Family Focus Friday: Preparing for Christmas

My husband and I attend a Bible church where they don't follow a liturgy or the church seasons, and when it comes to holidays I miss that. I miss Lent and Advent and the leading up to the Big Day, whether it be Easter (or Resurrection Day as our church prefers to call it) or Christmas. So this year, now having a child, I've been thinking a lot about what traditions I want to start for our family at home and how we can celebrate these holidays so our children understand these significant events in life.

This article "The Real Meaning of Christmas" provides some suggestions on teaching your child the true meaning of Christmas. I'll summarize the points here for you, but go to the article for additional info...

1. Start a family tradition of reading the story of Jesus' birth. (Luke 2)
2. Listen to and sing Christmas music that focuses on reason for the season. (good ol' hymns)
3. Involve your kids in displaying the Nativity scene. (Here's a cute, child-proof one from Fisher Price)
4. Celebrate Saint Nicholas Day (Dec. 6). If you still want to exchange presents, do it on this day and explain who St. Nicholas was and how he came to be part of Christmas tradition. Then on Christmas Day keep the focus on Jesus.
5. Light the candles of the Advent wreath during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. (that starts this Sunday!) Advent means "coming" and is observed in many churches in anticipation of Jesus' birth.
6. Attend a Christmas pageant or concert at an area church.

While this won't be happening this year, I kind of like the idea of moving gift-giving to St. Nicholas Day. Not sure how that works with family get-togethers. But hmm.... I'll have to see what Hubby thinks about it. After all Christmas isn't about presents or even family. It's about CHRIST.

Last year we were given a small Advent Devotional for the 24 days leading up to Christmas Day. So this year, even though Eli is too young for the craft activities included, I'd like to make a special time each day to read through the day's devotion. I look forward to when he's a little older and can understand more and participate, but already I am often surprised at just how much he understands now!

And here's another article, called "Keep Jesus the Focus of Christmas," that has this great idea about cards and letters:

Make it a priority to send out Christmas cards that points people to Christ. Whether it is through the design or the wording, send out cards that focus on Christ and the meaning of Christmas as opposed to Santa or other secondary matters.

Enclose a Christmas letter with your card and make a point of sharing what Christ is doing in your life. The letter can be brief, but this is the one time of the year it is especially natural to share what Christ is doing in your life with all of the people who are important to you.

Place all of the Christmas cards you receive in a pretty box or basket. Each day, take a card out of the box, read it, and pray specifically for the person who sent it. Consider going through the cards again and again, specifically praying for the sender all year.

Oh, I just love this idea about praying for a family each night! I think we might adopt this tradition!

Besides getting busy with Christmas shopping and decorating your house, what are you doing to prepare for Christmas? For the celebration of Christ's birth? What are you doing to teach your children about the importance of this holiday and what it really means?
(Don't feel obligated to do a whole post about this. Just a comment would be nice.)

Thankful Thursday

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2

I kind of have a lot I'm trying to do today, so this will have to be quick. But I did want to pause to thank God for his many blessings...

* I am thankful for a joyous Thanksgiving celebration with our good friends Shawn and Lisa. The food was all delicious, but even better was the sweet fellowship.

* I am thankful that Eli is finally growing into story time. I've waited a year for this! I always dreamed of rocking with my children, reading them stories all the time. And I was in for a shock when at 6 months my baby boy would no longer sit still EVER and reading stories together like that was just a battle. Now at 16 months he's still quite the mover, but at bedtime and short moments through the day he'll actually sit contently in our lap for 2 or 3 stories, and I just LOVE it!

* I am thankful for Kevin's job. While I often get frustrated with its irregular hours, I am thankful for the job and all that it provides for our family.

* I am thankful for Christmas decorations. I think our home is so beautiful when our tree and lights are up, and it's adds such a joy to the atmosphere. And to my surprise Eli loves it! I really thought it was going to be stressful always telling him not to touch the decorations, but he's been just fine about it and hasn't really even tested us. Instead he gawks and points and babbles all about it! It's very cute!

* I am thankful that I am nearly done with Christmas shopping! We went simpler this year and I don't have to think much about it anymore, and we can just enjoy the rest of the season for what it is and what it's really about... CHRIST.

* I am thankful that it's only 2 weeks until we go back home for a visit!! We're VERY excited!!

