by sherricrandall | Dec 8, 2025 | General
Walk into any store this time of year and you’ll see it everywhere – “Limited Edition,” “ Holiday Collection,” “Special Release,” “One of a Kind Gift.” Marketing teams across the globe know something true about the human heart: we’re drawn to what’s unique, what’s unrepeatable, what is perceived as valuable.
But here’s what the hype and special edition tags can’t tell you, YOU are the original limited edition. Not the sweater. Not the gadget. You.
Before any product designer stamped “special edition” on packaging, the Creator of the universe spoke it over you. Psalm 139 reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” It is our reminder that we were knit together with intention, crafted with purpose, bearing the very image of God. There has never been, nor will there ever be, another you. Your laugh, your way of seeing the world, your specific set of gifts and even your quirks. All of us are a once-in-eternity expression of divine creativity.
So why, in the season meant to celebrate the most personal gift ever given (God becoming human), do we so easily lose sight of the people right in front of us?
The holiday rush has a way of turning everyone into blurry images. We speed through checkout lines, hurry past conversations, reduce people to tasks on our list. That barista who remembers your order? The neighbor struggling to hang lights? Your teenager who needs more than a quick “how was your day?” The very people living with us or who we say mean the world to us. Each one is an unrepeatable masterpiece, and maybe if we are honest, we’re missing them.
What if this Christmas, we chose to slow down enough to really see?
It starts with a simple shift in intention. When you’re standing in line, look up. Make eye contact. When someone asks how you are, pause long enough to answer honestly—and to actually listen to their answer. When your family gathers, put the phone down. These aren’t interruptions to your holiday agenda; they’re invitations to witness the sacred in the ordinary.
Because here’s the heart of the Christmas story: God didn’t send a mass-produced message or a generic salvation plan. He sent a Person. Jesus arrived as a specific baby, in a specific place, to specific parents, so that every person could know they matter infinitely to an infinite God. The incarnation is God’s way of saying, “I see you, I know you, and you are worth everything to me.”
When we celebrate Christmas, we’re celebrating the God who gets personal, who calls us by name, who notices. And we’re invited to reflect that same attentiveness to those He has placed in our life.
This season, instead of hunting for the perfect limited-edition gift, become present to the limited-edition people already in your life. Speak words that remind them of who they are. Celebrate their uniqueness. Let them know they’re seen, they’re valued, they are loved by you.
After all, every person you encounter is tagged with the truest label of all: Fearfully and wonderfully made. Image-bearer of God. One of a kind.
That’s not marketing. That’s truth. And it’s the best gift we can give each other this Christmas – to be reminded that we’re each irreplaceable, each loved beyond measure, each a special edition in God’s eyes.
by sherricrandall | Dec 8, 2025 | General
Why do we do what we do?
That’s a great question, isn’t it?! You might ask me, why do you celebrate the Dodgers winning the World Series when you’ve never lived in Los Angeles? Truth be told, I like watching baseball, but I’d much rather watch football or hockey. So why was I jumping off the couch when they won? The answer is simple and profound: Dodgers baseball reminds me of my grandparents.
Summer evenings spent at their house were punctuated by the cadence of baseball announcers, the background noise to our evenings. Those magical nights when the Dodgers were playing meant we got to eat dinner on TV trays in the living room, right in front of the television. A piping hot Salisbury steak TV dinner paired with an ice-cold ginger ale was pure childhood bliss. Players like Steve Garvey, Orel Hershiser, and Fernando Valenzuela were household names to me.
So when the Dodgers won the World Series a few weeks ago, my first instinct was to reach for the phone. I wanted to call my grandma and relive every moment, every play, every emotion just like we used to. The ache of not being able to make that call reminded me of something important: I don’t cheer for the Dodgers because of the city or even the sport. I cheer because every game is a way to keep my grandparents close, to honor their memory, and to hold onto those precious summer nights that shaped who I am.
This is the power of tradition. What started as simple summer evenings watching baseball became something far more meaningful. It’s a thread that connects me across time to the people I love. Family traditions, even seemingly small ones, play a remarkable role in shaping who we become and how we understand our place in the world.
