They’re just ordinary.

Nothing is wrong, but there is nothing special either. But sometimes it is fun or comforting to add a little “specialness” to your day. And often small, simple things can improve your day in a noticeable way.

Open the windows

Even for a little while. Fresh air changes the feel of a room more than you expect. It makes everything feel less closed in.

Pray

Truly pray. Try more than a simple “Thank you, God,” although that is good, but sitting down and pouring out your heart – everything – your fears, your sins, your pain – and giving it to Him, trusting Him who loves you more than anyone, will completely change your day. You may cry, but it will reduce your stress and bring you peace.

Get one thing done that has been sitting in your head

Not everything – just one thing. Send the email. Make the call. Finish the small task you have been putting off. It clears mental space and makes you feel so much better.

Read a book

Not your phone. Not scrolling. Just a few pages of something you actually want to read. It’s a different kind of rest.

Make something you actually want to eat

A simple meal. A dessert. Something you’d enjoy – not just what is easiest or fastest. If you are worried about making something you don’t want to eat a lot of, make a smaller portion or share the leftovers. Even a small portion feels different when you chose it on purpose.

Dance and Sing

Put HOPE 100.7 on while you are making dinner or doing a chore and sing along – out loud. Singing out loud literally improves both your health and your happiness.

Write a short note to someone

Nothing long or formal. Just a quick message to thank someone or tell them you appreciate them. It doesn’t take much time, but it tends to lift your mood as much as theirs.

Light a candle during dinner

It’s a small thing, but it changes the feel of the evening. It makes an ordinary meal feel special without any extra effort.

Clean one thing

Not the whole house. Just one spot or area.

The counter, the sink, a small pile that’s been sitting there. One clear space can make the whole room feel easier to be in.

Step outside

Even briefly. A few minutes of fresh air or sunlight can reset your mood more than staying inside all day. And if you can’t get out for a quick stroll during the day, go out and look up at the night sky. It’s an excellent reminder of who is in control and might let you fall asleep a little easier.

You don’t have to do all of these, of course. And you don’t have to turn them into a routine.

Some will come and go. Some might stick without you really trying. And some might be things you save for days that need a little extra help. But they’re there – small, simple ways to make an ordinary day feel a little better.

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The first witnesses to the empty tomb of Jesus were women.

All four Gospels record that women discovered the empty tomb of Jesus early on the first Easter morning. According to Jewish custom, burial spices were used to prepare a body for the tomb, but because Jesus needed to be buried quickly before the start of the Sabbath, the hurried circumstances of Friday afternoon meant the work had not been finished. Several women went to the tomb of Jesus to complete the burial preparations that had been interrupted by the Sabbath.

They were not expecting a resurrection. They were simply coming to care for a body. The Gospel of Mark records their conversation as they walked:

Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us? (Mark 16:3).

When they arrived, however, they discovered something astonishing. The stone had already been rolled away, and the tomb was empty. And the angel at the tomb told them the news that would change history:

He is not here; for He is risen (Matthew 28:6).

At first glance this part of the Easter story might not seem unusual. Yet in the cultural world of the first century, this was actually quite unexpected. In Jewish and Roman society, women’s testimony was often not accepted in legal settings. Their words carried less public authority than those of men.

For that reason, if someone were inventing a story meant to persuade others, women would be an unlikely choice for the primary witnesses. Yet the Gospel writers all record the same thing: The first people to discover the empty tomb of Jesus were women.

Mary Magdalene at the tomb appears in every account of the empty tomb. Other women were present as well, depending on the Gospel writer’s perspective. These women had followed Jesus faithfully during His ministry. Some of them had even helped support His ministry and remained nearby and watched the crucifixion when many of the disciples had fled. They saw where Jesus was buried. And now they were the first to see that the tomb was empty.

It is a beautiful and often overlooked part of the story. The message of Easter was not first announced to powerful leaders or public figures. It was given to ordinary followers who had come simply to care for their teacher.

And those women were then entrusted with an important task. They were told to go tell the disciples. Matthew records the moment clearly:

Go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead (Matthew 28:7).

In other words, the first witnesses of the resurrection were also the first messengers of the news. This detail reminds us of something important about the Easter story:

God often works through people the world overlooks.

The first witnesses were not chosen because of status or authority. They were simply faithful followers who showed up when others did not. Because they came to the tomb that morning, they became the first to hear the words that would echo through history:

He is risen.

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Within our personal lives winter seems so long and so unnecessary. Here are a few reflections I’ve heard from friends and family:

“I think the winter has completely drained, kicked butt, pulled hair out, made you scream, and run down the street. It has been awful, cold, dreary, I mean, just everything. And so I am so looking forward to even just seeing a little bitty bit of the warmer temperatures. It reminds me there’s hope, and I’m looking forward to spring, like really for real.”

“This winter was very draining, very exhausting. The days are getting longer. I watched the news and the newscaster said, ‘We’re going to have another hour and 10 minutes of sunlight.’ I can tell the sun is shining more and that it’s coming. OK, we’ve turned the corner.”

“I feel the warmth of the sun and hear the early morning songs of the birds a bit more. That’s a sign of hope, that spring is on its way. I really enjoy spending quiet time on my porch, drinking coffee, and enjoying the quietness and ability to watch the little squirrels run around.”

God has created the seasons and each has its significance. Winter may seem the least beneficial, but it’s not. Here are 10 Benefits of Winter.

1. Natural Pest Control

Cold temperatures reduce populations of insects, parasites, and plant pathogens. Extended freezes help limit agricultural pests and disease-carrying insects that would otherwise multiply rapidly.

2. Soil Restoration and Structure

Freeze-thaw cycles break up compacted soil, improving aeration and allowing water and nutrients to penetrate more deeply. This natural “tilling” strengthens soil health for spring growth.

3. Water Storage Through Snowpack

Snow acts as a slow-release reservoir. As it melts gradually, it replenishes groundwater, rivers, and lakes — supporting ecosystems and agriculture well into warmer months.

4. Plant Dormancy and Energy Conservation

Many trees and perennials enter dormancy, conserving energy and protecting vital tissues. This rest period is essential for healthy budding, flowering, and fruiting in spring.

5. Seed Stratification

Some plant species require cold exposure before they can germinate. Winter’s chill triggers the biological clock that allows seeds to sprout at the right time.

6. Wildlife Population Balance

Harsh conditions naturally regulate wildlife populations. While challenging, this balance helps prevent overgrazing and resource depletion.

