Holidays and Seasons

Mother’s Day at 52homeApr 22 2013 11:12 am
Just a reminder that Mother’s Day is around the corner and the 52home store order deadline for guaranteed delivery before the big day is May 1st. Don’t forget to
Prepare Your Heart For Holy WeekMar 21 2013 12:46 pm
Speaking of pastors, the men who serve our church, Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville, have provided us with some wonderful encouragement and resources to prepare our hearts for Easter.
God’s Will for This New YearJan 1 2013 8:57 am
“I believe it ought to be our continual aim and desire to go forward, and our watchword on every returning birthday and at the beginning of every year, should
The Christmas Story [Video]Dec 24 2012 10:46 am
A kidtalk ChristmasDec 20 2012 2:41 pm
While you bake cookies or wrap presents with the kiddos this weekend, here are four-fun filled episodes of a kid talk Christmas with Mr. B, Mrs. B, and Caly.
Comfort at ChristmastimeDec 19 2012 8:56 pm
We are very mindful that there are many people who experience grief and sadness during the Christmas season. My sister-in-law Sharon is one of them. On July 8, 2003
Merry Christmas, Because He CameDec 11 2012 10:10 am
“Joy to the Word, the Lord is…LEFT?!” Mike, our children’s ministry director, made a discordant sound with his guitar to emphasize to our church’s four and five year olds
Five Habits for Holiday HappinessDec 5 2012 10:24 am
Are you finding it hard to be happy this Christmas? Maybe you are lonely at a time when it appears everyone else has someone. Maybe you are dreading another
CJ’s Christmas Book List 2012Nov 20 2012 9:34 pm
It’s a long-standing tradition here at girltalk—Dad’s book suggestions for the hard-to-buy-for man in your life. This year, Dad’s book list includes new titles and classic favorites: Tried by
Baking Some Crusty BreadOct 16 2012 3:50 pm
My sister, Kristin, and I both love working in the kitchen, but Kristin loves to cook and I love to bake. Honestly, we should work out some kind of
Advent Calendars for ChildrenOct 15 2012 1:45 pm
Last November I was excited to tell you about an Advent calendar with Christmas Bible study that our family enjoyed. Well, it turns out that announcing it nine days
Happy Independence Day!Jul 4 2012 1:24 pm
We are off to a 4th of July picnic—the first gathering of our Louisville church planting team! Here are some wise thoughts about patriotism to ponder today. Happy 4th!
Easter for Kids: Too Violent?Apr 5 2012 1:40 pm
Is the truth about Easter too violent for children? Russell Moore answers this question in a recent column: Our children need to hear the Gospel. They need to see
Spring CelebrationMar 20 2012 6:52 am
Happy Spring y’all! This is always the time of year that I rush to the grocery store to stock up on those candy coated malted eggs. Kate wrote in
Christmas Clean-UpDec 27 2011 10:35 pm
It’s a girltalk tradition to recommend a sermon to listen to while taking down your Christmas tree and trappings (if you haven’t already!). I listened to an excellent series
kidtalk Christmas Episode 3Dec 23 2011 11:44 pm
Grab your Christmas snacks and gather ‘round to enjoy a one-of-a kind telling of the Christmas story with Mr. and Mrs. B. Merry Christmas boys and girls!
Christmas=Practical AssuranceDec 21 2011 8:14 am
“So the truth of the Incarnation is not just good theology; it is practical comfort and assurance. Jesus identifies with us in our humanity, and now we know that
kidtalk Christmas Episode 2Dec 19 2011 10:27 am
Mr. and Mrs. B and Caly are back again to talk and sing about Christmas. Enjoy!
