NOTE: Announcing the winner of this past weekend’s Thanksgiving Giveaway- (a Fear-less and Thank-ful CD by Lysa TerKeurst and some Pecan Passion Bath & Body Works Lotion)……… It is:

mommieakin; timestamp: November 26, 2009 at 8:09 pm

Congrats and please email me your home address at karen@proverbs31.org so I can get your prize to you right away!

Okay everyone……I could barely sleep last night.

Not only was I coming off of a great weekend with the sweet ladies I met during two nights of a gorgeous Advent by Candlelight event at St. Lorenz Church (In the most Christmas-sy town ever I might add– beautiful Frankenmuth, Michigan ) but today…..we kick off the second annual 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!!!!

I can hardly sit still.

This giveaway began as an idea for introducing you to the other members of the Proverbs 31 Speaking Team. They are my sisters in ministry, some of my most fervent prayer companions, and sometimes, even my partners in crime! I usually see most of them only once a year at our annual team time in July so featuring them here at Christmas is such a blast for me!

There are 23 of us on the team. Last year, I featured 12 of the gals. That leaves 10 more (not counting me) to feature this year. Hmmmmm….two spots left. Not to fear, these will be filled with the wonderful and capable Holly and Leah, personal assistants to two of the team, our President Lysa Terkeurst and her P31 radio-co-host Renee Swope.

Well enough chit-chat already…here is how this giveaway series works:

• Starting today through December 11th, you’ll be introduced to a different P31 gal each day by way of a short interview.
• Each of these ladies will be offering a giveaway. Leave a comment on their particular post if you want to be entered to win their prize.
• The winners will not be chosen until all 12 posts are up. So that means you have nearly two weeks to read and comment on all of the posts. Of course if you read one each day and leave your comment then, it is way more fun–kind of like s-l-o-w-l-y opening your gifts on Christmas morning rather than ripping them all open in a hurried frenzy. However, I know you are slammed with a lot of things at this time of year. I’d hate for you to ignore your family or miss out on that low-price deal at the department store just to read this blog! So, you will have until midnight EST on Sunday, December 13th to leave a comment on any of the 12 posts and thus, be entered. That means you not only have these next 12 days, but the Saturday and Sunday immediately following to get all caught up and entered. The winners will be announced  Monday, December 14th.
• Have fun and read on!

For our first day of Christmas…..meet a lovely, warm, genuine and totally Jesus-lovin’ gal; my sweet southern bell of a friend, Amy Carroll!

Amy  is a completely an ordinary woman. The goofiest things make her laugh. Her brother’s dry sense of humor, British comedy, her boys’ corny jokes and her husband’s play on words all crack her up. Amy’s scared of bouncing a check, closed in places and pictures that show her double chin. Just about anything makes her cry. She cries when she’s happy, sad, moved (even by Hallmark commercials) or in awe of something God has done.

Amy’s married to Barry, the man that she still loves madly after 19 years.  Her two boys, Anson and Nolan, are her delight. Boredom is a non-issue in this male-dominated household, so she adopted a little girl—her miniature dachshund, Hilde. They reside in North Carolina.

Here’s a little something that Amy says about herself, “There’s only one thing that may set me apart from any woman that you pick off the street. I have an extraordinary desire to know God and to apply His word in my everyday life. Isn’t it funny that my one extraordinary trait has nothing to do with me?! On my journey down the path, I often falter and fumble around, but I’m in love with a God who is faithful to pick me up, dust me off and set me moving forward in the right direction.”

Now for our interview:

Amy, fill us in on what life is like at the Carroll household this Christmas season.

Our life is very full with school, work and church, even under normal circumstances.  December can tend to get out of control!  In the past few years, our family has tried to become very intentional about the Christmas season.  We want to work to preserve “white space” on our calendar where we can focus on the meaning of Christmas and time with our family.  It’s tough to know when to say “no”, but we’re trying to say “yes” to the important things.

Can you share a tradition your family has enjoyed over the years?

One of our favorite traditions centers around our book basket.  I taught elementary school before the kids were born, and I LOVE children’s books.  I started collecting Christmas books years ago, and we try to add one or two every year.  The book basket has actually become a book tub!  It contains everything from children’s versions of the story of Jesus’ birth to “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” (we’ve got a fun hillbilly version and a Cajun version of that famous poem, too!)

