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12 Pearls of Christmas: God Intervenes
The Answerby Susan May Warren
Whos, Here, we are Whos here, smaller than the eye can see. Whos here, we are Whos here, I'm a Who and so is she...
I've always wanted to live in a musical. When I was a kid, I loved Oklahoma, Sound of Music, West Side Story. I seriously thought that, if the moment was right, maybe the stars aligned, people would break out into song and dance.
I was sorta right. Because in my house, one needs to be able to talk in movie lines and song lyrics to effectively communicate. At any moment, someone might break out with a quip from the Princess Bride, or Finding Nemo. They might sing Tomorrow from Annie, or My Favorite Things like Julie Andrews.
But, most recently we've found ourselves speaking in "Suess"...
It's suppertime, son, and the time is near To call far and wide the sneetches who hear Just the sound of their bellies, the whir of their gear The Gurgles and Burbles that give them great fear Tell them all, tell them loud, tell them clear Their hands they should wash, check their face in the mirror Because the food is now ready and it's time to steer Close to the table, where they'll find hot gribbles here.
Why, you ask? Because David and Sarah are performing in the community theater's production of Suessical the Musical, a hilarious conglomeration of Dr. Suess' fun work, from Horton hears a Who to Horton Hatches an Egg.
As the Christmas season draws close (and the songs from the play linger in my head), one line has stood out to me... "We are here, we are here!" You know the story - that part where, after everyone has called Horton names and they're about ready to boil the speck that contains Who-ville, Horton calls out to the Whos to send up a cry to prove themselves as real. "We are here, we are here!"
It strikes me that sometimes we can feel like Whos...smaller than the eye can see. Tossed hither and yon by the wind, helpless and facing being boiled. Tired, perhaps, or alone. Wishing someone might find us and pay attention.
Someone has, and that's the good news about Christmas. Because we don't have to "make ourselves heard," like the Whos. In fact, even before we realized we were headed for the cauldron, God intervened. God demonstrated his own love for us in this - while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8). That's what Jesus is all about - he's the answer to even the unspoken cry of our hearts, saying, "I am here, I am here." Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
So as this season approaches with its whistles and bells I hope you hear the voice where the Mighty One dwells -- down deep in your hearts, so nothing can shake the knowledge of his love, given all for your sake.
Merry Christmas from Susie May Warren
_________________________________
Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of twenty-one novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep's Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader's Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota. http://www.susanmaywarren.com/ Check out her Christmas Novella, The Great Christmas Bowl.__________________________________
A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year's Day to see if you won!
12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit http://www.pearlgirls.info/
PinkProductWorld | Hot Pink Stethoscope/Sphygmomanometer Kit | Review and Giveaway
Jennifer at The Dirty Shirt blog is giving away PinkProductWorld Hot Pink Stethoscope/Sphygmomanometer Kit! My two year old has severe asthma and the doctor recommended us getting one so this is a great opportunity for me as well as to spread the word.
Here is part of her blog entry:
Here’s a great clinical aneroid sphygmomanometer kit that will help you take accurate patient data. The kit includes a quality 1″ traditional Sprague 5-in-1 stethoscope in hot pink and an aneroid sphygmomanometer in a special pink ribbon pattern. The kit also includes a large matching zippered carrying case. Great for doctors, nurses or medical students. From Prestige Medical®, one of the world’s leading suppliers of quality clinical equipment and supplies.
The three items in the aneroid kit include:
And I have been given the opportunity to give one Hot Pink Stethoscope/Sphygmomanometer Kit away to one lucky Dirty Shirt reader. Please see rules below to enter to win today. Would make a great gift for a nurse you may know.
To enter and learn more, head over to her blog HERE and find out more!
Here is part of her blog entry:
Here’s a great clinical aneroid sphygmomanometer kit that will help you take accurate patient data. The kit includes a quality 1″ traditional Sprague 5-in-1 stethoscope in hot pink and an aneroid sphygmomanometer in a special pink ribbon pattern. The kit also includes a large matching zippered carrying case. Great for doctors, nurses or medical students. From Prestige Medical®, one of the world’s leading suppliers of quality clinical equipment and supplies.
The three items in the aneroid kit include:
- 1″ Sprague Stethoscope
- 1 Aneroid Sphygmomanometer (0-300mm)
- 1 Sphygmomanometer zippered carrying case
And I have been given the opportunity to give one Hot Pink Stethoscope/Sphygmomanometer Kit away to one lucky Dirty Shirt reader. Please see rules below to enter to win today. Would make a great gift for a nurse you may know.