Comfort at ChristmastimeDec 15 2011 11:04 pm
We are very mindful that there are many people who experience grief and sadness during the Christmas season. My sister-in-law Sharon is one of them. Today we want to
The Promise of ChristmasDec 13 2011 10:20 pm
“The incarnation is the supreme example of fulfilled prophecy, the supreme example of God’s faithfulness to his promises…. What God did when he sent his Son into the world
For Christmas: The GatheringDec 12 2011 11:07 pm
Just wanted to pass on this Christmas gift idea in case (like me!) you are nowhere close to finishing your Christmas shopping. The Gathering is the new Sovereign Grace
Near is His NameNov 25 2011 9:46 am
“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near.” Psalm 75:1 “Never let us neglect thanksgiving…As the smiling flowers gratefully reflect in their
CJ’s Christmas Book ListNov 23 2011 3:13 pm
Back by popular demand… Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption By Laura Hillenbrand Branch Rickey By Jimmy Breslin
Black Friday/Cyber Monday SalesNov 21 2011 3:44 pm
Check out our 52home@home store this weekend and get your Christmas shopping done while you sip some hot chocolate (Janelle’s way, with lots of marshmallows!). On Black Friday we’re
Thanksgiving and Advent PrepNov 21 2011 1:59 pm
We’ve got a lot going on here at girltalk this week. I’m sure you do too! Later today we’ll tell you more about our Black Friday/Cyber Monday specials at
Monday After Easter SundayApr 25 2011 9:20 am
“Easter is over” writes Stephen Nichols, but “Being faithful in the routines, on the Mondays after the Sundays, is important. It is as inversely important as it seems unglamorous.”Never
Celebrating Easter with KidsApr 21 2011 3:33 pm
Resurrection Sunday is another great opportunity to impress the truth of the gospel on our children. Here’s a few ideas (some old, some new) for helping children enter into
Friday FavoritesFeb 4 2011 4:52 pm
Each December’s end, after I take down the Christmas decorations, I find it difficult to come up with creative ways to decorate the fireplace mantle or create a centerpiece
The Christmas Story for KidsDec 23 2010 7:52 pm
Last week, on his lunch break, my brother-in-law Mike “whipped up” this little rendition of the Christmas story and songs for all the Mahaney grandchildren. The kids loved it,
Rejoice!Dec 22 2010 4:44 pm
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born
girltalk {christmas} linksDec 21 2010 2:41 pm
Kevin DeYoung has written a short biography of the real Santa Claus. Part one (of two) is up today. In his post, Disturbing Christmas, my dad explains why Christmas
A Pefect PairingDec 20 2010 2:49 pm
You can’t beat a good book paired with a hot drink this time of year. And I have a pretty sweet recommendation for both. For a little Christmas reading
Friday Favorites: Your Christmas TraditionsDec 17 2010 2:40 pm
Hi all, Janelle is doing a photo shoot for a friend’s newborn baby this afternoon, so she asked me to post the Christmas tradition ideas. It was so hard
What’s in the Bible? Christmas Blog Tour and GiveawayDec 15 2010 2:02 pm
Recently one of my favorite authors, Randy Alcorn, blogged about a new video series for kids from Veggie Tales creator Phil Vischer. What’s In the Bible? is a 13-DVD
We Want Your Christmas IdeasDec 13 2010 4:07 pm
We here at girltalk headquarters (four girls with our lap-tops in our kitchens) thought it would be fun to get some Christmas tradition ideas from you. I treasure the
A Gift Idea…Dec 9 2010 7:57 am
...for those hard-to-buy-for guys on your list: Don’t Waste Your Sports by CJ Mahaney www.dontwasteyoursports.com
Sitting Out the HolidaysDec 1 2010 7:04 pm
It’s the first day of December and the Christmas rush is upon us. But we don’t have to get caught up in Christmas craziness. We can choose, instead, to
Advent CalendarsNov 23 2010 2:40 pm
Even though we’re all busy preparing for Thanksgiving in two days, December 1 is only a week away. Since so many of you have asked, I’m re-posting some advent
Thanksgiving is Coming!Nov 17 2010 6:51 pm
With little Hudson arriving on Friday, we girls were busy making all our Thanksgiving plans today. We were back and forth on the phone talking pies and potatoes and
Yeah for Summer!Jun 7 2010 1:05 pm
In case you hadn’t noticed, we get excited about the change of seasons here at girltalk. I guess it’s because Mom—who grew up in Florida—never got over the wonder
Good FridayApr 2 2010 3:07 pm
May thy cross be to me as the tree that sweetens my bitter Marahs, as the rod that blossoms with life and beauty, as the brazen
God’s Wonderful SurpriseApr 1 2010 2:06 pm
In preparation for Easter, here’s a wonderful video for children from the much-beloved Jesus Storybook Bible: (HT:Justin Taylor)
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!Dec 25 2009 11:35 am
Gloria!Dec 24 2009 3:10 pm
A Christmas song for you from Jack and Tori. Merry Christmas everybody!
