It's that time of year again: time to frantically find Christmas presents for those nearest and dearest and farthest away from you. Since this is my most read and most shared post, I thought it might be a good idea to update with...
Read moreEthical Goods on a Modest Budget
As I began writing last Friday's post about consumerism and the Christian woman, I knew I wanted to find some affordable options for promoting ethical, fair-trade products that don't cater to an affluent western lifestyle. I truly do believe that one can invest in justice...
Read moreA Yes Woman
If you had asked me to do anything in our first few years of ministry, I would’ve answered in the affirmative. I wanted to be used, anywhere and in any way, and I was anxious to send news home of all these needs that had been answered through me.
I didn’t feel called to bulletin making, but I was good at it. A lifetime in traditional church combined with entry-level training in graphic design came to good use on the field. It wasn’t my gifting, but I did it… because I could.
I didn’t feel called to teaching a children’s Sunday school class, but I was a young mom and it was my turn in the rotation at our new young church. It wasn’t my gifting, but I did it… because I felt like I had to.
I didn’t feel called to website administration, but if I didn’t do it, who would? It wasn’t my gifting, but…
I'm sharing at Velvet Ashes today about skills, giftings and saying no to some good things.
Gift-Giving for the Far Away Family
Christmas sneaks up on me every time. I don't know how that happens; it's not like it's a fixed date on the calendar or anything. But somehow I still miss it, put things off, always thinking this will be the year I plan ahead, yet I never do.
At some point in November I get the email from the parents asking what they can do for us for Christmas. This proves to be a bit of a conundrum as we no longer live across town; we live across an ocean. Shipping rates aren't exactly favourable to any of us and I spend hours racking my brain on gift ideas for my children (and, likewise, for them!) that will be thoughtful and personal, as well as thrifty and expedient.
If you're a fellow expat, or love an expat, or just live too far way from family, here are a few ideas to make Christmas gift-giving (and shipping) not such a pain in the neck.
Read moreA Christmas gift guide (for the family on the move)
One question has plagued us for the last two Christmases: what do you give the family, the children, the friends who are about to move?
We've been in a perpetual state of waiting to move for that long and even before that, were always searching out new, small, easy to pack yet meaningful treasures for our wee three.
With that in mind, I'd like to offer...
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