The guitar and piano notes weaved together with the voices of our church family as we lifted the generations-old lines to heaven. “O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear . . . ” I heard my youngest daughter’s voice rising next to me -- full of volume and unbridled joy. [...] Keep Reading
Chasing God's glory down life's unexpected trails
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When my daughters were little, we started a tradition during the season of Advent. I gathered up different Christmas and winter books and wrapped them. Each night of Advent (starting December 1) the girls would open one of these books, and we would read them together. Advent is a season of preparing for the birth of Christ, which we celebrate on Christmas. Reading these books together has been a sweet way to usher in the season and to center our hearts.
Check out our list here: https://dorinagilmore.com/christmasbookadvent
📚 Share your favorite Christmas or holiday book in the comments!
Nov 29
Now I know it takes time for a family to recalibrate when someone dies. It’s been a decade of Thankgivings since my beloved soared to heaven. Each year has been different. We have learned to blanket ourselves with grace. We have made space for the emotions and grief. We have given ourselves permission to reinvent some of the traditions without throwing aside the memories.
This year, our family made the trek to Southern California to spend Thanksgiving with Shawn’s family. Part of the redemption we have experienced through our grief journey has been in gaining more extended family when Shawn and I got married. My daughters now have a bonus grandma and more aunties, uncles and cousins, who we see regularly. I am deeply grateful for the way the Young-Chan clan has welcomed us with open arms even through years of grief and recalibrating.
I couldn’t help thinking about how God has restored so much in our lives beyond what we could ever imagine. These are my people now. We are part of the family, not just an addendum. We cook and eat and laugh and play games, and it feels natural.
Friend, what are your savoring this year? True thanksgiving doesn’t require perfection or performance. We are simply invited to receive from a God who sees us in the desert and sends streams of water.
{Read the full essay here: https://dorinaglorygram.substack.com/p/when-grief-gives-way-to-joy} #grief #GriefShare #griefsupport #griefjourney #griefandloss #GriefRecovery #griefawareness #joy #joyful #Thanksgiving #thanksgiving2023
Nov 27
Are you supporting local businesses today? Consider giving the gift of books this year! Here are five of my book babies for readers of all ages available anywhere books are sold!
📚 Breathing Through Grief (devotional journal)
📚Create in Me a Heart of Mercy (Bible study)
📚Chasing God’s Glory (children’s book)
📚 Cora Cooks Pancit (children’s book)
📚 Walk Run Soar (devotional training journal)
Details at www.DorinaGilmore.com/books #smallbusiness #smallbusinessowner
Nov 25
Mercy is multiplied through hospitality. ❤️🩹
Learn more in Create in Me a Heart of Mercy, a six-week Bible study packed with relevant observations, applications, daily prayers, and Scripture memorization. Perfect for individuals or small groups, this study will help you:
🫶🏾discover the transformational power that mercy has in and through the life of the believer,
🫶🏾learn how to extend mercy to others, even in circumstances where it feels difficult or un-deserved, and
🫶🏾experience the freedom and purpose that come from multiplying mercy in a world that desperately needs it.
The mercy God has shown us through Jesus is meant to flow through us to the rest of the world as a powerful witness to God’s love and forgiveness.
Check out my latest Bible study, Create in Me a Heart of Mercy, published with @incourage & @revellbooks 🫶🏾 Find it anywhere books are sold! Consider this deep dive into the concept of mercy for yourself or your group.
👣 Details here: https://incourage.me/heartofmercy
Nov 24
🦃Happy Thanksgiving from my people to yours! 🍁
🫶🏾 It’s the being together part that matters most to me. 🏞️ What are you thanking God for today?
🦃 🍽 We are feasting with Shawn’s family in Santa Clarita! I’m excited about portabella mushrooms with horseradish cream sauce right alongside the turkey! 🍽 What are you eating today?!
#glorychasers #chasingthelight
📸: @allibethesunshine
Nov 24