7. Nutrient Cycling

As leaves and plant matter decompose under snow cover, nutrients slowly return to the soil. This quiet process prepares fertile ground for new life.

8. Water Oxygenation

Cold water holds more dissolved oxygen than warm water, which benefits fish and aquatic organisms during winter months.

9. Ecosystem Reset

Winter provides a seasonal pause — a resetting of growth cycles, pest pressure, and biological rhythms. This seasonal rhythm supports long-term ecological stability.

10. Climate Regulation

Snow and ice reflect sunlight, helping regulate global temperatures by reducing heat absorption at the Earth’s surface.

Though winter may appear barren, it is a season of hidden work restoring, refining, and readying the earth for renewal. Scripture reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” Winter embodies that truth in the natural world. It teaches that rest is purposeful, dormancy is not death, and quiet seasons are often the soil of future fruitfulness. As we observe how winter strengthens ecosystems and prepares the earth for renewal, we are reminded that God’s design is both ecological and spiritual. The Creator who ordained the seasons also ordains times in our lives, each with meaning, each with purpose, and each moving us toward renewal. Let’s look into our souls during this winter and search for what God is renewing in us as we prepare for our personal spring.

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“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” was written in 1923 by Thomas O. Chisholm (1866-1960), a Kentucky-born Methodist minister, who wrote it as a poem reflecting on God’s daily faithfulness throughout his life. Inspired by Lamentations 3:22-23, it was set to music by William M. Runyan (1870-1957) and gained popularity through the Moody Bible Institute and Billy Graham crusades. Thomas Chisholm wrote over 1,200 poems, but this particular hymn became his most enduring legacy, focusing on the theme that God’s compassions are new every morning.

Let’s look at Lamentations 3:22-23 in several different versions of the Bible.

● Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. New International Version (NIV)

● Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. New King James Version (NKJV)

● God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left. The Message (MSG)

Thomas’ life was not one of ease. He experienced health problems and financial struggles. Thomas wrote out of experience of need. He needed God’s unfailing mercy daily within his life. Now, let’s look at the words to “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and reflect on the truth of the inspiring scripture. If this were the only scripture and hymn that we ever knew, the profoundness of its message could sustain us for a lifetime.

May we each realize the LOVING KINDNESS of God our Father. His FAITHFULNESS is what sustains us each and every day. May we not become immune to the wooing strains of God’s mercies that waft through the chords of this song with the intention of capturing our heart and producing a return from us of LOVE and GRATEFULNESS to the GREAT I AM.

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Why Winter Feels So Long

If winter feels especially long right now, you’re not alone. People, especially women, often feel this in response to reduced daylight, colder temperatures, and the “sameness” the season often brings. While we cannot shorten winter, there are simple ways we can make winter feel shorter and more livable. Not big transformations – just small, steady practices that bring warmth, light, and a sense of movement into everyday life.

Mark Time in Small, Visible Ways

One reason winter feels so heavy is that the weeks blur together. Instead of waiting for spring, try giving yourself small markers throughout the week. A simple Friday soup night, a Sunday afternoon walk, or a midweek coffee ritual can break up the monotony. These small rhythms give you something to look forward to and help the days feel more distinct.

This is one of the simplest ways of coping with winter fatigue: Create gentle structure without pressure.

Add Light Whenever You Can

Light plays a bigger role in winter mood than we often realize. If possible, open the curtains first thing in the morning and spend a few minutes near a window or step outside, even if it is cloudy. Getting outside within the first hour of waking helps reset your body’s natural clock. Use lamps instead of overhead lighting in the evening. Candles can help too.

Sit near windows or even outside if you can while you eat or work, and if lack of light seems to be a real problem for you, some have found help with vitamin D supplements or light therapy lamps.

Move First Thing in the Morning

You don’t need a full workout for this. Just five minutes of stretching or a short walk tells your body it is time to start the day.

Lean into Warmth – In More Than One Way

Warmth matters in winter, and not just physically. Warm foods like soup, tea, and slow-cooked meals nourish in a way that quick snacks don’t. Warm conversations matter too. Isolation intensifies fatigue. So, sitting with someone over a cup of coffee, even briefly, can bring emotional warmth that counters isolation.

When winter feels long, connection shortens it.

Don’t Wait for Motivation – Start Small

Winter often drains motivation. Instead of waiting to feel ready, start with five minutes. Five minutes of movement, tidying, journaling, or stepping outside. Momentum often follows action, not the other way around. This is especially helpful when coping with late winter blues, when energy is limited.

Stay Connected, Even When You Would Rather Hibernate

The instinct to withdraw in winter is understandable, but isolation tends to make the season feel longer and heavier. Staying connected doesn’t require hosting or planning. A short walk with a friend, a phone call, or an invitation for coffee can make a real difference. If your church has them, make the effort to get to a home group or Bible study. The warmth of fellowship can do wonders.

Sometimes winter is hard, but it will pass. Until it does, simple winter care routines – light, movement, warmth, rhythm, and connection – can make the days feel lighter and more manageable.

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I find it fascinating to look into the geopolitical and world history during the time hymns were written. You can often find the threads of the spiritual and physical struggle that individuals were facing. The hymns became the authors’ prayers and cries to God. “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” is no different.

Can you imagine being born in the same year that World War 1 erupted? Even though Stanphill was a baby, the trauma of his mother, father, family, and community created an atmosphere that influenced his upbringing. This war brought much uncertainty and fear to the entire globe. Next, when Stanphill was approximately 15, the Great U.S. Depression unfolded and lasted for almost ten years until World War 2 broke the U.S. Depression, but thrust the U.S. into another world conflict after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

It is safe to say that Stanphill’s family was full of faith and a devotion to God. Stanphill gave his life to the Lord at age 12. He was called to preach at age 22 after attending Junior College. Stanphill not only preached, but he loved music and composed over 500 gospel songs. Stanphill by age 10 was an avid musician and was composing and performing his own music by age 17.

With that history in mind, now let’s turn to the actual words of the hymn. Stanphill was writing from emotion and desperation of his day. In comparison, it may be very similar, but different than we are currently facing. Stanphill’s time as our time is filled with unrest, uncertainty, and a desire for God’s sustaining hand and direction.

“I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” was published in 1950, five years after the end of World War 2.

Let these words become your and my prayer and confidence as the world around us takes the unknown turns we cannot foresee. Even though we may not know what will happen later today, tomorrow, or in the future; we can know who holds our hand.

