{Wednesday Hodgepodge // A Season of Thanks & Twinkle Lights}

Happy Wednesday, friends! I hope you're having a great week so far. We've been busy cleaning, decorating for Christmas, baking, cooking... all the things. It usually takes me a couple of weeks to fully decorate for the season. I like to pull everything out, look through it all, and decide what I’m going to use this year. Then I start placing things where they feel right. I move pieces around until everything just clicks. I also love to craft and DIY along the way...sometimes updating things I already have and other times creating something brand new. There’s just something about putting on Christmas music, lighting a candle, and getting creative with holiday décor that makes me so happy.

How long does it take you to decorate for Christmas? I always start in November because I love to soak in the season for longer than just the month of December. There’s so much joy and peace that comes with twinkling lights and cozy evenings at home, and I don’t want to rush through it.

Anyhow, it’s time for this week’s Hodgepodge... so let’s jump into it!

1. What does patriotism mean to you?

To me, patriotism means being proud and grateful for the freedoms we have and the people who have sacrificed to protect them. It’s respecting our flag, our country, and the men and women who serve. It’s also loving your community and doing your part to make a positive difference right where you are.

2. September-October-November... your favorite fall month? Tell us why. If you live in the southern hemisphere, use these months but sub spring for the word fall.

I honestly love all three for different reasons. September always feels like a little whisper of change... like you can almost sense fall on the horizon, even though it’s still blazing hot here in Texas. October brings all the cozy, festive things...pumpkins, football, fall festivals, and cooler mornings. Then there’s November, which finally gives us that real fall feeling in Texas. The air cools off, the leaves start to change, and it’s just such a peaceful time. Plus, we start gearing up for Thanksgiving and Christmas... so it’s the best of both worlds.

3. A song you love with the word thanks (or some form of that word) in the title or lyrics?

The first song that came to mind is Gratitude by Brandon Lake. It’s such a powerful and beautiful worship song. It’s one that always brings me to tears because it reminds me that sometimes the best thing we can offer God is simply our praise. One of my favorite memories this year was seeing Brandon Lake perform live and hearing thousands of people with their hands raised to Heaven, singing “All my words fall short... I’ve got nothing new... how could I express... all my gratitude?” It was such a sweet glimpse of what Heaven must sound like.

4. November is National Peanut Butter Month. Are you a fan? What’s the last peanut butter bite you had? Fill in the blank: peanut butter and _____________________.

I love, love, love peanut butter! Sometimes I’ll just grab a spoonful as a little snack or treat... and honestly, that’s probably the last way I had it. I grew up on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but these days I’d have to say my favorite combo is peanut butter and chocolate. You just can’t beat that mix! Especially in a Reese’s or melted into a warm cookie.

5. This week’s gratitude question – What event from this past year are you most grateful for?

Without a doubt, I am most grateful for God’s miraculous healing this year. Back in March, I was told that I needed immediate brain surgery... and that was one of the scariest moments of my life. But a month later, when I finally met with the neurosurgeon, he greeted me by saying, “You don’t need me.” I still get chills just thinking about it. God completely healed me. I can’t put into words how thankful I am for His faithfulness, His mercy, and His healing hand. It was a season that reminded me that He is still in the business of miracles.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

This week has reminded me to slow down and soak in the simple moments. The twinkle of Christmas lights, the smell of something baking in the oven, the sound of laughter in the background... these are the things that make this season so special. Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful, and I’m learning to savor the “in between” just as much as the celebrations.

And that wraps up this week’s Hodgepodge! I always enjoy these little mid-week check-ins... they’re such a fun way to reflect, connect, and share a bit of what’s going on. Thank you to Joyce for hosting and keeping this tradition alive each week.