5 Ways to be Blessed in the Stress: A Military Wife's Perspective

So. Stress. Let’s talk about that.

We’ve all felt it, right? Life gets real, real fast. Traumatic events. Loss. Broken hearts. Then there are the little stressors that just get under your skin like when a car pulls out in front of you, and then slows down! What’s with that?! Or the person at the drive in in front of you decides to order the entire store when all you want is a black coffee with no creamer or sugar. Geez people!

If you’ve never felt stress, where have you been? Tell me your secret! Turn on the news and I guarantee you’ll be taking meds for high blood pressure soon. The world is a mess, ick.

Stress doesn’t just come from things we experience or see. Certain types of food can cause our bodies to be stressed. Too much caffeine (Sigh of sadness). Sugar is the worst…so sad. Sugar is actually an anti-nutrient…it sucks nutrients out of our body and causes us to be sluggish, sick, and tired, but unable to get the kind of good hearty rest our bodies need, and a lack of good rest/sleep causes more stress on our body. A vicious cycle ensues!

No wonder the world has gone mad. We’re drinking some caffeine-filled beverage in one hand, eating something sugary with the other, couple that with a lack of sleep, our fast paced schedules, life’s issues, and we’re a big ball of stress just spewing all over the place.

Our environment, toxins in the air, and chemicals in the hygiene products we use every day can cause stress to our body. Nice, right?

The medical world even knows how serious our stress issue is, admitting that 80% or more of all disease and illness is stress related. How 'bout that? Insane!  

We can't live in a bubble, though, nor would I want to. Ok, maybe I would sometimes.

What does God say about stress? He says in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast all your burdens on him because he cares for you. He says to come to him for rest (Matthew 11:28-30). He says not to worry about anything, but pray about everything (Philippians 4:6&7).

When the American Medial Association says that 80% or more of all disease and illness is stress related, do we have any other choice but to give that junk over to God?

Being an Army wife, I know stress, and being the wife of a wounded warrior who struggles with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), well…let’s say stress and I are on a first name basis. 

Yes, life gets crazy, but I can’t seem to find a time, even in the stress, that I haven’t been blessed. I’d imagine if we all took the time to look past our stress we could see how we’re being blessed.

 Having a hard time seeing it? Wanna know how to be blessed in the stress? Here are 5 ways:

1: Be a blessing and Love others:

• 1 Corinthians 13: 7 “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”  I'd add, No Matter What to that if I could.
• In Matthew 14, after finding out his cousin, John the Baptist, had been killed, Jesus withdrew to be alone, but crowds followed Him. He didn't lash out in his grief, or tell them to go away. He saw their need. He knew a key to being blessed in the stress was to be a blessing to others, and to love those around Him.

2: Be content:

A good friend once told me the keys to being content were: Don’t Compete, Don’t Compare, Don’t Complain. That's a pretty good start, and to keep us from competing, comparing, and complaining, Paul defines contentment best here:

• Philippians 4: 12-13 “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. ¹³ For I can do everything through Christ,^[d] who gives me strength.

3: Get in God’s Word

If we're believers, we have no excuse but to be students of God's Word.

• Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
• 2 Timothy 3:16:  All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

4: Be intentional with your thoughts & words

I’m going to park right here for a second. As an author words are a HUGE deal to me. We create with them, and they have purpose and a meaning. Check this out: God created the world with his Words…and we're made in His image, meaning in part, that our words too, are powerful. He says we can speak life or death with our words (Proverbs 18:21), build up or destroy (Proverbs 12:6), and we're accountable for the words we speak (Matthew 12:36-37). Thoughts turn into words, so both are a  big deal. Our mind/thoughts/words need to be transformed and focused.

• Romans 12: 2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
• Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

5: Forgive:

• Matt 6: 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins

I don’t claim to understand all the ins and outs of this verse, but I will say, when we are able to kick our pride to the curb and forgive, there is some serious healing and stress relief that takes place. Sometimes we need to forgive, sometimes we need to ask for forgiveness, and often it's a combination of the two.