The Promise of ChristmasDec 23 2009 11:13 am
Meditate on this truth today and rejoice in the faithfulness of God: “The incarnation is the supreme example of fulfilled prophecy, the supreme example of God’s faithfulness to his
Tale of Two Christmas CookiesDec 22 2009 4:16 pm
Recently, a myth has arisen about Grandma Mahaney’s Christmas cookies. Dad thinks—believes with all his heart, actually—that the cookies with green icing taste better than the cookies with red
Grandma’s Christmas CookiesDec 21 2009 5:25 pm
On Saturday we were snowed in with 22 inches of snow! I couldn’t have ordered a more perfect day to make Grandma’s Christmas Cookies with Caly. I went to
A Good MealDec 17 2009 5:01 pm
“Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42This week, I’m planning Christmas dinner. I went to the grocery store yesterday. I’m
The Gift of PeaceDec 16 2009 5:55 pm
Sitting says to God: I need you!Often, we don’t feel our need for God as much around the holidays. We might get a little anxious about all we have
Sitting Says SomethingDec 15 2009 5:24 pm
Did you wake up this morning and say to God: “I don’t need to read your Word or pray or listen to your voice today. I am competent on
Celebrate Santa?Dec 14 2009 7:13 pm
“What about Santa?” has been a recurring question from our readers through the years: “Is it right/wrong to celebrate Santa?”and “If you choose not to celebrate Santa, how do
A Christmas Story for AdultsDec 10 2009 4:56 pm
I’ve never outgrown my love for a good Christmas story. Problem is, good Christmas stories for adults are much harder to find. But this year, we can happily recommend a
A Christmas Story for KidsDec 9 2009 5:38 pm
When we were little, my mom read us Christmas stories she’d ripped out of Christian magazines, or borrowed from the library. These story times remain some of my most
The Girls’ Christmas PicksDec 3 2009 8:53 am
This Christmas, why not give the gift of “sitting and listening” to a mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, or friend? (Attention husbands who read girltalk but are too manly to
A Matter of LifeDec 2 2009 12:32 pm
“And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’” Luke
Location, Location, LocationDec 1 2009 4:58 pm
“Mary…sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.” Luke 10:39We’re still “Sitting Out the Holidays.”What are we sitting and listening to? Jesus’ teaching. It is the one
Christmas Time is HereNov 30 2009 4:12 pm
I’ve barely recovered from my Turkey Bowl injuries (Kristin covered me so ferociously that Dad—permanent quarterback and referee—called her for unnecessary roughness.) But today I’ll drag my aching body
Thanksgiving DayNov 27 2009 10:50 pm
Dad kindly agreed to postpone the annual Turkey Bowl (traditionally the day after Thanksgiving) until tomorrow when the weather is supposed to be milder. But here’s a shot of
Happy ThanksgivingNov 26 2009 2:26 pm
Thanksgiving ActivityNov 25 2009 12:27 pm
If you’re looking for a fun activity for the kids tomorrow, this is one of our children’s favorites: Rice Krispy TurkeysThese cute little turkeys are a great edible craft
Thanksgiving LeftoversNov 24 2009 4:06 pm
We’re preparing for Thanksgiving and we want to bring you in on the fun. Mom’s got the turkey covered (after the disastrous Thanksgiving of 2007 we girls intercede for
Thanksgiving TurkeyNov 23 2009 5:55 pm
Here’s the recipe I use for the turkey that will grace our table on Thanksgving Day: The World’s Best Turkey Recipe Original Recipe Yield 1 (12 pound) turkey Ingredients * 1
Kids’ Christmas PicksNov 19 2009 7:03 am
If our kids could share their favorite Christmas gift ideas, the list would look something like this: Jesus Storybook Bible
Profitable for MomNov 18 2009 3:12 pm
The other day, my three boys tramped downstairs to the kitchen. They were arguing. “He took my quarters!” my seven-year-old pointed to his brother. “No, Mom, I brought these