My boys are 15 and 12, but they still love picking out Christmas stories and reading them beside the light of the Christmas tree at night.  Last year, the first book that they picked was Merry Christmas, Amelia Bedelia!  I just loved that my big ‘ole boys still have the heart of a child about the season.

What is your favorite Christmas memory from your childhood?

When I was in elementary school, my craft-loving mom made a gorgeous advent calendar out of felt.  Each tiny piece is hand-cut, and she did some embroidery, too.  My brother and I would get so excited about that calendar every year, and every year we’d argue about who got to take the baby Jesus out of His pocket on Christmas morning to tuck into His felt manger.  Real sweet, right?!

When my brother and I had our children, she made a copy for each of our homes.  Our kids love this tradition as much as we did, and I still hold my breath every morning to see what comes out of the pocket—the train, the gingerbread man, the lamb….

Is there a Christmas song that holds a special memory for you? Why?

Music is really important at my house.  Barry, my husband, plays the sax, Anson plays the French horn and Nolan plays the trombone.  I appreciate all the beautiful sounds!

I have a current favorite Christmas song that I have listened to all year this year.  It’s Casting Crown’s version of “God is With Us”.  Every time I contemplate Emmanuel, God with us, it awes and stills my heart.  I rejoice at the words, “God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel.”

You are offering a great giveaway today to one of our cyber sisters. Can you tell us about it?

I have a love/hate relationship with Christmas shopping, and I’ll bet many of you do, too.  So....I’m giving away a $10 gift certificate for a coffee break at Starbucks when your feet get sore. I’ll also include a copy of my Christmas message “With” as a reminder of God’s tremendous love and sacrifice in coming to be with us. I wish all my cyber friends Merry Christmas and pray that you are embraced by His presence in this joyful season!

Thanks Amy!!!

Okay ladies…leave us a comment today answering any of the questions that Amy was asked in the above interview. Or, if time is short or your brain is already drained (even though December doesn’t start until tomorrow!) just say “I’m in!” You’ll be entered to win Day One’s prize!

Christmas Blessings,

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” Philippians 1:3-4

I do. I thank my God every time I remember you.

Some of you I know very well. Others of you I met once at an event or retreat. Many I have gotten to know only by your screen name as I read your comments. Still others of you have lurked around this site, peeking in once in a while, yet never commenting.

That is okay. I still thank God every time I remember you.

In my prayers, I pray with joy for all of you. (For “y’all, if you are in the south )

I rejoice that somehow, our paths have crossed.

I rejoice that we can connect over  the week due to this tool called the Internet.

I rejoice when I see you hop on and leave a comment.

I rejoice even more when one of you hops on to encourage another; someone you have never even met.

You have refreshed and encouraged me by your very presence here. For I know your time is precious. You have families and jobs to do, at work or at home; you have responsibilities and time commitments….and dirty laundry and dishes. So I am thankful each time you carve out a minute to stop by.

Really I am.

To show my gratitude, I want to give you a chance to win two sweet gifts. Not the sugary, fattening kind. These two gifts will sweeten your life.

Your waistline however, will be unaffected.

First, I am giving away a copy of a teaching CD by my sweet friend and our Proverbs 31 resident President Lysa TerKeurst.

It is called Fear-less and Thank-ful. In this message, Lysa asks the questions, “What if you had the confidence to face anything that happens? What if you knew that good could come out of any circumstance?”  Well, as a wife to Art, mother to five children, and committed ministry leader, this gal is no stranger to the fears that women face. This encouraging message will strengthen your faith in God as Lysa shows how to:

• Reduce controlling fear by placing your deepest desires into God’s hands.
• Embrace a sense of worth by realizing your desirability to Christ
• Apply proven biblical examples to modern-day decisions
• And make your walk with God an exhilarating journey

And ladies, this is not just a “pie-in-the-sky-three-point-slick-yet-spiritual-message” given by someone who happens to be a good speaker. This gal doesn’t just give this message. She lives this message. I know. I am close enough to her to vouch for it. Experiencing it will help you too, shifting your perspective from fear to faith.

