Queen of the Castle: Week 13

We're back near the beginning of the book.  We started on week 17 of Queen of the Castle: 52 weeks of encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker HERE (in April of 2010).

In this week's chapter, "Easter, Part 1", Lynn shares some memories of Easter's past.  My childhood memories revolved around an Easter basket from the bunny, a big meal, and just a normal, regular Sunday.  It wasn't until I met my husband (then boyfriend) that Easter was more significant in my life.  I came to know and love the Lord and truly understand the meaning of the day.  I've heard variations of it not being a "Happy" Easter.  Jesus died on a cross for us.  Nothing happy about that, right?  Oh but three days later.  There sat an empty tomb with a stone rolled away.   Rejoice, dear ones!  It is a "Happy" day.  The happiest day we could all possibly experience!  For  He is Risen!! 

I'm going out on a limb here sharing this next bit of info with you, but I feel there is such an expectation for parents to do the following that I want ya'll to know that just because grandparents try to guilt you into doing this "one fun thing" so they don't feel deprived doesn't mean you have to.  You can start your own fun traditions that still focus on the meaning.  O.K. .. here goes.  Our family doesn't "do" the Easter Bunny.  We don't "do" Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy, either.  Our logic behind it?  If we tell our children that the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and Jesus are all real, even though they can't see them and then when they get older and discover that the first three were just make believe...what are they going to do with Jesus?  I know that loving Jesus and living for Him is more than enjoying and having fun with the EB, SC, and TF (I'm tired of typing them out!), but I'm sure it doesn't help solidify the idea of an unseen Savior being real.  There are plenty of things that can be fun and yet meaningful at the same time.  Ya'll catch my point?

I'll share with you a fun activity that Lynn shares that you can do with your family.  Hide one small item every day beginning with the Saturday before Palm Sunday (the 16th this year).  (We have 5 or 6 that will want to find items so I'll probably hide that many.) The hidden items correspond with the story of Easter week.  That evening read aloud the portion of Scripture that correlates with what you've hidden.  Then set the kids loose for the hunt.  After each evening's search, place the found objects in a basket that sits in the middle of the table (I'll put ours on the piano.).  Leave the basket out all week to remind you of the Easter story.

Here's the plan...

Day 1 -- Saturday before Palm Sunday
Reading:  John 12:1-11
Topic: Mary anointing Jesus' feet
Item to hide: bottle of scented oil or perfume

Day 2 -- Palm Sunday
Reading:  Luke 19:28-40; John 12:13
Topic:  Jesus' entry into Jerusalem
Items: palm branch, doll clothes, or a donkey

Day 3 -- Tuesday
Reading:   Mark 11:11-26
Topic: fig tree and money changers in the temple
Items:  coins, fig branch (any tree branch will do)

Day 4 -- Tuesday
Reading: Matthew 24:36-44; 26:64
Topic:  Jesus' teaching on the Second Coming
Items:  hourglass, cloud (cut from paper or felt)

Day 5 -- Wednesday
Reading: Matthew 26:1-16
Topic: woman anoints Jesus' head; Judas' plot
Items: scented oil or perfume, silver dollars

Day 6 -- Thursday
Reading: John 13:1-17; Matthew 26: 17-56
Topic:  foot washing; Last Supper; Garden of Gethsemane; betrayel
Items: towel, bread, a kiss (wear lipstick and kiss a piece of paper), sword

Day 7 -- Good Friday
Reading:  Luke 22:54-71; 23:13-25, 32-43
Topic:  the crucifixion
Items: crown of thorns (we will use a small grapevine wreath), nail, cross

Day 8 -- Saturday
Reading: Matthew 27:57-66; Isaiah 53:1-7
Topic: prophecy and guards at the tomb
Items: white cloth, sealing wax, lamb

Day 9 -- Easter Sunday
Reading: Matthew 28:1-15; Luke 24:1-49
Topic: Resurrection, soldiers paid off, disciples met on the road to Emmaus, breaking bread
Items: empty basket, line it with cloth, then put in silver coins, a pictures of an angel, and bread.  Do this after the kids are in bed Saturday night.  (For the best impact try to do this activity before heading off to church!)

- - -

We spend so much time during the month of December on remembering Jesus' birth, let's try to spend a good amount of time remembering His death, burial, and resurrection.

- - -

"You were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ."  1 Peter 1:18-19

Queen of the Castle: Week 12

We're back near the beginning of the book.  We started on week 17 of Queen of the Castle: 52 weeks of encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker HERE (in April of 2010).

This week we're on chapter 12: "In Search of the Peaceful Home".  Boy I could use a lot of that lately.  Between spring fever, arguing kiddos, grumpy people, and a husband who is busy beyond belief, my life is less than ideal lately.  I'm in survival mode, ya'll.  I grip to my morning prayer time like an alcoholic grips a bottle.  I need Him in the morning.  It's a good addiction, though.  He gives me my kick start for the day that I need.

Like the author shares I, too, "want my home to reflect that feeling of safety.  I want my family to have a deep sense that home is a haven, that we can trust each other, that inside these four walls is a safe place to be."  She shares that the word peace, in Hebrew, shalom, means wholeness, health, and well-being.  Only that can come from Him. "As we turn our thoughts toward God, we can experience peace in our homes, "the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension" (Phil. 4:7).  *sigh*  I feel peaceful already!

Psalm 29:11 "The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless his people with peace."

I love Lynn's analogy that some days our days are so hectic "a peaceful home feels as much like a fantasy as talking lions from Narnia.".  I love her way with words.  *smile*  Lynn mentions a book that I own and love; Making Your Home a Haven.  Full of tips and hints on making your home a special place, this book guide you along the way.  Another book that I own and love is by Terry Willits; Creating a SenseSational Home.


Here are a few ideas for fostering a peaceful home from Lynn:

* Fill your home with good smells -- scented candles or fresh flowers.  Author Terry Willits suggests starting outside, with a fragrant wreath on your door or potted flowers.

* Allow people to use even your "good" furniture.  (At our house we only have furniture that's kid friendly.  No white couches and silk pillows, here! LOL!)

