A white dining table set for a meal with plates, glasses, and silverware, and a small vase with flowers in the center, near a window with bright lighting.

the art of gathering

welcome, I’m Glad You’re Here

the table is set

a table set with story,

a field sown with wonder,

a place to trace the thread of grace through our ordinary days.

Here, I gather what stirs beneath the surface:

the ache of longing,

the beauty of becoming,

the mystery woven into morning light

May you find here

a gentle rhythm,

a sacred pause,

a reminder that you are not alone

on the way.

How the 12 Days of Christmas Deepens the Joy of Christmas- Part 2

How the 12 Days of Christmas Deepens the Joy of Christmas- Part 2

Explore the beauty of Christmastide, the season of celebration from Christmas Day to Epiphany. This blog reflects on the significance of lingering in the light of Christ during these 12 days, drawing inspiration from the church calendar and the carol “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Discover the spiritual symbolism behind each gift in the carol and how it points back to Jesus and His Word

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Celebrating Christmastide: How the 12 Days of Christmas Deepens the Joy

Celebrating Christmastide: How the 12 Days of Christmas Deepens the Joy

Explore the beauty of Christmastide, the season of celebration from Christmas Day to Epiphany. This blog reflects on the significance of lingering in the light of Christ during these 12 days, drawing inspiration from the church calendar and the carol “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Discover the spiritual symbolism behind each gift in the carol and how it points back to Jesus and His Word

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The Void Echoes Between US

The Void Echoes Between US

This poem captures the delicate and evolving nuances of a mother-child relationship, emphasizing connection, change, and the unspoken emotional weight of shared moments.The ending suggests a quiet resignation to the imperfections of human connection, leaving the reader to reflect on their own experiences of communication and silence within relationships.

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Hosting a Heartfelt Gratitude Brunch: A Simple and Soulful Alternative to Friendsgiving

Hosting a Heartfelt Gratitude Brunch: A Simple and Soulful Alternative to Friendsgiving

As the air turns crisp and the season of gratitude approaches, I am reminded of the countless gatherings I’ve had around my table, each one filled with laughter, shared stories, and the simple grace of community. But amidst the beauty of these grand feasts, I’ve learned that the true magic lies in simplicity—the kind that invites guests to exhale, relax, and connect deeply.This year, rather than planning another elaborate Friendsgiving, I’m leaning into a simpler, more intimate way to celebrate: a Gratitude Brunch. It’s a slower, more relaxed gathering that embraces the cozy, casual feel of the morning while offering a space for friends to linger over good food and meaningful conversation. With a build-your-own yogurt parfait bar, cozy seasonal granola, and easy pastries, it’s a meal that everyone can contribute to, making the preparation part of the fun and connection.The beauty of a Gratitude Brunch is in its simplicity—it’s about savoring the moment, allowing conversation to flow naturally, and giving thanks together in a setting that feels welcoming and unrushed. As we gather around the table this season, let’s focus less on the elaborate preparations and more on the joy of shared stories, laughter, and the sweet gift of friendship.

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Gatherings of Heart and Hands: Nurturing Friendships Through Crafting, Prayer, & Service

Gatherings of Heart and Hands: Nurturing Friendships Through Crafting, Prayer, & Service

In a world that moves swiftly, crafting, prayer, and service invite us to slow down and connect deeply with others. “Gatherings of Heart and Hands” explores how friendships bloom in the spaces where creativity, prayer, and acts of kindness intersect. Gina shares memories that bring warmth to her soul. The power of these moments lies in their quiet intentionality. For Gina, each gathering becomes a sacred space where souls are nourished, and friendships find new roots. We are reminded that friendship is a gentle, steady work of heart and hands. It grows in the mundane, in whispered prayers, and in shared tasks. Gina invites us to step out of isolation and into this practice of showing up for one another, knowing that in doing so, we become a reflection of divine goodness for each other.

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Finding Stillness and Peace Amid the Weight of Grief: Embracing God’s Love Through Discontent and Self-Compassion
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Finding Stillness and Peace Amid the Weight of Grief: Embracing God’s Love Through Discontent and Self-Compassion

There are moments when the weight of life catches us off guard, often revealing emotions we’ve set aside. This week, as I reflected on that weight, I felt an invitation to pause, to truly see and feel what I had been brushing aside with ‘get it together’ thoughts and self-criticism. In these moments, I sense God’s gentle call: *Come and see.* See the ways He loves me, even in my disappointment and discontent. Here’s to letting go of unrealistic expectations, embracing God’s love, and finding strength in vulnerability. In that place of quiet honesty, I remember that I am held, safe to grieve, grow, and become the person I was always meant to be.

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I Meet Myself Every Autumn: An Undecided Soul on Letting Go
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I Meet Myself Every Autumn: An Undecided Soul on Letting Go

I find myself drawn to the quiet moments that this season brings. In my poem *“I Meet Myself Every Autumn,”* I reflect on the way fall mirrors my inner world—filled with beauty, uncertainty, and the gentle nudge to let go.But as I move through the season, I also realize that I’m *undecided*. Like the leaves, I hold on, not quite ready to release everything that weighs me down. Fall asks us to let go with grace, but that isn’t always easy.This poem is an exploration of that delicate balance—between welcoming change and feeling hesitant, between the desire to let go and the fear of what follows.

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Cozy Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

Cozy Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

As the crisp autumn air settles in, we find comfort in the warmth of home, gathering around the table with hearty, nourishing meals. This Sweet Potato Chili is the perfect fall recipe—rich in flavor, spiced just right, and filled with wholesome ingredients that satisfy both body and soul. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply embracing the coziness of the season, this chili will quickly become a family favorite. Serve it with warm bread, light some candles, and enjoy the simple pleasures of fall.

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Songs of Hope: A Playlist for Fall
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Songs of Hope: A Playlist for Fall

The author discusses finding encouragement through a Christian writing community and reflects on facing trials and finding hope through faith. Despite experiencing sorrow and challenges, they find hope in God's love and mercy, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and faith.

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The writer participates in Five Minute Friday, an online Christian writing community, where participants free-write for 5 minutes based on a given prompt. They express vulnerability and hope through a poem about the covering of grace as she traverses grief and loss. Additionally, the writer shares a charcuterie guide for gathering around the table with practical and purposeful content.

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Mastering the Art of a Well-Stocked Pantry: Practical Tips for Purposeful Gatherings

Natalie Herr emphasizes the importance of hospitality and offers practical tips for simplifying meal preparation for gatherings at home. She suggests keeping a strategically stocked pantry to accommodate impromptu guests, providing meal ideas for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and treats. The article encourages a focus on shared experiences and hospitality in the Christian faith.

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Savor Health: A Flavorful and Healthy Vegetable Tortellini Soup Recipe

The post emphasizes the importance of gathering around the table, fostering connections, and the joy of sharing meals. It shares a healthy vegetable tortellini soup recipe and encourages inviting neighbors to the table. Additionally, it offers a simple charcuterie guide to enhance gathering experiences. The narrative is warm and inviting, encouraging intentional connections through shared meals.

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