Ideas to Make Life Easier

Why didn’t I think of that?!  We guarantee you’ll be uttering those words more than once at these ingenious little tips, tricks and ideas that solve everyday problems.

Hull strawberries easily using a straw.

Rubbing a walnut over scratches in your furniture will disguise dings and scrapes.  Rubbing a walnut over scratches in your furniture will disguise dings and scrapes.

Remove crayon masterpieces from your TV or computer screen with WD40.

Stop cut apples browning in your child’s lunch box by securing with a rubber band.

Overhaul your linen cupboard, store bed linen sets inside one of their own pillowcases and there will be no more hunting through piles for a match.

Pump up the volume by placing your iPhone & iPod in a bowl.  The concave shape amplifies the music.

Re-use a wet-wipes container to store plastic bags.

Add this item to your beach bag.  Baby powder gets sand off your skin easily, who knew?!

Attach a Velcro strip to the wall to store soft toys.

Use wire to make a space to store gift wrap rolls against the ceiling, rather than cluttering up the floor.

Find tiny lost items like earrings by putting a stocking over the vacuum hose.

Make an instant cupcake carrier by cutting crosses into a box lid.

For those who can’t stand the scrunching and bunching: how to perfectly fold a fitted sheet.

Forever losing your bathroom essentials?  Use magnetic strips to store bobby pins, tweezers and clippers, behind a vanity door

Store shoes inside shower caps to stop dirty soles rubbing on your clothes.  And you can find them in just about every hotel.
 
A muffin pan becomes a craft caddy.  Magnets hold the plastic cups down to make them tip-resistant.

Bread tags make the perfect cord labels.

Bake cupcakes directly in ice-cream cones, so much more fun and easier for kids to eat.

Microwave your own popcorn in a plain brown paper bag.  Much healthier and cheaper than the packet stuff.

Install a tension rod to hang your spray bottles.

Turn your muffin pan upside down, bake cookie-dough over the top and voila, you have cookie bowls for fruit or ice-cream.

Freeze Aloe Vera in ice-cube trays for soothing sunburn relief.

Create a window-box veggie patch using guttering.

A Resolution Prayer

Dear Lord,

Help me to see myself as you see me this year. I don't want to get caught up in what looks beautiful to the world because I know that to you I am beautiful. Help me to remember that just as you created the stars, oceans and mountains, so you created me. I want to take care of this body that you gave me, Lord, simply because it is a gift from you that deserves to bring you honor and praise. I'm not perfect. I never will be. But I will try my best to put good food in my body, exercise it and not be lazy, and take time for my teeth, hair and eyes. I don't want this to be about losing weight or looking good, Lord. I want this to be about honoring the gift you have given me and treating it with respect. If I attempt to please the world by its standards, I know that I will surely fail this year. But if I keep my focus on you, I know you will give me the strength to do it. There is certainly desire in my heart to be healthy, thin and eating perfectly all the time, but I pray that you will teach me to care less about how I look and more about how my circumstances will glorify you in this effort. This year my resolution is to honor you with my body, mind and soul. Show me the way to do it, and give me the motivation and desire to do it. You deserve it, Lord, and I am willing.

Amen.

Discipline for Myself

I don't know about you, but I sure spoiled myself this Christmas! I slept in instead of getting up to exercise. I ate way more food than I care to admit. I lounged in my pjs and showered late. My kids were spoiled too. They got to watch all their favorite shows over and over and sneak in some Christmas cookies at times I would normally never allow. But I don't regret it - not one bit! We all needed a break from the daily grind to celebrate the season.

But now the tree is down. (I have a toddler, so I couldn't wait to get Christmas decorations put away!) I had a protein shake for breakfast instead of biscuits and gravy and diet coke. I staggered to my gym shoes at 5 am and headed out for a workout. We're still celebrating with pjs though. I must say that it felt good to do all of those regular routine things this morning. A little bit of indulgence feels good, but so does a little discipline. Thankfully, God is calling us to a life with both!

Deuteronomy 8:5 says, "Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you."

If you have a kid of any age, you know how crazy they can get without a routine and a little discipline from mom and dad. Just imagine what would happen if you let them do whatever they wanted all the time without consequence! The same is true with us. God molds us with his discipline because He knows we need it and that it's good for us. As the season for non-discipline and indulgence comes to a close, try to view the daily grind as a loving gift from the Father.

CHRISTmas Traditions

(originally from Sandy Theile)

Gifts to Jesus

Jesus gets a Christmas stocking, too! His hangs in the center of the four for each member of our family. Each family member is responsible for writing out their gift to Jesus and placing it in the stocking. On Christmas Eve we get together and each share our gift to Jesus with the other members of the family. We follow with prayer and singing traditional Christmas hymns.

We wrap a present for Jesus with an opening in the top. Then we write down gifts to Jesus on a slip of paper and put them in the box. On Christmas morning, we open Jesus' gift first, and share with each other what they have given to Him.

On Christmas day each family member writes, individually and privately, on a piece of paper an area of their life that they wish to give to the Lord. We place the papers in an envelope and seal it until the next Christmas. Then, when the next Christmas arrives, open the envelope and share what it was that we had given Him, what had happened during the year, and how we had grown in that area.

