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Apron Strings & Blessings Weekly Newsletter Vol. 18

Thanks for joining me for this week’s, “Apron Strings & Blessings.” Let’s take a look at all things faith, family, and home!

A banner featuring "Apron Strings & Blessings - Tying Faith, Family, and Home Together One Blessing at a Time" with a circular "Home with Grace and Joy" logo. Celebrate the strength of apron strings at www.homewithgraceandjoy.com.

Can you believe that it is officially Christmas season? I wasn’t rushing it, but I got most of my Christmas off to a great start weeks before Thanksgiving! I have to explain why.

When I started sharing that I was getting out my Christmas decorations and doing some shopping, I had someone reach out to me. She told me I should enjoy the moments we are in, and not rush things.

I totally agree! Each day is a gift, and I really don’t want to rush through life without enjoying the moments. (See the post, Like Sands through the Hourglass.)

The Problem

That is where the problem lies though – many times I tend to enjoy the current moments too much, so that I am not prepared for the next one. It can kind of be disastrous. LOL! Ask my former coworker friends how many mornings I enjoyed before getting ready for work over the years! 🙂

I decided this Christmas was going to be different. While I still enjoyed all things Thanksgiving, I was also preparing for Christmas while doing it. My Christmas decorations are all up, and most of the shopping is done. I have things planned out in my planner (see below), and I am hoping for a calm Christmas, so I can truly enjoy every moment!

How are you coming along with your planning?

Here’s a positive take on it – I heard a radio host say that studies showed that optimistic people tend to run late because they are enjoying the moments they are in, which keeps them from getting ready for the next ones. (I like that!) Maybe that has been my problem all of these years! 🙂

Faith

Latest Devotional

Saturday’s Post – “Joy to the World” – A Christmas Devotional through Song

Have you ever really paid attention to the lyrics of this song? The part about the thorns are my favorite!

Musical notes swirl across a light background with music symbols. Text reads: "Joy to the World—a Christmas Devotional through Song." Experience the spirit of joy to the world at www.homewithgraceandjoy.com.
Click here to read the post

December’s Scripture

For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Scripture for Christmas

An Advent Message: First Sunday of Advent – Hope

God’s hope is not fragile, it is steady and sure. In a world filled with uncertainty, Christ comes as the promised Savior, reminding us that darkness cannot overcome the Light. We wait with expectation, trusting that God keeps every promise. Today, may hope rise in our hearts as we look toward the coming King.

A circular sign with the word "Hope" and the Bible verse Isaiah 9:2, reminding us—like apron strings tying us to warmth and comfort—that people walking in darkness have seen a great light. Website: homewithgraceandjoy.com.

YouTube Scriptures

I have started to post a video clips on YouTube. You can follow me here. For now, all of the clips (8-10 seconds) are of nature or animals (which are nature) 🙂 based with a scripture to go along with it. Here is an example:

Home & Family

Thanksgiving Blunder and Lesson

I always make a list and check it twice when making big meals. I need to check it 3 times from now on!

For us, the star of the Thanksgiving meal is the cornbread dressing. I made it a day in advance and had it ready to go; it just needed to be reheated that morning. I even made a double batch and froze one for Christmas.

A hand holds a spoon scooping a portion from a large rectangular pan of baked cornbread dressing, its golden-brown crust inviting, set on a kitchen counter—a classic comfort dish straight from the heart of Apron Strings tradition.

Everything seemed to be running well, and it was time for the prayer. As we gathered to pray, my son-in-law noticed that there was no dressing! It was still in the refrigerator!!! GRRRR!

I ended up having to microwave it while everyone fixed their plates, and then I came around and served them at the tables. From now on, I am checking my list (as David Rose would say), “thrice!”

Latest Post

Wednesday’s Post – How to Make a Cast Iron Skillet Gift Basket with Homemade Cornbread Mix

A collage showing a white gift basket with cornbread mix, someone whisking ingredients in a bowl, and a slice of cornbread with butter. Text reads: "Cast-Iron Skillet Gift Basket—no skunk spray here, just homemade cornbread mix.
click here to read the post

October’s Monthly Menu

Quick and Easy Meal Ideas for December

Here are some ideas to add to your December menu. It is going to be another easy month!

