Recycling Cardboard Boxes | A Christmas Activity For Your Kids

While browsing Pinterest, I found an interesting project that I wanted to do with my family.  I started out thinking this would be a great way to give my two boys something to do for at least an hour.  But I quickly discovered that this project was not exactly kid friendly.  By the time I figured this out, I was already knee deep into the process.  No quitting now.  I had to carry on.  The end result will be fun, but all the cutting and taping, and piecing together took me the entire morning to complete.  Asaiah began the project with me but once he finished the decorating part, he faded fast.  No complaints though.  In my heart, as I was completing each item, I was filled with a lot of happiness knowing that my family was going to enjoy this activity throughout the coming weeks. 

And, I'm excited to share the end result with you in case you wanted to do something like this for your family.  Here's what I did:  I recycled cardboard boxes by making them into mailboxes.  There's several ways you can have a great time with this activity.  Ask one of your kids to be the mailman; tell him he has to check the main mailbox each day, sort the mail, then deliver it to each family member's smaller mail box.  If you have more than one kid, let them take turns.  My six year old was all over this when I told him he could check the mail, and deliver it.  Each family member can bring their mail to the dinner table, and share what they received.  Or, you can have each one read their mail on their own.  I like the idea of sharing the notes with each other. 

Some suggestions for types of things you can put in the mail box:  letters that contain questions to which your child would then write a return letter with his reply.  Use stickers as stamps on your envelopes.  Draw pictures.  Tape a piece of candy to a small note telling your child how sweet he is.  If you have younger kids, let them cut out pictures from a magazine, then tape to paper to make their own magazine, then put a label on it for Dad.  While your child(ren) are writing letters, drawing pictures, or finding creative ways to make something for you, teach them the importance of having a giving heart especially during this season but also explain how Jesus wants us to have a giving heart all throughout the year.  I've decided to use this activity as a way to also share with my sons that Jesus Christ was given to us by God, and that the greatest love letter ever given to this world is the Bible. 

Aside from the above suggestions, I thought it would be fun to write each other notes leading up to Christmas day.  (I actually got a little excited myself thinking about what types of notes my husband might write to me).  But too, my son has just floated around this morning coloring pictures, writing notes, and drawing pictures that he wanted to put in the mailbox for us. 

To complete the project I used cereal boxes, tape, scissors, mailing labels, a garbage bag box, scrapbook material, and lots of patience.  Even though this took some time to make, now that it is done, I am really looking forward to getting mail from my family throughout the week.  Please take a moment to look at our finished project.  God bless you all, and Merry, Merry Christmas!  Love, Dori

Front of the Mail Box

Back of the Mail Box

Back with slot open

Side of Mail Box 

Side of Mail Box

The Mail Pouches for our doors

Hanging on our bedroom door

   
 

 

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is a holiday that well, makes people think about all they are thankful for. This is a no brainer. I've watched the build up on facebook as my friends and family noted the many things they are thankful for. I hopped onto that train by posting my own thoughts on what I am thankful for too. When we take a moment to focus on the many blessings we have in our life, the things that aren't going as well naturally fade a bit in the background.  Just food for thought. 

Thanksgiving 2012:  My recap of the many things to thank God for.

A new job.  Last year was so different from this year.  In a moment the momentum shifted in our family.   A new job for my husband.  What an amazing gift God gave to him.  Not only is he working, but all of his life he hoped to work in a job that gave him meaning.  God granted him his heart's desire.  And mine, which was that God would open the door for him to work in a field that takes him far away from the corporate world.  Done.  God, You are so good to us.

A new car with no car payment.  I have to admit, sometimes when I ask God for something I need, my mind cannot fathom how my request will be granted.  My faith has grown so much as I've seen Him miraculously move in my life.  My brother in law graciously gifted to us a reliable car that has low mileage, and is even a bit sporty (Ryan likes this).  The sweet part of this deal was that the car was already paid off.  Another prayer request answered.  To God be the glory.

