WHEN CHRISTMAS IS HARD & THE 10TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BLESSING GIVEAWAY

I have always loved Christmas! Everything about it is wonderful and glorious! I have so many precious memories of the holiday. Beautiful Christmas productions at church, Christmas Eve fun with my dad's family, Christmas morning with my parents and siblings, getting to eat cookies for breakfast, and Christmas dinner with my mom's family. Then when I married we added so many more precious memories with our own children. Watching my children light up when they open a gift, reading the Christmas story from the Bible, baking cookies together, so many wonderful moments tucked away in my heart.

Until December 25, 2019...

This was the worst Christmas ever. And to be transparent, I have struggled to even like the season ever since.

You see, just after midnight on Christmas morning, my grandfather left this world for his heavenly home. Life hasn't been the same since. I haven't been the same since. I know Christmas didn't take him. I know it was his time and God called him home. But mercy it still hurts. I feel like it left a stain on Christmas. Every decoration and tradition is a reminder of that grief stricken day. Christmas is hard.

My family has faced some struggles, some discord. My once inseparable family is now so far apart. I used to love and look forward to spending the day together, now I worry and can't help but wonder what will happen now. Christmas is hard.

One of my best friends lost her battle with cancer in October. She loved Christmas! Each year we would talk about Christmas, send each other pictures of our trees, and video each other on Christmas morning. I miss her. Christmas is hard.

My grandmother left this world for her heavenly home on October 31st. Just five weeks ago. It hurts so bad. This will be our first Christmas without her. An already difficult day, now even harder. I miss her sweet words, her hugs, her food, everything about her. Christmas is hard.

I know I am not alone. Many of you struggle with finding joy at Christmas for one reason or another. Many of you are facing the first Christmas since the loss of a loved one. Many of you feel alone. Many of you are hurting.

What can we do when Christmas is hard? When we want to unplug the lights because how dare they possibly twinkle with joy when we hurt so bad. When we want to scream at the top of our lungs because the Christmas carols won't stop and we don't want to hear it. When our heart is aching.

For a child is born to us,

a son is given to us.

The government will rest on his shoulders.

And he will be called:

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Christmas isn't about all the glitz and twinkle. Though it can be glorious (when we are in the mood for it), it takes our mind off what really matters and reminds us of the pain and loneliness.

When I focus on the holiday of Christmas, I see what I am missing out on; my grandparents gone, my dear friend gone, and my family torn apart. But when I focus on the meaning of Christmas, I see the blessing; because Jesus came, I know my grandparents and friend are in heaven right now and I will see them again one day. When I focus on the holiday of Christmas, I remember the shock and pain of my mom's voice through the phone at 1am saying, "It's Papa!" But when I focus on the meaning of Christmas, I see the memories and the love.

We must shift our focus to the true meaning of Christmas and to our Savior. When we do this, we are allowing Him to come down and bring comfort and peace like only He can. Through His comfort and peace, we can find pockets of joy in the season of Christmas.

If Christmas is hard for you, put Christ back at the very center of the season. Keep your eyes and heart fixed on Him.

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We want to help with the financial burden this year so we have partnered with some amazing bloggers to bring you the 10th Annual Christmas Blessing Giveaway!

One blessed person will win $480 in Paypal cash! That cash can be used to help buy Christmas gifts, buy groceries, pay a bill, or whatever you want to do with it.

Thank you to our bloggers!

Woman to Woman Ministries

Jenifer Metzger

I Choose Joy Now

Coupons and Freebies Mom

Jan Burt

A Delightful Glow

Bible Journaling Ministries

Homeschooling Dietitian Mom

Danielle Tate

Live Well Blessed

The Round About Farm

Mama’s Coffee Shop

Changing Focus

Amy Bovaird

Experience His Freedom

The Manor Manor

Wonder and Grace

Let’s Paint With Jesus 

A Mama’s Story

To enter to win, just complete each task in the rafflecopter below. The winner will be chosen at random by rafflecopter.com on December 14th and emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to respond claiming their blessing.

Rules:
No purchase necessary. Must be 18 to enter. Void where prohibited by law. **Open to US/Canada residents only.** This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or associated by Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest. By entering this giveaway, you agree to release Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Woman to Woman Ministries, and all participating bloggers of all liability. Contest ends at 12:01am EST on December 14, 2020. Winning entry will be verified. Winner is randomly chosen by Rafflecopter and will be emailed.

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CANDACE CAMERON BURE COLLECTION {GIVEAWAY}

Like many of you, I grew up watching Full House every week and I've always been a fan of the Cameron family. Also like many of you, I am a huge fan of Hallmark movies. Put the two together, and you have Candace Cameron Bure!

