FREE BUDGET
WORKSHEET!
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!)
- REQUIRED ENTRY: leave a comment sharing your favorite Christmas carol this time of year or why you need to settle down and soak in the season (note ~ if you normally comment on Facebook, be sure to COMMENT HERE so I can enter you to win!)
- ADDITIONAL ENTRY: Share this giveaway on Facebook and leave a comment to let me know (note ~ if you normally comment on Facebook, be sure to COMMENT HERE so I can enter you to win!)
- ADDITIONAL ENTRY: download your free Christmas Made Easy Cheat Sheet from PPP and leave a comment to let me know (or leave a comment if you've already downloaded yours!) (note ~ if you normally comment on Facebook, be sure to COMMENT HERE so I can enter you to win!)
- You can also visit DeanFulks.com to learn more about Your Next 30 Days too!
Take just a minute and enter to win today – I promise, this Christmas season will be blessed because you did!
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!
I would love to have a new way to study the Bible.
Downloaded
Shared
Jiggle Bells
Silent Night
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
O holy night is my all time favorite!!
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
Shared on fb.
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.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas sung by Judy Garland
Favorite Christmas Song: Do They Know It’s Christmas? -Band Aid
Shared in FB
Favorite Christmas song- Noel by Lauren Daigle
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.
Silent Night. I would love to start journaling, after Harvey I have a lot to process and say
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
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.
Shared!
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.
I heard the bells on Christmas day by Casting Crowns
Thank you!
Laurie,
I love your heart! Thanks for being a blessing to so many! God is good all the time!!! Enjoy those $1.99 flowers!
I love “O Holy Night” and “Little Drummer Boy”
Mary did you know is my favorite!
Commenting on fb
Downloading the christmas made easy
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.
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!
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”.
My favorite song is O Holy Night.
I shared!
Your story about cleaning is so relatable. I have a vehicle that needs that type of cleaning!
I love all traditional old Christmas songs! They make my heart sing!
download your free Christmas Made Easy Cheat Sheet from PPP
My favorite Christmas carol is Silent Night.
I shared this giveaway on Facebook too!
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!
My favorite Christmas song is Mary did you know.
I shared your giveaway post on Facebook!
I downloaded the Christmas Cheat Sheet! Thank you!
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!
I downloaded my Christmas Cheat Sheet 🙂 Thanks!!!!
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!
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!
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. 🙂
I downloaded your Christmas cheat sheet.
I shared on facebook.
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.
I have two songs that touch me so much they bring tears to my eyes… O Holy Night and Ava Maria. Soooo beautiful.
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.
Shared on Facebook
Beautiful Star of Bethlehem – One of my many favorites – so hard to choose just one
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!
Shared, thank you so much for the opportunity. I truly enjoy your page.
I’m a Laurie too, I totally get it, Let IT Snow
Love the article and I think I would love the book. My favorite carol is Breathe of Heaven.
Shared Facebook Post 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/liz.ticona/posts/10214138786399416?pnref=story
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! 🙂
Such a beautiful reminder!! Thank you !!!
Shared
Santa Baby is always a favorite song
Shared
“Mary, Did you know?”
Shared and downloaded.
I shared this giveaway on Facebook!
Got my printable – THANKS!
I love O Holy Night!
My favorite Christmas carol is Silent Night!
O Holy Night
I am very blessed but tend to just wallow in anguish mostly.
I downloaded your Christmas Made Easy earlier! Love it and the recipes!
Shared giveaway!
I love “Jingle Bells” A fun way to be excited for the Christmas season.
Shared giveaway AND requested and printed Christmas prep printable! Love it!
Very good reminder to renew and refresh our hearts often!
I am so thankful for the printout!!
Shared on fb!
My favorite Christmas carol is Mary Did You Know?
So good! ❤️
Really enjoy joy to the world. Helps to remember the reason for the season!
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is my favorite song of the season.
Thanks for the Christmas cheat sheet.
I love the song Mary did you know.
I downloaded your cheat sheet!
I shared your post!
O Holy Night
I downloaded the Christmas cheat sheet!
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
I love the song Mary Did You Know this time of year. So beautiful and amazing.
My favorite Christmas song is “Silent Night”. Thank you for the recipes and cheat sheet. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I love any Christmas music! Silent night is a big favorite.
Just dowloaded the Cheat Sheet!
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel — my favorite Advent and Christmas song!
Downloaded the cheat sheet, too!
O Holy Night is my favorite!
My favorite carol is Silent Night! It’s such a beautiful song and the lyrics are amazing.
Downloaded my cheat sheet – thanks – need all the help I can get this season! :o)
Shared to facebook – thanks!
