It seems that my husband and I struggle every year to come up with ideas for Christmas gifts that will be appreciated by their recipients and fit within our budget. Sometimes the best solution is to use some sort of alternative gift exchange. This year I’ve had another idea that I think is going to work out well: Instead of buying or … [Read more...] about Wonderful Gifts for Entire Families
holidays
DIY Jesse Tree Ornaments
As I noted when I wrote last summer about Christ-focused Advent traditions, the Jesse Tree is one of my favorite parts of Christmas. A Jesse Tree helps families reflect on the people, prophesies, and events that preceded Christ’s birth. There is one Jesse Tree reading for each day of Advent. These readings are from the Bible and each is … [Read more...] about DIY Jesse Tree Ornaments
Healthier Versions of Your Favorite Thanksgiving Dishes
On Thanksgiving Day around here, no one wonders how many calories are in the sweet potato soufflé or if the rolls were prepared with whole wheat flour. What my family members want to know is what time dinner will be served and what flavors of pie were prepared for dessert. However, just because Thanksgiving is a day for feasting doesn’t … [Read more...] about Healthier Versions of Your Favorite Thanksgiving Dishes
Christmas in July: Christ-Focused Advent Traditions
Traditionally, the term “Advent” has referred to the first season of the Christian church year. Advent is a period of prayer, reflection, and fasting that begins four Sundays before Christmas, preparing followers to celebrate Christ’s birth and building expectation for Christ’s final coming. Even for Christians who don’t use the church … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Christ-Focused Advent Traditions
Christmas in July: Christmas Crafts for Craft-Challenged Folks
Have you ever noticed that craft stores often begin putting out Christmas stuff during the summer months? In this setting, this isn’t necessarily an example of “Christmas creep” or an attempt to boost early Christmas sales. It serves a practical function. If you’re going to complete crafts in time for Christmas, then you often have to begin … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Christmas Crafts for Craft-Challenged Folks
He Makes All Things New
I’m the sort of person who really likes predictability and routine. Subsequently, I’m often not a fan of new things. When I have a daily routine that works, I don’t like for it to be interrupted. When I have a pair of walking shoes that I really like, I loathe when they get so worn out that I have to replace them. Sometimes I really … [Read more...] about He Makes All Things New
The True Light
It is still dark outside when I get up in the morning. In the weeks preceding Christmas, I like to turn on our Christmas tree lights when I rise so I can watch their bright, colorful glow dispel the darkness. These beautiful lights remind me of the incomparable brightness of our True Light. Without physical light, we’d stumble around … [Read more...] about The True Light
Making Fond Memories When Family Events Don’t Go As Planned
Several weeks ago we attempted to take cake smash photos for our daughter’s first birthday. Everything was “picture perfect” except our daughter’s response. One taste of the frosting on the cake and she had a meltdown! When this happened, I felt a little disappointed. After all, my husband and I wanted wonderful photos to help us … [Read more...] about Making Fond Memories When Family Events Don’t Go As Planned