* Remember to strive for balance.  We want homes that are orderly enough to be comfortable, not shrines to perfection.  Our homes are not museums.  Accept that people live there.

* Post Scripture verses around your home to remind you that even during the day's mundane tasks, God is present.  (Aunt Ruthie over at Sugar Pie Farmhouse has signs covered with chalkboard spray paint and uses Chalk Ink Liquid Chalk Markers to write on the surface. Super cute!  I have a few things that I'm going to do that with and writing Scripture on them is the perfect decor idea!)

* When the week's clutter seems overwhelming, remember that cleats in the middle of the floor represent healthy bodies; half-completed science fair projects mean creativity; stray books mean active minds are at work.  It's all a matter of perspective.

*Set aside a regular day or two a week for everyone to tidy the house.  We have Monday and Friday mornings set aside for that. It helps if everyone knows it's coming!

- - - -

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."  John 14:27

Queen of the Castle: Week 10

We're back to week 10 since we had to switch it around a bit to do the St. Patrick's Day chapter.  We started on week 17 of Queen of the Castle: 52 weeks of encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker HERE (in April of 2010).

This week's chapter is "Taking a Sabbath".  Lynn, the author, speaks to our hearts on the topics of rest.  Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, have a part-time job, or are a mom with a full-time job  (outside the home, that is...all moms have full-time 24/7 jobs!) we all need a rest. 

What usually happens when we are super busy, running from this activity to that activity, and going non-stop?  Yep...we get cranky, tired, and sometimes ill.   Our crazy-busy non-stop activity with no rest has an effect on everyone in our families.  As the saying goes "When momma ain't happy, no one's happy".  So true in our house.  My mood often times makes way for the mood of the rest of the house.  If I'm tired and stressed it permeates the rest of the house.  When I'm rested and content then everyone else is too (usually!).

How do we get that rest?  Some moms feel the need to get rest by attending a retreat or a getaway.  Some just need a day away.  Others might not have that luxury so they need to be creative.  I personally don't have the option of a get-away, but enjoy the little moments of peace and quiet that come here and there.  Sundays are a day that we try to set aside for rest and relaxation in our home.  We begin our day by having a simple breakfast; usually a muffin or something that's easy to eat for breakfast.  Then we scoot off to church for Sunday School and worship time.  For lunch on Sundays I try to have something in the crock pot that was mostly prepped the night before so all I have to do in the morning is pop it in.  After lunchtime we usually relax and visit with the kiddos often reading the newspaper and ads while sharing some stories that we're reading.  We choose for the kiddos to not play on the computer or play video games on Sunday (Saturday is their only day for the Playstation).  The house is more peaceful with a lot of technology out of the way.  We may watch a football or basketball game, depending on who is playing.  Of course we doze and nap while the little one is napping.  If hubby doesn't have any school or church work to do (a rare day) we may watch a movie while snacking on popcorn or any other treats one of the kiddos decide to make.  We end the day with dinner of what is left over in the fridge or pb & j.  Hubby teaches full-time, has a part-time church job, and works all day Saturdays at a power equipment shop so a free Sunday afternoon is a rarity for him and a blessing for us!  Even if he is busy I try to make it a day of rest for myself so I can be refreshed for the week to minister to my families needs.

How do you take time to rest?

- - -

"So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.  For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Therefore, let us be diligent to enter that rest."  Hebrews 4:9-11

Queen of the Castle: Week 11

We're switching this week's QOTC post with next week's since the topic is St. Patrick's Day.  (She also discussed Purim, too, but we'll stick with the 'ol Irish.) If you'd like to start at the beginning we started on week 17 of Queen of the Castle: 52 weeks of encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker HERE (in April of 2010).

My daddy had some Irish blood in him so I feel a little connection to this day.  However, St. Patrick wasn't Irish at all.  He was an English teenage boy who was kidnapped by pirates and brought to Ireland to be a slave.  Later he escaped, fled back to his homeland, then returned years later as a Christian missionary.  He converted many and baptized even more!  So this day is not about leprechauns, pots of gold, the "Luck 'o the Irish", or green beer.  It's about remembering a man who went and preached the gospel! 

Does our family celebrate St. Pat's day?  Sure, but we don't dye our well water green or anything.  *wink*  Tomorrow morning I'll serve the kiddos green pancakes, green eggs and green milk.  Good 'ol food coloring.  (I'll be sure to have them drink lots of water throughout the day!)  And if they don't turn green themselves I will read a book about St. Patrick's Day.  Lunch is going to be quick since we have a 4-H meeting, but they'll be happy to go and sport as much green as they can.  Don't want to get pinched, you know. *smile*  We're going to a friend's house on Friday so we'll be making the Shamrock Shakes that I posted about HERE.  That will be fun! 

Spring is almost here!  Just a few more days!  Yesterday we had nice weather (in the upper 50's!). Today we should break 60 and get close to 70!  Below are some fun "Spring is Here" ideas from Lynn.

*Paint your toenails bright red. (I prefer pink! I save red for the 4th of July and Christmas.)
*Bring your Bible outside for some warm-weather reading. (Take the kiddos out and read some books together on a blanket, too!)
*Dig out the short-sleeved shirts and sandals.  (Yesterday my friend Amy's tootsies donned pretty pink polish and sandals!  Super cute!  "Hi, Amy!")
*Start doing those push-ups and sit ups. (Good tip since I missed Weight Loss Wednesday yesterday!)
*Discuss summer vacation plans with your family.  (We have our campsites in northern Michigan reserved!  We're counting down the days!)
*Make a list of Easter activities you want to include in this year's celebration.  Write them on your family calendar.  (I'll post some ideas for you in the coming weeks.)

- - -

"Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me." Psalm 50:15

Queen of the Castle: Week 9

We're back near the beginning of the book.  We started on week 17 of Queen of the Castle: 52 weeks of encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker HERE (in April of 2010).

