Tis the season for giving gifts to the ones we love while we celebrate the birth of Christ. Choosing a meaningful gift that embodies the reason for the season can be a daunting task. At least, I used to think so, but then I found Abide from Guideposts. Abide has faith inspired gifts that are specifically curated to bring joy to both the giver and recipient.

I hope you will check out their website and peruse the beautifully designed mugs, inspiring journals, meaningful jewelry, and delightful candles. You are sure to find the perfect gift to lift and encourage your spirit and you know the recipient will feel the same.

SAVE NOW

Now, you can find the perfect gift and save 20% on your entire order when you use the discount code SOCIAL20 during checkout.

I want to let you know about a beautiful Cross Gift Set I was sent that lifted my spirits. This gorgeous cross is part of the Hold Onto Hope Cross Gift Set. This uniquely textured cross shares the encouragement of Numbers 6:24, 26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face
shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and
give you peace.” Be inspired by the great love that God has for His children
and His desire for us to have goodness and peace in our hearts.

Beyond the meaningful cross, the gift set includes the, For I Know The Plans Fabric Journal: Write down all your goals and dreams in the hand-lettered “For I Know The Plans I Have For You” Cool Grey and Gold Fabric Journal. Inspired by Jeremiah 29:11, this chic notebook is the perfect place for me to write down motivational notes, inspirational quotes, lists, and my best ideas. This elegant desk accessory will inspire and delight whether you pick one up for yourself or several to share with your family and friends.

Giveaway:

Our sponsor is offering a $10 Amazon Card for us to use in a Giveaway. The Giveaway is is limited to US winners only and you need to enter NOW because the winner is randomly drawn on December 14th. Winner will need to have their information to us by December 15th or a new winner will be drawn. Good Luck!!!

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Many of us want to find a Bible that our kids find easy to read and understand. If you are the parent of a child with dyslexia, choosing a Bible can be even harder. That’s why I am so excited to share the Grace Bible for Kids with you, and best of all it is dyslexia friendly. Having dyslexia should not keep kids from reading the Bible and with the the CSB Grace Kids Bible, it doesn’t have to.

The CSB Grace Bible for kids comes in two different cover choices. You can choose the beautiful blue, leathertouch cover or a colorful conventional cover. Open this beautiful Bible up and you are sure to be impressed by the innovative features and academically tested typeface, layout, and design principles. These principles include distinct letter forms and added space between letters, words, lines, and paragraphs. You can see it for yourself and learn more at CSBGraceBibles.com

Created in partnership with 2K/DENMARK and Cambridge University, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids is designed to enhance readability for kids with all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges.

The Bible comes with special-colored page overlays created by Cambridge University’s research department are included to further enhance visual processing.

Dozens of study helps are also inserted throughout the Bible to expand kids’ Bible knowledge and connect them to the people, places, and events they are learning about. This Bible is something your kids will grow with as they grow closer to Christ and God’s word.

Check out the features below from the publisher’s site.

FEATURES:

• Inclusive Grace typeface, layout, and design
• ​Enhances readability for all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges
• Unique, colored page overlays included to further enhance visual processing
• Complete text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB)
• 40 insert pages with study helps and maps to help connect kids to Scripture
• Bible skills checklist and summaries of Bible books and divisions
• Large, 11-point type size
• Durable Smyth-sewn, lay-flat binding
• Black letter text
• Ribbon marker
• Presentation page for gift-giving
• 6” x 9” page size

Part of what makes the CSB Grace Bible for Kids so special is the readable, faithful-to-the-original text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB’s optimal blend of accuracy and readability makes it a trustworthy, easy-to-understand resource for kids to study and memorize today—and to live and share for a lifetime.

A Truly Meaningful Gift

This is such a great Bible, so colorful and easy to understand. What good is a Bible if your kids don’t want to read it because they can’t navigate it easily or comprehend what they are reading? With Christmas coming, how perfect would the CSB Grace Bible for Kids be for a meaningful and lasting present. Imagine wrapping up God’s word for the child or grandchild in your life. You can order your copy of CSB Grace Bible for Kids Today!

Giveaway:

We are excited to be running a GIVEAWAY for 1 Copy of CSB Bible For Kids. You can enter below for your chance to win. This is limited to US winners only. Good Luck!!!

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Wow! Black Friday might be over but here are some great deals ahead of Cyber Monday.

Vera Bradley Deals Galore!

Essential Backpack in several patterns/colors only $24.99. Regular price is $115.00. Click HERE for the DEAL.

Large Weekender Bag only $49.99. Regular Price is $195.00. Click HERE for the Deal.

Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum now $279.99, quite a savings off the regular price of $519.00. Click HERE for the Deal.

Disney X Kate Spade New York Minnie Mouse Earrings are only $14.25 with code BLACKFRIDAY. Click HERE for the Deal!

