Mom's Best Wisdom Bible Study

We've taken a short break on this blog, but we've been busily working on another project--the Mom's Best Wisdom Bible Study Book. It's a great bible study for moms from all walks of life, and we hope it will minister to many! There's a sample chapter below, and if you're interested in purchasing a copy or in multiple copies for a bible study group, please contact Ellen at momsbestwisdom@yahoo.com. Don't worry; there are more posts to come soon!

Week 1:Mommy, Mommy, Play with Me!

No matter how many toys you buy your child, or how many DVD’s or videos you pop in the TV, every preschool mother will hear these words, all day long, “Mommy, mommy play with me!” Yes, mom, you are their best toy. Treasure the moment. Before you know it, you will be walking them down the aisle for their wedding day. I have been there; I know. Many years ago, God moved our family to Vernal, Utah, where my husband opened his own family practice clinic. What God did not tell me, was that there were very few Christians in Vernal. At the time, I had two preschoolers and I was pregnant with our third child. Out of desperation, I wrote a book of activities for moms to do with their preschoolers appropriately called, “Mommy, Mommy Play With Me.” It is a wealth of ideas, and I know God helped me because I wrote the whole book in one week. My point is: there are plenty of books on the market with things to do with your child. Take time with your little one. These moments will breed memories that will last a lifetime. I used to take an hour with my child and call it “special time”. One day we would make a hat and drum and then march like a marching band. Another day we would bake together, and some days, we would even take a field trip. During this special time I would always cease the opportunity to bring it around to teaching about our faith. For instance, my book is divided into different letters every week. Week one is the letter A, week two is the letter B and so on.

To give you an idea of how it is Christ-centered, on F week we would make fishing poles and learn the song God will make you Fishers of Men. Finally, we would talk about Jesus calling us to touch a life for Christ a day; teaching us how to be “Fishers for Souls.” Variety is the spice of life. What do you think? What’s your favorite “mom and me” memory? Let’s share. If you would like to share your experiences with me or would like to purchase my book go to www.momsbestwisdom.com; write a blog or send me an email. I’d love to hear from you.

Scripture

All your sons shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children. In justice shall you be established, far from the fear of oppression, where destruction cannot come near you. Should there be any attack, it shall not be of my making; whoever attacks you shall fall before you. (Isaiah 54:13-5)

But wicked people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But you, remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, and that from infancy you have known (the) sacred scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:13-5)

As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his children, exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you conduct yourselves as worthy of the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)

Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today. Drill them into your children. Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest. (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)

What do these scriptures mean to you?

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Scripture Reflection

These children are on loan to us from God for a small passage of time. These little souls are like wet sponges; they will soak up whatever you teach them about God and His Word. It is the greatest gift you can give them. It will bear good fruit in their life and great will be their peace. It will be a comfort to them in the years to come.

So, mommy, mommy, play with them! May even your play be a teachable moment to lead them to Christ!

Questions

1. How do you spend quality time with your children? What are the downsides? What has worked for you? ______________________________________________________________________________

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2. Any funny “mommy moments”? ______________________________________________________________________________

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3. How do you use everyday situations to teach your child about God?

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4. What did your mom do to teach you about God and the world around you?

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Let Us Pray

Dear Heavenly Father,

Children are little for such a small span of time; help us to make time in each of our days to spend quality time with them; time to teach them about you, God, and about the world around them. Teach them to be children of character and children of faith that will be time well spent, with us as their example, mentor, and friend. Help us make this time fun, creative, faith filled and memorable. When they cry “Mommy, mommy play with me,” let us try our best to be there.

In Jesus Name, Amen!

Challenge

Have an indoor or outdoor picnic with your children and talk about God and His creation

Life Lessons

Dear Moms,
Today we are going to talk about LIFE LESSONS. I am going to actually share how God taught each of my seven children a Life Lesson. I will also share my part in the training of God in their lives, which includes the ability thru the Grace Of God to sometimes bite my tongue and the Self Control to avoid fixing it, but rather LETTING GOD BE GOD in their live. The fruit born thru these Life Lessons was seeing, in hindsight of course , how God built their Character . as well as, their Testimony, all thru these Life Experiences.. So Read On Then, “ Let Go And Let God, Mom. You will be glad you did!
When my first born started school, he began to learn a Life Lesson that served him well all his life and made him the MAN HE IS TODAY. Every one who knows Tyler , Loves Tyler. He lives the Scripture, If you follow me I will make even your enemies at peace with you.” My husband says of Tyler, “TYLER IS HIS OWN MAN.” In other words , no matter what circumstances, peer pressure , or place Tyler finds himself in, TYLER IS GOING TO BE TYLER, NO MATTER WHAT! Tyler has the right balance between Godly Confidence and Godly Humility. He fits in where ever he goes, whether the people TRAVEL TO THE BEAT OF A DIFFERENT DRUM or STEP IN TIME TO THE MUSIC. He is free to LOVE AND NOT TO JUDGE. IT IS NO WONDER, EVERYONE LOVES TYLER, ESPECIALLY HIS MOM. As a young mother, I read a book called, “THE MOTHER’S ALMANAC.” I don’t remember much about it’s content, , except it was a wealth of knowledge, but one statement stuck with me for life. The statement was, “YOU WILL NOT LOVE YOUR FIRST BORN BETTER, BUT YOU WILL ALWAYS LOVE HIM DIFFERENTLY.” Tyler, my first born, after all made me a Mother, and for that I will be eternally grateful. I get a kick out of mom’s when they refer to their first born as a guinea pig. Our first born actually taught us more than we taught him. Yes, of course Tyler is perfect, you don’t even need to ask. If you don’t believe me, Check our his WEBSITE….. www.honuguide.com. I challenge you to tell me different.
So how did Tyler became the Man he is today? First off, when Tyler was born, we not only had him baptized, but also dedicated to the Lord, as the Bible encourages for all first born children. This has given me great peace to know in the times he wanders from his faith, that God has His hand on Tyler and He will never let him go. Secondly, he was raised in a Christian Home where Jesus was Lord and reigned in our hearts. Then, the Life Lesson that I promised I’d share. When Tyler began Kindergarten he was given an opportunity to stand for his faith and learn a lesson in obedience, all rolled into one. We had just moved into Augusta, Georgia, so Tyler was not only in a new town , but also a new school. The teacher , whose name will remain nameless, had a common practice of showing movies , almost weekly , that had witches in them. I, being a newly committed Christian and sensitive to guarding my children’s heart as well as mind, was quite offended, since this was a Christian School. Using the Scripture Principle, stated in Mathew, I decided to go to her in private. I praised God, because she politely listened and seemed to have understood. We all know than, “THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS AS THEY SEEM.” When I asks Tyler a few days later, “IS YOUR TEACHER STILL SHOWING MOVIES WITH WITCHES IN THEM,” I was shocked at his reply. Tyler politely answered, “YES, MOM, BUT IT IS OK , BECAUSE SHE HAS MY SEAT FACE BACKWARDS WHEN SHE SHOWS THEM . SO I DON”T SEE THE MOVIE AT ALL.” I was so sadden by this teachers response, but at the same time proud of my son’s obedience and acceptance. As I questioned Tyler further, I discovered, not only did he face his desk backwards, but also, it was in the front of the class, facing all the other students who were enjoying the movie. In tears, I brought this to the attention of the principle, and although she had a tremendous amount of compassion for me and a very kind heart, we concluded, “YOU CAN NOT CHANGE THE WORLD.” So there Tyler sat, week after week standing for God All Alone. Tyler, never complained or even asks to do anything different than the teacher’s request. I gave it to Jesus, but will never forget the experience. Sometimes it even brings tears to my eyes.
I know what all you moms are out there thinking, “WHAT IS WRONG WITH MOVIES WITH WITCHES, THERE ARE MUCH WORSE THINGS THAN THAT, WHICH CAN POLLUTE A CHILD’S MIND?” First of all I was new in the faith and it was the 1980’s. Our world has changed a lot since the 80’s. Yet, Persecution for our faith has not changed a whole lot, neither has peer pressure. I believe that God gave Tyler and I the Grace to let Him stand for God, It was the Life Lesson Learned, that made him who he is today. I thank God for Tyler. I thank God for that teacher who allowed him that experience. And I thank God that I didn’t pull him out of school, or make an issue. I lastly thank God that we can forgive. God in His Wisdom, “WORKS ALL THINGS TOGETHER FOR GOOD, FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM AND ARE CALLED TOGETHER FOR HIS PURPOSE.”
Moms, let your children Learn the Life Lessons in their path. Guide them but don’t do it for them. You’d be surprised Mom’s that God can teach you a thing or two thru these experiences as well. ENJOY THE JOURNEY.
That’s all for Ellen
www.momsbestwisdom.com

