encouragement, Gratitude, healing, Uncategorized

An Anchored Christmas: Why I’m Making a 2025 Christmas Bucket List (And Why You Might Want To, Too)

I’ll be honest… I’ve never been a “bucket list” girl.
I’m more of a go-with-the-flow, follow-God’s-nudge, keep-it-simple kind of person.

But the past few Christmases have felt different. Losing loved ones has a way of shifting the whole season. The lights still shine… but they shine through a different lens. Some days the glow feels comforting, and other days it feels like too much. Grief is funny like that—it doesn’t run on a holiday schedule.

So this year, I decided I needed something gentle to help guide me back into the heartbeat of Christmas.

Not pressure.
Not perfection.
Just intention.

That’s how my 2025 Christmas Bucket List was born.

Not a “do all the things” list.
Not a “pack your calendar” list.
Just a simple collection of moments—quiet, meaningful, joy-anchoring moments.

Little things that help me stay connected to hope.
Little things that remind me that simple can still be sacred.

Mid-century charm meets grounded faith.
Soft glow. Simple lines. Gentle reminders.

What’s on My List This Year?

A mix of cozy, nostalgic, and intentional—like:

🌟 Drive around to see lights like it’s the 1960s again.
☕ Make hot cocoa and actually enjoy drinking it (not chugging it while multitasking).
🎁 Bless someone anonymously—an Anchor Angel moment.
🎄 Attend one festive event—play, concert, choir—just one.
❄️ Do something slow and cozy on purpose.
🍪 Bake a batch of cookies with zero expectation of Pinterest perfection.
🕯️ Light a candle and pray for the loved ones I miss living far away… letting that moment be holy, not heavy.

These aren’t tasks.
They’re touchpoints.
Little anchors dropped into the season to steady my soul.

Why a Christmas Bucket List Helps (Even If You’re Not a Bucket List Person)

Because when we’re grieving, stretched thin, or simply tired from carrying life…
we need reminders of what brings us back to joy.

We need something to look forward to, something small enough to manage and meaningful enough to matter.

This isn’t about doing more.
It’s about noticing more.
Being present on purpose.
Letting yourself delight again—slowly, gently.

A Christmas Bucket List is permission to enjoy the season your way… with grace for the days that feel light and grace for the days that don’t.

Create Your Own 2025 Christmas Bucket List

I made a free printable you can download—clean design, mid-century modern feel, and space to make it your own. You can download this printable and hand write or hand letter your own ideas or use Pages or Word to type in your ideas. Make it fun with color and doodles. You can do 12 days of Christmas or make it even simpler to just a few, as many as you like.

Whether you use my prompts or your own, let it guide you back to what matters.

Let it keep you anchored.

Let it help you rediscover small joys—the kinds that slip in quietly through twinkle lights, warm mugs, scripture whispered over a morning, or an unexpected moment of peace.

✨ [Download the 2025 Christmas Bucket List] ✨


Here’s to a simple Christmas.
A gentle Christmas.
An anchored Christmas—
rooted in hope, wrapped in grace, and glowing with just enough light for the next step.

Need some inspiration? Here are twelve ideas to inspire you. You don’t have to do twelve, you don’t have to do six. Do what your schedule allows and what’s comfortable for you.

encouragement, Uncategorized

God’s Transformative Power: Lessons from Cassette Tapes

Photo by Mike van Schoonderwalt on Pexels.com

Who didn’t have a stack of cassette tapes in their car—scattered on the seat, stuffed in the visor, or rattling around on the back floorboard?

I remember sitting by the radio, finger poised over the record button, waiting for my favorite song to play. The joy when I caught it… and the frustration when the DJ started talking over the intro. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Recording over a tape was always a tragedy, too—until you learned to punch out those little tabs so it wouldn’t happen again. And if the tape unraveled? Out came the trusty pencil to wind it back in—unless it tore or crinkled, in which case, it was game over.

