Gift Ideas That Feed the Soul & Family Christian Giveaway

*Thanks to Family Christian for sponsoring this post.  All opinions are my own.*

Christmas doesn't come from a store.  There are a lot of creative ways to communicate love through gift giving, but often it is helpful to be able to pick out a gift from the store shelf or online.

With Christmas quickly approaching you may be wondering what gifts to get for family and friends.  A few years ago I heard a great idea of what to buy for your kids.  You may be familiar with it: give them something they want, something they'll wear, something they need and something to read.  I actually really like this idea!  But I wanted to add something.  Give them something that feeds the soul!  So I put together a list of ideas that help feed the soul.  I had so much fun browsing and shopping at Family Christian and it wasn't hard to find ideas and inspiration.  You can always find great deals and you never forget the true reason for the season.

1. Bible (anyone)

Once our children really start reading, we invest in a high quality Bible for them.  We want them to have access to God's word and encourage them to read about God first hand.  A, B and C already have Bibles.  D's reading has really improved this year and we feel that she is ready for her first official Bible so she will be receiving this on Christmas!  For adults - If your loved ones enjoy drawing, doodling and learning scriptures I would also highly recommend a Journaling Bible.  I have really enjoyed Bible journaling this year.  Stocking Stuffer idea to match:  bookmark or journaling pens.

 The Bible we are giving D this year - engraved!

2.  Adult Coloring Books (this work for youth too)

These books have intricate detail and much more complex patterns than you will find in a classic preschool coloring book!  You have probably seen adult coloring books in many stores (they seem to be everywhere), but you may not know that Family Christian has a nice collection that include scripture.  As you use your crayons or colored pencils you can refresh and renew your mind while focusing on the presence of God, how awesome is that?  I picked up a few of these for A and B this Christmas.  Stocking Stuffer idea to match:  colors, colored pencils, or watercolors.

 Coloring Books

 I picked these up for the older girls.

A peek inside...

3.  Journals (anyone)

Journals are a great way to jot down notes, ideas, drawings, prayers, praises, etc.  I want to encourage my kids to lead a lifestyle of thanksgiving and praise.  I also want them to be prayer warriors.  Journals are a great tool to have to help cultivate those skills.  Family Christian has a plethora of journals to choose from, something for everyone.  I thought about saying these only work for those who have learned to write but I really think they work for much younger as well.  Even before they can write our kids love to draw.  Giving them their own book or place to do that can be truly special.  Stocking Stuffer idea to match:  a fun pen.

 Wall of journals

 Sadie Robertson Journals

Do everything in love journal

Fun Holiday Journal

4.  War Room (adults, older kids)

Right now you can pre-buy War Room (available December 22nd) at Family Christian.  You will also receive a free prayer journal with the current pre-buy deal.  This is the latest movie from the Kendrick brothers (the makers of Flywheel, Facing the Giants, Fireproof, Courageous).  I was able to see this movie and it was so good.  Not only was it extremely well made, it is thought provoking and it will change how you view prayer and how you pray.  I now have a prayer wall inspired from this movie.  Stocking Stuffer idea to match:  prayer journal, sticky prayers.

 The prayer journal I received when I pre-bought War Room.

A look inside the prayer journal.

5.  Wall Scripture/Wall Art (enjoyed by all)

David and I love the Word.  We recently had a conversation about how we would like to see more scriptures on the walls of our homes.  Scripture is powerful and Family Christian has so many wonderful options for scripture decor.  You can also find lots of inspiring phrases and artwork as well.  Stocking Stuffer idea to match:  scripture magnet or encouragement note cards.

 I fell in love with this wall art at my Family Christian store.

6.  Buck Denver Asks...Why Do We Call It Christmas? (everyone)

If you are familiar with the What's In The Bible series then you will already know about Buck Denver.  This video is such a fun and informative way to explain Christmas to both kids and adults.  I reviewed this movie last year so you can read more about What's In The Bible Why Do We Call It Christmas?.  We watch this family favorite every December.  Stocking Stuffer idea to match:  What's In The Bible Coloring Book or Christmas ornament.

