Picture this; You're a military family in a new town, once again, and the holiday season is quickly approaching. The emotional toll is heavy, but as Beth Runkle has experienced firsthand, there's a glimmer of hope that can be found in faith and community. Join us, as our special guest, Beth Runkle of Cru Military, gives insight, wisdom, and practical steps to embrace the military around you all year but especially during the Christmas season. Beth’s Book, Another Move, God? 30 Encouragement for Embracing Your Life as a Military Wife ( based on the life of Sarah in the Bible) with B & H Publishing comes out October 2024.

Military life often means uprooting and starting afresh, but finding community can give a source of warmth and connection in an otherwise transient existence. Beth opens up about her spiritual journey, a path marked by initial resistance and bitterness to the military but ultimately leading her to find peace and purpose in God. As Beth has moved 14 times , she helps us lean into the unique struggles military families face during holiday seasons, and offers practical ways to help ease the burden of isolation and distance from loved ones.

With the holiday season here, let's take a moment to consider those who serve our country. How can we come along side them with friendship, service, prayer and hot chocolate? The separation of families, stress of those in harm’s way, and challenges of single parenting when a spouse is deployed are realities for the families and singles serving and protecting our country. How can we shine God’s light and love to show appreciation and care? Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation on faith, love, and military life.

Resources:
Beth Runkle Website
Cru Military
Operation Gratitude
Soldiers Angels
Operation Christmas Spirit
NBS2GO Bible Studies

SOCIAL MEDIA: @called_toshine Instagram.
Follow us on Instagram and enjoy the community as we spur each other on through inspiration, encouragement, and equipping.

And always you can find resources to help you connect to the people around you at NBS2GO! (nbs2go.com)

— A ministry of NBS2GO: Neighbor Bible Studies to Go and Cru

How can we be a ray of hope, light and joy to others this Christmas? By pointing them to Jesus- through gifts of service, prayer, words, and the gift of our presence. And if you are giving a tangible gift, consider a spiritually sensitive present that points to the meaning of Christmas.

We retrace the steps of the first Christmas, looking at Zachariah and Elizabeth and their calling to parent, John—the herald and forerunner of Jesus. We, too, can be forerunners and take inspiration from the star of Bethlehem, lighting the way for others to experience the true joy of Christmas.

Finding the perfect Christmas gift doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. We can gift people in many ways beyond tangible presents—from gifts of service, prayer, words as well as the gift of our presence. Reaching out to those in need can bring true joy and fulfillment, even more than the most wished for gift. Whether it's volunteering at a local food bank, helping a family in need, or simply praying for those who send us Christmas cards, we can make a difference.

Christmas is an incredible opportunity to uplift those around us with prayer and words. The gift of words, so simple, yet so profound and can brighten and give courage to someone's holiday season, especially those experiencing challenging times. Find resources and tips on how to pray for others during the season and give the gift that keeps on giving. These gifts don't require a hefty price tag, they just need a generous heart.

As we enter the Christmas season, let's ask God to make us like John and the star of Bethlehem, pointing the way to Jesus and preparing the hearts of those around us.

RESOURCES;
Leave treats for delivery drivers and postal workers. Download Signs & Notes Here.
Pray for those around you. Find 3 prayer resources here.
The Meaning of The Candy Cane
My 1st Christmas in Heaven Poem

SOCIAL MEDIA: @called_toshine Instagram.
Follow us on Instagram and enjoy the community as we spur each other on through inspiration, encouragement, and equipping.

And always you can find resources to help you connect to the people around you at NBS2GO! (nbs2go.com)

— A ministry of NBS2GO: Neighbor Bible Studies to Go and Cru

Join us on the journey back to the first Christmas, where we saw in Episode 7, Savoring The Savior Christmas Part 1 that it was all about a baby that was worthy to be worshipped. In this episode we will see that it was also about a family, and not just any family, it could have been today’s dysfunctional family— an unwed teenager who finds out she is pregnant, a betrothed man, considering divorce, or adoption.

Mary and Joseph, all had great faith when they said YES to God’s plan. We, too can embrace our circumstances, and the people in our life and say YES to God by loving them right where they are this Christmas season.

Family relationships are precious, and the holidays are a great time to pour into creating a vibrant spiritual home, with blood family or those who are like family to you. We can do this through traditions, messy prayer, loud tables, and open doors. We share our experiences about the beautiful chaos of family dinners, the sweetness of opening our homes to others, and opportunities to develop deeper connections and meaningful conversations. Spending quality time with loved ones and being about the people with give you treasured and precious memories, not by doing more, but choosing less of the right things.

In case you are wondering,—“How can we simply incorporate the sights, sounds, and tastes of Christmas this year?” or “How might we connect with teens during these family activities?” Then you are at the right place. Together, let's shine the light and love of Jesus this Christmas.

Christmas Conversation Starters

SOCIAL MEDIA: @called_toshine Instagram.
Follow us on Instagram and enjoy the community as we spur each other on through inspiration, encouragement, and equipping.

And always you can find resources to help you connect to the people around you at NBS2GO! (nbs2go.com)

— A ministry of NBS2GO: Neighbor Bible Studies to Go and Cru