Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
*update- December 12, 2024*
Happy Thursday friends! For today's Thursday Health Thoughts Post I wanted to re-share a post that was originally written here on the blog in 2013 about 30 Christmas Present Ideas for a Chronically Ill Friend. While this post was written in the midst of my personal fight for health and physical life, I have found myself revisiting the wisdom of this for every single day now on the other side being healthy and loving on those who are struggling with a chronic illness. I hope it is a practical encouragement to you for those you love in your life who have a chronic illness.
.jpg "12 Things to Do: For Yourself, A Loved One, A Spouse, The Parents, The Children, and The Caretakers Dealing With Chronic Health Conditions During the Holiday Season (Chronic Grace Series Book 2)")
If you are looking for an in depth guide and encouragement on specific things to do this holiday season my easy to read e-book, 12 Things to Do: For Yourself, A Loved One, A Spouse, The Parents, The Children, and The Caretakers Dealing With Chronic Health Conditions During the Holiday Season (Chronic Grace Series Book 2) can be helpful! You can find it on Amazon HERE!
Since 2013 I have also added a lot of additional posts to the holiday seasons and helping friends... if you would like to check them out you can click on the links below:
Thanksgiving: // 15 Ways to Help a Friend at Thanksgiving //
I hope you find all of those items helpful! Here is the original post with a few minor updates below! Happy Thursday friends!
*Original Post- November 21, 2013 (with updates)*
Last week's Thursday Health Thoughts post was about 17 ways you can help a chronically ill friend with chronic illness during the holidays. As I mentioned last week I want to share 30 Christmas Present ideas for a chronically ill friend. Some of these ideas you may have seen before in the 26 ways to help a Chronically Ill friend. Again, I am not an expert at all, but the things that I have listed below are things that friends have mentioned to me that have been wonderful or I personally experienced during my health journey that truly touched my heart and my life. Be creative and trust me your kindness will touch the heart of your ill friend forever.
1. Offer monetary help if possible.
Even with insurance those with Chronic Illness spend thousands and thousands of dollars trying to get healthy. Many people with Chronic Illness, go through all available resources. I was the recipient of monetary help and one week was even offered a plane ticket to see a dear friends wedding. Without this type of help I could never have gone to the wedding or have received treatment in California. These types of gifts do not have to be large either. Someone gave me a five dollar gift card to Target on regular basis that helped purchase necessities. Such a blessing! Gift cards to Target are priceless! This can help purchase medications, groceries, clothes, and the list goes on! Truly gift cards are wonderful if that is an option for you to give!
Even with insurance those with Chronic Illness spend thousands and thousands of dollars trying to get healthy. Many people with Chronic Illness, go through all available resources. I was the recipient of monetary help and one week was even offered a plane ticket to see a dear friends wedding. Without this type of help I could never have gone to the wedding or have received treatment in California. These types of gifts do not have to be large either. Someone gave me a five dollar gift card to Target on regular basis that helped purchase necessities. Such a blessing! Gift cards to Target are priceless! This can help purchase medications, groceries, clothes, and the list goes on! Truly gift cards are wonderful if that is an option for you to give!
2. Purchase their favorite bath items.
Many with Chronic illness use special bath products (including shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, perfume, deodorant, etc.) that are free from certain dyes, chemicals, or ingredients. Yes, these items are more expensive but are necessary. What a lovely gift this would be for someone! Don't know what they use? Ask them or a family member!
Many with Chronic illness use special bath products (including shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, perfume, deodorant, etc.) that are free from certain dyes, chemicals, or ingredients. Yes, these items are more expensive but are necessary. What a lovely gift this would be for someone! Don't know what they use? Ask them or a family member!
3. Pay their Cell Phone Bill for a month.
Most with chronic illness desperately need our cell phones and that yucky bill each month takes out a huge amount of money. One time in the journey for me someone paid this and it came at the exact right time that I was having to decide on paying the cell phone or purchasing a medication I needed.