 WITB Why Do We Call It Christmas?

I hope you find these ideas helpful and inspirational as you finish up your seasonal shopping this year.  I also want to add that most of these suggestions really work year round so keep them in mind for birthdays and other gift giving opportunities as well.

Ready for a giveaway?  One of you will win a $25 certificate to Family Christian!  Just enter the giveaway below and good luck!

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Diary of a Jackwagon Book Review & Giveaway

 My new book!

Have you heard of Tim Hawkins?  I really hope you have because he is absolutely hilarious.  I think David and I have watched just about all of his material on YouTube.  Just in case you aren't familiar, Tim Hawkins is an amazing, Christian comedian that happens to have a few epic songs like Chick-fil-A.

 We finally were able to see Tim Hawkins live in March earlier this year.

I just finished reading Diary of a Jackwagon by none other than Tim Hawkins himself.  This is his first book.  It is full of laughter and life.  This book contains a lot of Tim's comedy material, but I want you to know that it never gets old.  He has material on marriage, parenting, homeschooling, the Christian life and so much more.  It was nice to get to know more about Tim and his life by reading his book.  I highly recommend Diary of a Jackwagon as it is sure to keep you from sweating the small stuff in life and it's so funny! 

Ready for a Giveaway?  One of you will win your very own copy of Diary of a Jackwagon thanks to Family Christian.  Just enter below and good luck!

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Disclosure: I am proud to be a Family Christian Blogger and Affiliate.  I was provided with my own copy of Diary of a Jackwagon to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

The Happy Christian & Giveaway

You guys know I love to read!  I have been in my bookclub for over 9 years now and I sometimes wonder how many books I have read through my club and blogging.  I know it's a lot!  I just finished reading The Happy Christian (Ten Ways to be a Joyful Believer in a Gloomy World) by David Murray.  This book is broken down into ten chapters along with an introduction and conclusion.  The chapter topics are Happy Facts, Happy Media, Happy Salvation, Happy Church, Happy Future, Happy World, Happy Praise, Happy Giving, Happy Work, and Happy Differences - you see the theme, HAPPY!

 E and I enjoying the birds.

It is amazing to realize how much of an impact negative thoughts, feelings, actions, words, relationships, etc. have in our lives.  And just as amazing in reverse, how much of an impact positive (happy) thoughts, feelings, actions, words, relationships have in our lives.  As believers we have the ultimate weapon to combat lies and negativity in our lives, we have the Bible - full of wisdom and truth.  I am still learning how to carry my sword and I have complete faith and confidence that I will get there.  I love that this book leads me in the right direction.

Our small group (weekly Bible group) is made up of families from various local churches.  I have really enjoyed this aspect of our group.  In his book, Murray talks about the advantage of Biblical diversity and how every encounter with diversity doesn't have to be a threat or negative experience.  I liked this perspective.

More About This Book
In The Happy Christian, professor and pastor David Murray blends the best of modern science and psychology with the timeless truths of Scripture to create a solid, credible guide to positivity. The author of the acclaimed Christians Get Depressed Too, Murray exposes modern negativity’s insidious roots and presents ten perspective-changing ways to remain optimistic in a world that keeps trying to drag us down.

Even though hopelessness and negativity has invaded much of culture, including the church, Christians have resources to live differently. The Happy Christian invites readers to shed negativity and become counter cultural missionaries by demonstrating the positive power of the gospel in their lives.  Be sure to check out David Murray's blog.

I love the quote in the video below by Maurice Roberts, "This book is good medicine for sad saints."



Ready for a Giveaway?  Two readers will win their very own copies of The Happy Christian thanks to Family Christian.  Just enter below and good luck!

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Disclosure: I am proud to be a Family Christian Blogger and Affiliate.  I was provided with my own copy of The Happy Christian to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

How to Fill A Shoebox For Operation Christmas Child with Family Christian & Giveaway

Disclosure: I am proud to be a Family Christian Blogger and Affiliate.  I was provided with a Family Christian certificate to facilitate a post about Operation Christmas Child.  All opinions expressed are my own.   

