november happenings

November was such a busy month and we are so glad that so many of you got to make our November meeting and event.  We'd love to hear how the prayer journals are going or see the advent calendars in action, so feel free to comment or e-mail us as December progresses!

Also, don't forget to check the upcoming events page for details on our next event and remember that our next meeting will be December 4.  We hope you all can make it!

 

 

 

november meeting [praying for our husbands]

the link for last saturday's meeting is now online! (click here) if you were unable to make it, below is a visual tutorial for how to make your own journal using a composition notebook.

and of course you don't need to modge podge a notebook to begin a prayer journal! grab a journal you already have or head to the store and pick out one that you like or that reminds you of your husband. either way, we encourage you to spend some time talking with your husband about areas you can to pray for him and then put it into action.  the notes break it up into 30 topics of prayer, so it can be used as a monthly guide. the idea is that you can begin by praying for your husband in a different area everyday each month. but mainly, this is your journal to create as you feel led. so whether you write out specific prayers, bullet points, or jot down scriptures to pray over him, we encourage you to seize the opportunity we all have as intercessors for our husbands. have a great weekend! and we hope to see you all this sunday to make our advent calendars!

Keeping everything in check!

Hello everyone,

Since the holidays are right around the corner and things tend to get stressful and busy, I thought I'd share this link with you. Megan Kelly sent it to me and we thought this is great info to keep everything in check!! Enjoy!!

http://simplemom.net/less-stressful-holidays/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+simplemom+%28Simple+Mom%29

upcoming event [advent calendar]

Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 14! Our next event will be for Advent Conspiracy, where we will be creating a special advent calendar for our families at the home of Kenny and Megan Wall at 9:30 a.m. (email meganwwall@gmail.com for directions).


Not sure what an advent calendar is? You're not the only one. :) Basically, advent calendars are displayed in the home counting down the days leading up to Christmas (from Dec. 1 until Dec. 25).  Each day, there is a note, clue, verse, coupon, or whatever you like tucked away, so that on that day, the family or couple opens it together and acts on it.  Whether its watching a Christmas movie all together or surprising other families with anonymous gifts, the goal of worshiping fully, spending less, giving more, and loving all will play out in unique ways all around Baton Rouge.

The beauty behind the calendar is that it can be as detailed or as simple as you like.  We encourage you to keep your family in mind and create a calendar around those personalities, talents, and passions.

Before you come to create your calendar, we ask that you bring all the supplies you will need for your own individual calendar.

You will need:

• 25 activity ideas appropriate for the interests and the ages of your family members.
  
• 25 boxes, envelopes, socks, matchboxes, spools, packages, tins, or etc. to put them in.
  
• Materials needed for a calendar (which can be a anything!).

To help get you thinking, we've compiled a list of great examples from DIYers that have already paved the way of creativity in this department. There are so many simple and amazing tutorials out there, so click on the links below the pictures to see even more examples--have fun browsing!





fabric, paper, or already made tins and boxes ideas




paper-envelope advent calendar







spool advent calendar




another tin idea




cookie sheet calendar with magnets





muffin tin calendar with magnets




matchbox calendar

Also, here are some ideas we pulled from different sources for the 25 advent days to help brainstorm activities for each day:

[ Worship Fully ]

• Read verses about the Christmas story (Mark 1:1-8; Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 1:18-24; Luke 2:1-5; Isaiah 9:1-6)
  
• Get hot cocoa and go to a living nativity at a local church
  
• Make a Christmas craft
  
• Write down 10 ways you feel blessed and hang it where you will see everyday
  
• Celebrate Jesus’ birthday with family
  
• Sing Christmas Carols (if you have kids, have them call their grandparents and sing to them!)

[ Spend Less ]

• Decorate the tree and drink eggnog
  
• Go to hometown family Christmas Celebrations
  
• Watch a Christmas movie
  
• Family Game Night!
  
• Drive around and look at Christmas lights
  
• Have a picnic dinner in front of the Christmas tree
  
• Eat dessert before dinner!

[ Give More ]

• Prepare and mail a Christmas care package for soldiers
  
• Decorate gift wrap & wrap gifts
  
• Bake bread & deliver it to the neighbors
  
• Go to grandparents house for Christmas celebrations
  
• Bake/decorate cookies and deliver them to families from church
  
• Make Christmas gifts for extended family
  
• Put out a gift to your mail man or mail lady

[ Love All ]

• Surprise other families with anonymous gifts on their doorsteps
  
• Deliver gifts to the homeless
  
• Make homemade Christmas cards
  
• Go ice skating!
  
• Make a gingerbread house with friends
  
• Take homemade Christmas cards to a nursing home

We hope that everyone can come by even if its just for while! If you have any questions or you aren't sure what all you will need for a certain calendar, leave a comment below or e-mail Jenny Gilbert at jennygilbert1@gmail.com.