Read the Christmas Story

After the Christmas Eve service we gather family around the fireplace, and read the Christmas story, passing the book around to each person to read a page. After we finish the story, we go around the room giving each person an opportunity to give thanks to the Lord in prayer.

Birthday Party for Jesus

The first thing Christmas morning we have a birthday party for Jesus complete with birthday cake and song, this year we will add balloons, decorations and presents (the presents will be given to less-fortunate children), reminding everyone, the birth of Jesus is the REAL reason for the season. We have a birthday cake for Jesus. The cake is chocolate, representing sin. It's filled with cherry pie filling, representing the blood of Jesus, and it's covered with white frosting which represents our new life in Christ."

Christmas Chain 

A chain made with 25 red and green paper loops is a visual way to count down the days until Christmas.  Each day a child can tear off a loop.  Making the chain—on the green links, write things for which you thank God (pets, food, laughter, etc) on the red links, write the names of friends/family members.  Use the link each day for a time of family prayer.  On green days, give God thanks for each item, and on red days, ask His blessing on a loved on.

Only Three Gifts

We give only three gifts to each child to represent what the wise men gave to the Christ child. It cuts down on the amount of presents and sounds really "spiritual."

Nativity Scenes      

One of the things we do in the days before Christmas is place our nativity figures all over the house. The empty manger is placed under the Christmas tree. As the days get closer to Christmas, the figures are moved closer to the manger. The first thing my kids open on Christmas morning is a wrapped Baby Jesus to remind them that Jesus is the best gift we can ever receive!"

Our family sets up the manger scene on December 1st, but we place the wise men on the other side of the house. Every day as Christmas approaches, our children move the wise men closer to the manger. It's fun to see where the wise men appear each day as Christmas draws closer. I've found them staring back at me in the shower, on the way down the stairs, and in the flour canister!

Collect 24 nativity pieces—Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men, angels, sheep, goats, donkeys, cows, etc. Keep all the figures in a basket and on each day of Advent, have children take turns adding another figure to a nativity scene displayed in a central place.  Some days, read an appropriate passage of Scripture.  As they place each figure day by day, the story of Jesus’ birth unfolds before their eyes.

Yule Log  

If you have a fireplace, make a fire using a hardwood log.  Have family members write on slips of paper the things they are sorry for that happened during the past year—they can either share them with the rest of the family or choose to keep them private.  Then, one by one, drop them in the Yule flames to symbolize the freedom in Christ we have from sin.  When the log finally burns out, save a piece of it to start next year’s Yule log.

Alternate Sleeping Arrangements

We realized that Mary, Joseph and Jesus did not have it easy that first Christmas, and we wanted to remember that. Each Christmas Eve we give up our beds and sleep on the floor together to remember what they must have endured. Our children are young enough at this point that they think it is fun and different, while we often feel it in our older backs. Each year they understand a little more the sacrifice that Mary and Joseph made, and at the same time we do enjoy the cozy family time.

Baby shower for Jesus 

Host a baby shower and invite attendees to bring baby gifts to be donated to a local charity. Play the usual shower games and celebrate the chance to show love to a poor child whose family lacked even a bed in which to lay Him.

Making the Baby’s Bed 

Put the names of all family members in a bowl and on each weekend of Advent, have each family member draw a name.  Throughout the week, do kind deeds for the person whose name they selected, without revealing their identity.  For each kind act, put a piece of straw in a make-shift manger (shoe box?)  Each weekend, draw a new name.  The goal is to see how full and soft you can make your manger.  This activity helps kids focus more on others than themselves.

At the dinner table 

At special holiday meals, set one extra place—for the Christ child.  This is a concrete reminder to children that Christ is always present with us.

Place a different figure of the nativity in front of each family member’s place at the table.  Ask each person to share what the character might have felt at the birth of Christ.  Ask what each character gave out of love for Jesus.  Encourage conversation about ways each can show love at Christmas because of Jesus’ great love for us.

Focusing on Others

Just as shepherds and wise men visited Jesus and his family, make Christmas a time of visiting friends and family members, especially those not often seen.  Involve children in making some small gift or greeting card to take as you visit.

Don’t forget this old-fashioned activity of Christmas caroling.  Be sure to sing at the homes of shut-ins who may be especially lonely this time of year.  Children can learn the names of elderly church or community members whom them rarely see, and they can experience the joy and thankfulness these people feel.  It can be a marvelous giving experience.

For one week during December, have a simple meal of soup and bread.  Then send the money saved on food to a food shelter or other charity.  What a good way to help children share their hearts with a needy world!

Treasure Hunt 

Type up the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke, and then cut it into strips, verse by verse.  Hide the strips of paper around the house.  Then draw a treasure map, with a star to indicate where each piece of the story is.  Once the kids find all the verses, have them put them in the correct order to read out loud. 

A Jar Full of Blessings 

Throughout the year, as God answers a prayer, have kids write it down on a slip of paper and put it into a jar.  During Advent, let the children take turns reading all the blessings God has provided.