Join us and share with us what you're thankful for! Visit Laurel Wreath who is guest-hosting Thankful Thursday this week!

CLICK HERE to join me in this week's memory verse!

Weekly Memory Verse

~*~

Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man's heart
but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
~*~

This week's verse is especially good for me to put to heart. Next fall we get out of the Navy and are then free to take whatever path "we want". We plan to head back to Iowa where all our family is, and we have a very specific location in mind. For many reasons it's ideal for us, and we have our hopes set on it, with backup options in mind too, of course. We have fun looking at real estate online and dreaming about what life will be like when we live there and how close we'll be to everyone. BUT then I come back to reality and realize that GOD has a plan. And it will be HIS plan than prevails! I need to go at this next year with an open heart and an open mind, putting my full trust in Him, and this verse will strengthen me as I try to do just that!

Review:

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in father as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness.

Psalm 119:9-11 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 10:24-25 Let us consider how may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together--as some are in the habit of doing--but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name. I will praie you, O Lord my God, with all my heart. I will glorify your name forever.

Joshua 1:8 Do not let the word of the Law depart from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night, so you will be careful to do everything in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Luke 10:27 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself.

2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.

Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts toward God.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by a renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all you ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 4:23 Above all guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old is will not depart from it.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is truth, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Matthew 12:34 For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord--be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord!

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for me, since you know you will receive an inheritence from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord you are serving.

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

If you'd like to join me this week in memorizing Proverbs 19:21, sign your name below! May it be a blessing to your life!

Husband Encouragement

It's been awhile since I've posted any husband encouragement goals, so we're getting back to it this week with the following:

1. Play computer game with Kevin. He just got this new car racing game and he keeps asking me if I want to play it with him. And I really don't have any interest. But this week I'll support his interests and at least give it a try!
2. Make no comments about how much time he's on the computer.
3. Take care of errands on my own so Kevin can just relax at home.
4. Plan a candlelight dinner for Saturday night.
5. Ask how I can pray for him this week.

Want to join in? You planning something special for your husband this week? What can you do to encourage him as he goes about his day? Share your goals with us!

Menu Plan Monday - Nov. 26

It's the start of a new week, and I hope you all had wonderful Thanksgiving celebrations with your family! It was a wonderfully relaxing weekend at our house. We avoid the shopping crowds if at all possible and mostly just stayed in. Yesterday we got our Christmas tree and decorations up, so I'm fully in Christmas mode now! As for the menu, this week we're going for few ingredients, little meat, and lite because I have an OB appointment/weigh-in on Thursday, and I am convinced this is the worst season to be pregnant with all the yummy goodies and cold weather!

Monday - turkey panini, orange, carrots
Tuesday -chow mein
Wednesday - bean and cheese burritos
Thursday - breakfast nite- omlets, fruit cocktail
Friday - broccoli cheese soup, apple
Saturday - glazed ham steaks, mixed veggies, orange
Sunday - day off

Dessert of the week: Oatmeal Cranberry Drops

Have a great week, everyone! For more menu ideas, head over Laura's!

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More at this blog:
* Read about earning extra income right from home.
* Wednesdays join us for a weekly Bible memory verse.
* Share your fun family ideas for Family Focus Friday.
* Stop by for a refreshing Sunday Psalm.

Sunday Psalm

Psalm 19

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens he has pitched a tent for
the sun,
which is like a bridegroom coming forth
from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.

The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statues of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the Lord are sure
and altogether righteous.
They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold,
they are sweeter than honey;
than honey from the comb.
By them is you servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.

May the words of my mouth and the
meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for God's mercy and grace. For loving me even when I am so unworthy. For saving me so that I may live eternally with Him in His Kingdom and glory.

I am thankful for family--for my wonderful parents and in-laws, my dearest husband, my beautiful son, my sweet daughter on the way, my brother, my sister-in-law, my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I am so blessed with a great, loving family who all love the Lord.

I am thankful for friends--oh, our dear sweet friends. Those who we've just met, those who we've known for years, and those who have yet to come into our lives. We are so thankful.

I am thankful for God's goodness--for security, a home, a job, good health, a safe community, a church family. For watching over me yesterday when I got a flat tire on the van, the sweet person who left a note on the side mirror warning me about it, and the tire store conveniently located at the closest exit where they filled me up and I continued on my way to a doctor's appointment I could not be late for! God is good!

