One of my very favorite things about Christmas is the traditions. Growing up, my family had a tradition of playing Sandi Patty's song "The Gift Goes On" on Christmas morning as we handed out our presents from under the tree. The lyrics say, "And the gift goes on, the Father gave the Son, And the gift goes on, the Son gave the Spirit, And the gift goes on, the Spirit gives us Life, So we can give the gift of Love. And the gift goes on and on and on." As cheesy as the song may now … [Read more...]
30 Practical Items to Pack in an Operation Christmas Child Box
Instead of Operation Christmas Child, I am recommending you choose a gift from World Vision's Gift Catalog this year. Unfortunately, I can no longer recommend that you participate in Operation Christmas Child. I will not support or promote the ministry of an organization that is headed by Franklin Graham after his un-Christlike and anti-Gospel actions during this election year. Also, here are 7 Reasons not to Participate in Operation Christmas Child this Year. … [Read more...]
A Time of Quiet
The ground here is already covered with snow, which definitely puts me in the Christmas mood! For a peek behind the scenes of Live Renewed, you can follow along with me on Instagram! You've probably noticed that it's been a little quiet around here recently. I haven't posted much since July! This break has been intentional. I took a break from blogging in July to enjoy the summer with my kids and go on vacation with my family. But then that break extended into August when we got back from … [Read more...]
When Things Don’t Go as Planned: Moving From 2013 into 2014 with Hope
The older I get, the faster the years seems to fly by. Is that true for you too? Here we are at the end of 2013 and looking forward to a brand new year. This was another difficult year for me, and in many ways I'm looking forward to putting it behind me and moving forward with hope. Looking forward to 2014 I love new beginnings, don't you? I just love the promise and excitement that a New Year holds! And I have a lot that I'm so excited to share with you in the upcoming year! • … [Read more...]
Anticipation in A Season of Joy and Brokenness
Christmas is right around the corner, and I have to say that I really do love this time of year. This morning I was sitting in our living room sipping my coffee and enjoying the way the lights of our Christmas Tree dance and reflect off the ceiling and the windows in the peaceful darkness of the early morning. While all was calm and all was peaceful (at least for a few precious minutes until the littles woke up!) there was also a hint of sadness around the rough edges of my heart. The places … [Read more...]
How to Have a Meaningful and Simple Christmas
By Elizabeth of RunningFamily.net, Contributing Writer Since we have given away over half of our household items (190 bags to charity), we have gained a whole new perspective on our consumer culture. Basically, it stinks. Yes, we need stuff to live as human beings, but truly over-abundance has become the curse of our post-modern world. Then comes Christmas. How do we celebrate Christmas without giving into the consumer culture when we have children who want presents? And what … [Read more...]
Should Christians Love Shopping?
The biggest shopping day of the year is right around the corner. And lots of people are talking about whether or not we should go out shopping on Thanksgiving and what it means about our culture and society that Black Friday is becoming almost a bigger Holiday than the one that we will celebrate tomorrow. I overhead a lady one time gushing about how much she LOOOOOVES (insert hands pressed to chest and eyes squinted shut) shopping and how she was SO excited for Black Friday because she just … [Read more...]
Creative, Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap Options {Green in 365: Christmas}
This is Day 321 of the Green in 365 series! By Hilary Kimes Bernstein of Accidentally Green Christmas is only 5 weeks away, so you’ll be wrapping gifts before you know it! Now’s an excellent time – if you have a spare moment – to start thinking about greener ways to wrap gifts. Since there’s no hurry yet, you can start looking through your house now for some creative ways to recycle and reuse materials for holiday gift wrapping. The fantastic news about gift giving … [Read more...]
Planning for a Green Christmas (Green in 365)
This is Day 314 of the Green in 365 series! By Renee from Joyful Mom, Contributing Writer Here I am: 6 weeks away from Christmas, and I don't quite have a plan! How does this happen every year? Last year I downloaded a "six weeks to the perfect Christmas planner" and did not use it. I looked at it - each and every day. For me, all that planning and boxes to check off, that system to enjoy the holidays... did not create joy. So here I am. No plan. The best part of not having a … [Read more...]
Resourceful Table Decorations {Green in 365: Thanksgiving}
This is Day 293 of the Green in 365 series! By Hilary Kimes Bernstein of Accidentally Green, Contributing Writer When Thanksgiving is spent focusing on thanking God for His faithful provision and blessings, it’s one of my favorite holidays of the year. If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner this year, it doesn’t matter if you’ll have dozens of guests at your table or just a few – you can decorate your table with creatively tasteful elements that also are environmentally … [Read more...]
