINE way.
You may feel like you are still blooming
But know that we are PRAYING TOGETHER for your eradication.
I am happy to practice THE ART OF GATHERING again
Especially gathering for the good of others with Noonday
Although, you have caused so much disruption
There is beauty emerging out of the chaos
In these last few years I have been able to GIVE MY CHILD THE WORLD
Through homeschooling and exploring books together
I have also spent more time examining our propensity to live BUSY LIVES that lead to RESTLESS SOULS.
And so I am re-reading ESSENTIALISM as I continue to focus on what truly matters as we long to live a purposeful life.
I am now more than ever convinced that creating is an act of resistance
And so we create and continue ADORNING THE DARK left in your wake.
Although it may seem like I AM ALL OVER THE PLACE
The COMFORT BOOK reminded me that “cooking is the best kind of active meditation” so weekly I practice meditation when I Prep and Pray
This is my active stand in THE RUTHLESS ELIMINATION OF HURRY
With your arrival so much of our normal activities ceased
But we continue the sacred struggle in slowing down
And I long to live free and light WHEN STRIVINGS CEASE.
We learned to live and work from home
We have also learned to live at home with our whole self
Giving thanks for this good body is a new rhythm for me
And I can feel that I am slowly BREAKING FREE FROM BODY SHAME
Even though you meant to ravish our bodies
You don’t get the last word
These bodies are meant for greater purposes
And Black women have beautifully embodied faith
Like they are CARVED IN EBONY showing us all
That “there is a justice in joy” so, CALL US WHAT WE CARRY
Because we are healing through our collective poetry of love
Here I stand to BLESS THE SPACE BETWEEN US
Covid 19 your presence desired to steal our peace
And fill us with anxiety but IN THE NAME OF JESUS
We choose RHYTHMS OF RENEWAL
THIS BEAUTIFUL TRUTH will prevail
We are stepping into Holy Ground
Every small unseen moment is exactly
Where heaven abounds.
Shalom.
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Quiet is how my soul felt after my sister’s visit ended. It was a whirlwind of a weekend. The buzz of excitement and proximity came to a crescendo of togetherness.
There were many things I wanted to do and say but time slipped away as quickly as water through fingers. We left each place and experience already hoping for a next time…
As we sat together eating, remembering, and revisiting places familiar shortened the distance of so many years apart.
The day after their departure I found left overs in the fridge from our time together. I began to prepare them as I do my home made meals, realizing they were a special gift. They were a cord connecting me to a fulfilled longing. I loved that because of these leftovers I was able to linger in their gift of presence. It was their presence that stilled and quieted my soul in peace.
Maybe you are also navigating the murky waters of unfulfilled longings. maybe the waves overpower and you flail breathless and can’t catch a glimpse of the goodness available for you.
I want to remind you today, that you are not alone. I pray for you today. I pray that His gift of presence will supernaturally quiet and still your soul. Let those spaces tender, heal in the presence of Jesus.
As you emerge you will find your heart is ready to be available, present, and to serve wholeheartedly. With out expecting it you will begin to catch glimpses of the goodness specifically placed for you all around.
To share your space with your people is truly a generous gift from above.
Be strengthened with grace and love,
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Daisy F. Dronen 