Secondly, and just for some Thanksgiving-time fun, I’ll be sending along with the CD a bottle of Bath and Body Works Pecan Passion body lotion. Thick, creamy, and oh-so sweet-smelling. I’m talkin’ the  ”if-you-are-married-don’t-put-it-on-if-you-haven’t-got-time-for-your-hubby” kind of sweet smelling. It will drive him crazy and he’ll be suddenly in the mood for a little….well…shall we say horizontal fellowship? Trust me. I know.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.  

Tell us one thing you are thankful for. It can be just one word.

You’ll be entered in this ‘sweet’ give away if you do.

NOTE: Be sure to join us Monday as we kick off the second annual 12 Days of Christmas giveaway. Each day one of my P31 sisters will be featured and will be offering way cool gifts just for you! See you then!!!

Thankfully Yours,

NOTE: If you haven’t yet read yesterday’s post and entered a comment to win either Sylvia Lange’s Pure Christmas CD or the advent devotional along with her single CD of Have Yourself a Blessed Little Christmas, there is still time. The winners will be chosen at midnight EST. Click here for the post.

How is your Christmas shopping coming? Started yet? Been doing some on-line browsing and buying? Waiting for Black Friday when you’ll arise at the crack of dawn, grab a cup of coffee and head out with the rest of the crazies to shop until you drop…..(hopefully not a lot of money)?

Now I’ll admit, I am one of the crazies. Been doing it for many years.

I have fond memories of the time about 10 years ago, when my friend Sharon and I communicated by walkie-talkie (before either of us had cell phones) as we divided  and conquered.

When the doors burst open, she headed to the Rescue Heroes, I to the Crock Pots. She grabbed a Rocky Canyon for her son and a Jake Justice for mine. I secured three crock pots for assorted aunts, sisters and such. She then proceeded to the less-than-half-price sweats while I nearly got killed as I quickly and firmly grabbed the last digital camera. All the while we kept the lines of communication open as we searched for the best deals.

I tell you….it is like opening day of hunting season for women.

We stalk. We spy. We bag our prize.

Then, we head home with our “kill” loaded in the trunk and back seat.

Much neater than having it strapped on the top of our roof like the he-man hunters do.

So you Mid-Michigan area ladies, if on Friday you see me at Biggby coffee around 3:30 or 4:00 am, please stop and say “hi”. We’ll chat it up and have ourselves a good visit.

However, once the opening bell has rung, if you see me at an area store….smile and wave and stay outta my way!!!

Just kidding. I actually still attempt to model Jesus to the world, even on Black Friday. It’s caused me to miss out on a few items when I, along with another customer, were both reaching for the last item on a pallet.

Jesus sweetly whispered to my heart, “Be kind, Karen. Let them have it.” So I did, releasing my greedy grip on said item.

Oh, except for that whole digital camera thing. See, I only heard Jesus say the “Let them have it” part, which, in my haste, I thought sounded like “Let ‘em have it!”

So I did…snatching up that more-than-half-off gem for my then pre-teen daughter who soooo wanted a digital camera for her “Gold” gift (explanation below)

Yes, I grabbed and clutched that last electronic gadget with a swift move and a quick turn.

In a Christian sort of way, of course.

Enough rambling. There is a point to this post. I wanted to offer another idea from my workshop The Holidays; A Time to Bless, Not Stress. It is about simplifying the gift giving process for your kids and other loved ones.

While my husband and I have made many mistakes and missteps in the rearing of our brood resulting in some “I wish we could go back and do that all over again” feelings, there is one decision we have never regretted.

That is our decision as brand new parents to simplify the Christmas gift giving and NOT spoil and splurge and give into their every whim going into debt in the process.

Every year since Kenz was born over 18 years ago, our kids have received these at Christmas:

• One thing to open on Christmas Eve –usually pj’s, slippers, a stuffed animal to sleep with—something they can use right then as they try to fall asleep with all the excitement.
  
• In the morning, there is a stocking full of treasures and treats.
• And then, they open their three gifts from us.

Yep…. that is not a typo. I said three. That is all baby Jesus received- remember gold, frankincense and myrrh? When they were younger, the categories were: one thing to play with, one thing to read and one item to wear.

Now over the years, we have heard about others doing this idea, often with a twist. So we morphed this tradition into a gold gift, a frankincense present and a myrrh package. Here is the concept:

GOLD– this, like gold,  is a highly desired item; precious; maybe even pricey (thus my shenanigans on Black Friday–trying to secure the best deal)

FRANKINCENSE- Because the real frankincense was burned during prayer and arose heavenward, the gift in this category is something that will draw them closer to God. Perhaps a new Bible, a book series, a CD or tickets to an event or concert (Hey a little TobyMac draws me closer to God too. Did you know his new CD releases soon…hint, hint, family!)

MYRHH- This is a burial spice used to cover the whole body. So the myrrh gift does the same thing. It goes on the body. In past years this has been rain boots and a new coat for Kenz, a hunting jumpsuit and camo boots for Mitch or Spence’s favorite Detroit Tigers player jersey.

Now, I will admit, like most moms, I still struggle with the spoiling thing. It is in our nature. I do well with the three gifts. It is their stockings that sometimes overflow. That is where I have to try to limit myself.

So, if you see me out on Friday and there are too many stocking stuffers in my Target cart, feel free to pick some out for your kids.

Especially if you were the lady I creamed earlier trying to grab the last one!!!

Bargain Hunting Blessings,

Oh girlfriends….I have been so excited to introduce to you one of my all-time favorite people in the world! I first met her about 8 years ago when she and her group Crimson Bridge were the musical guests at a Hearts at Home conference. She won my heart instantly with her passion for God, genuine interest in people, love of leading (and ability to model) true worship and most of all her quirky, witty way.

Oh yeah….and she has a rich, gorgeous singing voice. I could listen to her music for hours– and sometimes do! I even had the honor of singing back-up for her once at one of her concerts a few years back when she was in my neck of the woods. One of her regular gals couldn’t make the trip so she gave little ‘ole me the chance to join her.  I nearly needed a Depends, I was so excited!!!! And she asked my then preteen daughter to sign one of her songs in sign language at the close of the concert. In fact, Sylvia often served as a godly role model/mentor for Kenz during her junior and senior high years and still holds a special place in her heart. Yep, in a day and age of fakes and frauds in the entertainment and music industries, Sylvia Lange is the real deal.

Living in San Diego, California with her husband Wolf (yes—she really is married to a man named “Wolf”! How cool is that?) and their brood of animals, Sylvia is a step-mom of one grown daughter. She leads a women’s Bible study and serves in the worship ministry of her own home church, The Rock. (Oh…and is it just me, but doesn’t she kinda-sorta look like that female CNN anchor that I see while on my treadmill sometimes in the morning…Heidi somebody??)

Enough rambling… meet my  fantabulous friend, who is offering some cool give-aways today! And she has a fantastic Christmas story about a famous Christmas song and her connection to it…read on….

Sylvia, tell us a little bit about what life is like at your house these days.

Well, life’s a little nutty at the moment because we’ve just started our holiday tour season and I’m gone a whole lot right now.  Although I really do miss my husband when I’m gone, I love it and appreciate God for letting me do this in this season of my life.

Music is such a huge part of your life and ministry, how did you first start singing? Music has always been a big part of me from as far back as I remember as I came from a very musical family.  My dad taught me how to hear harmonies at a very young age and always encouraged me in my singing.

You have a story about a special person in your life that wrote a very famous Christmas song. Tell us about it. A man I call “Uncle” Hugh wrote one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time.  Uncle Hugh lives not far from me and is currently 95 years young and is still writing music!  In his heyday, he was a very prolific Broadway songwriter in the 1940’s and 50’s who wrote many shows, the most popular of which was “Meet Me In St. Louis”, starring Judy Garland.  In that show was a little song that went on to be a big hit for him. The song is Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Now, that song has a new, updated version that focuses on Christ, right?

Yes, much later in his life Uncle Hugh made a decision to believe in Christ and he says his life was turned upside down from then on.  Many years later, he rewrote his own popular Christmas song, this time with new sacred lyrics which described the real Reason for the Season: Jesus Christ.  That song is called Have Yourself A Blessed Little Christmas.

I understand since I saw you last  you’ve come out with a Christmas CD. What is it like?