My favorite Christmas carol is “Mary, Did you Know? – I just love listening and singing to that every year!
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.
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
I love that!
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…..
Shared to facebook and downloading. Thanks so much for the chance to win!
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
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 ❤️
So many to choose from! Let’s have some…Joy to the World! Thank you for this opportunity and your generosity!
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.
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. ❤️
My favorite Christmas song is Christmas Canon.
Entering to win!
Joy to the World
Shared
I love Mary did you know
Christmas Shoes….makes me cry, but beautiful!
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!
Downloaded my holiday cheat sheet and recipes
Adeste fedelis
Love this
Shared
My favorite Christmas carol is It came upon a midnight clear
Down loaded and printed the sheet sheet. I love it and am using it. Thank you
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.
I downloaded the Christmas Made Easy Cheat Sheet and it was super helpful…thanks!!
Up on the Rooftop is my favorite Christmas Carol.
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.
Bless you Darlene, praying comfort for you.
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!
Shared and commented
haha loved the story , love your site, my favorite Christmas song ” I don’t want alot for Christmas”
“Mary Did You Know” is my favorite Christmas song. I would love to win those. (From Oklahoma). Thanks!
I downloaded the Christmas baking & organizer a couple of days ago. Thanks!
The First Noel
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!
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!!!
I downloaded and printed your Ultimate Christmas Check List last week. Thank you so much. It has helped so much already.
My favorite Christmas carol is “Come All Ye Faithful”
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.
Just downloaded the awesome printables! Thank you so much!
Shared on Facebook!
My favorite Christmas carol is O Holy Night. It is just so beautiful!
“What Child is This” is among my top favorite Christmas songs..there are so many it is hard to choose!
Harry Connick, Jr. singing
(It Must’ve Been Ol’) Santa Claus or I Pray On Christmas. I like them both! Love Harry!
Downloaded! Much better than my attempt at organization.
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.
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.
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.
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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!
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.
I love the Christmas carol, “What Child Is This”
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.
Shared on Facebook.
O Holy Night is my favorite Christmas carol.
My favorite Christmas Carol is Silver Bells.
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.
My favorite Christmas Carol is “Aleluya”. Love the post!
I love Scrooge…it ends well.
Shared on fb
Downloaded sheet
Away in a Manger
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.
Downloaded the cheat sheet last week! It’s perfect!!
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!!
Shared on Facebook
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.
My favorite Christmas song is Mary Did You Know? And I love the version sung by Pentatonix. What a fun little way to enter 🙂
Favorite carol…..Silent Night
I’ve downloaded my holiday cheat sheet!
He made a way in a manger
Downloaded the documents–thank you!
I shared the FB post!
I Come, O Come Emmanuel is my favorite!
Downloaded Christmas cheat sheet
Downloaded!
The little drummer boy
Downloaded Christmas cheat sheet
Shared on Facebook!
Sharing!
My favorite Christmas carol is “Away in the Manger”
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.
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!
Downloaded Christmas Made Easy!! Thank you so much!!
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.
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!
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!
Oh yes, I love the Christmas carol “The Little Drummer Boy”
I need to download!!!
Downloaded Christmas mad easy
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.
Sharing on Facebook
Way in a manger
Great post! Pick me!
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.
Oh Holy Night.
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…
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!!
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!!
Oh that sounds so yummy Michelle!
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 =)
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!!!
Just requested the Christmas Helper Info booklet. Sounds like I should of done this awhile back-thanks for offering it.
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!
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!!
Downloaded the Christmas Made Easy.
I love Mary Did You Know and O Holy Night.
Downloaded the Christmas made easy cheat sheet ❤️
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Shared on facebook
Oh Come Emanuel!
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!!
Liked and shared.
Already printed my Christmas checklist!! It’s amazing!
Silent Night, I sang to my kids year round while they were babies. Now they are teenagers…
Oh holy night!
Very cool giveaway
Let there be peace in earth-Casting Crowns version
Love that song as it stirs my heart to rest in Him and find peace.
Silent night
I’ve downloaded the Christmas Made Easy
Shared the giveaway post on FB
I’d love to win this. My favorite Christmas song is Silent Night. I love to watch you anytime.
My favorite carol is Oh Holy Night
My favorite Christmas carol is The Little Drummer Boy ❤️
I love Mary did you know!
Can’t wait to use this!!
Thank you!
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!
Our favorite song is Oh Silent Night
Shared on Facebook! Hope I win!!!
Mary, did you know. That is my ABSOLUTE favorite song!
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!!
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.
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!
Kelly, I understand that for sure! Try to take some time for yourself if you can. 🙂
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!