Happy New Year

Dear Moms,
One of my favorite lines from my sister Lynn’s Christmas Card, was the popular Quote, “LIFE IS WHAT HAPPENS, WHEN YOU ARE BUSY MAKING OTHER PLANS.” Isn’t that the truth! I first saw that quote on a picture frame, while in Kentucky. I was in Kentucky to welcoming my fourth grandchild ELLE YOUNG, the first born of Dr. and Mrs. S. Kyle Young, who by the way were not going to have any children, until Kyle finished Residency. Of course, I bought the frame and instructed them to place a picture of Baby Elle in it. It is a good thing I did because, this year , I was again in Kentucky welcoming, Elle’s brand new sister, Baby Lauren who arrived, even before Elle turned 2 years old.. No Kyle is not finished with his Residency yet! Again, “LIFE IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE BUSY MAKING OTHER PLANS.” We all know that, God always has a plan .Of course Kyle and Amanda would not change a thing , as they welcomed their surprise blessings, Elle and then Lauren with open arms.
All this said, I too have had life happen, during this busy Christmas Season. I don’t think that I have been on my daily Blog at all or even checked my E-mails. Let’s face it Christmas is always busy. No we did not have two weddings and a funeral, yet we did have our share of Celebrations. Five of our seven children are born between Thanksgiving and January 9th. So there were a lot of Birthdays. In fact, today is my Baby Girl’ s Birthday. Kaitlin is 22 today, January 6. I added to the work load the 500 Christmas cards that I sent out, and I also write a book every year that come out as one of my Christmas gifts to close friends. Christmas requires a lot of time, talent and treasure. To top it off, my husband Patrick and I decided to Renew our vows on December 28th. This Renewal of Vows, was part of my “BUCKET LIST,” to have a Church wedding. Pat and I were married on May 1, 1974 AT SUNSET BY THE OCEAN in Key Biscayne, Florida, and later had our marriage blessed by a Catholic Priest. This HEARTS DESIRE, which started out small blossomed into a huge family event. It was ONE UFORGETTABLE ENCHANTED EVENING!!!!! I did tell the children and my husband, to remind me, ( because I’m over 50 and could be known to forget ), “No ONE CAN GET MARRIED DURING THE HOLIDAYS AGAIN.” Yes, it was a lot of work, but worth every blood, sweat and tears.
With Christmas, Birthdays, and the Renewal of Vows behind me, I am ready to dig in and Make A Difference this year. Starting with my blog.When New Years Day came I thought about writing on my Blog about the common changes that all of us like to commit to at the start of the year. You know the common topics, like Diet, Exercise and Organizational Skills, but then God put on my heart a Different Topic. I think that the idea evolved from a card that I had bought my Baby Girl. For my daughter Kaitlin’s Birthday I got her a card that said,
LEARN TO LIVE
LEARN TO LOVE
LEARN TO LAUGH
It speaks in the card about how I hope I have taught you these things, and feel that you have taught me these things, as well. As I contemplated these word s in her card and thought about the children’s visit. I was reminded about Life Lessons and how they are learned. Moms, as we raise our children, we can learn as much from them, that they learn from us.. All we have to do is just open our eyes and see and open ours ears and hear. In fact this is one way of hearing the Voice of God and see Him at work in our lives.
To start this New year, I am going to take each of my children and tell you how they learned a life lesson and how it formed their character forever. So read on don’t miss this Blog. I’m going to close now, I have to meet my family at my daughter Charity’s Restaurant, because we are Celebrating Kaitlin’s Birthday. Happy New Year!! Vow to make a difference in your own little corner of the world. Learn your Life lessons well . Then take a step back and let your children learn the Life Lessons that God allows in their Paths. . Ellen www. momsbestwisdom.com

Merry Christmas!

Dear Moms,
I wanted to give a Christmas Message on my Blog. I decided to use the last chapter of my newest book, devotional, called “LET THER BE LAUGHTER AND A FEW TEARS TOO.” Please read it and pass it on.

GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER------GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL RECEIVER TOO!!

As I close this final chapter of this enormous undertaking of my 365 day devotional, “LET THER BE LAUGHTER AND A FEW TEARS TOO,” I can truly give GOD ALL THE GLORY! God, has walked me thru life experiences, then had me share His goodness with all of you. I know that I have already completed the 365 day devotional, but I had to take an oncour, a final bow and end the book with 366 days. God has just put this chapter on my heart and it is the Perfect closing for my book.
Here I sit at a Restaurant, called Panara’s, with my husband Pat,. It is our weekly, Saturday, routine date together, where we plan our week, pray together, and just plain catch up on each others lives. I am writing this in December, during the Christmas season, and I just noticed that there is a poster in Panara’s that reads, “GIVE, RECEIVE, REJOICE!!!.” How Ironic and appropriate as well,. It is truly a confirmation of what I am about to write.
You see God doesn’t just love a cheerful giver, but a cheerful receiver as well. During this Christmas Season I have thought about that a lot. I love to give, and I think about, myself as a cheerful giver. I even give extravolently, at times. I have actually had people say to me, “ Don’t Give To Me Any More.’ I am always baffled by that, so I conclude that they just don’t understand. You see many years ago, God freed me from the world’s bondage of , “GIVING TO GET,” and moved me right into God’s Grace of, “GIVING TO BLESS.” Let me tell you. “WHAT A GRACE THAT HAS BECOME IN MY LIFE.” “WHAT A FREEDOM , AS WELL.” The grace that flows thru me to move in the Spirit of God, to give when He says , “GIVE,” is powerful. If you haven’t experienced it, you just won’t understand it. Yes, years ago, God also spoke to me this Word, “ WHEN YOU ARE BEING PROSPERED, BE GOOD, BE GRATEFUL, AND BE GENEROUS.” It has become MY MOTTO. Now I have no problem praying for prosperity, so I can be used by God to bless others.
Christmas Shopping can become a burden,, especially when shopping for a large family, like mine, but I have a secret to simplify the process. My Prayer Partner, Judy, and I have prayed for years that as we walk thru the stores during the Christmas Season, the right gifts will catch our eye and just pop out at us saying, “BUY ME FOR _________. .” That has been my Christmas Shopping Adventure for some years. To tell you the truth, some times I buy gifts for the most random people, and only God knows WHY? My job is only to stay Prayerful, Seek God’s Face, Listen well and Obey the Voice of His Spirit.
This year, I came to a new awareness, that is , I personally, prefer to buy gifts for the , GRATEFUL OF HEART. I don’t think it is because I need the thank you, because heaven knows that God Blesses Me Back Enough. I came to realize that the gratefulness serve as an encouragement that, It Was A God Thing, not just A Good Thing!! It is so sad when you give to the Grumpy----now you still have to do it as a follower of Christ, because God says in His Word to, “LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY, AGAPE LOVE STYLE.” We must love as Jesus did and not expect anything in return. He died for those who love Him and those who refuse to love Him. ALTHOUGH, this agape love is easier said than done. Loving difficult people is the challenge we face sometimes daily , as our , “SPIRIT IS WILLING BUT OUR FLESH IS WEAK.:”
On the other hand, buying for those who truly appreciate, has become a TOTAL JOY for me. For example, I bought a random gift for one of Our Families Favorite Priests, Father Michael Libinski, this Christmas. In fact, I think this is how God taught me this lesson, that, ‘GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL RECEIVER.” First of all I was shopping at my favorite Store, Ross, and a gift caught my eye. It popped out at me and I immediately knew it would be the perfect gift for Father Michael. Those of you who know Father Michael will agree. It was a Plaque, and even though I usually refrain from buying plaques for people, it was what it said that seemed so approite in this case. It said:
LOVE GENEROUSLY
PRAISE LOUDLY
LIVE FULLY
I said to myself, “That is Father Michael. It Is The Perfect Gift.”
I laughed to myself as I put it in my cart and raced to the check out counter. You see I was on my way to meet my husband, Patrick, a Deacon,, at the staff luncheon, at the Church, and I was running late. Getting in my car, I was sure to thank the Lord that I had found the gift in the knick of time.
As I walked into the Church Hall, I was greeted by, who else, but Father Michael. I anxiously gave Him the present . He opened it instantly and began to read it out loud. He too laughed to himself, then remarked, “IT IS THE PERFECT GIFT FOR MY OFFICE.” I could tell, by the appreciation that He showed, that He too knew that God had guided me to select it, just to bless him . To top it off, the next day, less than 24 hours later, I received a genuine thank- you note in the mail.( and I live in Evans, out of town)
When I contemplated on Father Michael’s response , and thinking as well about Christmas coming, I couldn’t help but conclude, that God must feel the same way. I believe God TOO, LOVES A CHEERFUL RECEIVER.I think when we have a grateful heart toward God, it opens the door for God to Bless us some more. This Christmas is a good time to check our hearts. Ask yourself, my friend, “Are we so grateful for all God does for us daily? Do we have a grateful heart or are we a Grumpy Receiver?” Do you ever wonder why some people are so blessed? Watch their response to God’s goodness. Learn from Father Michael. Make it your aim to cultivate a THANKFUL HEART, a heart full of gratitude towards God and towards others.
This Christmas and every day this year, look for opportunities to BLESS OTHERS. Adopt the Motto, “GIVE TO BLESS, DON“T GIVE TO GET.” . Then if someone does bless you, for heaven sakes, BE A CHEERFUL RECEIVER.
My friend, when your cup is full, you are able to spill over and bless the others in your path. When your cup is empty, you want to keep the little you have for yourself. Fill your cup, this year my friend, by spending time in God’s presence. Let Him fill you to overflowing, then you will not be able to contain the blessing that God will pour into you. You will have no choice but to spill over to all you meet. Go into God’s Presence, EMPTY YOURSELF BEFORE HIM and LET HIM FILL YOU. Remember, “WE MUST DECREASE, WHILE HE INCREASE WITHIN US.” Then, “ THE MORE YOU HAVE, THE MORE WILL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU.” In the YEAR 2009, “MAY WE ALL BECOME EXTRAVOLANT GIVERS AND MAY WE ALL BECOME EXTRAVOLANT RECEIVERS.” TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! FOR GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER, AND GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL RECEIVER. WHO CAN YOU LOVE INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD TODAY? GIVE!!! RECEIVE!!! REJOICE!!! ALWAYS REMEMBER, IT IS THE PEOPLE WE MEET ALONG THE WAY THAT MAKES IT WORTH THE JOURNEY!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ELLEN MONGAN www.momsbestwisdom.com

