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My Mucky Messed Up Car (+ A Savor The Season Giveaway)


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UPDATE: Congratulations to mariea at m_mgo…@ju…com and Chelsea at wilk…._c@hotma….com ~ you are our winners! We’ll be emailing you shortly ~ thanks so much for all your comments, I’ve loved hearing from each and every one of you! 

Today I had an eye doctor appointment at 1:15.

 

Well, I THOUGHT it was 1:15 but in classic Laurie-and-almost-every-other-mom-I-know style it was really at 1:00, and by the time I got there they said I was too late and they’d have to reschedule.

 

Which I was totally-completely-one-million-and-one-percent okay with, because I’m a mom.

 

And I run a business while my kids are at school, so 1 o’clock is a serious sacrifice for me.

 

And really I didn’t have a single minute to sit at the eye doctor today.

 

However . . . if you give a mouse a muffin . . . 

 

or a momma an extra hour in her day . . .

 

She somehow ends up at the car wash.

I’d been dreaming of a clean car for about a month (it.was.gross.), so I high-tailed my way to the car wash and figured in just 10 minutes I’d have that mess cleaned right up. 

 

I cleaned.

 

And cleaned.

 

And cleaned. 

 

In fact, while I was cleaning I noticed exactly seven middle-plus-aged men come in and out in their way-too-fancy-shinied-up-cars while I kept on cleaning. 

 

Then a super cute little twelve year old (okay, maybe she was sixteen), came by to vacuum out her car and roll away in exactly seven seconds while I continued to scrub.

 

And scrub.

 

And scrub. 

 

{She has no idea of the french-fry-laden-minivan awaiting her in the future.}

 

{Bless her sweet darling little heart.} 🙂

 

{ooch.}

 

I vacuumed out eight million crumbs. 

 

I found an old Fitbit my daughter had been missing for months.

 

I made a donation pile including the 9-year-old-recorder I’m ever-so-thankful to be done with now that all three kids have survived the 4th grade.

 

{Ahem. Now that my husband and I have survived listening to that blessed recorder through all three kids surviving the 4th grade.}

As I kept right on cleaning, I realized the more I cleaned the more gunk seemed to ooze right out from underneath the seats. 

 

The more crumpled up wrappers found their way out from the crevices in between the seats.

 

And the more mismatched single soccer socks appeared from my poor car’s eight-hundred-and-seventy-five secret spots. 

 

whew. 

 

The gook just kept rising up .  . . in fact, the more I cleaned, the more mess I realized was hunkered down in between the seats.

 

{Clearly, my cute Honda needs a bath just a wee bit more frequently.}

 

As I stood there at the car wash in the freezing cold watching Mr. Perfect-Clean-Car to my right and Ms. Darling-No-One-Messes-Up-My-Car-But-Myself to my left, it dawned on me . . .

 

the mess isn’t going to go anywhere. (Because these people who make this mess are around to stay for at least the next few years. And really, I’m okay with that.)

But I also realized that this car ~ the one that kept needing to be cleaned and scrubbed and seriously wiped down was a lot like my heart some days.

 

There are days when I set my day determined to start with the purest of intentions to be genuinely kind, perfectly content, and honestly just pure of Spirit like I’d sure love that car to be, but the mess and muck from the innermost part of my heart rises to the top all too readily.

 

I really do try to clean up shop in that heart of mine, wipe down the grime, and soothe over the mess, but every so often, the sledge keeps on bubbling up.

 

Bleck.

 

But then there’s this grace thing that comes in, and good. gravy. it’s just the best.

After all that muck and mire and mess, I came home to a handful of fresh flowers that my 17-year-old brought home for me. 

 

{He said they were on sale for Kroger for a buck-ninety-nine, and he couldn’t pass up the deal.}

 

#proudpassionatepennypinchermommoment 🙂

And all of a sudden,  my worn-out-messy-gunky-heart felt a wee bit freshened up today.

 

But the truth that you and I know is that flowers for a $1.99 can sure make a day brighter, but they can’t clear out the mud (and let’s be honest, $1.99 flowers don’t happen every day!)

 

We can however choose to slow down, freshen our heart just a little more often than we clean out our cars, and soak in the goodness His grace affords us every day. 

 

Which brings me to this.