Think about it this way: traditions are the stories we tell without words. When I cheer for the Dodgers, I’m not just rooting for a baseball team, I’m honoring my grandparents. I’m remembering the love they showed me. I’m keeping their memory alive in a tangible and joyful way. When I share these stories with my own children, I am passing along more than just a team preference, I am sharing a small piece of their heritage.
The beautiful thing about traditions is that they don’t have to be elaborate or expensive to be meaningful. I think that consistency matters more than complexity. Whether it’s Sunday morning pancakes, annual holiday traditions, or yes, even rooting for a particular sports team, what makes traditions powerful is their predictability and the emotional connection they foster. Traditions become the moments we can count on when everything else feels uncertain.
Traditions also serve as bridges between generations. When we carry forward the practices of those who came before us, we’re honoring their lives and values. We’re saying, “You mattered, what you cared about matters, I remember.” This act of remembering is itself a profound gift, both to those who’ve gone before us and to those who will come after. It’s how we leave a positive legacy.
But here’s what’s really exciting: we’re not just recipients of tradition, we’re also creators of it. Every choice we make about what to celebrate, what to prioritize, and what to repeat is potentially laying the groundwork for future generations. The traditions we start today might be the cherished memories our grandchildren hold onto decades from now. What an incredible opportunity that is!
Maybe you have your own version of my Dodgers story. Maybe it’s your dad’s chili recipe that you make every autumn, or the way your family always watches a particular movie together during the holidays, or how you call your mom every Sunday morning. These aren’t just habits, they’re the building blocks of legacy. They’re the answer to “why do we do what we do?”
Traditions matter because love matters. Connection matters. Memories matter. When we honor the traditions passed down to us and create new ones for those who follow, we’re participating in something timeless.
So the next time you find yourself doing something that might seem a little quirky to others, like celebrating a sports team you have no geographic reason to support, remember that you’re not being irrational, you’re being human. You’re honoring your story. You’re also building a bridge between past and future. And that’s not just important, I think it is beautiful! This holiday season, enjoy your own family traditions and maybe this is the year you start a brand new one. Who knows, years from now, your grandchildren might be asking themselves, why do we do that?!
by sherricrandall | Jun 12, 2025 | General
Twenty-four years ago, my husband and I embarked on a journey that would forever change our lives—the decision to adopt a little girl from China. With three energetic boys already filling our home with laughter, our hearts had room for one more precious soul.
During the waiting period, our family was camping on our property in the Colorado mountains. The backdrop was beautiful as we looked at Pikes Peak, a gorgeous lake, wild flowers and wildlife. While our boys took a nap, inspiration struck. In a simple notebook, sitting outside our camper, I penned a story that would become our family’s treasured tale. That evening, gathered around dancing campfire flames, I shared it with my sons. Their eyes sparkled with delight as they begged, “Again, Mom! Read it again!”—a chorus that would echo through many bedtimes to come.
After 18 months of paperwork, prayers, and patience, we finally boarded a plane to China to meet the daughter who already lived in our hearts. The moment she was placed in our arms, our family circle was complete. My dad, with tears in his eyes, called her “the cherry on top” of our family sundae—the perfect description for this sweet little girl who made our family whole.
As years passed, the campfire story evolved. Each of our children inspired a character, and even my husband found himself transformed into the wise owl and mayor in later versions. I had the joy of sharing this tale in my children’s classrooms, watching young faces light up at every reading.
As our little ones grew into young adults, the story was carefully tucked away—just a digital file sleeping in my computer. Until recently, when a series of heartfelt conversations and the loving encouragement of my now-grown children inspired me to finally breathe life into this long-cherished tale.
Adoption can sometimes feel like a delicate subject to discuss, but my deepest hope is that this gentle story will open doors to meaningful conversations and provide comfort to those whose lives have been touched by adoption’s beautiful gift.
At its heart, this is simply a story of love—transcending borders, circumstances, and biology. As you turn these pages, I hope you’ll be wrapped in that same warm feeling our family felt around that mountain campfire all those years ago, and that you’ll treasure the illustrations that now bring our family’s journey to colorful life.
