It's time to get carded -- Christmas carded!

Can you believe it's less than three months until Christmas?  It's time to start thinking about your Christmas cards!  Each year I try to do something a bit unique.  The year I visited Israel I put a picture of myself in Bethlehem on my Christmas card (a picture of me at the Western Wall for my Hanukkah cards for my Jewish friends.)  Over the years, I've enjoyed sending some unique Christmas cards.

I've mentioned on my blog before that I love Tiny Prints.  They have such a great selection of cards for everyone, and they have cards where you can personalize with your photo, or if you don't have a great photo, there are great cards to choose from:  elegant, whimsical, or even a Dora the Explorer card!  I like to send photo cards, so I spent time looking through their cards where you can add your own photos.

Check out this card:

Isn't that just fantastic for the pet lover?  I have three guinea pigs and I could just picture their faces in there.  I'm sure Einstein, Fuzzy, and Baby Crockett would enjoy being on a Christmas card being called "Santa's Little Helpers".

Or check out this "card".  Isn't it absolutely precious?

If I received this, I wouldn't be putting it in the holder where we keep all our cards, but it would actually be hung on the tree year after year! 

I have always loved Christmas cards.  When I was little, my parents owned a business and we received so many cards.  We had a desk/bookcase area in our living room and we taped our cards to the edges of the bookcase.  By Christmas it was so festive in a 1970s sort of way.  I loved the Christmas season because they would save all the Christmas cards for me to open since many had my name on them, too.  I loved the feeling of mail.  Even now many people feel the same way.  I have friends who live in Russia, and they have told me one of the things they miss most about living in Russia is not getting Christmas cards.  I know not as many people send them as they used to, but the bottom line is everyone loves mail.  So this year, I'd encourage everyone to spread some cheer through the mail.

Don't forget, the annual Christmas letter can also be replaced. If a photo speaks a thousand words, then this card is worth 8,000 words. You wouldn't have to say "Johnny graduated from high school, Suzy lost her first tooth, Rover is a new addition to the family, we visited Florida on vacation" -- show it with a collection of photos of the year's highlights!

Really, Tiny Prints has so many more great cards than the ones I just showed.  Take look for yourself  http://www.tinyprints.com/shop/picture-christmas-cards.htm  You're sure to find the perfect card for your family for 2011! 

FTC disclosure:  I received 50 Christmas cards from Tiny Prints for writing this post.  The opinions expressed are my own and in no way influenced my review.

What is He Thinking? Review and Giveaway

Rebecca St. James has been a recording artist for years.  You can check out some of her videos here:  http://www.youtube.com/rsjchannel  She's also published a few books, and her latest is What Is He Thinking??: What Guys Want Us to Know About Dating, Love, and Marriage .   This book is 155 pages consisting of answers she gleaned by talking to different men, most in the 20-35 age group, although she did interview men who had been married for a long time to see what they had to say about dating.  This was a great book that covered many questions I had about men (and boys) when I was younger!

She covers things such as flirting, turn-offs, physical boundaries (she was very outspoken before marriage that she was saving herself for her husband), spiritual connection, and more.

This book was a quick (and interesting) read.  It was fun to see how different men had different ideas, especially how that related to their age -- as well as where their opinions were the same.  As a single thirty-something, I'm not sure it really taught me anything I didn't already seem to know, but it was still an enjoyable read.  This would be a great book for a Christian teen girl.

The strengths of this book were the interviews, of course, since that's what the book is based on.  I also liked that she included her survey questions in the back of the book.  (That's the sociology geek coming out in me!)  Additionally, I enjoyed the style of the writing -- it felt like a letter from her, or possibly sitting down and having a cup of tea with this fascinating lady.

The only thing I disliked was so many comments from her Facebook page because some of the questions and comments raised were great, and she didn't address some of them.  Even so, this is a great book, and I would highly recommend it for any single female Christian. 

You can read the first 10% of the book by clicking here:  http://goo.gl/BWgEs

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About "What Is He Thinking??"

In WHAT IS HE THINKING??, Rebecca interviews a range of men from high-profile types to the guys next door, men that every woman can relate to. Although the interviews focus on single guys ages 20-35, Rebecca also includes words of wisdom from older mentors she respects who have been successfully married for years, people like her dad, life coach, and pastor.

The men share their thoughts on topics like how women can respect themselves and the men in their lives, modesty, purity, taking it slow, friendship, letting guys lead, and more. This book gives them the floor to say what they would really like women to know.

The men respond candidly to questions such as:

What is the most attractive quality to you in a woman?

Is modesty truly attractive?

Is neediness a turn-off?

What do you find beautiful?

How can we be dependent on God for our identity, not on you?

How can we help you with boundaries physically?

Rebecca also discusses her own dating life, speaking openly about the single life, her struggle with loneliness, and her hope for the future. She challenges women to see the men in their lives as brothers in Christ and to trust God with their dating lives.

