It is so amazing how the
simple
everyday
ordinary
physical tasks of life
can remind us of the
extraordinarily
deep
Spiritual
things of God
I am convinced more now than ever that
we see what we want to see
because
There I was...
down stairs
screaming
for my teenage son to come down so that he could put his laundry in the machine
(but, of course he couldn't hear me)
So I called his sister instead...
"Tell your brother to come wash his clothes"
(and she responded immediately)
and in that moment I remembered that God also used someone to come
get me
teach me
tell me
of the saving, cleansing power of the Blood of Jesus Christ
He wanted me...
so He called her
and since
I wanted him...
I called her
because she had the ear to hear me
and if we are disciples indeed
we must remember that if we have actually heard the call
it is because He wants us to go get someone else
He wants them...
so He has called you
And it is now your responsibility to
go tell your brother
that it is time to put down
his games
his foolishness
his distractions
to get up and
go...
come...
wash his garment
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
The Danger of Singing Someone Else's Song
__________________________
The words just wouldn't come...
The melody either...
So I listened again
prayed
waited
until I finally remembered
I know better but
had forgotten
had been too busy singing
someone else's song
which is
good
fine
okay
every now and then
but the danger of singing
someone else's song for too long...
is that eventually
you forget the words
to your own
Monday, December 26, 2016
The Gift Left Unopened
Christmas is officially over
along with...
the hustle
the bustle
the planning
and expectation
We have...
unwrapped
tossed to the side and
moved on to the next
still searching
as Jesus lay in the manger...
out on the lawn


And it may take a few days
for us to get to Him
to remember
to realize
(that the stuff will never truly satisfy us)
But that our true gift has been left unopened
if we
left Jesus
out on the lawn as a baby...
still a baby...
in a manger
when what we should have done
was let Him into
our house
our hearts
our homes
as King!
(originally posted 12/28/13 as "Nativity Scene")
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Early Care and Education Series (Celebrating Families)
Our monthly "Tea with Tondra"
would not have been complete without
a Holiday celebration to honor
the dedicated men and women
who work tirelessly
to provide quality care for
young children and their families
One of my favorite ways to warm up
the season is with a warm beverage!!
Caramel Apple Cider Bar
------------------------
Cookie Decorating


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Photo Props
------------------------
Photo Gift Ideas
Puzzles and Placemats
And my ALL TIME favorite...
Sensory Activity Ideas!!
Gingerbread Play Dough
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because... Ginger, Clove, and Spice?
It's beginning a SMELL a lot like Christmas! |
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Recipe Courtesy: The Imagination Tree |
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Five Minute Friday- The Gift of Now
So this is the last free write for the year
and I have stopped in just to say...
"Thank You"
(This has been some year together, wouldn't you say?)
We have...
cried together
laughed
cheered and
celebrated
and although I cannot
personally hand wrap and deliver
individual gifts to you this season
Please accept
my words here as a gift
with less than five-minutes
but lingering forever
because the best gift you can give someone
is the gift of yourself...
Peace and Blessings Family!
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Top 20 Tips for Simple and Stress-Free Gift Giving
It's that time of year again...
People are shopping
People are sharing
People are stressing
over shopping and sharing
(and in all of that)
it's so easy to get carried away
and forget
the true meaning of the Season...
Let go of all of that Holiday drama and keep it simple
with these 20 stress-free gifting tips
----------------------
1. Give Something Festive
Grab a book of Holiday recipes, decorating or gift-giving inspiration,
tie a ribbon into a bow, and you've got the perfect festive gift!
2. Give Something of a Shared Interest
I chose to honor two "secret sisters" from my church and
when I saw these mugs our "shared interest" was evident...
(Our church is named "Peace")
I also found these small notepads with Psalm 29:11
"The Lord blesses His people with peace"
to remind them as they take notes while meditating
over their morning coffee or afternoon tea
3. Give To a Stranger
Give to someone you do not know...
Melodie over at Africa's Melodie
has found a way to touch lives and embraces the
to share with people experiencing homelessness.
Not only is her gift giving simple and
stress-free, its giving for any time of year!
4. Give Something That Can Become a Tradition
My daughter was surprised when she came home from school to find
a small pink tree, lights, and candy canes sitting on the dresser in her room.
She grabbed her log cabin, made candy hearts, and plugged in the lights.
Her reaction and the Winter Wonderland she created were so
priceless I decided to make this an annual tradition!
5. Give Something Inspirational
A good book, a good album, or an inspirational movie
can be amazing gifts that share the love of the Season.
The gift that inspires is the gift that keeps on giving!
6. Give Something from a Child
Add a matte and frame to a child's artwork
to create a special gift from a child






7. Give the Gift of your Talents
Offer a ride to someone who needs transportation,
assist someone with holiday gift wrapping, perform in a musical,
or sing Christmas carols at your local community center.
Whatever your talent... find a way to give it.
(Seeing my son perform on stage was my favorite!)

8. Give Something for an Entire Family
Gather some ingredients, place them in a basket, and give
something the entire family can make and enjoy together
9. Give Something for an Unborn Child
When gift giving this season, don't forget the little ones who have yet to arrive.
Giving books are great because Mom-to-be can begin reading to her little
one while in utero and the books can be enjoyed for many years later!
10. Give Your Favorite Thing
Cash, cards, or candles...
You can't go wrong by sharing something you love
11. Give Something to Create a Memory
Whether it's a day at the spa with your girlfriends,
or an at-home spa day with your little girl and her friends...
these moments together are
or an at-home spa day with your little girl and her friends...
these moments together are
memories that will last a lifetime!


12. Give Something Sweet
Making, baking and decorating cupcakes
with the kids is always a favorite...

13. Give Something Fun
Giving something fun can range from traditional...
like making or purchasing clothes
to nontraditional...
14. Give Something Sentimental
Holiday time is as good a time as any
to show sentiment by telling someone...
Thank you, I appreciate you, or I'm thinking of you.
Imagine my surprise when I received this oven mitt, hand scrub
Imagine my surprise when I received this oven mitt, hand scrub
and moisturizing softener with a handwritten note that said...
with thought and sentiment?
The next time you're invited
The next time you're invited
to a Holiday gathering...


bring a box of Christmas Blend Coffee,
Champurrado, or Hot Chocolate!
15. Give Something Useful
It's as easy as...
Having a meal delivered, collecting canned goods
16. Give Something Handmade
Share the children's creations because some people
have an affinity for items that are handmade
Color*full Creations
creating a life full of color

creating a life full of color
17. Give of your Time
There are many ways to give of your time...

Volunteer, serve, support a cause, visit someone who is sick,
or put together/deliver gift baskets to share with those in need

18. Give Something Personalized
Personalize gifts by getting items monogrammed,
printed with pictures, or finished off with that special touch.
Personalized gifts they leave no doubt who the gift is for...


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19. Give in Secret
Surprise someone by having a gift shipped to them, but instead of signing the card
with your name, include reasons why you are sending the gift, what you love
about the person, or favorite memories you've shared together...
Chances are they will enjoy the mystery just as much as the gift!
20. Give from Your Heart
Most of all this Holiday Season remember to give selflessly, give thoughtfully,
and give from your heart. With these simple gift giving tips, you can't go wrong!
What will you give?
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