Nothing says "Happy Birthday Jesus" like a moon lit night hike :)
Over the past fifteen years of living here we have developed some AWESOME (and I mean that in the true sense of the word) friendships. They've taken us in as if we are family and support us through... well, pretty much everything. They are our go to people and we just love them so much.
Since our kids have been born; we have had the kids exchange Christmas gifts with each family (just like family). We are trying to get creative with our finances this year as many of you are. Getting caught up in the gift giving is fun, but a little harder with all the tight times. There is value in teaching our kids how to GIVE gifts gratefully and with meaning. Jesus was the perfect gift and remembering his birth is the ideal time to practice this art.
With the help of some friends we brainstormed an idea that we all could participate in. We could give the gift of time; time with each other. We geared up, brought a few brownies, downed some hot chocolate, met good friends and we had a plan. This Saturday night the moon was about 85% and the weather was ideal for a night hike. So we met about 9 p.m. and got our sugar fix, friend fix and hiking fix.
It was great! It is something that the kids will remember especially decorating our backpacks and the singing. Packing up after bedtime to go meet our friends in the dark to eat sweets and laugh.... how fun is that? I think we also scored a few points on the cool parents’ card!
We are hoping this becomes a tradition and more friends can join us next year :).
Our favorite part of the night was when we reached a point in the hike were we could see the lights of the city below us. We stood there under the moon light and shared things that we were thankful for (our church, family, health, jobs etc.) and then one of the guys said a heartfelt prayer. It was really moving. The feeling of being blessed washed over us and it felt like the perfect way to say "Happy Birthday Jesus".
Trekking through the dark in the dirt was fun for us, but the the journey taken many years ago by donkey was a rough road. It makes us feel so grateful for all the blessing He has given us. His Son, grace, life... EVERYTHING!
Being good stewards of God's money during the holidays is a wise idea. Practicing it is the tricky part. Enjoying each other and remembering what this season is really about sometimes gets lost in the shuffle. Here is to hoping that you enjoy His gift... and find time to pause in the moon light, take a deep breathe and give thanks.
Since our kids have been born; we have had the kids exchange Christmas gifts with each family (just like family). We are trying to get creative with our finances this year as many of you are. Getting caught up in the gift giving is fun, but a little harder with all the tight times. There is value in teaching our kids how to GIVE gifts gratefully and with meaning. Jesus was the perfect gift and remembering his birth is the ideal time to practice this art.
With the help of some friends we brainstormed an idea that we all could participate in. We could give the gift of time; time with each other. We geared up, brought a few brownies, downed some hot chocolate, met good friends and we had a plan. This Saturday night the moon was about 85% and the weather was ideal for a night hike. So we met about 9 p.m. and got our sugar fix, friend fix and hiking fix.
It was great! It is something that the kids will remember especially decorating our backpacks and the singing. Packing up after bedtime to go meet our friends in the dark to eat sweets and laugh.... how fun is that? I think we also scored a few points on the cool parents’ card!
We are hoping this becomes a tradition and more friends can join us next year :).
Our favorite part of the night was when we reached a point in the hike were we could see the lights of the city below us. We stood there under the moon light and shared things that we were thankful for (our church, family, health, jobs etc.) and then one of the guys said a heartfelt prayer. It was really moving. The feeling of being blessed washed over us and it felt like the perfect way to say "Happy Birthday Jesus".
Trekking through the dark in the dirt was fun for us, but the the journey taken many years ago by donkey was a rough road. It makes us feel so grateful for all the blessing He has given us. His Son, grace, life... EVERYTHING!
Being good stewards of God's money during the holidays is a wise idea. Practicing it is the tricky part. Enjoying each other and remembering what this season is really about sometimes gets lost in the shuffle. Here is to hoping that you enjoy His gift... and find time to pause in the moon light, take a deep breathe and give thanks.
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