This week's chapter, "When There's No Way Around the Busyness", spoke to me.  We all have moments when we are spinning a bunch of plates like a circus performer, and then look at the stack of plates that are waiting for our attention and get discouraged.  Am I right?  Sometimes we try to simplify life as much as we can, but there's nothing else we can cut out of life.  Doctor's appointments, library trips, groceries, laundry...it all has to get done.  Lynn, the author, reminds us that in our day "If you spoke encouraging words to a child, if you communicated with God, if you lent your husband a supportive ear and provided breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you have put in a good day's work.  No matter how much is still on your to-do list."  *sigh*  What a great reminder!

We can have a busy life, but still have peace.  If we start to feel panicked then maybe we've failed to ask the Lord which way we should go.  Joanna Weaver in her book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World says "Ask God to reveal the next step.  As you go through your day, keep asking the Lord.  'What is the one thing I need to do next?'  Don't let the big picture overwhelm you.  Just take the next step as he reveals it -- wash one dish, make one phone call, put on your jogging clothes.  Then take the next step...and the next."  Wow!  Was that ever inspiring to me!  I tend to look at the list of all the things I need to do and get overwhelmed.  I like to make to-do lists for myself.  I love my Motivated Mom's planner (I wrote about it HERE.).  I love scratching off items on the list.  Anyone else weird like that?  So what I'll do sometimes is make a mini list...one for the morning before breakfast, then one for between breakfast and lunch, then one for after lunch.  It helps a bit.  Give it a try.  Baby steps. *smile*  It makes it seem not so overwhelming and if the Lord leads the day in another direction then I'll just use the next mini-list for another time.

 Lynn shares a few ideas for quick breaks for us busy moms...

*Take five minutes to enjoy a cup of tea or juice.  (I love my chai breaks when the little one goes down for her nap, the older ones are finishing school work, and the other ones who are done for the day get to watch a short video in the play room...that's my down time...a cup of chai and a quiet break.)

*Listen to classical music as you fold laundry, drive, or make dinner.  (I like to listen to a bluegrass-ish hammered dulcimer cd in the kitchen when I'm making dinner.)

*Take deep breaths through your nose.  Exhale.  (I have to do that a lot throughout the day.  *wink*)

*Hug someone.  If no one's around, hug the dog.  Or yourself.  (There's always someone around to hug in this house!  Nice problem to have!!)

*Stretch!  Lie on the floor on your back, scoot your bottom as close to the wall as you can, and put your legs straight up in the air, touching the wall.  Let your arms rest however feels most comfortable, and relax there for a couple of minutes. (I do something similar before bed, except I put my feet up on the side of the bed.  Works wonders and I feel better and ready for sleep!)

* * * 

"Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;  You will cry, and He will say, "Here I am." ... And if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness and your gloom will become like midday.  And the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail."  Isaiah 58:9-11

Queen of the Castle: Week 8

We're back near the beginning of the book.  We started on week 17 of Queen of the Castle: 52 weeks of encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker HERE (in April of 2010).

This week's chapter is "Pray First, Act Later".  How many of us have days that we don't begin with seeking the Lord and His will?  *guiltily raises hand*  Those days don't turn out to be much do they?  Maybe we have a bad day, kids are fighting, and it really gets to us.  If we look back at those days odds are they weren't started with Him. I know.  I've been there.  Psalm 5: 3 says "In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly."  Amazing, isn't it? There's something like a new morning and meeting with Him first.

When we pray what do we pray about?  Do we lay at His feet the prayers for others and ask for the His guidance for our own lives?  We need to be sure we spend time with Him.  Not just asking, but having a conversation in our hearts with him.  Listening for His guidance.

Here are some ideas (some Lynn, the author, and some mine) to get your day going in prayer...

*Relax.  Take a deep breath in through your nose for four counts and then out through your mouth for four counts.  In those breaths prepare your heart for the awareness of God's presence before you begin.

*Think of J.O.Y....thank Him for Jesus, for your salvation!  Praise Him!  While you're at it thank Him for whatever you want!  Pray for Others; your family, friends, coworkers, a prayer chain request.  Pray for You; what do you need His guidance for today?  Do you need to know what to do with your day, or with a certain situation?  Do you need to ask him Him to help you have patience and strength to be teacher, nurse, judge, referee, and friend to those babes he has given to you?  *wholeheartedly raising both hands!*

*If you don't know what to say try grabbing a hymnal and singing praises.  If you have your quiet time in the morning before the family's awake you might want to pick a soft, soothing hymn compared to a more boisterous one.  *wink*

*Try keeping a prayer journal.  Just a simple dollar store spiral notebook with a list of what or who you are praying for and the date.  Over time you can look back and be thankful for prayers that have been answered or be reminded to pray for something that has slipped your mind.

* * * 

"Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."  Hebrews 4:16

A Dr. Seuss Giveaway!!

Instead of Weight Loss Wednesday we're doing something fun!  Oh come on.  You know weight loss is not fun at. all!  *wink*  So...

I would like to wish a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! to  

Theodor Seuss Geisel. 

Otherwise known as Dr. Seuss! 

Dr. Seuss's ABC

 is one of my favorite books!  

This is one of my favorite because I have so many wonderful memories reading this to our children!  We have read it to all of our children so much that we're on our third dilapidated copy!  I can almost (almost!) say it from memory!  Love. It.!!! 

I love it soooo much that I'm going to give a copy of it away!  

(Not my copy...a new one!  *wink*)

Contest is now closed.  Congratulations to our winner, Jenna Z.!!

And...no, this isn't the "600th "fan" on FB giveaway"...we're still working on that. *hint*  This is spur of the moment...off the cuff!  

To make things simple just share what your favorite Dr. Seuss book is (and why!) and of course your name
(something distinctive like "Carmen with 7 kiddos from Northern Indiana").  

(Of course I would be grateful if you shared this giveaway with a friend or even blogged about it! -- There's even a little Facebook button on the bottom of this post just above where it says "comments"...in just a couple clicks you can share it on FB!)

(Each entry receives an ordinal number.  A number is chosen by the number generator at Random.org.)

 * * *

Contest starts now and ends at midnight TONIGHT! (EST)

So...what's your favorite?

Queen of the Castle: Week 7

We're back near the beginning of the book.  We started on week 17 of Queen of the Castle: 52 weeks of encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker HERE (in April of 2010).

