Football, Feelings, Faith, and Free Samples!
Plus a recipe and giveaway for you!
Today’s post is a hodge-podge. Some posts are like that. 😊 I hope it entertains, enlivens, enlightens, and entices you!
That’s all I’m going to say. You’ll have to read on…
Super Bowl Sunday is upon us.
Whether you watch it for the game or the commercials (or to spot Taylor Swift 🧐 😂), whether you’re a Chiefs or 49ers fan (or a “who cares?” 🤷♀️ Lions fan like me), you’re probably aware that Super Bowl Sunday in America is near.
If you’re hosting or bringing food to a party, you can’t go wrong with Touchdown Taco Dip! I’ve been making this Pampered Chef recipe for years, and every year, the pan is empty—often by halftime. Hint: for those who like a little more heat, add some diced jalapenos to at least half the pan.
When the dip is gone and the winners are declared, all of this hype will disappear for another year. The winning team will fly home from Vegas, have their parade, and we can all move on. (I wonder how the Swifties will keep track of “Traylor” during the off-season. 🤔)
Moving on to hearts and cupids.
By Wednesday, when the Super Bowl is old news, our hearts will turn to Valentine’s Day and all the feelings. Whatever your relationship status, I hope you have someone to love and be loved by. It’s not just about romantic love—remember all those cards our kids filled out and brought to school for their friends? Be it a friend or neighbor; a child or grandchild; a sister, brother, or parent; a BF, GF or spouse—you can spread the love on February 14th! Here are some love-spreading ideas:
Send a card (get it in the mail soon!)
Call or text someone to let them know you care
Bring cookies or muffins to a neighbor
Visit an elderly friend who can’t get out
Meet and treat a friend on a coffee “date”
And of course, there’s always chocolate and roses! (hint, hint, hubby! 😘)
There are so many ways to show you care. And really, so many days to do it. Acts of love and kindness shouldn’t be limited to Valentine’s Day! What will you do?
What’s love got to do with it?
This Valentine’s Day, as I’ve mentioned before, will double dip for Christians. Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent—the 40 days (minus Sundays) before Easter—falls on February 14 this year.
In many ways, it seems right to begin Lent on a day that’s all about love. There is no greater love than the love of Jesus.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son. John 3:16
For 40 days, we will prepare our hearts to celebrate the most important day on the church calendar. Some of us will fast—or give something up—for those days. Others will take on a good habit or spiritual practice. There are many Lenten devotional guides on the market as well, including this little book I published in 2023.
Which reminds me...
Today, Lent through the Little Things received its first “professional” review! Lorilee Craker (mixed media editor for The Banner—a publication of the Christian Reformed Church) wrote a lovely piece! Here’s a snippet and a link to the full review:
Could there be a better, more meaningful way to mark Lent, beyond giving up chocolate and Diet Coke? Linda Hanstra, who tried giving up pleasures and vices for years in the 40-day period before Easter, found a way to do just that in her small but powerful devotional book, Lent Through the Little Things.
As she found little reminders of God throughout her day, Hanstra found a way to center her thoughts and emotions on the sacred….
…In these 40 relatable reflections, Hanstra points to the holy presence of Jesus in our quotidian lives. Designed for Lent, with special devotions for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, etc., this book could be read at any time of the year. READ MORE.
I am so grateful for these kind words and for every one of my readers who’s taken the time to leave a rating or review on Amazon, Goodreads, or any other online book source. Your impressions matter and enable others to find Jesus in their ordinary moments!
Everyone loves free samples!
In case you missed it, a couple of weeks ago I shared a sample meditation from Lent through the Little Things.
As a bonus, this week, I offer you another free sample! Here’s a LINK to “Ping It”, which I shared last year before Lent.
If these samples inspire or entice you, there are 38 more meditations where they came from—plus a free companion journal download! Let this book bring you closer to Jesus during Lent or any time of year. If you haven’t ordered a copy yet, NOW is the time! Lent begins in just 4 days!
Did someone say “Giveaway”?
You betcha! Please don’t be shy here. Entering does not make you greedy. What it does do is help promote an independent writer who appreciates it!
If you’d like a chance to win a free signed copy of Lent through the Little Things, here’s what to do, BEFORE THE SUPER BOWL GAME ENDS:
For ONE or TWO entries, hit the heart (🖤) and/or leave a comment on this post. (1 entry for each action). Easy-peasy!
For a BONUS entry, share Empty-Nest Joyride on social media OR by email with a friend. I’m not sure how to track this one, so just send me a quick email at lindahanstra@substack.com, telling me where or with whom you shared (honor system applies).
NEW to Empty Nest Joyride!? Subscribe now and you’ll receive an (additional) entry!
All entries will go into a random drawing generator and I’ll draw the winner(s) RIGHT AFTER THE SUPER BOWL! Watch the comments for the winner’s names. I’ll then request a mailing address and (assuming I get it right away) your book will be in the mail on Monday.
Note: if you win, but already have my book, I can mail it to a friend of your choosing. OR, if you’d prefer to get one of my favorite empty nest devotionals—A View from an Empty Nest by Bonnie Beth Sparrman—let me know when you send me your address.
Love this Linda! I look forward to reading your book and sharing it! Think my mom would definitely enjoy this, as well!
Looking forward to reading your book again through this season of Lent.