Sweet Relationships.  Two years ago I got involved with a MOMS group.  I had no idea the plans God had for me within this group.  Not only have my relationships with wonderful friends blossomed, but God has also opened many doors for me to speak and encourage these beautiful women in their walk with Him.  In doing so, my own life has been enriched.  It is rare to find a few good girlfriends with whom you can develop strong relationships.  I'm truly blessed to have so many in my life.  A true gift from God.

Our boys.  I've seen so much growth in our boys this past year.  Judah is talking in complete sentences (though sometimes one needs a special ear to understand).  Now we have two boys chattering away all the time.  It is non-stop, and oh so enjoyable to have them to listen to.  Asaiah is in first grade, and loving his school experience so far.  This is something to be very grateful for indeed.  The boys love to play with each other.  They are becoming fast friends.  They keep me on my toes.  I think I am teaching them so much about life; however, I think I'm the student most of the time.  Children are the purest blessing from the Lord.  Amen.

My dear husband.  We just celebrated our 7th year of marriage.  That really isn't a long time compared to many of my friends who have been married for 30+ years.  However, I'm grateful, oh so grateful for the years I've had with Ryan thus far.  In all my life, I've never met someone whose had such a rock solid commitment to me.  I love him deeply, and look forward to many more years living my life with him.  

Personal Growth.  This year I've made some huge leaps in my personal life.  I'm thankful that I am sensitive enough to recognize the areas in my life that need to change.  I don't ever want to walk this life with a blind eye, missing out on opportunities for me to grow in my faith and in my life.  I want to be kinder.  More loving.  Compassionate.  Prayerful.  Patient.  Strong.  Courageous.  And willing to step out of my comfy, cozy Christian existence. 

The thing about Thanksgiving is that we see so many people become more giving, and expressive about what being thankful means to them.  My hope though is that we as a people can carry those expressions and acts of kindness into our area of influence all the year through.  Father, kindly sir, please keep this thankful heart alive in me.  Holy Spirit speak to me each day and remind me each day to acknowledge the blessings in my life.  I pray for each one reading my thoughts that they too will take the challenge to be thankful for all You've given to them beyond just this time of year.  Amen. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Many blessings on your day,
Dori Price

The God Who Sees Me

Many people think that God is far off, busy doing other things, and not at all interested in their daily lives.  People who hurt often believe that God must be disappointed in them or that He must not care about them because a loving God doesn't hurt people through pain, disaster or catastrophe.  They may ask, "Where is God today?"

Many years ago, I based my understanding of God on how I felt about myself.  If I was feeling down or disappointed in myself, then I imagined God felt the same way.  My tendency was to superimpose my own feelings in place of how God really sees me.  When I was feeling great about my good deeds then I felt very happy and very sure God was happy with me too.  The problem with feeling this way is that my feelings weren't reliable.  They are rooted in my humanity.  I related to God the way I related to others from my limited perspective.  But God's kingdom doesn't work that way.  His love for us is not conditional on how He "feels" from one day to the next.

His love doesn't increase when I'm doing good deeds or decrease when I've messed up.  He doesn't think I'm a drag when I come to Him with my brokenness, or when I'm seeking His loving care when I'm hurting, or when I need His help through hard circumstances.  He draws near to me when I'm broken hearted and sets me free from my impossible situation; and His action isn't contingent upon what I do.  I can't do enough to earn His love.  His love is constant.  God's love for us is unchangeable no matter what we do. 

When I was a child, I messed up a lot.  I remember one time when I was in third grade.  My dad told me I had to come home from school immediately--that I was not allowed to go to my friend's house.  I didn't listen to him.  I went to my friend's house anyway.  Yowza!  When I got home, my dad was not happy.  I received one good spanking.  One I wouldn't soon forget.  However, the next day when I was reminded again to come home after school, I didn't listen again.  I was hardheaded.  And I received another good whoopin', that I clearly deserved.  On the third day, do you think I remembered how much that spankin' hurt before I made a decision to go to my friend's house?  Yes, I did.  I did as I was told.  But my point here is that even though my dad disciplined me, his love for me didn't change.  He didn't reject me or give me conditions to earn his love back.  Because I was his child, he loved me unconditionally. 