Chapter 7 is "It's OK to Say No:  Managing Our Time as Homemakers".  Lynn, the author, starts with:

"What I have really decided is we all want more time than we have, and there are a couple of ways for us to cope with the realization it ain't gonna happen:

1. Schedule yourself ever more stringently, cutting people off midsentence because their three minutes are up.

2. Accept the fact that you can't do everything."

I vote for the second option. *wink*  This week's topic is something that I've written about before. Time Management is a big to-do lately. With all sorts of things pulling at us, wanting to use up our time from all directions, we sometimes want to stop time and just take a break. Can I get an Amen?!  Meetings, sporting events, work, chores, school "stuff", church gatherings; it's a lot.  Don't even get me started on all the gadgets: internet, computer games, Facebook, smart phone this and that.  All that technology vying for our time is enough to make me want to go Amish.  Although, our Amish neighbors' kids have cell phones and Gameboys so I guess it's not all the tech-free.  What I'm saying is this: We need to find balance!  We need to carve it out or no one else will.   We need to decide what's "important" and a "need" versus what's "fun" and a "want".  We find that out through prayer and meditation, and reading God's Word.  I'm not expecting the Lord Almighty to send me a stone tablet (although it'd be nice some days!), but just the action of starting your day with Him will help lead you down the right path of your day's actions.

I can't emphasize enough how important good time management skills are.  I've said it before and I'll say it again; two of the biggest tools in my life are Amy Andrews' "Tell Your Time" ebook and the Motivated Moms Planner.  Amy's ebook is a great tool to learn how to prioritize your time.  Now I'm not saying my life is perfect.  I have days where I let the kiddos sleep in and we're in our jammies eating breakfast at 10 am.  (We still get all of our school work done for that day, but a bit later in the day.)  We have to be flexible.  I'm saying that you need to get your ducks in a row and this is a wonderful way to learn out how!  Even if you think you have your ducks in a row...a refresher course might be up your alley right about now.

Tell Your Time 

 On Sale Now!  $12  $9  Promo code: 9BUCKS

 

Once you've got your time mapped out you need to get a handle on chores and to-do's.  No matter how lax you are in life you have a to-do list.  Whether it be in your head or on a piece of paper, having it typed up and ready in one go-to place in your home puts you a step ahead in your day.  Motivated Moms Planner is a download printable with each week or day of the year to a page.  You can choose from half sheet or 8 1/2 x 11 size.  With scripture or with out.  A page per day or a page per week.  You have a lot of options and for only $8 it's quite the benefit.  There are samples of each kind.  I have gotten a lot of personal comments and e-mails regarding how much this planner has been a help in many a mother's life.  It so simple and it works so well! 

Motivated Moms

$8

Go take a peek at those ebooks and let me know what you think!  At under $20 combined I don't think you can afford NOT to read these and implement them in your life.  Drink water only for a couple days instead of buying a latte.  *wink*

Queen of the Castle: Week 5

We're back near the beginning of the book.  We started on week 17 of Queen of the Castle: 52 weeks of encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker HERE (in April of 2010).

Since Valentine's Day was last week we switched chapters around a bit so last week was chapter 6 and this week we're on chapter 5:  "Celebrating Creativity in Small Snatches".

Sometimes I get frustrated that I'm so busy with this and that that I don't have time to finish the creative activities that I start.  I have a tote full of them; projects meant as gifts, clothing that needs patches, embroidery started but never finished.  I have to remember that I have other things more important that require my attention.  Sometimes, though, I need a little creative outlet.  Carving out time for little creative things has to be done...well, creatively.  Stitching while watching a movie with the family, making a card while listening to a book on my mp3 player, working on the blog while the kiddos are in bed, embroidery while chatting with hubby.  I have to enjoy the small-scale creativity.

As writer Valerie Schultz expresses in her essay "Reckless Abandon", "Jump into the life-medium of the moment, whether it's oatmeal or beach sand or Dr. Seuss' rhymes or the soup you're making for dinner.  Schultz, a mother of four, says, "You will have no greater manifestation of the creative urge than your child ... Give your all, freely, wholeheartedly, and unconditionally.  You will get it all back.  Your child will grow up confident of your love.  Your child will be so secure that his or her gradual but oh-so-quick independence will shock you.  And again there will be time for essays or stories or pitchers or pots, all of them bursting with fresh insight and raw creative power."

As much as I love being in my craft closet and creating something I try to remind myself that cooking and cleaning, folding laundry, baking a cake are the most important creative endeavors in my life.  I'm nourishing my family.

Here are a few creative ideas for nourishing your family:

*Grab a sketch pad and draw with your children.  Color a picture in a coloring book with your toddler helping beside you.

*Take pictures of the every day things in life that your family enjoys. 

*Finish half-done projects that are taking up space in your closet. Like patching those knees in your son's jeans, hemming your daughter's skirt, or finishing Christmas gifts (you'll be ahead for this year!). 

*Start a blog to record your family's happenings.  (Blogger.com is free and easy to start!) It can be kept private if you like and you can even turn your blog posts into a printed album!

*Learn a craft along with your children.  There are a lot of videos on youtube.com that you can learn from!

*Read a story to your kids dramatically.  Our kiddos love this and you'd be surprised how "creative" you feel when you're reading aloud with funny voices and all!

*Try a new recipe with your kids helping along. (Use the search option at the right hand column to find something on OHK that peaks your interest.)

- - -

"He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what god has done from beginning to end.  I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.  That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil--this is the gift of God."  

Ecclesiastes 3:11-13

Queen of the Castle -- "Valentine's Day"

We're back near the beginning of the book.  We started on week 17 of Queen of the Castle: 52 weeks of encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker HERE (in April of 2010).

Since Valentine's Day is next Monday we're going to switch chapters around a bit so this week chapter 6; "Valentine's Day".  Next week we'll do chapter 5. 

In this chapter Lynn, the author, shares with us a few stories and a list of fun things to do with your family on Valentine's Day.  I'll share a few of Lynn's and some of my own ideas that I'll be doing for my family.

Sneak into their rooms in the dark of night and leave a bag of treats by their beds.