I released a new full-length Christmas CD last year that I am very proud of.  Not only is the new sacred version of Uncle Hugh’s song on it (with him at the piano!), but it also includes some traditional Christmas songs done in a non-traditional way, many of which have a Celtic flair.  I like to listen to it all year long! If you’d like to take a listen, you can hear clips here. It is also available on iTunes.

You are offering a few awesome giveaways to our cyber sisters today, what are they? Well, I am giving away one copy of the Pure Christmas album to one winner and then a second winner will get a single of the song Have Yourself a Blessed Little Christmas packaged together with a 25 day “preparing for Christmas” advent devotional designed to get your heart in the right place and focused on the essence of Christmas- Christ!

Thanks for visiting with us today, Sylvia!

You are so welcome!

Okay ladies—here’s the deal: If you’d like to be entered into a random drawing to win either the Pure Christmas CD or the devotional package, leave a comment by midnight EST Tuesday night. The winners will be chosen and the gifts shipped out right away, especially so the devotional winner can begin using the book on December 1st! And the CD winner certainly will want to listen to those beautiful tunes while wrapping gifts and sipping hot cocoa!

You may leave a comment telling us how you focus on Jesus during this hectic time leading up to Christmas or, since I know you all are busy with Thanksgiving preparations, simply leave a comment saying “I’m in!” and list whether you’d prefer to win the Christmas CD, the devo package or both!

Monday Blessings,

Attention Michigan gals: Anyone care to attend a wonderful Advent by candlelight event next weekend for FREE????

I will be speaking both nights to wonderful ladies in the fabulous and totally-”Christmassy” town of Frankenmuth, MI and you can come too! So grab a friend, plan to shop in this quaint village known as Michigan’s Little Bavaria or hit the nearby and HUGE Birch Run Outlet mall, and then end the night with this candlelight event. I hope to see you there!!

Below is a special invite for you from the event’s coordinator and fellow Weight Loss Wednesday member Pam.

Nov 28 & 29, we’re holding our 12th year of Advent by Candlelight—kind of a tea party to honor and focus on Jesus’ birth.  Seeing lots of conflicts in schedule for the Saturday night, so we have plenty of room!

We believe in inviting others to our event; you need not be a member of our church (or any church) to attend or even to host.  There is no admission charged, but if you like, you can throw some $ in a pot for kids who have aged-out of foster care.   Target audience is ladies high-school age and older.  Our program this year?  Karen Ehman!

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.  Program runs around 7-8 pm.  Dessert served afterward.

We’re in Frankenmuth, Michigan, a wonderful place to be at Christmastime!   We have individual seats open and are even willing to build new tables either on our own or with your help.  Praying we’ll fill the gym!  Let us know if you’d like to come.  My email is fitzmuth@hotmail.com.  Hope to see you! Pam

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!” Psalm 34:8 a

With all the talk here on my blog lately about food and calories and the counting thereof, I thought we’d chat today about a different kind of tasting. This one does not leave you hungry for food or craving unhealthy carbs and sugars.

Oh, no.

Instead it fills your heart and satisfies your soul.

I am referring to forging a real, honest, and intimate relationship with the God who created you. 

While many people, even those in Hollywood, talk about matters of faith or mention their “spiritual” side, do they really understand what it means to have a personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus?

I know for years before I gave my life to Christ, I thought being a Christian meant you strictly followed a list of “don’t”s. Like that old silly cheer we used to chant “We don’t smoke or drink or chew and we don’t go with guys who do”

Boy, was I wrong.

You see, it is easy to follow a list.

It is brainless.

You just find out what is on the “do list” and do it.

Then you carefully check the “don’t list” and avoid those behaviours. 

Ta Da!!! Instant “good girl” (aka Christian).

Unfortunately, it just isn’t that easy.

Or should I say “Fortunately”?

You see God was not content to make us robots who follow a list. No, He longs to have a life-giving, close friendship with us; to allow us to get to know Him and His character; to see Him work in fantastic ways as we daily discover the plan He has laid out for us. He wants to take us on a wild ride of faith! (For more info on how to enter into a real relationship with God, click here.)

And it all begins with tasting. Yes, tasting and then discovering that the LORD is good.