Cassette tapes were portable, fun, and such a big part of life back then. And yet—like so many things—they became outdated. Forgotten. Tossed aside.

But here’s the beautiful part: in the right hands, even something old can be transformed into art. 💿🎨

That’s the gospel picture, isn’t it? God takes what feels broken, outdated, or stuck in the past and makes it new. “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). “And who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).

Even in our brokenness, when we feel useless or forgotten, God breathes new life into us. Nothing in our story is wasted. What once felt like weakness becomes testimony. What once felt forgotten becomes a platform for His glory. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Turns out, those old cassettes can be more than just nostalgia—they can be remixed into something amazing. And so can our lives. 🎛️

For me, that truth has been personal. After moving from Florida (my home for over 30 years) to Georgia, and then up the coast to a colder state, I wrestled with depression. Losing my mom in November ’23 deepened it. I carried that weight for too long—until I finally surrendered it to God. When I did, it felt like a heavy, wet blanket was lifted. Grief is still real, but so is the joy He’s given me. And out of that, He’s given me a new vision for The Kedge Anchor.

No matter your age, past, or season—you were created on purpose for a purpose. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

God is still making all things new—including you and me.

👉 And if you want to see some incredible examples of cassette tapes transformed into literal art, check out @60SecondDocs. Their creativity is inspiring—and such a great reminder of what God can do with us, too. (Because of copyright issues, I can’t post their work here so please visit their YouTube channel and see their incredible art).

👉 What in your life feels “outdated” or “broken” right now? Ask God to remix it into something beautiful. Drop a 🎶 in the comments if you needed this reminder today.


Photo by Mike van Schoonderwalt: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cassette-and-tape-5505730/

art, encouragement, hope, Uncategorized

Create Joy: Handmade Cards to Encourage Others

In the last blog post, I shared a little about what the Anchor Angel Project is and how you can be part of it. The idea came from a friend of mine who had been walking through a long, difficult season. I started sending her memes, Bible verses, articles, care packages, and cards—just little things to lift her up. One day she referred to me as her “anchor angel,” and that phrase stuck. After that, my imagination took off.

Since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved making cards for my family. I used to dream about working for Hallmark someday—LOL. I’ve always loved to design, draw, paint, hand-letter… just create. Making greeting cards became one of my favorite ways to express myself and brighten someone else’s day. I don’t always have the time to make them as often as I’d like, but I’m hoping that by making this project my mission, I can do it more consistently—and encourage others to do the same.

We’re reminded in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to “encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing” (NASB1995). A simple greeting card can be such a beautiful way to do that. It’s a tangible reminder of God’s love and your thoughtfulness. Tuck one into a care package. Send a photo card with a favorite old memory—like that beach trip you always laugh about or a random Tuesday that turned into a lifelong moment. The recipient might even frame it. It’s a little thing that can have a lasting impact.

A handmade card is personal. It’s heartfelt. It’s a surprise in a world of bills and junk mail. When was the last time youopened the mailbox and felt your heart smile from something totally unexpected?

That old saying, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive,” is so true. There’s a special kind of joy that comes from knowing you’ve encouraged someone else. It encourages me, too.

So—who will you bless this August? Who will be your three? I’d love to see your creations! Follow The Kedge Anchor on Facebook and Instagram and share your cards with #anchorangelproject.

And hey—there’s still more to come. I haven’t revealed everything yet… there’s a little twist on the horizon. Have you guessed it?

Happy Friday and Happy Weekend Eve!! I am so ready for the weekend—how about you? 🧡

hope, Uncategorized

Who is God to Me? Anchored in the Storm

Photo by Lukas on Pexels.com

Introduction
God is my anchor, my steady, unwavering presence when the stormy seas of life begin to swell. In moments of stress or emotional overwhelm, I often turn to comfort: food, TV, or even my art supplies. These things aren’t inherently bad, but they can’t hold me like God can.

