Choosing the perfect Christmas gift for someone can be a big challenge. It requires time, creativity, and money, which are all things we tend to lack during this time of year. So, in an effort to help you find the perfect gift for the special people in your life, here are a few ideas:

Mom. Your mother is the person who brought you into the world. She’s changed your dirty diapers, put up with you spitting baby food in her face, and sacrifices daily for you. Christmas is a great time of year to sacrifice a little for her to let her know what she means to you. Your gift to her doesn’t need to be expensive, but it should be thoughtful and it should require some sort of sacrifice on your part.

Make her a goldleaf vase. Then, make a habit of filling the vase with flowers just to let her know you’re thinking of her throughout the year.

Buy her something she really wants. Pay attention when she says, “Boy, I could really use some new gloves,” or “I really wish I had a new pair of black boots.” Again, it doesn’t have to be expensive, but put some time and thought into what she would really want from you.

Dad. Your dad is the guy who teaches you how to drive and helps screen the guys who want to come pick you up for a date. He might not appreciate your macaroni Christmas ornaments or popsicle stick picture frames as much as he did when you were five, so take some time to think of something he’d really appreciate.

Make him a picture frame or refurbish an old one. Frame a picture of the two of you together and write a note to let him know how much he means to you.

Buy him something he’ll appreciate. If what he wants is a little out of your price range, suggest pooling money with your siblings or mom.

Sister/Friend. Shopping for a sister or friend can be easier because you probably go shopping together pretty regularly. And even if you don’t, it’s easier to pick something out you know she’d like. Sometimes making something for her can be more meaningful. Try knitting her a scarf or making her a box for all of your memories together.

Brother. My brother can be one of the most difficult people on my list. Since he reads this blog pretty regularly, I’m not going to say what he’s getting this year. However, I will say that I am giving him something that won’t just be a gift for him. If you give your brother these shoes, a child somewhere in the world will get a pair. If you buy your brother one of these, it will help build wells for people who don’t have access to clean water. If you buy him this great bag, it helps people in India who have disabilities make a fair day’s wage. 

Every Christmas, I look forward to getting dressed up for Christmas parties. It’s the only time of year it’s socially acceptable to wear a Christmas bow on your head and bells from your ears and I take full advantage of it! Sometimes it can be hard to know exactly what to wear to different Christmas events. Here are a few ideas.

Dressy Christmas party. These are the parties I look forward to all year. I love getting dressed up in velvet, sequins, and bows. A classic black dress is always a great idea. Plus around Christmas, you can pair it with some great accessories and stand-out shoes. If  you live in a cold climate, it would give you an excuse to wear this coat. If you’re not really into dressing up, a cute top with a jacket, nice jeans, accessories, and cute shoes could be a good option.

Casual Christmas. In our family, most of our Christmas gatherings are pretty casual. This year, I think I’m going to go with a cute, casual dress like this with a sweater, tights, and boots. (The dress is comfy and loose in case I get inspired to eat a few of Santa’s cookies). A great sweater like this with jeans and cute shoes would also be a great option.

Christmas Eve. When I was growing up, our Christmas Eve service was always the opportunity to showcase my Christmas dress. Even though I don’t usually buy a Christmas dress now, I still like to find something cute for our Christmas Eve services. This sweater,  skirt, tights, and these shoes are a great way to be festive. I also like this with black pants or nice jeans, shoes, and some cute accessories.

Christmas accessories. Christmas is a great time to go crazy with your accessories. I have a headband like this that I only wear at Christmas time. Here are some of my favorite Christmas accessories that could go with any Christmas party attire!

Have a great Christmas!

I love Christmas. I love setting up the tree, baking cookies, buying gifts, watching old movies, and snuggling up with a cup of egg nog by the fire with my family. Christmas music has already been playing around our house for a few weeks.

I love Christmas so much that sometimes I forget why I’m celebrating. I get so caught up with the presents, traditions, and family time that I forget to reflect on the reason for all of the Christmas cheer.

Matthew 1:23 (NIV) says, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him ‘Immanuel’ – which means, ‘God with us.’”

Not to sound too cheesy, but Christmas is really the ultimate act of love. God came to earth so that He could live in a human body. He came to our broken, hurting world as a vulnerable baby.

He grew up in a human body and experienced all of the pain and fun of being a kid. He made friends with other humans. He learned and used His human brain. He had human parents.

He loved people. He experienced pain and loss. He was tempted and resisted temptation. He got angry. He experienced thirst and hunger. He even got tired and slept.

He came to our world to experience all of the things we experience as humans. He understands what we’re going through. And He did all of this knowing that He would eventually have to experience a painful human death for our sins.

So, enjoy Christmas. Spend time with your family. Wrap presents, decorate, and listen to Christmas music. Curl up by the fire with a cup of egg nog and enjoy Christmas. But remember that we’re celebrating the act of God coming to earth to live among us. As you’re enjoying the Christmas season, take time to reflect on the mystery of God coming and living like us.

As much as I think I’m an adult sometimes, there’s something so comforting about going home to my parents’ house that makes me feel like I’m seven years old again. A couple of years ago, my parents moved from the house I grew up in to a new city and a new house. Even though it’s a different house in a completely different city with different friends and a new church, it still feels like home. Here are some of the things I’m thankful for about going home.

The smell of laundry. Even though I’ve been living on my own and doing my own laundry for eight years, I’ve never been able to achieve that perfectly comforting smell that my clothes have when my mom does my laundry. Being the incredibly organized and industrious woman she is, my mom did two loads of laundry every day throughout my entire childhood. Our house always smelled fresh and clean – like laundry. As soon as I walk into my parents’ house, I catch a whiff of warm, fresh, laundry-filled air, and it’s one of my favorite smells ever.

Sleep. When I stay with my parents, I sleep better than normal. I’m not sure if it’s due to the great trails I run around my parents’ house, the ability to let go of my normal life, the comfortable bed, or the feeling of being completely safe in my parents’ house, but it’s glorious. At home, I’m usually up before 7:00 AM, even on the weekends. But, when I’m staying with my parents I’ve been known to sleep well past mid-morning. It’s a great feeling to wake up completely refreshed and relaxed, feeling like I got a full night of restful sleep.

Pajamas. Every Christmas, my mom buys matching pajamas for herself and me. I love coming home from our Christmas Eve service, opening my first Christmas gift (knowing exactly what’s inside), and running upstairs to change into my jammies before we finish opening presents. She always washes them before she wraps them, so they smell like really yummy laundry and not like department store. This year, I bought a new pair of pajamas just to wear home for Thanksgiving and to wear as comic relief while we’re setting up the tree.

What are you thankful for today?

This weekend, I’m headed to Nebraska to speak at a women’s event with my grandma and my mom. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to speak with two of the most influential women in my life.

Legacy. My great grandpa and great grandma traveled all over Nebraska and South Dakota pioneering churches and ministering to congregations. My great grandma prayed daily for my dad to come to know the Lord. My grandma has played piano, led choirs, headed up her church’s children’s ministry, and served as the church cook and janitor. Both sets of grandparents have been influential leaders in their churches and many of my great aunts and uncles served as pastors and church musicians. My parents are both involved in ministry. I’m so grateful for such an amazing legacy of people who love God!

Stories. One of my favorite things to do when I’m with my family is to listen to my parents and grandparents tell stories. I’m so grateful to have all of my grandparents able to share stories and I love hearing about their time growing up. When you’re with your family, take time to ask your aunts, uncles, grandparents, and parents to share stories with you. It’s always fun to hear different family members’ recollections of memories. Not only will you have a great time reconnecting with your family, but they’ll have a great time sharing their past with you, and you’ll have a better understanding of your legacy!

Traditions. Every year, we decorate our house for Christmas on the day after Thanksgiving. We turn on Christmas music and string lights and ornaments all over the house. Eventually, I get bored and choreograph an impromptu interpretive dance to the Christmas music. Everyone laughs and it gives us motivation to finish decorating the house. After leftover turkey sandwiches, we all squeeze onto the couch and sip egg nog while we admire the tree. My mom always lets us open one present when we set up the tree. Usually, it’s a Christmas CD or game she wants to play together. I love spending time together every year and I’m so thankful for the traditions we’ve developed as a family!

What are you thankful for today?

This week, I’m headed north to see my family. My family is scattered all over the country, so I always look forward to holidays when I get to see them. I have a great extended family and I love spending time with them! So, today, I’m thankful for the ability to travel.

Car. My little car and I have been through a lot together. There was the raccoon incident a couple years ago, the dead bird we inadvertently carried around in the grill last spring, and even the “incident” a couple days ago involving rain, a strangely designed intersection, and an abrupt stop. My parents helped me buy my car when I was a sophomore in college, and in the first year I owned it I put almost 30,000 miles on it. It was (and still is) my dream car. It’s cute, reliable, and has the perfect upholstery color for disguising coffee stains. Since my family lives far away, I’m so thankful for a great car to transport me home when I miss my family!

Travel. Traveling is one of my favorite things! I’m so grateful for a job that allows (and even requires) me to travel all over the country, giving me opportunities to meet girls and leaders who love God! Even when I get time off from work, if I don’t have other commitments, I’ll usually spend my free time traveling. In the next few months, I’m heading home for Christmas, to Chicago and St. Louis for concerts, to New York for Christmas shopping, and to Georgia to meet with some leaders! I love getting to go to new places, try local food, see their skyline, and meet new people.

Camera. Before I left for India last year, I knew I’d need a camera to help me capture everything I’d see. So a few months before our trip I bought a new camera so I could learn how to use it beforehand. I’m so grateful for my camera and all of the great things I’ve been able to take pictures of in the past year. I’m looking forward to being with my family in the next couple months and capturing all of it on film!

What are you thankful for today?

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday to spend with family. I love seeing family again, gathering around a table, giving thanks, and talking and laughing over great food. What to wear on Thanksgiving Day can be a bit of a dilemma, however. It’s important to wear something comfortable, but you still might want to be dressed cute just in case someone decides to snap a picture that will remain in the family photo album for decades to come.

One of my favorite Turkey Day ensembles is a great shirt dress with leggings. I love this one with these, great boots, and this jewelry. This one is also really cute. I love it with leggings, cute flats, and simple accessories. A shirt dress is comfortable and will look great all day long. Plus, having elastic-waist leggings is definitely a plus on Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is also a great day to get out your favorite sweater with a pair of cute jeans. This sweater is adorable. I think it would be cute with jeans and some great boots. This sweater would be adorable with a cute denim skirt, tights, and boots.

And, just in case your family is one of those play-a-pick-up-football-game-before-your-second-slice-of-pie families, you might want to stick with something comfortable and versatile. Comfy jeans with a great plaid shirt, cardigan, and shoes is a great option. I also love these jeans with this top, and these.

So, enjoy your turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, and remember to tell your family what they mean to you. And remember that Thanksgiving is a day all about taking time to be grateful for everything the Lord has given you and your family.

When I start really considering all of the different things I have to be thankful for, it makes me aware of people who don’t have some of the same basic things I’m thankful for.

Food. Food really is one of my favorite things. I love gathering around a table with friends and family, laughing and talking over great food, and feeling full and satisfied after a good meal. However, around the world, 400 million children don’t have access to clean drinking water, 90 million are severely food-deprived, and every day 16,000 children die of hunger related causes*. This year, my church is taking part in One Day to Feed the World. It’s an opportunity to give to make a difference in the lives of people all over the world who are in need. For more information, visit here.

Shoes. Shoes are one of my favorite parts of getting ready. I’ve been known to plan my outfits around a certain pair of shoes I’d like to wear that day. I know it sounds silly, but shoes can totally affect my outlook and mood. Higher heels make me feel more confident; my favorite pair of Converse low tops make me feel settled and comfortable; my silver sequined shoes make me feel like life is a party. I recently learned that thousands of children across the country who live in poverty have worn out shoes patched up with cardboard and tape or shoes that are too small causing their toes to grow cooked. Rural Compassion is working to provide children all across the country with new shoes that fit. Also, if you’re in the market for a new pair of shoes this winter, Tom’s are a pretty cute option. Plus, for every pair purchased, Tom’s Shoes gives a pair of new shoes to a child in need somewhere in the world.

Safety. I rarely think of how grateful I am for safety. Walking out to my car, going to work, running in my neighborhood, and coming home each night in safety is something I take for granted. As a single girl, I’m probably more aware of my surroundings and take extra steps to make sure I lock my doors and don’t walk around late at night by myself. However, overall, I rarely give my safety a second thought. Last year, I had the opportunity to go to India. While I was there, I heard stories of girls who thought they were taking advantage of a great opportunity, only to find themselves sold into slavery or worse. The National Girls Ministries Coins for Kids project this year raises money to rescue girls from these difficult situations, help them recover, and rebuild their lives.

What are you thankful for today?

*All statistics provided by Convoy of Hope.

We’ve had several beautiful days in a row here, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. After such a rainy start to our fall, it’s been so refreshing to see the sunshine and blue skies! I love this time of year! Here’s what I’m thankful for today:

Fall colors. I love to watch the seasons change and this is one of the most beautiful season changes! A couple of years ago, I had to drive to Branson three times a week. It was about an hour drive each way, but I really didn’t mind it. I enjoyed having the time to myself to listen to music and look at the beautiful scenery. The Ozarks are really a beautiful place to live – especially this time of year. Ever since that fall, I’ve made a habit of driving down to Branson just to see the leaves changing. When you realize that the leaves are changing color because they’re dying, I think it makes it so much more beautiful. The leaves are dying to prepare the tree to be able to survive the winter so that they can come back fresh and green in the spring. I’m so grateful for the beauty in the dying!

Pumpkins. Pumpkins are one of my favorite vegetables. Mostly because they’re one of the rare vegetables that you can make into a tasty pie. I love pumpkin desserts and the pumpkin syrup at Starbucks. Plus, pumpkins are such a pretty color. Pumpkins are one of my favorite parts of fall!

Coffee. Some might define it as an addiction, I like to think of it as an appreciation. When I was growing up, my parents were on a pretty tight budget, so coffee was reserved for special occasions when we had company. So, I always associated the smell of coffee with the joy of having people over. When I was about 12, I started asking to drink coffee. My mom bought me a little mug of my own and filled it about halfway with coffee. The first time I took a big swig, I was not a fan, but I’d been asking to drink it for so long that I smiled and said “That’s delicious!” I kept tolerating it until I started to love it. My relationship with coffee took a more committed turn when I took a trip to Europe in high school. In an effort to combat jet lag, I started drinking strong French coffee. Since then, I’ve come to appreciate the warm feeling, the smell, and the caffeinated goodness that is my daily cup o’ Joe!

What are you thankful for today?

Today was one of those days when I woke up feeling very aware of God’s presence. It’s not like that every day, which makes days like today all that much more precious. So, here’s what I’m thankful for today:

Romans 15:13 (NIV) “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Praying scripture is one of the best ways to know that you’re praying right along with what’s on God’s heart. This verse has been so meaningful to me over the past few months. I’ve gotten into the habit of praying this prayer over my life on a daily basis. It reminds me that God is a god of hope, peace, and joy. No matter what I’m facing, He has good plans for me and wants to fill me to overflowing with the hope of His promises. As I’ve continued to pray this over my life, I’ve been amazed at how faithful God has been to fill me with hope – even to the point of having enough hope to encourage my friends!

My parents. I love my parents. I know I’m biased, but I think they’re the best parents on the planet. I’m so grateful for their commitment to each other and to raising my brother and I in the things of the Lord. They were the kind of parents who would show up at school for lunch and I was proud. My mom even worked at my high school, and I thought it was cool. Growing up, I know now that we were planting a church and didn’t have much money, but I always thought we were rich. I have great memories of family vacations and parties. As I’ve grown up and our relationship has changed, I have even more respect for them and appreciate them so much more. They have set such a great example for me in everything!

My relationship with God. This is something that I’m so grateful for, but rarely sit down and think about what a blessing it is. Growing up in a pastor’s home, I came to know the Lord at a young age. Even then, I knew that there were things in my heart that weren’t pleasing to Him and that I needed His grace and forgiveness. One day, I was playing dolls and my mom was ironing and I told her I’d been thinking a lot about it and was ready to ask Jesus into my heart. She set down the iron and prayed with me on the spot. That day was over twenty years ago and I still remember all of the details! I haven’t been perfect, but I’ve never strayed away from my relationship with God. He’s been such a faithful friend and I’m so grateful for our relationship.

What are you thankful for today?