Merry Christmas everyone! It’s my first year in Florida celebrating Christmas, coming from cold Michigan. I’m actually enjoying the season more here as it’s easier to get out to do Christmas activities without bundling up two little ones. It feels surreal to be out here blogging right now on the patio in 70 degree weather on the second day of winter. We have weekend plans to go to the beach and may eat Christmas dinner outside. Such a change from what I grew up with. I’m really enjoying the change, the cold was tough on my health and I see such an improvement here, so I’m very thankful. My kids and husband love the warmth here also, so it’s been a smooth transition.
I’ve been talking to my kids a lot lately about Christmas as my older one is now at the age where he’s asking more questions about why we celebrate Christmas. We talk about how there wouldn’t even be Christmas without Jesus and I’ve found myself reflecting on how hopeless we’d be without Jesus. It’s struck me that it wouldn’t be less hopeless had He never come or somewhat hopeless, but utterly, deprived hopelessness. And I know what that hopelessness feels like, as I’ve only been following Christ for the last 10 years of my life, and didn’t have that assurance of forgiveness before.
Each year I appreciate Christmas more and more as I reflect on the hope I have that a Savior came 2,000 Â years ago and paid my very large debt of sin. It never stops amazing me that the God that created me and this earth stepped down in the most humble of situations to walk with us, love us, and eventually die and be raised for our sins. He found me in my depraved state and offered me salvation and forgiveness.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend resting in the joy of these truths and the Savior.
The deals are slimming down as we approach Christmas so I won’t be posting much until after Christmas, unless I see something awesome to share in the meantime.
I have some exciting things planned for the blog in 2017 including more store matchups and in store coupon deals as well as deals to help you swap out your home to a more natural, healthy home.
January will be one of the biggest months of the year for natural and organic deals and coupons. We get to reap the savings of businesses catering to New Year’s resolutions. Be sure you’re staying up to date on these deals by signing up for our daily e-newsletter.
Thank you so much for all of your support! I’m looking forward to helping you save on a healthier lifestyle in 2018! Merry Christmas!
Bethany
Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve seen a lot of bloggers this week saying to remember what’s important during the holidays – spending time with family and friends (which is definitely important) but I feel so sad because they’re still missing out on the hope we have through Christ.
I think getting older as a Christian does cause us to reflect on this more, but I’ve noticed I tend to reflect even more around the holidays after my mom died in 2015. Without Christ I wouldn’t know that she and my grandparents are in heaven (or what will eventually happen to me), and that really would be hopeless like you said. I’ve been a Christian my whole life so I honestly can’t even imagine what it would be like to live without that hope, but just thinking about it hurts.
Your children are so blessed to not have to experience that because you’re telling them at such a young age, just like my mom did for me. Merry Christmas to you and your family, and thank you for everything you do.
Thanks for sharing all the wonderful products and your words of wisdom. We have relatives in Michigan plus my brother and his family are vacationing in Florida for Christmas so they may also enjoy dinner on the beach! I was going to ask you about a particular product but I guess it just slipped my mind or you already covered it. Have been interested in natural health and nutrition since my mom (once a nurse’s aide) and her vintage ‘Prevention’ magazines opened my eyes. Now I try to enlighten others so thanks for helping that mission. Have a most wonderful Christmas and a free and prosperous New Year!