Welcome to our story. Welcome to our heart.
by sherricrandall | May 9, 2025 | General
There’s a holy rhythm to motherhood—a divine dance that begins with that first cry in the delivery room and continues long after your children have children of their own. As I have journeyed through the seasons of mothering, each phase offered its unique challenges alongside moments of indescribable joy. For me, the title “Mom” is perhaps the greatest honor I’ve ever been given, a responsibility bestowed by God that transformed me in ways I never imagined possible. I have experienced my mothering phases like this…
The newborn fog – Those first precious months were a blur of midnight feedings and overwhelming love. Your body is healing, your heart is expanding, and sleep becomes a distant memory. The challenges are real—the physical exhaustion, the constant worry, the feeling that you might be doing everything wrong. But oh, the joy of those tiny fingers wrapped around yours! The miracle of watching your baby’s first smile, knowing that God entrusted this perfect soul to your care. In those exhausted moments, remember that you are exactly the mother your child needs.
The toddler whirlwind – As your baby grows, so does their determination and curiosity. Suddenly, everything is “mine” and “no” becomes their favorite word. The challenges shift from physical demands to emotional ones as you navigate tantrums and boundless energy. Yet this phase brings the delight of witnessing your child discover the world—their contagious laughter as they splash in puddles, their pride in mastering new skills, their uninhibited joy in the simplest pleasures. These are the days when a kiss truly can heal all wounds, and when you’re reminded how God sees each of us through eyes of unconditional love.
The shepherding years – The days of sending them off with lunchboxes and watching them forge their own friendships brings a new complexity to motherhood. They are able to dress themselves and brush their own teeth and most days feel like you are on repeat. You’re guiding them through friendship troubles, academic pressures, and growing independence. The challenges can be heartbreaking—you can’t solve every problem or shield them from every hurt. But witnessing their character develop, their confidence grow, and their unique gifts emerge brings immeasurable pride. In this season, you’re really guiding them to hear God’s voice alongside your own.
The teen years – Perhaps no phase tested my mother’s heart quite like adolescence. The push-pull of wanting independence while still needing guidance can create tension in even the closest relationships. Yet these years also bring deep conversations about faith, values, and dreams. The joy comes in glimpsing the adults they’re becoming—their convictions, their compassion, their courage. Trust the foundation you’ve built and the God who loves them even more than you do. I know, easier said than done.
The adult children blessing – The relationship shifts again as they build their own lives, perhaps becoming parents themselves. The challenge becomes finding your new role and navigating this adult relationship with grace. But oh, the profound joy of friendship with your grown children! Of seeing them walk in their purpose and perhaps passing on your legacy of traditions and faith to another generation. Remembering to allow them to make their own mistakes which leads to their mark on this world.
Through every season, I have found that motherhood is a mix of ordinary daily tasks and a sacred calling. Whether by birth, adoption, fostering, or mentoring, the privilege of nurturing the next generation is a reflection of our Heavenly Father’s love. On the hardest days and the most beautiful ones, you are doing meaningful work and your investment matters. You are leaving a legacy – because once a mom, always a mom.
To every mother reading this—you are seen, you are valued, and your love is making an eternal difference.
Wishing you all a very Happy Mother’s Day!
Blessings!
Sherri
by sherricrandall | Apr 18, 2025 | General
The other day I walked past a chain link fence in downtown Nashville adorned with prayer ribbons gently moving in the breeze. In the midst of honky-tonk music, traffic, and tourists, these silent wishes stopped me in my tracks.
We rush through our days making noise, chasing goals, scrolling feeds—while prayers like these form the quiet backdrop of our humanity. Whispered hopes, silent gratitude, desperate pleas—they’re happening all around us, even when we can’t hear them.
In our loudest moments, these threads of connection remind us what matters most. The noise fades, but our prayers remain, tying us together across time and circumstance.
What’s your quiet prayer today?
by sherricrandall | Apr 12, 2025 | General
I love the changing of the seasons and springtime provides such beautiful metaphors for life…
In the heart of every person lies a cycle much like the seasons, where winters of doubt and hardship inevitably yield to the springtime of possibility. The cherry blossoms that explode into pink clouds after months of bare branches remind me that our moments of greatest beauty often follow periods of apparent emptiness, teaching us that patience is not merely waiting but the invisible work of renewal happening beneath the surface.
Are you ready for spring?
