There's something about cold weather that makes me want to read non-stop. And when I'm reading, you can find me one of two places in our house: in our den or in our guest room. Both places just feel cozy to me - and a big down coverlet ensures that I am as snug as a bug in a rug while I'm poring through whatever has my attention. I also like to remain wide-open to the possibility of napping in between chapters. I feel it's good to have options.
And there's one other thing that makes reading / Bible study time even more special when it's chilly outside: apple tea. I love it so much. My mama's friend Mary John makes one of the best versions I've ever tried, and in addition to tasting great, it makes your whole house smell absolutely divine.
Mary John's Apple Tea
1 qt. cider
1 cup cranberry juice
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
2 sticks cinnamon
8 whole cloves
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Heat until it boils, then reduce heat until ready to serve.
Now obviously we talk a whole bunch about books, authors and Bible studies here on AllAccess, but I'm curious: do you have a special place you like to "settle in" when you read or have your quiet time? Are there things you do to make that time especially relaxing? Do you have a special routine you like to follow?
And don't worry - I'll snuggle up under a comfy blanket before I read your comments. That only seems right. No apple tea today, though - just diet Coke. I'm pacing myself for the holidays, you see.
One day after school last week, I took Caroline and one of her little friends to the park near our house. It was one of those rare days in South Texas that actually feels like Fall, not too cold and not too hot. I sat on a bench in the shade and watched them as they ran from the swings to the slide and back again.
A few minutes later a man about my age came walking into the park with his little boy who looked to be about two years old. The little boy immediately toddled off towards the slides and the man and I began to visit.
He introduced himself to me and told me they had just moved to San Antonio from Connecticut about four months ago. I laughed and told him he must be in the midst of a huge culture shock. He said he'd actually lived in San Antonio when he was about the same age as his son because his dad was in the military, but had no memory of the city other than pictures from family photo albums.
I told him the girls were five and I was giving them the chance to burn off some energy before we headed home for the day. And then he asked me a question that I can't quit thinking about, he said, "Do you remember being five?"
Yes. I remember bits and pieces of being five. I remember that my Kindergarten teacher's name was Mrs. Sudela and I thought she was beautiful. I remember that we walked through the school searching for a leprechaun on St. Patrick's Day. I remember that I wore some socks with a patch featuring a banana wearing a cape complete with pom-pom fringe for Super Sock today. I remember that one day I didn't get off the school bus and the driver had to turn around and bring me home.
But there are other things I don't remember. I don't really have any memories of day-to-day life. I don't know if my mama had a snack waiting for me after school. I don't remember if I played with my little sister or if I watched a lot of T.V. I can't remember dinner time or the things we talked about. I know those things existed, but I can't recall them.
And maybe I just have a bad memory.
It made me think about how strange it is that Caroline won't remember a lot of her life at this point. Yes, she'll have bits and pieces, but as much as all these days and years will be memories I will hold onto and treasure forever, she probably won't remember the day I took her to the park after school and she slid down the firemen's pole by herself for the first time.
Yet, even though she may not remember, these things are making her into who she is and who she will become. They are part of the tapestry of her life.
It's made me think about what I hope she remembers for the rest of her life. It's made me want to take the time to laugh with her more, pick her up while I still can, and give us lots of chances to make some sweet memories together.
Because of all the things I want her to remember, what I hope for the most is that she will always know how much she is loved. She may not remember that we made chocolate chip cookies yesterday and she definitely won't recall the night she was two years old and threw up every thirty minutes, but I hope she'll remember that I was always there.
I know I'll make (and have made) my share of mistakes along the way, but God will cover my weaknesses. And I pray that He will fill her mind with sweet childhood memories.
How about y'all? What do you hope your kids remember about you and their childhood? I'd love to hear about it.
What a time we have had this week in Nash-vegas for two big events...the National Women's Leadership Forum at LifeWay and that little event last night called the CMA awards. Those country icons don't have anything on our guy Travis who led us in some serious worship and even blessed us with a Christmas concert as he shared songs from his new album.
We had 500 incredible leaders from across the country like Liz from San Jose, CA and the sweet pastor's wife slash women's ministry leader who came by her self from the hills of New Mexico...and the girls right down the street from Mount Juliet, TN. We worshipped, shared ideas, had full breakouts and heard a great word from Kelly Minter and Angela Thomas yesterday. Basically we got together and told our stories...some hard stories, but all stories of God's faithfulness. I'm not just talking about women dealing with one hard thing...but how about the woman who found herself near bankruptcy, with a serious illness and a teenage son who's girlfriend got pregnant. She beamed as she told of God's faithfulness and how sweet her little grandchild is. Only GOD!
We have had a blast. Be safe going home girls. We hope to see you next year when we try our two Forums back to back! That's right. Pray for us! ;0) We won't think about that now. We'll just bask in the glow of having 500 women in the halls of LifeWay. Forum energizes us for the year to come. We love you so! Any sweet Forum stories to share?
Melanie
Melanie
Sophie
Sophie
Pam
Pam
Paige
Paige
Kris
Kris
Dawn 
Dawn