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Advent day 6 - Dora Hiers

Today's blog comes to you from author Dora Hiers

Don’t you just love this time of the year?

Kids bundling up to play in the snow, then racing inside with rosy cheeks, flushed with excitement. Christmas music playing softly on the radio. Pumpkin pies baking in the oven, the scents of ginger and cinnamon drifting through the house. Whispers and giggles as children point out colorfully wrapped presents under a gigantic pine tree loaded with pinecones and sentimental ornaments. Snuggling in front of the fireplace with hubby while you cheer for football teams or watch your favorite movie. Loading up the car for road trips to visit family members you haven’t seen in awhile. Squirting whipped cream on a tall mug of hot chocolate for a late afternoon yummy. Watching the glow of a thousand candles light up a sanctuary, and songs of praise reaching toward heaven.

Christmas is a highlight of my year. Sure, it’s crazy busy with buying and wrapping gifts, attending school and church programs, making the rounds at holiday parties, school exams, visiting relatives. But, during this hectic season, I make a conscious effort to slow down, to thank God for the “ultimate” gift given to me.

What’s the ultimate gift? A chance for a fresh start. A giant eraser to wipe away the grunge. Paint bright enough to cover black walls. Spring-cleaning from the ceiling to the floor and all those dusty blinds in between.

It’s a gift given to you by a loving Father. No strings attached. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Eph 2:8-9, NIV)

Wow! Merry Christmas!

What about you? What’s your favorite time of the year and why?

Bio:

After a successful auditing career, Dora left the corporate world to be a stay-at-home mom to her two sons. Eventually, needing something more to fill her days, she started writing heart-racing, God-gracing books that glorify her Creator. Dora belongs to the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Carolina Christian Writers.

Dora and her husband make their home in Kannapolis, North Carolina. When she's not writing, Dora enjoys spending time with her family, guzzling café con leche, kicking back in her recliner with a good book, teaching Sunday School, vacationing in the mountains, watching football, walking her dog, and did somebody say shopping?

visit Dora at www.dorahiers.com

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Don't forget to check out the holiday extravaganza at http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com. Either a new book or special offer every day til Christmas.

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http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/holiday-specials

Comments

Dora Hiers said…
Thanks so much for inviting me to visit today, Clare. Hope you enjoy a Son-filled Christmas!
Angie A. said…
Christmas is the ultimate gift and my favorite time of the year, too - when I stop and allow myself to enjoy it. But I'd never thought of it as a time to start over, too. Thank you for that. I don't have to wait for New Years!
LoRee Peery said…
I love the season as well, but quietly. As much as possible, I stay out of stores after Thanksgiving.
My favorite times to be outside are spring and fall.
Dora Hiers said…
Good morning, Angie and LoRee.

Angie, I never make New Year's resolutions. My theory is "Why wait?" Thanks for stopping by. Merry Christmas!

LoRee, I'm with you on venturing out, never shop in Black Friday crowds. This year I've done most of my shopping online. It's worked great so far. Except when I discovered I ordered a gift for my granddaughter ~ twice. Ouch...
Marianne Evans said…
Lovely post, Dora and Clare - and such a beautiful reminder of what's truly important!!!! God bless, ladies!!!!
Donna B said…
What a wonderful post! I could imagine the warm baking smells wafting around the house...and the joy from that most precious gift...lovely!
Dora Hiers said…
Hey Marianne and Donna. Thanks so much for stopping by and offering your sweet words of encouragement! Merry Christmas!

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