The Present Moment

A Christmas Eve mini-sode and thank you to all our wonderful guests who have shared their stories with us on the podcast during the first two seasons.

Also, a big thank you to you, friends, for listening, sharing and all your kind encouragement about The Home That Loves since it launched 33 episodes ago!

Wherever you are in the world this Christmas, which looks so different this year for all of us, sending love and prayers to you and all of yours.

Here’s where to read and hear more from our wonderful guests:

Kellie La Follette

Sue Fulmore

Jessica Van Roekel

Charity Singleton-Craig

Janis Van Keuran

Everyday Natalie

Sally Wessely

Beautiful nativity photo by Ben White on Unsplash.

Music for this episode is by Purple Planet.

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Writer Sally Wessely shares a beautiful short reflection inspired by a visit to her grandparents’ neighbourhood at Christmas.

You can read Sally’s full post at her website.

You can also connect with Sally on Instagram.

Music for this episode is by Purple Planet.

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In today’s mini-sode, Jen shares a prayer of St Richard of Chichester.

She also mentions the Jesuit prayer app (and site) she loves for daily inspiration and reading (when she does it…) and the short, daily and very popular Pray-As-You-Go podcast.

Music for this episode is by Purple Planet.

Lovely photo by Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash.

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A special mini-sode recorded today, 8 December, when churches all over the world celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

‘Ave’ church photo by Gabriella Clare Marino on Unsplash.

Photo of Jen in her twenties, with her beloveds Nonna in Italy.

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In this episode, Jen admits that, despite best intentions, she’s already feeling behind in the first week of Advent.

You can read the full essay here.

Gorgeous photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash.

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In this two minute mini-sode, Jen shares two encouraging quotes for those of us with a tendency to feel overwhelmed by seasonal lists and when certain things “should” be done in preparation for the holidays.

Jen mentions the British tradition of ‘Stir up Sunday’, when you make your Christmas pudding on the final Sunday before the first Sunday of Advent ( pictured in the show notes is one from Jen’s 80s childhood).

Find a moment’s peace with some words Jen loved from Tara Dickson’s Seek and Savor podcast (specifically, the episode What Are You Building Your Hope On?, to help us fight “weariness and overwhelm”).

Jen also mentions a quote from Confessions St Augustine (Jen reads from this version).

And no, Jen’s never made her own Christmas pudding.

Music for this episode is by Purple Planet.

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(This post may contain affiliate links, with any clicks/purchases helping to support the show at no extra cost to you–thank you so much!).

Pull up a chair, grab a throw and join Natalie Guy, writer and editor of Everyday Natalie, and Jen as they chat about how to turn our homes into a cosy retreat heading towards the holidays (and at a time when we’re all spending more time at home).

Natalie’s gorgeous lifestyle site is dedicated to “finding the glory of God in the everyday” and covers faith, family, home, friendship and food.

In their chat, Jen and Natalie discuss her latest post on creating a cosy home which reflects the season.

Natalie lives with her husband and family in Southern California, and, most mornings, posts stunning, awe-inspiring photos of the sunrise on her Instagram stories (her photography is beautiful).

You can subscribe to her monthly newsletter at her website, and follow Natalie on Instagram.

During their chat, Natalie and Jen talk candles and, whilst it’s not mentioned, Natalie also wrote this super-helpful inside guide to candle care about how to make the most of them at home.

Jen also mentions Jo Malone candles and the Jo Loves range.

Find the new M&S teddy throw (and others) mentioned here (and its new Christmas coffee blend can be found in stores).

Natalie’s coffee table picks are:

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse; Welcome Home; Beholding and Becoming and All Along You Were Blooming.

Natalie and Jen also talk the work of about Ruth Chou Simons.

Jen mentions artist Charlie Mackesy’s pieces entitled The Prodigal Son and The Prodigal Daughter (see more at his website).

Music for this episode is by Purple Planet.

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(This post may contain affiliate links, with any clicks/purchases helping to support the show at no extra cost to you–thank you so much!).

This special episode marks World Adoption Day.

In honour of all those whose stories and lives have been touched by adoption or fostering, Jen shares a mini-essay (as a daughter by adoption) which is, truly, a celebration of motherhood in all the many miraculous forms it can take.

You can read more about Jen’s adoption story in this piece.

We’ll be back later this week, with a guest to continue our new season of the podcast, dedicated to Holidays and Hope.

Thank you so much, as ever, for listening–and do go and check out Jen’s other posts on #worldadoptionday on Instagram and Facebook!

Music for this episode is by Purple Planet.

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In this special guest episode, Jen chats with her friend Heather about all things autumn/fall hospitality and opening our hearts–and homes (however that might look right now) with love.

One of the most gracious and gifted hosts Jen knows (and also the most modest–as you’ll hear), Heather made the beautiful autumn wreath pictured above.

In her conversation with Jen, she offers her ideas for welcoming the cosiness of this season indoors, and making the most of its warm colours, flavours and textures.

Head over to the show notes page and read more insights and tips Heather has put together especially for The Home That Loves and us all!

Music for this episode is by Purple Planet.

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Jen shares a beautiful memory shared by writer Janis Van Keuren in a comment on Instagram this week. Recalling a Christmas visit back home, Janis’ words are so moving and fit perfectly with this current season of the show, Season Two, dedicated to Holidays & Hope!

You can visit Janis’ lovely website here!

Photo by Unsplash

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