Passing on Traditions

Dear Moms,
One of my greatest joys of being a parent, is seeing my children begin these same Traditions that I instilled in them in their youth, with their own children, not only at Christmas but throughout the entire year. Our Mongan Family Traditions are being passed down to the next generation-------to our grandchildren. What a blessing!
The words of an old Bill Gaither Song goes like this, “ WE HAVE THIS MOMENT TO HOLD IN OUR HANDS AND TO TOUCH AS IT SLIPS THRU OUR FINGERS LIKE SAND, YESTERDAY’S GONE AND TOMORROW MAY NEVER COME, BUT WE HAVE THIS MOMENT TODAY.” Make Memories Mom. Today may be your only tomorrow. Live today to the fullest.
Always remember MOM, you are the Heart to the Home. Family Traditions build the family, and as well as pass on your faith to your children. Remember also, “UNLESS THE LORD BUILDS THE HOUSE YOU LABOR N VAIN WHO BUILDS IT.” Pray about what Family Traditions God wants you to begin in your home.
What a tremendous responsibility motherhood is, especially in this very secular world we live in. If we don’t form our children, the world will gladly do it. We however, have the awesome responsibility of housing our children, first within our wombs, then within our homes and always in our hearts. Protect your children mom, shelter them with faith, morals, character, and traditions.
Let us pray:
“GOD MAKE US RIGHTEOUS MOTHERS, VESSALS THAT BRING CHRIST TO OUR CHILDREN. DEAR JESUS, LET US LEAD OUR CHILDREN BY EXAMPLE TOWARDS YOU, SO THAT YOU MAY ALWAYS LIVE IN THE CENTER OF THEIR HEARTS.”
Mom, what are some of your Christmas Family Traditions so I can post them? If this website has blessed you , tell a friend, tell a neighbor, tell your Church Family. I’d love to speak at your Church this year, connect me. Ellen
www.momsbestwisdom.com

Christmas Traditions (part 3)

Dear Moms,
We are really cutting this close, because Christmas will soon be here. You know how it goes, all the festivitities of the holiday season and all the Traditions, have set me back on my Website. However Motherhood is my heart and I am determined to finish the section of the Blog. So here Goes………….



