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The Gift You Give God This Christmas

As you check off your list, the most important present might be the gift you give God this Christmas. What will it be? Will you say “yes” to all He’s created you to be? Today I’m sharing about my favorite Christmas memory and how it shaped the way I use my gifts. I hope it blesses you.

The Gift You Give God This Year
The Gift You Give God This Year

 

The Gift You Give God

I have a favorite Christmas memory. I was in the sixth grade, and I received a cassette tape player that could record. After spending time at my grandparents that afternoon, my mom, step-dad, brother and myself sat around our dining room table and told stories into that recorder. It was special because it was one of the few times I remembered the four of us interacting in such a playful manner. I also loved the story-creating aspect. I loved making up stories in my mind, and now there was a way to record them!

That Christmas, I received a glimpse into who God made me to be: a storyteller.

The Gift You Give God

Psalm 139:13-14 says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well,” (NIV).

It took me years to realize that I wasn’t born a clean slate. Instead, God created me with unique gifts and talents. It took me even longer to realize that I have the ability to give a gift to God at Christmas and every other day of the year. How? By developing those gifts. By not hiding them. And by stepping out in faith to develop the talents God has placed deep inside me.

Your Life is a Gift to God

God gave us our unique talents and abilities for a reason. Why? First, to glorify him. John 15:8 says, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples,” (ESV). When we are living our best, creative selves—as God designed—people take notice. Our lives reflect God. And we are also able to reach others with a message of hope, sharing what God can do in their lives, too.

In fact, your talents and abilities are not just for you. They are for others. The world around you benefits when you live the best version of yourself. Including your kids.

Especially your kids.

For many years I thought taking time to write, and to develop my talents, was hurting my kids. Instead, as they grew older, I saw that my kids received many benefits. They were proud of my efforts. They experienced wonderful trips and events they never would have if I hadn’t been a writer. My efforts also showed them what it looked like to work hard, to develop one’s abilities, and to follow God with my whole heart!

What About You?

What gifts and talents do you have hidden inside? Know they are not there by accident. God has a special plan for them. Yes, it will take work, but the good news is God walks with you on the journey. No matter how hard the path is, He will be with you every step of the way.

If, like me, your unique talent has to do with writing, then I’m doing something special that you might be interested in.

Making your writing dreams become a reality is tough. I know. I’ve been there.

You have ideas but you wonder if any of them are good. You have no idea how to connect with agents and editors, and what in the world is book proposal anyway?

I’m here to help. And I’ve invited some of my friends to help you too. They are professional agents, editors, authors, and marketing and publicity team members. They’re the best of the best in the Christian publishing industry. Together we want to help you reach your dreams.

To help you do this, I’ve created Write That Book. This premier group provides education, inspiration and connection with other writers and experts. Learn all the tricks of the trade while getting your personal questions answered.

But, if your dream doesn’t have to do with writing, I still encourage you to pursue it, whatever it is. Some day when you kids are grown and following God with all their hearts they’ll look at you and say, “Thanks, Mom, for showing me how it’s done!”

So, this Christmas take a moment and look back to those moments in childhood when you felt special joy. What do those memories tell you about who God created you to be? Now,writer dare to step out and become the person God has designed. That’s the gift you can give to God this Christmas.

Merry Christmas,

Tricia Goyer

 

The Gift You Give God

I love giving gifts and each time I share my books it’s as if the gift God has given me keeps on giving. I’ve dedicated myself to writing the stories God has given me and in turn, I’ve seen Him use my obedience to change hearts and minds, and lives. And even though I know my words bless others, I feel as if I’m the one who is blessed the most–God allows me to see Him in action. What a gift!

This year I received another gift from Him in a most interesting way… I’ve always wanted to have a bookstore, but never dreamed it’d come about in this way. As conferences were canceled one-by-one, I found myself looking at tubs and tubs of books. Normally, these books would fill my tables at conferences. Now they filled up half of our garage. At first, it was a dilemma. But God quickly moved me to action. I decided to open a bookstore from my breakfast nook!

My entire family jumped in to help and after adding bookshelves, we filled them with all the books. Tricia’s Bookstore was born. Now, every day I wake up and see my decades of work and watch as my whole family helps pack and ship orders. It’s been such a blessing. Not only is it wonderful for my kids to learn management, sales, and other retail skills (homeschool lessons!), I get to offer amazing sales to readers in a year when I know we all need it. Blessing upon blessing.

Here’s my daughter packing an order to ship. She’s my “store manager.”

the gift you give God

 

Want to find out more about Write That Book? 

Are you passionate about writing or just dipping your toe in the waters of the writing world? Do you want to pursue your dream of writing a novel, but just don’t feel like you have the time or resources?
Join us at Write That Book and be part of a community of writers. Find out more about what we do here.
Write That Book!
Write That Book

 

 

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3 Things To Do to Make a Merrier Christmas

Christmas is right around the corner. Gasp! I know.

I don’t know about you, but December is a blur unless I get started early with Christmas preparations. Here are three things I’ve started TODAY.

1. Order Christmas Cards

I’m still one of those old-fashioned people who love sending out Christmas cards, but nothing is more stressful than waiting until after Thanksgiving to create the perfect card.

Today I went through photos from last year and created a card on Minted.com in about ten minutes. I love how it turned out!

Minted made it super easy. I love their designs. I had a hard time choosing which one I liked best.

2. Order Gifts for “Hard to Buy” People

Do you have those people on your list that have EVERYTHING? If so, order their presents first. Once you have those gifts taken care of you’ll be able to relax, have fun, and enjoy shopping for everyone else.

Some ideas of where to shop for those hard-to-buy people on your list

Do Good Project – Do Good strives to show the love of God through the creativity He has instilled in each of us by providing a wide selection of unique, handmade products from all across the world. Through creative partnerships, both near and far, they celebrate two unique worlds coming together for one mission. Their products directly profit the artisans who sell their handmade pieces to build independent businesses and better lives.

Leiva’s Coffee  – Today, for every dollar that is spent on coffee, a mere 10¢ is awarded to the farmer. Leiva’s Coffee does far better than that. It sells its world-class coffee directly to the public and uses the profits to help improve the lives of our coffee growers and their families.

3. Make a List of Your Top 3 Family Goals for Christmas

Every year I pick three things that I want to make sure I do. These are my three for this year:

1. Have a cookie decorating party with friends.

2. Drive around and see Christmas lights with my family.

3. Have a Christmas song sing-along night with my kids.

When planning my December schedule I’m going to plan these FIRST.

Each of these to-do items is one small step that will take 30 minutes. But marking these things off your list will make it a merrier Christmas from the start. Won’t you get started? You’ll thank yourself later!

How about you? What are you doing now to prepare for Christmas?

Additional Resources

Tricia Goyer Walk it OutYou’ve heard the phrase Trust God. It’s easy to say but can be hard to do. But what if you did it. What if you did the things that God asked you to do and solely relied on Him? Women often pack their lives with family, friends, and faithful service, yet still feel empty and unfilled. Bestselling author Tricia Goyer has been where you are. She gets it and knows that the only way to live a fulfilling life is to walk it out with God.

Walk It Out: The Radical Result of Living God’s Word One Step at a Time is a resource that teaches women how walking out the mandates of Scripture will allow God to spark passion and mission within them. Goyer teaches women, of all ages, how to:

    1. Use your healed heart to love and serve
  2. Create space and craft purpose
  3. Give generously without question
  4. Be vulnerable
  5. Truly love your family
  6. Do the work that God has given you to do

 

This book is for women:

  • struggling with anxiety or depression
  • feeling like they lost their way and are living by comparison
  • who feel like they’re never enough and always too much
  • searching for ways to develop a closer relationship with God
  • raising families while facing crossroads

Sometimes the steps we take in our faith are easy, but many times they require a move outside of what feels safe or secure. When women stop focusing on their own dreams and purposes, and instead focus on God’s dreams and purposes, everything changes. Get your copy of Walk It Out today!

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Praying God’s Word For Yourself and Your Child

Praying God's Word For Yourself and Your Child
Praying God’s Word For Yourself and Your Child

Through the years I’ve seen how important it is to pray God’s word over and for my children. I’ve also watched how God moved in my kid’s hearts and lives when I shared the scriptures with them. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to read through the Bible each year and journal what God speaks to my heart through His word.

“I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Lord, make me live in safety.” Psalm 4:8

Lord, I am so thankful that you always watch over my child, even when she lies down in sleep. May my child always sleep peacefully with the knowledge of your care.

praying for your child

Is it your goal to read through the Bible in 2019? More than that, do you want to apply God’s will to your life and the life of your child? I’ve created some resources for that!

Daily Bread

First, my book Praying Through The Bible in One Year allows you to do both!

Praying Through the Bible in One Year is a Scripture Reading Plan and Guided Journal to help you read and apply God’s Word to your life.