 

(That was a LOT of words y’all for where we’re heading ~ did you stick around for all that???) 🙂 

Recently I had the opportunity to review our pastor Dean Fulks’ new book Your Next 30 Days, and he was incredibly generous and offered to give away 5 of the books to Passionate Penny Pincher readers. Dean’s been our pastor for the last few years, and we’ve been blessed by his ability to take God-sized concepts and break them down into understandable bite-sized pieces.

 

Your Next 30Days will challenge you to take just 30 days to walk deeper in your faith, encouraging you to dig a little further and do a little more soul searching on those days when you’re heart could use some de-cluttering too.

 

Today as I was cleaning out that car, I remembered that during this crazy time of year it’s so easy to get wrapped up in all the baking, decorating, wrapping and gift-giving that we forget to settle down, settle into the season, and freshen up our hearts too.

 

So I wanted to give you a much needed opportunity for a little soul-re-freshening if your heart’s like mine and needs some tidying up today too.

I’d love for you to enter to win a copy of Your Next 30 Days along with the Write the Word Bible Journal: Scripture Faith Journal I’ve been using recently.

 

(My ten-year-old Reagan and I have been journaling at night together, and I highly recommend those too! Plus, we’ll throw in a $10 Chick-Fil-A Card too, because Chick-Fil-A Chicken Minis + a good read + a little journaling just make for the nicest night.)

 

If you’re looking for a way to freshen up your soul the same way my soul needs some cleaning out, I know these books are just for you. (You can order your own Your Next 30 Days Right over HERE ~ and this would make an amazing gift for your spouse too ~ my husband has had it on his nightstand for the last week and has really enjoyed it, and I’ve loved the daily encouraging messages too!)

 

Here’s how to enter for your chance to win (we’ll be giving away 3 sets on the PPP Facebook page + two more sets here!)

 

 

Take just a minute and enter to win today – I promise, this Christmas season will be blessed because you did!

 

(P.S. If you missed my FB live you can view it here where I show off the books, and talk about a few secrets to surviving the Christmas season too!)

 

 

 

 

Note: This giveaway is not sponsored by Facebook ~ just a gift to thank y’all for reading and being a part of PPP ~ I’m crazy thankful for you! Giveaway ends 12/7/17 at 9:00 PM Eastern Time. Good luck!

 

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  1. Vicki says

    Joy to the world. I love this time of year. I reflect on last year and make goals for up coming no year. It reminds me how blessed I am

  2. Kelly Marchand says

    I need to take time this season to de-stress and unclutter my mind and life. As a wife and mom things seem to pile up and I very seldomly take time to do things for me. Even when I do take a moment for myself I usually feel guilty.

  3. Kay Griggs says

    My favorite carol is Silent Night. I lost my husband of27 years to cancer this past July and I am having a very hard time feeling close to God like I should, I feel hurt and betrayed even though I know his work is for the best.

  4. Heather Fields says

    I just love all the Old Christmas Carols and none of the eklectronicky ones. I am always in need of a good settle down book especially after the busy holidays

  5. Marie says

    My favorite song is hard to pick. But if I had to pick just one it would be On Holy Night… or maybe Ave Maria… or Mary Did you Know… or… this season throught some challenges the past month i have learned to trust God, trust in the challenges he gives me, trust that he is allowing these thibgs for my learning and my growth. Be greatful for his love and deliverance.

  6. Melissa Tingler says

    This year has really brought the season into perspective for me. My husband serves in the military. We’ve been very lucky so far and this is the first Christmas we’ve been apart. It also happens to be my oldest son’s last Christmas as a “kid”. So this year, rather than focus on the shopping and making everything perfect, I’ve focused on making memories. I take the time to drive around and let my 2 year old look at the lights. We went to the town Christmas festival and sang songs while we drank hot chocolate. You don’t realize how much it means until everything changes. Then you wish you had made time for those things all along.

  7. Dawn Rhymes says

    Laurie,
    I love your heart! Thanks for being a blessing to so many! God is good all the time!!! Enjoy those $1.99 flowers!

  8. Kelly says

    I could really use this. Life is CRAZY right now with a 21 yr old needing to be dropped off at work by 7:45am M-F and my Senior has to be dropped off at school before I take her sister to work; both are carless but saving for vehicles. My Senior also has a job she. Redd to be dropped off at. I homeschool my 10 yr old, and that also keeps me busy. My husbands job takes him out of town at least 2 nights every week; he is flying home from KY as I type this. I keep telling myself this is a season that will soon pass; especially as my Senior is wanting to attend College of the Ozarks next year and we live in NE. My 21 yr old is in a serious relationship, and will be married either Fall of 2018 or Sring of 2019; her amazing boyfriend brings her home from work to help save my sanity. 🙂
    I shared the five away and will go back and do the rest of the required steps.

