Mark Schultz - Different Kind of Christmas (Live)

This is a beautiful song for those many of us that are missing that special someone that is no longer with us. This song was written for his wife that lost her dad.  We all miss someone at Christmas time, and usually holidays can be the hardest.  You remember traditions you shared, and special things that remind you of that person. I miss my father. Every Christmas he would take me with him to help him pick out that special piece of jewelry for my mom. I swear my dad was a hopeless romantic!! He was taken from this earth way too soon (age 42, but who am I to judge) So many things I wish he was here for. But for now I will hold all the sweet sweet traditions and things he taught me while growing up close to my heart. To all the loved ones that are not with us. I love you!!

9 Keys to survive the Holidays

I read many many things through out my day by Dave Willis. So at times I need to pass along some of the things I find value in reading. "9 keys to survive the holidays".

It’s that time of year when we’re gathering with loved ones, giving thanks for the blessings in our lives, overeating, exchanging gifts and making memories. It can also be a time of year when financial stress, family drama and the chaos of travel can steal your joy and make you wish you could hop into a time machine and skip the holiday madness altogether.

I don’t know what life looks like around your Thanksgiving table and Christmas tree, but I want this to be a wonderful season for you and your family. After all, it should be “The most wonderful time of the year!”
Here’s a checklist to help you keep your marriage and family strong all season long:
1. Keep a “no drama” policy.
The holidays can throw you around some relatives who might love “drama” and they’ll try to pull you into it. Choose to rise above. Diffuse it with laughter and joy. A healthy family should always have more comedy than drama!
2. Be a peacemaker. 
Christmas, after all, is celebrating the birth of “The Prince of Peace.” In Jesus’ example, work to promote peace in your home and extended family. Offer love and respect to people even when they don’t deserve it. Don’t treat your family the way they treat you. Treat them the way God treats you.
3. Stick to a budget on gifts.
Don’t add unnecessary financial stress by overdoing it on gifts. Your kids and relatives don’t need more gadgets clothes as much as they need you to be at your best. Give thoughtful gifts; not expensive gifts.
4. Be present.
Fight the temptation to escape into your smart phone instead of engaging in conversation. It’s possible to be in the same room but in a different world from your loved ones. Be fully present and actively participating in the moments. Make memories, not regrets.
5. Be motivated by love, not guilt.
You can’t be everywhere at once, so there will always be people who are disappointed that you couldn’t spend more time with them. Don’t make your schedule based on trying to make everybody happy (which is impossible). Schedule based on maximizing the moments with your loved ones.
6. Don’t neglect your spouse.
Don’t put your marriage on the back burner through the season. Share the moments together and make time alone together a priority. As a tool to help you grow in your communication and sexual intimacy with your spouse,
7. Don’t neglect your body.
I love to eat, but when I gorge myself on ice cream and turkey legs for a month, I pay the price! A lack of exercise and a ton of calories ends up making me grumpy and sleepy. Enjoy the good food, but don’t go crazy. Also, find time to get some exercise. You’ll feel better.
8. Have fun!
Refuse to allow stress to steal your joy. Give yourself permission to push away from the stress and enjoy the beautiful moments. Have fun and make beautiful memories.
9. Don’t forget the reason for the season.
The presents and food is awesome, but don’t forget to honor God who makes it all possible. Keeping your focus on Him has a way of bringing everything else into it’s proper place.