My desire is for this journal to guide you as you seek God and His truth. It’s divided into three parts.

Praying Through the Bible in One Year interior pages.

1. A Scripture Reading Plan. This plan takes you from Genesis to Revelation. Reading four or five chapters a day, you’ll read through the whole Bible in one year! Each week has five days of reading, leaving the weekends for catch-up.

2. A Daily Scripture. Pause on these verses, read them closely, and consider how they can impact your prayers for your kids.

3. A Prayer Prompt. Through these prompts, you’ll focus on ways you can pray for your kids. Blank space is provided for you to continue the prayer or to write down other meaningful Scriptures that you read during the day’s reading.

Leave a Legacy

Second, I created a free course to help you master the skill of journaling through the Bible to create a Legacy Bible for your own children.

Join me as I guide you in sharing God’s Word with your children or grandchildren through the pages of your own journaling Bible. Through this free, 6-week course you’ll discover how to share your own personal reflections through the pages of God’s Word.

It’s such a meaningful way to pass on heartfelt prayers alongside your favorite Scripture passages, leaving a heritage of faith. Each journal entry will be a treasured gift to future generations.

Find Community

There’s no doubt about it, we need each other. God created us for community. That’s why I started a group for us to connect and share how He is moving in our lives through His word when my podcast The Daily Bible Podcast began. Every morning we post the daily verses and the word of the day, and we talk about how the Spirit spoke to us regarding that passage. Find it here!

praying god's word

Worth The Effort

Finally, I want to encourage you not to give up. The journal isn’t dated because I know how much pressure that can bring. Life happens. If you get off track one week, just pick up again the next week. God is more concerned with your desire to read His Word and connect with His heart than He is with your ability to complete a weekly task.

This is your journal concerning your prayers for your kids. If it takes you two years to read through the Bible, that will be wonderful! Know your efforts, whether over one year or two or more, will be worth it.

Pick up a copy for yourself and share with friends! May God’s Word transform each of us this year!

Order Praying Through The Bible in a Year here.

 

 

 

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

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Feed Your Young Creative’s Imagination with StoryMakers

My kids are always making and creating something. It isn’t unusual for us to have to clear craft supplies off the dinner table before we eat, and we aren’t even going to talk about our schoolroom table. When the team at StoryMakers reached out about sending us a box for Advent, I couldn’t say yes fast enough! When we received our box, I barely had a chance to look at it before it disappeared!

StoryMakers is a creative studio that designs imaginative resources for kids and teens. Their team of writers and artists brings the Bible to life through zines, playbooks, guides, and more. They have products for your little people as well as your teens!

Each StoryMaker guide invites the reader to step into a journey — a journey based on Scripture. Chapters include scripture, a prompt to get minds ready to engage in God’s story, notes, thoughts to ponder, fun facts, and an activity.

A starter kit includes zines, guides, playbooks, and memory cards designed to invite kids into the story of scripture. I love that StoryMakers has sound theology — and everything from the graphics, and the memory cards, to the zines, is so fun!

And if you aren’t ready to commit to purchasing a full starter kit, you can grab anything a la carte.

If you have a young creative in your life, consider investing in a StoryMakers subscription!

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Merry Bells Bring Families Together

Holidays bring families together. But that doesn’t always mean everyone is interacting. With all the technology at our fingertips, it’s often easier to “veg” out on our phones than pursue meaningful activities together. But that’s exactly what makes memories and why we should find more ways to connect–with Merry Bells!

 

Merry Bells Bring Families Together

I’m always looking for fun things to bring our family–and yours!–closer together. There’s are just so many things competing for our time. We really have to make the most of the special moments we have together. 

Merry Bells was created to bring family and friends together through handbell music in a fun and positive way and our family loves them! Their beautiful, custom handbell set includes a popular 30 Christmas Song play-along set. The 8-note diatonic handbell set comes in a sturdy box with an easy carry handle and foam inner lining that will keep your bells in great condition for years of fun. 

Merry Bells Bring Families Together

Imagine your family enjoying the melodies of the season played on these wonderful bells and laughter and smiles as everyone connects and plays the songs you love together. What great holiday memories you’ll have for years to come! And right now you can get an amazing discount and CYBER MONDAY DEAL!

Due to popular demand, their Black Friday Special extends through Cyber Monday, Nov 29th and you can get 10% OFF with the code GOYERDISCOUNT

For each Bell Set you buy, you may claim a free DVD, Digital Download Set, or a Bell Chart Set of your choice!

