Better to Give then to Receive
By Faith_Mom | November 20, 2008
A couple weeks ago we had a womens leadership meeting at my church. We were discussing what we want to accomplish as a church with our in house single Moms during the Christmas season.
One of the ideas we came up with was a “giving tree.” I am sure most of you have seen these at grocery stores and such. It is a tree with paper ornaments on it. Each “ornament,” has a name on it and a wish list. They are usually for children who live in childrens homes. These kids usually have no contact with their families and will never know who the person blessing them was. However, it is a HUGE blessing to these kids.
We have decided to do it with the single parent families in our church. Each of these kids will make a “wish list” card and someone from the church will pick a child and fulfill their wish list.
I think this is an awesome thing, and I have had a personal experience with it. When I was about 14/15, I lived in a childrens home. I had no contact with my Mother for months. Christmas rolled around and I was only 1 of 3 kids left in the cottage. All the other children were able to go home to be with their families. I was very sad and confused.
However, on Christmas morning, there were presents under the tree for me! Every item that I had put on MY wish list was there. I was SO happy. It is the most memorable Christmas experience I ever had because someone cared enough to go beyond their own wants and care for a stranger.
Now, back to our meeting…
While we were discussing our plans, our pastors wife shared what they did one year with their daughter. She told us how their daughter grew up with lots of privileges and never really lacked for anything. So, they decided that one year they would not exchange presents. Yes, you read right, they were not going to give her any gifts. Instead, she was going to use the money they would have spent and buy gifts for needy children.
Well, of course you can imagine what people in their church thought and said…I mean this was outrageous. Not to mention what their daughter was thinking and feeling. LOL!
Fast forward several years later when their daughter became an adult…she shared with her Mother how THAT was the BEST Christmas she ever had!
WOW!
So, I leave you with these questions to ponder…
Do your kids REALLY know the meaning of Christmas? Do they know the great gift of Jesus Christ given to them? Are others…OUTSIDE your family…the priority? Do we take the time to realize that while we are shopping for ipods, clothes, jewelry and toys that there are MANY who will have NOTHING under the tree if they even have a tree?
CHRISTmas is NOT about getting gifts or piling a ton of them under the tree for our kids. It is about a savior who was born to save a dying world. It is about love. Loving others MORE than ourselves. Loving those who are dirty and poor and OUTSIDE of our family unit and comfort zone.
Aren’t you glad that God GAVE?
Topics: Christmas, Family, Holidays, Moms, Parenting, Ramblings, Spiritual Growth, Stewardship, Teenagers, Toddlers, children | No Comments »
When You Are Overcome with Fear or Sadness…
By Faith_Mom | November 19, 2008
…RUN TO DADDY!
Psalm 143
Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. Don’t put your servant on trial, for no one is innocent before you. My enemy has chased me. He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave.
I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear.
I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.
Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die.
Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.
For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress. In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.
Have you ever felt like David? Do you live in fear? Have you ever felt like you were going to drown in depression or despair? I have. I struggle with feeling overwhelmed on a regular basis and I have to do just as David did. CRY OUT to God.
David did a lot of wrong things and lived in peril for most of his life. However, David KNEW WHO he belonged to and WHERE to run in his time of need.
Many times, we spend so much time wallowing in our misery that we fail to look up and cry out to the One Who loves us and is WITH us through EVERY trial and sad moment in life. He is here. He is with us. He will NEVER leave us or forsake us.
The lesson for us in this Psalm of David is to RUN to Daddy! Let is all out before Him and beg Him to guide every step you make…every thought you have…and every word you speak. Let HIM take the lead.
And…
Never forget His UNFAILING love for you every day! He LOVES YOU! God loves loves loves YOU! You are more precious to Him than anything. You are the apple of His eye. He loves you so much that He takes the time to watch over you and hear you. He even knows the amount of hairs you have on your head. He formed you and KNEW you in your mothers womb. He sent His only begotten Son to die for you so that you could be with HIM for all eternity! HE LOVES YOU!!! Yes, He REALLY does!!
Now, THAT should bring a smile to your face!
Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved
Let’s Pray;
Daddy God, thank You for loving and caring for me. Thank You for Your Word and the life it give. I love You, Lord and I want to crawl up on your lap and just sit with You. I am running to You, Daddy. I need You, NOW. I am in such turmoil and need Your everlasting love to embrace me and for You to save me from my own thoughts and feelings. Help me, Lord. Help me to remember WHO I belong to and all the many reasons to smile! Thank You. In Jesus Mighty Name.