Tint the breakfast oatmeal pink (oatmeal recipe HERE) and throw in a few cinnamon candies.  Serve with strawberry yogurt smoothies! (homemade yogurt recipe HERE)

Write a greeting to your hubby on the coffee filter.  (We don't drink coffee, but I'll be leaving him a little love note in his lunchbox. Don't tell him, though. K?)

Make an all-red dinner: spaghetti or pizza (we order pizza on Valentine's Day -- I don't cook on V-Day!), strawberries, cherry cinnamon applesauce (recipe HERE), fruit punch.

Make Valentine cupcakes!  White cake mix, frosted in white with red and pink sprinkles on top is what I'll be making!

Give your hubby a back massage as you watch a movie together.  Better yet, watch your wedding video or look through your wedding album!

Make your children Valentine Coupon Books.  For each child cut two sheets of construction paper (light pink, or white, or whatever light color will work) into quarters.  Stack them together and staple at one side.  Write "Valentine Coupon Book for _____" (fill in the blank) on the cover.  (Use a red marker!)  On each page write down a fun treat or activity for them.  Examples are:  drink chocolate milk with dinner,  stay up 30 minutes past bedtime,  play a game with mommy,  day off from school (that only works if you're a homeschooler, I think the schools would frown upon little Bobby trying to redeem such a coupon *wink*),  plan and make (or help make--depending on age) dinner,  pick the movie night selection,  etc.  You get the idea.  They love it!  I did this a couple years ago and my kiddos are asking for it this year!   (You could do this for hubby, too, if you like.  Although I think you may want to change it up a bit. *smile*)

Lynn reminds us that we need to give ourselves this little valentine...
"For enduring all the family's winter colds and science-fair projects, you deserve a valentine yourself.  Repeat after me:
*I am doing an important job by loving and serving my family.
*I am demonstrating to my family what love is.
*The service I am providing my family is priceless.
*I am helping my family members know they are precious.

Taking care of our families can be exhausting work (I don't have to tell you that).  But I believe God will bless our efforts in ways we can't even imagine.  By devoting our energies to our families, we are giving them a gift of love and security beyond measure."

Let's remember the following verse for our husbands, our families, and each other.

"Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Queen of the Castle: Week 4

We're back near the beginning of the book.  We started on week 17 of Queen of the Castle: 52 weeks of encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker  HERE (in April).

This week's chapter is "Delighting in the King:  Building Healthy Spiritual Habits".  This week Lynn, the author, shares a struggle with us.  I'm sure we can all relate.  We want to be as close to the Lord as possible.  We need to remember to stay grounded by reading the Word and seeking Him.  Without the Lord we'll stumble along, following our own ways.  God doesn't want us to live that way.

Lynn shares how we can get closer to Him.  Draw near to the One who loves us more than we could ever possibly know.  We need to have time reading the Bible.  Lynn quotes Joanna Weaver "The rougher the day, the more time I need to spend with my Savior.".  Even if it's just a few minutes it can make a big difference.  I know we all have had a struggle from one time to another to find time to read the Bible each and every day.  I try to read mine first thing in the morning when hubby is out the door to school and the kiddos aren't up yet.  My quiet time is small, though, because it's only a matter of minutes until little feet tip toe down the stairs and then it's on to breakfast, schooling, and computer work.

I've realized that I'm not going to be able to read the entire Bible in a year.  It's an impossible goal for me and instead I choose to pick a goal that's more attainable; reading the New Testament in two years.  It's good to have a goal!  I think quality is much more important that quantity in this situation. Lynne shares "We can drink in God's Word, even when it's only a verse or two at a time.  It may seem like an inconsequential choice.  But if we repeat that choice over and over, day after day, our lives will be transformed."  Amen!

I've found a great Bible study website that e-mails me a few Bible studies a week.  I can either do all of them or pick one for the week and work on it as I go.  I don't have to turn it in to anyone or have any profound words to share with anyone if I don't want to.  It works perfectly for my stage in life right now.  If you are interested go visit  biblestudyplanet.com to choose the format you like.

- - -

"Thy words were found, and I ate them, and thy words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart."
Jeremiah 15:16

Queen of the Castle: Week 3

We're back near the beginning of the book.  We started on week 17 of Queen of the Castle: 52 weeks of encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker  HERE (in April).  This week's chapter is "Achoo!  I Feel Fine:  Fostering Our Health".

Author, Lynn Walker, starts out reminding us that often times our children are well taken care of while our own health and well-being is put on the back burner. Some suggestions are getting a check up (*raising hand* "I did that!!!"), mammogram, dental check up, get enough calcium (1000-12000 mg per day), exercise (*plugging ears* "La la la la!"), eat better, and get between 6-9 hours of sleep a night (maybe a nap mid-day?).  I know. I'm a real killjoy here, aren't I?  I need to hear this and you need to hear this.  If we have any hope of being kind, loving, stress-free mothers we need to take care of our bodies and our minds. 

I urge you to seek the Lord first in your day.   Even if it's just a few verses and a small amount of prayer time; you need to start somewhere.  Of course your main goal would be to read a chapter or two and some deep prayer time...I'm talking praying for all those people you say you'll pray for; neighbors, relatives, church prayer chain requests.  It makes a huge difference in your day to start out on the right foot. 

- - -

"For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother's womb.   I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;  Wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well."  Psalm 139:13-14

Queen of the Castle: Week 2

We're back near the beginning of the book.  We started on week 17 of Queen of the Castle: 52 weeks of encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker  HERE (in April).  This week's chapter is "Giving Homemaking Our Best".

Lynn begins by lamenting that being a homemaker in our culture is not a valued position. Those who trivialize it have obviously never done it.  (Can I get an "Amen"!?)  "Those of us who run a home every day have a thorough appreciation for the enormity of the task, even when our children no longer ride around in grocery carts.  Counters do not wipe themselves, socks do not wash themselves (or turn themselves right side out), mail does not answer itself.  Those of us who run a home know there is always more to be done."  This homemaking business is a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks out of the year job.  It's a job.  It's an important one!

