Stacey A. Shannon is a freelance journalist and blogger who has been published internationally. She's also a Christian, a wife and a mom of two school-aged children. She started Families with Grace in 2019 to encourage Christian moms as they create homes filled with grace, love and faith.
Be sure to get the FREE family devotion book, "Finding Grace at Home: 7 Days of 5 Minute Devotions for Families." It's a great way to help your family draw closer to each other and to God.
Motherhood can be lonely. You weren't meant to go on your motherhood journey alone. Connect with Stacey and other Christian moms like you in the private Facebook group, Moms with Grace!
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Even in the busyness of motherhood, God calls you to rest!
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.”
Hebrews 4:9-10
Mom life is busy life. There are always tasks to be accomplished. Always.
Never taking a break for rest can be tempting, but it’s neither good for us nor what God intended for us.
It can be easy to scoff at the idea of a day of rest when you’re a mom, especially when you have small children. Yet, we do need rest.
And so we must give ourselves permission to not be productive all the time. We may not get an entire day to just sit and do nothing. That’s probably not feasible.
However, we certainly don’t need to beat ourselves up for slowing down and taking a break. It’s OK to ask for help, take a nap or just do what it takes to survive for a day.
Let today be the day you give yourself permission to rest!
Prayer:
Dear God, it can be really hard for me to find time to rest. There is always so much on my to-do list, and I struggle to be still. So many people depend on me. Yet, I know you created me to need rest. Open my eyes to see opportunities for rest you give me. Help me to relax in peace knowing that having downtime isn’t a sin. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
How the shepherds’ quick obedience challenges us to act when God calls
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’”
Luke 2:15 (NIV)
Have you ever had a moment when God asked you to do something? I have. A few years ago, I was at a local hardware store and heard an employee talking about the health struggles she was having.
God asked me to speak to her and tell her I’d pray for her since I also was dealing with my own health struggles and had for years.
I’d love to tell you I spoke with her, she was encouraged and we became good friends. But that’s not how the story goes. Instead, I resisted. I kept my mouth shut.
I wasn’t like the shepherds who immediately jumped up and took off to see the gift God had given them. I didn’t obey that day.
Their example is one we would do well to take note of and heed. More than anything, I want to be so in tune with God that when He prompts me, I act immediately without giving a second thought.
Prayer:
Dear God, forgive me for the times I have not followed your leading. Open my eyes and ears to see and hear you at work. Show me what you would have me to do, and give me the strength to do it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
What Mary’s journey teaches us about faith and gratitude in tough seasons
”While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”
Luke 2:6-7 (NIV)
In 2012, I was pregnant at Christmas. My son was born the end of the following January, so I was very pregnant that year.
It was a miserable third trimester that involved a lot of pain and modified bedrest. Yet, that discomfort pales in comparison to what Mary surely experienced.
She gave birth in a stable of all places – without any women around to help her through the terrifying and overwhelming experience of childbirth.
Yet, the Bible tells us how Mary was positive. She said yes to God and followed Him wholeheartedly even when it was hard. Even when it didn’t make sense. And even when she knew those around her were going to judge her harshly.
Somehow Mary was able to be both miserable and thankful. That’s the attitude I want to maintain when times are hard. Because in every moment and struggle, there always remains something for which to be thankful.
One thing I know to be true: God is always good.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus into the world to save me from my sins. When I am struggling and miserable, give me strength to keep going. Help me to see the good around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Learn the power of speaking life into those around you
“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!’”
Luke 1:41-42 (NIV)
When we talk about the Christmas story, we marvel at the strength and obedience of Mary – and we should. But we also need to pay attention to her cousin Elizabeth.
Right after the angel visits Mary, she goes to stay with her cousin Elizabeth. I can only imagine how overwhelmed Mary felt by learning she was going to have the Son of God.
She needed confirmation and encouragement. Right away, that’s exactly what Elizabeth did. She followed the Holy Spirit to encourage Mary.
Sometimes the best thing we can do to help those around us – from our children to our friends – is be the voice of encouragement. When people are facing difficult situations, they need a positive voice reminding them they matter and what they are doing is important.
In just one compound sentence, Elizabeth surely soothed Mary’s heart. Whose heart can you soothe today with kind words of encouragement?
Prayer:
Dear God, I know words are powerful. Thank you for this example of encouragement. Open my eyes today to see those around me who need a positive word from me. Give me the right words. And, if that person is the one I see in the mirror, help me to speak positively to myself. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
These are the parting words the angel Gabriel said to Mary before he left her. He proclaimed God’s word and promise that both Mary and Elizabeth were going to have babies.
