Review: Total Christmas Makeover by Melissa Spoelstra

I collect devotional books and I love Christmas so I was excited to review this book. During Christmas season, do you feel like flustered Martha (in the Bible)...having too much to do and not enough time to get it all done? Let's not get swept up in the hustle and bustle. Instead, may we prepare our hearts to celebrate this Christmas with joy and purpose. Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ; it's not about perfect planning or fantastic festivities! Pause and become more like Mary who focused on Jesus. Mary sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said while Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. Jesus said to Martha,"You are worried and upset about many things, but only ONE thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42) Total Christmas Makeover has 31 devotions that will help you pause and prioritize, ponder and pray. The book is divided into 3 sections: Ritual (Day 1 to Day 10), Relationships (Day 11 to Day 20), and Rest (Day 21 to Day 31). Each devotion starts with Bible verses and ends with a prayer, questions for reflection, and practical ideas. The author shares her own family Christmas experiences, including what works and what doesn't work. She shows how to incorporate Biblical meanings into traditions; she helps readers think why they do what they do. The book covers many important topics such as giving, serving, forgiveness, humility, patience, love languages, spiritual gifts, worship, balance, obedience, gratitude, and more. I've enjoyed reading this book and will continue to read as Christmas approaches. Total Christmas Makeover is a Christ-centered, gospel-focused, grace-filled devotional that will help you and your families enjoy a meaningful celebration this Christmas. May the activities we do help us remember what God has done for us, may the people we interact with be blessed and touched by Christ's love, and may we learn to rest in our Lord and reflect on what, Whom, and why we celebrate Christmas!

~I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. To read other reviews, visit here.

Comments

Anti-Riot Petition and $10 Amazon Giftcard Giveaway

We need to stand up and support Israel. It's time for the protests and media's lies to stop. See real headlines about what's actually going on in the world below, and then sign the petition to end anti-Israel rioting: • Anti-Israel protester blocks traffic using her baby: This video captures an anti-Israel protester holding her baby while standing in front of a car to block traffic. Another protester can be heard asking for a replacement for the mother, noting her willingness to risk her child’s life. Additionally, another parent with a small child and dog are seen standing in the path of traffic. See video: LINK • George Washington U grads storm out of graduation ceremony in anti-Israel protest: Dozens of George Washington University graduates walked out of commencement ceremonies on Sunday, disrupting university President Ellen Granberg's speech, in protest over the ongoing war in Gaza and last week's clearing of an on-campus protest encampment that invo...

Curriculum Clean Out--Spring 2011

I am participating in the Curriculum Clean-Out hosted by Jolanthe from Homeschool Creations . I'm a little late in joining so my giveaway deadline will be Friday, May 6th at midnight (Pacific time). The item I'm giving away is Eenie Meenie Miney Math! This book is filled with fun games and activities for parents to play with their preschooler(s) while "teaching" them math. The playing/learning takes place during daily routines. To enter: Leave a comment here and your email address. This giveaway is open to US residents only. For extra entries: 1. Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect or NetworkedBlogs 2. "Like" my Facebook page, Christ Alone, at http://www.facebook.com/ChristmyLordandSavior/ ...

DVD Review and Giveaway: A Mile in His Shoes

A Mile in His Shoes is a family-friendly movie (PG) about a young man diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (a form of autism) and how his God-given talent (his amazing throwing ability) helps him and others. It's about overcoming challenges in life. It is based on the book "The Legend of Mickey Tussler" (a true story). It's directed by William Dear, the director of "Angels In the Outfield." It stars Dean Cain who plays Arthur Murphy, a baseball coach and Luke Schroder who plays Mickey, the main character. Excellent performances! My family and I enjoyed this movie. It spoke to my heart deeply because one of my kids has symptoms that are similar to Asperger's Syndrome but the doctors diagnosed him with anxiety disorder, instead. My son is very athletic and great with numbers like Mickey. He is also sensitive to noise and crowds like Mickey. When Coach Murphy sees Mickey (a farmer boy) throw apples at a bucket for his pigs, he knows that he has just fo...

Fruitbearers

Search This Blog