🙏 What Does It Mean to Be Anchored in God?

When stress hits, I sometimes reach for things that feel comforting: a snack, a tv show maybe a movie or a paintbrush. And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what I need. In 1 Kings 19, God cared for Elijah with food and rest—not with judgment.

But when I elevate those comforts above God, they can’t provide the stability my soul truly needs.

📖 God’s Love Reminds Me I’m Not Alone

Truths that anchor me:

  • He is always with me. (Omnipresent)
  • He is in control. (Omnipotent)
  • He knows and sees me deeply. (Omniscient)

One of my anchors is a journal entry from August 22, 2011. A hurricane was coming. We were preparing to move. And in the chaos, God gave me peace. (See Hope for the Future Part 1 Part 2  Part 3)

God is my anchor. He doesn’t move—even when I do.

🧁 Comfort Isn’t the Enemy—Misplaced Comfort Is

After I’ve prayed, read Scripture, or reached out to family and/or friends for support, I can return to those comforts—but now with peace, not panic.

  • Instead of mindless snacking, maybe it’s yogurt with fruit and granola.
  • Instead of bingeing, maybe it’s watching The Chosen, Tangled, or Shrek to relax.
  • Instead of spiraling thoughts, maybe it’s making art with worship music in the background.

These become life giving when they’re no longer the foundation—but just blessings on top of it.

🎥 Why I Rewatch the Same Movies

There’s actually science behind rewatching movies you love. They create a sense of safety. You know how they’ll end. Favorites like The Chosen, Shrek, Star Trek: Enterprise, or My Big Fat Greek Wedding bring peace when my brain needs it most.

Learn more about why rewatching your favorite movies can be therapeutic.

🎨 Art + Worship = Grounding for My Soul

When I create, especially while listening to worship or hymns, feel grounded and more focused. My breathing slows. My mind calms. God meets me in the stillness.

Try using grounding questions during anxious moments:

  • What can I see?
  • What can I hear?
  • What can I smell?
  • What can I touch?
  • What can I taste?

Pair this with prayer or scripture, and you’ll feel the storm subside.

💛 Anchored in Hope

When life gets chaotic, remember:

  • You are anchored in hope.
  • You are anchored in love.
  • You are anchored in God’s Word.

Bonus Devotional: How Do I Put Joy into Words? (Optional Side Post or Sidebar Widget)

When we are anchored, we can oddly still have joy!

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy…”
Psalm 16:11

Joy is choosing contentment—even in difficulty. It’s not manufactured. It’s not circumstantial.
It’s found in God’s presence, where joy isn’t fleeting—it’s full.

encouragement, Uncategorized

Embracing Quiet Seasons: A Journey Back to Encouragement

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com

Hello again friends,

It’s been quiet here for a little while—and not by accident.

Life has seasons. Some are full of creating, connecting, and pouring out. Others are about rest, reflection, and letting God work in the unseen places. This past season has been one of those quieter times for me. A time to step back, breathe, and listen. Life happens and just needed time for some self care. It has also been a time to reorganize and recharge. Deciding to pause YouTube was not an easy decision.

A now I feel ready to come back.

A sense that it’s time to return—not to the hustle, but to the heart of what I’ve always loved: encouraging others, anchoring in truth, and creating things that point back to hope.

I’m coming back—not with fanfare, but with faith.
And I’ve got something special in the works.

✨ A little project is on the horizon… one that blends creativity, faith, and encouragement in a way I hope will bless you and others. I’ll share more very soon—but for now, I wanted to offer you a small gift as we reconnect:


It features one of my favorite verses:

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Print it. Sit with it. Color it slowly with a cup of coffee, a quiet prayer or some worship music.
Maybe even send it to someone who needs to hear they’re not alone.

This little page carries a whisper of what’s coming next.