I am thankful for this day--oh this beautiful day! I don't know where this weather has come from! For 2-3 weeks straight now it's been cold, our heat has been on, and I haven't gotten out for any walks with Eli. But today, TODAY it is GLORIOUS! It's high 60's, sunny with a slight breeze, the air is off, the door is open, I got out for a morning walk, and we have friends coming over this afternoon to join us in celebrating these Thanksgiving blessings!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!
MAY YOU BE BLESSED TODAY
AND ALWAYS!

Thanksgiving Prayers

At one of our discount stores I found this mini-box of cards called "52 Ways to Say Grace" for only $1 so I picked it up and opened it already, but I'll probably put it in my own stocking for Christmas. haha Anyway, it's filled with prayers of different cultures, and here are some of my favorites that I thought I'd share with you today, in case you want to use them at all tomorrow...

To God who gives our daily bread
a thankful song we raise,
and pray that He who sends us food
may fill our hearts with praise.
--Thomas Tallis, 1505-1585
~*~
Be present at our table, Lord
Be here and everywhere adored
Thy creatures bless and grant that we
May feast in paradise with Thee.
--John Cennick, 1718-1755
~*~
Now thank we all our God
With heart and hands and voices,
Who wonderous things hath done,
In whom this world rejoices;
Who, from our mother's arms,
Hath blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.
--Martin Rinkart
~*~
We thank thee, Lord, for
happy hearts,
For rain and sunny weather;
We thank thee, Lord, for
this our food,
And that we are together.
--Traditional Mennonite Blessing
~*~
Bless these Thy gifts,
most gracious God,
From whom all goodness rings;
Make clean our hearts and
feed our souls
With good and joyful things.
--Traditional Christian Grace
~*~
Lord Jesus, be our holy guest,
Our morning Joy, our evening rest,
And with our daily bread impart
Your love and peace to every heart.
--Traditional Christian Grace
~*~
Thank you, kind Father, for
giving us food to make our
bodies grow stronger. Dear God,
teach us to share with others
what we ourselves have. Amen.
--Chinese Child's Prayer
~*~
When I'm worried and I can't sleep,
I count my blessings instead of sheep.
And I fall asleep counting
my blessings.
When my bankroll is getting small,
I think of when I had none at all.
And I fall asleep counting
my blessings.
--Irving Berlin, 1888-1989

Week of Thanksgiving

Be blessed.

"Thankful" Josh Groban



Some days, we forget to look around us,
Some days, we can't see the joy that surrounds us,
So caught up inside ourselves,
We take when we should give,
So for tonight we pray for,
What we know can be,
And on this day we hope for,
What we still can't see,
It's up to us, to be the change,
And even though we all can still do more,
There's so much to be thankful for,
Look beyond ourselves,
There's so much sorrow,
It's way to late to say, I'll cry tomorrow
Each of us must find our truth,
It's so long overdue,
So for tonight we pray for,
What we know can be,
And everyday, we hope for,
What we still can't see,
It's up to us, to be the change,
And even though we all can still do more,
There's so much to be thankful for,
Even with our differences,
There is a place were all connected,
Each of us can find each others light,
So for tonight, we pray for
What we know can be,
And on this day, we hope for,
What we still can't see,
It's up to us, to be the change,
And even though this world can still do so much more
There's so much to be thankful for.

Weekly Memory Verse

~*~

Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer,
being watchful and thankful.
~*~

Review

Colossians 2:6-7 Just as you received Christ, continue to live in Him...
Psalm 119:9-11 How can a young man keep his way pure?
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy...
Hebrews 10:24-25 Let us consider how we may spur one another on...
Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, O Lord...
Joshua 1:8 Do not let the word of the Law depart....
Luke 10:27 Love the Lord your God...
2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are competent in ourselves...
Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace...
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...
Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer...
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Be joyful always, pray continually...
1 John 3:18 Let us not love with words or tongue...
Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth...
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart...
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else guard your heart...
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go...
Philippians 4:8 ...whatever is true, whatever is noble...
Matthew 12:34 For out of the overflow of the heart...
Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord...
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things...
Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart...
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything...

If want to join me this week in memorizing Colossians 4:2, sign your name below or leave a comment! May it be a blessing to your life!