Most with chronic illness desperately need our cell phones and that yucky bill each month takes out a huge amount of money. One time in the journey for me someone paid this and it came at the exact right time that I was having to decide on paying the cell phone or purchasing a medication I needed.
4. Purchase a gift certificate to a special salon.
As a lady who loved getting her nails done each month, having regular hair appointments, etc. this was been a HUGE change while I am ill. These were the first things to go so that items needed for treatment and paying medical bills, etc. comes first. But honestly (I will say it for your friends who don't feel like they can!) I was still a gal who loved being a lady and I missed "feeling" like that all the time and I heard countless others say the same thing.
As a lady who loved getting her nails done each month, having regular hair appointments, etc. this was been a HUGE change while I am ill. These were the first things to go so that items needed for treatment and paying medical bills, etc. comes first. But honestly (I will say it for your friends who don't feel like they can!) I was still a gal who loved being a lady and I missed "feeling" like that all the time and I heard countless others say the same thing.
5. Listen without offering advice (unless asked).
When you offer unsolicited advice, it can come across as a lecture- even if that is not your intent. Someone once said: "Assume that we have heard all of the tips on living healthier and leave it at that." I couldn't have said it any better.
When you offer unsolicited advice, it can come across as a lecture- even if that is not your intent. Someone once said: "Assume that we have heard all of the tips on living healthier and leave it at that." I couldn't have said it any better.
6. Provide a special basket for a "night in".
Gather a few items together to give to those who can't go out- Perhaps a snack, movie, etc. could provide a lovely gift!
Gather a few items together to give to those who can't go out- Perhaps a snack, movie, etc. could provide a lovely gift!
7. Give a coupon book/ card that lists out something that you (and your family) will do once a month, once a week, etc. for a year.
Need suggestions? Here are just a few things that immediately come to mind:
Need suggestions? Here are just a few things that immediately come to mind:
(a) Help with housework.
(b) Help with yard work.
(c) Drive your friend to a doctors appointment or treatment (and offer to stay with them). I heard of a friend whose best friend drove her to every single doctors appointment in one area of her physical needs. That allows her spouse and other family members to have a "day off" of one doctor.
(d) Drive their children to school one day a week.
(e) Bring a meal twice a month.
(f) Pick up groceries once a week.
(g) Offer to go to Target, Walmart, etc. once a week or twice a month for them.
I could go on and on but y'all are creative!
8. Buy nice pajamas.
Those with Chronic Illness spend a lot of time in bed or in the hospital and nice pajamas are always a lovely gift.
Those with Chronic Illness spend a lot of time in bed or in the hospital and nice pajamas are always a lovely gift.
9. Magazine subscriptions are a lovely gift!
This again is a thing that gets cut when money is tight and is a lovely gift for a year!
This again is a thing that gets cut when money is tight and is a lovely gift for a year!
10. Purchase a netflix or hulu account for a year for your friend.
11. Buy a "prime" membership on amazon.
This can provide your friend with countless free TV shows, movies, and even books to read! And guess what? If they purchase supplements or products on amazon they will be eligible on FREE 2-day shipping! Someone gave me this gift for a year in the journey and it was wonderful!
This can provide your friend with countless free TV shows, movies, and even books to read! And guess what? If they purchase supplements or products on amazon they will be eligible on FREE 2-day shipping! Someone gave me this gift for a year in the journey and it was wonderful!
12. Create a relaxing atmosphere.
Purchase music, i-tunes gift cards, etc. so that your friend can listen to relaxing & encouraging music.
Purchase music, i-tunes gift cards, etc. so that your friend can listen to relaxing & encouraging music.
13. Ask them what the best books are on their illness and then read them.
Tell them that you have spent the time doing this and believe me this is PRICELESS. You will be able to have an intelligent and compassionate conversation from that moment forward since you will be knowledgeable about their illness. (Side Note: Read what they suggest not what "Dr. Google" says...)
Tell them that you have spent the time doing this and believe me this is PRICELESS. You will be able to have an intelligent and compassionate conversation from that moment forward since you will be knowledgeable about their illness. (Side Note: Read what they suggest not what "Dr. Google" says...)
