11th Day of Christmas Giveaway….with Suzie Eller
Published December 10, 2009
On the 11th Day of Christmas….. you get to meet one of the newest members of the Proverbs 31 speaker team! Oh, I think you are going to love her as I do. (If you are just joining us in our 12 Days of interviews and giveaway goodies, click here to get caught up. You can enter to win the prizes on any of the 12 posts until midnight EST on this coming Sunday, December 13th.)
Suzie Eller and I have known each other for years. We both speak at Hearts at Home conferences and first became friends years ago as we chatted at our book tables or shared a quick lunch between sessions. I soon learned what you are about to discover: she is a treasure.
Suzie has a zest for life, a deep love for God, a knack with teens and hurting women and excels at all things ‘techy’. She even taught yours truly how to Twitter — or is it Tweet?– when we were roomies at last year’s P31 She Speaks Conference.She is friendly and stinkin’ cute, with a love of fun and funky shoes to match! Suzie really is an incredible woman with an incredible life story. (If you have time, click here to read it. Especially if you come from a difficult childhood. You won’t be sorry!)
Now, meet my friend Suzie! (And check out her FABULOUS giveaway!!!!)
T. Suzanne Eller (Suzie) is the author of several books and hundreds of articles. She’s been featured on TV and radio programs, sharing her story of overcoming faith and living free. Suzie is married to Richard, a guy she still loves like crazy, and is mom to Ryan, Leslie, and Melissa and her much-loved in-law children, Kristin, Stephen, and Josh. She lives in Oklahoma. You can learn more about her at: http://tsuzanneeller.com
Suzie, can you share a tradition your family has enjoyed over the years?
My kids are in their twenties, and married. The traditions are more important than ever—for them! We have become the “hub”. It still feels strange that we are now the hub, when our parents used to be that for us when our children were younger. We have several traditions. We always have a special breakfast. All the guys cook while Christmas music plays. Richard reads the Christmas story from Scripture and we pray together as a family. Then we open presents one at a time. There is tons of laughing, teasing, and genuine fun during the opening presents. Presents are personal. A lot of thought is put into the present.
How do you intentionally focus on Christ in the midst of all the flurry of activities that happen in December?
18 years ago I found out I had cancer. Now that’s a bummer way to start this story, but that period of time taught me a lot. It taught me what was important, and what was not. I learned to slow down and savor life and people and moments, rather than trying to have an elegant dinner or picture perfect Christmas. We still have great foods and there are lots of pictures and memories, but the atmosphere is relaxed and focused on Him, and each other.
What has been your most memorable Christmas as an adult?
Growing up was hard because my family was chaotic, so every Christmas with my children and Richard seem super special. Last year Kristin (my DIL) was in the kitchen dancing playfully. My SIL Stephen was joking with Richard nearby. Melissa and Leslie were tucked close, just talking, and Ryan was telling a story to whoever would listen. Music played in the background. That’s home to me. That’s family. So every Christmas that I have with these very special people is memorable.
What activities do you most look forward to doing with your family at the holidays?
Playing ping pong, playing Wii, Apples to Apples, and cards.
You are offering a great giveaway today to one of our cyber sisters. Can you tell us about it?
Four (FOUR!) of my books:
- The Woman I Am Becoming
- The Mom I Want to Be: Rising Above Your Past to Give a Great Future
- Making It Real: Whose Faith is It Anyway?
- Real Issues, Real Teens: What Every Parent Needs to Know
(Click here for the descriptions of Suzie’s books.)
WOW! Thanks for the great giveaway Suzie, and thanks for hanging out with us today!
Here we go, gals. If you want to be entered to win Suzie’s books, leave a comment answering this Christmas shopping question: Since Suzie is very tech savvy and I am a store shopping nut, do you prefer to shop at the stores while braving the crowds or on-line while at home in your jammies?
Do tell….
Shop-til-You-Drop Blessings,
94 Responses to 11th Day of Christmas Giveaway….with Suzie Eller
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I mostly prefer to actually purchase the gifts myself. I’m a bargain shopper & like the control of being able to see it in person! I have bought some of my gifts online though if they’re a game, book, or other item that I know I can get at a better deal online.
I’m definitely an online shopper! So much easier, and I usually find better deals.
Once I have those few “must have” gifts, I love the stores. It’s probably the only time I intentionally spend in stores. Plus I get to say Merry Christmas to everyone I meet.
I would rather buy online than face the crowd. But if I have lots of time, then being out isn’t too bad.