Mary’s situation was miraculous in having a baby who would be the son of God. Elizabeth’s pregnancy was also a miracle, because she was of advanced age.
Yet, the angel plainly reminded Mary that God’s Word won’t ever fail. We can still trust in it today. The Bible is full of promises and ways that God will be with us.
It tells us that God is always with us, and we don’t need to fear. It tells us that God loves us and calls us His own.
We can trust in the unchanging and infallible Word of God. If God has given you a promise to hang on to, and you just aren’t seeing anything happen, then just hold tight.
No word from God will ever fail. He’s working, even when you can’t see Him.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for your Word and the reminder that all your Words are true. Your promises are good, and I trust you with my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A simple way to celebrate the birth of Christ this season
The holiday season is filled with hustle and bustle that can leave even the most organized mom feeling overwhelmed. With buying gifts, attending events, keeping up with family traditions and managing our households, we can lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas—the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
This year, I invite you to pause and reflect with an Advent Bible reading plan designed specifically for moms. This Advent reading plan is a great way to stay grounded in God’s Word throughout the month of December, focusing on the story of Jesus and His miraculous arrival.
The plan includes daily Bible readings, reflective questions and a dedicated page for prayer requests and praises. Whether you’re doing this as part of your personal quiet time, with a small group or even as part of your family devotions, it’s a beautiful way to slow down and keep your eyes on Jesus.
What is an Advent Bible reading plan?
The season of Advent marks the weeks leading up to Christmas. It’s a time for Christians to prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ.
An Advent Bible reading plan is a structured guide to help us get into God’s word every day and focus on the story of Christ from prophecy to fulfillment.
This Advent Scripture reading plan weaves together key Old Testament prophecies, the beautiful narrative from the Gospel of Luke and New Testament reflections on the significance of Christ’s birth.
For moms, it can be particularly meaningful. In the midst of the busyness of the Christmas season, these daily readings offer a chance to connect with the Holy Spirit, reflect on God’s promises and discover fresh ways to celebrate the true reason for this season.
How the Advent reading plan works
This Advent plan is designed to be simple and flexible. Starting on December 1st, you’ll read one or two verses each day, following themes that walk through the Christmas story:
Week 1: The Promise of a Savior Week 2: Mary’s Yes Week 3: The Gift of Good News Week 4: Worship and Giving Week 5: Living the Christmas Story
Each day’s reading is short enough to fit into your busy schedule while still providing time to meditate on its meaning. Plus, you’ll find reflective questions for each week’s reading, encouraging you to go deeper and apply these truths to your life.
Why use an Advent Bible reading plan?
For many moms, the busyness of the season can overshadow the joy of preparing for Christ’s birth. This Advent Scripture reading plan is a tool to help you reclaim the peace and wonder of the Advent season. Here’s how it can bless you:
Reconnect with God’s Word
In the flurry of holiday preparations, it’s easy to let time in Scripture slip. This plan helps you stay consistent with daily scripture readings, guiding you through the birth of Christ while highlighting the beauty of God’s faithfulness.
Reflect on the true meaning of Christmas
Through Advent reflections and days of readings, you’ll be reminded of the richness of the Christmas story and God’s great love for us. This isn’t just about knowing the story of Jesus—it’s about experiencing the wonder of His arrival anew.
Strengthen family traditions
This plan isn’t just for moms! It’s a wonderful resource for family devotions, allowing you to share the story of Christ with your kids.
Consider pairing the readings with a children’s Bible or using the Advent calendar as a visual aid for younger kids.
Create space for prayer and gratitude
Alongside the Advent readings, you’ll find a printable page for recording prayer requests and praises. This is an opportunity to reflect on how God has worked in your life and to bring your cares before Him in this special season.
Get the free Advent Bible reading plan
This Advent Bible reading plan is a simple yet powerful way to stay connected to God’s Word during the Advent season. Whether you’re a mom juggling schedules or looking for a way to introduce your kids to the story of Christ, this plan offers a thoughtful approach to the busyness of the Christmas season.
Ideas for Using the Advent Reading Plan as a Family
Incorporate it into your nightly routine: Gather as a family each evening to read the day’s Scripture. Pair it with lighting a candle on your Advent wreath or sharing something you’re grateful for that day.
Use it with a children’s Bible: For younger kids, read the verses from a children’s Bible with illustrations. This helps bring the story of Christ to life in a way that’s easy for them to understand.
Tie it to your Advent calendar: If you use an Advent calendar, pair each day’s treat or activity with the corresponding daily scripture reading to reinforce the true meaning of Christmas.