For Our ProfitNov 17 2009 2:30 pm
What is this teaching we are to sit and listen to?It is God’s Word, the Bible.God’s Word is like no other book we read: “All Scripture is breathed out
To-Do List of OneNov 16 2009 11:25 am
“But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.’” Luke 10:41 (emphasis mine)There are “many things” to do
CJ’s Christmas PicksNov 12 2009 8:22 pm
I know we haven’t hit Thanksgiving yet, but because you’ve asked, we’re posting Dad’s Christmas picks early this year. We’ll post some of our own gift ideas in the
Another Martha MomentNov 11 2009 11:33 am
“And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. but Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up
A Martha MomentNov 10 2009 3:16 pm
“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who
Sitting Out the HolidaysNov 9 2009 2:03 pm
While the kids napped on Saturday afternoon, Mom, Kristin, Janelle, and I had a conference call to plan the Thanksgiving holiday. We reviewed the menu from last year. I suggested
Grand Prize WinnerOct 13 2009 10:57 am
The winner of our Fall Decorating Contest is….Renee B.! Instructions w/ pictures Thank you, Renee, for your
Decorating Contest Runners UpOct 12 2009 3:36 pm
Well, once again, y’all have outdone yourselves with another girltalk contest! On a personal note, we are really grateful for your help. This pumpkin is the extent of Nicole’s
Fall Decorating ContestOct 1 2009 10:34 am
As a new bride, I was inspired by Edith Schaeffer’s The Hidden Art of Homemaking to create a centerpiece every night for dinner—“transforming [our] ordinary meal-table into a place
Labor Day MessageSep 7 2009 1:42 pm
Did you ever hear about the guy who told his children that “Labor Day” was a day set aside for working extra hard? Apparently he kept them busy all
Ideas for Father’s DayJun 10 2009 9:14 am
It’s almost here—Father’s Day, that is. My sisters, Chad, and I are faced with our yearly dilemma: What on earth do we get Dad? I mean you can only
Joy to the WorldDec 25 2008 2:40 pm
In our new dining room hangs a large chalkboard. During the Christmas season we’ve had the words to the carol, “Joy to the World” written on the board. I’ve
Come, Lord Jesus!Dec 24 2008 3:57 pm
As we commemorate Jesus’ birth (What love!), His death and resurrection (What mercy!), let’s also be thinking about his glorious return (What joy!). Joni Eareckson Tada helps us to
“I Can’t Have Christmas Unless…”Dec 22 2008 3:00 pm
Each year we suggest a Christmas sermon to listen to as you do your holiday baking, wrapping and decorating. This year, we want to recommend a sermon by Sinclair
Not Just Another Christmas ListDec 18 2008 4:20 pm
A few years ago we compiled a list of attitudes that should characterize our heart this Christmas. Since I need the reminder, I thought you might benefit too. THE
Advent JoyDec 17 2008 2:00 pm
Opening the door of our Advent calendar each day is one of Jack’s greatest delights of the Christmas season. His enthusiasm—“Mom, it’s only nine more days until Christmas!”—epitomizes children’s
That’s Christmas.Dec 16 2008 4:39 pm
Amy, a girltalk reader from central London, sent us the following video produced by her church, St. Helens Bishopsgate. "This short film" she writes, "explores the real meaning of
Joy at ChristmastimeDec 12 2008 4:14 pm
Last year we ran a little series entitled 5 Keys to Christmas Joy. You can now read those posts in consecutive order, on one page, here. We hope these
5 Keys to Christmas JoyDec 12 2008 3:52 pm
The First Key by Nicole Whitacre What would make you happy this Christmas? What if I told you that you won a contest and someone was going to
Comfort for the DowncastDec 11 2008 1:59 pm
I know many people who are suffering this Christmas. Their trials weigh upon my heart as I cut fresh holly for the mantle and bake cookies with the kids.