  9. Jennifer Valentine says

    I love everything about this giveaway, this is so needed in my life!
    My favorite Christmas Carol is Hallelujah.
    Thank you for the chance to win!

  10. Sarah Humphrey says

    So many carols from which to choose! A sentimental favorite is “Silver Bells”, because it was my grandma’s favorite. I absolutely love “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”.

  11. Sarah Barrett says

    My favorite Christmas carol is a tie between “O Holy Night” and “Wexford Carol”. I love the drama of both songs that gives me goose bumps.

    Merry Christmas!

  12. Ashleigh Hall says

    I love Away in a Manger! It forces me to remember what the REAL reason for the season is and how Our Lord’s birth saved us all! I get chills just thinking about how lucky and blessed I am to know and celebrate CHRISTmas!

  13. Kara McCann says

    I have just been rediagnosed with ovarian cancer for the second time in three years. Restarting the world’s worst chemo right during the holidays is so hard on my husband and two kiddos. I would love this to help perk our faith and spirits up and to help us focus on the real reason of Christmas!

  14. Kara McCann says

    I just got rediagnosed with ovarian cancer for the second time In three years. I could really use a boost in my faith at the moment! Merry Christmas and thanks for your page- I love it!

  15. Laurie says

    The Little Drummer Boy is one of my very favorite Christmas carols. It reminds me, every time that I hear it, that no matter who you are or where you are in life, you matter. God loves you, and you have a purpose, an important one. Just typing this comment brought a smile to my face. 🙂

  16. Angela says

    My favorite Christmas Carol is Oh Holy Night. I need to settle down and soak up the season because I am a teacher and soooo busy. I need to just stop and breath sometimes. I would really like to spend some time with Jesus and get myself some of his sweet grace.

  17. Debbie says

    I have two songs that touch me so much they bring tears to my eyes… O Holy Night and Ava Maria. Soooo beautiful.

  18. Michelle Johnson says

    Oh Holy Night is my favorite Christmas Song. I remember hearing the words, “fall on your knees”, when I was a little girl, wondering what in the world that meant. Now, having walked with the Lord for the last 34 years, I have found myself on my knees often, asking God to walk through the valley’s with me. He has always been faithful.

  19. Nancy says

    30 day challenge would be good for me. I have been praying for a closer walk with God and wisdom to love more unconditionally!!!

    Thanks!

  20. Liz Ticona says

    I love Joy to the World & also definitely, my heart too needs a bit of tidying up to do. Since hubby lost his job a few months ago, we have been more than struggling so my hope and faith have some days led me to feel sad for us because our kids won’t have this toy or that outfit for the holidays since we can barely make ends meet and then i see othe rpople on facebook posting about all the stuff they buy..but I need to remind myself that God gives us what we need in his OWN TIME 🙂 Thank you for this post! 🙂

  21. Chelsea says

    Away in a manger is my favorite. It is about the true meaning of Christmas. I need to slow down and enjoy the season because my daughter will only be little for a few years. She is 5 now and I want to take time to enjoy the important things in life with her

  22. Meredith says

    My favorite Christmas song is “Silent Night”. Thank you for the recipes and cheat sheet. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

  23. Marleen Viola says

    My favorite Christmas carol is “Mary, Did you Know? – I just love listening and singing to that every year!

  24. Chyrl Kelley says

    O Holy Night has been my favorite since I was a little girl. It seemed to always be sung on the variety shows that were popular in the black and white days of television. Now it calms my soul when I hear it and reminds me what is important.

  25. KatZ says

    My favorite Christmas song is any that has lots of piano because my daughter plays piano and it warms my heart to hear her play. Then it makes me stop….listen…..and try to slow down enough to savor the season and my family

  26. Rayelene says

    Mary did you know is my favorite. I need to find a way to enjoy this season in the midst of the mess (literally a mess from Hurricane Harvey) our house is livable (and I’m soooo thankful for that) but still torn apart and just a mess…and I need to find a way to settle in and find joy in the midst of the mess…..

  27. Breanna Creed says

    My favorite Christmas carol right now is probably “A Very Monkey Christmas” lol. I have a 3 year old in love with curious George, so we’ve been hearing lots of that song lately at our house

  28. Jessica McIntosh says

    I LOVE the old, traditional carols. God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman or Silent Night. Or pretty much anything that any of my daughters choirs have sang through the years ❤️

  29. Suzanne Estel says

    So many to choose from! Let’s have some…Joy to the World! Thank you for this opportunity and your generosity!