Here's the bottom line:

We can CHOOSE to be blessed in the stress. We choose love others, be content, get into God's Word, be intentional with our words & thoughts, and forgive.

I'm thankful for that choice, aren't you?

 

 http://bit.ly/1Bb59ZD

Author Spotlight: Joe Breunig on Christian Poetry

Welcome Dear Readers! Today we want to welcome Author Joe Breunig on today's Author Spotlight!

Joe has been so gracious to join us for an interview! Welcome Joe! Thank you for hanging out with us today! Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a displaced I.T. (Information Technology) professional with 30 years of work experience from the great State of Maine; in November 2006, I published my first book and presently have enough notes to write 10 more manuscripts of Christian poetry. To date, I have 10 completed manuscripts of unpublished material.

1: Tell us about your book.

To date, I’ve published one book of Christian poetry called:  Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory

Instead of me describing my work, here’s what New York Times best selling author Ellen Tanner Marsh thought of it:

Any Christian surveying the current state of modern poetry could easily become discouraged, given that much of that poetry can only be categorized as nihilistic. At worst, such poems seemingly promote despair and violence—against society, the church, or even against oneself. At best, they consist of self-centered whining and overdramatic emotionalism, completely devoid of spiritual muscle and ethical backbone.

New author Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, in his fine debut collection Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory, takes a fresh stride in the opposite direction, in a poetic compilation that should delight anyone who enjoys reading Christian literature as well as poetry. The book comprises over 100 poems of various lengths, although they generally do not exceed one page. In a slight concession to modern poetic style, some of the stanzas are unrhymed, yet all of them speak to Christian themes, such as faith and its testing, seeking a higher road, the state of grace, error and sin, biblical people and events, and personal redemption through God's word.

A common thread that runs throughout the majority of the poems is that individuals —regardless of any mistakes they may have made in the past— can still turn to Christ as their Savior and begin the slow, sometimes painful, but always positive process of redeeming themselves, in developing a new life filled with abundance and spiritual serenity. By reaching for this new and uplifting collection of Christian poems, readers can indeed begin reaching towards God's glory.

2: What can you tell us about your recent writing projects?

Last year, I completed two full manuscripts of poetry, with each containing 125 original poems; this year, I plan to write another 375 poems. Presently, I’m toying with the idea of publishing them in one volume.

3: Do you have a favorite time of the day to write or a favorite place?

My favorite time to write is when I’m alone with God; when there are no pressing or daily interruptions, I can focus more easily on the work at hand. It doesn’t matter where I am; I carried a clipboard with me when working on the first book.

4: What is your favorite scripture and why?

One of my favorite Scriptures is Phil 4:13, which states: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

It serves as a gentle reminder that my dependence is always on Him and that whatever, I put my hand to, must be in alignment with His Word (to be successful).

5: Is there any aspect of the writing process you dread them?

I have the tendency to write the current manuscript’s background last. For me, it’s an unpleasant task- at times, it feels like I’m trying to justify my latest collection of poetic content. Some people are truly interested in the back-story of a book, while others could care less.

6: What is the quirkiest thing you’ve done?   

I had the rare opportunity to go to a Christian, social gathering at a friend’s home. While there, my wife sent me to the car to retrieve something insignificant. On my way, I was intercepted by 2+ dozen children playing outside- who wanted some hands-on attention. For the next 30+ minutes, I wrestled with the children on the front lawn, stacking bodies into a human pyramid, amid the delightful squeals and screams of unadulterated joy. Once I was back inside, the only person who noticed my absence was my angry spouse. Why is this quirky to me? I’m not a parent and yet I enjoying interacting with others’ children.

7: Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers?