CHRISTMAS DAY TRADITIONS

As I said earlier, we have changed our family Christmas, from Christmas Eve to the Saturday after Christmas. There is of course eating, drinking and all of us being very Merry. We have chosen this day of celebration, because it frees our adult children, who also have children, a chance to be in their own beds waiting for Santa to come down their chimney with care. We wouldn’t want them to miss him. It also gives my children a chance to be with their In-laws, if necessary. It give my husband Pat and I a chance to concentrate on Jesus alone, both on Christmas and Christmas Eve. Christmas Day, is usually a sit down dinner served with our best China. Since there are few of us , there is very little clean-up. We have been known to opt for paper plates---when the whole family gathers. I thank the Lord for whoever invented paper plates, which is God’s gift to large families. As we all sit around the table, we usually read, LUKE 1, as our blessing. Then we pass the Blessing Cup around, each taking a sip of the cup filled with wine after we as we THANK GOD for something He has done for us during the year. Since our children are older and usually go their own ways on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, these two days have become like a Sabbath Rest, where we just eat, then Chill and of course enjoy being with each other. Having the Saturday after Christmas as our Family Holiday, takes a lot of pressure off the Holiday, giving us a peaceful Christmas , as well as a few extra Days to shop. The Scripture I have chosen for Christmas Day is, “BLESS THE LORD OH MY SOUL, AND ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME, BLESS HIS HOLY Name.”



CHRISTMAS COOKIES

I almost forgot, since you already know that we like to cook together as a family, baking together is also an important part of our Christmas Family Tradition. We always pick a Saturday before Christmas, and every one bakes, moms, sometimes dads and always children. It is a BLAST ……… And………a DISASTER rolled into one. There is always, flour and sugar everywhere, not to mention eggs on the floor, and endless SPRINKLES. Oh how the grandkids love Sprinkles. They are in kid heaven and it is one big DELIGHT to watch. No one says, “DON’T SPILL,” because all Mongan are Klutzes,, except my husband Pat. If some one spills, my daughter Charity’s children will say, “THAT’S OK, NANA.” We all over look the mess and enjoy the moment. Christmas Baking is an important part of our family Christmas Season. Many of the cookies are shared with family , relatives and friend. They are Yummy because they are made with love. The bible says, “BE HOSPITABLE, ONE TO ANOTHER.” We live that scripture on the Christmas Baking Day. We have even been known to invite friends to bake with us., which adds to the pleasure. All our welcome at the Mongan’s Home. We have an OPEN HEART OPEN HOME MOTTO and always have.



THE NUTCRACKER

It is our yearly tradition to go to the performance of the Nutcracker during the Christmas Season. It makes a great, unforgettable, “GIRLS NIGHT OUT.” My granddaughter Bella, was so in awe last year, that as the ballerina’s got on stage, she remarked, “ARE THEY REAL, NANA?” The wonder of children. I personally loved the Arts and I love as well, any opportunity to share a moment appreciating the Arts with my children and grandchildren. My love of the arts is maybe because my Dad Bill Manfredi was a artist, or maybe it was because I was a Ballerina, in any event, I feel that all children should be exposed to the Arts. The Scripture I have chosen is, “WE ALL HAVE A VARIETY OF GIFTS.”

These are a few of the Mongan Family traditions. Our children look forward to these traditions which make our house a home. Many of our family traditions have changed as our children grew older. As I mentioned before, we only do those traditions that we can do peacefully. When a tradition becomes a burden, rather than a blessing, it is time to do away with that tradition or to alter the tradition. If a tradition is not kid friendly it will not bring about Family Bonding. Make the traditions enjoyable, please Mom.
That’s all for now. Time to get ready for yet another Christmas Party. I have a suggestion to make, How About Everyone Does Christmas Parties In November Or Else January, and leave December for us to get ready for Christmas. I don’t know about you but I’m a bit overwhelmed. ELLEN
www.momsbestwisdom.com

Christmas Traditions (part 2)