Sometimes those who are closest to us are the ones who haven't a clue what our job entails.  I can picture Lynn saying this with a twinkle in her eye:  "If that special someone in your life hasn't yet had the opportunity of running your home for a time -- even if it's just a day or two -- consider going on a weekend women's retreat or maybe a short visit to a relative.  Give him the gift of discovering just what a homemaker's job entails.  Attitudes around your home may never be the same."  I am very thankful that I have a husband who is very capable of running our household when I'm gone.  He may not be able to make more than stir-fry or grilled cheese, but he's very capable of managing our home in my absence.  He knows what needs to get done and sees to it that the children are doing their jobs, that they are clean, healthy and fed (he knows the number to the local pizza delivery, too!).  At the end of the day he enjoys getting down on the floor to read books, play checkers and have a good old fashioned tickle fight.  He's also a very willing grocery shopper.  He enjoys the coupons and sales; the thrill of the hunt.  (Insert my best Tim the Toolman Taylor manly grunt here.)  I am blessed!  I hope you are, too.  However, if you aren't feeling very appreciated around your home consider praying and then talking to your husband in a loving manner. 

Lynn warns us, though, not to fall victim to the mentality that since we don't get paid in money (hugs and kisses don't count to society) that we look to other public commitments to get our accolades.  Lynn warns "...if organizing the bake sale or directing the Christmas play come at the expense of dirty laundry that's beginning to emit interesting smells from our back room, it may be time to back off from some of our more public activities.  Our families pay a price when we are overcommitted."  Don't give all the good parts of you away so you have nothing left to give to those at home, ladies. 

Dr. Mary Ann Froehlich ("What's a Smart Woman Like You Doing in a Place Like This? Homemaking on Purpose") says "Consider the following 'log in the eye' situations.  Sally teaches gourmet cooking classes two evenings a week while her family is home eating TV dinners.  ...  Kathy diligently prepares and teaches two Bible studies a week.  She does not have devotions with her own children."  Seek the Lord first, then care for our families, then serve our communities.

Lynn encourages us to look at this wonderful opportunity of home making as a ministry.  Let's not compare our homes and meals to others.  "We are each unique, "immaculately unique" as one author puts it.  God has given us "varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord" (I Corinthians 12:4-5).  We have different gifts and different ministries.  Why do we think our homes should look the same?"

- - -

"Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired.  His understanding is inscrutable.  He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.  Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."  

Isaiah 40:28-31 

Queen of the Castle: In Absentia

Sorry folks,  my copy of QOTC is MIA.  The copy that I have on hold from the library is there.  On a shelf. Waiting for me. But...our car is broken and hubby should have the part for it on Friday.  Hubby has to use the van for driving back and forth for school which leaves us stuck here on the 'ol homestead with nowhere to roam.  I'm not complaining.  I love staying at home.  I love staying in my comfy clothes and being able to complete tasks at my leisure and not scurrying around getting little (and big...they're growing up...a lot!) people bundled up and out the door.  So.  I'm here, and the book's there.  Hubby can't pick it up for me on his way home since the library has strict rules.  You know, those crazy men who just happen to have the same last name, same address, and yet can't check out books on their wife's account are so scary. Such a threat to society.  *wink*  I'm not bitter, really, I do understand the "rules".  I just don't like them.  That rule, anyway.

So...since I don't have anything from Queen of the Castle this week (I'll double up next week. Promise!) I didn't want you to go away empty handed.  So I'll leave you with a re-post of a favorite recipe.  Sound like a plan?

Want something yummy and creamy and just heavenly on a winter's night.  Chicken Pot Pie is the answer!

Chicken Pot Pie
This recipe is for 3 pot pies -- if you don't need to eat three, then eat one, bless a friend with one, and stick the other one in the fridge for another day that week.  *wink*

Double Crust Pie Crust Recipe x3
2 lb. bag of frozen mixed veggies (I get the kind with carrots, peas, and green beans)
2 T. onion powder (or 2 medium onions chopped)
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup flour (I use unbleached all-purpose)
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. sage
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/4 tsp. pepper
4 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups milk
3 pounds cubed cooked chicken (or turkey for turkey pot pie)
1/4 cup dried parsley (or 1/2 cup fresh)

Make the pie crust and stick it in the fridge for a while to stiffen up. Cook the mixed veggies according to the package; drain. In a very large saucepan melt butter and stir in onion powder (or cook onions until tender). Stir in flour, salt, sage, thyme, parsley (unless fresh then add it when the chicken is added) and pepper. Add chicken broth and milk all at once. Cook and stir till thickened and bubbly. Stir in drained veggies and chicken. Heat while mixing until it's bubbly. Turn it down to warm then roll out your pie crusts, pour in the fillings, then top with crust. Flute edges of pastry, cut slits in the top for steam to escape. Cover the edges with foil and bake at 450 degrees for 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake until golden brown on top (about 20 minutes more).

Notes:
*Sometimes I'm feeling really industrious so I dice up some potatoes, cook them most of the way then add that to the pot pie filling. Make sure to reduce the veggies to 1 lb. or you'll have extra filling left.

*Also, you can pour the filling into a 9x13 baking dish. Roll out the pie crust (use 1 double crust recipe) and place over the top. Flute the edges, cut slits in the top. Bake 450 degrees for 15 minutes or so.

 

Queen of the Castle: Week 51

We're on week 51 of Queen of the Castle.  We're a week ahead, but that's just fine, we'll start over at week one in January and work until we get to where we started HERE.

This week's chapter is "Eating Our Way Through the Holiday: Christmas Foods".  If you're anything like Lynn, the author, or myself, you are drooling over cookbooks and magazines that have to do with Christmas foods right about now.  I have been for a while, but I love food so it goes without saying! 