Suzie, thank you for sharing this: “I learned to slow down and savor life and people and moments…” Moments ago I just finished writing the following to a friend: “I am feeling so overwhelmed these days. I’m looking at all that must be done, basically in the next week or sooner, and the pressure I’m experiencing is unbelievable. I know some of it is expectations I have placed on myself – I mean, I didn’t HAVE to send 150 Christmas cards complete with a Christmas devotional. I didn’t have to purchase gifts for so very many people outside my immediate family circle. I don’t have to say ‘yes’ to every invitation offered…and the list goes on. My ‘train’ is travelling at a pretty quick pace and the moment of ‘jumping the track’ is getting close as I feel the momentum mounting. Needing to take a seat and allow the Conductor to slow it down so I can enjoy the sights, sound and Savior at this precious time of year.” How I need that reminder you gave of perspective. Thank you.
Suzie’s book “Real Issues, Real Teens” had a tremendous impact in the life of a very dear friend of mine. She found herself lost with a prodigal son, and the Lord had Suzie on a television show the day my friend was desperate for help. I know the Lord is using Suzie’s ministry greatly.
How do I like to shop? Early! I enjoy going to the malls, but not when the rush is on. I’ve been about 98% done for a long time.
Thanks for this encouragement today,
Joy
I like to shop in the stores and on online. It depends on my mood. There are times when I want to be in the middle of the busyness of it all and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. There are other times when I want to turn on Christmas music, have a cup of tea and enjoy the quiet (if the kids aren’t around
) of shopping at home.
I would love to read Susie’s book The Mom I want to Be. I have enjoyed reading Susie’s blog.
I like on-line shopping but I really do like the hustle and bustle, decorations and Christmas music at the mall. I don’t like shopping when I’m under pressure to find things but when I can just walk around, enjoy the surroundings and smile, I really enjoy it.
Thank-you to Suzie for her wonderful gift. I love to read and I’m sure I would thoroughly enjoy any of these books. My girlfriends and I operate our own ‘library’ of sorts, so it’s always nice to add new books to the mix.
I actually prefer to shop online in my jammies or sweats, however I like to check things out in the stores first so that I can physically see the item(s). But…then it’s fun to go back home and find a better deal online (I almost always do) – except maybe for on Black Friday.
Online!
I dislike shopping with crowds but if its clothing, I like to see it first hand. As a mom of 4 kids on a very limited budget, I definitely get better deals online for non clothing items.
I love reading Suzie’s blog and her passionate zest for life. The title of her mom book resonates in me, actually all her book titles sound wonderful. Thank you Suzie for such a generous giveaway.
I like going to the stores before Thanksgiving, but after that I prefer to shop online. I will however, brave the stores for the Day after Christmas sales!
I love both! I love the crowds and the hustle and bustle, but there’s nothing like Amazon & Ebay!
I do both, depending on what I’m shopping for. I like to be out during Christmas to wish others a Merry Christmas. Suzie, thanks for the great give-away.
I perfer to shop at the stores. That way I can look at the item and be sure they will work for my family.
It depends on what I am shopping for…I like to shop online at my convenience, but if I need to make sure I have it in my hands in time I will go out shopping.
Before I had children I loved to go shopping at stores. But it’s not so fun with children in tow, so for now online has to do. Thanks for such a wonderful giveaway, hope to win!
I love to do both! Shopping online means i don’t have to brave the cold weather, but i also like to get out and go see what the stores have to offer right then! I try to start super early so i don’t have to fight with many crowds.
Thanks for higlighting Suzie! I kow her, and she is just a jewel! She has inspired and changed my life!
I actually do both. I do some shopping online, but also shop throughout the year. I rarely shop the week of Christmas, because I am already finished. Not crazy about crowds, unlike my husband who loves to shop on Black Friday.
I do some of both. I enjoy going to the mall but try to avoid the really busy times. My least favorite thing about mall shopping is the parking lot! My husband and I often go shopping on his day off so that’s fun but we are usually in a rush to make it home by the time our kiddos get off the bus so sometimes if I have a lot of power shopping to do I go by myself and then i don’t have to hurry quite so much and I can shop for my hubby’s surprises too!
I do my shopping in store. My sister and I pick a day and we spend a day shopping. Then my husband and I go shopping together. I love the time that I get to spend with them.
I prefer to shop online. The crowds at the mall or in stores are just too much for me.
I like to shop online. Except for clothes, that is. Have to try stuff on.
I would rather shop online, but sometimes I wait to long and have to go fight the crowds.
Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your 12 Days of Christmas, Karen!
I enjoy both! I love going shopping with the Christmas music playing and the decorations in the stores…it just always seems that everyone is in a good mood. But, having three small children doesn’t really allow for much, um, peaceful shopping so I also enjoy perusing stores and sales online, in my jammies, while sipping my coffee and listening to Christmas music via Itunes.
Suzie and her family are dear friends of mine and my husband’s and in case anyone is wondering, her family really is as wonderful as she makes it sound. I was also privileged to get to help her write The Woman I Am Becoming and hope that it is a blessing to whoever wins it!