To enter and learn more, head over to her blog HERE and find out more!
Martha Stewart's Pinecone Elves Project
What an adorable project to spruce up your packages or your trees!
Go here for more information http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/pinecone-elves?xsc=eml_crd_2009_12_19.
Memo to Santa's assistants from Head Elf, Creative Department: It has come to our attention that these elf figurines are a joy to make. All you need are pinecones, pipe cleaners, and other simple supplies (no toy-making expertise necessary). Furthermore, the charming sprites have many applications. They can be used as decorations on a mantel, under a tree, or atop presents. In conclusion, we expect the little guys to be big hits this Christmas.
SproutBaby Twelve Days of TwitterFest: Saturday
Watch as Sproutbaby.com’s youngest helper, 3-year-old Eden and mom Emily tell us about today's deal. Visit http://www.youtube.com/sproutbabyclub for their special video!
Sprout Baby Newest Eco-Friendly Products Review
I was introduced to Sprout Baby's Hair Detangler and was hooked. I tried a bottle as a review compliments of Sprout Baby and since then, I have purchased two more bottles along with shampoo. It's the only product I'm using on my two younger girl's hair for three reasons: 1. It is organic; 2. I love the smell; and 3. It works.
Sprout Baby offered complimentary products in exchange for my honest opinion about the following products. I truly believe in the products by Sprout Baby and I want to raise awareness to others who are looking for organic products for their children. I also like them as they are reasonably priced and I don't mind pay a dollar or two more to ensure what I'm putting on my children is not full of harmful chemicals or additives.
Below are the products that I will be able to review and post on my experiences:
Nature Babycare – The makers of the most eco-friendly disposable diapers available in the market. Nature Babycare diapers consist of 99% compostable material, making them a great biodegradable option to traditional disposable diapers.
The Nature Babycare diapers range in sizes from 1 (8-14 lbs) all the way to 6 (35+ lbs). They also received the Best Disposable Diaper Silver award winner of 2006-2007, Mother & Baby Magazine (UK) recipient.
Features:
Review: These diapers are the best diapers I have tried to date. I've always been a staunch Huggies supporter but these surpassed my expectations. They have a nice woven texture, kept her dry through the night and I love the fact they are naturally made. If children are going to have this product next to their skin 24/7, why not protect them from whatever chemicals they might be absorbing? I wholeheartedly recommend these!
Review: This is a silky soft hydrating lotion with a subtle fragrance and is lightweight, non-greasy which I prefer. I find it annoying to have to wash your hands after applying lotion but this one is not one of those. It is made of organic lavender and geranium and is gentle on all skin types and especially sensitive skin like my two year old has. Due to her sensitivity and allergies, I have to be careful of what I apply on her delicate skin. She was definitely able to tolerate the Better Body Butter with no adverse events. I would also recommend Episencial's Better Body Butter.
Features & Benefits from the website:
Features & Benefits
Features & Benefits
Features & Benefits
They have a number of products and choices to purchase in this line. I'm particularly fond of santizers given my daughter's chronic medical conditions and with the fears of the flu and H1N1, I'm always shouting out to everyone when they come home or sneeze to "SANTIZE!" They roll their eyes at me but I want to ensure I can do what I can to protect them.
REVIEW: I like the bottle in that it's a fliptop so a little one can't accidentally get a hold of it and spray in their eyes or mouth. I didn't like the scent at all. I used it a lot while I was sick and so far, no one else has caught my cold.
Babyganics – A brand specializing in creating cleaning products that are not only baby safe, but also environmentally friendly. These products will clean your house and leave you with a clean conscience.
Kit Includes: The Grime Fighter All Purpose Cleaner (32oz), The Dish Dazzler Foaming Dish and Bottle Soap, The Germinator Foaming Hand Sanitizer On-the-Go (50ml), and The Grime Fighter All Purpose Wipes (25ct).
The Grime Fighter hunts dirt where it lives (and where your babies live too!): high chair, changing table, crib, sealed wood floors, marble counter tops - bring it on! Tough stuff but a softie around the babies! So useful around the house you'll want to strap it to your belt.