Create a prayer chain: Write prayer requests or praises on paper strips each day after reading the Scripture. Link them together to form a chain that grows throughout the month. On Christmas morning, review your chain and thank God for His faithfulness.
Make it interactive: After each day’s reading, invite your kids to draw or color something inspired by the verse. For example, they could draw angels after reading about the shepherds or a star for the Wise Men.
Start a family journal: Use a notebook to jot down a quick reflection each day as a family. Answer questions like, “What did we learn about Jesus today?” or “How can we live out today’s verse?”
Tie it to family traditions: Incorporate the readings into established traditions. For instance, share the Scriptures while decorating the tree, setting up a nativity scene, or baking Christmas cookies.
Share the plan with others: Invite extended family or friends to join you in the Advent Bible readings. You could even set up a group chat to share reflections, prayer requests or praises throughout the month.
Bring it into Sunday dinner: If your family gathers weekly for dinner, take a few minutes to review the week’s verses and discuss what stood out to each person.
Celebrate milestones: As you move through the season of Advent, celebrate milestones like Mary’s “yes” or the shepherds hearing the good news. Use these moments to discuss how they connect to the way we live out our faith today.
A Great Way to Celebrate the Birth of Jesus
This Advent reading plan is more than just daily scripture readings; it’s an opportunity to slow down, connect with your family and focus on the true reason for the season.
Whether you’re reading on your own, leading your kids through the verses, or sharing them with friends, it’s a beautiful way to prepare your heart for Christmas.
Trusting in God’s unfailing presence through the ups and downs of motherhood
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
Knowing that God is there for us and will strengthen us whenever we face trouble is incredibly comforting and encouraging. Even better is that He is there to help us no matter the trouble from struggles with potty training to sending your kiddo off to college.
I love picturing an image of God holding me in his arms when I’m weary and overwhelmed. I imagine being surrounded by God’s love and filled with his strength.
This verse reminds me of that. Even when I am struggling and don’t feel like I’m doing a good job as a mama, God is right there with me.
In the busyness and overwhelm of life, I try to find ways to seek God as my refuge through things like devotional time, prayer time and listening to Christian music.
Today, we can let God hold us when we are too weary to keep going!
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for being our refuge and strength always. Lord, lift me up today and strengthen me. Help me through all of the troubles I face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
God meets you in silence with His perfect understanding
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
Romans 8:26 (NIV)
Figuring out what and how to pray is sometimes challenging. Even as someone who has been in church her whole life and feels a close connection to God, I still struggle with having the right words.
Because the truth is, life is difficult. There are situations I face that I don’t even know what to ask God to do. I’m rendered basically speechless.
That’s where the Holy Spirit steps in. How perfect is God in knowing our needs and meeting them before we even realize the issue is there?!
For those times when you don’t even know what to pray, rest assured the Holy Spirit is bringing requests to God on your behalf. God doesn’t forget you when you are at a loss for words. In fact, I think that’s often when he steps in the best.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for taking care of my needs even before I know I have them. I ask for your guidance and wisdom in all I have going on in my life. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
55 Unique Christmas gift ideas for kids and adults that they’ll love — and your wallet will, too!
Coming up with fun Christmas gift ideas for everyone on your shopping list can be a challenge. And coming up with the perfect gift for people in your life who have everything is even more challenging.
But there are great gifts that are both fun and practical gifts for pretty much everyone on your list — and you don’t even have to break the bank.
And, even better, these are all on Amazon, so you can order them and have them show up at your house with the click of a button. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Affiliate links are used in this post, if you make a qualifying purchase via my link, I receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. It helps support my blog, so thank you for your support! Read my full disclosure here.
For almost anyone
The whole world is obsessed with insulated tumblers with straws and a handle. And I’d guess at least one person on your Christmas gift list falls into this category.
The perfect present for these folks that’s also a lot of fun is straw toppers! Even my teenage daughter is in love with them.
One of the most fun and surprisingly inexpensive options at less than $5 is a set of four personalized straw toppers. Use your own photos and text to make this gift super fun and unique.
No matter what you call it, they’re one of the best gifts for any age. They seriously work for your whole crew from the preschooler to the hard-to-shop-for old guy!
Pin art boards are great for a desk, bookshelf or wherever you want to have something to do with your hands while you’re thinking. (Or wherever you want to occasionally gently smush your face and look at your profile!)
Unless your friends and family live somewhere magical that it never rains, they could use an umbrella. These reverse inverted inside-out umbrellas are awesome!
I’ve been using one for a few years and love how easy it is to put up and down as I’m getting in and out of my car. It’s one of the best products I’ve found for keeping dry.