  30. Melodie says

    Silent Night! I need to slow down and think about the really important things this season and not get caught up in the worldy part of it.

  31. Laura says

    Hark the Herald Angels Sing….with 8 children, 4 children-in-laws and 6 grandchildren….I can always use any reminder to slow down and contemplate the real reason I am so busy. ❤️

  32. Jacqueline Monaco says

    I need to slow down this holiday season because I spend most of my days raising my twin girls, Greyson and Braelynn, who are officially a year and a half old today! I also teach writing at my local community college three days a week, and after I put the girls to bed, I leave for my other job, which I do six days a week: tutoring. I need a way to focus on myself and my spirituality for a little while each day. Thanks for an awesome blog, Laurie!

  33. Mariea says

    I loved reading your journal entry! Thank you for sharing. Refreshing to know I’m not the only one. Lol. My favorite Christmas song is Mary Did You Know . In my busy life of being a full time working mom I rarely take time to read but I read your posts and emails because you inspire me. Thank you. I definitely need the Next 30days and who doesn’t need chick films, right !? I have a 9 year old daughter and I love the idea of journaling together. Thanks for that and thanks for all you do.

  34. Darlene Suggs says

    December 13 will be the anniversary of my dad’s death. Last year it was so close to Christmas that I just coasted through and don’t really remember it. This year I’m struggling.

  35. Kimmy G says

    Nice story. “Joy To The World” the Whitney Houston version from the movie “The Preacher’s Wife” soundtrack. My 2 20 something children really need something like this! Great idea!

  36. Stephanie Marcum says

    “Mary Did You Know” is my favorite Christmas song. I would love to win those. (From Oklahoma). Thanks!

  37. Jillain says

    Downloading as as I type this- Thankyou so much, this is something I know I’ll use immediately!
    Thanks for the chance to win too!

  38. Jillain says

    Loved this article- summed up the things that often go through my brain!
    Would love to win this, think it may be just what I need right now 😉
    Favorite Christmas carol-
    there are so many beautiful Christmas songs
    ( Silent Night, The First Noel….) so many fun versions done by may fav singers( Bon Jovi- Please Come Home for Christmas, Zoey Deshanel- song from Elf, David Bowie/Bing Crosby – Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy)
    But I must confess, my favorite is Raffi- Must Be Santa! Because when I Hear that song today, even though my kids are mid to late 20’s now… in my mind they are instantly back at 5-on the stage in the school cafeteria, singing Raffi at their kindergarten Christmas show- santa hats, bells, and all the handmotions to go along with the song!
    And I am STILL in awe, of how this little person has grown so fast, and is there right before my eyes SINGING on a school stage with the magic and wonder of Christmas and everything about it, beaming off his/her cute little face- singing with all their might! And it makes me feel all warm and glowy, with that total Christmas spirit!!
    So, yea… Raffie- must be Santa is my favorite Christmas carol!!!

  39. Amy Duffy says

    I downloaded and printed your Ultimate Christmas Check List last week. Thank you so much. It has helped so much already.

  40. Hilary says

    My favorite Christmas songs are silent night and little drummer boy. They always get me in the Christmas spirit. Also, I shared your post and downloaded the checklist.

  41. Susan says

    Harry Connick, Jr. singing
    (It Must’ve Been Ol’) Santa Claus or I Pray On Christmas. I like them both! Love Harry!

  42. Denise says

    Oh, i did share because I am sure there are people i know that would love your site. I share your posts so others can see whats up. My favorite carol is O Holy Night.

  43. Denise says

    I have downloaded your sweet gift. Thank you. I was all over your site looking for
    The recipes. I made a lot of your sweet goodies last year and they were a big hit. Somehow i lost the printout. Lol oh well, i just re printed it. Again Thank you.

  44. Donna says

    Hi Laurie, Thank you so much for the Christmas cheat sheet and the extras!!!
    I have 2 favorite Christmas carols (sorry, I couldn’t choose between the two) What Child Is This and Mary Did You Know.