Not only is our Full House and Hallmark friend a fabulous actress, but she is a Christian. Candace has inspired and encouraged me for many years. I love seeing people boldly live out their faith and God has given Candace this huge, incredible platform where she boldly and confidently shares her faith without hesitation. She even reads her Bible right on Instagram where over 5 million people hear the Word of God! How amazing is that!?

Candace has her own line of products at Dayspring. Her line includes t-shirts, candles, aprons, notecards,  organizational tools, books, devotionals, Bibles, and more. Today I am going to share my three favorites with you.

I love Dayspring t-shirts! They are super soft, fit really well, and have a message that I love to share. There are more than 30 CCB designed t-shirts at Dayspring! You can get messages like Jesus is the life, be kind, be compassionate, and more. This pink love over all t-shirt is my favorite!

Candace has devotional guides that are so good. Her devotional guides are challenging, inspiring, and lead us to the Bible on a specific topic. I am currently going through her newest devo guide, Worrier to Warrior and it is so good! Each day has Scripture, a devotion, a note from Candace, thought provoking questions, and an action item.

And finally, I am loving Candace's One Step Closer Bible. This Bible has journal space, Jesus' words in red letter, three ribbon bookmarkers, promises of God, application notes, and a helper index. This is the Bible I use every day for my Bible reading and carry to church. It is definitely one of my favorite Bibles.

Right now Dayspring is hosting their customer appreciation sale! Everything is 25% off storewide with code THANK YOU. You can get CCB products and anything else from the Dayspring site for 25% off. Don't miss this great sale and be sure to use code THANK YOU. Click the image below to shop!

**Giveaway! To enter to win a CCB that includes the pink love over all t-shirt, Worrier to Warrior devotional guide, and the One Step Closer Bible, complete each task in the rafflecopter below. Winner will be chosen on Friday, September 3rd and emailed. *Be sure to come back each day and tweet the message for even more entries!

 

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9TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BLESSING GIVEAWAY

Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of year. This year, however, it has been a time I've dreaded. Last year on Christmas morning my grandfather left this world for his heavenly home. The grieving has been difficult all year long, but as we near the one year mark, it is especially difficult. Dealing with the grief and now battling the dreaded coronavirus, I am not in the Christmas spirit, to say the least.

So how can we find our Christmas spirit when we life has been so hard?

Focus on the reason. Christmas isn't about me and it isn't about you. It isn't about lights, cookies, or gifts. It is all about Jesus. The more we put our focus on Him -the reason He came to this earth and what He did just for us- the more joy we will find.

Stay in the Word. During busy seasons and difficult seasons, we find ourselves skipping our time in the Bible. Whether we are just "too busy" or too hurt, we don't open the Word. This is when we need it the most! No matter how busy, lonely, or hurt you are, get into the Word. Linger there. Soak it in.

Think of the good. When we think back over 2020, we see so much pain and hardship. Instead, look back and find the good. 2020 was a hard year. But when I look back and really think, I can find bits of joy sprinkled throughout.

Keep the stress at bay. The holidays can be stressful any year, add a pandemic and everything else and the stress just piles on! Keep the stress down. If Christmas cards are too much for you this year, don't do them! If Christmas parties make you anxious, don't go. If planning a big dinner brings your blood pressure up, keep it simple.

If the holidays are hard for you, oh friend, I am right there with you. But we can still enjoy the season. Focus on the true reason, stay in the Word, find the good, and keep the stress at bay. This Christmas will be wonderful.

I am thrilled to bring you the 9th Annual Christmas Blessing Giveaway! I partnered with some amazing bloggers to bring you a blessing of $400! One blessed reader in our community is going to get $400 in Paypal cash! Use it for bills, Christmas shopping, groceries, or whatever you need! To enter, you only need to complete each task in the rafflecopter below.

Giveaway rules: No purchase necessary. Must be 18 to enter. Void where prohibited by law. **Open to US/Canada residents only.** This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or associated by Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest. By entering this giveaway, you agree to release Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Woman to Woman Ministries, and all participating bloggers of all liability. Contest ends at 12:01am EST on December 15, 2020. Winning entry will be verified. Winner is randomly chosen by Rafflecopter and will be emailed.

Participating Bloggers 

Woman to Woman Ministries
Jenifer Metzger

Katie Hornor

Homeschooling Dietitian Mom

A Delightful Glow

GROUNDED Ministry 

Mama’s Coffee Shop

Changing Focus

Wonder and Grace

Beyond the Stick Figure

Life Walk GPS

A Mama’s Story

Skill Trek: Field Guide for Life 

When You Rise

iGoBOGO

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CHRISTMAS BLESSING GIVEAWAY

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year! I love everything about it. The lights, the sounds, the decorations, the extra family time, it is all wonderful. I have many memories of Christmas that I deeply cherish.