So stay tuned. Subscribe to the blog or follow along on YouTube and Facebook.
Something beautiful is blooming—and I can’t wait to walk in it with you.

Until then…
Stay anchored. Stay encouraged. Stay hopeful. 🤍

Blessings,
Caryn

encouragement, Uncategorized

Hurt vs. Offense: Understanding the Difference and Moving Forward

Photo by Ric Rodrigues on Pexels.com

As humans, we tend to get our feelings hurt. Sometimes we get offended. What’s the difference? Hurt is something we feel when when someone does something bad to us, i.e. talk smack or gossip harms us physically etc. Being offended is something we choose. For example, someone’s opinion, being offended is more of a reaction, that’s something we can control.

So often I hear of believers leaving churches and falling away from the faith because they have been hurt. I can totally understand. There have been times I have been hurt by churches. It happens for whatever reason. Long story short, my husband and I were snubbed by the lead pastor on on wedding day. He didn’t officiate weddings and the reason was because that would have been his weekend job, i get it. So we had the singles pastor (who was married, he was a great guy and I’m sure still is) perform the ceremony (side note he had been fired just before our wedding for ridiculous reasons $$$). Anyway there was also a mix up with the room we rented but it the pastor doing the ceremony straightened that out. Despite all that the day turned out great and been married 30 years : ) .

That wasn’t the only time, there have been other times in the past before that that churches got a little petty about things. I’m not going to go into detail, trust me it happens in churches and in other organizations. We are human. But I also want to be sensitive to the fact that there is some serious hurtful things that go on in some churches. Some things that hurtful physically and emotionally and should be dealt with.

Many people leave the church, not just the organization itself, they leave the faith. It’s really sad when they leave because they were offended. Even if you were harmed in some way doesn’t mean you leave the faith, your faith in God.

Look at it this way, you go to a restaurant and receive bad service. What do you do? You most likely don’t leave a tip and don’t go back. Done, easy. That doesn’t stop you from going to other restaurants or stop eating all together. You find other places to eat. The same with our faith and the church. My husband and I never went back to the church where got married but that didn’t change our faith in God. We eventually found another church. Hebrews 10:25 “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (NLT)

We could have gone to the lead pastor at the church where we were married and told him how his behavior made us feel. But they fired the pastor who married us for ridiculous reasons and felt leaving, forgiving and moving on was best. Wait, what, forgive? Yes. Matthew 18:21-22 “Then Peter came to him and asked, ‘Sir, how often should I forgive a brother who sins against me? Seven times?’ ” ” ‘No!’ ” Jesus replied, “ ‘seventy times seven’ !”

 Though we never went back, we forgave in our hearts. (It may sound like we haven’t in this post but we never disparaged the church, we think about it sometimes, wonder where they are and yes even prayed for them. One day we all will account for it all.

So this post is to encourage those who have left their church or their faith because of something the church did or said or because of something someone in the church did or said. You have two choices; one, confront the person or person(s) or two, find another church. It’s so easy to do these days with social media. But even with social media, finding a church is like looking at a menu online, if you think you may like a church go and check it out in person, just try it. If the first one you try isn’t the one, keep searching. Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Look for a church that is preaches God’s word, preaches the truth of God’s word. Many churches post this on their websites. It maybe under the “About’ tab or “Our Beliefs.” Ask friends or co-workers for recommendations, like you would for a restaurant and go.

If this has happened to you, share your experience in the comments. What was your journey finding the new church? What drew you or made you feel at home?

Uncategorized

The Meaning of Ohana: God’s Design for Community and Family

Photo by Tru1ea7n Long on Pexels.com

I may be dating myself a bit, but every time I think of luaus or Hawaii, I think the Brady Bunch episodes where the Brady’s tag along with their dad to Hawaii on a business trip. At the time, the Brady’s weren’t recognized as a blended family. But, that is indeed what they were. A widow with three girls and a widower with three boys that’s how “we became the Brady Bunch.” If you know, you know.