  45. Renee hoppes says

    I love to read… I lost my job this fall… unexpectedly. And my family has bee struggling. Now understand we have food on the table… but it’s so tight. And with my husband on disability.. well I was the bread winning in the famil… then god presented us with a teenage boy who had no home.. so guess what, yes ma’am we took him in. People said… another mouth to feed… more work for you cleaning and doing laundry… but al I seen was a young boy who was homeless:-/ my heart broke for him… so he is here also and I tell them every day… GOD WILL PROVIDE A WAY FOR us!

  46. Jody says

    I️ already downloaded and printed out your generous Christmas gift to us. Thank you for your generous heart, and May God continue to bless you as you continue to show others His gracious and merciful love.

  47. Linda carlson says

    Oh Holy Night and my little one I nanny has just learned Frosty the Snowman and now he loves to thumpetty thump thumb around the kitchen , after we summon Alexa to play the song for him again and again or as he was Alexa peat, meaning repeat.

  48. Pam says

    O Little Town of Bethlehem – anything to help slow down the time would be great or at least to help me reflect. Shared and downloaded.

  49. Jennifer says

    I shared on Facebook. I would love to win as this time of year is very stressful and my family and I have so much going on.

  50. Amy Ruth Beard Brooks says

    Today was a stressful day! I found a lump about two months ago and today I saw the surgeon! Sit on it for 6 months unless it changes in any way shape or form then come back sooner ! If it’s still there in 6 months we take it out! Usually I stress about this but today I didn’t! I said to myself it is what it is and I went on! Why? This week would’ve been my Mommas birthday! She was born 12-6-50! This is important because my Momma was adopted! So the not knowing medical background puts me at a higher risk! The stressful part, but a calmness came over me and I felt good when I left unlike when I entered the office! Life is what it is! God bless Laurie!!

  51. Jessica Jennings says

    I need to soak in the season because this will probably be the last year both of my kids will believe in Santa. They are 9 and 11.

  52. Kayla Russell says

    My favorite Christmas song is Mary Did You Know? And I love the version sung by Pentatonix. What a fun little way to enter 🙂

  53. Diane P Moon says

    My favorite Christmas song as of late is “A Hallelujah Christmas” by Cloverton. Such a beautiful recounting of the nativity story & the message of the cross.

  54. Kim Bachman says

    My favorite Christmas carol is The Drummer Boy, loves it since I was a kid.
    It is easy to get caught in the stresses this season can bring with it, I remind myself often to just be still and to stop rushing through the day or events. It helps me to have more Joy!

  55. Alicia Whitten says

    Mary did you know is one of my favorite Christmas songs.
    Love your blog and this post is so true. I can tell when I am not spending quality time with the Lord and in the word.
    Going now to share the fb post and download The Christmas made easy. I can use all the help I can get. Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway.

  56. Vanessa says

    Hello!
    So I commented & shared on Facebook earlier when you were live! I have downloaded Christmas made easy as well!
    My fav song is Oh Holy Night!
    I think this Would be a good way for me to scale back from the hustle & bustle busy life I’ve been trying to keep up with. I have a handsome 3 year old that keeps me forever on the go! I would love to be able to allow this is my life for some me time! Thank you & Happy Holidays!

  57. Nancy Saller says

    Although my family is grown and gone, I still have grandchildren who stop by and give me a hug and tell me they love me. I am so grateful for all my family. I love the encouragement that you give to your fans. You and your family are wonderful people and I so enjoy you posts. Thank you!

  58. Sonja Burden says

    My favorite Christmas Carol is Baby it’s cold outside. And I need to slow down and soak in the season because I have come to realize that time is flying by and my kids are getting older. I need to slow down and enjoy the time I have with them before they grow up and move out and start a family of their own. Even though they will always be my babies, it’s just not the same when they get busy with families of their own.

  59. Dana says

    Oh Holy Night. Just about brings me to tears when I hear it, it is just so powerful. Love that you are offering these. Practically live on your site. Just downloaded your Christmas Made Easy Cheat Sheet. Thank you from one Kentucky gal to another.

  60. CR tucker says

    Grandma got ran over by a reindeer, every time I hear it, I think of my Dad, he use to go around sing it all time… with a big Christmas smile…

  61. Nancy says

    This would be very nice to win!!! I am rather stressed, I am in law enforcement, so I have to work over the holidays. So I must get everything done early, and find time to see everyone before the holidays, and then leave my husband alone as I go off to work!!

  62. Michelle Turner says

    I have downloaded Christmas made easy! I already made a recipe from it too! The easy marshmallow fudge and I added 2 drops of peppermint oil for a Young Living make and take i was hosting this weekend…so EASY and YUMMY!!

  63. Michelle Turner says

    I have SO many carols I love…Mary Did You Know, Oh Holy Night, Silent Night, and Who Would Imagine a King-Whitney Houston Preacher’s Wife soundtrack. LOVE them all =)

  64. Melissa Box says

    My favorite Christmas carol has to be O Holy Night. It’s stunning in every way. Each time I hear it I get goosebumps thinking about what God did for us by giving us His sweet Jesus. Gets me teary eyed to even type! “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices” is the line that truly clings to me. Jesus brings so much hope to us- thankfully not just during this season but always. In this crazy time of year, as a teacher, I am weary and exhausted. But I am able to rejoice, spread love to my children and also sacrifice–because God did the same for me. I love all Christmas songs, carols and melodies but this one is an all time favorite ❤️❤️ Blessings!!!

  65. Julane says

    Just requested the Christmas Helper Info booklet. Sounds like I should of done this awhile back-thanks for offering it.

  66. Trish Grapes says

    Love the car analogy…I can relate as earlier today I pulled in for an oil change and did the same thing trying to shove all the mess from my back seat and floor into the trunk so Jiffy Lube could find the floor and vaccuum!

  67. Julane says

    Mary Did You Know by Kenny Rogers is wonderful! But truthfully I LOVE all Christmas music. Just ask my family who have to sufffer thru right after Thanksgiving with Christmas tunes of all kinds!!

  68. Harmony West says

    I have so many favorites Christmas songs… but if I had to choose one I would choose It is the Most Wonderful time of the year. Loved your story, it was a blessing to me. I really enjoy the things you put together on the website. Thanks so much, may God richly bless you. Meery Christmas!!

  69. Susan Fiala says

    Let there be peace in earth-Casting Crowns version

    Love that song as it stirs my heart to rest in Him and find peace.

  70. Ashleigh Taylor says

    I love spending time with my family. We aren’t able to spend much time together throughout the year. We also sponsor a child every year and try to do as much giving to others as we can as a family. We go shopping and our children pick things out to give to others. It is a true blessing. We love doing for others and teaching our children to do the same! Our other traditions are baking, the elf on the shelf, Christmas movies, and going to see Christmas lights and Santa! We also bake for the local fire department and take it to them on Christmas Day! We absolutely love this season!

  71. Crystal Kingery says

    I love Christmas music & could listen to it just about all year (not constantly, but you know). I do love “Mary, Did You Know” and “A Baby Changes Everything”. We should all be so thankful. I feel so blessed when I hear those songs. I shared this giveaway on Facebook & downloaded the Christmas Cheat Sheet the other day! Thanks!!

  72. Kelly Geer says

    O holy night always moves me to tears and I’m not even really sure why. Maybe it’s the sheer power of the story being told, or maybe just the notes themselves. I don’t know but it’s by far my favorite.

  73. Kelly Burgess says

    Having 4 kiddos sometimes it seems the holidays can be stressful, I would truly like to just slow down this year and just soak it all in!

  74. Janet Johnson says

    Mary Did You Know…is my favorite Christmas song. I love the words of the song they just speak to my heart each time I hear it. I will slow down this season and be thankful for God’s Amazing Grace!

  75. Ginger Winnie Long says

    I love, love, love O Holy Night! It’s one of my favorite Christmas carols! I downloaded your Christmas Made Easy pdf and can’t wait to try out some of your recipes! Your crock pot recipes from Crocktober have been a real hit with my hubby! I’m so thankful to be able to eat them, too! ( I had a horrible flare of GERD at the beginning of this year in March and it damaged the muscles in my throat and I was unable to eat anything solid for six months! However, the Lord blessed me with healing and taught me a lot about not taking ANYTHING for granted through that process.) Needless to say, I’m settling down and soaking in everything this Christmas season with a fresh perspective! Thank you for all your tips on saving, and I pray you and your family have a wonderful and blessed Christmas! God bless!

    P.S.
    I am sharing this giveaway, ‘as I would love to win one of those wonderful Write the Word journals along with the other goodies! 🙂

  76. Staci says

    THIS!!!! Love the thoughts behind this. Silent Night is my favorite. It always brings to mind to me that quiet time at the end of Christmas Eve services with the lit candle. Peace, Grace and Praise. Always something I need more of in my life. Thank you for this reminder. It will be something I will be mulling over in my mind the next few days!

