Wouldn’t you agree that it’s very easy now to stay connected?   Between blogs, facebook, twitter, and email we can know a bunch of information in a short amount of time.   With this quick finger approach I feel we are losing an oldie and goodie…sending a card.  I love going to a card shop, seeing all the rows of cards.  Some funny, romantic, some with words of encouragement, there’s thinking of you, thank you and congratulations!   I enjoy reading through the words, pondering what they say, sometimes laughing my head off and praying over who needs to read and  hear them.  Who could could use some encouragement or just a smile through a card? I purchase the ones I feel led to get and take them home.  I always know of someone who could use the blessing of a card.  We all have something going on in our lives whether it’s a marvelous moment or a trial.  Words of love written in a card can speak volumes to someone’s heart and soul!

Once home I get a blue ink pen (that’s another post, I am addicted to blue ink pens and yellow highlighters), sit with my choice of warm drink and start writing.  I love to feel the joy in my heart thinking that I could brighten and bless someone’s day.  I have sent many, many cards and feel it is sorta a ministry.  I would rather send a card then an email.  It’s more personal.  There is a novelty in it.

I admit I enjoy sending a card because I really enjoy getting a card.  To know that someone took time out of their day to write me a note is so thoughtful.  To know you are thought of, brighten’s your day!

There have been many times in my life when a card is just what I needed.  In tough times when I was in despair…a card in the mailbox from a friend or family member telling me I will get through it.  Joyous times, our wedding, the birth of one of our girls…a card congratulating us on our treasure.   Birthdays…a card from someone celebrating with me  the day God delivered me to earth.  Then there are those cards that are the “just because” cards.  LOVE them…no reason for one, but someone cared enough to send one.

Dayspring has beautiful cards.  Their cards come in many varieties and I love that they have  scripture inside of them.  To give someone God’s truth is such a gift.  I was recently asked to review the “SIMPLY MARVELOUS” card pack.  I want to disclose Dayspring gave them to me free to review and that all opinions stated are my own. Take a peek…can I just say that these are fun and pretty!

This assorted pack of cards features messages of encouragement, friendship, and birthday greetings.   I can’t wait to sit and go through each one of them, pondering over who I want to send one too.  So friends, be looking in your mailbox, your day could be brightened!

Here is an email that’s been making the rounds. How does it strike you?

 Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we flipped through it several times a day?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it?

What if we gave it to kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?

What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go….hmm…where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing.

Unlike our cell phone, we don’t have to worry about our Bible being
disconnected, because Jesus already paid the bill.

Makes you stop and think ‘where are my priorities’?

And no dropped calls!

Something to think about as we head into a new year!

Jesus is our gift, come let us adore HIM. Let us be like the wise men, continually seeking and worshiping HIM.  Like the shepherd’s, rejoicing with gladness, God came in human flesh.. because he loves US!

You kids have made them. You know, the list. The list of things they have to have for Christmas. The things that if they don’t get them their world could potentially stop spinning. Our daughter’s lists are pretty simple for now. Natalie is somewhat hard to buy for. She get’s alot of clothes, hair accessories, nail polish and lotions. Girl stuff. She does love books on CD’s so she gets those too. Phoebe is still at that age where she is playing with dolls and toys. No big “gadgets” on her lists right now..yeah!! She want’s doll accessories and Furry Frenzy toys. She also asked for more games for us as a family.

So my question to you, what’s on your list? My hubby just asked me what I wanted last night and I have to say I could only come up with a robe..seriously a robe. I was at a loss for words, which doesn’t happen often. So from one gal to another, what are you asking for. This could help me out with some ideas. My sister said jewelry and I do want a new silver necklace…hmm.   I don’t need any books, have a pile I need to read. Got slippers, got perfume, although I might ask for some new perfume.

I do have another list. A list in my heart. A list of things I pray for over my marriage and my family. A list I talk over with Christ regarding my own heart. A list I give to Him. Only he can and did purchase things on this list. Only he can be the giver of things on this list. The list contains, peace, kindness, gentleness, self-control and joy. I pray he gives me  the things on that list. I pray that I can slow down and marvel in the miraculous season of Christmas. I pray I can see, really see Jesus at work daily. I pray that I am a good servant with what he has blessed me with and that I step in to help those in need when I see it. This season is such a wonderful chance to be the shinning lights we are called to be.  So, take those lists  while you are out in the craziness of shopping for the much wanted things and  SHINE!

Matthew 5:16
New International Version
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

I hope that everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving.  I hope to get some pictures out soon.  Our’s was grand…we had family, food and fellowship.  Doesn’t get better than that. 

I wanted to share a couple of “fun finds.”  Everyone remembers the 1980′s family sitcom Full House.  Remember the girl that played “DJ?”  Well her name is Candace Cameron Bure and she has a new online magazine.  Here, let’s refresh your memory:

Here  she is today,

Her new online magazine is called Roomag.com.  Be sure to check it out.  She has compiled a bunch of fun contributors and many topics that apply to us as women, wives, and moms.  Fashion, food, fitness, faith, fun!  Sounds good to me!!

The other fun find is with Karen Ehman,

This is such a fun way to start the Christmas season.  Karen highlights a friend each day, asking questions about Christmas memories, food, activities and so on.  All you have to do is leave a response and you could win a special surprise!   We all like to win things, and we like tips and ideas so this easy as pie! 

I hope you take some time out of your crazy, busy day, grab something warm and fun to drink and look around at both of these fun finds.  You could win something! 

I really enjoy having my home feel cozy.  With Thanksgiving next week and Christmas coming upon us, I thought it would be fun to share how we make our homes feel warm and inviting. 

I love to have a fire in the fireplace and classical music playing in the background.  I almost always have a candle or tart burning and a tea kettle ready with water for that yummy cup of warm tea, hot chocolate or cider.  Blankets drape my couch and I have a fun winter novel and devotional on the side table.  I enjoy having many of our nightly meals from the crock-pot and yummy apple or pumpkin treats ready for an evening treat. 

There is just something about this time of year.  I love the idea of getting cozy with a good book, snugly throw, and a cup of something warm.  Time to read, rest and rejuvenate our souls. 

So how do you make your house a home?

To all the service men and women, WE SOLUTE YOU!!  Thank you for keeping our country safe and for the sacrifice you and your families make.  May God pour down blessings on each one of you. 

My husband and I recently went to see COURAGEOUS the movie.  Can I just say, incredible.  It has such a good story line and message that has you crying, laughing, cheering, and is very thought provoking.  I encourage you to go see it.    Find out more information about it  here. 

Our sweet, caring friends at Dayspringhave come up with an entire collection that accompanies  the movie.  I love that they have created products that can take the movie  from the big screen to our homes.  They have created mugs, cards, t-shirts and this beautiful print that is the message of the movie.  Great gifts for the great men in your life.   (Oh, a disclaimer, DaySpring gave me  the free product to review and  all opinions stated are mine.)

Courageous Resolution PrintEncouraging Card Pack

Here is the cool thing….you have a chance to win the very things pictured above.  Just leave a comment about how you encourage the men in your life.  The 7th person that leaves a comment wins.  Deadline for comments is Friday October 28th at 2pm EST.   Thank you Dayspring for being so generous!  You must have a U.S. mailing address to win.