I had my first taste at 16 when I was challenged to read the Bible for myself. Although I was willing to try, I hadn’t a clue where to begin. Then someone gave me a devotional. It had entries that told a little story, asked a few questions and all tied into a verse or two of the Bible. Through reading it, I received direction and came up with a plan; a plan that became a habit; a habit that has now become a lifeline.

This week I want to encourage one of you to “taste and see that the LORD is good.”

Perhaps you’ve never tried to read the Bible.

Or maybe your Bible reading has been sporadic.

Maybe you haven’t ever attempted to have a relationship with God.

You might even think all this “Jesus stuff” is for the birds.

That is okay. I only want to challenge you to “taste”.

Then, I want to give you something to help you taste. I know if you do, you’ll see that He is good.

I am giving away a copy of the Proverbs 31 Devotional book God’s Purpose For Every Woman by general editors Lysa TerKeurst and Rachel Olson, along with a fun and funky “Hot Chocolate” notebook for recording Bible truths you discover, a cd of the English Standard Version of the Bible’s book of Romans narrated by Max Lucado a $5.00 Starbucks card and 7 Dove dark chocolates.

I want you to eat one chocolate each day for a week.

After……you have read a devotional entry for that day.

I’ll bet the time with God will be even sweeter than the chocolates.

Now, in order to be entered in this giveaway, leave a comment today on one of two topics.

• Either tell us why you haven’t ever read the Bible consistently or have steered clear of spiritual things.
• Or, if you are already follower of Christ and doing fine in the Bible-reading category, tell us who you’d give the giveaway to if you won and why. (You have permission to keep the Starbucks card for yourself! )

The winner will be announced later this week.

Taste and see…. you won’t be sorry.

Sweeter-than-Chocolate Blessings,

Time for another tip from my holiday seminar. This one is an annual tool I can’t live without!

There are only 6 weeks left until Christmas and lots to be done by moms everywhere. One idea that has helped me over the past ten years is a holiday notebook I crafted to keep all of my important info in one place. You might want to set one up this weekend. Here is how it works:  

Setting Up a Holiday Notebook 

Purchase the following:    

• a one-inch, three ring binder with a clear cover pocket to slip a scrapbook page or picture collage in
• a three-hole punched 8 1/2 X 11 inch plastic pocket with Velcro closure
• a three-hole punched 8 ½ by 11 inch calendar for November-December (easily found on most computers)
• seven tab dividers 
• five or more clear page protectors
• notebook paper

First, take a snapshot of your family or make a scrapbook page to slip down in the cover of the binder.

Next, set up your notebook in the following order:

*The plastic pocket to keep holiday receipts in. No more lost receipts!

Keep receipts in a pocket with velcro closure

*One tab labeled: Calendar 

*Calendars for November-December

         Record target dates for tasks such as addressing Christmas cards, decorating the house, purchasing the tree, shopping  and wrapping presents, writing thank you notes, etc…. You may want to record each family member’s holiday activities in different colors.

*One tab divider labeled: Family Gifts

Here you can use notebook paper to record what items you purchase for your immediate as well as extended family.

*One tab labeled: Other Gifts

Use paper in this section to record gifts to purchase or make for teachers, coaches, neighbors, friends and others in your life. Think in quantity. Why not give the same thing to all of the neighbors, teachers, etc… Simplify, Simplify, Simplify!

*One tab labeled: Christmas Cards and Mailings

In this section keep addresses on paper of those you will mail cards or packages to. Or use a few clear page protectors to hold address labels if you are printing them up on your computer.

*One tab labeled: Decorating Ideas

              Behind this tab, place several page protectors designed for you to slip in  magazine clippings. Look for decorating, centerpiece and tree trimming ideas you might want to try.

Keep your yummy recipes in this section

*One tab labeled: Holiday Food

              Here record your family’s favorite holiday recipes or tuck in some you’ve found in magazines or newspapers in a few clear page protectors. You can use full sheet protectors or ones designed to hold 4 x 6 photos. They fit recipe cards perfectly!

*One tab labeled: Thank You Notes

              Record  on paper any gifts received for which you need to write a thank you note.

Using this notebook as an organizational guide can help to alleviate holiday headaches and keep everything in one central place. However, you might want to hide it from your offspring who can read. They might snoop at the gift section!

Happy Organizing!