Your Homework:
Look up the following Scriptures and study them…
- Hebrews 13:5
- Joshua 1:5
- Psalm 37:25
- 2 Corinthians 4:9, 10:5
- Romans 8:31-33
Dig Deeper:
Study Daddy’s Word and learn about what HE thinks of YOU!
Memorize: Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ - 2 Corinthians 10:5
Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved
Topics: Devotionals, Encouragement, Moms, Spiritual Growth | 3 Comments »
Tuesdays Mommy Tip - Sore Throat Soother
By Faith_Mom | November 18, 2008
Do you have a great tip for Moms? They can be about anything (family friendly, of course) that pertains to a Mom’s life, including; beauty, kitchen, health, parenting, and so much more! Click Here to find out how YOU can join Moms of Faith’s Tuesday’s Mommy Tips!
NOTE: PLEASE read the rules. We have a few who are not posting to the ACTUAL TIP post on their blog. I need you to post your link to the actual TIP POST…NOT the main page of your site. THANK YOU!!
OK, on to this week’s Mommy tip…
Sore Throat Soother
This is the season for sore throats…a quick tip that always helps my kids feel better is a teaspoon of honey. Maybe it is the sugar…LOL…however, I choose to believe that it is the soothing texture and how it sticks there for a bit. 
Topics: Dr. Mom, Family, Health, Moms, Parenting, Tips, Tuesday's Mommy Tip, children | No Comments »
Budget Friendly Christmas Gift Ideas
By Faith_Mom | November 17, 2008
This time of year can be expensive. Throw in an ailing economy and it can be down right depressing. However, we can have a decent Christmas and not break the bank. Below are some inexpensive gift ideas to help you get the most for your money!
Quick Tip: The very BEST way to shop is to shop AFTER the holidays and get all the great 50-70% off sales. You can also look for big sales throughout the year. If you can plan for that each year, you will have most of the work done by the time the next holiday season rolls around!
Low Cost Gift Ideas:
Homemade gifts:
A few Examples…
- knit, sew, crochet - You can make blankets, scarves, mittens, napkins, etc.
- scrapbook- You can create a photo collage, a special memory scrapbook, etc.
- woodwork - You can design some napkin rings, pens, cross, keepsake box, etc.
- jewelry - This is a great idea for those who have this ability. Make a beaded necklace, earring, etc.
- potpourri - You can make your own with different spices and scented oils.
- bath salts - create you own homemade jars of bath soaps
- Be Creative! You can do SO much of you just get those creative juices flowing and USE your God given talents!
Practical and Inexpensive Gifts you can Buy:
Time: Nothing says I care more than your time. You can make a coupon gift, take a friend to lunch, organize a room in your friend’s house. Whatever your talent is, give it to someone. It costs you nothing but your time and THAT is the best gift you can give.
Edible Goodies: This can go in so many directions. Cook for someone. Bake cookies and put them in decorative tins you can get at the dollar store. Make jar gifts with the dry ingredients and recipe of your favorite cookies, brownies, etc.
Pedicure: This is less then $20 and I know BOTH sexes like this! LOL!
Gift Cards: These are great gifts when you have no time or for parties. $10 is not a bad gift card. Trust me the person will NOT give it back! LOL!
Music: Create a CD of your friend or loved one’s favorite songs. If it is for a spouse make a LOVE CD.
Chocolate: For many women this is a gift they will LOVE you for!
Ornament: You can buy or design a pretty ornament.
Gift Basket: Get in inexpensive basket and add some of their favorite things to it. Or make it themed…candles, spa, edibles, etc.
Candles: Need I say more?
Gourmet Nuts: They sell these at grocery stores cheap. You can put them in a pretty container and there you have a yummy and fun gift.
Stationary: This is always a sure thing with a woman.
Gourmet Coffee or Teas: Again, you can find these in grocery stores. Instead of going to a specialty sop where you will spend too much money, buy them at the grocery store and make the presentation creative.
Magazine Subscription: Most magazine subscriptions are fairly inexpensive. They usually range from $10-$25.
Movie Night: Buy a $5 blockbuster gift card, large microwave movie theatre popcorn bowl, and candy. Put it in the popcorn container and there you have a gift that anyone will appreciate.
Beauty Supplies: Look for sales. Buy one get one free lotions are very popular this time of year. Use it to your advantage and you can have two gifts for the price of one.