These come in two sizes 31 different colors and patterns.
Everybody has a slew of pencils and pens that need organized whether it’s at home or at work or both! You might as well organize them in something fun and clever.
Even better, this top pick is an adorable elephant pen and pencil holder that can hold writing utensils and a phone! It’s a small gift with a sense of humor that’s also practical.
If you think just a device holder would be a better fun Christmas gift idea for your friend, I’ve got you covered for that. I use mine all the time.
In fact, I use it so much that it resides on my kitchen table. It is ideal for a Kindle. I love being able to prop up my Kindle Paperwhite and read during my lunch breaks. There are all sorts of great options!
Comes in four different dog breeds
Comes in a two-pack with multiple color options.
Available in four different poses
While you’re at it, you might as well add a fun charging cable to go with the phone stand. This 46-inch USB charging cable that lights up like Christmas lights is one of the best Christmas gifts this holiday season.
And then there is this 14-in-1 hammer tool. It looks cute because it looks like a little hammer, but it’s also incredibly functional and would be something pretty much any gift recipient could use in one of their kitchen drawers.
Fun gift ideas for the person who loves retro
It pains me a bit to say that cassette tapes are retro, because they were such a big part of my childhood, but the truth is, they are. My kids were recently confounded by cassette tapes, in fact.
This fun gift is available in gray, blue and pink.
To go even more retro, check out these cute vinyl record drink coasters. I won’t even pretend that I also didn’t have a few records as a kid, because I certainly did.
I’m a fan of fun coasters. If you’re going to use a coaster to be a responsible adult, you might as well have fun with it! The low price on this ideal gift also make it a great stocking stuffer!
This Hemingway typewriter pencil holder just makes my heart happy. I’m not really sure why because I was only on the very tail end of using typewriters way back in the day, and then they were electric.
But something about this just makes my old soul happy, and I’d bet you know someone who would agree!
If you’re Christmas shopping for a bookworm this year, one of these old-school library check-out card themed items may be just the right gift.
Next is a zipper pouch with the same theme. It could certainly be a fun conversation starter for your entire family at your holiday gathering since younger generations have probably never seen these cards!
This TV speaker phone holder is a great throwback option for your secret Santa or a gag gift for those who like old school things!
Fun Christmas gift ideas for home cooks
I love having fun stuff in my kitchen, and I assume everyone else does, too! I found some unique and fun Christmas gift ideas that would be great Christmas presents for any home cook.
Fun in the kitchen kicks off with making food. If you’ve got to measure out ingredients, you might as well have some fun measuring cups.
Whether you’re buying a gift for a novice cook or someone who seldom cooks, everyone can use cooking utensils. They just seem to make any kitchen work a bit more fun and days brighter.
This colorful set of human shaped kitchen gadgets is a great way to bring a smile to someone on your Christmas list who has kitchen duty. I have a soup ladle made like this, and my whole family gets a kick out of it every time I use it!
And if that doesn’t get you smiling while you cook, add on this smiley face turner, which is perfect for making pancakes on a weekend morning.
The best option for home cooks who also love cats is this cat turner spatula. It’s cute enough to function as home decor and practical enough to flip pancakes!
When it comes to unique and fun Christmas gift ideas, this clever Nessie Ladle that looks like the Lock Ness monster would bring some fun to soup night!
Staying with the theme of fun utensils, this dinosaur pasta server makes me smile. Anyone with kids would enjoy having this in their kitchen. Kids love pasta and dinos, so it’s a great combo.
My son would think this was fabulous if I used it to serve him dinner! As a bonus, it’s dishwasher, top-rack safe.
To keep the kitchen dino fun going, you have to know someone who would love this TriceraTaco Taco Holder. While it is adorable and cracks me up, it’s also helpful and useful. Hard taco eaters would love it.
This funny kitchen towel is a great option to go with the dino taco or nacho holders! It’s available in white or gray.
An incredibly clever Christmas gift idea for any Star Wars fans on your list (and I’m sure there’s at least one if not more!) are these light saber chopsticks that actually light up.
With all that fun going on in the kitchen, it’s going to have to be cleaned. While cleaning a kitchen isn’t the most fun job in the world, this adorable sponge holder makes me smile every time I see it.
It’s a great gift for pretty much anyone on your list who has a kitchen — and that’s everyone!
Everyone can use a cutting board, and this pirate cutting board comes with a knife that looks like the pirate’s peg leg. If that’s not the best way to store a knife for this cutting board, then I don’t know what is!
