Can you believe it’s September 2nd? Where did August go???
Here in Middle Tennessee, we’ve had the most beautiful cool weather. It feels so much like early fall around here that I made chili the other night – the first pot of many to come during this fall and winter season. (For my recipe, look on the sidebar to the left, down a bit.)
But knowing that fall is here (or coming soon), makes me realize that in no time, we’ll turn around, and the holiday season will be upon us. That thought used to send panic waves across my body. Not anymore. I’ve been blessed with a dear friend who has helped me change the way I prepare for gifting, and it’s made a world of difference.
If you’ve been a long-time blog friend, you’ll know that I’m talking about Amy (aka Frappuccino Fun with Amy). Last September she started writing a weekly blog post on Smelling Coffee – and we all were blessed by following her advice. (I slowed down on blogging in January, and she got really busy, so we never picked Frappuccino Fun with Amy back up. If you like what you’re about to read, and want more great ideas from her – write in and let’s beg her to be a part of the blog again! Shameless… I know!) 
I’m linking you back to her first post from last year. In this post, she gives us A great way to get a jump start on our Christmas shopping. I promise you – it’s a wonderful idea that will bring a huge peace of mind in the later months!!!
Have a blessed day, friends. And please continue to check out Bella Mella’s blog for updates on how to pray for their precious son, Andrew. (Click on sidebar picture, then click on her blog title to get to the most recent update.) Love to you all… and happy EARLY holiday preparation! 🙂
A perfect idea! We're all about our gift cards over here; makes gift-giving season so much easier, and everyone likes to receive them. I'll start my collecting now!
Jennifer, thank you so much for visiting my blog today. I must say, I am so shocked at the "community" of blogging friends. Wow. Overwhelmed, really. And humbled.
Thanks for your sweet words of encouragement. When I read your story today on Kim's blog, I knew instantly I needed to connect with you specifically. So thank you for coming by and introducing yourself.
I will pray for your family as well. Is your family still going through this?
I look forward to keeping in touch.
Blessings~
Kathryn
Just wanted to thank you for the sweet comment and the liquid prayers for my mom. We need the healing power of prayer. Mom has been very sick today. Her spirit is weak. She is trying to be so strong, but each day is harder. Pray for her to be healed(though the doctors say it's not gonna happen),pray for my dad (his heart is breaking), and pray for me, my sister and brother as we help take care of her each day. We need strength.
I truly appreciate your prayers.
Traci
Jennifer, send that cooler weather our way! It's still triple digit heat in Phoenix and I'm getting a bit tired of it. And those a/c bills are out of this world. It's hard to think of Christmas but maybe once it gets just a bit cooler, OK?
Love you,
Debbie