/lyris/parenting/archives/12-18-2007.htmlIf this page is not displaying correctly, please click here

ChristianityToday.com
MomSensea service of Christianity Today International
The Official Newsletter of MomSense
Tuesday, December 18, 2007


 Welcome

Mary DarrThe other day, my son and I were talking about the meaning of Christmas. He told me that Christmas isn't all about Santa and presents. "It's not about big things like dinosaurs," he said. "The true spirit of Christmas is all about the birth of Baby Jesus. And God sent him to be the king of the galaxy. People came to serve him. But he's a different king, he came to serve us." That's a timely reminder for when I get caught up in the distractions of the season.

It's easy to get buried by the avalanche of holiday preparations. Why do we strive to have the "perfect" Christmas celebration for our family? MOPS President Naomi Cramer Overton shares her thoughts on simplifying your holidays in "Surviving or Thriving the Night Before Christmas."

Home can be a hard or hurting place, especially during the holidays. Carol Kuykendall talks about coping with the loss of her father during Christmas in "Coming Home—Again." If you're experiencing loss or feel depressed, find resources and encouragement at www.MOPS.org/help.

Also in this issue,

Christmas Blessings,
Mary Darr
Mary Darr
Editor, MomSense magazine

To reply to this newsletter: parenting@christianitytoday.com


advertisement
Click HereNew Downloadable Guides for Parents!
The responsibility of parenting is one of the most important jobs you'll ever have. You'll experience joys, sorrows, and uncertainties. Visit the Download Shoppe at ChristianParentingTodayStore.com to find encouraging Bible Studies and just-in-time Survival Guides to help you along the way.

 Featured Article from MomSense

/momsense/2007/006/14.32.htmlSurviving or Thriving the Night Before Christmas
Simplifying your Christmas celebration.


Twas the night before Christmas, and … another package wrapped! I looked at the growing pile of bags with satisfaction. My refill coffee sat on my desk.

| more |


 New Downloadable Guides for Parents
Top 10 Tips for Avoiding Mom BurnoutTop 10 Tips for Avoiding Mom Burnout
Keeping all the balls moms juggle in the air is nothing short of amazing. Download this Top Ten List for encouragement and practical tips on how to avoid burnout.
Family DevotionsFamily Devotions
Family devotions foster spiritual growth. This guide offers ideas for making devotions a real and blessed part of family life.
Browse More Guides

 New Articles from MomSense

Going to the Stable
A mom rediscovers the spirit of Christmas from her 3-year-old's childlike faith.


Coming Home—Again
When home feels different because of a loss.


 Off the Rack

Good BuyFive-Star Families: Moving Yours from Good to Great
Carol Kuykendall takes a look at the five important qualities that matter most in a family, and gives readers different ways to express and experience each. Build a healthy family that wants to be together, grow together, and stay together.
Good BuyMom, You Make a Difference!
MOPS president Elisa Morgan reminds us that the job of raising a family is the most important one in the world. Frequently funny and always thought-provoking, this encouraging collection will provide a spiritual lift any day of the year.
Good BuyBeyond Macaroni and Cheese
Drawn from the best of hundreds of recipes submitted by Mothers of Preschoolers groups around the nation, these kid-friendly recipes are easy to prepare.
Good BuyHomespun Gifts from the Heart
The most cherished gifts needn't be expensive! Craft queens and glue-gun misfits alike will appreciate these tips on making simple, inexpensive presents for all seasons.
Buy NowGive a Gift Subscription to Men of Integrity
From Christianity Today International in association with Promise Keepers, this bimonthly magazine addresses issues men face and includes daily devotions by well-known Christian leaders.

In Association with Christianbook.com
Search: 

Explore the MomSense Channel

Parents You Should Know  | Expert Advice | It Makes Sense | Just for Fun | MOPS in Action | Mom to Mom | Issues  Culture | Family Faith | Kids  Culture  | Family Devotionals  | Ages  Stages  | New You Can Use  | Parent to Parent | Download Shoppe | MOPS Website 




MomSenseis delivered free via e-mail to subscribers every other week. We encourage you to distribute this newsletter freely and ask only that you not change its contents.

Copyright ©Tuesday, December 18, 2007 ChristianityToday.com, Christianity Today International
465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
All rights reserved.


 Visit: MomSense.com
 Visit: Download Shoppe
 Send a Free E-card

Click Here


https://w1.buysub.com/pubs/L2/CGP/CGP_RFTO.jsp?cds_page_id=27190&cds_mag_code=CGP&cds_response_key=I8NB04
MomSense
Special Benefits Package!

Get a Free Trial Issue!

Give a Gift Subscription

Manage My Subscription


https://w1.buysub.com/servlet/GiftsGateway?cds_mag_code=CGP&cds_page_id=19817&cds_response_key=I8G104



Click Here

Click Here

 MOPS
Mothers of Preschoolers

What is MOPS?

Join a Group

Visit MOPS.org

 New Online Poll
Do you teach your children about Santa Claus?
  • Yes
  • No
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.

 Results of Most Recent Poll
Do you open an Advent calendar with your kids?
  • Yes: 60%
  • No: 40%
 Most-Read Articles of the Week
Begging for Myrrh

The Tradition Junkie

The Christmas Hunt

The Santa Question

The Purity Ring

  New Articles from
  Today's Christian Woman
In the Bleak Midwinter
Finding comfort in the circumstances of Jesus' entry into our world.

What I'm Learning About …
"Doing" Christmas.

FREE NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to Women's Connection



  New Articles from
  Marriage Partnership
Not Tonight, Honey
I just knew we'd pray together every day. Uh … right.

Healthy Holidays
This time of year doesn't have to bring stress to your fun, waist, or wallet.

FREE NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to Marriage Connection