Thank you for offering this wonderful prize! And Merry Christmas!
Definitely shopping in the stores is my favorite. I actually love the “hustle and bustle”.
I am split down the middle on this issue. Before Black Friday I did a lot of shopping online. The women in my family always go shopping on BF and then I usually just have a couple things here and there to pickup after that.
Gotta love all types of shopping, but I typically shop based on where the best deal is. Your books sound wonderful!
I like to shop on black Friday for the deals. I look at the fliers on Thanksgiving, make my list of stores and deals, and shop from about 9am-2pm. I do not like the huge crowds so this is usually a good time for me. I like to be done early in the season. I also like to shop online for some things.
I shop for the best deals. Typically, I’ll find the item online and figure out the lowest price. I’ll venture out to the stores to see if I can find it for less. I end up doing a little of each.
I have so enjoyed reading all about the great women at Prov. 31!
I like to go to the stores and hand pick a gift, give it thought and make sure it is just the “right one”
Terry
http://pink-itsmorethanjustacolor.blogspot.com/
In the stores I like to shop online and go to the store to buy because you don’t have to pay shipping.
I have shopped online for Christmas gifts for the first time…it’s been great because so many places offer free shipping and the items have actually been cheaper than purchasing them in a store! So I’ve loved it…but am heading out to do a few last things in a local mall tomorrow..that’s fun too. I read Suzie’s story just a few minutes ago and so enjoyed..and so appreciate it because I grew up with very similar circumstances.
iIlike to do both. My favorite, though, is when I’m not intentionally shopping for anyone and find something I know somebody would love.
A little of both. I love being able to start my shopping by looking online. It helps to be able to determine what stores carry what I am looking for when I go out shopping. I order some of the things online, which makes it nice to not have to go from store to store to find a certain gift, but it is still nice to go out with the purpose of enjoying the holiday season. I don’t think it would be the same to do it all online, but the web certainly takes some of the pressures off!
I’m an online in my jammies girl!!! I dislike crowds and the pushing/shoving.
Thanks for introducing me to such a wonderful woman.
HI–I like to do both–there are some things like “lots” of legos on ebay that I can’t get in the store. I love to make each present special–sometimes that is easier than others. As people get more and more, that gets harder and harder. I’m glad my family has switched to gift exchange where we do one present each. Then we can really stop and focus.
I like the “feel of the product” that the stores offer me; however, I really do prefer the ease of online shopping!
Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca
SHOPPING!!! I LOVE to go get the gifts myselt if at all possible. I think the whole experience is great….even if sometimes the lines are crazy, some of the people are rude and parking is a nightmare. (There, did I talk anyone into it?!)
My twin sis is my favorite person to shop with and people watch with. I like bargain hunting too….if there’s a better deal online, sure, I’ll order it online, but I’d rather go to the mall or Target, Kohl’s, or another store.
I prefer doing the shopping myself. I love the decorations at the mall and the crowds don’t bother me too much. If the lines are too long, I’ll come back later! I’ve ordered items online that I can’t find anywhere, but shopping at the store is more fun, in my opinion.
I love shopping and finding personal gifts for the people I buy for. With three kids I have to admit that online has become my favorite way to shop,for now at least. Thank you for the reminder to slow down and focus on the important things about Christmas. The book collection looks like an awesome one to have and I’d enjoy reading each one. Thank you for offering such a meanigful gift.
Hi! I like to do both actually. I like to bargain shop and will look for coupons online when I do shop online. And also like to do some shopping in the stores.
Hmmm. I live in an area where I am an hour and a half away from the closest Walmart, not to mention other stores. More often that not I like to shop online. Except for clothes. Then I plan my day, go shopping and hit the clearance racks. Clothes you just need to try on.
I like both. I like the on-line deals but I also like the feel of being out with the music and decorations. And people do seem to be a little nicer.
I prefer to shop online. That way I don’t have to fight the crowds in the stores.
I prefer to shop online. That way I don’t have to fight the crowds at the stores.
Love to shop online. You can get great deals by price searching or find what is in the stores quicker.
I definitely don’t like to shop…so I’ll have to say I like shopping online and having it delivered to my front door. I’ve only gone out on one black friday to get an item for my son.
I prefer actually being in the store and seeing the item..
I prefer online for most items (especially if I can get free shipping); however I don’t mind the store shopping if I can do it alone (without kids).
Suzie – nice to meet you and Happy Holidays to all!
Thanks Karen and Suzie!! It’s been fun reading all the interviews! Christmas shopping I do a little of both, but more at the shops. I actually don’t enjoy shopping at all, so this is not really fun for me. But I love to give gifts. It’s a big part of my love language. Other times during the year I do lots of shopping on line. Most of my clothes are purchased online. Merry Christmas.