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Perhaps you are grateful for many blessings yet quietly aware that this year asked more of you than expected. There may have been empty chairs at Christmas, health answers you are still waiting on, financial strain that followed you all year, or children who aren’t “turning out” the way you prayed.

The end of the year can be an emotional place – full of reflection, gratitude, grief, and questions about what lies ahead. In moments like these, Scripture gently redirects our hearts. It does not promise that the coming year will be easier or clearer, but it does show us where true hope is found.

Hope Rooted in God’s Faithfulness

When we look back over a year that felt uneven or unfinished, it is tempting to measure it by what we accomplished – or by what we did not. But the Bible consistently points us to a different measure.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).

God’s faithfulness does not mean the year unfolded the way you hoped. It means He did not abandon you in it. Faithfulness looks like strength that met you on days you did not know how you would keep going. It looks like grace that sustained you when you were weary and mercy that quietly renewed you.

As you reflect on the past year, hope grows not from a perfect record but from the realization that God carried you through every page of it.

Hope Anchored in God’s Presence

Standing at the edge of a new year reminds us how little we actually control. The unknown can weigh heavily in these final days of December – or any time of the year.

Yet Scripture does not ask us to face the future alone.

Fear not, for I am with you (Isaiah 41:10).

Behold, I am with you always (Matthew 28:20).

Christian hope for the new year is not rooted in knowing what will happen, but in trusting God with the future. God does not promise us a predictable path, but He does promise His presence on it. Whatever the coming year holds, you will not step into a single day without Him.

Hope Held in God’s Promises

We often want clarity before we move forward. God, instead, gives us promises.

Promises like:

· My peace I give to you (John 14:27)

· My grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9)

· I will strengthen you and help you (Isaiah 41:10)

These promises do not erase uncertainty, but they steady us within it. They remind us that hope in Christ is not wishful thinking – it is confidence rooted in the character of a faithful God.

As the year ends and a new one begins, you may not have answers to every question or clarity about what lies ahead. But you do have promises that are firm and trustworthy.

An End-of-Year Invitation

It may help to pause and reflect:

· Where did God sustain me this year, even quietly?

· What burdens am I carrying that I need to place in His hands?

· What promise of God do I want to take with me into the new year?

The invitation here is not to reinvent yourself but to rest your hope where it truly belongs.

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On Christmas Day, 1863, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow heard the church bells ringing and wrote these words:

But it was not a season of Christmas peace for Longfellow. His wife had recently died from severe burns, civil war was ravaging the nation, and earlier in December, army surgeons had informed Longfellow that his oldest son had been severely injured in battle and might possibly be paralyzed.

He heard the bells chiming “peace,” but all around him, he saw despair and violence. He had lost two wives, been himself injured in the fire that had killed his second wife, his son was hurt, his children left motherless, men were enslaving other men, and brothers were killing brothers.

But as he listened to the bells longer, he was able to pen words that still bring Christmas hope to those longing for God’s peace in difficult times:

Longfellow knew that God was on His throne. Even though he couldn’t see it, Longfellow knew that God was still working and that ultimately, He would win over all the hate, injustice, and evil of the world. But what is sad is that Longfellow most likely did not really know the God of peace who sent His Son for us to conquer the “Wrong” and bring us eternal peace.

Henry Longfellow was curious about Jesus Christ, but he lived and died a member of the Unitarian Church. Unitarians believe that Jesus was not the Son of God but only a good man and that there was no need for Jesus to sacrificially die for us, and there is no eternal damnation.

Like Longfellow, many people today hear songs of peace while carrying private grief, loss, or discouragement. And like him, they know about God. Over half of Americans have no doubt that He exists, and others are open to it. They overwhelmingly believe that Jesus existed, and most know what He did for us; but very few really know God. They have not chosen to believe they are sinners in need of a Savior or allowed Him to be the Lord of their lives. They can sing (and even write) Christmas carols, but they do not yet know the Savior or the peace that they sing about.

Longfellow believed God was not dead; how much more can we who truly know God rest in the promise that God’s peace is real and eternal. We can be confident in the hope of Christ. One day soon the Wrong shall fail, the Right prevail, with peace on earth, goodwill to men.

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Christmas card giving dates back to 1843 and Sir Henry Cole who introduced the Penny Post in England as an affordable postal system. He wanted to make it easy to send holiday greetings to friends and family. The first card was designed by John Callcott Horsley featuring a family celebrating together and the message was, “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.” With improved printing and inexpensive postage the 1860s and 1870s saw a worldwide popularity of Christmas card giving. There has been an evolution of Christmas cards with improved manufacturing and distribution.

The giving and receiving of Christmas cards was important and memorable when I was a kid. As kids, we often were given the opportunity to pick out a box or two of the cards we would send. Mom would do the writing inside and sign from, “The 4Js” (all our names started with J).

As a kid and then repeating it with my kids, we picked a received Christmas card (each week or month depending on total cards received) and placed it on our table. We would then pray for that family and often call them or send a note telling them what we were doing with their card.

Sometimes saved Christmas cards were used to create new art. 3-D decoupage was the “rage” while I was a kid. You would take various cards, cut out characters, animals, or stars and layer them on top of each other using glue-guns and shellac.

But, what has happened to the giving of Christmas cards?

• Technology came and many people started sending electronic (digital) cards.
• The rise in the cost of cards and the cost of postage made some families limit the number of cards sent…if any.
• The Christmas cards became less about celebrating Jesus’ birth and more about the commercialization of “the holiday.”

What can we do to revive the spirit of Christmas card giving? Make Christmas card giving a family event from start to finish!

1. Schedule 1-2 nights (1-2 hours per night) a week starting now to get everything completed to deliver cards by Christmas.

2. Choose a basic stock paper you will use. There are varieties of weight, colors, and textures to choose from.

The heavier the stock, the less likely you will want to make a folding card. You may create a postcard style with art on one side and the message on the back. Heavier stock also allows for possible mediums as tempera or finger paint, glue guns, and other heavier “bling.”

Lighter weight paper, like copy paper, can be folded in half or in fours. “Bling” is still possible, but must be lighter like string, ribbons, small buttons or the card will be cumbersome to open.

On lighter paper, make sure you have layers between the folding sides as you create so as not to have ink or paint bleed through.

When folding paper for cards, test out the direction of pages to show pictures, text, and final salutation…you don’t want to work so hard and see you have a page upside down or backwards…but that could add character.