About Rebecca

Australian born Rebecca St. James is a Grammy Award winner and a multiple Dove Award recipient, with international success that has driven her record sales into the millions. In January 2008, she was named Favorite Female Artist in Contemporary Christian Music by readers of CCM Magazine for the seventh consecutive year. Rebecca also won Best Female Artist of 2007 from Christianitytoday.com-her fifth consecutive year to be given this honor. She's been involved in several film productions and voiced the character of Hope the Angel in VeggieTales' bestselling DVD production The Easter Carol. You can read more about Rebecca on her official Web site: http://www.rsjames.com/ or on her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/RSJames.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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And now for the giveaway:

I have been given the opportunity to give a DVD away to one of my readers.

The giveaway lasts until October 11 at 11:59 Eastern Time, open only to the USA.

Please leave a separate comment for each way you enter as I use random.org to pick my winners.

Winners have 48 hours after being contacted to respond or I'll pick other winners.

Please leave contact information in your comment if it's not in your blogger profile so I will have a way of contacting you if you win. 

Ways to enter:

• Tell me about a funny (or sweet) dating experience you had. 
• "Like" Rebecca St. James on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/RSJames
• Visit Rebecca St. James' website and tell me something you learned http://rsjames.com/
• Follow Rebecca St. James on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/RebeccaStJames
• Follow me Google Friend Connect
• Tweet the Following: (Can be done daily for an extra entry)

#Win What Is He Thinking book about single Christian men by Rebecca St James @jenndiggy Ends 10/11 #Giveaway http://bit.ly/njiqsa

Cough, cough, cough

Did you know that some cough drops have "pep talks" on the wrappers? 

"Fire up those engines"
"Impress yourself today"
"Get through it"

I realize I could choose not to read my cough drop, but come on, it's hard not to read those few words on the wrapper when you're desperate for relief, and quite frankly, they are slightly annoying when you're coughing hard!

So, I think you now know where I've been the last couple weeks!  I've been pretty sick with a cold.  For some reason when I get a cold it takes me out for the longest time.  This is day #14 of it, and I had a doctor's appointment today to go over medicines.  He was quite interested in the fact I've been sick as long as I have, and I still have a fever.

Thankfully I'm feeling better, and hope to get back into blogging regularly!

Review and Giveaway: The Shunning DVD

Katie Lapp loves music and playing the guitar.  This shouldn't be a problem, should it?  Well, it's a HUGE problem when you're Amish and that is forbidden.  The movie begins as Katie's brother finds her strumming her guitar in the barn.  She's engaged to marry the bishop, and suddenly she discovers she may not be who she always thought she was.  Who is this woman who has appeared in her community?  By the movie's end, Katie is "shunned" meaning she can't be spoken to by anyone in her Amish community, nor is she allowed to sit and eat with the rest of her family.  This pushes her further towards her questions of who she is.

This is a wonderful family movie.  It's very wholesome in the fact there is no bad language, no questionable situations, and the like.  It brings up questions that could be discussed such as when do we give up on someone vs. when do we continue to love them with the unconditional love that God shows us?  Not only is it a good movie because of content, but the story line is one of the best I've ever seen.  I'd read the book years ago and remembered how fantastic the book was, so when I had the opportunity to review this movie, I was excited.   I never say this, but I do believe the movie was as good as the book!   You will NOT be disappointed with this movie!  Be sure and check it out!

You can watch the trailer here:  http://hallmarkchannel.com/microsites/video.aspx?simscode=OWN_891400000000000&pageid=2607&pn=PN147958&tabIndex=2&pnlist=pn147958%7C

Beverly Lewis' The Shunning - About the Movie
Before she succumbs to cancer, the dying wish of Laura Mayfield-Bennett is to be reunited with the daughter she never knew. Unfortunately, that daughter, Katie Lapp, is a member of the Amish order. Katie is about to be married, but uneasy about the path ahead. Now she discovers the secret her parents have kept from her: she's adopted.

The film is based on the celebrated first novel of the best-selling "The Heritage of Lancaster County" book series from author Beverly Lewis. Stars Danielle Panabaker & Sherry Stringfield.


BEVERLY LEWIS - Author of "The Shunning"

Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is The New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Lewis to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with "The Shunning," which has sold more than one million copies. In 2007, Lewis' "The Brethren" was honored with a Christy Award.

Lewis has been interviewed by both national and international media, including Time magazine, the Associated Press, and the BBC. Lewis lives with her husband, David, in Colorado.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services  mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I  only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

You can buy the DVD here:

And for the Giveaway:

I have been given the opportunity to give a DVD away to one of my readers.


The giveaway lasts until October 4 at 11:59 Eastern Time, open only to the USA.

Please leave a separate comment for each way you enter as I use random.org to pick my winners.

