Where God's Word Meets Our Mess
Easter is almost here, so today’s post has several song recommendations for you to listen to this week. Of course, you can listen to these songs at any time of year; but I specifically included songs about Christ’s death and resurrection. Happy listening—and happy Easter!
I wish I could tell you that this Valentine’s Day is special because I finally met The One, but this Valentine’s Day is no different than last Valentine’s Day. Instead of being curled up on the couch with a handsome Christian man wearing a navy pullover sweater and an almost mischievous side smile, I’m writing yet another blog post about singleness. “An Honest Confession on Valentine’s Day” seemed like the only appropriate title for a post about the major gap between where I am and where I want to be this Valentine’s Day.
Dear 2023, I have to admit that I’m terrified that you’ve arrived. I’ve been nervously anticipating your arrival long before 2022 ended. I suppose that, in and of yourself, you aren’t scary at all. The real reason that I’m so afraid of you is because I fear that things won’t go according to plan…specifically, according to my plan.
When I started to make the challenging transition from childhood to adulthood, I also started feeling angsty at Christmastime. I wanted Christmas to be a happy holiday, but that didn’t feel possible anymore. Nothing felt the same as it had felt when I was a little kid—giddy to buy gifts, make gifts, and (without a doubt) get gifts. What happened to all those Christmas feels that I had when I was a kid?
Normally, this is the day that I would post a written encouragement to you about celebrating Thanksgiving (even if it's hard to celebrate this year, even if you don't feel like expressing gratitude, etc.). But to spice up your Thanksgiving week (*inert chuckle at Grace's attempt to be punny*), I wanted to share this 90-second video with you in preparation of this holiday. Happy Thanksgiving, friends!
For the 4th of July, I decided to write a romantic poem (ooh la la, right?) instead of writing about freedom or patriotism. While I definitely hope your day is patriotic and freedom-filled no matter what your relationship status is, this poem specifically goes out to my single ladies who are facing the holiday alone. Wave one of those sparklers for me and relish the fact that even if you feel alone, you're not alone. Happy Independence Day (ba-dum-ch!).
While there’s nothing wrong with having a tradition-less Easter holiday, I think the fact that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the grave to conquer death is worth celebrating! And we celebrate well with traditions in place, don’t we? (I believe we also find great comfort in traditions.) So, if you’re interested in starting a new tradition this Easter, I hope you consider these five ideas.
Dear Hallmark, when I wrote to you last Valentine's Day, I wasn’t completely honest about my feelings toward you. It’s true that I didn’t watch many Christmas Hallmark movies for Christmas of 2020. And that’s great. I exposed some of the false expectations that you produce in women, which I feel good about. But I failed to mention that—despite your flaws—your movies have a certain draw to them that I can’t seem to resist.
When I lost my phone at an amusement park recently, all I did was panic. My mind automatically went into Worst Case Scenario mode. My trip to the Lost and Found Office didn’t help. Nor did making phone calls and filling out online forms. I was completely helpless in this situation. Sure, I said a couple quick prayers of panic. But instead of placing my trust in the Lord—that He would do whatever was best for me in this situation—I worried.
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 