3. Decide your front cover theme. If you have small children, baby lambs, angels, and shepherds may keep their interest.

Allowing your small ones to do finger tip or thumb art is exciting. Dipping their thumb in white paint can create the body of a sheep or angel. Dipping their pinky finger into the white paint and appropriately placing that mark becomes the head of the sheep or angel.

Painting or placing of characters should occur after the background has been sketched on with crayon or colored pencils. This could be done as an assembly line. Someone colors the ground, someone colors the sky, and someone can place glitter stars in the sky.

A theme for older children and adults may be Christmas trees or Poinsettia flowers. Again, this could be completed as an assembly line.

4. Wait now for the next session to add any eyes, legs, arms, or accents to the front cover art. Sharpies come in multiple colors and thickness and work well even over dried paint, crayon, or colored pencils. Additional sticky eyes, stars, or glitter can be used.

Remember, place a sheet or two between the page on which you use the sharpy and the page below so it won’t bleed.

5. Choose a Christmas verse or a goodwill greeting you want in your card. Maybe you want two or three for variety.

At this point you will decide, are you going for the neatness and choose someone with the best penmanship, or are you going for the love and memory making, and anybody who can copy the script to fit in the space becomes a scribe.

6. Make sure the salutation page has everyone’s name and age. Include the year of this Christmas card. When people sift through memories this will be more meaningful because of the names, ages, and date.

7. Finally …the delivery method. Many handmade cards will not fit into an envelope. Depending on who will receive your cards and the distance of delivery, there are several options.

• Before you start, but have decided whether your Christmas card is a postcard, folded in half, or folded in quarters; head down to a local store that still sells envelopes and see if any fit your card. You could measure your card (L x W x H) and then check various online services and find envelopes that match your card size. Always go just a little larger so your creative “bling” won’t be smashed.

• Your family may choose not to use envelopes and hand deliver. This is  my favorite method. Know which cards can be given out at school, work, or church. Present them just saying, “Our family was thinking of you, Merry Christmas.”

• Your family may choose to deliver your Christmas cards to a homeless shelter or senior center. Make sure you check on numbers beforehand if this is your family’s choice…you don’t want any residents to be left out.

Guess what? If your family chooses to purchase the pre-made Christmas cards and skip the creative mayhem…you still can finish well by following steps 6 (salutation page) and 7 (delivery method) and make your Christmas card giving memorable to both your family and those who receive your Christmas Cheer.

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After spending time reflecting on the beauty and excellence of Jesus, it becomes clear that our admiration for Him is never meant to stay private. Our faith flourishes when it is shared, and our joy deepens when we seek Him side by side with fellow believers.

If you have ever spent any time in a foreign country where most people do not speak your language, you know how you perk up when you hear someone speaking your native tongue. The desire to speak to and listen to that person is almost too hard to resist. The desire to speak about the beauty of Christ and what He has done is even more overwhelming than a brief encounter over the weather or the news. Jesus has sacrificed all and given us everything.

Christ Brings People Together Who Would Never Meet Otherwise

Think about the people in your life whom you met only because you followed Christ. Our personalities, backgrounds, interests, and routines would never have collided on their own. Left to ourselves, we might have passed each other in the grocery store for decades and never spoken.

Around His table, in worship, in prayer, and even in everyday conversations, we find Him together – and in finding Him, we find one another. Christ is not only the object of our worship; He is the bond of our unity. The more we treasure Him, the more precious His people become.

People Are Searching for This Kind of Unity

Right now, search trends show that thousands of people are looking for answers to questions like:

• “Why do Christians disagree so much?”
• “How do I find Christian friends?”
• “I feel lonely at church – what should I do?”
• “How do I heal from church hurt?”

These questions tell a story: People long for connection. They want to belong and have real spiritual friendship. And many are confused by divisions within the church.

The truth is that Christians will differ on some doctrines and practices. The details that the Holy Spirit did not address can be understood in different ways. But unity does not come from perfect agreement – unity grows from shared adoration.

And those who love the same Savior are already on the path to loving each other.

Unity in Christ Is Something We Already Possess

We often talk about “Christian unity” as a goal – as something we need to build or restore. But before we even begin striving, Jesus has already given His people a profound, unbreakable unity in Himself. Our denominational differences are real, but secondary. Jesus didn’t pray that we would be one in an organization. He prayed that we would be one in Him. And the Father has answered that prayer.

Whenever we gather to worship, share communion, encourage one another, or bear each other’s burdens, we are living out the unity Christ has already established. It is not something we manufacture; it is something we enjoy.

So keep your eyes on Jesus. Think about Him. Talk to Him. The more lovely Christ becomes to us, the more tightly we cling not only to Him but also to one another. Everything else fades beside His beauty and worth. And those who love Him will keep finding each other – now and forever.

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We know it is coming, but somehow Christmas seems to always sneak up on us. School activities, Thanksgiving, and life keep us busy until we realize we haven’t even started getting ready. If you are a Christian, you know that we don’t need trees, gifts, or lists to celebrate the reminder of God coming to live with us, but most of us enjoy family and friends coming together and the joy of giving even something small to a child or a friend.

So before the calendar fills and the to-do lists double, here are a few ways to prepare your heart and home for a calmer, Christ-centered Christmas.

1. Start with Your Heart

Before you make a single list or shop for a single gift, take time for early Christmas preparation – starting with your heart.

• Choose a devotional or Scripture reading to guide you through the coming weeks.
• Set aside time each week to pray about what you want this Christmas to be about.
• Ask God to show you who might need encouragement, company, or care this year.

When we begin with worship, everything else we do – decorating, giving, celebrating – become an offering instead of an obligation.

2. Simplify Your Space

A peaceful heart often starts with a peaceful home.

One of the best Christmas planning tips is to declutter before the holidays begin. Donate or get rid of unused items. It may not be a good time to tear into some huge cleaning project but at least make room for what matters to you. If you are hosting, inventory your supplies in case you need to find something or order what you were missing last time!

One helpful idea is to start a holiday box or at least one specific spot to place cards, wrapping paper, or small gifts that you pick up early. I found this to be almost essential to avoid misplacing or forgetting what you have already bought.

Remember, you do not have to decorate every corner or say yes to every event. A few meaningful touches can say “Christmas” just as beautifully as a house full of glitter.

3. Plan to Give Intentionally

Christmas giving can either be joyful or stressful – and it often depends on how we plan.

If you start setting aside a little each week, you will have more freedom to give generously later – without the last-minute financial crunch. Maybe it’s a missionary your church supports or a single mom who could use a grocery card.

