Preparing for the holidays can be a lot of work. In fact, during the next few weeks, your Christmas to-do list is probably about to grow into an outrageous, poster-sized banner. Am I right? And then, before you know it, your Christmas experience turns into a frenzy of challenging task after challenging task. Why not do it differently this year? Let’s get a head start on this season to ensure that this Christmas is about the celebration of the … [Read more...] about 6 Ways to Prepare for the Christmas Season
A Thanksgiving Prayer
A prayer to tuck into your heart as you prepare for Thanksgiving. Dear Lord, It’s Thanksgiving — a day centered around gratitude, family and traditions. As we gather with family and friends, help us find common ground. If we are unable to do so, give us peace. Help us see Your face around the table. On this day of gathering and feasts, may we remember that it’s never really about the food but about the people around the table. Lord, we … [Read more...] about A Thanksgiving Prayer
7 Days of Preparing Our Hearts for Thanksgiving
Confession: Gratitude doesn’t come naturally to me. I can find the black-winged fly in the pristine white paint. I can sound like an old church organ, creaks and sighs and whines. I can make mental spreadsheets of disappointments like an accountant in a plaid tie. Maybe I’m not the only one. I have read about how our brains have a negativity bias. We look first for what’s wrong or a threat. This helps us survive. I am typing in a nicely … [Read more...] about 7 Days of Preparing Our Hearts for Thanksgiving
‘Tis the Season to Celebrate
I’m going to make a feather-ruffling, potentially unpopular, and highly controversial statement. It’s probably the most polarizing thing I’ve ever said at (in)courage. Hang on to your hats. I’ve been watching Christmas movies for weeks. Yep. While preparing my kids’ Halloween costumes, eating their candy, and planning my Thanksgiving menu, holiday movies have been on in the background. I've also been tuning in to my favorite Christmas … [Read more...] about ‘Tis the Season to Celebrate
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe
The season of coziness is officially here! It's time to snuggle up in warm blankets, bundle up in puffy vests for chilly morning walks, and cup warm mugs of cocoa in chilly hands. Our friend Nancy has just the ticket for us this month with her recipe for homemade cocoa mix! Stir up a batch of this delicious mix, then bag up to gift a friend. Even better, invite several friends over for a cozy cocoa morning. Have the cocoa all ready to serve, … [Read more...] about Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Jesus’ Name
Children growing up in impoverished areas of the world are not only trapped in the cycle of poverty, but are also vulnerable to instances of abandonment, violence, sexual abuse, injury, and illness. A strong community school creates a safe place for children and families to learn and grow together. Mary & Martha is passionate about breaking that cycle of poverty for over 5,000 children in Arusha, Tanzania. We come alongside 26 villages to … [Read more...] about Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Jesus’ Name