Finally in kitchen, check out this Gracula garlic crusher. It’s functional in that it crushes garlic, but it’s funny and quirky in that it looks like a vampire.
Fun Christmas gifts for a family
Coming up with a gift to give to a family can be a challenge sometimes, so I’ve got some great ideas for family gifts all family members would love!
This indoor electric smores maker is one of my favorite things we have! I can make smores year-round. I don’t have to worry about an open flame.
And it really does toast the marshmallows just like I want them. My kids get a kick out of it, too. It’s a great family gift!
This smores maker is a fun Christmas gift idea that works well for families with small children, older children or no children. Who doesn’t love a smore?!
Another great option is family conversation starter cards. They’re perfect for chats at dinnertime or even long rides in the car.
I don’t drink coffee or tea, but I love a fun mug nonetheless. I mean, I do drink hot chocolate. And it tastes better when it’s something fun to drink it out of!
Mugs make a great gift for nearly any adult — coffee lovers or not!. They even make good pencil holders!
You can give mugs solo or pair them with a coffee shop gift card or fill them with candy. There are lots of good options. And there are even more fun options when it comes to finding the right mug.
(If you go with the fishing mug for the angler in your life, consider pairing it with this fishing memory picture frame for a fun — and meaningful — gift!)
For the kiddos
And, of course, we can’t forget fun Christmas gift ideas for kiddos. I purposefully trying to add small gifts for my kids they will actually play with or use versus just buying a bunch of cheap stuff that breaks quickly or is tossed aside.
It was with that in mind that I looked for some interesting gifts kids would actually like.
The first one has to be this Little Live Pets Wraptile. I got this for my son for Christmas a couple of years ago. He absolutely loved it!
One of his favorite features was he could talk into a microphone on it and it would repeat what he said (in its voice). He also liked that the eyes change color based on what mood the creature is in, which is pretty neat.
For crafty children, a glow-in-the-dark rock painting set is a fun gift to add to your holiday shopping list. It takes crafts up a notch!
Another fun option for craft-loving children is the set of liquid pens. They’re part toy, part pen and all fun!
For kiddos as young as 24 months, this dog grooming and doctor kit actually straps on like a backpack. It comes with an adorable white plush dog and a variety of accessories that any kiddo would enjoy playing with.
When I was a kid, I had something very similar to this rainbow silk streamer and loved it! I made up so many routines and dances and flung that thing all over the place. It would be a hit with kids a wide array of ages.
Continuing the stroll down memory lane leads us to a Lite Brite. Remember those? It’s a great holiday gift idea for any kiddo.
And I’d be remiss to have a gift guide of fun Christmas gift ideas without including some potty humor for children. First up is the bag of reindeer farts.
Kiddos will get a kick out of eating reindeer farts, which is actually just yummy cotton candy!
For even more fart fun, this farting ink pen is another fun gift idea for children.
Beyond those games, though, there are some other fun game options families with love, including some updated classics.
First up is the classic hot potato game. Instead of someone having to play music and hit stop at random, the potato now plays music and stops on its own. How nice is that?!
Another update on a classic game is this Connect 4 Shots game. I got it for one of my nephews one year and my own kids the next. We have had fun with it.
It has the same basic rules as the classic Connect 4 but with the twist of having to bounce balls into the holder instead of dropping in pieces. Our whole family enjoys it!
To get in the Christmas spirit, this set of 12 Games of Christmas is a perfect gift for game-loving families. It has 12 simple and easy-to-learn games the entire family will have fun playing.
Finally, Kids Versus Parents is a fun family game that will help families get to know one another even better and share laugh along the way.
Looking for more Christmas ideas? Check out these posts!
Why God’s friendship means everything in the loneliness of motherhood
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
Something that surprised me about motherhood was how lonely it can be. I’m a natural introvert who thrives on alone time. As a mom, getting alone time in the early years can be downright difficult or even impossible.
Yet, it can also be so lonely and draining. We spend every moment of the day giving ourselves away. Finding the time or energy to talk with someone else about how we’re doing can be a challenge. And that’s assuming we have someone with whom we can talk who understands us.
I have learned time and again – especially during a season of one loss after another – that God is dependable. He doesn’t leave me and is right there to listen to me.
Since becoming a mom, I appreciate the friendship of God more than ever. I am thankful He is there when I’m up with a sick child in the middle of the night or fretting about a challenge one of my kids is facing while I’m washing my hair.
We are able to find contentment, joy, peace and friendship with our Heavenly Father at all times.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for always being with me. I appreciate having you as a friend who is constant, dependable and true. When I’m feeling lonely and out of sorts, remind me of your goodness and presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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