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! 🙂
Liked. This Bible sounds awesome! My fav song is Mariah Carey “all i want for Christmas”
I downloaded the Christmas Cheat Sheets.
What a great analogy!
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!
O Holy Night
White Christmas…I absolutely love Bing Crosby..
mary did you know by pentatonix. i cry every time.
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.
Shared on Facebook
My favorite Christmas carol is The Little Drummer Boy by Bing Crosby and David Bowie. Its so peaceful listening to them
My favorite Christmas carols are away in a manger and Mary did you know.
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!
“O Holy Night”, “Mary Did You Know” and “The Christmas Song” are my favorites.
Silent night is my favorite!
Oh Holy Night and Mary Did You Know are my two favorite Christmas songs. So peaceful. Always need some soul refreshing.
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.”
I downloaded the sheets!
Thank you. I have downloaded
Silent Night is my favorite Christmas song. Such a beautiful story.
Silent Night
“Mary Did You Know”
My favorite Christmas carol is O Holy Night because it is so worshipful that it requires I slow down and reflect.
Downloaded the cheat sheet
I love Oh Holy Night
Shared the giveaway
Downloaded the checklist! Thank you!
I love your blog and would love to win this!!!
White Christmas is my favorite carol ( I love snow!) I also shared on FB.
ML
Downloaded the Christmas Made Easy Cheat Sheet!
Downloaded:)
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.
My favorite Christmas song is Mary Did You Know
Shared the giveaway
My favorite Christmas Carol is probably Carol of the Bells.
Tennessee Christmas by Amy Grant or her entire Christmas CD she put out last year!
Giveaway shared on a Facebook!
Shared
Downloaded Christmas Made Easy
Silent Night.
Absolutely Mary Did You know!
The peanuts music, and anything sung by nat king cole.
We Three Kings is my favorite!
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. Lived in Boston and love Longfellow. But really all of them. I love Christmas music!
Mary dud you know.
“O Holy Night”. I need to slow down and spend more time with the people and friends I love.
Favorite Christmas song is either Mary did you know or carol of the bells
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!
Oh Holy Night is my absolute fave 🙂
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!
Kary, I love that! Thanks for sharing and for your sweet words!
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.
He is a sweetheart and has grown up just way too fast!
Shared on Facebook
I absolutely love “O Holy Night!” Very powerful!
Silent Night, sung at candle light Christmas Eve service.
silent night mannheim steamroller
Mary, did you know!
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!
My favorite Christmas carol is The Little Drummer Boy.
Shared on Facebook
Downloaded ur cheat sheet
Shared on FB
Santa Baby, Baby It’s Cold Outside, Silent Night, and……we’ll i just might like them all!!
Mary did you know! Is my favorite!
I love the recipes on the cheat sheet! The easiness of it makes it amazingly perfect!
Downloaded
I love most Christmas songs, but my favorite is O Come O Come Immanuel
Ithis looks like an amazing book and offer
Downloaded and shared
I sent a shout out on Facebook too!
I commented on Facebook. It’s about the cross.
Much love to you and yours, my friend! I love your site and recommend to everyone!
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!
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.
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!
My favorite Christmas Carol is ” Mary, Did You Know?” Merry Christmas to you and your family. Thanks for all the savings!
Thank you Angie! Merry Christmas!
Downloaded and saved ! Thank-you !!
Silent Night
got it downloaded:)
Downloaded and shared
Silent night is my favorite carol
Shared and thanks for this download and all your tips.
Love your Christ centered giveaway! I was thinking about how I have not given God my time lately.
Mary did you know? is my very favorite Christmas song…it’s not a carol but I hope it counts anyway! 🙂
O Holy Night
Would love to win this. It would be a great start to 2018!
Mary Did You Know and Breath Of Heaven are two of my favorite Christmas songs.
My favorite Christmas Carol is Sleigh Ride…because I would love to take one.
Away in the manger
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.
Shared and downloaded. Thank you
Carol of the Bells is my favorite
Gloria is my favorite Christmas song!
Shared and posted on Facebook!
White Christmas
Seriously, I love every Christmas song! Weird, but true.
Bring A Torch Jeanette Isabella. Would love to win!
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
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.
Oh Beth, that just hurts my heart. We definitely need to soak it all in for sure.
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!;)
Haha!
O Holy Night
Favorite christmas song is “mary did ypu know” also my download is done
My favorite is Joy to the World. What joy was brought from the birth of our savior.
Mary did you know or Christmas shoes. These remind me the true meaning of Chrismad.
download complete
Awesome fave song O Holy Night! I shared on Facebook and downloaded the sheet
Rock in around the Christmas tree is my fav dancing one but my favorite one to sing at church is away in a manger
I love both of those Crystal!
I would love this!
Shared on Facebook/
Downloaded the checklist
Sharing your give-away on Facebook!
Rudolph the red nosed reindeer
Mary did you know
Mary Did You Know is my favorite Christmas Carol.
Already downloaded! Thanks!
Downloaded list!!
Downloaded the checklist! Thank you!
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
Shared on fb!!
Shared on FB!
Downloaded the Christmas Made Easy Cheat Sheet!
I love any of Johnny Mathis’ Christmas songs! They take me back to my childhood!!
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.
Angela, they are soooo worth it, French fries and all!! 🙂
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!
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!
Rechelle, so happy to have you on board! I love this time of year too, but it can definitely get busy, busy, busy!
Joy to the World
Without Jesus Christ’s birth we wouldn’t have unspeakable JOY!!
Favorite carol is mary did you know, and I shared on fb!
O Holy Night
All done
Downloaded the checklist! Thanks!
Mary Did You Know
Little drummer boy is my favorite!
Downloaded! Thanks.
Beautiful star of Bethlehem
Silent night
God rest ye merry gentlemen
Downloaded Christmas cheat sheet 🙂
Downloaded the cheat sheet
Oh! I so need something like this. I want to take time to journal and get in track.
I have already downloaded the Christmas printouts and have been using them. Thank you so much!
I shared the post because I need some free Chick-fil-A!
Shared on FB
I also shared on Facebook.
Downloaded the Christmas cheat sheet
Oh Holy Night
Little Drummer Boy is my favorite Christmas carol.
Would love to win this! ☺️
My favorite is “Mary, Did You Know?”
Shared on FB 🙂
Downloaded the checklist!
Mary Did You Know is one of my favorite Christmas songs.
Downloaded the printouts thank you!!! How awesome to come home to flowers,very sweet!!
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❤️
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.
Mary did you know
Done! This is a cute giveaway!
Favorite Christmas carol is O holy night
Hark the Herald Angels song!! Is my favorite!! However, I like almost all Christmas songs including “I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas!”
My favorite Christmas carol is O Holy Night! It gives me chills every time I listen to it
Downloaded the Christmas sheet! Thank you!!
Do You Hear What I Hear
Shared on FB
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!
Shared on FB!
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!
Yes Brandie!! Soak it all in, it goes by way too quickly!
My favorite Christmas carols are O, Holy Night and Mary, Did You Know?
I love Silent Night.
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!
We love O Holy Night. We are trying to slow down this season, while retaining the festive feeling ☺️
Downloaded those awesome Christmas printouts.
Silent Night!
Shared the giveaway on Facebook
Carol of the Bell and Mary Did you Know. Love those songs
Wow thanks for the awesome download!
Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel is my favorite, although I really like them all 🙂
Shared on Facebook!
My favorite carol right now is “What Child is This” as we celebrate the season with our first child… a baby boy!
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.
I downloaded the Cheat Sheet!!!!!!! I think I go all 3 entries now 🙂 thank you so much
Share on Facebook!
I shared on facebook this morning!!!!!!
Right now my favorite carol is “What Child is This” as I celebrate the season with our first child..a baby boy!
Congratulations Jami! So sweet and such a special time in your life!
So excited for the oportantity to win…………Joy to the World
Oh Mary did you know by Pentonix
Downloaded and found useful. Gifts all purchased.
Myself husband is retiring and I need to settle down and pray about our future.
Favorite Christmas OH HOLY NIGHT.
Anita, you do have some big changes coming your way. Praying that will be a smooth transition. 🙂
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.
Downloaded and almost finished!!! Thank you
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
Downloaded the Christmas checklist. Thanks so much!
I love this post! My favorite Christmas carol is Away in a Manger.
I just love that one too Kristine! 🙂
The checklist is printed, filled out, and almost done! Just a few more stocking items, and the time to enjoy the season!
I shared!
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
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!
Silent Night is my favorite.
Shared.
Good post.
Mary did you know….
Got it and love it. Thanks!!
Liked and shared.
O Holy Night
Shared on fb
Downloaded
Favorite song How Many King’s by Downhere favorite Christmas song.
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!)
Alleluia by Richard Marx. ❤️
Downloading in a moment
Shared on Facebook
Carol of the bells is my favorite
I could use this. Mary Did You Know is my very favorite Christmas song.
I love that one too Lisa!
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.
I love that Kristine!
What Child is This? has to be one of my favorite Christmas songs. Love the season + sharing new traditions w/my family.
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!
This looks just like something I need in my life right now! My favorite Carol is O Come O Come Emmanuel!