Gourmia All-in-One 14-Quart Air Fryer, Oven, Rotisserie, now only $50.00. Click HERE to get the DEAL.

Bella Classic Rotating Waffle Maker only $15.99. Click HERE for the Deal.

Protocol Sarasota Hardside 5-pc. Luggage Set just $74.99. Regular price is $400.00. Click HERE for the DEAL!

Koolaburra by UGG Wiona Melange Sherpa Throw is now $19.99. Click HERE for the Deal.

Many people have no trouble saying they follow Jesus, but what does that mean? If Jesus is an afterthought in your life, is he really a priority? Jesus should be the number one priority in our lives. Sadly, most would say our actions don’t show that. “I Surrender All” by Priscilla Shirer will help you to move beyond being a believer and become a disciple of Jesus.

Discipleship is not easy, it is a daily choice to lay down your life and follow Jesus. However, the author tells us that the few believers who do this will experience the abundance only a surrendered life can offer.

This book guides you and gives you meditation points, spaces to write, and of course things to pray about. Below you can enter a giveaway to win your own copy of “I Surrender All”. You can check out the book on Amazon. You can also see more on the publisher’s website.

From bestselling author Priscilla Shirer comes her latest work calling readers to radically follow Christ, encouraging them to not fear what following Jesus might cost them, but to fear what they are missing by withholding anything from Him.

Giveaway:

Giveaway: 1 copy of I Surrender All
Lifeway Christian Resources is sponsoring a giveaway and will send a copy of “I Surrender All” to a randomly drawn winner. Winners must submit their info by 11/29 or will be disqualified. Open to US Residents Only. Enter Below. Good Luck!!!

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I was thrilled to be selected to review the new film Lost on a Mountain in Maine. This movie is based on an incredible true story set in 1939. The film has the same name as the book about the inspiring story of a twelve-year-old who is separated from his father and brothers on a hike. His unbelievable will to survive for nine days on his own in hazardous conditions is beyond amazing. Sylvester Stallone who most of us know from the Rocky movies is the producer of this film.

From the start we are able to see that something is consuming the father/husband, Donald Fendler. It is evident that his boys are crying out for his approval, affection and time. In fact, at the beginning they are looking forward to going on a 2-week fishing trip.

The twin 12-year-old boys, Donn and Ryan, are coming of age and feeling their oats. They get in a few scuffles before being called into dinner where their father announces that they will not be able to go on that fishing trip because he has to work. At this, one of the twin boys, Donn, is very upset. His father says that they can go on a hike instead for a couple of days. This does not sit well with Donn and he is already resentful of the time his dad is away working.

Buy tickets today to see Lost on a Mountain in Maine in theaters
starting November 1st!

On their way up the mountain with the son of a friend guiding them, the weather starts to change. At one point, Don says that they are not dressed for this and must head back down the mountain. Donn is very upset and tells his father that he wants to go on ahead. Donn persuades his father to let them go up twice the mountain with their guide and his father heads back down the mountain with their younger brother.

The weather gets worse and the boys get into another scuffle during which Ryan tells Donn if he wasn’t so angry that maybe their father would be around more. At that, the weather turns fierce, Donn runs off and things get chaotic. We next see dad and younger brother waiting for everyone to return. Ryan returns and tells his dad that they lost Donn.

For the next 9 days, we see how this 12-year-old boy endured incredible pain, and treacherous conditions. Donald tells his wife that he told the boys if they were ever lost in the woods to remember 3 things, never lose your head, always follow a stream and always press on. Donn remembers those three things and it saves his life.

Ruth Fendler, the boys’ mother jumped into action making calls with Ryan to the newspapers and other organizations. Before long their are volunteers from all over helping with the search. We hear from locals about how people in Maine come together and how they count on their neighbors. We also see clips of Donn’s friend, brother and mother talking about their feelings at the time.

During his time in the wilderness, Donn realizes how much he misses and cherishes his family. He also recounts how he misses his dad’s bedtime stories and how sad he was when his dad stopped reading to them. He felt bad that his dad started pushing them to be men. Meanwhile Donald tells his wife how he regrets not scooping his boys up when he returned home from work that day. He says they were so happy to see him and instead they shook hands because he wanted them to be like men. He told his wife he had failed them and she told him that he didn’t. He said he wanted a second chance.

Donald got that second chance when Donn is found. We see clips of the real life news stories and photos. We see photos of the twins at 90 celebrating a birthday. We see Donn talking about how he survived an over 80 mile trek through the mountains of Maine.

If you are looking for a movie that shows the unbelievable will to survive against all odds, this movie will not disappoint.

Enter a giveaway below for your chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card.

Giveaway is open to US Residents.

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I had the chance to watch the movie White Bird today. White Bird is a deeply moving coming-of-age story and a testament to the courage it takes to extend kindness and love during the harshest of times. White Bird’s message of kindness is so needed, especially today.

