eKitabu’s Post

🎄 Are you repeating Christmas Traditions that DRAIN you 🎄 As parents, we often find ourselves repeating traditions from our own childhood, some heartwarming, others... exhausting. Maybe you’re now the one hosting 15 people for Christmas dinner, just like your parents did. But ask yourself, are these traditions the ones you want, or are you doing them simply because “it’s what we do as a family”? Recreating family traditions can be lovely, but only if they bring you joy. Take a moment to reflect this year: are these traditions filling your cup or draining it? If it doesn't work for you, then let it go and create new traditions that feel meaningful and manageable to you and your children. What traditions are you carrying forward this Christmas, and are they ones you truly love? Let’s talk in the comments! #FamilyTraditions #HolidayReflections #ChristmasYourWay #ParentingByDesign

I'll be preaching at LIFE Church Stratford this Sunday morning at 10:30am. You're welcome to attend if you are in need of a place to worship and be encouraged. https://lnkd.in/gKjGi3qn I'll be preaching a sermon entitled "Good News of Great Joy" from Luke 2:1-20. Summary: Although the purpose and meaning of the Christmas season are often lost beneath the rush of urgent shopping and the push of rampant consumerism, beneath it all is the celebration of a momentous, earth-changing event that took place some 2000 years ago. It was good news of great joy! From our vantage point in history, we recognize the significance of this universally-known event, but on the night that Jesus was born, you wouldn’t have suspected that anything world-changing was happening unless you were one of the chosen few who were put on notice. Author Isaac Williams captures the reality of what was actually happening quite eloquently: “The unfathomable depths of the Divine counsels were moved; the fountains of the great deep were broken up; the healing of the nations was issuing forth; but nothing was seen on the surface of human society, but this slight rippling of the water.” During that first Christmas season, well, there was no Christmas season as we know it today. No months-long marketing campaigns enticing eager shoppers to part with their hard-earned money. No decorations on houses. No workplace banquets or family gatherings. No opening of gifts. No Christmas vacation. It was just another normal night in Bethlehem and nothing much was going on—or so it seemed. But the good news of great joy delivered that night by angels to shepherds was a defining moment in the history of humanity.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the commercial frenzy. But the true spirit of the season, embodied by Santa Claus and rooted in traditions like Saint Nicholas’s acts of generosity, reminds us of something deeper: giving from the heart. Thoughtful, meaningful gestures—not just items bought on sale—create lasting memories and connections. This year, let’s refocus on what really matters. A heartfelt note, a homemade gift, or simply showing up for those we care about can make all the difference. Let’s redefine what generosity means in a world obsessed with price tags. How are you planning to give meaningfully this season?

Happy Father’s Day! On this date, first established in 1910, we honor the dads, grandfathers, and father figures of all kinds who have shaped our lives. Being a father is a challenging job – and we recognize the individuals who have shaped and molded our lives with their love, support, and guidance. Whether it’s with a text, a call, a card, or just a bad Dad Joke, consider reaching out to an important father figure in your life today. Or just learn more about the history of the holiday here: https://lnkd.in/gR9tmyG9) #USFN

Patty Weber and I love the beach (Who doesn’t, right? You? Weirdo). We love spending time at the beach during the Christmas/New Years period… Let’s be honest here: watching people is your favorite pastime at the beach. You know it is. 😁 We all watch individuals or families, and after about 3.7 minutes, we have them all figured out, don’t we? Where they’re from, what their background is (white collar, blue collar, no collar, dog collar…), who’s married to who, who the matriarch/patriarch is, where they shop, what kind of car they drive… Or is that just me? No, it’s not. We all do it. But the one thing that always intrigues me is the folks who get up early and run on the beach. January 1st, every year, I’m sitting on the deck, drinking coffee, overlooking the beach, watching the runners, and thinking, “Are they regular ‘exercisers,’ or is 20XX going to be’the year’ they get their shit together?” I always wonder if they are starting their ‘resolutions’ or running because they actually enjoy it (weirdos). When they get home to Hoboken or Worcester, are they going to get up at 6:15 and run? Here’s the deal: How committed are they? But before I become even MORE judgmental, how committed am I? How committed are you? We can’t lose weight by not eating that ONE Double Quarter Pounder w/Cheese Meal at Ronald’s House of Sin. We can’t get abs by doing ONE set of planks. We can’t get clarity by meditating for 7 minutes. What ONE thing are you going to commit to each day to make your life better? Eat a salad instead of a burger. Take a walk after dinner every night. Do some planks during lunch break. Meditate instead of Netflixing. Read instead of scrolling. Let’s do 1% better today than yesterday. Compound interest is a powerful thing. Grace and Peace #breathe #smile #givethanks #HallelujahAnyhow #lighthouselifecoaching

Grandparents are the perfect blend of love, laughter, and a lifetime of stories. Cheers to the wisdom and warmth they bring into our lives! Happy Grandparents Day🌟👴👵  #GrandparentsDay #FamilyTreasures #GenerationsOfLove #FamilyLove #ForeverGrateful #LoveAcrossGenerations #FamilyJoy #CherishedMemories #DigitalMarketing #MagicalBalloons #MagicalBalloonsIndia #DigitalMarketingAgency

Beyond the Gifts: Embracing the True Spirit of the Season This holiday season, we often get caught up in the pressure of giving gifts to everyone on our list—but what if the best gift we can give is simply our time, presence, and attention? Join me live as we explore how the true spirit of the season isn't about material gifts, but about connection, love, and meaningful moments. Let’s talk about ways to celebrate without the stress of shopping and the pressure of perfection. https://lnkd.in/gxBcWfGj

🌟 Creating Memories with Grandparents 🌟( A beautiful memory that will last forever, these grandchildren painted their grandmother's arms to print “her hug” for all eternity.) I miss my grandma too 😥 Spending time with our grandparents is one of the best gifts we can have. They have so many stories and experiences to share! Here are a few lessons I've learned from them: 1. **Cherish Family**: Grandparents teach us the importance of family. They remind us to stay close to our loved ones and support each other. 2. **Value of Time**: Time spent together is precious. Whether it's cooking, playing games, or just talking, these moments create lasting memories. 3. **Wisdom of Experience**: They have lived through many challenges and successes. Listening to their stories can teach us valuable life lessons that we can apply today. 4. **Embrace Simplicity**: Sometimes, the simplest activities bring the most joy. A walk in the park or a cup of tea can be magical when shared with someone special. Let’s take the time to create more memories with our grandparents. They have so much to offer, and we can learn so much from them! 💖 Credits: @chrissy_mier13_ #Family #Memories #Grandparents #LifeLessons #Gratitude

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and reflection, but it’s even more important to honor the full history of the day. Today is National Day of Mourning, a time for us all to reflect on history, acknowledge truths, and seek ways to listen and learn. As we celebrate gratitude and family, let’s also take a moment to honor resilience, respect different perspectives, and explore ways to give back to Native organizations and communities. How are you reflecting or giving back today?

Celebrate Father's Day with 3 practical things you can do to show your gratitude for how your father has provided the foundation for who you are today - check it out here: https://lnkd.in/eD4AFHwD #SundaySprinklesBlog