My New Happy: Christmas Gift Exchange Hop

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

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.

18 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you liked it! You don't have to wait til Jan to start! Just jump on in! That quote you posted is pretty spot on! Merry Christmas friend!
    ~Sheila @ Making the Most of Every Day

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  2. So fun!! Christmas gift exchanges rock.

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  3. what a perfect gift for you!! those earrings are so pretty!!

    Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy

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  4. What a beautiful devotions book! Such a great Idea too!! Merry Christmas beauty!!

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  5. Beautiful and inspiring, what a great gift!

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  6. Love your gifts! Merry Christmas!

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  7. What a perfect gift, just at a time when you need it most :)

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  8. You and Sheila both have hearts of gold and do such goodness everywhere you go. I bought this book after reading Sheila's review but it has been neglected on my shelf. I absolutely soooo agree with what you said about the days you sneak in time for your devotions...those days are so much richer and better and somehow easier. I will, I will, I will make time for my devotions this new year. I know you will, too, and we will both be blessed through Sheila. XOXOXO

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  9. That looks like a great devotional. I try to spend time each morning - without getting distracted - but that is not always easy.

    I wish you a Merry Christmas!
    Lisa
    Daily Style Finds

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  10. Completely gorgeous earrings! The book looks incredible.
    Happy Holidays, Lana!

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  11. I have had my eye on that book so I really appreciate your input. I hope it blesses you in the coming year. Love the earrings too! Great gifts for sure! Merry Christmas!

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  12. What a great idea Lana.... I should pick a few blog friends and do this next year... xox ♡

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  13. What a great way to start the year off. Thank you again for your present, can't wait to eat it :)

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  14. What wonderful gifts!!! I have to look for that devotional!! Hope you had a blessed Christmas Lana!!

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  15. That books sounds wonderful. I've been really stuck in that department for a long time. The passage you read really touched me as well. All of it is so abundantly true. I really hope you had a terrific holiday. I've been such a sorry-ass friend these last couple of weeks by not reading anything, but I'm here to get caught up! We'll talk soon I've missed you and Susan.

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