WHITE BIRD is the right story at the right time. From the best-selling author of
WONDER, the book that sparked a movement to “choose kind,” comes the inspirational next chapter.

The movie begins at a private school in New York. A teenage boy named Julian seems out of place on his first day. He is seated alone at an empty table in the cafeteria. When a girl comes by with her lunch tray and asks Julian if anyone is sitting with him, he barely acknowledges her. It is not long before a boy comes by and says he knows Julian’s family and tells him that he is welcome to sit with them because he is sitting at the loser table. After the boy walks away, Julian says nothing to the girl.

Julian rides the subway home with his hood on and earphones in. He appears angry and uninterested in anything around him. Arriving at his upscale apartment on Park Avenue he barely acknowledges the doorman. When he arrives inside, he is surprised by his grandmother who is visiting from France. They sit down to dinner together.

Julian’s grandmother reminds Julian that he is in a new school because he was expelled from his old school for being mean to another boy. To get through to him, the grandmother, played by Helen Mirren tells her grandson the story of her life in France. The movie flashes back to show the captivating story of a young girl with two professional parents, living comfortably to one hiding in a barn when the Nazis invaded France.

We learn that, you can forget many things but you don’t forget kindness. Julian is the boy that hides a young Sara away and visits her every night to share imaginative adventures. Sara is an artist and her sketch book was taken from her when she went into hiding. Julian sees the book, takes it from the headmaster’s office and returns it to Sara. Another boy sees him and follows him with others who beat Julian to a pulp. This kind gesture brings Julian tremendous pain.

This is a story of light in the darkness. It is a warning of how the darkness of the past should never be repeated. I would highly recommend this film. It is an amazing film choice to share with your family.

Buy your tickets now to WHITE BIRD, in theaters October 4!

Giveaway:

Enter below to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card. (We can only accept US winners who haven’t won via another bloggers’ giveaway for this campaign)

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Living in beautiful New York State is such a blessing. With our busy lives, we sometimes don’t take time to smell the roses or admire the changing fall colors. I was thrilled to be able to take an 8 hour cruise with my family this past Sunday.

The weather was overcast and drizzled a bit at times but it did not dampen our spirits. We boarded our Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise from Pier 83 in midtown Manhattan and set sail on an amazing Oktoberfest journey up the Hudson River Valley to Bear Mountain State Park.

On board we had an informative tour guide who told us all about the Little Red Lighthouse, Washington Irving, Sing Sing Prison and so much more. While we cruised our Premiere tickets entitled us to all the yummy treats and drinks we wanted before a meal of authentic German food. If you like beer, this is the cruise for you and you can sip your choice from collectible, souvenir mugs.

We had a great time when we docked at Bear Mountain State Park for a couple of hours. We had a nice hike up to the Bear Mountain Zoo. There was also a small farmer’s market, the Bear Mountain Inn and a lake to explore.

Back on board it was time for our dinner of Pork Schnitzel or you could choose Bratwursts with a variety of side dishes. There were pizzas, chicken fingers and other options at the concession stand as well as huge Bavarian pretzels.

Hot cider and cider doughnuts, fresh fruit cups, yogurt parfaits and so much more were available. Hot coffee was so good and always brewing where we could help ourselves. Tubs of ice cold water bottles and orange juice were always available in our Premiere seating area.

Live music was amazing and we met so many wonderful people. It was such a fun-filled day and we learned so many things about the great state that we live in. We are so grateful that we had rgw the opportunity to cruise and explore with The Circle Line. It was the ideal combination of fall scenery, great food, good music, and Oktoberfest fun. If you would like to book your ticket, just click HERE.

Disclaimer- We were provided with tickets for our cruise from The Circle Line. My views and opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. Thank you to The Circle Line.

God has a purpose for your life in this moment. You have a part to play in what He is doing in the world.
But knowing why you are here starts with knowing who God says you are. The Life in Christ Bible invites you to embrace your identity and purpose as you:

• Discover why you matter-not because of anything you do, but because you are
  made in the image of God.
• Explore how the gospel of Jesus Christ makes you a new person.
• Learn how who God says you are changes how you think, speak, work, and
  move through the world.
• Order your copy of The Life in Christ Bible today!
• Embrace your purpose as you discover why you matter, how the Gospel makes you a
  new person, and learn how that changes the way you think, speak, work, and move
  through the world.

I was thrilled to receive a copy of The Life in Christ Bible. It is a beautiful Bible with a easy-to-read comfort print. The Bible contains 70 articles addressing 16 identity focused topics. There are 100 encouraging quotes and 17 charts. The book introductions that feature identity-related themes and topics. Check out the video below for a closer look.

You can get your own Life in Christ Bible HERE.

Giveaway: Harper Collins Christian Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway. One lucky blog reader will win their own Life in Christ Bible. Enter for your chance to win below. Good Luck!!! Open to US Residents.

Life in Christ Bible Giveaway

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