14. Introduce a hobby or supplement their existing hobby.
Does your friend do a hobby that helps them pass the time or that they enjoy? Purchase items that they have been wanting or give them a gift card to their favorite specialty craft store. Do they not have a hobby but have been talking about starting one? Buy the intro book, the intro supplies, and give them the gift of creativity! Or try sudoko, word searches, etc!
Does your friend do a hobby that helps them pass the time or that they enjoy? Purchase items that they have been wanting or give them a gift card to their favorite specialty craft store. Do they not have a hobby but have been talking about starting one? Buy the intro book, the intro supplies, and give them the gift of creativity! Or try sudoko, word searches, etc!
15. Give the gift or reading.
Is there something that your friend loves to read? Buy them the books. Does your friend have an illness that makes reading hard? Give them audio books! Don't know what to give them? Purchase a gift card to a bookstore or a kindle gift card. Maybe even purchase a kindle...
Is there something that your friend loves to read? Buy them the books. Does your friend have an illness that makes reading hard? Give them audio books! Don't know what to give them? Purchase a gift card to a bookstore or a kindle gift card. Maybe even purchase a kindle...
16. Soft, Snugly, and Comfy blankets.
I love cozy blankets and when I was sick and the pain was intense cozy blankets were a gift. Soft blankets, comfy sheets, and sweet throws- all lovely. One year I was the recipient of a beautiful prayer quilt. Every time that I looked at it and used it I was reminded that there were SO many people praying for me.
I love cozy blankets and when I was sick and the pain was intense cozy blankets were a gift. Soft blankets, comfy sheets, and sweet throws- all lovely. One year I was the recipient of a beautiful prayer quilt. Every time that I looked at it and used it I was reminded that there were SO many people praying for me.
17. Research and Purchase a Gadget that can help them with a disability.
You have heard me say this before but money is tight and lots of times gadgets are not purchased. Don't know what is needed? Ask them or their family members!
You have heard me say this before but money is tight and lots of times gadgets are not purchased. Don't know what is needed? Ask them or their family members!
18. Gift Baskets.
This article: 10 top gift basket ideas for those suffering with Chronic Illness has wonderful ideas. Don't know what to get? Consider purchasing a Well Basket.
This article: 10 top gift basket ideas for those suffering with Chronic Illness has wonderful ideas. Don't know what to get? Consider purchasing a Well Basket.
19. Journals.
While not everyone is a writer, some of us go through journalsyearly monthly weekly. *smiles* OOh... and pretty pens... hahaha that last one is just for me!
While not everyone is a writer, some of us go through journals
20. Gas Gift Cards.
I can't even begin to express how much money I spent on gas money each week driving to all of my local doctors appointments and this doesn't even begin to account for the ones that weren't local. Gas gift cards are a wonderful gift.
I can't even begin to express how much money I spent on gas money each week driving to all of my local doctors appointments and this doesn't even begin to account for the ones that weren't local. Gas gift cards are a wonderful gift.
21. Purchase supplements, oils, etc.
Is your friend using alternative supplements? These are often expensive and this would be a wonderful gift. Disclaimer: only purchase what your friend is currently using. This is not the time to give advice on what you believe would be the cure!
Is your friend using alternative supplements? These are often expensive and this would be a wonderful gift. Disclaimer: only purchase what your friend is currently using. This is not the time to give advice on what you believe would be the cure!
22. Donate to an organization that supports research for their disease.
23. Mind the car.
Along with #20 - a car gets lots of use. Take the car for a "spa day" and get the oil changed, washed, filled up with gas, and tuned up. This would be an AMAZING gift! Better yet, have someone do an entire tune up!
Along with #20 - a car gets lots of use. Take the car for a "spa day" and get the oil changed, washed, filled up with gas, and tuned up. This would be an AMAZING gift! Better yet, have someone do an entire tune up!
24. Hold a benefit concert, run, walk, etc. for them.
25. Bath Spa- Hot tub.
Yes, hot tubs are expensive but Amazon sells Bath Spa Mats with so many different options. This would be such a lovely gift! Along with this idea: special heating pads, massage heating pads, etc.
Yes, hot tubs are expensive but Amazon sells Bath Spa Mats with so many different options. This would be such a lovely gift! Along with this idea: special heating pads, massage heating pads, etc.
26. Winter items.
Do y'all live in an area where winter rears its ugly head? Consider purchasing a can of spray defroster so that they do not have to scrape their car, hiring someone to shovel for them, or maybe gloves, warm scarves, etc.!
Do y'all live in an area where winter rears its ugly head? Consider purchasing a can of spray defroster so that they do not have to scrape their car, hiring someone to shovel for them, or maybe gloves, warm scarves, etc.!
27. Tickets to live performances for a year.
Does your friend love musicals or comedies or acting? Consider purchasing four or five tickets for them and a friend/spouse to go to these events every couple of months.
28. Homemade Inspirational Artwork.
Create artwork that can be displayed- especially for those who are bedridden.
29. Be Present.
I have said this before, but the best gift that you can give is yourself.
30. Remember the caregiver(s).
I often said this during my journey but being ill is often harder on my family then it was on myself. To see people that are constantly hurting and suffering and not be able to do anything about it is excruciating. Reach out to the caregivers and you will touch the heart of the person who is ill too.
As I said last week, realize that your friend or family member with chronic illness is the best gift this season. Their illness is forcing them to set limitations but the gift to you is remembering what is truly important in the holiday season. Celebrate PEOPLE. Not things or activities. At the end of the day people are the most important thing not whether or not you were able to buy every single gift in the world.
What are some of your Christmas gift ideas for those in your life who are ill? Please share with us in the comments below!
Does your friend love musicals or comedies or acting? Consider purchasing four or five tickets for them and a friend/spouse to go to these events every couple of months.
28. Homemade Inspirational Artwork.
Create artwork that can be displayed- especially for those who are bedridden.
29. Be Present.
I have said this before, but the best gift that you can give is yourself.
30. Remember the caregiver(s).
I often said this during my journey but being ill is often harder on my family then it was on myself. To see people that are constantly hurting and suffering and not be able to do anything about it is excruciating. Reach out to the caregivers and you will touch the heart of the person who is ill too.
As I said last week, realize that your friend or family member with chronic illness is the best gift this season. Their illness is forcing them to set limitations but the gift to you is remembering what is truly important in the holiday season. Celebrate PEOPLE. Not things or activities. At the end of the day people are the most important thing not whether or not you were able to buy every single gift in the world.
What are some of your Christmas gift ideas for those in your life who are ill? Please share with us in the comments below!
*update- December 5, 2024*
Happy Thursday friends! For today's Thursday Health Thoughts Post I wanted to re-share a post that was originally written here on the blog in 2013 about 17 ways to help a friend with a chronic illness during the holidays. While this post was written in the midst of my personal fight for health and physical life, I have found myself revisiting the wisdom of this for every single day now on the other side being healthy and loving on those who are struggling with a chronic illness. I hope it is a practical encouragement to you for those you love in your life who have a chronic illness.
If you are looking for an in depth guide and encouragement on specific things to do this holiday season my easy to read e-book, 12 Things to Do: For Yourself, A Loved One, A Spouse, The Parents, The Children, and The Caretakers Dealing With Chronic Health Conditions During the Holiday Season (Chronic Grace Series Book 2) can be helpful! You can find it on Amazon HERE!
Since 2013 I have also added a lot of additional posts to the holiday seasons and helping friends... if you would like to check them out you can click on the links below:
Thanksgiving: // 15 Ways to Help a Friend at Thanksgiving //
I hope you find all of those items helpful! Here is the original post with a few minor updates below! Happy Thursday friends!