Winners have 48 hours after being contacted to respond or I'll pick other winners.

Please leave contact information in your comment if it's not in your blogger profile so I will have a way of contacting you if you win.

Ways to enter:

• Tell me your favorite book that has been made into a movie
• "Like" The Shunning on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/TheShunningMovie
• Visit The Shunning Website and tell me something you learned http://hallmarkchannel.com/theshunning
• Follow me Google Friend Connect
• Tweet the Following:  (Can be done daily for an extra entry)

#Win #Giveaway a copy of the DVD The Shunning  from @jenndiggy ends 10/4 http://bit.ly/ofop9B

DVD Review & Givewaway: Theo Teaching Children God's Word

I recently had the opportunity to review Introducing THEO -- Teaching Children God's Word by Whitestone Media.  The DVD I received had the bonus video of "Good News" on it as well as the "Saving Faith" episode.

I was pleasantly surprised at the entertainment quality of this video, as well as the theology contained in it.  This was a very cute video, with Luther and Belfry the mice providing laughable situations while important truths are being presented.  Because of Luther and Belfry, I believe children will watch with interest to see what they are up to!  

The theology on the video I saw was sound.  One episode explained how we can become a Christian, and the other episode was about how faith pleases God, using Abraham as an example. 

This would be fantastic for use in a children's outreach.  I expect Theo will become a mainstay of Christian children's entertainment in the future.   I highly recommend this product to anyone who is a church worker, parent, or have children in your life! 

There is even a church curriculum for use with this DVD series:  http://www.lifeway.com/Product/theo-church-edition-foundations-of-faith-P005397446

From the publisher:

About Theo

The animation series of Theo guides children and adults through a careful study of systematic theology. Theo discusses doctrines about sin, Godʼs character, the Bible, salvation and godly living with easy-to-understand illustrations that make children want to learn more about the Christian faith.

Theo Presents recognizes a universal fact: children and adults alike love cartoons. Theo captures the attention of young minds with liberal amounts of humor and high quality animation to present the Gospel of the Christian faith through the teachings of Theo and with the use of his two object lessons, Belfry and Luther.

Theo Presents is designed to serve as a multi-media resource tool that will help men, women and children fulfill the Great Commission of Christ, to go into all the world and make disciples and to teach those disciples Godʼs Word. The multi-media outlets include a DVD series, curriculum, books and iPhone/iPad app. Each of these facets are designed to work with one another or individually.

Theo was created to reach kids of all ages. The lessons and teachings of Theo can be used for Sunday school lessons, Christian school curriculum, missions, evangelism and homeschooling.

About the creator - MICHAEL JOENS

Mike Joens has produced and directed scores of animated commercials for toy companies such as Milton Bradley, Hasbro, Kenner, McDonaldʼs and Playskool. In addition to commercial work, he produced and directed the animation segments for the award-winning video series “McGee and Me,” as well as the animated “Adventures in Odyssey” for Focus on the Family. After a waiting period of over 30 years, God opened the doors to Joens for the production of “Theo Presents.” At last, the dream of a cartoonist, called to teach the Word has come true. It is Mikeʼs hope that God will use Theo to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to children and adults in every country of the world!
 
What sets THEO apart from anything we've worked on? The Buy 1 - Give 1 campaign!
 
For every Theo DVD purchased, Whitestone Media and Child Evangelism Fellowship® will send a child in need their very own copy of Theo.
You can log onto TheoPresents.com after making your own purchase, and select the region of the world you'd like another copy of Theo to be sent.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"

And now for the Giveaway!

I have been given the opportunity to give a DVD away to TWO of my readers.

The giveaway lasts until September 19 at 11:59 Eastern Time, open only to the USA.
Please leave a separate comment for each way you enter as I use random.org to pick my winners.
Winners have 48 hours after being contacted to respond or I'll pick other winners.
Please leave contact information in your comment if it's not in your blogger profile so I will have a way of contacting you if you win.

Ways to enter:

• Tell me why you would like to win this DVD
• Visit http://www.theopresents.com/ and tell me something you have learned
• Download the iPod/iPad app and tell  me you did so.  http://www.theopresents.com/
• Like Theo Presents on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/thesehearts
• Follow me Google Friend Connect
• Tweet the following (this one can be done DAILY)

#Win a Theo Presents DVD from @jenndiggy #giveaway 2 winners ends 9/19 http://bit.ly/ol0ZTT

Five Minute Friday -- "Rest"

What is rest?

Feeling safe.

Knowing you're okay.

Relaxing knowing that the world around you is not out to get you.

Deep breaths, enjoying the moment. 

Feeling secure.

A hug from the world.


Five minute Friday Linkup and rules:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back to The Gypsy Mama and invite others to join in.
3. Get a little crazy with encouragement for the five minuter who linked up before you.