I do a little of both. Thanks.
I love to shop with the crowds but when I can’t find what I want in the size I need then I turn to online shopping.
Karen, these “12 days” interviews have been such a blessing. I haven’t commented yet, as I felt others could use the giveaways more than I. But today, the books motivated me. I can’t pass up the books!
Okay, so I prefer to shop online. Last year we did a bunch online. This year, not as much, but I still appreciate the browsing in my pj’s benefit!
I much prefer on-line in my jammies! Much easier on the feet and not nearly so stressful. Besides, I can listen to my preferred Christmas music and sip hot cocoa or a special blend of coffee at the same time. Just can’t get that at any mall.
I love sharing info on traditions and how each family celebrates. Thank you!
I prefer to shop at the stores where I can touch and feel the item. However I like to do it on my terms (early morning, week days) and not during the crazy times (Black Friday, Christmas Eve or most weekends in December)! I have been known to shop on the internet but only if I can get a killer deal!
I much prefer to shop on-line. No waiting in line, no rude or angrey people.
This year I have been doing a large part of our shopping online and I am finding that I am enjoying it. I still LOVE to get out and browse the stores, but the ease of staying home and getting it done quickly has been a great change for me.
THis year, I’ve done more on-line shopping, but I do really miss all the holiday decorations and music that the stores have! Thanks!
I prefer to do both. I just like to get it done in a timely fashion!
Definitely online…
I hate the crowds, but I LOVE “real” shopping. Atmosphere is big for me.
I need all your books, desperately!
Im not big on shopping, stress about is it hte right gift and I hate crowds
I do enjoy going to the malls during the holidays to do my Christmas shopping, but I usually go during the weekday when it’s still festive, but a lot less hectic!
I prefer at home in my jammies, but with friends going to the stores is quite fun. I did Black Friday for the first time this year – i always avoided it cause I thought it would be stressful, but I had a blast! A friend of mine has an amazing way of making seemingly stressful situations fun.
Julie =)
I am definitely an online jammie shopper.
All my presents are now arriving and it’s so much fun to check my door step everyday! I get overwhelmed with crowds and this is so much more fun for me.
We do both but I do prefer to store shop. I prefer to hold and look at the item not just a picture to know if I want to purchase it. I do not like crowds though so we try to get done early.
The books sound amazing and how fun to learn about Suzie. I used to be a brave the crowds kind of gal, but now I LOVE shopping online at home. With all the offers for free shipping and price incentives I have been able to get most gifts online and they arrive at my door…love it!
Definitely at home in my jammies! The crowds make my head spin!
I do both! I love the atmosphere of the stores, but sometimes find a better bargain online. And, of course the whole jammie thing…
I like to touch and feel the gifts I’m buying, but sometimes, when I’m trapped at home, I like to do my shopping online. Both have advantages.
I like to do a little of both!
Im In!
I prefer to do shopping online. It saves gas money, and I have been consistently receiving emails on free shipping offers, even on purchases of $50. It is worth it to me.
ON-LINE!!!!! Jammies ALWAYS!!! And I LOVE to read!!!! I can never have too many books!!!!!
I’m in. And I love shopping in stores when I have the chance. On-line shopping is great when you’re crunched for time.
Totally all about online! I can’t stand trying to navigate carts in skinny rows filled with people in huge coats!!!
I prefer Black Friday shopping! That is how I started and finished most of mine!
i still love shopping at the stores!
I do more shopping in stores. I’m not nearly as “tech savvy” as some!
Online as much as possible!
I typically do both, seeking out those bargains whether they be online or facing the crowds in the stores!
At the stores. I make it fun by talking to other customers and trying to cheer up the employees. It’s a challenge for me to engage others this crazy time of year and hopefully pass on cheer to them.
I shop a lot on line. We live in the country and it is not always convenient to go somewhere. However, I pick one day to go to town, to the mall. I get charged from the atmosphere. I have lunch with friends and then meet other friends for coffee.
I’ve done a little of both. I don’t like shopping as much as I used to and it is so nice to do it from home and then have it delivered to you. Guess it makes me lazy, or maybe a good use of my time however you want to look at it. I would love these books and would give the one on parenting to my son and his wife..between them they have six children, and two are teens and one more will be a teenager this year….it’s needed….thanks….
I like the idea of online shopping, but this year it has all been in person so far!
I do both but I probably prefer the store shopping. Sometimes it is hard to get a good idea of clothing etc online.
I like to shop at the stores
I like customer service and people interaction
I like both. Stores by myself when I have time to stroll and on-line when I need to do it quick and with the DH or DD close at hand.
I’m in.
I’m in.
I’m in
I’m in. I prefer to shop early or online.