Many people remember to decorate the outside of their homes for Christmas, but they don’t always remember to take care of what’s inside – their hearts.

Rev. John Ed Mathison of John Ed Mathison Leadership Ministries visited Pike County women during this month’s Female Factor luncheon.

Mathison was invited to speak at the December program with the theme “Having a Beautiful Christmas – Inside and Out.”

He encouraged those present to remember the spirit of the holidays and that giving to others grows hearts more than getting presents.

“Our giving always seems to come back to us,” Mathison said. “The more we learn about the process of giving, the better we will be.”

Mathison retired in 2008 after serving for 36 years as the senior minister of Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church in Montgomery.

Lisa Michael, of Persnicketies, also spoke at the Wednesday event and gave demonstration on gift-wrapping, using items found at local dollar stores.

“It doesn’t have to be expensive to be special,” Michael said. “Find things around the house.”

Michael suggested using balloons, clothesline, ribbon, toys and tinsel to add special touches to packages. She also said that it’s fun to make the outside of the package reflect what is inside. She showed examples of using a whisk as part of a bow decoration for a package of mixing bowls, or a liquid soap bath poof for a bath and body gift.

“Practice makes perfect,” Michael said. “Be creative. And at Christmas think of the packages as decoration because they will be under your tree.”

Donna Lord from Shyron’s Home Gallery in Troy also gave a tutorial on how to make fashionable Christmas wreaths.

Female Factor is a monthly women’s luncheon brought to the community by Troy Regional Medical Center and other area sponsors. Call 670-5487 or email femalefactor@troymedicalcenter.com for more information.