Family Features

No matter how hard we try, families become so focused on dinners, tree decorating, card sending, and gift giving during the Christmas season!  But keeping our minds and hearts focused on Christ during this season is the whole foundation to the season.

What if we made prayer the focus instead of all the Christmas items on our lists?  Here are 3 prayers to bring your heart closer to Christ.

When it comes to the joy and the stress of the holidays, how do you and your spouse approach it? As a united team? Or do tinsel, gift giving, and extended family get-togethers turn you against each other?

If you and your spouse are struggling to face the holidays together, here are 5 ways you can navigate the season hand-in-hand rather than back-to-back.

Somehow, I’ve gone from Buddy the Elf to the Grinch. I’ve gone on a downward spiral from loving Christmas to dreading its coming.  But, I don’t want it to be this way!

Let's regain the joy of the season....!

For me, one of the most challenging and busies times of the year is the holiday season. It is when I discover my overcommitted schedule and endless obligations have created a very underwhelmed soul.

How do busy moms do it all so seamlessly?

Every year, Christmas decorations come out earlier and earlier. But have we forgotten how to celebrate Thanksgiving?

Just when you think you have them all settled down for an afternoon nap, that's when the surprises come!

This mama had her camera rolling on nap time, and what she captured on video was both hilarious and adorable!

Black Friday is that infamous time of year when we forget everything we learned the day before about gratitude, and go stark raving mad for things. Most people know what to expect at a Black Friday sale, some might even enjoy the chaos. However, for those looking to avoid the usual frenzy, here are ten things to do on Black Friday besides shop.

Trying to remain in complete control only brings temporary security. Those who seek to reign over their environments will realize that...life happens...regardless.

If your Thanksgiving is getting a little hectic, singer Sara Groves can totally relate - and has a sweet solution for you!

This fun family music video will bring a breath of fresh air to your holiday heaviness.  It's a great reminder to take it ALL in stride!

Approach holiday eating from a faith-based intuitive eating perspective, then a season of true abundance and gratitude opens up.  Here are three key points we can keep in mind so we don’t let food overwhelm our focus this Thanksgiving...

Desperation should not be the reason a woman enters a relationship. She should not be driven by the culture, an amped up biological clock, or nosy family members who never tire of asking, “When are you going to get married?” The decision to engage in a relationship should begin with God.

It is not always easy to give thanks, but this is the very thing we must do in order to see God's will accomplished in our lives. This is how we move into higher realms of faith for ourselves, for our city, and for our nation...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and everywhere I turn there's a tide rising of commotion, preparation, and pinning. It's enough to make my head spin.

But in the midst of it all, I feel a gentle tug at my heart.

"Come to Me..."

 

For many Christian artists, Thanksgiving holidays are extra special. For some, it may be the only season they truly get to relax! We caught up with some of your favorite artists to hear first-hand what Thanksgiving season means to them.
From CCM Magazine!

How healthy are you going into this holiday season?

While you can try to steer clear of germs, pump up the antioxidants, and even get your flu shots, one of the healthiest habits you can cultivate is to express a grateful heart.

Uttering these five words will make you stop short of your dreams and calling. I'm guilty of saying them...are you?

Your family members are gathered for a Thanksgiving feast. As you enjoy delicious food and engaging conversation, you look out across the table and think of how thankful you are for this experience. It's all perfect, except for one thing.  It’s not real.

Here are some all-too-common scenarios that can burst the bubble of unrealistic expectations at Thanksgiving – and what you can do if you encounter them...

Here are 7 essential phrases sons need to hear from their moms to feel valued and capable later in life.

In case the concept of spending quiet time with God is unfamiliar to you (as it was to me for a long time), it’s basically taking time either within your normal prayer time or throughout the day to get silent before God and listen for His voice.

...sort of like having coffee with a friend....

Some days get hard. We feel exhausted. Worn. Tired of fighting. About ready to give up. Feeling like we can’t go on. The enemy seems to be hot on our trail. And we wonder if we’ve been left on our own.

For those who are battle-weary, here's some real hope for you this day…