The more Bell Sets you buy the more free items you get!

Don’t forget to use the code GOYERDISCOUNT to get your special discount!

 

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Five Simple Ways to Lift Your Spirits

**Scroll below to win The Giving Manger for your family!**

This Christmas you can use these five simple ways to lift your spirits and the hearts of those around you as well. By choosing to look outside yourself, you–and your family–can be blessed and be a blessing in this season of the greatest gift of all-time–the birth of our Savior. We are grateful for this guest post by Allison Hottinger who loves sharing the true gift of Christmas with others. 

Five Simple Ways to Lift Your Spirits

Have you cried more this year than you ever have before? If you answered yes, you aren’t alone.

If you look around at your neighbors, friends, and strangers, you will see hints of worry, sadness, and loneliness on their faces.

Now think for just a second: How would it feel if someone came along to lift you up right now?

What if they dropped a chocolate bar at your door?

What if they dropped a notecard in the mail for you?

If someone even noticed me at the grocery store right now, it would lift me up.

In some ways, it’s never been harder to lift the cloud hanging over us, but in others, it’s never been easier because a small gesture can go a long, long way. We have to do something to lift the people around us.

Five Simple Ways to Lift Your Spirits

Here are a few simple ways to practice kindness and giving to others that will not only lift the spirit of those around us, but will bring joy to our own hearts as well:

  1. Mail a letter to a senior in a nursing home


It’s as easy as printing out this service project packet, having your kids color a picture, and popping it in the mail. Getting letters are sure to make a senior smile when they can’t have visitors this year.

  1. Poinsettia doorbell drop off

five simple ways to lift your spirits

We all loved doorbell ditching as children, but have you done it as an adult with your kids? Pick up an inexpensive poinsettia (some stores have them as low as $5 right now) and drop it off at a neighbor or friend’s doorstep to make their day!

  1. Don’t complain for a whole day

five simple ways to lift your spirits

Have you ever tried to go a whole day without complaining? It’s tough. Choosing joy when we have the opportunity to complain is a quick gift to those around us and will often lift our own hearts.

  1. Leave a note on someone’s pillow.

The words “I love you” hit different when written intentionally and left on a pillow. A small gesture that can’t help make someone in your house feel treasured.

  1. Start a tradition together

Five Simple Ways to Lift Your Spirits

The Giving Manger is a fun and interactive Christmas tradition that will help families focus on giving and the true meaning of Christmas. By putting a piece of straw in the manger each time an act of kindness is completed, hearts are encouraged and excited to look for opportunities to give. The tradition is complete when on Christmas Day they place Baby Jesus in a manger full of straw, representing all the service and kindness shown leading up to the day!

Five Simple Ways to Lift Your Spirits

Do the tradition with a friend and share stories of kindness along the way!

 

This year, let’s remember that tears are temporary but memories of giving last forever.

Five Simple Ways to Lift Your SpiritsAllison Hottinger and Lisa Kalberer are sisters who are passionate about giving back. As they began to raise their own families, they realized that the true meaning of Christmas and the spirit of giving was getting lost in the hustle and bustle of the season. They put pen to paper, wood to the saw, and clay in their hands to create the book, manger, and Baby Jesus that make up The Giving Manger–a complete tradition to help families focus on the real meaning of Christmas. They hope that The Giving Manger can spread kindness and promote service as families come together and shift the focus of Christmas from getting to giving. Allison lives in Ladera Ranch, California, and Lisa lives in Austin, Texas.

 

Learn more at www.thegivingmanger.com and on Facebook (@thegivingmanger)

Win The Giving Manger — Due to postal shipping, US mailing addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

12 Days of Christmas Sales are here!!!!!

​
Day 12: when you purchase Made With Love you can get Planted with Hope and Sewn with Joy for 75% off! Put all three books in your cart. Use the discount code: CHRISTMAS12
Day 11: Buy Lead Your Family Like Jesus get Mommy and Me Prayers for FREE! Put both books in your cart and use the discount code: CHRISTMAS11​
Day 10: Buy A Secret Courage and get A Daring Escape for FREE! Put both books in your cart and use the Coupon Code: CHRISTMAS10

​Day 9: Buy Praying Through the Bible in a Year and Balanced: Finding Center as a Work-at-Home Mom for 50% off! Put one or both books in your cart and use the coupon code: CHRISTMAS9 at checkout.

