Three Strands Ministries

12/23/2025

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The fourth candle in Advent is Love.

It was love that motivated the King of kings to empty themself of everything, taking the very nature of a servant, in the likeness of a human being in order to join us here in the mess and the chaos of life on earth…

… as a tiny, dependent, vulnerable baby.

If you have some time over the next few days, I invite you to place yourself in your imagination beside the rough feeding trough containing the incarnate God. Spend some time there just being with the newborn Jesus.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God… This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1Jn.4:7,9,10

Be well, dearly loved one!

🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️

12/15/2025

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Sometimes, even in seasons of darkness, grief and pain, joy can suddenly sneak up and surprise us.

Take, for example, the “snow diamonds” that someone called my attention to.
Or the cute little snow people on front lawns.

Moments arrive where your attention is drawn to something and your heart experiences a sudden lift, a moment of delight.

Glimmers of joy… even in seasons of pain.

Keep your eyes peeled for small things that bring delight. Remind yourself that it is ok to feel joy despite the circumstances. And quietly thank God for that small “joy shot”.

Drop a comment below ⬇️ about what brought some joy or delight to your day…

With you, seeking joy in the hard,

Kristen

12/14/2025

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On the third Sunday of Advent we light the candle of joy.

For some of us, joy feels hard to access right now. We sing the songs, we smile at the right times, but inside we feel grief or emptiness, loneliness or the weight of our heavy heart.

You are not alone in these emotions.
Jesus sees the struggles, the weight that you carry, the tears that run down your face in quiet moments.

If joy feels hard to access, sit with “what is”. Name it. “God, I feel…”

Moments of joy may steal in at times, but we cannot manufacture it.
We cannot will it into being.
And so we wait.
We wait for the days when joy will once again, be present.

But for the moment, be kind to your bruised and tender places. Jesus is close.

And friend? You are so loved.
💜💜💜

12/11/2025

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Such a privilege today to be a host for Quiet Day at Dove House, Crieff Hills, where weary folks come to rest … in whatever way that looks like for them.

Rest and quiet space ~ it is so needed.
But often we don’t give ourselves permission.

Welcome weary one.
Take a breath…
… and rest a while, for the journey has been too much for you.

12/11/2025

🕯️ Dec 11 – The Candle of Peace - Even when the world feels loud, His presence whispers calm. True peace isn’t when life is quiet, it’s when your heart is anchored in Christ. Peace doesn’t wait for perfect, it begins with presence.

12/10/2025

12/08/2025

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Peace is such a gift from the Holy Spirit.

Are you in need of peace today?
Or are you able to sense peace inside?

What or where is a place where you feel peace?
Bring that place to mind for a moment…

Breathe in the peace of that place…

… and breathe out the stress you are carrying.

May the peace of Christ uphold you this week

Blessings, friend.
You are loved. 💗
2025

12/08/2025

A beautiful reminder that Advent isn’t about rushing or perfection, but presence. May we all pause long enough to feel the hush of His peace and the quiet wonder of Emmanuel, God with us. 💛

12/03/2025

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Hope.
Sometimes I’ve found hope in unexpected places:

A tree branch in the middle of a forest hike.
A fire hydrant.
In the strong hug from a friend when my mind and body had fallen prey to intense fear.

What about you?
Where have you found unexpected hope? ⬇️

11/18/2025

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November is hard.
This year I felt like God gave me a game plan to get through these darker days :

✨seek glimmers of light

It could be actual glimpses of sunshine, or something that brings a small spark of delight to your heart, reminding us of the goodness of God.

✨ the practice of generosity

The invitation to delight the heart of Jesus by being generous to others. Even small acts count!

✨ being present in the moment

Practicing being in the moment fully, accepting whatever is in that moment. In this way we can practice the presence of God, who is present to each moment. We can lift up in prayer what it is in that moment that needs a touch from God.

Feel free to drop a comment below ⬇️ of your glimmer today, an act of generosity, or being able to be present in a moment.

May you find the light and love of God in November.