Lynn shares her family's traditional Christmas meals.  I have already done so HERE, but I'm thinking of changing things up a bit.  I'm thinking of making it a bit easier on myself so I can better enjoy the day with my family.   After reading Lynn's suggestions I'm thinking of the following:

Whip up Old House Baked Eggs (recipe HERE)  the night before and pop them in the oven in the morning.
Make these Cinnamon Rolls (recipe HERE) and bake them in the morning.  Cut up some cantaloupe, and serve with strawberries, grapes, and orange wedges.  Serve along with chunk cheese and crackers.  Bake some bacon (how I do it HERE) the night before and zap it in the microwave to warm it up.  And maybe...just maybe make ahead some Sausage Gravy and Biscuits (recipes HERE).  My revised plan is to (perhaps) nibble on some fruit and cheese while we do stockings and read from Luke, then have our big breakfast/brunch?, unwrap gifts and then...

In lieu of a large lunch/dinner (that we usually have) we'd have some sort of soup, stew or chili in the crock pot.  But...I really want something different.  I serve chili, chicken (or turkey) and rice soup a lot, so I'd like for it to be something different.  And...it has to be gluten free for my mom.  I like for her to eat what we eat on our special holidays so she doesn't feel like she's missing out (I know...she'll miss out on the rolls, but she can eat everything else for breakfast/brunch and she doesn't like rolls anyway.).  So...I need your help ladies!  Have any ideas for me?

I haven't forgotten about the book review here...Lynn shares a story about a goose being cooked for Christmas dinner as well as a few recipes.  I'll end with the verse she shares...

- - -

"In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.  But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" Luke 2:8-11

Queen of the Castle: Week 50

We're on week 50 of Queen of the Castle.  We're a week ahead, but that's just fine, we'll start over at week one in January and work until we get to where we started HERE.

This week's chapter is titled "Slow Down".  Lynn, the author, suggests "slowing down this Christmas.  Slow it down by praying over which Christmas activities we should participate in."  No matter how much we try to prepare things get crazy and busy and crazy-busy!  I'm in the middle of crazy-busy right now!

Here are some suggestions from Lynn to "Slow it Down!"

*Spend a few minutes outside, bundled up against the cold.

*Make Christmas music as a family.  If anyone plays an instrument (even badly), bring it out.  Sing some carols.

*Work on a holiday jigsaw puzzle.

*Pull out holiday videos or photos from years past and reminisce.

*If you happen to be awake between 1 and 3 a.m. on December 13-15, check out the meteors in the night sky.  Look south to see the Geminid shower of fifty to eighty meteors per hour. (I read that the 14th is peak for this.)

*Stare into the fire and spend some silent, thankful moments thinking about all God has done for you.

- - -

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.  

I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."  

Isaiah 41:10

Queen of the Castle: Week 48

 "Thanksgiving, Part 2" is today's title.  Lynn shares the following story..."One year in an attempt to make Thanksgiving more meaningful, we asked dinner guests to write on a piece of paper what they were most thankful for.  Later, sitting around the table, we read the slips aloud.  "One more year," read the shaky script of my husband's elderly grandmother."  Wow.  What a wonderful reminder to be thankful for all things!  "God has given us so many blessings.  All that we have is from Him.  One more year.  Blessed be the name of the Lord."



Lynn shares a few ideas to promote thankfulness:

*Find Bible verses that focus on praise and promises from Jesus.  Write the verses on small slips of paper, roll them into tiny scrolls, and insert them into homemade rolls before baking.  At Thanksgiving dinner, have each person break into the roll and read his "thankfulness fortune" out loud before the blessing. (From Meg Cox's The Heart of a Family: Searching America for New Traditions That Fulfill Us)

*Listen to a praise CD at breakfast.  A Classic Thanksgiving: Songs of Praise is a peaceful, uplifting CD that includes some wonderful hymns and classical pieces.

*Read aloud a favorite psalm before dinner.

*Go around the table and have each person share something they're thankful for using the letters T-H-A-N-K-S-G-I-V-I-N-G.

- - -

"Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!  Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.  Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.  Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.  For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations."  Psalm 100:1-5

Queen of the Castle: Week 47

Like I said Monday, I am squeezing in three weeks of QOTC posts for your Thanksgiving benefit this week.  I'm nice like that.  *wink*

Week 47 is simply titled "Thanksgiving, Part 1".  (Part 2 will post tomorrow.) Lynn begins by sharing advice from Julia Child..."If you are not an old campaigner, do not plan more than one long or complicated recipe for a meal or you will wear yourself out and derive no pleasure from your efforts."  Great advice!  I posted my Thanksgiving menu plan HERE and it is definitely more simple than not.

Lynn shares a great reminder that "Thanksgiving is not a competition.  It's a time to gather with family we love and give thanks to our Father, who is the giver of all good gifts.  A Father who loves me no matter what -- even if I use store-bought pie crust."  (I don't use store-bought (I share my recipe HERE) but that doesn't mean you can't...whatever works for your family!  Remember I told you in the menu plan post that I'll probably make Pillsbury cinnamon rolls for breakfast?  That works for us...)

We're not hosting anyone in particular for Thanksgiving.  It'll be just my husband, my mom, our kiddos and myself.  Of course we always make room for any last minute guests.  We may have the kiddos' piano teacher over since he just lost his sister and I'm not sure he'll be going anywhere.  Be flexible...that's my point.  Either way get the china out a day or two before and make sure it's all clean and your serving bowls and relish trays are ready.  Our kiddos think it's fun that even though it's just the ten of us we still make it a special day.

Lynn shares three quick ideas to fancy up your table:

*Look for chocolate turkey lollipops or something else that's fun to place next to each person's silverware. 

*Hand your kids a packet of photograph "doubles", have them cut out the heads of the guests who are coming for dinner, then glue the heads onto cardboard to make holiday place cards.  If they're feeling especially silly (and if family members are silly enough to appreciate it), have them attach heads to bodies of people and animals cut from old magazines -- the wilder, the better. (From Sarah Ban Breathnach's Mrs. Sharp's Traditions)

*Try folding napkins.  Martha has three easy napkin folds HERE and a cute but more advanced turkey napkin fold HERE.  (We will be using fun paper ones that day, however.  I know my limits!  *smile*)

- - -

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 

giving thanks through Him to God the Father."  Colossians 3:17

Queen of the Castle: Week 46

I know it's not Thursday, the usual day to post QOTC, but I have three QOTC Thanksgiving posts that I I will share with ya'll this week.  I thought you could use these before the day sneaks up on us.  *smile*

If you would like to start at the beginning you can read HERE.

