Our family has many Christmas traditions. Some are classic, like attending the Christmas Eve service together and reading the Christmas story in the morning before opening presents. Others involve eating pizza bread at the family get-together and expecting a toothbrush, toothpaste, and an orange in my stocking from Grandma each year.

But another thing to expect from Grandma isn't so common-- a $10 bill. Each of the grandkids would receive that $10 with the instructions of that it has to be spent on someone else. There are lots of different options in which to spend/donate the money. It could go towards the Lottie Moon Christmas offering, choosing a child from the Angel Tree, to buy items from the Samaritan's Purse catalog... or any other organization or personal friend who could have needed that money. The kids were to chose on their own and then report back to Grandma about the decision they made.
 This activity wasn't about the money donated, though it does start to add up with 16 grandkids and several great-grandkids now. The lesson learned was about making sure we are giving to others in need during this season instead of just focusing on our own Christmas lists! I will never forget the contemplation of how I wanted to spend that money each year and the feeling of pride to know I contributed. As I got older, I was even inclined to add a little of my personal stash to the donation, as well.

Isn't it ironic that one of my favorite childhood Christmas memories is spending money on someone else than any of the toys that I ever opened on Christmas morning?

Without a doubt, this tradition will be carried out in my home. Granted, this year my son is only two, but we will still make the effort to let him put money in the Salvation Army bucket. This holiday season, think about ways that you can teach your children to make a difference!

What holiday traditions does your family have that involves helping others? What are some that you might like to start? (It's never too late to create a new one!)

Opportunities to help others are abundant this time of year. Some of popular ones include:

• Samaritian's Purse Catalog (like buying a chicken to produce eggs for a family)
• Angel Tree 
• Toys for Tots
• Prision Fellowship (toys for children with incarcerated parents)
• Food Banks

May you have a very Merry Christmas season and may it be filled with lots of opportunities for your to make a difference! 

Matthew 5:14--You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 

Scripture makes it clear that we are to make the world a brighter place. We are called to make a difference! We need to be intentional about doing so.

The past two months, your challenges have been to actually "do" something out of your typical schedule, like mail a letter or share a meal with someone. Things like these take extra effort and require some planning. Today, we're just looking into a thing that most of already do, so it's gonna be an "easy" task. But, actually reflecting and making sure that we are Making-A-Difference while we do it, may be harder than it sounds.


Don't be the Negative Nancy friend who is always complaining via the status update. And don't be he blogger who frequently posts about the awful in-laws or incompetent grocery store cashier. Don't be the one to spread the latest gossip.

Instead, make sure that you are using these forms of social media to be a blessing to others- just like you would in real life. Reach out to those having a bad day and offer words of encouragement to friends with good news. Leave an encouraging message for a friend just because! Find something positive about your crummy day and post about it instead. Do not be ashamed to share about the answered prayer in your life!

There isn't a need to go out and spend extra hours online to do this. Simply, use social media in the capacity that you already do-- just take a look and see if you are being a positive influence, making someone smile, being a good friend. These networks have amazing potential to let your light shine further than just your own front door, to more than those who you come in contact with each day-- but to the entire internet world! Let's use them wisely and make a difference!

Hey Ladies! So, how did it go with the letter writing? Hopefully you were able to jot down a quick note to encourage someone you know!

I have a new challenge for you for this upcoming week. It will take a little bit more effort than just writing a note, but it will totally make the day of someone who you feel deserves it.

Growing up Baptist, several of our ministries revolved around food. I'm sure many of you may have even cooked a meal for a sick friend, the new neighbors across the street, or a family who has lost a loved one. After having my son, I had my first experience of being the recipient of many meals and it was such a blessing!

Today's challenge is a little bit different than the typical cook-a-meal ministry. This week, how about cooking a meal for someone-- just because?! Is there a single mom (or dad) in your church? What about a friend who's been having a stressful time at work? Think about someone you know who is could just enjoy a night off from cooking and be the one to give them that opportunity!

It really doesn't have to be all that difficult. All you have to do is to double a recipe that you are already making. You don't need to go all out, super fancy. Just use the same ingredients, same cooking time. Totally easy. Sure, it does take a little time and some extra effort.

But I wanted to share with you about this one time that I did this earlier this year. Just randomly one day, I felt like cooking and so I made some extra chicken spaghetti for a single-mom friend. I babysat for her son during the day, so I just gave it to her when she came to pick him up. And she teared up (I actually felt really bad about that), but it was so evident that it was such a God-thing. I had no idea she'd had a super tough couple of days and she was so thankful to be able to not have to go home and worry about dinner. How cool that God really put that idea in my head that very day!!

So, how do you go about mentioning to someone that you want to make a meal for them? I have practice here too and it's not as awkward as it may seem. First, never ask, "Can I make a meal for you?"... because who really wants to impose and actually say, "yes, please!". Here's a couple easy lines to use:

• I would love to make a meal for you and your family! What day this week would be best?
• I made dinner for your family today! When can I bring it over? (make sure you get this out *before* they start making dinner.)

They even work as text messages/emails. It doesn't have to be confrontational or weird! These statements make it clear that you really want to do it for them and they don't give them much room to back out (unless it really won't work and then they'll tell you).

When you drop it off, just say a quick blurb about why you wanted to do this for them... or write a note. You know how I love notes. But just tell them how wonderful of a job they are doing at managing the house while their husband is away, or while their job is just super demanding, or because they just do a really good job at serving others and you wanted to do something nice.

Make a plan, set a goal for when you're gonna make it happen. If you've already grocery shopped for this week- make a note to buy extra for next week. It won't be hard, it doesn't have to be expensive and you can make it fun! Allow yourself to be a M.A.D. Mommy this week and I promise that you will receive a great blessing in serving someone else!

And just for fun, let's take a look at poor example of trying to make a difference: