Oh, what a great way to finish up 2009! We were in Clearwater, Florida for our last Fresh Grounded Faith conference, and what a great group of women joined us there! Our awesome Michael O'Brien sang his version of "The Lord's Prayer" which is on his new CD that will be available in March 2010. You must check it out. It's moving and meditative. Shelley Jennings was also with us, and her new Quiet Rest: Lullabies for the Children of God CD is so lovely and soothing. If you enjoy prayerful hymns, you will love her new CD. We were also honored to have the lovely Lauren Dungy join us. She's the wife of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts head coach, Tony Dungy. She shared such an inspiring message that really
touched the women there. She has an unwavering love for God, and it shows in the way she loves her family, community and a world in need. What a woman of grace. And our Clearwater FGF was super special to me because my family lives there! So, we had an early Christmas at Aunt Carol's home, complete with aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, dogs and both of my brothers! How blessed we were.
Christmas season was one of the best ever. It had nothing to do with gifts. It was one of the best ever because of being together and being able to experience true peace. But...the gifts were fun! Okay, here's my favorite gift--a commercial size, 60 cup, stainless steel coffee maker! No, it's not for my daily morning brew. I received it from Phil because I am endlessly borrowing one from my friend for each party we have. No more! I've now got one and need to have a party to use it! So, if you're having a party or just have a coffee drinking problem which involves 60 cups a day, just give me a call--I'll let you borrow it!
Speaking of drinking...I tasted the most flavorful cinnamon tea I've ever had. By Harney & Sons Master Tea Blenders, it's called Hot Cinnamon Spice, and it's a blend of Asian black tea, three kinds of cinnamon, orange peels and sweet cloves. It's so naturally sweet, I don't even add honey. (That'll save a girl about 30 calories per cup!)
Besides being with family, I've spent the month of December with the Bostonians. Henry James introduced me to them in his book by the same name. Unlike many other James's novels, The Bostonians is set in America. Its female characters are feminists working toward women's suffrage, which was growing in New England during the latter half of the nineteenth century. Though the book has more political themes than is typical with a James novel, the ingenious introduction of a conservative Mississippi lawyer into the distinctly female mix adds sparks, tension and kept me turning the pages (and there were almost 500 of them!) I think you would enjoy a peek into a fictional interpretation of this historical time in our country. And, it's quite the study of the female psyche!
My friend, take a few moments before you move on in our Java time and think about things you would like to give a "taste test" to this year. What books would you like to read? What would you like to try? Where would you like to travel? Just make a personal taste test list for yourself. Remember, if you aim at nothing, that's exactly what you'll hit!
So, give these things a taste test:
1. Michael O'Brien's new CD Be Still My Soul
2. Shelley Jennings Quiet Rest: Lullaby for the Children of God CD
3. Come to one of our Fresh Grounded Faith events this year.
It's real women dealing with real life and connecting with the real
God. I would love to have you join us!
4. Hamilton Beach 60-cup coffee urn
5. Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea
6. The Bostonians by Henry James
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