Category: Meal Planning

A Shepherd’s Dinner Guide

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place BlogLeave a comment

Hi friends! 

As we prepare our hearts and homes for the winter season, I am always on the lookout for simple traditions that bring the accounts of Scripture to life for our children. If you are looking for a beautiful, low-stress way to experience the humility of the first Christmas night, I can’t wait for you to try hosting a Shepherd’s Dinner. We’ve done this for a couple of years and it is so amazing!

The idea is incredibly simple: you turn down the house lights, gather on the living room floor with your favorite cozy blankets, build a “campfire” out of fairy lights or candles, and share a rustic meal together. It is a beautiful way to step into the boots of the humble shepherds who were the very first to hear the good news of our Savior’s birth! 

Our First Shepherd’s Dinner

To help your family build this memory with ease, I have put together a complete Shepherd’s Dinner Guide as an optional bonus inside our new free study bundle. Here is a quick look at what I’ve prepped for you: 

  • A Simple Hostess Guide: Easy tips on setting a peaceful, candlelit field atmosphere on your floor. 
  • Wholesome Menu Ideas: Quick, finger-food concepts (pork and shellfish free!) to create an abundant “Vigil Board” or shepherd’s charcuterie platter. 
  • Interactive Discussion Script: Heartfelt questions to ask the kids while you eat, leading right into a cozy family reading of Luke 2. 
  • Printable Keepsakes: A beautiful printable invitation with blank fields to customize your night, plus a family reflection sheet to record your favorite memories! 
Continue reading “A Shepherd’s Dinner Guide” →

Amazon eBooks from Pollywog’s Place Blog

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place BlogLeave a comment

These are ebooks that have been written by myself and/or our family. These purchases will help to support our family.

Here is our Amazon Storefront link.

Kindle Unlimited Free Trial**

We do participate as an Amazon affiliate and you may read our disclosure below:

Book cover for 'Sweet Shyanne: The Little Girl Who Could' by Susie Perez, featuring a young girl smiling among flowers and animals, emphasizing themes of courage, kindness, and faith.
Cover image for 'Kirby's Korner Blog' featuring the title, 'Top 40+ Family Favorite Recipes' with a cherry on whipped cream.
A close-up of a croissant on a plate, with text overlay reading '31+ Breakfast Ideas And Recipes' and author's name 'Susie Mimm Kirby'.

**As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post does contain some affiliate and/or referral links to products and/or services that we use. If you happen to click through a link and make a purchase, we may earn a teensy-weensy small commission (at NO EXTRA cost to you) if a purchase is made through these links. These links help to support our family, our blog, and our homeschooling mission. This means that we can keep bringing you great recipes, ideas, and tips for FREE! Click HERE for a full disclaimer. –Thank you!

Now Available: Your Free Comprehensive Biblical Feasts & Sabbath Family Study Guide!

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place BlogLeave a comment

Hello, friends! 

If you’ve been following along with my journey lately, you know how much joy it brings me to create resources that help families walk out their faith with intention. Today, I am absolutely thrilled to share a brand-new, completely free resource with you: the Comprehensive Biblical Feasts & Sabbath Family Study Guide! 

Whether you are completely new to celebrating the Appointed Times or have been keeping them for years, my prayer is that this guide serves as a welcoming, stress-free tool for your home. 

A Gentle Reminder for the Journey

As we open up these studies together, I want to reiterate something very important to me: I am not perfect in my knowledge of these feasts. I am a student of the Word just like you, simply drawing from the best sources and understandings available to me at this time. 

I want to lovingly encourage you to do your own research as a family. Use this guide as a helpful starting point, but always test everything against the Scriptures! I also ask that you use your own discretion when choosing which activities, discussions, or crafts to participate in throughout the guide. Your family’s walk is unique, so please feel free to adapt, skip, or modify anything to best fit your home and convictions. 

What is Inside This Free Guide?

I wanted this comprehensive guide to be a beautiful, easy-to-use roadmap for your family. Inside, you’ll find: 

  • Sabbath Foundations: Simple, meaningful ways to welcome the weekly Sabbath into your home with peace and joy. 
  • The Biblical Feasts: A comprehensive overview covering the heart, history, and spiritual significance of the Appointed Times. 
  • Family-Focused Activities: Bite-sized learning, discussion prompts, and practical ideas designed to engage hearts of all ages. 
  • Completely Free to Download: No strings attached—just a gift from my heart to your home to support you on this walk! 

Grab Your Free Copy Today!

Continue reading “Now Available: Your Free Comprehensive Biblical Feasts & Sabbath Family Study Guide!” →

Free Jesse Tree Advent Study (Plus a Special Bonus!)

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place BlogLeave a comment

Hello, friends! 

As the seasons change and we look toward the winter months, my heart always turns to finding meaningful ways to keep our homes grounded in the Word. If you are looking for a beautiful, stress-free way to lead your children through the grand story of Scripture this coming December, I have a wonderful gift for you. 

It’s never to early to start preparing for the busy season ahead and I am absolutely thrilled to release our brand-new, completely free Jesse Tree Advent Study Guide! 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to the specific Jesse Tree book that our family loves and uses alongside this guide. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting Pollywog’s Place! 

The Jesse Tree is such a beautiful tradition. Starting on December 1st, it takes your family on a chronological journey from Creation, through the Patriarchs, the Kings, and the Prophets, pointing directly to the birth of our Messiah. It helps children see that the whole Bible is one big, beautiful story connected to Jesus! 

Continue reading “Free Jesse Tree Advent Study (Plus a Special Bonus!)” →

Simple Ways to Make the Biblical Feasts Feel Special on a Budget

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place Blog3 Comments

There is something lovely about gathering around a table that looks a little different from an ordinary Tuesday. A pretty tablecloth, the soft glow of candles, and a few thoughtful touches can help us slow down and remember why we are gathering.

As Christians celebrating the biblical feasts, we are still learning. All we are trying to do is remember our FATHER, HIS WORD, and HIS PROMISES.

The decorations and household products shared here are optional. We do not present them as requirements from God or suggest that buying them makes a celebration more faithful. Some customs associated with the feasts developed later as traditions, and we want to be thoughtful about distinguishing those traditions from what Scripture actually says.

These are simply ways to make our gatherings feel a little more special while keeping our budget in mind.

Continue reading “Simple Ways to Make the Biblical Feasts Feel Special on a Budget” →