And don’t forget the power of simple gifts: a handwritten note, homemade cookies, or a heartfelt visit can mean far more than something wrapped in shiny paper.

4. Make a Manageable Plan

Create a holiday organization checklist or just write out a simple timeline for when you want to start work on your tasks. It doesn’t have to be complicated – just a few small steps for each month. You could include things like:

• Make a gift list and budget
• Declutter and inventory supplies
• Finish most shopping
• Plan menus
• Decorate
• Bake
• Deliver gifts and donations
• Get started on homemade gifts

When you spread things out, you make room for rest and unplanned moments and opportunities that can make Christmas special – perhaps a drive to look at lights or just a quiet night by the tree.

As Christmas draws closer, the world will shout for your attention – I hope you find that taking a little time to think and plan ahead will allow your heart to be less hurried and more hopeful. And may every list, plan, and gift point you back to the One who gave Himself for us all.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

– Matthew 2:10.

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In this post I’ll give you a list of songs that you can sing or listen to as a prayer. I’ve grouped them using the ACTS Method. ACTS stands for “Adoration” “Confession” “Thanksgiving” “Supplication” and it’s an outline for the things we can pray about. For each category I’ll list a few songs that can be used to increase and/or improve your prayer time.

Adoration

• “What a Beautiful Name” – Hillsong Worship

A powerful declaration of Jesus’ beauty, power, and majesty

• “How Great Is Our God” – Chris Tomlin

A timeless anthem exalting God’s greatness and glory

• “Here I Am to Worship” – Tim Hughes

A humble invitation to bow down and adore the One who gave all

• “Holy, Holy, Holy” – Reginald Heber

A majestic hymn glorifying the holiness and eternal nature of God

• “How Great Thou Art” – Carl Boberg/Stuart K. Hine

A song of awe before God’s creation, power, and salvation

Confession

• “Lord, I Need You” – Matt Maher

A heartfelt cry for mercy and dependence on God’s grace

Scripture References: Psalm 51:10, James 4:8

• “Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)” – Hillsong Worship

Acknowledges our brokenness and celebrates the grace that makes us whole

Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 12:9

• “Forgive Me” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard

A soulful confession asking God to wash away sin and restore intimacy with Him

Scripture Reference: 1 John 1:9

• “Just As I am” – Charlotte Elliott

A timeless hymn of repentance and surrender, coming to Christ without pretense

Scripture Reference: Romans 5:8

• “I Surrender All” – Judson W. Van DeVenter

A declaration of yielding every part of life to God’s will

Scripture Reference: Luke 9:23

Thanks, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving

• “Gratitude” – Brandon Lake

A raw, heartfelt expression of thanksgiving when words fall short

Scripture Reference: Psalm 103:1-2

• “Thank You Jesus for the Blood” – Charity Gyle

Thanks God for salvation and the cleansing power of Christ’s blood

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 1:7

• “Give Thanks” – Don Moen

A classic worship chorus of gratitude to the Holy One

Scripture Reference: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

• “Now Thank We All Our God” – Martin Rinkart

            A hymn of deep gratitude, written during hardship and loss

            Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:6-7

• “Count Your Blessings” – Johnson Oatman Jr.

 Encourages believers to name and remember every blessing

 Scripture Reference: Psalm 77:11-12

Supplication, Requests

• “I Need Thee Every Hour” – Annie S. Hawks

A timeless prayer for God’s constant nearness and help

Scripture reference: Psalm 70:1

• “Abide With Me” – Henry F. Lyte

A tender plea for God’s presence through life’s trials and the approach of death

Scripture Reference: Psalm 23:4

• “Guid Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” – William Williams

A pilgrim’s prayer for divine guidance and strength on life’s journey

Scripture Reference: Exodus 13:21-22

• “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” – Thomas A. Dorsey

A heartfelt cry for God’s hand to lead through pain and uncertainty

Scripture Reference: Isaiah 41:13

• “Hear My Cry, O Lord” – Maranatha Music/Traditional Psalm Setting

A direct plea from the Psalms for God to listen and respond

Scripture Reference: Psalm 61:1-2

Praying using the ACTS method guides us to place God first, rather than quickly moving in for the “I need” list we often see as the reason for prayer. When we confess our shortcomings we humble ourselves before God and there is a change of heart attitude. This can so easily turn into thanksgiving for what we do have. When we’ve acknowledged the greatness of God, just for being God and we change our hearts to be humbled and thankful before God, the “what we ask for” changes as well.

If you’re not a song person, you can do the very same prayer process using scripture. Many songs have their origin in scripture as listed above. You can type in a search for additional “scriptures of adoration” (confession, thanksgiving or supplication).

Prayer is a communication tool. The other side of us speaking or singing is to listen. God does let His presence be known during our prayer time when we take time to “Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God” (Psalm 46:10a AMP). Let’s think about prayer as a two-way communication between ourselves and God, our Father and our Creator, rather than a performance or demonstrated skill that must be performed.

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But according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, we will. It will just be a little later this year, with peak color sometime around October 12-20. Northern Ohio might turn a bit earlier, but here in our corner, mid-month will be the sweet spot. Some trees have started showing hints already thanks to some recent cool nights in September, so it is worth keeping your eye out as you plan.

Perhaps the color you see on your way to work and back each day is all you need, but if you are looking to get a little closer to the beauty of fall, here are some local favorites. Grab a hoodie, pack a thermos of cider, and head out for a hike or even a ride.

Brukner Nature Center (Troy)

Tucked into the rolling hills near Troy, Brukner’s six miles of trails wander through woods and meadows bursting with color. The Overlook Trail gives you a peaceful view above the Stillwater River valley. If you have time, the Interpretive Building has a mix of wildlife displays and nature exhibits if you want to warm up after your hike.

Learn More Here

Stillwater Prairie Reserve (Covington)

If you love open skies and big views, this one is for you. Stillwater Prairie mixes woodlands with fields of tall grass that turn golden in autumn. Stroll along the river, take some photos of the reflections, and keep your ears open. This is prime time for birdwatching too.

Learn More Here

Twin Arch Reserve (Piqua)

Smaller and quieter, Twin Arch is a hidden gem. The trails wind past old stone bridges and under colorful maple and oak trees. It’s peaceful and perfect for when you just want to wander and listen to the crunch of leaves underfoot.