Day 8: Order The Swiss Courier, you can get Chasing Mona Lisa for FREE! Chasing Mona Lisa is Book 2 in the series. Put both books in your cart and use the coupon code: CHRISTMAS8 at checkout.
Day 7: Buy my novel From Dust and Ashes and get Arms of Deliverance for FREE! Put both items in your cart and use the coupon code: CHRISTMAS7

Day 6: Get the novella collection An Amish Garden FREE ($10.99 value) with the purchase of Where Treetops Glisten! Put both items in your cart and use the coupon code CHRISTMAS6 at checkout!

Day 5: Purchase Beside Still Waters, you can get Along Wooded Paths and Beyond Hope’s Valley for 50% off!Put all three items in your cart and use the coupon code CHRISTMAS5 at checkout!​

Day 4: Buy a copy of The Grumble Free Year and get a copy of Calming Angry Kids for Free! A $14.99 value! Put both books in your cart. Use the coupon code: CHRISTMAS4 at checkout.

Day 3: If you buy my Titanic novel By the Light of the Silvery Moon, you can get my WWII suspense novel Songbird Under a German Moon for FREE! ($13.99 value!) Put both books in your cart. Use the coupon code: CHRISTMAS3 at checkout! (*limited quantity)

Day 2: 50% off Prayers that Changed History or Whit’s End Devotional (each or both!) https://tricia-goyer.myshopify.com/collections/historical

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12 Tips for a Grumble Free Holiday

When the Christmas season comes around we can count on a few things: 1) lots of fun family time, and 2) lots of fun family time disrupted by kids’ bad behavior. Kids often misbehave A LOT during the holidays. Their schedules are messed up; they’re over-excited and over-stimulated. (Don’t even get me started on all the extra SUGAR.) If you’d like to have a grumble free holiday, here are 12 ways to do that:

Tricia Goyer shares 12 tips on how you can have a grumble-free holiday

 

12 Tips for a Grumble Free Holiday

Prepare

1. Let your children know your expectations and what they can expect. Our kids are introduced to a lot of new people and activities, and they often don’t know how to act. Before you step through the door of Grandma’s house, give them a rundown of what’s to come. Also offer any special instructions: “I know it’s hard not to run and play loudly at Grandma’s house, she’s just not used to it. When we get home you’ll be able to have fun with your noisy toys.”

2. Fill them in on the schedule and details. Do you have numerous holiday events during the week? Tell your kids where you’re going and what you’ll be doing. If possible help them create their own calendar and mark off the days. Make notes on dates they’ll need extra preparation, such as picking out a nice outfit. Remind them of the schedule as the week progresses.

3. Pack a fun activity bag. Boredom is one leading cause of misbehavior. If you’re shopping or visiting family, allow your child to pack special things to play with or do.

4. Calm yourself first. If you’re stressed, overstimulated, or overwhelmed, your kids will be too. Prepare your own heart and emotions for everything that’s happening. When you feel yourself tensing up or getting frustrated, take care of those emotions; take a few deep breaths and remind yourself what’s truly important . . . otherwise, you’ll be passing on those negative emotions.

Prepare. Plan. Practice. Pray. How to stop your kids from misbehaving! @TriciaGoyer

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Plan

5. Stick to the routine as much as possible. Make time for dinner as a family around the table even if you’re only having sandwiches. Get your children to bed on time as many nights as possible. Kids thrive on what’s familiar.

6. Create white space for your children to have a break. We sometimes think we have to fill the holidays with lots of extra-special events, but sometimes kids just want to chill out with a fun movie or play with their toys, and that’s OK.

7. Allow your kids to pick out their favorite activities. Ask, “What would your ideal holiday look like if you planned it?” Our family usually picks 2–3 favorite activities, such as baking cookies, looking at Christmas lights, and reading a few favorite Christmas stories. Don’t feel as if you have to do everything.

8. Understand kids can be stressed too. Give your kids permission to let you know when they need some quiet time. Are there too many people at Aunt Jennifer’s house? Make a plan ahead of time for a place your child can go for quiet—like cuddling on auntie’s bed—even for a few minutes.

Practice

9. Don’t give in to misbehavior. If you give in once, you can count on your children trying it again. Don’t worry if everyone is watching you at the family gathering; don’t let your child act out and then get his away. Think through possible areas of discord. Practice dealing with conflict at home before you’re in the middle of family events.

10. Offer a reward. All of us work for rewards. We do our work for a paycheck. We finish up our work quickly to have time to read for enjoyment. We choose the salad for dinner so we can have dessert. Offer a reward for good behavior, such as, “If you stick with me at the mall in the two shops I have to go to, I’ll let you pick a card game for us to play together when we get home.” Practice working on behaviors and getting small rewards at home so they know what to expect.