 

 
Operation Christmas Child Flyer

Have you ever filled a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child?  My children love it and David and I encourage giving as much as possible.  The above flyer explains the 6 main steps involved.  

1. Get a shoebox to pack for a girl or boy.

2. Select a "wow" toy such as a doll, soccer ball or stuffed animal.

3. Add other fun toys, hygiene items and school supplies.

4. Pray for the child that will receive the gift, include a personal note or photo.

5. Donate $7 for shipping costs.

6. Take your shoebox gift to a local drop-off location during National Collection Week (which is Nov 17-24).

My kiddos at our local Family Christian store

The kids and I headed to Family Christian to pick out some items for the shoe box we are currently working on.  I tend to shop for Christmas throughout the year.  This is also great to do with shoebox items.

Check out these hygiene kits-in-a-bottle!

These bottles are awesome.  They contain a comb, toothbrush, soap, washcloth and two tubes of toothpaste - not to mention the water bottle itself (which has a slot to include a personal photo or note).

My kids loved the stuffed animals.

 They chose the elephant.

Selection of stickers

B spent some time choosing the stickers.

We decided to pick stickers without words as the children may not be able to read English.  The kids thought these stickers were shiny and nice.

We also found this compact clip on light.  We thought it could be used as a small flashlight or clipped onto something for extra light.

We found these hair ties in the clearance section 50% off.  A and B love them!

Fun pencils

Our purchases

 At home, you can see we have a great start on our box thanks to Family Christian!

Guess What?  Family Christian is giving away 10 $10 Appreciation Certificates.  Awesome!!  Just enter the giveaway below and good luck.

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Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe Book Review

Disclosure: I am proud to be a Family Christian Blogger, Affiliate, and Max Lucado blogger.  I was provided with my own copy of Miracle At The Higher Grounds Cafe to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Higher ground, what does that mean to you?  Is it simply ground that is elevated in some way making it higher than surrounding lower areas?  Does it have a spiritual meaning for you as well?  For me I think of raised alters, places of worship and holy ground - like when Moses removed his sandals.  These places have a connection and closeness to God.  Now imagine a modernized "higher ground", like your local coffee shop and you have the backdrop for Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe by Max Lucado.  How does this cafe have a connection and closeness to God?  An internet connection taps into the divine and everyone is alloted one question to ask God - thus the God Blog is born.  Of course the "grounds" reference is clever.  Chelsea Chambers, the owner of the new Higher Grounds Cafe, is known for her amazing cupcakes and baked goods.  Similarly, I have a friend who loves to cook!  In fact, she is known for making yummy treats.  Her creations are always delicious and creative!  I was even able to snap of few photos of her goodies.

 Yummy treats

So, what if you could ask God one question?  Only one question - that is what customers who flock to the Higher Grounds Cafe have the opportunity to do from the "God Blog".  I wonder what I myself would ask.  I have to think hard about this one, my question cannot be wasted, right?  How can I be the best wife and Mom that I can be?  Yes, I think that is it.  And I hear Him saying, "Trust Me".   And I do!  It is not always easy, in fact, often life is downright hard but I do trust the Lord and His promises.  Do you?

You may know and love Max as a nonfiction author but this book is definitely fiction and it is wonderful.  I devoured it like a baked good and my palette is indeed content.  Max, you truly have a way of sharing Biblical truths throughout your books, even fiction ones and I love you for that.

 Grab your book and treat to boot!

You can read more about this book and/or purchase it from Family Christian here!  Please enter the giveaway below and check out the amazing video of this book as well, it is so fun!

Ready for a giveaway?  Family Christian is generously providing one of you with a $10 Appreciation Certificate.  Just enter the form below and good luck!

