Stories that Bring Home True Meaning of Easter

I admit that I struggle with keeping the focus on Christ with all the fuss about the Easter Bunny. The kids are looking for baskets of candy while I try to direct them to the gift we will receive at the Resurrection. This season of Lent has flown by me. Literally every week so far this year, at least one of my family members has been ill. Dealing with that added chaos amidst our typical chaos of two working parents, three kids, therapy, activities, and school, I haven't done the Lenten journey I had hoped. That is why I am glad I have the book Easter stories to help bring the messages of Easter and the Resurrection home through nightly bedtime stories.

Easter Stories is a compilation of short stories written by multiple authors including C.S. Lewis, Oscar Wilde and Anton Checkhov.  This group of classic tales illuminates the true meaning of the season in easily digestible bites. With both spiritual value and literary quality, these stories are ones you will read over and over, season to season.

The stories would make great post dinner time reading followed by discussion of the meaning each story holds. You might also enjoy reading them at bedtime. There are stories within the anthology that are appropriate for all ages and they can be told year-round. This is one book to keep on the family bookshelf and enjoy throughout the years.

So, while I have not done a Jesse tree or Lenten calendar filled with daily crafts and Bible lessons for the kids, and I haven’t even done the best job with my Lenten sacrifice, I am thankful for this tool to share classic, scripture-based messages with my family.

Crafting A Remarkable Advent Season

The season of advent is upon us. 

I think mothers are given a unique understanding of this season. this period of waiting of anticipation of a birth. the Christ child. We can put ourselves in Mary's shoes. Imagining what it would be like to be carrying our Savior. Anticipating his coming with the understanding there will be the struggles ahead but to hope in the promise of a new born child who would be King.

As a mother to a child with special needs, I can imagine how Mary felt knowing he would not be accepted by some, that the world may not understand the potential of a baby born in a manger to a women from Nazareth. Yet, Mary always believed that God would show the world the true worth of his Son and the world would come to love Him.

As usual, this season is busy and full of opportunities to craft special memories with the kids and teach valuable life lessons of faith, hope, charity, temperance and self-control. As we run from holiday gatherings, to birthday parties, to holiday dances, open the boxes of our Advent calendar, go to Mass, make Christmas crafts, bake goodies, shop the malls for the perfect gift and bring our lists to Santa, I try to find ways to reinforce the true meaning of Christmas and bring anticipation for the Christ child.



This year, we are adding a cradle to our Christmas tree to serve as the manger awaiting the Christ child. We will fill it with "hay"and on Christmas morning find the baby Jesus laying in it in swaddling clothes. We will also have a birthday cake for Jesus on Christmas day.

Here is a link to last year's Advent post with several ideas for marking the season and to a recent review I did of Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas, if you are wondering how to reconcile Santa and Christ.






Another project I am working on this busy season is developing the Sheran Memories Purpose and Pause Daily Planner. It is an all encompassing planner/food journal/diary/memory catcher for the busy mom with versions for working moms and bloggers. It addresses all areas of one's life and is a guide to help you purposefully craft the remarkable life you desire.

I developed this planner because I got tired of having multiple calendars and places to log the important things in my life (daily food and exercise, diary, goals, to do lists, etc). While I am a person who loves all things digital and have used several apps for organization and planning (I still use my ical and Trello in conjunction with the written calendar), I found I wanted everything in one place. Additionally, I was having trouble remembering to log my food on My Fitness Pal each day and then my go-to journal entry app closed down. Finally, I am making an effort to spend time away from my digital devices.

I find it somewhat therapeutic to actually write things down during my planning and reflection time. I still use my phone/tablet as a source and these devices are the things I turn to when on the run. So, I have been self testing and developing my planner for the past five months and now I am finishing up the 2015 inaugural edition. I'm excited to have friends test it this year so I can go to market completely for 2016. It is a fun process. Stay tuned for how you can get your copy.

In the meantime, enjoy the season.

Merry Christmas!

Saving Christmas

I don't know about you, but when the Christmas decorations started popping up before Halloween, I became really annoyed. It is not even Thanksgiving and we are already seeing Christmas ads on TV and hearing carols on the radio!