*original post from 2013*
Several months ago I wrote a Thursday Health Thought that has remained one of my highest read posts and most commented on posts. The post discussed 26 Ways to Help a Friend with Chronic Illness and was widely appreciated by those who have a chronic illness and those who know someone with a chronic illness. A couple of weeks ago I started to receive some emails referencing that post and asking if there were any specific thoughts or ideas on how to reach out to someone with a chronic illness during the holidays. {Seriously?? Y'all are awesome!!}So today I wanted to share 17 Ways to Help a Friend with Chronic Illness During the Holidays and next week will share Christmas Present Ideas for a Friend with Chronic Illness!
I am not an expert at all, but the things that I have listed below are things that friends have mentioned to me that have been wonderful or I have personally experienced that have truly touched my heart and my life as a person who is seriously ill during the Holiday Season!
1. When hosting a party- offer some foods that your friend (who is on a special diet) can eat.
Don't make this a big deal but try to incorporate snacks that you know your friend can eat.
2. When hosting a dinner party take the time to share with your Chronically Ill friend ahead of time the ingredients of all of your dishes.
This will save your friend any awkwardness of having to ask questions in front of the other guests and like a burden at the party.
3.Pray for your friend.
The holidays can be stressful for people and this is especially true of those with chronic illnesses. Looking for specific things to pray? Check out my e-book- 12 Things to Pray: For Yourself, A Loved One, A Spouse, The Parents, The Children, and The Caretakers Dealing With Chronic Health Conditions (Chronic Grace Series Book 1)! You can find it on Amazon HERE!
4. Offer to pick up presents for your friend.
These could be presents for their family and friends when you are going Christmas Shopping for your own family and friends.
5. Help them decorate their house (or outside of their house).
This offer can be truly priceless as decorating takes lots of energy. Maybe your family can make a Saturday of offering this to several families that you know. What a blessing this would be! (Also consider blessing families who can't afford a Christmas tree this year due to health costs with a tree!)
6. Help them take decorations down after the holidays!
Just like #5 maybe this could be a Saturday project for your family or a group of friends! (And don't forget about disposing of the Christmas Tree!)
7. Be Sensitive.
Understand that money is tight and that the holidays are incredibly stressful for your friend. A gift exchange is fun, but for those with a chronic illness money can be overwhelming. Think of creative ways to host gift exchanges that don't cost much money.
8. Remember your neighbors!
Helping those who are less fortunate, serving at the homeless shelter, etc. are all wonderful ideas BUT have you ever thought about serving those who are even closer to you? Your chronically ill friend is in serious need. Consider serving those closest to you this year!
9. Be Patient.
Things may look different with your friend and family members who are seriously ill but remember that they are still the same person. Be patient with the changes.
10. Laugh often with your friend or family member.
Maybe offer to bring over a comedy to watch together, send a funny card in the mail, or just leave a message that could bring a smile to their face!
11. Don't make it about you.
Yes, the holiday season is about giving but be respectful of your friends wishes and desires. Maybe they really don't want you to come over at midnight to celebrate December 19th. (Yes, Hahaha that is a true story! *smiles*)
12. Consider starting new holiday traditions.
13. Take up a secret holiday collection and give it to your friend.
14. Celebrate the simplicity of the holiday season.
15. Be Thoughtful.
Spread out the holiday activities to help your family member be able to join in on many things. (Instead of doing EVERY thing in one day maybe go caroling one night, Christmas shopping another day, etc.)
16. Be Compassionate.
Does your friend have more pain or fatigue later in the evening? Consider hosting a brunch instead of a dinner! (Or vice versa!)
17. Realize that your friend or family member with chronic illness is the best gift this season.
Their illness is forcing them to set limitations but the gift to you is remembering what is truly important in the holiday season. Celebrate PEOPLE. Not things or activities. At the end of the day people are the most important thing not whether or not you were able to buy every single gift in the world.
What are some ways that you help a friend with a chronic illness during the holidays?
Don't make this a big deal but try to incorporate snacks that you know your friend can eat.
2. When hosting a dinner party take the time to share with your Chronically Ill friend ahead of time the ingredients of all of your dishes.
This will save your friend any awkwardness of having to ask questions in front of the other guests and like a burden at the party.
3.Pray for your friend.
