Join us as we recall some of our favorite memories of Christmas. If you like a good story, this podcast is full of them. Christmas is a time for reminiscing. It is a time for keeping the best of traditions and adding some new ones. As a gift to you this Christmas season, Tim reads Luke 2 at 18:17 in this podcast. Please enjoy this gift. Share it with your family and friends.

The year was 1818 the day before Christmas. On this Christmas over 200 years ago, possibly the most perfect Christmas song was birthed. A village schoolmaster and a church organist hurriedly mixed inspired words with a melody from a guitar. It was said that the words sang themselves. From this simple village in the Alps, an unlikely song celebrated a genesis.

Settle into a comfy chair with your favorite warm drink and enjoy Tim's telling of this little known story of Silent Night.

More on this story @nurturingmynest.com

As the Christmas season descends with additional checklists, some of us panic. Others fall into depression. Still others hide hoping that the season will pass quickly. Even those who enter this month prepared find the pace daunting. Instead of unreachable goals or probable disappointments, I propose a new thought. Why not approach this entire season with high hopes, but low expectations? Expectations can be the thief of my joy!

More on this topic in blog with same title @nurturingmynest.com

Books on Amazon: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking

Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homemaking and Custom Built Education

Being "centered" means that you have a reference point or a place to come back to when life's challenges or emotions push you off balance. My husband and I just completed an eight week pottery class learning how to work the pottery wheel. One of the early skills any potter must master is centering the clay on the pottery wheel. In reflection about this Christmas, it seems that the secret to success is also centering.

More on this topic on the blog with the same name @nurturingmynest

When I purpose to give thanks, my heart is lighter. Here are five ideas for adding THANKS to your Thanksgiving. When I think about past holiday seasons, I remember the people. I remember the kindnesses. I remember the laughter. I want to remember to thank them. Gratefulness invites us to find JOY in life. Who is getting your THANKS?

More on this topic in blog by same name @ nurturingmynest.com

Books on Amazon:

Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking

Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homebuilding and Custom Built Education

So, you are thinking about homeschooling? With the number of homeschoolers almost tripling in the last year, many are considering the homeschool lifestyle. Start by thinking through your reasons and goals. Recruit the support of your spouse. Collect information about the costs. Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses along with those of your student. Weight it out. Is this lifestyle right for your family?

See the blog with this title at nurturingmynest.com.

Buy the book about homeschooling on Amazon. Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Home Building and Custom Built Education.

It is much easier to be hospitable if you are anticipating guests. Check out these 10 easy ideas to prepare for overnight guests. Planning for family or friends to spend the night makes it easy to be successful. Hospitality is not about what our homes look like, but how people "feel" when they stay in our home. Radical christianity is about practical everyday kindnesses.

More inspiration @ nurturingmynest.com

Books on Amazon:

Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking

Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homebuilding and Custom Built Education

When I was given a child to raise, I knew that it was my responsibility to grow him or her up physically, academically, socially, relationally as well as spiritually. If you are eager to grow your child spiritually, we have seven easy ideas. Like most things that matter, it is the everyday habits that make your life. Evaluate your current situation and resolve to do one thing different tomorrow. More inspiration @ nurturingmynest.com

Books on Amazon: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking

Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Home Building and Custom Built Education

Recently, a young listener wrote a few questions about growing into an adult. She asked about planners, goals, new semesters, deciding on a career path and spiritual patterns. Whether handling change or unexpected things, growing into an adult is just full of decisions. Owning your responsibilities will mean that others will trust you with mature opportunities. Our young listeners are some of our favorites.

More inspiration @ nurturingmynest.com

Books on Amazon:

Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms or Homemaking

Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Home Building and Custom Built Education

If you have heard of "friends with benefits", you might be glad to know that being married to your friend has even MORE benefits. Can you guess five or more benefits to being married? Did you know that we live longer if we are in a happy, healthy marriage? The potential advantages of shared interest, financial perks and the joy of companionship prove beneficial in unique ways.

More inspiration @ nurturingmynest.com

Books on Amazon: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking

Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homebuilding and Custom Built Education