Then there's all the drama in Christian circles about what is okay and not okay to observe and do: Santa or no Santa? Elf on the shelf? Jesse Tree? Is the Christmas tree a pagan symbol? On and on...

Well, Kirk Cameron (a childhood crush of mine), is out to save Christmas and make it a little less stressful for us all in his new movie Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas. Although a little corny in its execution and acting (I think intentionally so), the message is one I was grateful to hear. Cameron explains to his scrooge of a brother-in-law who has determined Christmas should be done away with altogether, how the symbols and traditions of the holiday are all a part of and reflect God's story and ours. He illustrates Biblical foreshadowing in the manger and the tomb, the swaddling cloths and burial cloth, in the tree and the cross. He shows how Santa is really a defender of the faith and gives us all permission to embrace and take back the holiday once again to let the light of Christ shine in each of the lights that we hang this season.

Now, I have already seen the haters online accuse Cameron of trying to make money off of Christmas himself and bowing to pagan traditions. The extreme Protestants that hate anything coming out of Rome are online saying he has been duped by the antichrist. They prove his point exactly. All of that criticism, division and bickering about Christmas and its origins does nothing to shine a light on Christ and the fact that God came to earth as an infant to eventually die for us all.

So, if you are struggling with all of the confusing messages around this holy season, take a break and visit a theater near you this weekend (check for a theater near you). You just might join Kirk Cameron in saving Christmas.

Disclosure: I was given the opportunity for an advance viewing of this film in order to give an honest review.

Craft a Happy Advent

Advent is upon us. Christmas lists have been written. The December calendar is filling up. A chill has settled in Georgia. I have just had a week off and it was much-needed. I am tired and worn out. I have so enjoyed this time with the kids to just be around the house. Sure work, housework and home projects, had to continue but we had un-rushed moments where I could just revel in their awesomeness.

There is so much meaning and so many memories we try to pack into the month of December. It is advent, a time of waiting and expectation. As we are awaiting the world's most precious gift, we can get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season. The consumerism. The hijacking of the holiday. But how does a busy, working mom keep traditions, make new memories and have a sense of calm about her? How does she instill the real meaning of the season in her kids?

Well, for one thing, I aim to make it a point to head home as early as I can in the evening to enjoy frosty nights with the family. It also means I'm making it a point to mind our calendar, to carefully choose each opportunity for its teaching and memory-making potential. And avoiding activities that will stress me out and make the A-MOM-idable come out. I also am careful in choosing activities, books and movies that have meaning.

Marking Advent

There are so many ways to mark the days leading up to the birth of Christ. Some more rooted in scripture than others.

As a Catholic, a tradition I grew up with was the Advent Wreath. The wreath is a symbol of eternity, and a reminder that God has no beginning nor end. The evergreen is a symbol of eternal life and a reminder that God is immutable or unchangeable. In the wreath are four candles, marking the four weeks of Advent. Three of the candles are purple, reminding us of the penitential nature of the season. A rose or pink candle is lit for the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete (rejoice) Sunday. We typically light these candles at Sunday dinner recalling the day's Scripture readings.

Our Advent Calendar. 

Advent calendars are fun for the kids. I look forward to getting out the advent calendar that my oldest and I made together. In each box holds the promise of something fun to read, do or watch. We fill the little boxes with small treats and an activity for each day. I work in activities we already have on our calendar, some of the activities include:

• Having hot chocolate
• Enjoying Hot Cider
• Watching a Christmas movie
• Reading a Christmas story
• Game night
• Driving to see Christmas lights
• Baking cookies
• Doing a craft
• Visiting Santa
• Go to a chorus performance
• Learn a Christmas Hymn
• Bake fudge
• Color a holiday scene

This year, I plan to include one of the Jesse Tree devotions I have been hearing about into our observance of Advent. The purpose is to focus on the real meaning and story of Christmas. The difficulty is choosing which  to do this year. They are all awesome, but it would be overwhelming to do it all. I actually had planned to make Jesse Tree ornaments in October but that did not happen.

I purchased this beautiful jewelry holder as my
year-round tree to decorate for the season.
It will make a perfect Jesse Tree

My friend Amanda White put together this wonderful Christmas family devotion called Truth in tinsel. It comes with 24 days of Scripture reading, ornament crafts, talking points and extension activities, plus fun printables and templates. The readings focus on the Annunciation through the birth of Jesus. I think this would be best for families with younger children like mine. I'd like to make the craft ornaments but realistically, I am glad she also includes printables for those days we just can't do it. Maybe each year we can make more to add. I'll keep you posted with how this turns out.

Ann Voskamp has a wonderful new devotional in which she leads us through in her New York Times best-seller The Greatest Gift. It tells the full love story of God starting from creation through the birth of Christ. It has 25 fresh, powerful and awakening Advent readings in a voice only Anne Voskamp can share and features 25 free, co-ordinating, exquisite Christmas ornament downloads. This devotion is for me to focus on the holiday and I plan to do it with my morning coffee.

Ann's son has designed this amazing Cradle to Cross wreath that I so covet! For each of the 24 days of Advent, the candle proceeds through the spiral wreath, Mary, swollen with Savior, following. Come Lent, this same oak wreath then extends to a 40 candle-holder markings, making the profound and visible connection for of the miracle of the God-with-us of Christmas to the cosmic redemption of Easter. Each evening, the candle proceeds one more day around the 40 day journey through Lent, the symbol of Christ carrying the Cross -- and all our Grace-Hope -- towards Calvary. In addition, the wreath set, extended to its 40 days length, may also be used to mark the Days of Easter, the 40 days from Easter Sunday to His Ascension to Heaven. I'm hoping to get this for Lent.

Finally, a Nativity set is also a meaningful tradition in many homes and has been in ours. Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first nativity scene in 1223 (a "living" one) intending thereby to cultivate the worship of Christ, having been inspired by his recent visit to the Holy Land where he had been shown Jesus's traditional birthplace. Our Nativity set is one of the most special items we unpack and put on display each year. It was given to us by Chuck's parents.

Events and Observances

Saint Nicholas also called Nikolaos of Myra, was a historic 4th-century saint and Bishop of Myra (Demre, part of modern-day Turkey) in Lycia. Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nikolaos the Wonderworker. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and thus became the model for Santa Claus. His feast day, Saint Nicholas Day is December 6. Traditionally, on the eve of the feast young children put their shoes in front of the chimneys and sing songs. Often they put a carrot or some hay in the shoes, as a gift to St. Nicholas' horse. The next morning they will find a small present in their shoes, ranging from sweets to marbles or some other small toy. I have been thinking of incorporating this tradition in our family to draw the attention away from Santa on Christmas Day while still enjoying the magic and wonder he brings to the season.

Some other favorite traditions we observe are the annual cookie bake at Grammy and Pop's with the cousins, a tour of homes I take with my mom and our close family friends, breakfast with Santa at Church, getting tree ornaments from all the places we have visited and getting new pajamas on Christmas Eve.  We also participate in Operation Christmas Child or Angel Tree.

Movies and Music

Movies and music mark the season as well. On Thanksgiving we broke out the seasonal flicks with a viewing of Polar Express. Other favorite movies for this time of year include Frosty, Rudolph
and Its A Wonderful Life.

I love Christmas carols of all kinds and look forward to adding to my collection this year with Kelly Clarkson's new album Wrapped in Red. My favorite Christmas album of course is Kenny Chesney's All I Want for Christmas is all Real Good Tan. I like to have only holiday music on in the car during the month of December.

Books and Apps

I am very excited about a new App called The Nativity Story, especially since my kids are on their devices so much. Readers of this interactive, digital book app can follow Joseph and Mary on their search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Along the way they encounter a variety of colorful local people and animals. This is a fun and engaging way to share the original story of Christmas. It's designed as a vintage pop-up book, with classic woodcut-style illustrations. By tapping and swiping, kids can help Joseph and Mary find a place to stay. It is interactive. Kids can knock on doors, pull on the rope, ring the bell, open windows, create music and make people talk. It also features optional narration where a narrator can tell the story or you or your child can read it together.

Watch a demo:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfRmfArYpD0 (Preview)

Of course, I always read the Night Before Christmas to the kids. That is one of my favorites!

What are some of the ways you observe Advent?

Working on the Harvest: Observing Lent as a Family

Last night, my family had a small Mardi Gras celebration to kick off the season of Lent. Not unlike one last big meal before beginning a diet. We made a festive table with Mardi Gras beads and the kids decorated Mardi Gras masks. Grammy made a New Orleans-style meal of sausage, dirty rice, red beans and rice, shrimp and bread. We discussed what Fat Tuesday meant and how we would entering into the Lent on Ash Wednesday.

I began to teach my children the meaning of the words abstain and fast and sacrifice, but in truth, for me learning the true meaning and value of those words I think will take a lifetime of experience.

I have always been drawn to the season of Lent. A period of reflection, of prayer, of discerning what it is that draws us close to Jesus and what in our life is an obstacle. It is a time when I am most aware of my own spiritual growth (or lack thereof). Prayer, fasting, almsgiving and sacrifice. Entering into the desert with Jesus, bringing my sin to the cross and preparing to celebrate the resurrection, the gift of new life and the grace of forgiveness. Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.

Even as we continue to settle in our new home, work on the needed renovations, get organized and settled into new routines, I am determined to observe this season with the respect and reflection it deserves. IN some small ways, we will walk the way of the cross and I will do my best to teach my children about the Lord's sacrifice and the gift we in turn received.

My little 4-year-old lamb gets it. We read Adam and Eve and she knows "they disobeyed God." She understands that they were no longer allowed to go into the garden. Consequences. Discipline. We read about Jonah and she says "He also disobeyed God" and I point out that after three days in the big fish, Jonah repents, receives forgiveness and is brought back to life to do the work of God on earth and this time he obeys. Will we?

Ann Voskamp has a wonderful devotional for Lent here. I plan to get this iron tree to use as a Lenten tree and either hang  scripture cards and Easter eggs as we do the Ann Voskamp devotion or do the Jesus Tree ornaments and devotion found here, except I'd make them with my Cricuit and paper.

I have also been looking at a Lenten calendar or wreath to mark the days of Lent  and am awed by this wreath created by Ann's son. I'd really like to get that! I imagine serene moments lighting the candle and discussing scripture but then another image of complete chaos interrupts it and that image is probably more like reality in my home.

Another teachable craft is a salt dough crown of thorns, every time the kids make a sacrifice they remove a thorn from the crown. Along the same lines, the Merciful Cross is a good activity as well. You teach about the spiritual works of Mercy and every time you act, you cover a cross with a paper flower. By the end of Lent the cross could be covered up. Character and behavior teaching is an added benefit! I am not sure if I'll get to those this year, but I really like the idea.

For an outdoor activity that I think ties the journey all together, I saw this resurrection garden on Pinterest and think this will be a nice activity to do with the kids in a few weeks. The Lord knows our "garden" (and I use the term very lightly) could use some work!

How are you honoring the Lenten season with your family? I'd love to hear your ideas! For more inspiration, check out my Easter and Lent boards on Pinterest

Happy Groundhog Day

Just wanted to share a cute snack I created for my kids today to teach about Groundhog Day.

These cute little groundhogs were a hit!

Pudding snack
crushed Oreos
Butter Butter
Slivered almonds
Black icing
Peanut butter

Capturing Thanksgiving Memories

Part of harvesting a memorable life is documenting it and there is no better time to document life than when the family is all gathered together.

Documentation can come in the photographs taken, the stories of yesterday captured and the blessings noted.

Here are a few ways to document this Thanksgiving:

Photographs:
-The front door of the house you are visiting
-The table setting
-Hands stirring or mixing
-The bird going into the oven
-The bird coming out of oven
-Carving the bird
-Mom with an apron on
-Men watching TV
-Each dish that will be served
-Appetizer spread
-Each family that is present
-Entire group
-Taking a post-dinner walk
-Pies and coffee
-Children playing
-Adults napping

Journal questions:
-What are you thankful for?
-What has been the biggest blessing in the past year?
-What is your favorite thing about Thanksgiving?

Memory keeping:
-Make a giving hands tree. Trace everyone's hand and have them write what they are thankful for and hang it on the tree.
-Leave a 3x4 card at each place setting for guests to write what they are thankful for on and put in the Project Life page for the week
-Interview each guest on video.

I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving!