11th Day of Christmas Giveaway….with Suzie Eller
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,
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!
Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your 12 Days of Christmas, Karen!
I would rather shop online, but sometimes I wait to long and have to go fight the crowds.
I like to shop online. Except for clothes, that is. Have to try stuff on.
I prefer to shop online. The crowds at the mall or in stores are just too much for me.
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 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 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 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!
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!
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.
I perfer to shop at the stores. That way I can look at the item and be sure they will work for my family.
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 love both! I love the crowds and the hustle and bustle, but there’s nothing like Amazon & Ebay! :-)
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 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.
Online!
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.
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 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.
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 would rather buy online than face the crowd. But if I have lots of time, then being out isn’t too bad.
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’m definitely an online shopper! So much easier, and I usually find better deals. :)
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.