Framed Picture: This is the perfect gift for a parent of loved one. Frame a picture you know they will appreciate. They will LOVE it!
For the Kids…Below are Cheap Gift Ideas for your children and teenagers.
Some of these inexpensive gift ideas can be used for multiple ages. That is why you may see the same idea more than once with a different twist in some cases!.
Toddlers…
Balls: Toddlers are easy to please. Balls are fun and teach eye hand coordination.
Dress Up Clothes: You do not have to spend a fortune on a store bought dress up outfit! Go to your local thrift store, give some pretty hand me downs, or clear your closet. They will LOVE dressing up.
Puzzles: Great gifts for little ones.
Books: Buy them a book and READ it to them.
Play Dough: My kids LOVED play dough and it’s non toxic, so this is a great and inexpensive gift for toddlers and even a little older.
Stuffed Animals: Who doesn’t love stuffed animals?
Children 5-10…
Time: Time is important to your kids. Make them a special coupon book of things you know they would like to do. Or make a “gift certificate” of a special day you plan and present it to them. They will have it to look forward to in the near future.
Dress Up Clothes: You do not have to spend a fortune on a store bought dress up outfit! Go to your local thrift store, give some pretty hand me downs, or clear your closet. They will LOVE dressing up.
Candy: This is a no-brainer.
Board game: Games are fun. PLAY the games with them.
Books: Buy them their favorite book or a few in their favorite series.
Diary: Encourage them to write their feelings.
Coloring Books and Crayons: Most kids love to color.
Hot Wheels: My HUSBAND loves these. LOL!
Stuffed Animals: Who doesn’t love stuffed animals?
Barbies: Great gift for a girl and MANY of them are $10 and under.
Slippers: Kids love character slippers. Pay Less sells them for cheap.
Jump Rope: Easy and great gift to get them moving.
Tweens and Teens…
Time: Time is important to your kids. Make them a special coupon book of things you know they would like to do. Or make a “gift certificate” of a special day you plan and present it to them. They will have it to look forward to in the near future.
Candy: This is a no-brainer.
Board game: Get a great game that a teenager will like and tape a coupon on it for a fun day with family and friends to play it. Teens are at the end of there time with us. MAKE the MOST of it!
Gift Cards: Teenagers LOVE to shop. This is a GREAT gift for a boy or girl.
Beauty Supplies: Most teenage girls LOVE anything related to beauty.
Disposable Cell Phone: If you cannot afford a cell phone, get them a disposable one. At least they will get it for a bit and it will encourage them to work for it!
CD’s: Music is a no-brainer. Be careful what you put in their ears though!
Books: If they like to read, get them their favorite type of book. Or get a devotional book. Spiritual growth is important at this age.
Journals: They need to have a place to vent and put their feelings
Pens: I know girls love these.
Craft Supplies: If they are crafty or good with their hands this is a fun gift.
Models: A lot of boys like to create models.
Pedicure: This is less then $20 and I know BOTH sexes like this! LOL!
Sports: Get them a poster of their favorite sports person. Or, anything related to sports!
Party: Create a coupon or certificate agreeing to throw a slumber or regular party for them and be the hostess with the mostest.
Clothes: What teenager doesn’t like clothes?
Magazine Subscription: Most magazine subscriptions are fairly inexpensive. They range from $10-$25.
As you can see, there are MANY things that you can do and buy this Christmas season without going crazy and overspending. Be creative. Pray. Look for the best deals, and soon you will find that holidays do not need to be expensive!
Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved.
Do you have any ideas for cheap and inexpensive gift ideas? PLEASE let us know! You can respond to this post or email them to me at submissions @ momsoffaith.com!
Have an inexpensive Holiday Season!
Topics: Baby, Chocolate, Christmas, Crafts, Encouragement, Family, Frugal, Fun, Hobbies, Holidays, Moms, Money, Parenting, Stewardship, Teenagers, Tips, Toddlers, children | 1 Comment »
CONGRATULATIONS Paulette!
By Faith_Mom | November 17, 2008
Paulette entered our “Funny Mom Moment” Fun Fridays Contest and WON! She won a complete blog makeover ($225 value!)!! WHOO HOO! Congrats, Paulette! Please send me an email to Lara @ momsoffaith.com with I am a FUN Friday Winner in the subject line!
You could win too! WATCH for FUN Fridays on Moms of Faith!!!
Topics: Announcements, Fun Fridays, Winners | No Comments »
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