Good Advice

"Be present in all things and thankful for all things."
Maya Angelou

How Sweet!

Wondering how the trees from Moms' Night turned out? Then check out these cute creations. Well done, crafty ladies!

Finding the Majesty in the Mundane

Are there days when you feel like the mythical Sisyphus, pushing a rock uphill, only to have it roll back down every time? Motherhood can be like that- you put away the toys only to see them all pulled out again, spend three times as long cooking a meal as it takes for kids to eat it (or refuse to eat it, in some cases) or fold a load of laundry only to discover baskets overflowing with dirty clothes? Yes, the daily chores of mothering can sometimes feel repetitive and unrewarding. On those days, it's helpful to get a little perspective about the importance of these tasks.

from "No Mundane Tasks," part of a 31-day series on Revive Our Hearts (a radio program for women), hosted by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. To read the entire transcript or to listen to the broadcast go here.

Remember... as you’re cleaning - as you’re ironing, sewing, picking up, as you’re painting, as you’re beautifying your home, as you’re doing things to make your home attractive, remember that you’re painting a picture for your children—a picture of God. You’re demonstrating to your children in ways that penetrate deep into their hearts, the heart of God, the ways of God, and you’re increasing the likelihood that your children will grow up to love that God and to want to be like Him. You’re demonstrating parables of spiritual life to your children as you work with your hands, as you serve in your home.

... when you prepare food for your family, you’re demonstrating to them that God is a faithful provider.

... when you’re being quality conscious in the things that you purchase, you’re showing your children the excellence of the character of God.

... as you are orderly, you are teaching your children that God is a God of order.

... when you clean things up in your home, when you keep a clean home, you’re showing your children the importance of purity, holiness of heart, of being clean and washed before God.

... when you’re disciplined in your life and habits and schedule and the time you get up and the time you go to bed according to the way that God has directed your family, you’re teaching your children that the Christian life requires discipline. You are teaching them that you can’t just stay in bed and become spiritual. It requires effort and cooperation with God’s Spirit to develop godly habits, patterns, and sanctification in our lives.

... when you reach out your hands…to the poor and the needy and you’re ministering to the needs of others, you’re showing your children the heart of God for those who are poor and needy and oppressed.

There is indeed NO mundane task! Every task assigned to you is spiritual and paints a picture of God to your children.

Variations on a Theme

While you're out buying a styrofoam cone for the candy tree craft, you might want to buy a couple extra cones and try one of these similar projects.

Sequin Tree

Ribbon Tree

And for the advanced crafter, check out this one:

Candy Creations

Mom's Night Out

Thursday, November 19

Meet in Fellowship Hall at First Baptist at 7 pm.

There will be coffee and dessert. Please bring a dessert (and recipe) to share if you're able.

*No childcare provided.

We'll be making these charming Christmas crafts:

Here's your shopping list:

Styrofoam cone or other shape if you prefer

Your choice of candy

Ribbon

Candies that work well include peppermints, small candy canes, gum drops, Life Savers, and Red Hots. We'll provide the glue guns and glue sticks, some ribbon, and pins.

Bring your creativity and some Christmas spirit. Hope to see you there!

Christmas Countdown

Did you know that Christmas is six weeks from today? How is that possible?!

If such a realization makes your brain start screeching about to-do lists, shopping, wrapping, cooking, cleaning, and maniacal mom maneuvering to make merry memories, then take a few moments to breathe deeply and visit SimpleMom.net for their helpful 12 Weeks to Peaceful Christmas Series. Thanks to Anna P. for finding today's wonderful post about creating new family traditions. I liked them all, but might try this one this year:

Baby Jesus under the Tree

This simple tradition is great for little ones. When you put up and decorate the tree, include a simple empty manger at the base. You can make one out of wood, or you can create a makeshift manger out of a crate, a basket, or even a doll’s cradle.Each evening, after the kids are in bed, add a little bit of “straw” in the manger — raffia from a craft store works well. Then on Christmas morning, among the gifts, will be the most significant gift reflected in the season — baby Jesus was born. Use a simple, unadorned doll and place him swaddled on top of the straw.

What Christmas tradition are you thinking about incorporating into your family's celebrations this year?

The Key Points

photo from www.kamsewunique.com

Thanks to all who braved the cold and rainy conditions to attend today's meeting. A tasty, hot breakfast warmed things up, courtesy of the Friendship Harbor table.

A special thanks to Christine Hoover, who shared her powerful and touching testimony with us. To learn more about Charlottesville Community Church, visit their website. To learn more about Autism, some helpful sites include Autism Speaks, the Autism Research Institute, and the CDC's information on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

We ended the meeting by making grosgrain ribbon key chains, which brought some colorful cheer to this rainy day.

Don't forget: If you plan to attend the Christmas Party on Friday, December 4 and did not sign up today, please let Lauren know. Five dollars secures your spot and helps ensure we have enough childcare providers, as well as a good estimate for food and beverages. Thanks!