The Hawaiian word for family is Ohana, it can also mean community. God created us for community, we weren’t meant to do life alone. God gave Adam, Eve, In Genesis 2:18, said “it’s not good for a man to be alone.” Jesus had a blended family, having step brothers and sisters, His disciples are a another example. They traveled together, they shared meals together, they did ministry together. Just as the Brady’s were a blended family, there are other versions of blended families today, some have step parents and step siblings like the Brady’s, some have half siblings, there are foster families, our co-workers can be like a family and our church is definitely a family.

There are several other examples of families in the Bible. Naomi and Ruth is a good example that comes to mind. If you’re not familiar with their story I encourage you to read the book of Ruth and see how God brought them together and provided for them. It’s not that long and if you’re up to it read a commentary.

A little background, Naomi had a husband and two sons and lived in Bethleham, until a famine hit when they traveled to the foreign land of Moab. Only for Naomi to lose her husband. Her sons both both married Moab women, Ruth and Orpah. About ten years later Naomi’s die.

These three woman are now without husbands and are childless. These are good circumstances for these women. Back in their day, Naomi, Ruth and Orpha would have returned to their hometowns, their own people. Orpha remained with her people in Moab, but Ruth remained loyal to her mother in law and went back to Bethlehem with her. Ruth 1:16 – “But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.

Naomi and Ruth were once connected by Naomi’s sons, now they were connected by God and His people. We may come from different parts of the country, of the world, we may come from a different culture but as a followers of Jesus it’s His blood that connects us and makes us family, makes us Ohana.

I want to be sensitive to the fact that not everyone has a family, for whatever reason. Many experience loneliness on a daily basis. They don’t have anyone to connect with or to. But, when we become a part of God’s family we have the opportunity to build genuine, loving, lasting relationships through Jesus, He connects us, He connects us with and to God, our Heavenly Father, who forgives us and gives us eternal life.

When we have family and friends we have one of God’s blessed and precious gifts, because we were meant to live in community. Having God’s people as our people, we can have a support system we can count on when we need prayer, encouragement on hard days and the opportunity to be blessed by serving God’s people. One way we can connect with God’s people is by attending a local Bible believing church, getting involved and sharing our faith with each other and unbelievers.

The best connection is with God Himself who promises eternal life when we repent of our sins and promises to never leave us or forsake us. Being a part of God’s people we will always have family.

Leave a comment below how you have been blessed by God’s people.

Uncategorized

Don’t Lose S.T.E.A.M.

This morning whilst rolling over in bed trying to fall back to sleep, I started to pray, but this thought came to my mind, losing steam. I must admit I am growing weary of the situation. Doubt creeps in, I really don’t feel like there is any end in sight, though I KNOW “the tide will turn.” And I began to think, what would I tell someone in my situation? What wards off the doubt? I began to think about the song “Raise a Hallelujah” “Sing in the presence of my enemies…” So ok, sing. ok yah singing and having a song in my heart, cool. The song continued in my head. Then what else helps ward off doubt? Being thankful, yah count your blessings, once you start seeing all the the things God has done, doesn’t the Bible tell us to mediate on those things? So I ‘m cool, what else? Encourage, it encourages me to encourage others, it costs nothing and seeing the smile on someone who is downtrodden or tired makes me feel good and lifts my spirits.

It was at this point I began to see a word – STEAM S-ing, T-hankful, E-ncourage.

Hmmm perhaps the Holy Spirit is telling me something. Always be… Singing, Thankful, Encouraging, Available, available to serve God in anyway. Taking my mind off of me and helping someone else, be it in the church, a friend, a neighbor, a stranger, blesses me. Wow ok, what’s M? Mad at the enemy. Be mad at the enemy for trying to steal your joy, even in the storm, for causing you to doubt, distract you from God’s word, his cunning tactics, be mad and fight back with scripture.