We are all uniquely made; since the roles of others have been determined, we should learn (and enjoy) just being ourselves. We need to embrace our identity in Christ, and understand our personal combination of gifts and talents to serve God to the best of our abilities. People without dreams are the first to criticize those that have a vision. If God has given you a dream or vision, then go after it wholeheartedly (while ignoring the naysayers). In the end, only His opinion will really matter.

8: Feel like sharing an example of your poetry?

Poem: His Love of Words

He will make a way for me,

but I’ve got to do my part.

I must keep moving forward…

with His promises in my heart.

 

Staying in faith, not worried

about who’s holding me back;

I continue to press ahead

in His supply, without lack.

Everything is simple for God

and it’s a fact I’ve accepted;

this kinship persists, seeing…

that we are divinely connected.

Heaven’s Husbandman grafted me

into the sacred Vine for Himself;

His Love of words flows from me,

poetry made… for His bookshelf.

Author Notes

Inspired by:

Prov 3:6; John 15; Eph 2:10

By Joseph J.Breunig 3rd, © 2014, All rights reserved.

Give Joe a round of applause! Thank you for joining us! Contact Joe:

·         Website: http://amzn.to/1ffo9YZ

·         Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jjbreunig3

·         Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjbreunig3

 

Wounded Warriors: The Movie Breaking the Silence on the Struggle with PTSD

Promo Video for the Film "Wounded Warriors" from Michael Gier on Vimeo.

 

 

I'm excited to introduce you to this movie, Wounded Warriors.  Silver Dove Films will be producing this film. Silver Dove says they "believe that now is the time for a film to show the personal stories of the sacrifices our Veterans and their families make for our freedom." And I have to agree.



PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, effects almost 31 percent of Vietnam veterans, as many as 10 percent of Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans, and 11 percent of veterans of the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Millions suffer from it with at least 22 Veterans a day taking their own lives; one every 65 minutes.

 

My first novel, The Wounded Warrior's Wife, was birthed from walking with my husband as he struggled with PTSD. I can't think back on those days without reliving the emotion, the panic, stress, fear, and uncertainty. It's still very real to me...to both he and I. Healing is a journey, and I'm not sure if it's one we'll get to this side of heaven, but I'm grateful for those who came along side us to pray, share their stories, offer encouragement, and for a Command that ensured my husband got the help he needed and deserved. We've been on this healing from PTSD journey for a decade now. We're closer together as a couple than we were at the start, and that's beautiful, but our life could've looked a lot different. For many of our friends battling PTSD, the outcome...well, it was destructive on many levels.

 

Related Article: Hindsights & Insights to Loving my Soldier: PTSD

 

I'd say the most difficult step of our journey with PTSD was the very first one: admitting there's a problem. PTSD can be a silent war, with silent sufferers, when there is no need to do so. Speaking out helps, and that's why I am thrilled to help producer Michael Grier spread the word about Wounded Warriors, the movie.

 

The film is inspired by true stories and focuses on the reconciliation between two veterans, a father and a son. The son battles with PTSD, which actually began in childhood when his Vietnam War-traumatized father failed to deal with his own demons. The emotional abuse the boy suffers is intensified by later experiences in Afghanistan, and he turns to alcohol to deal with it. The film not only highlights the effects of PTSD on a young Veteran’s family, but also the courage it takes the entire family to overcome his difficult battles.

This film will also be financed by individual and corporate donations with 50% of the films net profits donated to non-profit organizations that benefit Veterans.  This will be a quality film with a powerful message that honors our Veterans and Silver Dove Films appreciates your help by taking the time to Donate.

 

Let's help get this movie made! You can help! Check out all the ways you can help Wounded Warriors come to fruition. Who can you share this article with? Local organizations, Veteran groups, Church programs, Family Readiness Groups?

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Click Here to Download the Film Prospectus.



Guest Reader Ann Knopp: A Journey of Stories

Welcome, Dear Readers. This year I've set out to get to know you better, hear your story, your lessons learned, trials, triumphs, recipes, and fun projects. I want to hear what you have to say, and so do a whole host of others.