Christmas Pantomime

On slips of paper write down activities from the Biblical narrative of the nativity that can be mimed, such as:  Joseph and Mary on their way to Bethlehem, the innkeeper turning away Joseph and Mary, the wisemen following the star, etc.  Then take turns pulling a slip of paper and acting out the activity while others guess what he/she is doing.

Manger instead of a tree

Instead of having a Christmas tree be the focus of your holiday decorations, use a manger instead.  Use a large doll in a box or a cradle.  Consider using evergreen branches instead of straw and put lights around the manger.  Then put your gifts around the manger.  This helps even the youngest child understand that Jesus is the real center of Christmas.

Holiday Placemats

Using a 12 x 18 construction paper, help children design and make place mats for the family. Use old Christmas cards to cut out pictures and verses to be pasted on the place mats. Laminate or cover with clear contact paper when done.

Advent Pledge

 At the beginning of Advent, give older kids a chance to sign this pledge:

This advent I commit myself…

To remember those people who truly need my gifts,

To express my love for family and friends in more direct ways,

To look for chances to share what I have—whether time, talent, or concrete objects—with those who have less than I

To examine each of my holiday activities in light of the true spirit of Christmas

To initiate acts of peacemaking within my circle of family and friends

To keep Christ at the center of each day as I prepare my heart to welcome His coming.

Holiday Memories (not really Christ-focused, but create great memories)

Don’t let the Christmas season go by without taking pictures of your family.  Each Christmas, take photos in the same location, such as in front of the Christmas tree or sitting around the table ready for Christmas dinner.  A yearly set of photos focused on the same events and locations provides many opportunities to build happy memories and recall Christmas celebrations year by year.

Throughout the holiday season, use a video recorder to periodically have kids tell about the day’s happenings and also to reflect on the past year.  On Christmas Day, watch the tape as a family.  You might also want to make copies to send to relatives who are far away.  Next year at Christmas, listen to the previous year’s tape to remind children of past memories and show them how they’ve grown.  Continue to use the same tape each year.

After Christmas is over, but before you put your decorations away, compose a letter to each of your children.  Write about what you remember about them and the progress they've made during the past year and place in their stockings.  On the day you put away Christmas decorations, ask your children to look in their stocking again.  The older kids can read their letter, but you may need to read it to younger ones.  Or if your child is an infant, keep the letter until he/she is older.  Make sure to pack these letters away and send them back to your child when he/she is in college or on their own!    

What ideas do you have about keeping Christ at the heart of Christmas?

Why Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole... Jesus is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh... Jesus rides on the wind and walks on water.

Santa comes but once a year... Jesus is an ever-present help.

Santa fills up your stocking with goodies... Jesus supplies all your needs.

You have to wait in line to see Santa... Jesus is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa says, "You'd better not cry" ... Jesus says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa lets you sit on his lap... Jesus lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name. All he can say is "Hi little boy/girl, what's your name?" ... Not only did Jesus know your name before you did, He knows your address too. He knows your history and your future, and He even knows how many hairs are on your head.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly... Jesus has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is Ho, Ho, Ho... Jesus offers health, help and hope.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree, Jesus became our gift and died on the tree.

Why I Love Black Friday

I know - I'm crazy. You either love it or you hate it. Here are some great reasons to love it:

1. A great deal. I'm not out the week before camping in the parking lot or anything, but we live on a single-income budget and doing some Black Friday shopping sure does help us cut the Christmas costs down.

2. Decorations and Music. Walking through the mall and drinking a holiday coffee while listening to a little Bing Crosby would put anyone in the holiday spirit.

3. People Watching. As long as your not pushing your way through the crowds to get that one last toy or electronic item, it's so fun to sit back and watch the craziness.

4. Lines. No really! Do I really love standing in line for an hour at the Jo-Ann Fabrics cutting line every year? Well, not for the reason you might think. I love that once people are stuck in line it forces them into conversation with those around them, and who knows if that person in front or behind you needs to feel Jesus this Christmas!

So the next time you are out holiday shopping, don't forget to slow down, enjoy the atmosphere and put your cell phone down for a minute to talk to those around you. Let's bring Christ along to the mall this year, and, of course, leave the kids at home with dad. :)

Teaching Your Children About Prayer

While this exercise is geared toward younger children, it is a good for ALL of us to remember.

1.      Let your child trace his/her hand on a sheet of paper.
2.      Tell your child that he/she can use his/her fingers to remember how to pray.
3.      Over the thumb, write PRAISE--start your prayer by praising God and telling Him how great He is
4.      Over the first finger, write THANK--thank God for something He has done.
5.      Over the middle findger, write CONFESS--it's good to tell God the things your child has done wrong.
6.      Over the ring finger, ASK--ask God for the things you need
7.      Over the pinkie, write OTHERS--ask God to help others who need Him
Put the picture up where it can be seen and remembered. When your child has it memorized, he/she will have the steps in prayer with him/her all the time.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving and know that the Mom2Mom leadership team is thanking God for you this week!