  77. April Reitnauer says

    Thank you for the Christmas cheat sheet. I printed it out the first day I received it in the email. It’s handy to have all the gifts to purchase in one place, with a place to check off when you purchase it.

  78. April Reitnauer says

    My favorite Christmas carol is The Little Drummer Boy by Bing Crosby and David Bowie. Its so peaceful listening to them

  79. Brenda Davies says

    Thank you!! You spoke to my heart! I love your posts! I have the Christmas cheetsheet printed off and can’t wait to cook with you!

  80. Colleen says

    Oh Holy Night and Mary Did You Know are my two favorite Christmas songs. So peaceful. Always need some soul refreshing.

  81. Kris says

    I love your heart for the Lord–thank you for proactively sharing your faith. I am really focusing on Christ this season, not allowing myself to get caught up in things that would keep me from keeping my focus on Him. This book and journal would be a welcome addition in this season of Advent–hope, joy, hope and love in Him! And my favorite song is “O Holy Night.”

  82. Hannah Comodeca says

    My favorite Christmas carol is O Holy Night because it is so worshipful that it requires I slow down and reflect.

  83. Yoojin smoldt says

    This Christmas season, I am letting go of a lot of the things I felt I had to do (professional pics, attend every event, parties, sales, etc) to gain peace, soak in the moment, and lessen pregnancy elevated anxiety.

  84. Nicole H. says

    I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. Lived in Boston and love Longfellow. But really all of them. I love Christmas music!

  85. Lisa says

    I love this post AND this idea. My favorite Christmas Carol at the moment is Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Carol of the Bells. Life literally stops at my house when this comes on as my usually-not-that-i nterested 9 year old begins to air play every instrument! The silliness abounds and I love it!

  86. Kary Rader says

    Oh Come Emmanuel is my favorite Christmas Carol because it’s about a people awaiting deliverance from The God who is with us. It gives me joy to know that He is indeed come and through the Holy Spirit is still here. But it also gives me hope to remember that He will come again. Merry Christmas and thanks for the giveaway. Thanks for all your hard work to help us be good stewards too!

  87. Stacey says

    Love this! And love that your son brought you flowers. So very thoughtful. I have lots of favorite Christmas carols but Silent Night is my favorite.

  88. Kathy Nicholson says

    O Holy Night. I could really use some spiritual help and would enjoy this book. I try to start each day being thankful, but some days its hard. Thank you for all you do!

  89. AmyBeth says

    My favorite Christmas carol is Mary Did you Know. I am thankful to not have to be working this season and to be able to play with my kind dad!

  90. Sherry Houghtaling says

    I would love to win the prize to help me on my new journey in my faith. The journal looks amazing and the devotional sounds great.

  91. Joanne Nappi says

    My favorite Christmas song is Oh Holy Night. This music never fails to relax my mind and cheer my attitude when I hear it. What a great way to keep Christ in Christmas with your special give away!

  92. Angie Serrano says

    My favorite Christmas Carol is ” Mary, Did You Know?” Merry Christmas to you and your family. Thanks for all the savings!

  93. Kara Lewellen says

    Mary did you know? is my very favorite Christmas song…it’s not a carol but I hope it counts anyway! 🙂

  94. Brittany Bright says

    Favorite song is Grown Up Christmas List. There’s a line in there they says “maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth”. Think sometimes I’m seeking answers only to be reminded just I need to just believe and have faith.

  95. Jean Virdin says

    My favorite Christmas carol is White Christmas. In DE we RARELY have a white Christmas but growing up we sometimes did and it brings back memories of many things. I work a lot of hours and between planning/managing the office Christmas party for 85-ish and my “family” Christmas Eve celebration, it’s hard to take a minute to slow down and breathe, let alone enjoy the holiday before it’s over. I have 3 granddaughters that are growing way too fast and I need to take time to enjoy them and the wonder of Christmas they still have

  96. Beth Williams says

    I am reminded tonight to soak in the season as I am sitting with my precious 6 year old daughter singing in the bathtub! I am also reminded to take every moment as it is your last this season as I just heard that a San Marcos Texas Police officer was killed in the line of duty today serving a warrant. I was a 911 dispatcher with this officer for 7 years before I became a mom and a teacher. It is moments like this that make you grateful you have your family to soak in the season with.

