November Favorites

ACTIVITY: Make a Gratitude Wreath
There are lots of variations on this time-honored Thanksgiving tradition, but they all have one thing in common–you need to start now! Throughout the month of November, let every member of the family write one thing they’re grateful for on a leaf and tape it to the wreath. If you’re artistic, you could make an entire Thankfulness Tree that covers your wall or try this banner idea from my talented friend Gina.

ARTICLE: 26, Unmarried, and Childless by Amanda Bast
This article ran rampant about two months ago so you may have already seen it. But if you haven’t, it’s a great read. I especially loved it because it gave me a personal glimpse into life “on the other side.” Quite frankly I often envy my single friends (especially on Saturday mornings when I imagine them snuggled in bed with a great novel, a hot cup of coffee, and an empty agenda.) But of course I don’t know what it’s actually like to walk a mile in their shoes…until now.

PRODUCT: Tan Towel
No educational toys this month, this is a product just for Mom! I’m a big fan of not dying of skin cancer, so I’ve never been to a tanning bed and rarely lie in the sun without sunscreen. Of course this means I’m also the girl who sports a farmer’s tan at weddings. Which is probably why a dear relative of mine introduced me to Tan Towel. Each pad is like a giant wet wipe–an easy way to even those tan lines before a special event.

MOVIE: Epic
A fun family night movie–think Avatar in cartoon version with a sweet Daddy-daughter side plot.

BOOK: What did you expect? By Paul David Tripp
Why read another marriage book? Well, if you’re anything like me, you probably need it. Or as Paul David Tripp would say, “Somehow, someway, every marriage becomes a struggle.” I find that gospel-centered books about marriage are one of the best ways to ground my flighty heart. So…why read this marriage book? Because here’s what Tripp is going to do: he’s going to rip your heart apart with conviction (by showing you what TRUE love actually looks like) and then just when you want to bury your head in the sand, he’s going to throw you upon the beauty and grace of the gospel as the ONLY hope for loving your spouse like Christ. And, he’ll do it all through the lens of six practical commitments for biblical marriages.