Collage of three food images: a stuffed green bell pepper, a baked dish with melted cheese, and a steaming pot of soup. Text reads "Monthly Meal Ideas and Menu for December" plus inspiration from our menu for November.
click here to see the menu

This Week’s Menu

  • Monday – Chicken Strip Salad
  • Tuesday – Pan Fried Tilapia
  • Wednesday – Broccoli Cheese Soup
  • Thursday – Pepper Steak in the Crock Pot
  • Friday – Nachos

Candy Recipe for the Month –

These are easy and delicious!

A recipe card for homemade chocolate toffee, featuring ingredients, directions, and a plate of toffee pieces beside a cup of coffee—styled with cozy beige and brown tones from the Apron Strings collection.

Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List

If you are still looking for gifts, check these out. There are ideas for:

Collage of people shopping in a bright, modern mall carrying bags, with a close-up of a car trunk full of shopping bags. Text reads, "Gift Guides and Gift Ideas for Men—For Everyone on Your List. www.homewithgraceandjoy.com.
See all of the gift ideas here

Here are a few more great deals:

If you like to shop at Walmart, I found these great deals:

Christmas Planner

A glittery gold star ornament hangs on a garland of pine branches with white lights. Text below reads, "The Home with Grace and Joy Christmas Planner" by Susan Sikes at Apron Strings, with a website link.

I never want another Christmas planned out like 2023! That was the year Jay and I literally wrapped all of the presents in the bedroom while our family was spending the night!

This planner comes with checklists, resource pages, and places for your notes.

I have already started using mine! In fact, and it is helping tremendously!

A holiday planning checklist titled “What You Will Find” from Apron Strings lists 13 planning tips and 5 extra resources, including calendars, planner types, gift lists, and daily Christmas scriptures, on a cream background with a pine branch.

Check out the planner. You can see it here.

Wal-mart+

  • Cyber Monday – December 1st
  • There will probably be several extended sales as well.

If you do not have a Walmart+ account, you might want to test it out during the Christmas season. The first time we tried it, we joined in November and cancelled it in January. It was great for Christmas planning and shopping.

The Top Links People Ask Me For

I feel like I share these links all of the time. However, when people have asked me for them, I have had a hard time finding them in a post or newsletter.

I am going to keep these links on every post for the convenience of it. I may change them out on occasion, but at least we will all know where to look to find them.

A pink-covered Bible titled "She Reads Truth" is displayed on a table adorned with a white lace runner and green foliage. A box with the same title stands upright behind the Bible next to two tall white candles in gold holders, offering insightful Life Applications.
A woman wearing an olive green short-sleeve lounge set with wide-leg pants, white sneakers, and a black bag over her shoulder, holding a coffee cup—her relaxed style perfectly captures the comfort of Apron Strings.
A large mug with colorful illustrations of the Eiffel Tower, flowers, and a hot air balloon sits on a white electric mug warmer atop a wooden surface, cozy as apron strings, against a rustic wooden wall.

Upcoming Posts and Events

Upcoming Events

A vendor booth with a floral tablecloth and a charming apron with a legacy displays signs and baked goods. The sign reads "Home with Grace and Joy." Decor includes flowers and informational pamphlets. A stroller with a blanket rests on the left side.

Don’t forget to come by the Vender’s Fair at Caddo Mills High School on Dec. 6th. I am really looking forward to it.

Upcoming Posts

  • Legacy Tours
  • A New Bible Reading Plan for 2026
  • A great Christmas tree storage hack!
  • Christmas in songs

Let’s Connect

I would love to stay connected. Subscribe below to receive posts and updates sent directly to your inbox.

We can also connect on social media. Click the icons below to connect with me. You will find pictures and ideas along with scriptures on these platforms each day.

I am planning to start a video Bible Study series that will be on these social media channels. I would love it if you would follow along. Just click on the icon for the social media platform you like best and follow.

Related Posts

Apron Strings & Blessings – Vol. 17
Apron Strings & Blessings -Vol. 16
Apron Strings & Blessings – Vol. 15


I have enjoyed sharing this week. Stay connected and have a blessed Thanksgiving

A delicate circular floral wreath encircles the message "have a grace & joy-filled day—controlling the tongue!" with the name "susan" below, all depicted in soft brown and green
disclosure

disclosure: Amazon affiliate advertising program and other affiliate links may be used on this page. Thank you for supporting Home with Grace and Joy. When you purchase an item, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. See my full disclosure and privacy policy on the website. 

“How sweet Your Word is to my taste – sweeter than honey in my mouth.”
Psalm 119:103

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