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Press In This Easter Season with Max Lucado's On Calvary's Hill: Review & Giveaway

Disclosure: I am proud to be a Family Christian Blogger, Affiliate, and Max Lucado blogger.  I was provided with my own copy of On Calvary's Hill to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Easter is just a week away from tomorrow.  Do you have big plans?  Do you celebrate Easter?  For my family Easter is a big deal.  It is the cornerstone of our Christian faith.  What must one do to be saved?  Romans 10:9 - If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 

 

On Calvary's Hill is a compilation of material published in books written by Max Lucado.  This book invites us to follow Jesus and see how He spent His last days.  It includes 40 readings for the Easter season.  Each reading begins with a scripture and ends with a prayer.  There are 40 scripture segments, 40 excerpts and 40 prayers.  You can see the power already, right?  This book is also about life application.  Every excerpt has a life application nugget for you to grab.

We find ourselves on the road to Jerusalem with Jesus and his disciples.  Yet, we are reminded that this mission was set forth when the apple was first bit.  Draw courage from God and remember His promises.

I have always loved Mary's faith, and the way she luxuriously poured out the costly perfume on the One that mattered most.  Friends, be extravagant in your love for the Lord!

When faced with crucifixion, Jesus went to His Father.  We should also enter life's challenges with the Lord, not alone.  This book may seem small but it is full of truth and wisdom.

 the cross at our church last Easter Sunday

And the cross, oh the cross!  The greatest sacrifice ever made.

Don't you just want to dive right into this book?  I love that you can pause each day and breathe in one of these segments - read, think, pray and press into Him.  You can do this in just a few minutes or take an hour, whatever you need.  You can also read it in one sitting and do the same - your choice.  Gain a better understanding of the Easter season and the Lord at the same time. 

 You can order your own copy of On Calvary's Hill here.

Ready for a giveaway?  Family Christian is generously providing one of you with a $10 Appreciation Certificate (which is enough to buy this very book if you choose).  Just enter the form below and good luck!

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Keep It Shut Book Review

Disclosure: I am proud to be a Family Christian Blogger and Affiliate.  I was provided with my own copy of Keep It Shut to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

My small group has been reading through the New Testament together every other week for awhile now.  I thought it was fitting that I led the discussion on James 2 and 3.  There is a whole section about taming your tongue.  I say fitting because this is not something that I have mastered.  Karen Ehman's book, Keep It Shut discusses this very thing.

It is funny because for being an introvert I can sure talk sometimes (ask my friends)!  I actually refer to myself as a social introvert.  Sometimes I open my mouth out of hurt and anger and say things that I most definitely do not mean.  And then sometimes I talk out of nervousness.  And then sometimes, I just don't seem to think.

There was the time within the last year that I asked a young mother if she was expecting.  You know the tunic shirts that are in style, she was wearing one and I just knew that she was pregnant.  So I asked her when she was due in front of her husband and others.  My heart melted when she told me that she was not expecting.  Here was this beautiful young mother and I had hurt her deeply because I simply kept talking...

 My sister and I in 2001

And then there was the time many years ago that I had a blowout with my own sister!  My Dad was sick, very sick and we didn't know what was happening.  I had a young baby, D was 6 months old.  To say that we were a little stressed would be an understatement but my behavior was still atrocious to say the least.  We basically got into an argument and I unleashed on her.  I actually cursed, something I have not done much in my entire life.  Shocking I know.  Did I say things that I didn't mean?  Yep!  I said some things I was thinking but they were definitely not nice (Lord I need some more renewing of my mind please).  Thankfully, we were able to talk about it later (not right away but eventually) and resolved our conflict.  I love my sister dearly and I am thankful to have a good and honest relationship with her.  She is one of my confidants.

On my recent women's retreat there was a discussion on negative self talk.  We can be so hard on ourselves and those we are closest too.  I think there are times when I lash out at those that are the dearest to me - myself, my husband and my children.  Often, it takes much more strength and discipline to take a moment and pray for or through a situation.  I have been a mother for 11 years and I am still learning this lesson - a work in progress I am.  Thank you Karen Ehman for encouraging me to press into the Lord and really think about the words that flow from my mouth.  May God continue to transform me, may I be aware of the power of my tongue and may I use this weapon to bring truth and life to this world.

I really enjoyed the Proverbs top ten "tweets" on the tongue that Karen shares.  My favorite is 13:3 - Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.

