'What would I put in the Box?'

Coming up with different activities and treats to put in the advent boxes for each day until Christmas has been harder than I thought it would be. One of the funniest things we've done was go a-hunting in our house for 'Magical Christmas Treasure' which ended up to be a basket full of Christmas books. Jess made an 'authentic treasure map' and put it in the advent box. We had to go through scary forests, up mountains (stairs), and across the edges of cliffs (the sectional). It was really silly, and we all loved it. Now the basket of books sits by the fireplace and we read so much more during the day just because they are out in the open (thanks for the idea Jolie).

Another idea that I just love came from Rachel. For her Christmas Day box she is leaving it empty and when the kids open it she'll explain that this box is for them to put their gifts for Jesus in. After writing down the gifts they want to give Jesus this year, they will place them in the box and read them next year.

Such a sweet idea. I've been thinking about it ever since. What would I put in the box? There are so many things I could write down, lists of ways I need to improve and things I could be doing more of. It needs to be a Big Box. But the one that grabs my attention the most is: Service. Probably because it's my love language (poor Jess) and, it's how I feel most comfortable showing my love for others. *(Great book: The Five Love Languages and there's also one for learning your children's love languages, it's really helped with Kyanne's misbehaviors, I'll save that for another post)

Anyhow, I'm really looking forward to this year as I take time each day to include in my prayers my petition to frist: see the needs of others, and then: find ways to help and serve. My relationship with Jess and the kids is always at it's best when I take time to be prayerful about their needs/wants and what I could do for them personally.