The holidays can be stressful for people and this is especially true of those with chronic illnesses. Looking for specific things to pray? Check out my e-book- 12 Things to Pray: For Yourself, A Loved One, A Spouse, The Parents, The Children, and The Caretakers Dealing With Chronic Health Conditions (Chronic Grace Series Book 1)! You can find it on Amazon HERE!
4. Offer to pick up presents for your friend.
These could be presents for their family and friends when you are going Christmas Shopping for your own family and friends.
5. Help them decorate their house (or outside of their house).
This offer can be truly priceless as decorating takes lots of energy. Maybe your family can make a Saturday of offering this to several families that you know. What a blessing this would be! (Also consider blessing families who can't afford a Christmas tree this year due to health costs with a tree!)
6. Help them take decorations down after the holidays!
Just like #5 maybe this could be a Saturday project for your family or a group of friends! (And don't forget about disposing of the Christmas Tree!)
7. Be Sensitive.
Understand that money is tight and that the holidays are incredibly stressful for your friend. A gift exchange is fun, but for those with a chronic illness money can be overwhelming. Think of creative ways to host gift exchanges that don't cost much money.
8. Remember your neighbors!
Helping those who are less fortunate, serving at the homeless shelter, etc. are all wonderful ideas BUT have you ever thought about serving those who are even closer to you? Your chronically ill friend is in serious need. Consider serving those closest to you this year!
9. Be Patient.
Things may look different with your friend and family members who are seriously ill but remember that they are still the same person. Be patient with the changes.
10. Laugh often with your friend or family member.
Maybe offer to bring over a comedy to watch together, send a funny card in the mail, or just leave a message that could bring a smile to their face!
11. Don't make it about you.
Yes, the holiday season is about giving but be respectful of your friends wishes and desires. Maybe they really don't want you to come over at midnight to celebrate December 19th. (Yes, Hahaha that is a true story! *smiles*)
12. Consider starting new holiday traditions.
13. Take up a secret holiday collection and give it to your friend.
14. Celebrate the simplicity of the holiday season.
15. Be Thoughtful.
Spread out the holiday activities to help your family member be able to join in on many things. (Instead of doing EVERY thing in one day maybe go caroling one night, Christmas shopping another day, etc.)
16. Be Compassionate.
Does your friend have more pain or fatigue later in the evening? Consider hosting a brunch instead of a dinner! (Or vice versa!)
17. Realize that your friend or family member with chronic illness is the best gift this season.
Their illness is forcing them to set limitations but the gift to you is remembering what is truly important in the holiday season. Celebrate PEOPLE. Not things or activities. At the end of the day people are the most important thing not whether or not you were able to buy every single gift in the world.
What are some ways that you help a friend with a chronic illness during the holidays?
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.jpg "canadian pacific holiday train 2023// adirondacks, upstate new york")
Happy Tuesday friends! Last year we started a new fun new holiday tradition...seeing the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train! If it is in your area go and see it! It was a fun way to celebrate the holidays and free to experience! If you visit a "stopping" point there is a concert and an opportunity to donate food items to help those in your community!
.jpg "canadian pacific holiday train 2023// adirondacks, upstate new york")
Last year we had a fun night "chasing the train" in different locations and enjoying the fun with tons of laughter! This year we decided that we would go see the train go along the lake and it was absolutely stunning. We arrived early, brought a fun snack to wait out our time like a fun picnic in the car, and admired the beauty that we were witnessing in the dark.
It was freezing this year (*smiles*) but it didn't diminish the fun as we jumped out of the car and watched the entire span that we could. It truly didn't diminish the joy of seeing this and we were bundled up smiling and just admiring the beauty. It was definitely a favorite way of seeing it and we have already decided that we will go back to see it somewhere along the lake again!
.jpg "canadian pacific holiday train 2023// adirondacks, upstate new york")
Have you been to see the holiday train in your area? Want to see a video of the train? Check out the reel on Instagram from last year HERE and stay tuned for a fun reel from this year coming soon!
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| picture found on internet, altered by Caravan Sonnet |
Happy Monday sweet friends! I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! It is hard to believe that the calendar days have slipped by and that we are well into December. With Christmas and New Years quickly approaching I wanted to share 10 Things to Pray for your Single Friend During the Holiday Season.
The holiday season can be a difficult and emotional time for many singles and while this doesn't address everything to pray and is definitely not a "formula" I do hope and pray that this is a good "starting point" for you to be praying for those that you love who are single.
1. Pray that your friend would feel securely and completely loved during the holiday season.
If there is ever a time that many singles struggle with feeling "alone" it is often during the holidays. There are so many parties and events to attend that you would think it would be the opposite but many times singles feel more alone than other times of the year simply because it seems that everyone has a "plus 1" to all of the company holiday parties, family gatherings, and Christmas shopping. Pray that your friend would experience the hope of the holidays and would know fully the promise of Psalm 68:6 ("God sets the lonely in families...") during the holidays.
2. Pray for their protection as they travel alone.
The holiday season is often a season ripe with lots of travel and often times singles travel alone. Pray that your friend would be protected as they come and go (Psalm 121:8) and that the Lord would watch over them (Psalm 121:5). Pray that the Lord would keep them from all harm and watch over their life. (Psalm 121:7) Pray that the Lord would place His angels around your friend as they travel and live alone. (Psalm 91:11)
3. Pray that they would see the Lord cares uniquely and lovingly for them in this season.
Listen, I love Hallmark and all of the Christmas movies that started playing the day after summer (haha I am joking but seriously) more than any girl I know, but sometimes as a single it can feel extremely discouraging to watch on TV or experience in real life all of the romance and engagements that happen in the holiday season. Pray that your friend would unique see that the Lord has not forgotten them and is with them. When I think of this area I always think of the story of Hagar in the Bible (Genesis 16). The Lord provided beautifully and uniquely for this single woman. Pray that your friend would see that the God of Hagar is still the same today and is uniquely and lovingly working in this season.
4. Pray for them as they navigate a "couples world" and deal with many who have a lack of understanding for their situation.
4. Pray for them as they navigate a "couples world" and deal with many who have a lack of understanding for their situation.
I have heard it said a thousand times and I often agree... it is a couples world and the holiday season seems to intensify this with all of the "well-meaning" comments. Whether done intentionally or unintentionally this can often lead singles to navigate a host of situations that are "normal, daily events" that requires a lot of grace and a lot of strength. Many times those who are well-meaning have rash words (Proverbs 12:18) that can hurt those who are struggling with singleness. Social media explodes with engagement announcements, wedding pictures, and relationship love during the holiday season. Christmas cards with happy couples and happy family units arrive almost daily. Family members may ask, "so you are still single?" and look at you like you are an alien. All of these things can be difficult to handle. Pray that your friend finds hope in the Lord as they navigate these areas. (Psalm 3:3)
5. Pray for their Joy.
5. Pray for their Joy.
I am not saying that you pray that you friend is just "happy", but pray that your friend knows and experiences true joy during the holiday season. Pray that your friend experiences the true meaning of the holidays beyond their relationship status.
6. Pray for their self-esteem.
Look, even the most confident person who is single questions and wonders if something is "wrong" with them and that is why they are single. Many singles struggle with self-esteem whether in their looks, or feeling that something that occurred in the past makes them "unworthy" for a great relationship, or feeling that for "xyz reason" they are "not good enough". The holiday season can be particularly rough in this area! Pray that your friend would know the truth of Psalm 139:13-14 and that this would resonate in their hearts.
7. Pray for their spirits during the "questioning inquisition".
7. Pray for their spirits during the "questioning inquisition".
It always seems that people can say the most insensitive things at exactly the wrong time doesn't it? I can't say how many inappropriate things have been said to me during what I affectionately call the "questioning inquisition". From, "oh my it must be awful to still be single at your age" to "honey, you just have to lower your expectations" to "you are not married yet? I thought you would be popping out babies right out of high school" the list goes on and on. It can be pretty discouraging and I walked away from more than one holiday gathering in tears over the years. Pray that your friend would be encouraged that the Lord is guiding their romantic journey and that their hearts would be protected from discouragement. (Looking for specific ways that you can encourage your single friends at any time of the year? Check out this post HERE on how to encourage your single friends!)
8. Pray for their broken heart.
Many many many singles have experienced a broken heart and rejection in their single journey and a single can struggle with a broken heart more during the holidays than any other time. Whether this is a broken heart due to a relationship that didn't work out or the feeling of rejection by another person or the disappointment that a situation didn't "pan out" the single often feels "brokenhearted". Pray that your friend would tenderly know the loving care of God and that they would experience His healing of any brokenness that they are experiencing. (Psalm 147:3)
9. Pray for their hope.
Pray that your friend would clearly see that they have hope for every situation, including their dreams for marriage especially during the holiday season. Pray that they know the truth of Jeremiah 29:11 and that they would find their hope not in marriage but in Christ and His word alone. (Psalm 130:5) Pray that they would find comfort in in Job 42:12 and that they would be clothed in strength and dignity so that they can laugh at the days to come. (Proverbs 31:25)
10. Pray that your friend experiences God's love in unique ways this holiday season.
10. Pray that your friend experiences God's love in unique ways this holiday season.
Pray that your friend experiences love in unique and creative ways during the holiday season. Pray that your friend's hearts desires will be filled. Pray for their future spouse. Pray that the Lord's love would unique and creatively embrace your friend during this holiday season. Pray that there will be people who will love on your friend well. Pray that the Lord will give you wisdom on how you can love your single friends well during this holiday season.
Are there things that you pray for your single friends during the holiday season that could be added to this list? I would love to know! Looking for things to pray for your single friends in general? Check out this post HERE! May you be blessed as you take the time to lift up your friends in prayer! You are a blessing!!
Happy Saturday friends! As I am happily finishing up all of my journals and junk journals that will be going into the shop for this Christmas season, I thought it would be fun to share one of the most popular Christmas junk journals from last year! This "Merry Christmas Junk Journal" was a favorite and sold within a few minutes of being listed! I was so delighted it went to a happy home!
It is always fun to look back on some of the creations from previous years and I can't wait to show you in the next few days all of the new and exciting junk journals for the 2019 Christmas Collection starting TOMORROW!
So without any more delay here is a look back at one of my favorites from the 2018 Christmas Junk Journal collection...
Happy Monday friends! Today I am so excited to share with you one of those fun and cute Christmas additions to the shop! This adorable Merry Christmas Junk Journal is now available for purchase! (You can find it HERE!)
Y'all know how much I love creating different and unique journals and altered books. These beautiful and unique journals are the perfect way to grab onto ordinary moments or days and remember special times in life, especially during this holiday season!
This beautiful Merry Christmas Junk Journal is a Christmas Lovers Dream. I knew it would make a special Junk Journal for this holiday season.
I fell in love with the precious pictures, the detailed illustrations, and the vibrant colors of this classic book that has delighted happy Christmas lovers for generations.
This Merry Christmas Junk Journal contains approximately 150 pages that includes quality and beautiful scrapbook paper, adorable vintage and modern embellishments and tags, original book pages, cards, ribbon (both vintage and unique modern) and pretty surprises, this Junk Journal will create a treasured keepsake for a lifetime and can be used throughout the holiday season and year.
You can easily add in pictures and quick notes so that you can remember the special days forever.
This Junk Journal would create a treasured keepsake for a lifetime and can be used throughout the holiday season (for special holiday parties or a special occasion) or as a December Daily album for those who may be participating in that!
Oh and did I mention the size?!? At 6x4 it is the perfect mini junk journal!
No matter how you would use this junk journal it would be precious. *smiles*
If you are interested in this Merry Christmas Junk Journal can find it HERE.
If you are interested in looking at other Christmas items in the shop you can find them HERE! A video of this junk journal is available on my new Youtube page which you can find HERE!
Happy Monday friends! I hope that you have a wonderful day!
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