Goodness! I think the whirlwind has stopped. I never would have thought that the three weeks leading up to Christmas would be less busy than the last month. I may be proven wrong yet…but as of now, the boys birthday, thanksgiving and Esther’s birthday parties are all over. Now I feel like I can take a deep breath, slowly decorate for Christmas and enjoy the season. Which is my favorite.

Cute Right?! I went to my first ornament exchange party this year and one of the ladies brought this cutie. I was immediately in love with it and my brain started ticking…

The weather is about to be cold soon and my kids will be in need of indoor projects. So we will make our own ornaments. Clear, shatter-proof ornaments are everywhere. So I got orange and black Sharpies and some little puff balls and we will make snowman ornaments this year. Each year we’ll do this and grow our own collection. I am excited.

Also- it’s Christmas movie season and I always kick it off with the classics. Meet Me In St. Louis, The Shop Around the Corner, The Man Who Came To Dinner and White Christmas. Because what is Christmas without Judy Garland, Bette Davis, Jimmy Stewart and Bing Crosby? It’s not a Crouse Christmas. That’s for sure.

Pray For Them

It is so hard not to judge. It’s embedded into my nature I think. I see things as black and white, and I believe it’s an asset as it keeps my moral compass pointed north. But I have learned that judgment without compassion is cruel. God is certainly just- His righteousness demands it. But, He is also gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. He does not treat us as our sins deserve but rather separates us from our sin as far as the East is from the West. That is the good news of Christmas!

Father, keep (Name) from judging others “that [he/she] not be judged. For with the judgment [Name] pronounce[s], [he/she] will be judged, and with the measure [(Name) uses] it will be measured to [him/her].” I ask you to guard (Name’s) heart and keep it pure from criticism. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Prayers taken from the daily prayer on the BiblicalPrayers mobile app. Download today on the App Store or Google Play store.

Christmas Coffee

In the Christmas season I love to put a little Christmas in my cup if you know what I mean. Here is my secret: When I brew my regular coffee, I add a dash of cinnamon and a tiny pinch of ground cloves in there. Then I add the water. No floating spices, just smooth and delicious.

Why load up on sugary Starbucks drinks when you can have this delicious treat every morning?