Today we welcome Mrs. Ann Knopp! Thank you for being here with us today.
Meet Ann!

My name is Ann Knopp.  I am a pastor’s wife and mother of 2 basketball-playing boys (well, young men) who are die-hard, true-blue Kentucky fans.  In my free time, I work full-time at a nearby high school in the office and am also the women’s minister for our church.  I have a true heart for ministering to women.  My goal in life is to always leave a positive impact on lives wherever I go.

A Journey of Stories

Hi!  I am so thankful that Hannah has allowed me to share my story even though I feel that my life is just that – a journey of stories.  As I was thinking about what I should write, ideas of my 110 pound weight loss journey came to mind, as well as my dating life (which didn’t start until I was 24 and was short-lived because I married him a year later.J ).  I thought about my God-rockin’ experience moments when He shared snippets of what I would do with my future.  But when I narrowed it down to a theme, it basically came down to my life’s theme – encouragement.  God has allowed my life to go down many paths but in every path, my question is always, “Who can I encourage today?”

I began an encouragement program at a school where I worked in Tennessee. I was allowed to have parents write letters to every student, teacher and staff in the school to let them know how important and valuable they were.  It was amazing to see the confidence soar in not only the kids’ attitudes but also in test scores because they knew someone cared.  Teachers and staff seemed brighter knowing they were appreciated.

I took my love for encouraging into my church as the women’s minister and had a great 2014 with the theme being “It’s Not About Me.”  This year, our theme is “Faithful in All Things.”  We started our ladies’ night in January by studying 2 John.  John is admonishing a lady and her children for doing what they are supposed to do but also warning those at the same time to not grow weary and start listening to people that aren’t of God.  In today’s society, there are so many distractions to lead us away from where our focus needs to be (especially during all holidays).  We do well for a while and then start to get lazy in our focus.  Our job is to strip away all that hinders us and get back to the basics in the Truth.  So during our meeting, we stripped the room of decorations, food and tables and left a single table with a candle lit and the Lord’s Supper on it with a circle of chairs connecting to each side of the table.  We took the focus back to Jesus and why He came in the first place – to die for our sins.  It was a very powerful evening.

My desire is to always encourage others whether it be in weight loss, keeping a strong marriage, your walk with the Lord or just to hold someone up when they are travelling through some dark times and can’t see any light.  I pray that if you need encouragement this year, email me at ukknopp@comcast.net or facebook message me at Ann Luck Knopp.  I love to share my story and all that God is doing in and through me. 

May God bless you tremendously this year!

Much love to you!

Contact Ann:
Email: ukknopp@comcast.net

Running the Race by Guest Reader, Dawn Freeman

Welcome, Dear Readers. This year I've set out to get to know you better, hear your story, your lessons learned, trials, triumphs, recipes, and fun projects. I want to hear what you have to say, and so do a whole host of others.

Today we welcome our first Guest Reader of 2015, Ms. Dawn Freeman! Thank you for being here with us today.


Meet Dawn:

Dawn Freeman is a writer, blogger, speaker, and Bible teacher.  She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Arts in Christian Ministry through Liberty University.  She has a heart and passion for God and His word.  Dawn desires to help other believers to come to know God and love Him with all their hearts, soul, and strength.  She also wants to help them become the Godly people He has created them to be for His purpose and plan. 

 

Running the Race

By Dawn Freeman

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  (Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV)

As I was recently driving back from a women’s Bible study at a friend’s house, I received a great visual image of the lesson we had studied earlier that night.  First of all, I had to duck out a little early in order to be somewhere else in plenty of time.  However, it worked out well for me.  I may not have received this visual image from the Lord if I had stayed for the entire Bible study.  Or, I may not have seen it the same way. 

Earlier, several ladies and I sat around a friend’s living area and discussed running our individual races.  We talked about the joy set before us as well as enduring hardships, trials, and other difficult circumstances.  We briefly mentioned the hindrances, distractions, and interruptions which are a part of this life. 

