Have you ever stopped to listen to your home?

Maybe you pause in the middle of dinner prep and suddenly the “simple sounds of life” grow loud in your ears: the fridge humming, your teen walking upstairs, the microwave whirring, the neighbor’s car door, a cheerful bird in the tree outside, the puppy scratching his bed to get comfy, your hubby opening the garage door…. Sounds of home.

Our hearts need little reminders of God’s love.

What’s the best “yes” you’ve ever received?

Official approval on the house you're buying?
A job or promotion you really wanted?
That friend agreeing to go on an epic trip with you?
Acceptance into a special group or community?
An opportunity you dreamed of finally happening?

How did this last year affect your soul?

The passing of a year beckons us to pause and reflect. As we glance back, do we notice places God was up to something? What do we hope and pray for the new year ahead?

Maybe last year was a rough season and we sense Jesus calling us to rest. Maybe we anticipate change and know He’s asking us to step out in faith. Or maybe we're unclear on what lies ahead.

As the holidays grow busy, we can feel pulled in many directions. Events, family, gifts, gatherings, and traditions vie for our attention. One way to breathe calm into our souls during a hectic season is to look for simple moments with Jesus.

Simple moments are just that -- simple. They don't require much time or preparation. They can happen almost anywhere.

Growing up, we had a Thanksgiving tradition. After the turkey and stuffing, the green bean casserole, and the sweet potatoes with gooey marshmallows were set steaming on the table, we’d find our seats and join hands. Right before the prayer, my dad would ask each of us to share one thing we were thankful for.

In fact, my dad was good at carrying this gratitude tradition into the year too.  It might be a random Wednesday in February with the seven of us kids seated at the breakfast table, and dad would pause to ask each of us to share something we were thankful for that day. Usually, it was a quick and easy answer. "Friends." "Family." "New shoes." But if it happened to be a sleepy morning or your brother had stolen your bathroom time, you might not feel very thankful.