Likewise, I remember many times as a child when I was sick and needed extra care because I couldn't do things for myself.  My mom had a very compassionate heart.  She wanted to make me as comfortable as possible until I was better.  I remember when I was little she would caress my back for comfort or touch my forehead to make sure I wasn't too hot with fever.  She didn't leave me to fend for myself.  She nursed me back to health.  Sometimes she held me; other times, she left me alone to rest.  But at no time was she absent, even if she wasn't in my room.  She was always there, just a call away.  And no matter what time of day or night I needed her during those times, she came to me.  If my mom and dad, who are human, showed such love and care for me here on earth, how much more do you think my Heavenly Father loves me?  He who created me, and knew me before I was in my mother's womb?

God loves us so much.  His compassion towards us is endless.  He understands that we are limited by our humanity.  That we make mistakes.  That we are hardheaded at times.  That we need tender touches, and loving care when we are sick.  In His passionate pursuit of us, He never let's go of us.  He doesn't change His mind about us because we made the same mistake again.  When we are asleep, our great God is awake.  He never sleeps or slumbers.  He doesn't take bathroom breaks or vacations.  God sees me.  I'm thankful for this. 

I need to know this about God because even as an adult, I mess up a lot.  Sometimes I feel a lot of shame going to God again, asking Him to forgive me for the same thing I just talked with Him about days ago.  Sometimes I avoid bringing up my sin altogether because I feel disappointed in myself.  God knows my weaknesses.  He reminds me in His loving ways that when I am weak He is strong.  Ever wonder how you made it through something difficult?  I answer that question by acknowledging God and thanking Him for giving me the strength and courage to make it through.  I sense Him calling to me when I run from Him.  I am compelled to lay down my struggles, and let Him lift me up to higher places because I cannot handle some of life's tough circumstances on my own.   

May I ask you kindly: where are you today with your relationship with God.  How do you believe He sees you? Are you going through some circumstance that has you thinking He has forgotten about you?  Are you looking for answers to your cries, and wonder about your value to Him--or ask the question does He really care?  God's shoulders are big enough to handle each of these questions.  May I humbly speak to you the words I believe God would say to you and wants you to hear?

Son, daughter, I see you in the wee hours of the night, crying out for My help.  You may not understand or feel my presence while you hurt deeply, but I am with you.  I will never leave you or turn away from you.  Each day you awake, I've given you the strength and courage you need.  Lean on Me.  Turn your eyes towards Me.  See Me in your circumstances, working all of those details you worry over, out for your good and for My glory.  I know the thoughts and plans I have for you.  My plans for you are for good, to give you a hope and a future.  My thoughts towards you are good not evil.  My love for you never runs out; and it never lets up on you.  When you seek Me, you will find me. I will be found by you. 

My prayer for you dear friend is that you experience God's loving embrace today.  That you see Him in tangible ways, and that you are overwhelmed by His love.  And may I humbly remind you as you go about your day, God sees you.  He hears you.  Even if you can't see Him, He is with you.  Working behind the scenes, working all of the details together for your good. 

Many blessing to you,

Dori Price

Do you know Jesus?  To understand God's never ending love, we must have a relationship, an encounter with His Son Jesus.  To acknowledge that He died on an old rugged cross, a redemptive, unconditional act, to give us a way out of our sin.  Does this mean we have to be perfect?  Absolutely not; He is the only perfect one in this universe.  Draw near to Jesus, and He will draw near to you.  You don't need to say a lofty prayer or be in church to make this commitment.  You just need a quiet place to rest your head, to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord, and as Your Savior.  Please let me know if you've made this commitment.  And if you need prayer, leave your comments.  I am honored to lift you up.