Later, as I was driving down the highway, I was focused on getting down the road as quickly as possible.  I had to stop by a retail store to pick up an item before the store closed for the night.  There were many other vehicles on the road.  Drivers pulling out in front of me.  Others switching lanes.  Some turning off the road onto another road.  I could see some vehicles in my peripheral view.  Others, I couldn’t see at all because they were either behind me or way out in front of me.  I wasn’t concerned about them though.  I was so focused on the path that was laid out before me.  I didn’t have the desire or the time to look at what everyone else was doing on their paths.  I didn’t necessarily care what others were doing on their part of the road either. 

That’s what we also need to do in our spiritual lives.  Be so focused on running our individual races that we don’t have the desire or the time to look at what others are doing on their individual paths.  We almost need to have tunnel vision where we don’t see anyone beside us, anyone behind us, or anyone else out in front of us.  We only see Jesus.  He’s the only one we see right in front of us.  We only hear what He wants us to hear.  We only see what He wants us to see.  We only say what He wants us to say to us or through us.

Connect with Dawn:

 

• Website: http://dawnfreeman.org
• Email: dawn@dawnfreeman.org
• Blog: http://dawn-inspiritandintruth.blogspot.com/
•       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawn.freeman.585 
•       Twitter: https://twitter.com/kdawnf
•       Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnfreeman
•       Google+: https://plus.google.com/104677643321501524985/posts
•       Wordpress: http://dawnfreeman.wordpress.com

 

To Laugh Once More (Book 2, Snippet 8): Inspirational Novel By Sherrie Wilson

An Inside Look at book two, To Laugh Once More, by Sherrie Wilson!

To Laugh Once More is a Victorian Inspirational Romance set in Georgia in 1895.

The War may be over but the battles still rage.

A dissatisfied wife. A misunderstood husband. Three tragedies will alter their path forever. Will their choices tear them apart, or will they allow them To Laugh Once More?

Three years after her marriage to Hamilton, former debutante Lydia Barrington Scarbrough is dissatisfied with life. She has yet to have children, and she spends most of her days sitting in a circle of women chatting about homemaking. She thought life would be more than what it's turned out to be. Hamilton travels on business and never takes her with him. What's a lonely wife to do when she has no children to raise? She longs for adventure and romance, and really, she longs for the fulfillment of her purpose in life. A purpose beyond being a wife and raising children.

Lydia faces a series of hardships that stretch her faith beyond capacity. Leaving her childhood home in Florida for Georgia proves to be more difficult than she ever imagined, and her marriage may not survive the trials. Lydia’s own personal battles drive a wedge between them. What will it take to make Hamilton attempt to save their marriage and draw Lydia back to him?

As Lydia strives to etch out a place for herself in a new world full of unfamiliar prejudice and attempts to overcome her private battles, she must help Hamilton understand her deepest longings and learn the true meaning of joy. Will she surrender her will in order to find her purpose? Will her future hold a happier marriage, motherhood, and a calling greater than she could ever have imagined?

Ready for a Sneak Peak? Enjoy snippet 8 of 10 below:

Snippet #8

Lydia focused her eyes on the wall across from her and bit the inside of her mouth to keep from exploding at her sister's words. How could these women not be frustrated with this mundane life? Everything had remained the same at Live Oaks from year to year, except now the cries and laughter of seven grandchildren permeated the walls of the mansion.

Lydia stood and shoved past the settee and the piano, which she'd never learned to play. She narrowly missed the English teapot that sat on a tray on the table in front of the sofa. The orange slices and bowls of sugar and cream wouldn't have garnished the wood floor as well as they'd graced the tray. Despite Lydia's tantrum, the warm teacakes, sprinkled with sugar, fanning out around the teapot, disappeared one by one by the hands of her amused sisters.

She rushed to the window and pulled back the draperies. The bushy-tailed squirrels scampered about the lawn collecting the nuts buried back in the fall and chattered with excitement at each unveiled treasure. The birds chirped in the trees, looking for seeds in the dormant grass. The worms, the innocent victims of the birds' voracious appetites, poked their heads out of the soil, and the birds devoured them seconds later. In the distance, the cows mooed as they waited milking on this dreary day, and the chickens clucked. Nothing changed around the plantation.

Why couldn't she climb the moss-draped live oaks and the cypress trees that towered above her childhood home? They were the only things that had ever blanketed her in protection. However, married women, especially ones who'd already turned twenty-four, couldn't do such things. Married women couldn't do many things.

She turned to face Mother and sisters. "Oh, you don't understand. I've been a wife for three years now, and I feel as if I've done everything a wife can do and nothing I want to do. Planning the meals and mending socks is hardly fulfilling for a spirited young woman like me." They didn't understand that she was born to be more than just a homemaker.

About the Author:

Sherri Wilson Johnson is an Inspirational Romance novelist, a speaker, and a former homeschooling mom who’d rather have laugh lines under her eyes than worry lines across her forehead. She lives in Georgia with her husband, her two children and her Chihuahua, Posey. Her favorite thing to do when she’s not with her family is to curl up with a good book or work on her current work-in-progress. She loves to dream of visiting romantic places and is passionate about the Lord, motherhood, homeschooling, and writing. Sherri is the author of To Dance Once More, Song of the Meadowlark, and To Laugh Once More. She is a columnist with Habits for a Happy Home and Choose NOW Ministries.

Connect With Sherrie:

Blogs

http://sherriwilsonjohnson.com/
http://nicoleodell.com/sherri-wilson-johnson-on-inspiring-purity
http://www.habitsforahappyhome.com/
http://www.bookfun.org/profile/SherriWilsonJohnson

Twitter

https://twitter.com/swj_thewriter

Pintrest
http://pinterest.com/sherriwjohnson/

Good Reads
https://www.goodreads.com/SherriWilsonJohnson 
Purchase These Books Here:

Amazon

Blog: http://sherriwilsonjohnson.com/sherris-books/to-dance-once-more/ 

Christmas Baths: Christmas Fun with Health Benefits!

 

Nothing Like A Christmas Bath To Bring A Smile To Your Child's Face!

Not only is this activity just plain fun anytime of the year, there are added health benefits!

Epsom salt is used for healing, relaxation, better sleep, and adds magnesium to our bodies--a necessary mineral that most people are deficient in. Peppermint oil helps with digestion, headaches, respiratory problems, and a host of other things.

This is the PERFECT bath for a child or you, Momma, who has worked hard all day long!

What you'll need:

• Epsom Salt
• Peppermint Oil or a minty essential oil of your choosing. (We use Doterra's Breathe).
• Food Coloring or Colored Water Tablets. Go with red or green for Christmas colors!

Let's Get Started!

• Run warm bath water.
• Add a few drops of food coloring or the colored water tablets. Let your kiddo mix the colors around in the water. It's fun to watch the color swirl around!
• Add a small drop or two of the essential oil. Trust me, one or two drops is all you need.
• Add 1/2 to 1 cup of Epsom salt and let your kiddo mix in these "ice crystals" with their sweet little hands.
• Let your child soak for 20 minutes and enjoy their delightful Christmas Bath!

Tips: Christmas colors are great for this bath-time activity, but try blue for a wintry frozen bath! Play with different essential oils as well like lavender for a purple spring flower bath!

Not sure where to find some of the ingredients? Epsom salt will be in either the beauty/spa/facial/bath salts area of a local store or in the bandages/ankle wraps/band aides/splint section. I'm sure the aisles are named differently! lol :). For essential oils check your local natural store or even a vitamin shop like GNC or Vitamin World may carry them. You can also click the links I've provided in the context of this post to buy the oils and water colored tablets online.