REVIEW: The all purpose cleaner was perfect for cleaning up those messes that come with children and husbands (smile). What I liked most about this line of products are they made of natural ingredients so I don't have to worry about harmful ingredients. The odor was not offensive like other household cleaners can be and it did a great job cleaning up the many messes of my two and six year olds. I would recommend this product.
Sprout Baby offered complimentary products in exchange for my honest opinion about the following products. I truly believe in the products by Sprout Baby and I want to raise awareness to others who are looking for organic products for their children. I also like them as they are reasonably priced and I don't mind pay a dollar or two more to ensure what I'm putting on my children is not full of harmful chemicals or additives.
Below are the products that I will be able to review and post on my experiences:
Nature Babycare – The makers of the most eco-friendly disposable diapers available in the market. Nature Babycare diapers consist of 99% compostable material, making them a great biodegradable option to traditional disposable diapers.
The Nature Babycare diapers range in sizes from 1 (8-14 lbs) all the way to 6 (35+ lbs). They also received the Best Disposable Diaper Silver award winner of 2006-2007, Mother & Baby Magazine (UK) recipient.
Features:
- Chlorine-free absorbent materials do not contribute to dioxin pollution
- 100 % natural back sheet
- NO plastic
- 100 % natural distribution layer
- 100 % compostable consumer packaging
- No latex, fragrance, or TBT (tributyl tin)
Review: These diapers are the best diapers I have tried to date. I've always been a staunch Huggies supporter but these surpassed my expectations. They have a nice woven texture, kept her dry through the night and I love the fact they are naturally made. If children are going to have this product next to their skin 24/7, why not protect them from whatever chemicals they might be absorbing? I wholeheartedly recommend these!
Episencial Skin Care – The first company to create an all-natural and fully sustainable skin care line for babies and families.
Review: This is a silky soft hydrating lotion with a subtle fragrance and is lightweight, non-greasy which I prefer. I find it annoying to have to wash your hands after applying lotion but this one is not one of those. It is made of organic lavender and geranium and is gentle on all skin types and especially sensitive skin like my two year old has. Due to her sensitivity and allergies, I have to be careful of what I apply on her delicate skin. She was definitely able to tolerate the Better Body Butter with no adverse events. I would also recommend Episencial's Better Body Butter.
Features & Benefits from the website:
- Organic olive oil, shea butter, and sunflower seed oil to restore natural skin lipids. Helps prevent cradle cap and scaly skin. Both my girls still have issues with cradle cap so I'm highly anticipating this one! Since I've been using the shampoo and detangler, it's non-existent in my six year old.
- Organic lavender and geranium oils to sooth and calm the skin, as well as preserve product freshness.
- Calming oat extract also boosts skin immunity.
- Organic jojoba and avocado oils to help replenish essential fatty acid levels for proper hydration.
Features & Benefits
- Fortified with vitamins A, D, and E to help preserve skin balance and restore skin health.
- Tea tree extract and 20% zinc helps to prevent and treat mild to severe skin irritation or rash on any part of the body. For girls and boys. Another benefit that I can't wait to try!
- Organic aloe vera and calendula extracts to minimize redness and promote healing.
- Organic olive oil, shea butter, and grape seed oil to restore natural skin lipids and sooth itchy, irritated skin.
- Gently seals out wetness and germs to protect the skin surface.
Features & Benefits
- Organic aloe vera, coco butter, and shea butter, for soothing protection from dry, chapped skin. My six year old has a terrible time with her lips especially in the winter and going outside for recess. I'm anxious to try this one.
- Zinc SPF 6 for healing protection from sun, wind, and pollution.
- Fortified with vitamins A, D, E, and C to help restore and repair skin balance and texture.
- Packed with organic raspberry juice, cranberry extract, and grape seed to revitalize skin.
Features & Benefits
- Protects sensitive skin with natural minerals zinc and titanium (no nano-particles).
- Milky texture creates a protective layer with no harsh chemicals and minimal white residue.
- Fortified with organic green tea extract to prevent sun-damage. They both can use this on their lily white skin. My English mom passed on her almost see through white skin so the girls are sensitive. This is also good as it doesn't get too cold in Georgia to allow the girls to go outside and play from time to time.
- Organic sesame, safflower and avocado oils to moisturize and nourish the skin.
- Beeswax and organic shea butter increase water resistance and sun protection without the use of petroleum or chemicals.
Cleanwell – The environmentally friendly company creating green sanitizers perfect for fighting those pesky germs, and keeping your family clean and healthy.
