Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Yep, I’m singing about my favorite things as I tie up the last of the bright paper packages for our grands. Devotion is on my mind, considering the gifts I hope inspire them to love God and family even more.

My Favorites List always includes the grandchildren. And YOU! I’m sending you a picture of their adorable new puppy just to brighten your day! 

Anna joined me on Fireside Talk Radio to share her thoughts about prompting devotion in our families. I loved what she said, particularly about toddlers. We’ve seen over and over where devotion blossoms out of gratitude. Gratitude changes people around us, not to mention our own hearts.

In this episode, we share a personal story about my Mom’s faith, set to the “Can-Can.” Here’s a fun version of  Offenbach’s “Can-Can” from ‘Orpheus in the Underworld’, performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Music Director Christopher Wilkins. Click here for more Fireside Talk Radio.

Devotion and Gratitude Go Together

So what is devotion really? Naturally, Anna and I came up with our own definition; a little gift to you.

Devotion— Loving others well and thereby giving to glory God.

I don’t know about you, but there were years when so many packages under the tree meant really rotten, spoiled attitudes at my house. And I’m not talking about the children! I get grumpy this time of year. 

Devoted to Beauty and Creativity

As an artist, Anna knows the energizing value of gratitude.

“With an unthankful heart, how am I going to perceive beauty? How am I going to be creative?” Anna asks. “How am I going to have energy to brainstorm or come up with ideas or different solutions, if my heart is ungrateful and stubborn?” Much less devote ourselves to family via all the tasks that pile up this time of year?!

Clearly, gratitude is a super-power, one of the most powerful forces in the whole universe. Will gratitude make Mommy (read: me) a happier gal? Can we spread gratitude around like fairy-dust in our families? Does gratitude spark devotion? You bet!

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Best Wishes for a holiday filled with fellowship!

❤️ MERRY CHRISTMAS! ❤️