Week 46 is titled "Company's Coming! Hospitality".  Lynn, the author, shares an excerpt from a book Mudhouse Sabbath by Lauren F. Winner.  "Well, now.  I probably shouldn't have curdling milk in the fridge if I'm inviting someone over for tea, and it might be nice if I emptied the kitchen trash can and didn't leave dirty clothes all over the bathroom floor.  But to be a hostess, I'm going to have to surrender my notions of "Good Housekeeping" domestic perfection.  I will have to set down my pride and invite people over even if I have not dusted.  This is tough:  My mother set a high standard.  Her house is always immaculate, most especially if she's expecting company.  But if I wait for immaculate, I will never have a guest."

Is it worth fussing and fitting with your kiddos to get the house perfect?  Can we just tidy up a bit and call it a day?  "Hospitality is not about trying to impress or compete to see who's the best housekeeper or the best cook.  It's simply about opening the home God has given us, grand or humble, and welcoming others in."

Lynn reminds us of the story in I Kings 17, "...where a widow in the midst of a drought, down to her last bit of oil and flour, reluctantly opens her home to a hungry house guest.  "I can't feed you," she tells Elijah at first.  "In fact, my son and I are about to eat the last of our own food, and then we're ready to die."  "Don't be afraid," Elijah answers.  "God says your bowl of flour and jar of oil won't ever be empty until we have rain again."  The widow did as Elijah directed, making him a bread cake and then asking one for herself and her son.  And "the bowl of flour was not exhausted nor did the jar of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke through Elijah" (I Kings 17:16)."

Whether we enjoy hot dogs and macaroni and cheese or a roast and all the fixings the attitude makes all the difference.  We need to pray and ask God to show us how to have a servant's heart.

With Thanksgiving near I thought I'd share with you some easy ways to make your guests feel welcome.

*It's a great idea to have a basket of toys that little ones can play with.  Some books and board games for different ages are a great idea, too.

*Make sure you have a place to put coats and such...squeezing them in a coat closet can be cumbersome.  We have a mudroom but not a lot of extra hooks.  Hubby's to do list now has this suggestion.  We often us the master bed as a place to throw coats if there's a large crowd.

The following tips are geared toward those having overnight guests:

*If you have overnight company make sure the room they are staying in has proper window treatments.  Especially if you have a yard light outside the window.  They may prefer total darkness.

*Then again, they may like a little night light. Have one plugged in and on.  If they want it off they can turn it off.

*Make sure they have proper bedding and some extra blankets in case they get chilly.  An extra set of sheets on hand is nice, too, in case little ones have accidents at night.

*Have a snack basket in the room if the kitchen is far away.  Fill it with granola bars, pretzels, crackers, and a few chocolate treats.  If you like you can add a small cooler with bottled water and juice.  That way if they get up early they can snack and not starve until breakfast.

*Make sure their room has a place for clothes storage.  Even if they are living out of their bags they are probably going to need to hang up some shirts.  An over the door hook might be a nice addition.

*Have towels and washcloths handy so they don't need to search for them.

*Also make sure the bathroom is fully stocked with toilet paper, soap, shampoo, and other toiletries you think they might need.  They would feel embarrassed if they had to wake you in the middle of the night because they had no toilet paper. And I'm sure you wouldn't want to be wakened for a TP call at 3 a.m.. *wink*

For more on hospitality Rhonda has great advice over at Raising Homemakers  HERE and HERE.

- - -

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have 

entertained angels without knowing it."  Hebrews 13:2

Queen of the Castle: Week 45

For those of you playing along...(if you've just joined us you can get caught up a bit here) we are on week 45 of the book Queen of the Castle: 52 weeks of encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker.

This week's chapter is "Keeping Christ in Christmas".  Decorating, gifts, visiting with family and friends is how most of us spend our Christmas celebration time.   It's fun but we don't want to squeeze Christ right out of Christmas. Author Lynn writes "I will have enough time to meditate on Jesus and His coming if I begin early, before the season creeps up on me like a stealthy teenager ready to pounce from a darkened laundry room with a heart-stopping "BOO!".  These weeks really are a time of preparing our hearts..."

Lynn shared that she went through a Bible study on Luke during Christmas.  Might I suggest Beth Moore's Jesus, the One and Only to prepare your hearts for this time of year and to focus on why He came.  Lynn suggests reading a chapter of Luke each day of December, ending with the last chapter, chapter 24, on Christmas Eve.

Here are a few more suggestions:

*Purchase an Advent calendar.  Look for one that has the Nativity scene with Scripture readings behind each window.

*Read about Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42), a perfect story for this time of year when our preoccupation with to-do lists can crowd out time with God.  Like Mary, we need to listen at his feet...even if it means not getting all the cards out in the mail.

*Consider how your Christmas tree decorations can point to Christ.  Select symbols that tell the Christmas story or are a reminder of Christ's life: angels, bells, candy canes, lambs, hearts, doves, candles, stars.  Top it off with a crown of thorns to really emphasize the meaning of Christmas.

*Play Christmas carols that tell the story of Christ.  Focus on the words.  (Last year we listened a lot to one of the radio stations that played all sorts of Christmas...some good, some I remember from my child hood, and some just plain silly.  I don't think I'll be doing that this year.  For our family it seemed to take away the focus on Christ.)

*Start praying now for your family to focus on the real reason behind this season; not the gifts, the decor, the yummy treats.  Focus on Him.

I'll end this post with a message from Lynn...
If you've never asked God into your life, to forgive you of your sins and make you His child, you can do it right now.  It doesn't take special, fancy words.  All it takes is a humble heart that's willing to admit that you miss the mark, that you are not perfect, that you are a sinner.  You recognize that He is holy, that you cannot live up to His standard of holiness, and that you need Him.  You recognize that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take the punishment that should have been yours, for your sin.  And you want His forgiveness.  You want Him to be in charge of your life from now on.  You accept the gift of eternal life He offers you through Jesus Christ.  That's it.  It's as simple as that.  

- - -

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."  Matthew 6:33