Pray

11. Be a problem-solver. Kids act out when they don’t know how to solve their problems. Ofter solutions for whatever issues they’re facing. Pray for them during times of conflict and stress.

12. Pray with your child. Remind him he can always turn to God when he feels like he wants to act out. Pray with him and model what it looks likes to turn to God in prayer. Pray that God will help him be loving, patient, kind, and thoughtful even in the midst of the holiday busyness. And ask him to pray the same for you.

Grumble Free Mom

It wasn’t always easy and the results weren’t immediate, but after a year of no grumbling, our life as a family has radically changed. Now, instead of finding fault and looking for excuses, we find joy in the journey–whether rain or sun. We have learned to laugh at our struggles and look for God in the small inconveniences. Day in and day out we are growing and becoming more thankful for all we have.

Get yours here: www.thegrumblefreeyear.com

Grow in Gratitude with the Grumble Free Year

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Sight and Sound Theater and Canyon Retreat … the best of Branson for families!

 

Sight and Sound Theater and Canyon Retreat … the best of Branson for families!

Are you a large family looking for the perfect getaway retreat?  Our favorite place to vacation in is Branson, Missouri.

Why we love Branson:

  1. Family-friendly atmosphere.
  2. Lots to do! We love Silver Dollar City, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai, Top of the Rock Caves, and … Sight and Sound Theatres!
  3. It’s close to us … only 3 1/2 hours from Little Rock.
  4. Fun for families!

We try to get to Branson a few times a year. We’re NEVER disappointed! Our family has experienced, Jonah, Moses and Samson at Sight and Sound. We knew we wanted to attend The Miracle of Christmas as soon as we heard about it!

Sight and Sound Theater and Canyon Retreat

Sight and Sound Theater and Canyon Retreat

 

This holiday season, travel back in time to Bethlehem as the original Christmas story unfolds all around you. Journey alongside Mary and Joseph, a flock of surprised shepherds, and three wisemen – along with their camels! Experience MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS as it comes to life on stage with massive sets and live animals in this cherished holiday production from Sight & Sound Theatres.

Our family LOVED the show! These shows are biblically accurate, dramatic and extremely well-produced. The music and the message shines. Numerous times tears of joy and thankfulness flooded over me. The true meaning of Christmas shined through.

I loved how the show started by showing the oppression of Rome, and we experienced what that betrothal of Mary and Joseph would have looked like. The community and the families surrounding the young couple reminded me of how many people were impacted by the announcement of Mary’s pregnancy. This no doubt shook up the small village!

I also loved how other biblical characters interacted with Mary and Joseph. From Zachariah and Elizabeth to Simeon, to Roman soldiers, we were able to see how each person reacted to Mary’s pregnancy.

And the portrayal of the journey to Bethlehem and Jesus’ birth was impactful! There were numerous times I’d hear my children gasp.

After the show, I was able to interview Racheal Jones who plays Mary. Enjoy the video!

 

Sight and Sound Theater and Canyon Retreat

 

This holiday season take your family to see a Miracle of Christmas!

It’s highly recommended.

 

Show: MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS (6th season in Branson)

Show dates: November 1-December 28

Location: Sight & Sound Theatres

Address: 1001 Shepherd of the Hills Expy

Branson, MO 65616

Contact: (800) 377-1277

Trailer: https://youtu.be/G2iKiVlkXtY

Link: https://www.sight-sound.com

Tickets: Adults (ages 13+): Mon – Sat: $49

Children (ages 3-12): Mon – Sat: $23

 

And coming Spring 2020!

Show: NOAH

Date: March 7-December 31, 2020

Address: 1001 Shepherd of the Hills Expy

Branson, MO 65616

Contact: (800) 377-1277

Trailer: https://youtu.be/s_aBh_fCKwY

Link: https://www.sight-sound.com

Tickets: Adults (ages 13+): Mon – Sat: $49

Children (ages 3-12): Mon – Sat: $23

 

With a catastrophic storm on its way, one man is given a monumental task: build a boat big enough to save his family from a flood that will cover the entire earth. But they won’t be alone. Returning for one season only, this landmark production takes you onboard one of the world’s best-known voyages, as live animals fill the stage and aisles. Set sail inside the enormous ark as this extraordinary Bible story comes to life all around you!