Let me know how the Christmas Baths go!!

Bucket of Blessings: Our Family's Christmas Advent & Devotional Time

Jesus is the Best Gift of All...

And that's why we celebrate Christmas. Love's Pure Light came to Earth to free us from our sin and give us the gift of eternal life if we choose to accept Him as our Lord and Savior. (John 3:16-17, Romans 10:9).

God gave so much--all He had, to rescue us.  What a blessing. He gave and so we give, not only at Christmastime, but all throughout the year, so each year our family participates in Bucket of Blessings to help us remember why we celebrate Christmas.

We LOVE the Bucket of Blessings and hope your family will enjoy it as well!

Bucket of Blessings

Purpose: To highlight the fact that Jesus was and is the best Gift of all, and how we are to bless others just as Christ blessed us.

Let's get started:

• Find or purchase a bucket or box. Something small or large depending on what you'd prefer or have lying around. Feel free to decorate it with your kiddos. :)
• Choose an Advent/Christmas devotion/Scripture reading. This year we are using the God's Gift plan from the Bible App. We've used other sources before and you can create your own devotion time using the Bible as your guide. The book of Luke Chapter 2 is where you will find the most popular version of the Christmas story.
• Decide how many days/nights you'd like for this to last. This year we're doing 9 days only because that's how long the devotion lasts. We typically do 5-7 nights.
• Choose a time & location to do the Bucket of Blessings with your family. For us it's after dinner sitting near the Christmas tree. For you it may be in the morning at the breakfast table.
• Schedule Blessings for each night. Here's what we're doing this year, feel free to take these ideas or come up with your own:
• Day 1: The Blessing of Words. I found a .99 book from GoodWill for each of my kiddos. It was my night to give them a blessing.
• Day 2: The Blessing of Fun. We will play "The Candy Cane Game." It's basically a "Mom hides candy canes and whoever finds the most wins," game, but the kids love it.
• Day 3: Bless Your Neighbor. We will make/sign Christmas cards and take them to our neighbors.
• Day 4: Bless Your Brother or Sister. This night each sibling will have several minutes to talk about only the good things about their brother or sister.
• Day 5: Bless a Stranger. This year we will be putting a few quarters in the shopping carts at Aldi's. It's fun to be someone's quarter angel!
• Day 7: The Blessing of Grace. Grace is getting a gift we don't deserve, so this year, each kid will be able to pick one of their nightly chores for me to do for them as an act of Grace.
• Day 8: The Blessing of Sugar. Something sweet is to be celebrated! Right!? This night Daddy will be choosing a sugary snack for each kiddo. It's his night to give a blessing!
• Day 9: A Blessing is a Blessing just because. So on this night the kiddos will have an extension on their bedtime! Yay for them, but more prayers will be needed for us! :)
• Begin and enjoy! I find giving the blessing after the devotion/scripture reading time is best for attention purposes.
• Note: Gifts that are not tangible are hand written, rolled up, tied with a bow and put into the buck of blessings for the kids to pull out and read.

I'd love to hear how you've taken the Bucket of Blessings and made it your own! Have Fun!!

Merry Christmas! Shutterfly $20 GiftCard Giveaway & More!!

Merry Christmas!!

I absolutely love this time of year! The spirit of giving--isn't it the best? Giving is great, but there's something so much more incredible about it when others join in, which is why Christmas is the most beloved Holiday (My opinion only, but I'm sure I could make a pretty good case).

Giving is contagious! So onward we go!

I'm REALLY, REALLY excited to give out these fun little gifts just for you, and some for you to share--because giving is contagious!

Right now...

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Give a FREE eBook of The Wounded Warrior's Wife to a friend or family member when you sign up for my snail-mail list. Sign up HERE and I will send you a card in the mail with a special code for you to share with a friend or family member to redeem their free eCopy.

The eCopy of The Wounded Warrior's Wife is 99 Cents for a BIT longer, WOOHOO...and...

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