#29 Krista Gilbert [Reclaiming Home this Christmas]

My guest for episode #29 is Krista Gilbert.  Krista is a speaker and author of "Reclaiming Home: A Family's Guide for Life, Love, and Legacy", co-author of Focus on the Family's "Give Them Wings", and the co-host of The Open Door Sisterhood Podcast. Today on the show Krista and I are talking about family, traditions and meaningful gift giving.  Krista explains why traditions are more than just fun practices, how they help shape a family's identity and instill a sense of belonging in our kids. We also talk about meaningful gift giving. Not just giving stuff to give stuff.  Krista shares her ideas for experiences, something that builds a memory. She gives thoughts for gifts that foster talents or interests, as well as homemade gifts.  Krista shares a story of a year when she felt like she had missed the heart of Christmas.  She encourages us not to do what she had done that year, but to pause, take the time on our own or with our family to meditate on the true story of Christmas and put Jesus at the center of our holiday.    MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE The Open Door Sisterhood Krista's book Reclaiming Home The Light of Christmas by Richard Paul Evans Nana's Rum Cake Recipe 1 Box yellow cake mix (with pudding) ½ cup cold water 1/3 cup oil ½ cup dark rum 3 eggs Mix all ingredients and bake in greased bunt pan for 1 hour at 325 degrees. Glaze: ¼ lb. butter ¼ cup water 1 cup sugar ¼ cup dark rum Melt butter in sauce pan. Stir in water and sugar. Boil 5 minutes stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add rum. After cake has cooled a little, poke holes through cake and pour glaze over. Remove from pan once cake has cooled completely.  Krista's Rum Cake Recipe Krista's eBook – The Advent Story   KRISTA'S FAVORITE 5 The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Bracelet Key Ring Cat Von D Everlasting Lipstick in Lolita Zoya Nail Polish in Brenna Canada Santana Snow Boots   CONNECT WITH KRISTA Instagram | Facebook | Website   CONNECT WITH GIRLS TALKING LIFE Show Notes for this Episode | Instagram | Facebook