 


 

Check out our visit to see Jonah HERE.

Of course, while you’re in Branson you’ll need a place to stay. We love the Canyon Retreat from Branson Family Retreats!

Canyon Retreat

What does a big family like ours look for when we look for a place to stay?

  1. A good deal. Okay, I admit it. Not spending a ton of money on lodging is a huge priority. As convenient as hotels can be at times, hotels are more expensive. With ten people of varied ages (and a baby!), we would need four hotel rooms for everyone to be comfortable. In addition, when we stay in vacation homes as a family we also want…
  2. A place to gather. When we stay in the hotel, there is not a central place for us to gather and hang out–which is missing the point of getting away together.
  3. A feeling of home. The Canyon Retreat had so many amenities, it was feeling at home even while being away!

 

Branson Family Retreats

Enjoy Family at Branson Family Retreats

 

This was our second time at Canyon Retreat. We returned because it was perfect. The location is great (15 minutes from downtown Branson), and there was enough room for everyone … at a great price!

This space was perfect for my family to gather for our weekend away. With four bedrooms and four bathrooms (plus extra pull-out sofa beds in the lower level for the teens), everyone had space to hang out.

One improvement since the last time we were there was the addition of a hot tub on the back deck. My kids loved it and hung out there for hours. Even though there was a nip in the fall air, they enjoyed the beautiful views of the timber of Ozark hills and Table Rock Lake from the back deck.

The kitchen was loaded with all the cooking appliances I needed. We cooked up eggs and bacon for breakfast two mornings, and I made a family dinner that we enjoyed (before launching into board games!).

Main level:

Walking through the front door we were welcomed by the vaulted ceilings, large glass windows, cozy furniture with beautiful nautical decorations, and a welcoming open kitchen and dining area. Both main floor bedrooms have king-sized beds, private bathrooms, and flatscreen TVs. The master bedroom also has a large, jetted tub and walk-in closet.

Upstairs level:

Walking upstairs there was a cozy reading nook, two bedrooms with king-sized beds and flat-screened TVs. (In the little kids’ room they were excited to be able to watch Animal Planet without anyone fighting for the remote!)

Lower level:

Downstairs the teens took over the family room. With two sofa beds, a TV and a pool table, they found the perfect place to sleep in, hang out and relax.

Here is a VIDEO REVIEW of Canyon Retreat by Branson Family Retreats.

Personally, this retreat was special because we were able to spend time with our daughter Leslie and our granddaughter Amelia who we only get to see a few times a year. Below is a sweet video I captured of Papa and Amelia enjoying time together.

If you are considering a family vacation, we highly recommend Sight and Sound Theatres and Branson Family Retreats. You won’t be disappointed!

 

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Writer Wednesday with Christen Krumm

Today on Writer Wednesday we welcome Christen Krumm, author of It Happened at Christmas.

Enter below for a chance to win a signed copy of It Happened at Christmas! Winner will be e-mailed. Note: This post contains affiliate links.

Christen Krumm, author of new book It Happened at Christmas, shares about the books she reads.

Writer Wednesday with Christen Krumm: Books Authors Read

What was your favorite book as a child?

Oh goodness! I was the poster child book worm as a kid. The library was my favorite place to hang out—and since I was homeschooled, we hung out at the library a lot. When I was younger, I absolutely loved Baby Island. I just recently found a copy at Goodwill (I’m pretty sure there was squealing involved). My daughter and I have already read through it twice. In my teen years, I devoured anything by Dee Henderson. In fact, there were multiple times my mom had to ground me from reading until I got my math homework done (math, yuck!)

What book did you read that first made you want to be an author?

I don’t actually think it was one book, and more so just an immense love for story. I honestly can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a writer. Doctor and writer. Storm chaser and writer. Mom and writer — the “main” job changed (sometimes daily), but the one consistant — I always wanted to write!

What was the last book you read, just for fun?

I just finished Furious Hours for book club last month (well, dude to deadlines, I listened mostly to this one), and I’m currenty in the middle of American Royals by Katherine McGee.

What books are currently on your nightstand?

I have a Sweedish crime novel, The Preacher; A Gentleman in Moscow (on loan from my brother-in-law); An ARC of Sara Ella’s upcoming Coral; and Amy Mayto’s The Aftermath
What upcoming release are you most looking forward to?

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Christen Krumm lives with her real-life superhero husband and three barefoot wildings in small-town Arkansas. Coffee is the lifeblood, books are her drugs, and creating stories is her favorite.

