Merry Christmas, lovely friends! ✨

And a special welcome to newcomers from the Thrive retreat and Redemption Story Workshop. So glad you’re here!

After a year away from this space, I’m delighted to reconnect with you all during this season of beauty, hope, and joy.

The main big thing

2024 has been, for our family, a year of growth and blessing. One of the most beautiful was the occasion of our son’s wedding in July—a day showcasing love, laughter, and God’s abundant grace. From vows exchanged, to tributes toasted and dances danced, it was a joy-filled gathering of family and friends that exceeded expectations. An incredible celebration of beauty, indeed.

photo credit: Natalie Grace Photography

Jack and Emma’s is a delightful love story. But in this Advent season, as we anticipate celebrating the birth of Christ, may we be reminded of the greatest and most beautiful story of all: of God’s love entering our world in the form of a Person—Jesus. I pray the allure of the season–the candles, the carols, and all the trimmings–serves as an invitation to see in Jesus the abundant life He offers. Beauty in the midst of brokenness.

photo credit: Natalie Grace Photography

In the new year, I look forward to sharing  more stories that celebrate beauty.

Meanwhile, let me leave you with…

A few of my favorite things in 2024

Antique Candle Co. A new discovery! I love scented candles in the home, and this is a beautiful candle company I can get behind. As of this writing, most of their stock is deeply discounted for Christmas. (And check out this interview with Antique Candle’s delightful founder, Brittany Whitenack — well worth the listen.)

Cherry Republic. In October, Scott and I visited longtime friends in the cherry state of Michigan. We stopped in at the trademark store Cherry Republic, where everything we tasted was fantastic. I brought home this delicately flavored Cherry Sencha Green Tea and adore it.

Fuzzy Cross-Band Slippers. Keeping my toes warm and cozy at home without making me feel a frump.

Jigsaw puzzles like this one assembled on this board for easy storing if the thing needs to temporarily put away while puzzling is still in progress (slid discreetly beneath a sofa works great!).

Mere Christians podcast with Jordan Raynor. Last summer, Scott and I had stayed a week at a medieval monastery nestled in the hills outside Brno, Czechia (pictured below), where we had the privilege of hanging out with some truly world-class people doing ministry across Europe. One mentioned this podcast as worth listening to as it explores how the gospel influences the work of “Mere Christians”—those of us who aren’t pastors or religious professionals, but who work as entrepreneurs, baristas, accountants, and the like. I learn so much from these encouraging conversations.

Pearl Django. The best kind of Paris cafe-esque gypsy jazz homegrown right here in Seattle. Scott and I have followed this group for years, catching them live whenever possible. When we play their upbeat music at home, we nearly always get compliments from our guests. Available on Spotify.

This Sassycups tumbler. A dear friend gifted me with this insulated travel mug, almost as a joke, before Jack and Emma’s nuptials. I, however, had the last laugh as not only did I happily carry it with me throughout the reception but have used it nearly every day since. I love it for how it keeps my cold sparkling water (another favorite) cold.

Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate. Last year found me in a bit of reading rut, but Lisa Wingate’s latest, masterfully crafted, time-slip novel proved a welcome exception.

Thrive Ministry exists to replenish women ministering overseas, providing spiritual resources, transformative experiences, and authentic relationships for women investing in Kingdom work. In February I had the opportunity to serve with them, volunteering at one of their retreats. Pouring into women who themselves are called to pour out so much in service to those who don’t yet know the Lord proved to be some of the most life-giving days I’ve ever spent. If you know a woman serving overseas who needs replenishing, please encourage her to check out Thrive’s retreats. (As of this writing, still space at their February retreat in Australia. Attendees pay only a $250 registration fee and transportation costs.)

photo credit: Karen Ward

Waking the Dead: The Secret to a Heart Fully Alive by John Eldredge. At the Gerald R. Ford Airport in Grand Rapids, I spied a Little Free Library, paused to peruse the titles, and claimed this gem. Eldredge, like C.S. Lewis, uniquely reflects on and deftly articulates the power of story to open the eyes of the heart.

“What Simeon Saw” | a Christmas short story. Simeon’s story remains one of my favorites of the season, and so I share this, my own reimagining of how it might have been for him to encounter the Christ child.

May the peace and grace of this season of anticipation be yours, and 2025 be filled with God’s abundant beauty.

❤️💚Katherine