Learn More Here

Aullwood Garden MetroPark (Dayton)

Once the private garden of conservationist Marie Aull, this lovely spot blends landscaped gardens with natural woodland trails. It’s smaller than some of the others, but that makes it perfect for a peaceful walk. Benches are tucked all along the paths, inviting you to sit and just enjoy the season.

Learn More Here

Englewood MetroPark (Englewood)

Englewood seems to have it all – forests, meadows, wetlands, and even Martindale Falls, a beautiful little waterfall that looks extra magical framed by fall leaves. There are plenty of picnic spots too, so bring a lunch or snack and stay a while.

Learn More Here

John Bryan State Park (Yellow Springs)

One of the best fall color destinations in the whole state! The limestone gorge carved by the Little Miami River offers dramatic views from above and below. Hike the Rim Trail for sweeping vistas or drop down into the gorge for a completely different perspective.

Learn More Here

Charleston Falls Preserve (Tipp City)

This one is a local favorite. The 37-foot waterfall is beautiful any time of the year but is especially so surrounded by fall color. The trails are easy and family-friendly, and you will find many spots for photos or a quiet picnic.

Learn More Here

Deeds Point MetroPark (Dayton)

For something different, Deeds Point gives you a city-meets-nature view – trees along the river, colorful foliage, and the downtown Dayton skyline in the background.

Learn More Here

Shawnee Lookout (near Cleves)

Just a bit south of the Miami Valley, Shawnee Lookout offers big, sweeping views of the Ohio River valley. With forested trails and historic earthworks, it’s a great day trip if you want a “wow” moment.

Learn More Here

Miamisburg Mound

Climb the steps to the top of this ancient earthwork, and you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the valley – rolling hills, treetops, and the Great Miami River all glowing in autumn shades. It is a short climb with a big payoff.

Learn More Here

Great Miami Riverway

If you would rather experience fall color on the move, hop on your bike (or just walk a section) of the Great Miami Riverway. The paved trail stretches for miles through forests and riverside parks, connecting towns like Troy, Miamisburg, and Dayton. It’s one of the best ways to see a lot of color in one day.

Learn More Here

There are fees for a couple of these locations (you can check their websites if you aren’t sure), but most are free to everyone. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or taking a Sunday drive, Ohio’s Miami Valley is full of places to see fall in all of its glory. Do you know of somewhere else that has amazing fall foliage? Let us know in the comments!

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It is always sad when someone is killed. Not only did he or she lose their life and opportunities, but their families, colleagues, and friends will never be the same again. We watched or listened to many, many reactions that week – from his wife, his friends, people he worked with, and from so many of the young people whose lives he influenced for good.

And strangers. Thousands and thousands of people who had never even met him were still strongly affected by the news of his death. Most people were saddened. Shamefully, those who did not understand his message or know his God rejoiced. But some, even some I know to be Christians, responded with anger.

Of course, when tragedy strikes, outrage, fear, and sorrow are natural. We feel so hopeless, and our hearts cry for justice. These reactions are just human. Anger itself is not always wrong. Scripture tells us, Be angry, and do not sin (Ephesians 4:26). The emotion itself isn’t wrong – but what we do with it matters.

The Pull of Anger

In moments like these, anger can feel like the only “right” response. We want justice. We want answers. We want to fix the wrong. But if we are not careful, that anger can harden into bitterness or boil over into destructive words and actions.

James reminded us: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires (James 1:19-20). Anger can pull us away from peace, away from love, and away from the witness Christ has called us to live out.

Called to Peace

We may feel we are at war and need to harden ourselves – either so we do not get hurt ourselves or so that we can hurt or damage others. While Scripture does talk about us fighting, it is against spiritual forces, not people. Sometimes it seems almost impossible to do, but Paul wrote, If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18), and Jesus Himself said, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God (Matthew 5:9).

Choosing peace does not mean we ignore injustice. And it does not mean we brush off pain. It does mean we anchor our hearts in Jesus Christ – the Prince of Peace – and let His Spirit and His Word guide our response.

What Peaceable Action Can Look Like

• Prayer before protest – Bring your hurt and anger to God. Pray for Charlie’s family, for our nation, and even for those who commit violence.
• Service instead of shouting – Channel grief into action by helping neighbors, supporting church ministries, or helping an individual
• Gentle truth-telling – Speak with courage but season your words with grace
• Modeling calm at home – Our children and friends watch how we respond. When we choose peace instead of rage, we quietly teach them to trust God too.

Our Witness in a World on Edge

Our culture is drowning in outrage. Social media fuels it. Politics thrives on it. But when Christians choose peace over anger, we shine the light of Christ in a very dark place. Forgiveness, patience, and quiet strength speak louder than any outburst ever could.

This is the witness the world needs to see: people of faith who grieve deeply, long for justice but respond with grace and the calm strength that comes from Christ alone.

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Journaling can be a powerful way to connect with God, process your thoughts, and grow spiritually. Whether you are new to faith journaling or have shelves of completed notebooks, it’s easy to get stuck staring at a blank page. That’s where faith-based journal prompts can help.

Whether you are navigating a hard season or just want to grow closer to God, these questions can help focus your thoughts and lead to a real conversation with God.

Identity in Christ

1. What does God say about you – and how does that differ from what you say about yourself?

2. What gifts or strengths has God given you that you often overlook?

3. What does it mean that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made? (Psalm 139:14)

4. How has God redefined your past?

5. How has comparison stolen your joy? How can you reclaim it?

Gratitude and Reflection

1. What small, unnoticed blessing did you experience today?

2. What was a painful situation in your past that you now see God’s hand in?

3. What answered prayer have you not yet thanked God for?

4. Write a psalm-style thank you note to God, full of praise.

5. Who are you most grateful for right now? Write out a blessing for them.

6. What do you often take for granted?

Prayer and Honesty

1. What’s one thing you haven’t told God – but need to?

2. Write a note to God beginning with: “Lord, I don’t understand. . .”

3. What are you currently praying for that feels impossible?

4. How would you like your prayer life to be different? What is one small step you could take in that direction?

5. What is one prayer you are afraid to pray? Why?

6. Read Psalm 23. Where do you need to feel God’s shepherding care right now?

7. Write out a prayer for someone you have been avoiding praying for.

8. What temptation keeps showing up in your life? How can you resist it?

9. What is one regret you need to bring to the cross?

10. When do you feel far from God? What helps bring you back?

Relationships and Community

1. Who is someone you need to forgive? What would it look like to begin?

2. When was a time you experienced true Christian community? What made it meaningful?

3. How can I love your neighbor better this week?

4. What relationship are you praying over right now?

5. Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41). What breaks your heart in a way that reflects His compassion?