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More about It Happened at Christmas

In this enchanting YA spin on While You Were Sleeping, Christen Krumm delivers laughter and Christmas sparkle through a swoon-worthy story of first love and belonging.

Life at Iverson Preparatory Boarding School isn’t easy when you’re basically the maid. Murphy Cain spends her days cleaning up after her upper-class peers in exchange for tuition while dodging their cutting remarks. All of that changes when she rescues her crush, the popular and hunky Tripp Harrington, after a near-fatal accident and is mistaken as his girlfriend.

Murphy finds herself struggling with the choice to reveal the truth or play along. As Tripp’s girl, his wealthy family will offer Murphy something she’s been craving her whole life—a chance to be one of the “in” crowd. A chance to belong. Without it, she’ll be right back where she started.

It only gets worse as Tripp’s brother Hank enters the picture. He’s handsome, down to earth, and seems to understand Murphy better than anyone else. The only problem? She’s supposed to be dating his brother.

As Christmas break draws to a close, Murphy must decide if telling the truth is worth losing it all or if the risk will bring a greater reward in the end.

Pre-Order a copy (Kindle or Paperback) to recieve an MP3 download of Hank’s Song, a signed bookmark, and two character trading cards! 

Purchase a copy of It Happened at Christmas
Kindle | Signed Paperback

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

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How to Find Joy When Your Life No Longer Seems Like Your Own

So this week my family had 20+ appointments. I wish I was joking. Five kids have three days of therapy, an appointment each day. One daughter had a tooth pulled and a cavity filled. Four kids had their yearly eye appointments. And, finally, two more kids had doctor's appointments. I suppose when you have seven kids at home that's to be expected. They all need check ups. And, even though we knew that most of them had physical and learning disabilities when we adopted them, that's a lot of weekly trips.
So this week my family had 20+ appointments. I wish I was joking. Five kids have three days of therapy, an appointment each day. One daughter had a tooth pulled and a cavity filled. Four kids had their yearly eye appointments. And, finally, two more kids had doctor’s appointments. I suppose when you have seven kids at home that’s to be expected. They all need check ups. And, even though we knew that most of them had physical and learning disabilities when we adopted them, that’s a lot of weekly trips.
Then, there was my book deadline. I turned in my new book, and Monday. AND there was the news that I needed to do more work on it before the editor could even begin her work. BIG SIGH.
Plus, I have a horrible head cold, and my husband has been out of town all week. Gee, this is starting to sound like Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day!
The thing is … it was a tiring week, but it wasn’t a bad one. We’ve gotten to the place where a lot of our kids’ behavior issues are manageable. The house is a MESS, but the kids are happy. They’re getting a long, and they’re excited that it’s December.
More than that, there’s some good news too. I got some good news from publishers, from audio book people, from my producers. AND I discovered that the contract is SIGNED and my book Praying for My Future Husband, which I wrote with my friend Robin Jones Gunn, will be published in CZECH!! Since my daughter Leslie is a missionary in the Czech Republic this is wonderful news!
I also applied for a program that could possibly provide home help for Grandma (which is needed), and my daughter Maria got her GORGEOUS Senior photos done. (Example below.) As you can see, there were spots of goodness mixed up with the busyness … and just isn’t that how life is?!
There are many days when my life DOES NOT feel like my own. I’m a cook, a cleaner, a taxi driver, a teacher and counselor. I pour myself out each day and drop into bed at night exhausted. And then I wake up and do it again.
Yet overall, I have joy. How?
1. I choose to be joyful. I choose to smile. I choose to be gentle. I choose to be kind. I choose to not worry about the mess. I choose to be thankful.
2. I focus on the truth. The truth is that God is at work. The truth is God is not surprised by the needs of these kids. The truth is God loves me even if the house is a mess. The truth is these kids have a home, and someone who takes care of them.

As we sneak into December, I pray that you can find joy even when your life is not your own. I pray you can focus on the truth, even when life is tiring. I pray that even when your life isn’t your own, you’ll know that it is HIS.

 

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My People | Leviticus 26:12

my-people-leviticus-26

Saturday Scripture

Leviticus 26:12

I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people. Leviticus 26:12

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being a personal God. You aren’t distant and removed from me, but you are with me all the time. Thank you for sending your Son to walk among us and make it possible to have this relationship with you. This Christmas season, I am most grateful for this precious and undeserved gift you’ve given. Keep my focus on serving you well and bringing praise to you name. I love you, Papa!

I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people. Leviticus 26:12

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

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