They have a number of products and choices to purchase in this line. I'm particularly fond of santizers given my daughter's chronic medical conditions and with the fears of the flu and H1N1, I'm always shouting out to everyone when they come home or sneeze to "SANTIZE!" They roll their eyes at me but I want to ensure I can do what I can to protect them.
REVIEW: I like the bottle in that it's a fliptop so a little one can't accidentally get a hold of it and spray in their eyes or mouth. I didn't like the scent at all. I used it a lot while I was sick and so far, no one else has caught my cold.
Babyganics – A brand specializing in creating cleaning products that are not only baby safe, but also environmentally friendly. These products will clean your house and leave you with a clean conscience.
The Grime Fighter hunts dirt where it lives (and where your babies live too!): high chair, changing table, crib, sealed wood floors, marble counter tops - bring it on! Tough stuff but a softie around the babies! So useful around the house you'll want to strap it to your belt.
REVIEW: The all purpose cleaner was perfect for cleaning up those messes that come with children and husbands (smile). What I liked most about this line of products are they made of natural ingredients so I don't have to worry about harmful ingredients. The odor was not offensive like other household cleaners can be and it did a great job cleaning up the many messes of my two and six year olds. I would recommend this product.
Don't forget SproutBaby's 12 Days of Twitters for extra special savings!
NOTE: I was not financially compensated for this post. My review will be based on the complimentary products provided by Sprout Baby for the review. No other compensation was provided.
NOTE: I was not financially compensated for this post. My review will be based on the complimentary products provided by Sprout Baby for the review. No other compensation was provided.
Valentine's Day Gift Guide & Giveaway 1/25
Click on the links to be taken to the post with the giveaway information or find more information on the gift pack giveaways below.
Click on text to open post.
Gifts for Her
Jewelry
Sleepware/Robes
Bath & Body
Flowers
Perfumes
Other
- Eden Fantasys
- Zazzle
- Chocolate: A Love Story Recipe Book
- Tassimo Hot Beverage System
- Personalized Fortune Cookie Recipe
- Green Mountain Coffee Sampler
Gifts for Him
Chocolate
Techie
Wine
Bath & Body
Sleepware/RobesOther
- Eden Fantasys
- Zazzle
- Chocolate: A Love Story Recipe Book
- Tassimo Hot Beverage System
- Personalized Fortune Cookie Recipe
- Green Mountain Coffee
Gifts for Children
- Sprig Toys
- Zazzle
- St. Eve's Children's Cozy
- Personalized Fortune Cookie Recipe
- Fashion Playtes (Design Your Own Clothes)
- Customized Lollipop Valentine's Day Card Holders
- Tiny Trees Boutique Pendant
- Beautiful Dresses, Shirts and More at AdorableBabyClothing.com
Want to be a part of the Valentine's Day Gift Guide and provide a review and/or giveaway?
Contact me at staying_younger@yahoo.com for more information!
Current Giveaway Packages:
Click on the "Gift Pack" name to enter the giveaway.
- Two Customized Chocomize Chocolate Bars
- $25 Zazzle Gift Certificate
- Chocolate: A Love Story Hardcover Recipe Collecton
Gift Pack 2:
- Skinfood Skincare Three Products
- $25 Kmart Gift Card
- 1 Mini Bottle of Estee Lauder Sensuous
- 1 Mini Bottle of Wild Honeysuckle
- 1 Mini Bottle Pure White Linen
Gift Pack 3:
- Sprig Toys Adventure Dino Set
$10 Walmart Gift Card- St. Eve's Pink Children's Cozy
Gift Pack 4:
$25 Eden Fantasys Gift Card- Sterling Silver Marcasite and Onxy Pendants
- $25 Gift Certificate to Fashion Playtes (2 winners)
- Tiny Trees Boutique Pendant (of choice) and $10 Shutterfly Gift Card
- Green Mountain Coffee Sampler - 3 Pack
Stay tuned for more giveaways, reviews and ideas! Items will be added to gift packs as they come so you never know, a gift pack might end up with more items for each lucky winner!
Need Holiday Ideas, Tips and Recipes? Try PartyBluePrints.com
Through my partipation with TwitterMoms and Twitter, I kept seeing Dawn's name pop up with ideas and tips for parties on her's and Elizabeth's website PartyBluePrints.com. When I first went to her site, I was in awe as it's so professional and appealing that it draws you in to learn more. I'm a party person and have always had a passion for becoming a party planner but never had the right moment in my pharmaceutical career to make the switch over. So until then, I'll enjoy my unprofessional life planning my parties with PartyBluePrintsBlog.com's help.