Faith and Spiritual Growth

1. What does “walking by faith, not by sight” look like practically in your life right now?

2. What verse feels like an anchor for your soul at this time in your life?

3. Write about a person whose walk with God inspires you? What do you notice about their faith?

4. What is one fruit of the Spirit you want to see grow in your life. Why?

5. What doubts and questions do you carry? How can you bring them to Jesus?

Hope and Looking Forward

1. What would you do differently today if you fully believed that God was with you?

2. What’s one thing you are trusting God for that hasn’t happened yet?

3. What is one thing you want to remember from this season of your life?

4. What does it mean to you that God’s mercies are new every morning? (Lamentations 3:22-23)? How can you start fresh with Him today?

Whether you write daily or only when your heart is heavy, journaling is a simple but powerful tool to help you in your relationship with God. Let these Christian journal prompts guide your quiet time, stir up gratitude, and lead you into honest conversations with God.

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Not everyone is an author, but journaling for spiritual growth doesn’t have to be perfect – or even good. You can write pages of heartfelt words and feelings – or sometimes I find just a brief list helps. Journaling does not have to be complicated – it is a faith-based tool to help you reflect, focus, and think more clearly.

Writing things down or even typing them out on a keyboard often helps clear out some of the mental clutter. You have a specific task and something to think about and answer. What started as scattered thoughts often leads to honesty and clarity and just a greater opportunity to focus on what you want to tell God and what you need to hear from Him.

A devotional journal becomes a place to express your fears, record your prayers and their answers, meditate on Scripture, and celebrate God’s faithfulness. Unlike scrolling or trying to multitask, journaling draws your heart into the present moment and asks you to stop, just for a while.

Why Start Journaling?

If you are new to the idea, here are a few reasons to add journaling to your daily routine:

• It helps you focus your prayers. Instead of vague thoughts, you can write specific requests – and come back later to see how God answered.
• It creates a spiritual record. Looking back on old entries reminds you of God’s faithfulness.
• It deepens your time in the Word. Writing about Scripture often helps you think more deeply than reading alone.
• It invites honesty. Sometimes we will write what we wouldn’t say out loud.
• It gives your soul rest. In a world that rarely slows down, journaling gives you a place to slow down and get the rest and encouragement your heart needs.

You don’t need a fancy notebook or hours of time – just a few quiet minutes, something to write with, and a willing heart.

How to Start a Devotional Journal

Begin small. Don’t worry about grammar or getting it “right.”  You can think of your journal as you writing to God, or you can use it more to talk to yourself – a place to be honest and open. You may just want to jot down a prayer. Other days you may reflect on a certain verse or passage and just write your response. And some days, you may need to write a single line like, “God, I don’t know what to do. Please meet me here.”

 Something I have found helpful is to use prompts. If you don’t know where to begin, prompts can help you gather your thoughts and give you a starting space. Some examples:

• How can I turn my fear into prayer?
• What do I often take for granted?
• If I fully trusted God, what is something that would change in my life?
• If Jesus sat beside me right now, what would I ask Him?

You don’t have to be an author. Just a few honest sentences a day can help shift your perspective. So, whether you are processing a hard week, praying through a passage of Scripture, or simply recording what you are thankful for, you don’t need a perfect plan – just begin.

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Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy. For when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.

However, during my last cross-country, multi-stops airline trip, I gained a new perspective.

As I stood at the ticket service counter getting rebooked for the final leg of my journey that I missed because of the multiple delays…I said to the agent, “Maybe I wasn’t supposed to be in the air at this time to my final destination.” I was quickly convicted in my spirit that I didn’t want anything bad to happen to the people on the flight I missed.

I checked later and found that the flight landed without incident. This opportunity, this out of the way rerouting, this accident provided me with a contemplation that “everything isn’t about me.”

What if God was redirecting my steps for His assignment?

I’ve long clung to Deuteronomy 11:24: Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours. I’ve prayed that scripture when starting a new job, when praying for territories in which I used to live, and general prayer walking around my neighborhood.

I may never know the exact mission for which God directed me on this night due to the change of my destination and time. I have reminisced over every encounter of that night into the next day with a God wonderment…”Was that the reason for the delay and rearrangement of my expected schedule?” Allow me to share a few of those moments that I believe could have been the “God Wink” for my feet to be walking in places that were not of my choosing.

• The conversation with the ticket agent and my aha awareness of compassion and concern for those who did make the flight and that no harm would come to them
• The additional tip money received by the evening and morning hotel/airport shuttle drivers
• The protection of the city in which I slept (I was reminded of Abraham’s effort to spare Sodom and Gomorrah if a specific number of righteous could be found in the city)
• Kind words and smiles to everyone I met
• To learn the lesson of which I’m now writing that may never have impacted me to the core of my being as it has because of this delay

As I’m now on the rebooked flight, I still wonder why I’m on this flight versus the one last night. But my thoughts are less on me and my safety, and more on “To whom God do you want me to be a blessing and a TRUE representative of Your Gospel of PEACE, LOVE, and JOY?”

Allow your interruptions to be viewed as opportunities to be the LIGHT of Jesus in a dark world that desperately needs Him as the resolution and restoration to Godly sanity. Relax and don’t take yourself, or this world so seriously. God has given us reason in His word to trust Him.

Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.

Psalm 46:10 (AMP)

The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)

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So, what does rest really mean when life does not slow down?

The Rest We Want vs. the Rest We Really Need

When we think of rest, we think of escape – a nap, a weekend away, or just a break from everything. But biblical rest, that kind that really refreshes, is deeper than that. It’s not just physical, it’s spiritual. It isn’t found in a place, but in a Person.

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

When Jesus said that, He was speaking to working-class Jews in the first century; they certainly were not taking vacations the way we think of them. He saw their weariness, the endless needs, and the long to-do-lists. They, too, were working long hours, caring for parents and for children – and without modern conveniences. But He offered rest, not just for the body but also for the soul.

Misunderstood Rest

Many of us think we are resting when we are really avoiding. We scroll social media and binge watch TV late at night. We avoid conversations or decisions that seem too much to deal with. But this kind of “rest” does not restore us – it just drains us more. Real rest is found when we go to Jesus. When we give Him our cares, our stress, and our insecurities. He promises to hear us, and when we trust Him and obey His Word, He will give us comfort and peace.