So SING!! The Bible tells us to sing during a trial. Paul in Acts 16- Paul sang in prison. When we take refuge, if we are taking refuge, we are storm or trial of some kind so Psalms 5:11: Let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy …” Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Psalm 96:1-2 Sing to the LORD a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Even God sings over us!!! Zephaniah 3:14–17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. (ESV)I never knew that until recently!!! How cool is that!!! I really gotta do more singing!!!

THANKFUL, be full of thanks Psalm 107:1 (NIV) -“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ‘Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” That’s not an easy one to do in the middle of some circumstances, but the verse says to be thankful IN, not necessarily FOR.  Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.’

ENCOURAGE, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV) “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Try it think of someone who may need their day brightened, heck make someone’s day go from good to great. Send a text, “Hey thinking about you today, send a real greeting card, add a gift card, or a real phone call, ask someone how you can pray for them. Reach out and touch someone.

AVAILABLE, be available to serve. The church is always a good place to start if you’re not sure where to start. Call your church office ask if there is something you can do, trust me they will have something, punch holes, make copies, organize something… answer the phones, type something, proof read, or maybe you can serve during the service, there’s always something. But also be willing and available to serve your community. Ask a friend or a neighbor if they need babysitting, cook a meal for someone who is sick or injured, volunteer for a local shelter or organization. There are soooo many forms of serving. . 1 Peter 4:10 “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  Galatians 6:10 “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”  Acts 20:35 “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” 

MAD at the enemy. Get mad Jesus got mad in the temple Matthew 21:12 (NIV) “Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.”

It’s ok to get mad, just don’t sin. But get mad at the enemy for trying to steal your joy, help your unbelief Mark 9:24 (NLT) “The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil… and grieve not the Holy Spirit of God. We should sit up and take notice: on the one hand we could give place to the devil and on the other grieve the Holy Spirit. Either one should be unthinkable.” Make him angry by Singing, Thanking, Encouraging, Availability to serve, and just plain make him mad. He has no right to steal your joy. Don’t rent hime the space in your head. Occupy your mind and time with God and His Word. Ask Him to forgive you for losing focus and to get back on track, He is right there waiting for you, loving you, singing over you!

Uncategorized

Tear Off the Tags Off the Mattress Day!

Yes there is such a day apparently. It’s not a national day but weird enough it deserved a blog post. Why are those tags even there? It’s to alert the consumer to the materials in the mattress. Your heavenly mattress you have been wanting to purchase may contain a material you are allergic to and the manufacturers provide this info in a tag.

These tags are required by the government not only to ensure the quality of the materials but to ensure that it isn’t being resold. A manufacturer could be using recycle materials which could increase the spread of bed bugs or worse disease. So, how would I know if I went to the store and the tags are still on it? We had a mattress that was still under warranty that we returned because it was sagging considerably only after two years. But we never removed the tags, so who’s to say the mattress wasn’t recycled. Who’s to say the manufacturers don’t put one back on???? Just sayin’.

So go tear off your tags but first check out my YouTube channel!

Uncategorized

National Root Canal Appreciation Day – May 8

Well, I guess if you need a root canal, you can appreciate it and the dentist providing it. It’s not a national day, but still thought it odd a day devoted to it. Dr. Chris Kammer in 2005 felt it necessary to designate a day to educate the public about oral health.

Fun fact, probably more funner than knowing what is done in a root canal, which you can read by clicking here, so fun fact Dr. Kammer first performed an original rap song titled “Get Out the Brush” in 2004 at Madison Mallards collegiate league ballpark. Which in 2011 he auditioned for, for American Idol. Here’s a link to the video.

I think we have come a long way in dentistry and root canals aren’t as feared as they used to be. Hope I never need one though. Dentists kind get a bad rap for the pain the tend to inflict on patients. They are just doing their job, it just so happens it hurts sometimes. Next time you’re at the dentist be sure to thank him or her sincerely for their service.