If you want to leave the blog, you can visit PartyBluePrints.com for even more help planning your party. One thing I did find about this site, you can take out all the work that goes into party planning by taking advantage of signing up for the Eparty Plan. Everything you need to plan the perfect party is at your fingertips in each Eparty Plan. Plus, they have included lots of "click and buy" options for the products you need. As a first time buyer, you get 50% off your first purchase.
Here are the choices you can choose from:
*Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation for this honest review. I have not tried the recipes yet but will at Christmas.
Here is the first example I'm referring to: Misteltoe Kisses in Chocolate - The Kissletoe! What child or chocolate crazed woman would not LOVE this? It's easy to make and the directions are simple. To make this yourself, just go here http://www.partybluprintsblog.com/party-themes/4-the-kids/mistletoe-kisses-in-chocolate-the-kissletoe.
There are a host of themes you can choose from and for this holiday season instead of using Martha Stewart's, I'm going with PartyBluePrintsBlog.com. My menu will include the following wonderfully appealing recipes:
Appetizer: Spinnach and Red Onion Canape- Main: Glazes to Amaze - Christmas Ham!
- Sides: Kick the Can” String Bean Casserole, Scrumptious Sweet Potatoes
- Desert: Sugar Plums, Red Velvet Cupcakes & Swirl Brownies
If you want to leave the blog, you can visit PartyBluePrints.com for even more help planning your party. One thing I did find about this site, you can take out all the work that goes into party planning by taking advantage of signing up for the Eparty Plan. Everything you need to plan the perfect party is at your fingertips in each Eparty Plan. Plus, they have included lots of "click and buy" options for the products you need. As a first time buyer, you get 50% off your first purchase.Here are the choices you can choose from:
- CHOCOLATE TASTING PARTY
- LADIES' SHOPPING PARTY
- WINE TASTING AND DINNER PARTY
- WINE TASTING
- VENETIAN COCKTAIL PARTY
- PIZZA BARBEQUE PARTY
- BABY SHOWER/SIP & SEE
- "A DAY FOR HER"
- TROPICAL SUMMER BBQ
- GUYS ONLY GET TOGETHER
*Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation for this honest review. I have not tried the recipes yet but will at Christmas.
12 Pearls of Christmas: He is Always Enough
Christmas in a Barnby Mary DeMuth
The Christmas of 2006 we were homeless. We didn't have keys. Not to a car, not to a home. We'd flown halfway around the world, leaving behind a ministry we toiled over. Much, particularly in our hearts, lay in ruins.
Some friends had a camp, and on that camp stood a barn. In the corner of the barn was a tiny apartment, flanked by this caboose and hundreds of acres of Texas pasture. We'd never been there before, so we followed directions at night, making plenty of wrong turns.
When we found the place, we drove a borrowed car over the cattle guard toward what would be our home for a month. String lights illuminated a small porch, a window and a door in the corner of an aluminum-sided barn. We hefted large pieces of luggage to the apartment.
And when we opened the door, Love welcomed us.
The place, usually completely unfurnished in the winter, was decked out with just the right amount of beds, couches and tables. The pantry was full. We had dishes and garbage cans, and cups and forks and food. But even more, we had a Christmas tree. Friends had hijacked the place, decorating it for Christmas. Cookies preened on the table.
I will never, ever forget that Christmas. We had so little. We felt the painful burden of failure. But we were loved, so terribly and wonderfully loved.
Christmas felt right there, in a barn. We heard the nickering of horses, the meowing of kittens, the clop of hooves against the barn floor. Chickens and goats and cows served as a holy object lesson of the incarnation. Although we were warm and clothed, we understood more keenly the Savior's homelessness, how He left the splendor of heaven for the sodden earth. We experienced barnyard life alongside him, without much to call our own except our Heavenly Father and our sweet family.
He was enough, that Christmas. And He will always will be.
________________________________________________Some friends had a camp, and on that camp stood a barn. In the corner of the barn was a tiny apartment, flanked by this caboose and hundreds of acres of Texas pasture. We'd never been there before, so we followed directions at night, making plenty of wrong turns.