This book will encourage you to gossip less, pray more, be a better listener, speak the truth in love and overall pay attention more to what you say.

You can find out more about this book and/or purchase it from Family Christian here.

Ready for a giveaway?  Family Christian is generously providing one of you with your own copy of Keep It Shut by Karen Ehman.  Just enter the giveaway below and good luck!

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Checkmate by Steven James Book Review & Family Christian Giveaway

Disclosure: I am proud to be a Family Christian Blogger and Affiliate.  I was provided with my own copy of Checkmate by Steven James to facilitate my review and Family Christian is sponsoring this giveaway.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 Finished reading Checkmate!

I have another book to tell you about, Checkmate by Steven James.  Checkmate is the seventh installment of James' bestselling series, The Bowers Files.  Now I have not read the previous titles, this was a stand-alone for me and it really did work.  Of course, I didn't have all the background information or previous character information but James did a great job of including the relevant information and catching everyone up to speed throughout this book.

In this book, Special Agent Pat Bowers is thrust into a crime that brings his present and past into collision.  It is definitely a thriller full of unexpected twists and turns.  I also want to add that the content can be graphic at times as this books content is high on crimes, crime scenes, killers and the agents that seek to bring them to justice.  If you love murder mysteries and thrillers this is definitely a book you should check out.

 Lego Chess Board the kids made 

I am assuming from the title that this book will be the last in this series.  Checkmate is a chess move that ultimately ends the game and one opponent is defeated.  This visualization worked really well for this novel. 

You can find out more about this book and/or purchase it from Family Christian here.

Ready for a giveaway?  Family Christian is generously providing a $10 Appreciation Certificate to one of you.  Just enter the giveaway below and good luck!

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For Such a Time as This: Stories of Women from the Bible Retold for Girls Review & Giveaway

I am excited to tell you about another book, this time one for girls!  It is Angie Smith's For Such a Time As This: Stories of Women from the Bible Retold for Girls!  I just adore Angie and her heart for the Lord.  She paired up with illustrator, Breezy Brookshire.  If you are not familiar with Breezy you are in for a treat with her amazing illustrations.  This is the pair's second children's book together following Audrey Bunny.

 A and B enjoying the book

 The illustrations alternate between color and black and white drawings throughout the book.  I love the unique style this creates.

 You will not see the face of the Lord in this book.

One of my art lessons with the girls this year was on making faces.  I love this example above.  You can see that B followed a similar technique when she made her drawing of Jesus below.  Throughout this book you will never see the face of Christ in the illustrations.  You will see His feet, His hands, etc. but the face of the Lord is left a mystery.  I love this aspect.

 B's drawing

This book features 40 biblical retellings from prominent women in the Bible, both Old and New Testament.  Some of the woman are more well known like Eve, Hannah, Esther while others are more obscure like Lydia.  This book is specifically geared toward girls ages six to ten, perfect for A and B both!  I actually would give this book a broader range extending it to early teens.  Angie has amazing detail and historical accuracy along with a summary, reflections and highlighted attributes of God for each retelling.

He, Me, She sections following each story

There are He, Me, She portions concluding each story.  The He section describes an attribute or characteristic of God found in the story - sovereign, omnipresent, near, etc.  The Me section is the life application portion.  It explains how this apples to you!  And the She section has a scripture based prayer that adults can pray over their daughters.  These devotional sections do not have to take a long time and yet they pack a powerful punch.  I love that I can read each story with my girls and then we have a tangible, practical way to apply these truths to their lives right now.  If you have young girls in your life I would highly recommend this book!

You can purchase this book here at Family Christian. 

Ready for a giveaway?  Family Christian is generously providing a $25 Certificate to their store.  Just enter the giveaway below and good luck!  Open to US/CAN residents.

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Disclosure: I am proud to be a Family Christian Blogger and Affiliate.  I was provided with my own copy of For Such a Time as This: Stories of Women from the Bible Retold for Girls to facilitate my review and Family Christian is sponsoring this giveaway.  All opinions expressed are my own.