  97. Christina says

    I’d love this! My fave Christmas carol is O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Plus, I’m glad I’m not the only one with a gross minivan!;)

  98. Crystal says

    Rock in around the Christmas tree is my fav dancing one but my favorite one to sing at church is away in a manger

  99. Harris Renee says

    My favorite Christmas Carol has always been Carol of the Bells 🙂

    I also love the newly released Little Drummer Boy by For King and Country

  100. Angela says

    I loved your article. I vividly imagined the deep crevices of forgotten junk (that’s how mine is!!). You had me there, but then you tugged at my heart further with the renewed acknowledgement that the mess makers are worth it! But then when you brought something so every day (in a moms life anyway) around to a matter of eternal importance, well you had my full attention! I would love to win your give away to share some journaling time with my 12 yr old girl. Thanks.

  101. Jennifer H says

    I love The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole…it’s a beautiful song and I always stop and savor it whenever I hear it!

  102. Rechelle Brown says

    I love this time of year- I’m always sorry when it starts getting too busy and stressful – I am a new reader – stumbled across your blog looking for Black Friday deals and subscribed immediately!

  103. Mary Hannon says

    I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas and I need to settle down and soak up some Christmas spirit now that my shopping is done, no more guests this year (we live about 3hours from family on a lake and get a lot of company which we love but it is a little work to get the house back in order) and we are done helping decorate around the lake with entrance signs and our first annual Christmas tree lighting coming up this Saturday night! Whew❤️

  104. Dee Curlee says

    Favorite Christmas Carol: What Child Is This? which is a beautiful reminder that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the baby, born to save us all.
    Favorite Christmas song to listen to: Emmanuel sung by Amy Grant – so uplifting and goes through many of the names that Jesus is known by.

  105. Melissa slade says

    Hark the Herald Angels song!! Is my favorite!! However, I like almost all Christmas songs including “I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas!”

  106. Glenda Livingston says

    thank you for being so transparent and real that is one of the reasons I follow you you are such a great person. My favorite Christmas Carol is Silent Night. Good luck to everyone and please remember to keep Christ in Christmas!

  107. Brandie Harycki says

    My favorite Carol is Mary did you know. I think as a mom I see so much potential in my children but can’t even comprehend having the savior as my son!! Our last baby just turned one and we know that these family Christmas’ at home are fleeting. Trying to soak it all in!

  108. Cheryl says

    This is such a heart felt post! Thank you for sharing! My favorite Christmas Carol is the Christmas Song (but Silent Night makes me cry every.single.time!

  109. Jami says

    My favorite carol right now is “What Child is This” as we celebrate the season with our first child… a baby boy!

  110. Tonya says

    I downloaded the Christmas made Easy and have started filling it in already! Thank you – it will definitely help keep track of everything!
    My favorite Christmas Caol is O Holy Night and Mary did you know.

  111. Jami says

    Right now my favorite carol is “What Child is This” as I celebrate the season with our first child..a baby boy!

  112. Anita Patrick says

    Myself husband is retiring and I need to settle down and pray about our future.
    Favorite Christmas OH HOLY NIGHT.

  113. Tara Biltoft says

    Great way to look at things! My favorite hymn is Oh Come Emmanuel. Shared! I printed my guide last night and I’m loving it.

  114. Sandy says

    My favorite carol is “Mary Did You Know” that song is just so amazing. Makes you think of your own children….what will they do for God in their lives? Just moving

  115. Becky says

    The checklist is printed, filled out, and almost done! Just a few more stocking items, and the time to enjoy the season!

  116. Becky says

    I love Silent Night. It reminds me in all the chaos to just be still, and remember WHY the craziness is SO worth it. #itsAllAboutJesus

  117. Nicole says

    Thanks for sharing this, Laurie! Things have been super busy lately, so the gentle reminder to slow down and focus on what’s truly important during this special season is so helpful! It would be hard to pick a very favorite carol, but I do love O Come O Come Emmanuel, Carol of the Bells, and He Who Is Mighty!

  118. Krista says

    I am a list person and this is a very “list” time of year especially with one sweet daughters birthday a week before Christmas! I need to do some slowing down and intentional cleaning of my heart/mind (not to mention my minivan!)

  119. Kristine says

    My favorite carol is Silent Night. We sing it acapella every year at Christmas Eve service when they turn the lights out & we have only our candlelight.

  120. Casey N. says

    What Child is This? has to be one of my favorite Christmas songs. Love the season + sharing new traditions w/my family.

  121. Cheree says

    I could definitely use this right now and just slow down a bit. O Holy Night is one of my favorite Christmas hymns, but it’s hard to choose because I really love all of them!

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