I haven’t posted in my blog regularly like I should be doing. I plan to do better about that effective TODAY. I have so much to talk about it, so be forewarned. 😀
Christian Graduation Gift Ideas
$10 and Under
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Graduation Photo Album, with Marker Pen
By Havok Publishing All-in-one: a photo album for the graduate with unique autograph cover for friends and family to spell out their good wishes! Sassy striped album holds 200 photos in acid free sleeves; suitable for boy or girl with cover photo-inset frame; complete with permament marker for personalization of outside cover. 9″ x 9″; envelope provided for digital negatives.Note: Although we suggest this for graduation giving, it can be used for any milestone event, sports keepsake, or special occasion. |
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Graduation, Stretched Canvas
By Carpentree, Inc Contemporary graphics on stretched canvas celebrate the graduation milestone with wise words from Psalm 20:4 May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. 4″ x 6″; keepsake gift for the Christian graduate. |
![036197: God"s Little Lessons for Graduates](http://ag.christianbook.com/g/tiny/0/036197.gif "036197: God"s Little Lessons for Graduates") |
God’s Little Lessons for Graduates
By Honor Books Gift set for grads includes padded gifty hardcover book filled with practical wisdom and advice and quick photo frame for senior pictures. |
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Mustard Seed, Standing Plaque
By Cbd Gift Exclusive Product Scripture reminder for desktop centers around a tiny mustard seed, encircled with Scripture quote from Matthew 17:20, He replied, Because you have so little, faith, I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible to you.Light wood square frame with glass inset and unique circular design; 4″ x 4″; created exclusively for the Gift Collection at Christianbook.com. |
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Roy Lessin Desktop Travel Frame
By Dayspring Handsome brown desktop frame holds your special photos in good taste and is designed as a take-along portfolio so your loved ones will always be with you. Debossed quote from Roy Lessin God wants us to move through this day with a quiet heart and a peaceful certainty that our lives are in His hands. Top-stitch tailoring detail; leather-look construction; holds two 3″ x 3″ photos. 4.5″ x 4″. |
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Lasered Granite Mini Stone: For I Know The Plans
By His Hands Laser Engraving Lasered granite mini-stone displays Scripture sentiment from Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord… plans to give you hope and a future. Handsome 4″ square design with rich natural appeal for desk or tabletop decor with included acrylic easel. |
Book Review – A Time to Mend by Sally John and Gary Smalley
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A Time to Mend, Safe Harbor Series #1
By Sally John & Gary Smalley / Thomas Nelson Claire Beaumont shatters her marriage with one simple sentence: “Max, either the business goes or I do.” The ultimatum exposes long unaddressed wounds in her husband, herself, and their four adult children. Will a fatal fire reignite their passion for each other—or destroy everything they’ve worked for together? 320 pages, softcover from Nelson. |
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Kelly’s Review
This is the first novel in Sally John and Gary Smalley’s new Safe Haven series which was just released this year. I enjoyed reading this book. I felt that the story lines were very well developed and weren’t overly clinched nor were they too predictable. The character development in this book is really rich and the characters each bring depth to the story lines.
I appreciated that this novel touched upon issues that are real and relevant in marriage, especially Christian marriages. Topics covered include submission, fidelity and also providing each partner with a safe harbor within the marriage. I thought that each facet of the story was handled beautifully. This is a great read for those who are married whether facing trials or not. The issues and lessons of the story could serve as reminders to many of us even if we are never faced with the exact same situations.
I recommend this one. It’s a worthy read. I will be looking forward to more books in this series. I will also be sure to check out more works by Sally John.
Graduating…
Macey graduated preschool last night. They had a ceremony at the church where they wore little caps with tassels, marched in to “Pomp & Circumstance” and even received little diplomas. They also sang some really cute songs. It was such a sweet event. I can’t even begin to describe how emotional I was seeing my girl up there though. My firstborn, my motherhood dream first fulfilled, is growing up so quickly. It’s hard to realize sometimes how fast it all goes, but in just a blink I realize it full-force at times.
We have been so blessed to have Macey in our church’s preschool since she was two. She has had the best teachers and has loved every single moment she has spent there. We love that she has not only gotten a great academic foundation, but has also gotten to explore creativity, learned to socialize and has also learned more about Christian faith and values. It’s a great school and I’m so glad we’ll be aruond another three years as Mariana goes through. Next thing you know, she’ll be graduating and moving up to kindergarten, but I am NOT ready to think about that yet.
The last official day of preschool was today for both girls. They each had parties in their class. When I picked Mariana up, her teachers told me the cutest story that she was watching herself in the full-length mirror in the classroom and singing the clean-up song to herself. When we went to get Macey, one of her friends named Grace came out to give her a hug and said she’d miss her. How sweet! We will definitely have to have many play dates over the summer to keep these girls in touch.
It’s hard to believe that preschool is now over for Macey. She was a touch emotional last night about missing her friends, but she knows we’ll have the summer to play and that she is going to make new friends in elementary school. Still, this is a big step for her. A big milestone in her life. And, when I saw her march in last night, my heart just overflowed. Macey makes us proud in so many ways. She’s so sweet, smart, gentle, creative and loving. She’s one amazing little lady. It’s hard to let go sometimes and let her grow up, but we know that with God’s guidance, she’ll be fully ready to face the world and make a positive impact wherever she may go.
Happy Birthday, Mariana!!
Today our baby girl, Mariana Grace, turns two. Labor had started and stalled for several days, but she finally made her grand entry into the world on Mother’s Day 2006 at 2:15 PM. She weighed 8lbs 7oz and was 20.5″ long. She was such a peaceful and laid back infant. Macey loved to hold Mariana every chance she got and Mariana took it all in stride. She fit right into our family just like she had always been there. It was like God had made a placeholder in our hearts to save room just for her.
Two years ago Mickey and I learned just how much love grows. We knew, of course, that we would love Mariana, but we couldn’t fathom just how much love could and would grow for both girls and for each other. There is something beautiful and blessed about how parents can love each child equally, but at the same time differently for each different child.
Today Mariana is a full-fledged two year old. When you ask her how old she is, she proudly says TWO and, trust me, there are days when she is “sooooooo two” ;). She is such a sweet little bundle of energy. If this girl is awake, she is on the move. She loves to climb and explore. She loves to play and seek out treasures in whatever forms she can find them. She loves to talk and laugh and is learning to sing. She could live on chicken nuggets and ketchup. Or, maybe just ketchup. She adores Macey and is often hot on Macey’s heels where ever Macey goes. She loves hugs and will sometimes give us kisses although she tells us she saves them for friends at school. Mariana is a joy. She is just chock-full of sass, spunk and determination that brighten all our days. And, we’re so blessed that God entrusted her to our family on this day two years ago.