.:Tradition:.

On Tuesday I attended a "Keeping the Holy in the Holidays" ladies tea party at my church. It was the last day of our bible study and our leader had this great idea to end on a holiday note! Right up my alley! We enjoyed delish treats, Coldstone hot cocoa, birthday cake {Happy Birthday Jesus birthday cake...} and great conversation. But maybe my favorite part was when each woman shared their family traditions. It always strikes a cord with me when I hear that word, Tradition, because... I feel like Brad and I haven't made great strides at creating our own, and I SO desire too. I want to raise our children to treasure holidays, special days and even normal days by the way we magnify God in how we celebrate life. I heard tons of great ideas: Jesus Tree, serving at homeless shelters, operation Christmas Child, advent wreaths, PJ's on Christmas eve, bible studies, etc.

I guess my definition of what tradition is needed some reviewing.

During one of the games there was a prize up for grabs. And wouldn't you know it... I won. I opened it up to reveal Noel Piper's book - "Treasuring God in our Traditions", something that was on my Amazon "wish list" but I just hadn't bought it yet. SCORE! I'm on day #3 of reading it and so far.... soooo good. I've been challenged on my "why" to want to set traditions. I've been intrigued by hearing her family's stories and most of all inspired by the Word of God and what it has to say about traditions. Even today reading about King Josiah was so challenging... good stuff! I'm eager to finish the book and then have some good conversations with Brad about what we are doing. What we NEED to do.

Anyone else read this book? Have any good thoughts on traditions - the "why's" and "what for's"?