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Apron Strings & Blessings Weekly Newsletter Vol. 19

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.

This was a crazy whirlwind of a week and weekend. And as if it weren’t crazy enough, we added the cutest little puppy to the family!

Meet Gizmo!!!

A scruffy brown, black, and white dog with a red collar lies on a carpet, holding a worn tennis ball with its front paws. An Apron Strings yellow plush toy and a blue object are nearby. There is a brick wall in the background.

I keep trying to get a picture of him standing up or playing, but he is so fast! There will be more pictures to come!

I can say that he is the right one. Ally has come to life and is enjoying his company. He is so playful, loving, and sweet. You might say a little prayer to help with the potty training though!

Faith

Christmas Devotionals

Saturday’s Post – “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” – A Christmas Devotional through Song

Swirling musical notes and staff lines flow across a light background. The text reads: “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear: A Christmas Devotional through Song.” Celebrate the season with joy to the world. Website: www.homewithgraceandjoy.com.
Click here to read the post

Sunday’s Post – “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” – A Christmas Devotional through Song

Sheet music and musical notes swirl around text that reads, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing: A Christmas Devotional through Song." The light blue background features faint white music symbols. Visit homewithgraceandjoy.com for more inspiration.
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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: 2nd Sunday of Advent – Peace

Today we reflect on Peace. Jesus came into a troubled world, yet He brought a peace that surpasses understanding. His peace calms anxious hearts and quiets weary souls. As we reflect today, may we remember that Christ is our Prince of Peace, the One who steadies us no matter what we face.

A warmly lit Christmas tree with ornaments and lights stands beside a gold box inscribed with Philippians 4:7, while festive apron strings peek nearby, bringing homey warmth to the peaceful holiday scene.

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

Altrusa’s Christmas Home Tour

Six women smiling together inside a car—two in the front seats and four in the back—enjoying each other's company and forming strong apron strings of friendship. The photo is taken from the front passenger side.

We had such a good time on this tour. Not only did we get to spend time together and see beautifully decorated homes, but we got to visit with so many people from the community that we haven’t seen in a while.

Six women stand outside on grass by a brick house, smiling next to a large inflatable snow globe featuring Christmas characters and “Merry Grinchmas.” Behind them, trees with sparse leaves sway as they celebrate together under the bonds of Apron Strings.

I loved everything about this house! This was one of my favorite parts – it is all about the details.

A kitchen corner with white cabinets features holiday decor on top, including miniature houses, lit candles, silver garland, and Christmas trees. Below, beside the pink mixer and mugs, holiday-themed plates add charm—perfect for gathering around with apron strings tied.

Vendors’ Fair

The vendors’ fair was great! I met lots of new people and got to visit with people I haven’t seen in a while.

A display table with a floral tablecloth labeled "Home with Grace and Joy" features books, snacks, framed signs, decorations, brochures, and a charming touch of Apron Strings decor in a bright indoor space near large windows.

I did another Bible Study basket drawing. The sweetest girl, Savannah, won the drawing and was so excited!

A young woman stands indoors, holding a white gift basket from Apron Strings and giving a thumbs up. She is in front of a wall sign that reads “Have yourself a merry little Christmas.”.

Latest Post

Wednesday’s Post – Easy Peanut Butter Fudge: A Simple Version of Granny’s Christmas Candy

A plate of square Peanut Butter Fudge pieces sits on a white cloth with green leaf patterns. Text reads: "Easy Peanut Butter Fudge - A Simple Version of Granny's Christmas Candy www.homewithgraceandjoy.com".
click here to read the post

December’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

Candy Recipe for the Month -Homemade Chocolate Toffee

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

Available until December 15th

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+

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 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 Posts

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

Upcoming Events

So many people ask me about the Bibles I am making for my grandchildren for their graduation, so I thought I would pull together a little webinar to show how to do them. This would be a free online event, either by Zoom or social media.

Evelyn's Bible for life applications

Be looking for more information to come.

I would love to see how many people are interested in joining me for this. If you would be interested, please let me know either by commenting below or emailing me at susan@homewithgraceandjoy.com.

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. 20
Apron Strings & Blessings – Vol. 18
Apron Strings & Blessings – Vol. 17
Apron Strings & Blessings -Vol. 16


I have enjoyed sharing this week!

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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