When we found the place, we drove a borrowed car over the cattle guard toward what would be our home for a month. String lights illuminated a small porch, a window and a door in the corner of an aluminum-sided barn. We hefted large pieces of luggage to the apartment.
And when we opened the door, Love welcomed us.
The place, usually completely unfurnished in the winter, was decked out with just the right amount of beds, couches and tables. The pantry was full. We had dishes and garbage cans, and cups and forks and food. But even more, we had a Christmas tree. Friends had hijacked the place, decorating it for Christmas. Cookies preened on the table.
I will never, ever forget that Christmas. We had so little. We felt the painful burden of failure. But we were loved, so terribly and wonderfully loved.
Christmas felt right there, in a barn. We heard the nickering of horses, the meowing of kittens, the clop of hooves against the barn floor. Chickens and goats and cows served as a holy object lesson of the incarnation. Although we were warm and clothed, we understood more keenly the Savior's homelessness, how He left the splendor of heaven for the sodden earth. We experienced barnyard life alongside him, without much to call our own except our Heavenly Father and our sweet family.
He was enough, that Christmas. And He will always will be.
Mary DeMuth writes fiction and nonfiction. Her latest book, A Slow Burn released in October and she has a memoir entitled Thin Places coming out in February of 2010. You can meet her: http://www.marydemuth.com/, http://www.thewritingspa.com/, on Facebook and Twitter!
__________________________________
A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year's Day to see if you won!
12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit http://www.pearlgirls.info/
SproutBaby Twelve Days of TwitterFest: Friday
Today's Twitterfest deal from SproutBaby.com is 40% off Books! Simply follow @sproutbabyclub on twitter and purchase using this link: http://bit.ly/6FMuVZ.
Watch as Sproutbaby.com’s youngest helper, 3-year-old Eden and mom Emily tell us about today's deal. Visit http://www.youtube.com/sproutbabyclub for their special video!
Great Gift Idea for Your Little Designer: FashionPlaytes & Special Offer
If you have a little fashion designer or a girl who loves to design their own clothes, FashionPlaytes is the perfect gift idea anytime. The great thing about FashionPlaytes is if you haven't found that perfect gift for Christmas, you can buy now and give the gift without being late! The gift certificate, never expires, will allow her to design her very own work of art to wear.
It's so simple to create and for this example, I'm choosing The Fiona:
- Choose your garment
- Choose the size (ranges in sizes of 6 to 14)
- Select color (fuschia or turquoise)
- Customize it with great choices of ribbons
- Add the unique flare with rhinestone sets
- Include any of the amazing choices of appliques
Girls can design their own skirts, blouses, handbags and so much more! They pick out the style, color, embellishments such as ruffles, ribbons or bling and with the click of a mouse, they've put together an outfit. A girl can even put her own name on the label which is such a cool way to personalize and make them feel special.
They can share their creations with friends virtually and the company will make the dress as designed for purchase.
My six year old LOVES this site and I can't wait to have her order her first item. I wanted to have her test it out before we bought anything so this will be a great surprise at Christmas.
Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter for free shipping and other offers.
Thanks to FashionPlaytes and TwitterMoms, you can act now for your own special offer:
Get $15 off your first purchase at Fashion Playtes!
Use the code TwitterMom15 at checkout.
http://www.fashionplaytes.com/lp1?f=twittermom15
Expires: 2010/02/01
*Disclaimer: I have not received anything for this blog post. I am entering to win a $25 gift certificate from FashionPlaytes.
Buy.com Deals on SpongeBob Digital Media Player $19.99 & More
Buy.com has some great sales with free 2 day express shipping. Go here for the details and here is a sample of the great deals:
SpongeBob SquarePants: Npower Fusion
My Horse and Me (Wii)
- 1GB Digital Media Player, 2.2" QVGA Color
- Screen w/ Image Viewer
- SAVE 80%
- FREE BUDGET SHIPPING
- Buy.com price: $19.99
- List price: $99.99
WowWee RoboRover
- SAVE $20.00
- FREE BUDGET SHIPPING
- Buy.com price: $49.99
- List price: $69.99
- SAVE $18.00
- FREE BUDGET SHIPPING
- Buy.com price: $11.99 (limited stock)
- List price: $29.99
12 Pearls of Christmas: Faith, Hope & Love
The Pearls We Pass Down
by Holley Gerth
Ten years ago my Grandma Frances went home to heaven in her sleep just before Christmas.
