This past month I have felt so frazzled. Like this piece of twisted steel cable, my brain has felt like it’s unravelling, fraying at the ends and coming loose from the important details of life. I completely forgot about some important school things, and several things that I normally do at Christmas didn’t even occur […]
Can we keep our children from walking away from God?
I heard a pastor quote an alarming fact that if you are a normal, North American Christian family, at least half of your children will walk away from God.* Maybe temporarily, likely permanently. We’re not talking the family that only prays on Thanksgiving and Christmas, this is about regular church-going Christian families. Which one, or […]
Christmas Eve Candle Reading
Imagine your kitchen table at Christmastime. Little mouths hush as little fingers flick off all the lights in the house. All that is left is darkness. And stillness. These Advent Candle readings have become my very favorite Advent tradition because of the emotional and physical hush they bring over the house. We intentionally quiet down […]
Kicking out the ingratitude attitude this Christmas
I find kids (mine included!) to become very “getting” focused this time of year. How can we, as parents, help them move from an ingratitude attitude to an attitude of gratitude? Is it just me, or do kids get a little bit whiney this time of year? As they start dreaming about the toys they […]
Celebrating St. Nicholas Day…a unique way to present Santa to your kids!
What do we do with Santa Claus at Christmas? Perhaps you are perfectly happy incorporating him into your Christmas celebration, or perhaps you are looking for a new way to teach your kids about him. If this is you, read on for a unique way to present him this Christmas. by Cheryl Ikenouye I remember […]
18 Christian Advent Ideas and Activities for Kids
Are you looking for simple ways to create an uplifting [read: not crazy] and wondrous Christ-centered Advent? Read on for a list of 18 ways to celebrate this Advent season, ranging from simple enough for toddlers to meaningful traditions for teenagers. These Christ-centered Advent activities will help all your family members find fun ways to […]