Dear Moms,


THE CHRISTMAS TREE

To continue with the Mongan Family Christmas Traditions, let’s talk about the Christmas Tree. We all know that it would not be Christmas, without the tree, symbolizing that Jesus is the tree of life. “ If you abide in Me and my words abide in you, you can ask anything and it will be done by my Father, who is in Heaven..“ We must all be Grafted into the Tree of Life. SO this is my Scripture for the Christmas Tree
. In our family finding the PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREE was a huge event. We would pick a Sunday close to Christmas, and head off to the Tree Farm. We would all ride the Hayride, at the Farm , then begin “THE HUNT.” I’m going to tell you the truth, the hunt is long and the hunt is hard, because my husband will not settle for anything less than perfection. Once our Tree is spotted, agreed upon by all and applauded, my husband, just like a faithful woodsman, chops down the tree with the help of all who are willing. Then we all get back on the Hayride, where the tree farmers, bag up our purchase, and my husband secures it to the top of our mini van.
Once home, in pops the Christmas CD’S ,as I begin making the Wassail, and the Hot Chocolate and everyone begins to decorate., our tree . That is, after my husband and sons have dragged our perfect Tree from the car to the great room. Once finished decorating, we all agree that it is the BIGGEST AND BEST TREE EVER. It is true family bonding in action and builds memories that are sure to last a lifetime.
I won’t tell you about the Christmas Tree Hunt where the tree actually fell off the top of the Mini van and never made it home. You’ll just have to read about it in my newest children’s book, “THE TREE THAT SAVED CHRISTMAS.“
The Christmas Tree is truly one of my favorite Family Traditions. It wouldn’t be Christmas without it.


The CHRISTMAS LETTER AND THE CHRISTMAS PICTURE

The Scripture for this tradition is,, “IF YOU WANT TO BOAST, BOAST IN THE LORD.” Every Thanksgiving Day , we gather together as a family and take the annual Christmas Picture. I , being a prior planner ,coordinate a color for all to wear, in advance and , most often, buy all the grandbabies matching outfits in advance, as well. Doing it at Thanksgiving, gives me enough time to get the photograph printed and sent out on time for Christmas. Plus our family is usually all together at my moms on that day. Some years, we opt for a beach picture on our Family Beach Trip or a Wedding Photo, depending if there is a Mongan Family Wedding that year. I have to be honest, no matter how well planned this family picture is, some people always complain and a few have been known to sabotaged the picture. One year on Beach Trip, a family member, who will remain anonymous, got other family members to wear sun glasses, while the phoghapher was snapping the shots. It was not a pretty picture.
In October I write the annual Christmas Letter.. It is one of those typed form letters, but it always comes from the heart. .It is more than a Family News letter or as it has been called, a “BRAG LETTER,” It is a way to share my faith with 500 of my favorite people, plus their family members. I make it my goal in the letter to Honor The Lord as well as, to share what God has done in our lives that year. I also l make it my aim in this letter to point the reader to Jesus. The family Picture and Letter go out together. Think about making this family tradition one of our own. Remember, “IF YOU WANT TO BOAST, BOAST IN THE LORD.”


THE CHRISTMAS BASKET

This is my commandment that you LOVE ONE ANOTHER, that you joy may be full, are the words of and old song. The words to that song are of course taken from Scripture. The way we live out that Scripture in our home is thru the Tradition called THE CHRISTMAS BASKET. Each year, all the Christmas Cards that we received are saved in a Basket which we place in the middle of our kitchen table. Then each night at diner, one child picks one card out of the basket. My husband proceeds to read the card out loud and then I share a little bit about that family, either memories of times together or even who they are and how we know them. I, later on in the week, write a letter to that family encouraging them in the Lord and telling them that we prayed for them. Some years, I opt to give a phone call instead of a letter. This is a great way to connect with old friends thru out th year. It is also a way to really enjoy the cards and letters sent to us. You know how busy Christmas can be and we usually rush thru the cards----the Christmas Basket is a way to treasure the cards and make Christmas last all year long. I challenge you to try this tradition, the children will really like it and it will teach them to Love One Another by praying for one another . Check out the website tomorrow for more Christmas Traditions. I will close now because I have to make my yearly Christmas Baklava.
Ellen
www.momsbestwisdom.com