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Apron Strings & Blessings Weekly Newsletter Vol. 21

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

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.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Whatever your week looks like, I hope you celebrate “Christ”mas and reflect on the true meaning. As you know, it is so easy to get caught up in everything that has to be done and lose sight of it all.

I challenge you (myself included) to think about Christ and the full extent of everything He has done, each and every day.

Before we get started, I would love to get your opinion on what breed/breeds Gizmo might be. The DNA test results should be back any day now.

A scruffy brown and white dog leans over the back of a brown couch in a cozy living room, with a brick fireplace, bookshelves, and festive decorations—giving the space a warm, "Apron Strings" kind of charm.
A medium-sized brown and black dog with a red collar stands on grass, looking to the side, in front of a wooden lattice fence adorned with apron strings fluttering gently.
A relaxed dog with tan and black fur lies on its side on a brown couch, stretching its legs. Behind the dog, holiday stockings and plush reindeer decorations hang on a wooden wall beside festive apron strings.


Let me know what you think in the comment section below please.

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Faith

Christmas Devotionals

Saturday’s Post – “O Come O Come Emmanuel” – A Christmas Devotional through Song

Light green background with scattered music notes and symbols. Flowing musical staff, large treble clef, and a touch of Apron Strings warmth. Text reads: "O Come O Come Emmanuel, A Christmas Devotional through Song. 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: 4th Sunday of Advent – Love

Today we remember that the story of Christmas begins and ends with the love of God. He loved us enough to send His Son into the world so that we might know Him personally. Let’s always remember that Christ’s love is unfailing, boundless, and for every generation.

A decorative card features the word "Love" with the Bible verse: “We love because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19, over a soft, festive background with Christmas tree branches, warm lights, and hints of Apron Strings charm.

Christmas Eve/Day Advent Message – Christ, the Light of the World

On Christmas Eve/Day, we celebrate that the long-awaited Savior has come. Jesus is the Light of the World, shining into every shadow and offering salvation to all who believe. His birth assures us that God is with us (Emmanuel), bringing hope, peace, joy, and love in all of their fullness. May His light fill our hearts and homes this holy night.

A Christmas-themed image with snowflakes, pine branches, and a quote in a box: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11. Text: "Christ, the Light of the World—hope tied close as apron strings.

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.

Home & Family

Latest Post

Wednesday’s Post – Easy Turtle Cheesecake Recipe (Cheat Version You’ll Love!)

Collage showing a Turtle Cheesecake Easy Recipe. Top: ingredients—caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, chopped pecans, chocolate chips, and cheesecake. Bottom: finished Cheat Version Turtle Cheesecake with pecans, drizzle; plain cheesecake; highlighted recipe text and website link.
Read about it here

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 – Easy Week!

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:

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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.

TIP: If you ever get a delayed ordered message for an order, and it says it will be delivered after midnight, DON’T believe it! Experience speaking!

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 collage features a floral Eiffel Tower mug on a warmer, a woman in an olive green loungewear set holding coffee, and a beige devotional book with a rose gold notebook on the table. Text: "Most Asked for Links." Cozy moments tied together like apron strings.

Upcoming Posts and Events

Posts

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

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.

An open Bible with handwritten notes on life applications in the margins sits on a wooden table, decorated with greenery, gold candlesticks, and a pink ornament labeled “Joy.”.

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.

I hope you will grab a Bible and join me.

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. 22
Apron Strings & Blessings – Vol. 20
Apron Strings & Blessings – Vol. 19

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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5 Comments

  1. Airedale, Beagle, Fox Terrier? I think every mixed dog has a little pit bull in them, even the tiny ones. LOL!

    Reply

  2. It doesn’t matter what he is. He is absolutely adorable and looks so happy. Just love that sweet baby boy. The only thing that would matter with the DNA test would be if he had a condition that he might inherit from a breed that you would need to know about to keep him healthy. He’s a cutie and I would just love him and give the best life he deserves.

    Reply

    1. Yes, he is a very sweet boy who is happy and FULL of energy! You are right, the DNA results don’t matter a bit. We just always do them on our rescued babies for the fun of it. They give you so much information. I never send a picture in until after we get the results to see how close they get. It is so interesting! Thanks for watching this sweet baby play and grow!

      Reply

  3. It doesn’t really matter what breed he is. The important thing is that he will love you unconditionally! Enjoy him!!

    Reply

    1. It sure doesn’t matter! He already knows how much he is loved. He is such a little stinker!

      Reply

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