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat – for He grants sleep to those He loves.

Psalm 127:2

Those who seek help and guidance from God receive His blessings – even sleep.

While Jesus was on earth, He faced pressure all the time. People wanted healed, to ask Him questions, to attack Him – and even to kill Him. The Bible tells us several times that He went away by Himself or with just His close disciples to rest. But almost all of those instances mention that He prayed. Even Jesus found rest in talking to God. How much more do we need to follow His example?

And when we do rest, whether spiritually or physically, it is not wrong. It does not make us lazy. It is not a waste of time. From Creation, God built rest into our lives. God worked for six days and then rested on the seventh. He wasn’t tired – He was showing us a rhythm for living.

So, if you feel life just never gives you a break, if you are weary and tired, do not try to revive yourself with things that last mere seconds. Instead, make sure you are talking to the God who can take away your fear. Who can renew your strength. Who can carry you when you cannot walk yourself and who takes your heavy burdens and replaces them with rest.

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So how do the words, orchestra, symphony, and cacophony shape our daily lives? Let me share some of my journal writing to explain.

Journal Excerpt:

It is amazing and wonderful how God orchestrates our lives. Orchestrates is the key word. Since I’m a music person, orchestra has deep and significant meaning. It is a blending of different sounds (frequencies and vibrations) together to create a symphony…not a cacophony.

● Orchestra – noun, a group of performers on various musical instruments. Synonyms – sinfonietta (smaller and strings only)

● Symphony – noun, elaborate instrumental composition in three or more movements; harmonious combination of elements. Synonyms – concert, music, orchestra, harmony

● Cacophony – noun, harsh or unpleasant discordance of sound; dissonance; (caco – a combining form meaning “bad”), Synonyms – noise, discord, harshness

Psalm 148 chapter title: The Whole Creation (Cosmos) Invoked to Praise the LORD

This chapter parallels symphony and orchestra and the references in Ezekiel of 24/7 worship of all crying, “Holy, Holy, Holy, to who was, who is, and who will always be…”

Our praise (worship as incense) rises to heaven mixed and mingled with precision, not caco. What frequency and vibrations are we raising to our creator and our father? Are we expressing harmony or are we uniting our words with discord?

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.

Proverbs 18:21

I have made an effort to be more intentional with the words that I speak. I often repeat the scriptures, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing and acceptable to you” (Psalm 19:14)) and “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34 and Luke 6:45). I only want my words to be life that permeates the atmosphere in which I live.

Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:1 references that all his words of eloquence without love are “only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” Every word we speak creates frequency and vibrations of either praise of Heaven or discord of Earth.

Light also has frequency and vibration. Isaiah 60, 61 portrays the glory of God coming and resting upon us so that we can penetrate “a world that is in darkness and the people in gross darkness.” Just as Jesus came to change the world, we are His disciples and should be no less effective than His immediate 11 disciples (minus Judas, but he in his action also), they turned the world upside down. And it was said of them, “these men were with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

I have long remembered a song from my youth called “God Gave the Song.” The song recounts the history of the world through combining harmony, discord, and pure cacophony as it moves through creation, Roman occupation, Jesus’ crucifixion, world wars, and conflicts. The music volume rises and comes to a point that there is a silence as if the music had ended. But, there is a faint tinkle as on a piano of a soft high note that is eventually joined by other notes and harmonies that rise to a crescendo indicating that the song was not lost, but still lives on.

We are God’s workmanship created to radiate His frequency and vibrations in both sound and light to change the atmosphere and usher in His presence in every place we go. Let our symphony, our orchestra reverberate to the world that we have been with Jesus…and His music is that of love, reconciliation, restoration, and a wholeness of mind, body, and soul ONLY available through intimate relationship with Him.

If you want to know more about how to ask Jesus to become the conductor of your life, let us know!

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But maybe you are on the other side and are thinking about having a yard sale of your own. You could use spending money for your family trip, some extra money to pay off bills, or you just want to clear out clutter – but if you have never put on a sale, it might sound pretty intimidating. A well-run garage sale can be rewarding if you do it right. From pricing strategy, to presentation, to advertising, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your sale:

Pick the right time.

Late spring and early summer are peak sale seasons, and Friday and Saturday mornings will bring in the most traffic. Does your community host a community-wide sale? If so, they usually will do most of the advertising for you.

Advertise, advertise, advertise.

You can advertise in a local newspaper – some people still look there – but at least two days ahead of time, put an ad in any local Facebook Buy, Sell, Trade or Marketplace kind of groups, garage sale or neighborhood groups (like Nextdoor) you may have in your area. Use keywords like baby clothes, tools, or furniture if they are applicable to your sale.

Make lots of easy-to-read signs with clear address, dates, and arrows. Place your signs in high traffic areas and at helpful locations along the way to your sale – and use those arrows! People will not come to your sale if they cannot find it.

Prep for your sale. Start early.

You do not want to be up all night before your sale looking for and pricing your items. If you have some higher dollar items, consider listing them online (like on Marketplace) ahead of time. It gives people a little more time to consider and purchase them. You may want to price them a little higher than what you want because you most likely will be asked to lower your price.

Take an hour each weekend for a few weeks to go through your house and garage to gather what you no longer need or want. The more stuff you are able to put out, the more likely people are to stop at your sale. And do not forget to get change from the bank if you need to and have a calculator handy.

Presentation and organization matter.

Hang as many clothes as you can. Sort folded clothes by gender and size, and make sure they are clean and presentable. Most shoppers will not take the time to look if there is not some kind of organization. Put your large items out near the street so people know you have more than clothes and organize the rest by category (books, kitchen, toys, etc.). As much as possible, keep items off the ground. Keep electronics near an outlet so people can check to see that they work.

Make clear signs for pricing.

Price as many individual items as you are able; most people do not like to have to ask how much things cost. Make your prices fair and match them to your area. You will not sell much if your prices are too high for your shoppers. A good guideline is 10% of retail for most things and you can go up to 50% for new items. If you are doing a half-price day or some kind of discount, try to advertise that on your signs and ads.

Sell treats or goodies.

Shoppers appreciate a snack, and if you have kids, they can help out by being in charge of this.

Some final tips – if you aren’t sure, check on any kind of regulations for your location. Some cities do require a permit. Open early and be friendly and helpful. A positive attitude will not only encourage more sales but will make your day better as well!

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The post How to Host a Successful Garage Sale: Tips That Actually Work appeared first on Hope 100.7.