My Grandpa carefully handed me a brightly-wrapped box on Christmas morning and said, "This is her gift. Now I want you to have it."
I opened the lid slowly and tears came to my eyes as I saw a lovely string of pearls.
My Mom gently helped me fasten them around my neck. As I ran my fingers over each one, I thought of my Grandmother and all she taught me through her life...
At age twenty-nine, my Grandma contracted polio and learned she would never walk again. She had a husband, two little girls, and a future suddenly very different than she imagined.
A pastor came to visit her in the hospital. He said, "Frances, this can make you bitter or better." She often told that story with a sparkle in her eyes as she said, "I chose better." I learned through her example that faith is a choice and with God we can thrive through anything.
HOPE
My grandparents took a leap of faith and started the first Christian bookstore in their city with a small kiosk in the center of a mall. Over the next few decades that little kiosk grew into a large and successful store that touched countless lives.
Many of my favorite childhood memories are of curling up in the back room with a stack of books. My Grandma taught me hope is like a small seed and, watered with prayer, it can grow into a huge blessing for many.
LOVE
For fifty-six years my grandparents shared a life together. I adore these two pictures because one is taken when they were dating and the other just a few weeks before she died. The twinkle in their eyes is still the same-and that's not easy in this world. They faced their share of challenges, like my Grandma's disability, but always got through them together.
My Nana also loved her family deeply. When I went to college, she often wrote notes to me and signed each one, SCTH (Stay Close to Him). She showed me love is a commitment that begins with Christ and then overflows to everyone else in our lives.
I still miss my Grandma Frances, especially this time of year. Sometimes I pull out her string of pearls and hold them in my hands. Then I think about how we're all creating our legacy as we live. And while the difficulties we face may seem hard to understand now, God can turn each one into beauty that blesses our family for generations.
Holley Gerth - Cofounder of (in)courage, editorial director for DaySpring, author of Rain on Me, wife of Mark, lover of Jesus, friend to YOU.
Visit Holley at Heart to Heart with Holley or follow her on twitter as @HolleyGerth.
by Holley Gerth
Ten years ago my Grandma Frances went home to heaven in her sleep just before Christmas.
My Grandpa carefully handed me a brightly-wrapped box on Christmas morning and said, "This is her gift. Now I want you to have it."
I opened the lid slowly and tears came to my eyes as I saw a lovely string of pearls.
My Mom gently helped me fasten them around my neck. As I ran my fingers over each one, I thought of my Grandmother and all she taught me through her life...
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13
FAITH1 Corinthians 13:13
At age twenty-nine, my Grandma contracted polio and learned she would never walk again. She had a husband, two little girls, and a future suddenly very different than she imagined.
A pastor came to visit her in the hospital. He said, "Frances, this can make you bitter or better." She often told that story with a sparkle in her eyes as she said, "I chose better." I learned through her example that faith is a choice and with God we can thrive through anything.
HOPE
My grandparents took a leap of faith and started the first Christian bookstore in their city with a small kiosk in the center of a mall. Over the next few decades that little kiosk grew into a large and successful store that touched countless lives.
Many of my favorite childhood memories are of curling up in the back room with a stack of books. My Grandma taught me hope is like a small seed and, watered with prayer, it can grow into a huge blessing for many.
LOVE
For fifty-six years my grandparents shared a life together. I adore these two pictures because one is taken when they were dating and the other just a few weeks before she died. The twinkle in their eyes is still the same-and that's not easy in this world. They faced their share of challenges, like my Grandma's disability, but always got through them together.
My Nana also loved her family deeply. When I went to college, she often wrote notes to me and signed each one, SCTH (Stay Close to Him). She showed me love is a commitment that begins with Christ and then overflows to everyone else in our lives.
I still miss my Grandma Frances, especially this time of year. Sometimes I pull out her string of pearls and hold them in my hands. Then I think about how we're all creating our legacy as we live. And while the difficulties we face may seem hard to understand now, God can turn each one into beauty that blesses our family for generations.
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Holley Gerth - Cofounder of (in)courage, editorial director for DaySpring, author of Rain on Me, wife of Mark, lover of Jesus, friend to YOU.
Visit Holley at Heart to Heart with Holley or follow her on twitter as @HolleyGerth.
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12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit http://www.pearlgirls.info/
12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit http://www.pearlgirls.info/
