My children grew up knowing what it meant to do without, especially the older two.   We were on a strict grocery budget of $50 a week for a family of six.  We didn't have money for snacks and treats but we never went hungry.   There were times they had holes in their shoes and their boots leaked so we put plastic bags on their feet so they could go out and play in the snow.   We did the best with what we had and I'd like to think my kids grew stronger because of it.   The Bible says the apostle Paul learned to be content whether he had little or plenty.  We tried to hold onto that.


We experienced many miracles over the years in our times of need.  I call them miracles because they came at just the right moment and sometimes with no explanation.   


One of those miracles came on Christmas Eve.  I don't remember the year but I know my children were young.  It had been a hard year financially as my husband was in and out of work.   As Christmas drew near, our parents sent some money for presents and I was thankful but my mother's heart longed to give them more.


On this particular Christmas Eve, I had put the kids to bed.   The tree was up, cookies were baked and now it was just a matter of waiting.  The only lights on in the house were that of our Christmas tree.  It was calm and peaceful.   


It was then I heard a knock on the door.  I wondered who it could be at that time of the night.   When I opened the door, no one was there.  The only thing I saw were shopping bags filled with presents.   I was so surprised that it took a minute to realize it wasn't a dream.  


There was a shopping bag for each child.  As I placed the gifts under the tree, I was filled with awe at the generosity.   I don't have to tell you of the joy on their faces the next morning when they saw all the presents under the tree.


Several years later I found out who blessed my family that Christmas Eve.  It was a woman who knew someone in our church.  She wanted to bless someone at Christmas and she was given our name.  It turned out, she ran to the side of the house after knocking on our door and watched as I saw the gifts and brought them inside.  I don't know if she ever realized what her kindness meant to us.

If you'd ask any of my children today about those times we were blessed by others, they'd remember. 


It wasn't many years later that my children lost their Dad.  He died in November and the holidays were upon us.   Many of our family traditions were based on his love of Christmas.  They seemed empty without him. 


When we were first married, we started a tradition of helping at least one person at Christmas time, even if it was a plate of homemade cookies.   We carried on that tradition as our family grew and now we were faced with our first Christmas without him.  


As I remembered the joy of giving and receiving over past Christmases, I made a decision that we would carry on our family tradition.   There were years we chose a family and bought gifts.  There were years we went to nursing homes on Christmas morning with gifts and cookies to spend time with those who were lonely.   Those were the best Christmases we ever had.


The one question I've asked myself is, “Is it better to give or receive?”   When we give without expecting anything in return,  there's a joy like none other that pierces our soul and brings goodness and mercy to the surface.  When we are on the receiving end, we feel seen and cared for and loved.   


So I encourage you to give and receive this Christmas for isn't that what it's all about?



John 3:16 NIV

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

It's Not The End

By Eileen Glotfelty • May 23, 2026
Are you one of those people who like to read the end of the story before finishing the book? This morning I've been sitting here feeling overwhelmed by life. There are things that are out of my control and a lot of uncertainty. For someone who likes to have a plan, it's my worst nightmare. God's word says that He finishes what He starts and He will complete the good work in me (Philippians 1:6 NIV). I struggle with that when I can't see the finish line. God's word also says He's the Alpha and the Omega which means He is the beginning and the end (Rev 22:13 NIV). To me, that means that He sees it all. He knew where I would be on any given day. He knew my circumstances before I did, but unlike me, He's not worrying and overcome with anxiety because He sees the end. So, once again, I have a choice to make. I can sit here overwhelmed because I can't see the way out, or, I can trust the One who can. Will I choose hope or despair? This leads me to faith which is choosing to believe even though we can't see the outcome. I had to ask myself where I was putting my faith. Hope and faith work together. No amount of striving can earn them. Each one of us has access to them. All we have to do is ask the One who freely gives. Jesus, I know you've written my story and You know how it ends. Everything in this life is temporary. Even though I can't see the end, help me to rest in the fact that You do and I can trust You with my life.

The Lost Sheep

By Eileen Glotfelty • May 11, 2026
A few weeks ago I shared about my estranged child. Mother's Day came and went without a word. I spent the day wondering/hoping I would hear something. I didn't expect a phone call but maybe a text. I told myself not to have any expectations, but I still did. I was almost angry at myself for thinking maybe this year would be different. This morning I sat here talking to the Lord. He wants me to be honest with Him so I didn't try to hide the sorrow and the rejection. I told Him I was hurt and I had to forgive my child once again. He reminded me that I had three other children who hadn't forgotten me and made me feel loved and honored, so why was the rejection of one so painful? It was then I remembered the story of the lost sheep. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it's about a shepherd who has a flock of a hundred sheep. One of them goes astray and the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to go find it. It was a gentle reminder that He will never give up on my child and He loves Him more than I could imagine. In the same way, God will never give up on any of us. No matter how much we run or push Him away, He will never leave us. I needed that encouragement, maybe you do too.

The Prodigal

By Eileen Glotfelty • April 19, 2026
For those of you who have a prodigal child, you're not alone. What I mean by prodigal is a child who has turned their back on you and put up walls of defense. It came as a surprise, a shock actually. I should've seen it coming but after years of butting heads, I truly thought we were in a better place. The revelation came in a letter where thoughts and feelings were shared. I felt my spirit being crushed as I read it and my heart broke. I know I wasn't the perfect mother. I had struggles and behaviors that had followed me since childhood. I had resolved never to treat my children the way I was treated, but how many of us know that sadly it still happens, but in a different way. When you have a prodigal, it's not about forgiveness and reconciliation, it's about the pain they feel we've inflicted and they can't let go of it. I keep hoping that some day, things will change but there's no guarantee as it takes two surrendered hearts that are open to be healed. It's been four years now since I received that letter. I have grieved in a way I never have before and there were times I didn't think I would make it through. It's a different kind of grief because you know it can change but it's out of your control. It's been a process and I've experienced rejection, abandonment, guilt and shame but it brought me to a place where I knew it was going to keep me in a prison of pain if I didn't surrender it to God so He could heal my heart. The Bible has a story about a prodigal son. Even though the son went his own way and abandoned his father, his father never gave up hope. When the son had an “aha” moment and realized how foolish he had been, he humbled himself and returned home. This is my favorite of the story: “So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20 NIV” This is how God greets everyone who returns to Him, no matter what they've done. I pray I would react the same way with my son. If you have a prodigal, my heart goes out to you, but just know that God sees you and your child. He is working behind the scenes as He is a God of redemption and reconciliation. He will heal your broken heart and give you the strength to hold on.