The Distracted WomanDec 10 2008 2:55 pm
Are you distracted this holiday season? Martha—sister of Mary, friend of Jesus—is famous for being frantic about all she had to do. It says in Luke 10:38 that “Martha
Distracted or Downcast?Dec 9 2008 4:26 pm
Can you put yourself in one of these two categories? For many of us, the Christmas season heightens our distractions or highlights our despondency. We may be consumed with
CJ’s Christmas ListDec 8 2008 3:20 pm
It’s a Christmas tradition here at girltalk: Dad’s book recommendations for your friends and family. Even though he has his own blog now, he graciously let us post his
Plan to DependDec 5 2008 3:30 pm
We hope the simple suggestions for managing your holiday time have been helpful. But let’s be clear: this is not a self-help blog, because if truth be told, we
Choose the Best TimeDec 4 2008 5:07 pm
Practicing the 15:4 rule this holiday season opens the door to another productivity option. It gives us the chance to decide the best time to complete each task. First
Take FifteenDec 3 2008 3:44 pm
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish,
Surviving the SeasonDec 2 2008 5:39 pm
Last Monday I went to the craft store in search of Thanksgiving stickers for the nieces and nephews. It was still three days until Thanksgiving, but the harvest decorations
Turkey Bowl 2008Nov 28 2008 10:45 pm
This year’s Turkey Bowl quickly turned in to a rout (35-14). Although Dad was quarterback for both teams, he refused to appear in the picture with the losing team
Come Ye Thankful PeopleNov 27 2008 11:49 am
COME, YE THANKFUL PEOPLE, COME Come ye thankful people come,Raise the song of harvest home!All is safely gathered in,Ere the winter storms begin;God our Maker, doth provideFor our wants
Thanksgiving Funnies x3Nov 26 2008 3:41 pm
I’m busy making a trial-run at gravy today, which seemed wise, given my failure last year. I want to be sure it really will thicken this time. Tomorrow we’ll
Thanksgiving Funnies x2Nov 25 2008 3:26 pm
Another classic Thanksgiving Friday Funny, from Gloria this time… PREGNANT TURKEY STORY One year at Thanksgiving, my mom went to my sister’s house for the traditional feast.Knowing how gullible
Thanksgiving FunniesNov 24 2008 6:40 pm
The bustle of Thanksgiving week is upon us. We’re shopping and cooking and hoping this year’s dinner turns out better than last year’s. To give you a few laughs
HappeningsJun 19 2008 3:03 pm
Our summer craziness is in full swing. A few updates of our “goings on”: House Yesterday, my parents and Mike and I gained official possession of our new
A Simple Summer 2008Jun 18 2008 4:10 pm
I have to confess that for a brief moment I was discouraged by last week’s summer ideas. Don’t get me wrong…your ideas were amazing; and over the weekend I
“Setting Our Minds on Things Above in Summer”Jun 16 2008 2:46 pm
A final word on summer, from John Piper: “Don’t let summer make your soul shrivel.” The danger with all our summertime ideas (even the more ‘spiritual’ ones) is that
Summer SchedulesJun 13 2008 3:56 pm
This list of helpful summer schedule ideas concludes our week of summertime tips. Thanks to all of you who participated. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for