I remember my mom and grandmother sitting at the kitchen table carefully painting ceramic ornaments for our tree. I remember big family gatherings on Christmas Eve with my dad's side of the family. I remember Christmas mornings opening gifts with my parents and siblings, then eating Christmas cookies for breakfast! I remember having Christmas dinner with my mom's side of the family. And now I have many precious memories of Christmases with my husband and children. I am grateful for every single memory.

What are your favorite Christmas memories? I'd love to hear, please share in the comments below.

And now, for our 8th Annual Christmas Blessing Giveaway!

One blessed reader will receive $250 in Paypal cash! We pray it is a blessing to you this holiday season.

This blessing was brought to you by these blog:
Woman to Woman Ministries
Jenifer Metzger
Skill Trekker
A Delightful Glow
Joanne Viola
Rachael Gilbert
Katie Hornor
Coffee With Us 3
Awe Filled Homemaker
As For Me and My Homestead

Giveaway Rules: No purchase necessary. Must be 18 to enter. Void where prohibited by law. **Open to US/Canada residents only.** This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or associated by Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest. By entering this giveaway, you agree to release Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Woman to Woman Ministries, and all participating bloggers of all liability. Contest ends at 12:01am EST on December 15, 2019. Winning entry will be verified. Winner is randomly chosen by Rafflecopter and will be emailed.

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THANKFULNESS & THE CHRISTMAS BLESSING GIVEAWAY

Continuing to count God's sweet blessings...

2500. The beauty of Christmas in my home.

2501. The start of Advent.

2502. Christmas movies.

2503. The twinkle of Christmas lights on homes.

2504. Hot cocoa on cold mornings.

Share something you are praising God. I would love to rejoice with you.

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It is time for the 7th Annual Christmas Blessing Giveaway!

I have partnered with thirteen incredible bloggers to bring you a blessing giveaway of $250 in Paypal cash! Here are our participating bloggers, click each name to head over and support them!

Woman to Woman Ministries
Jenifer Metzger
A Delightful Glow
Coupons and Freebies Mom
Newly Us
As For Me and My Homestead
Breakthrough Homeschooling
Rachael Gilbert
Skill Trek
Lesa Dale
Bible Journaling Ministries
Days & Thoughts
A Heart for Your Home
Shari A. Miller, Living to Leave a Legacy

Giveaway Rules: No purchase necessary. Must be 18 to enter. Void where prohibited by law. **Open to US/Canada residents only.** This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or associated by Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest. By entering this giveaway, you agree to release Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Woman to Woman Ministries, and all participating bloggers of all liability. Contest ends at 12:01am EST on December 11, 2018. Winning entry will be verified. Winner is randomly chosen by Rafflecopter and will be emailed.

To enter the Blessing Giveaway, complete each task in the rafflecopter below. Be sure to come back each day and Tweet the giveaway for more entries!

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EXPECTANTLY WAITING {CHRISTMAS BLESSING GIVEAWAY}

Christmas, one of the most beautiful times of the year. Several years ago I was striving to make my Christmas more Christ centered. I had heard of Advent, yet I didn't really know anything about it. My lack of knowledge had me thinking it was specific to a certain religion. I did some research and found that was not true. Advent simply means "expectantly waiting." We are expectantly waiting the birth of our Savior. I want the Christmas season to hold this beautiful expectancy. So I began doing an Advent study each Christmas. It is life changing.

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. All the shopping, wrapping, buying, baking, and parties. It's also so easy to become "me" centered. We tell our spouse what we want for Christmas, we encourage our kids to make lists of gifts they want. We watch countless commercials all with a sole purpose to make us go out and buy yet another gift or hope we receive that gift. Please hear me, there is nothing wrong with gift giving or receiving. Gift giving is a beautiful blessing and gift receiving can be so fun. Yet to keep Christ truly at the center of the season, we need to keep our focus on Him and be careful to not let the busyness and gift aspect take over.

Not only do I want my Christmas to be more Christ centered, but I want my family to focus on Christ. This is why we started doing an Advent study as a family. Studying the Word deeply, discussing it and praying together. It helps us to shift our focus from the glitz and glamour of the holiday to the Savior who was born in a stable all those years ago with the purpose of saving us.

I encourage you to find an Advent study and intentionally make it a part of your day. Sit with your family under the lights of the Christmas tree and expectantly await the Savior together.

Here are some of the Advent studies I have done and love:

She Reads Truth

I love this ministry so much! I follow their studies all year long and their Advent study is so beautiful. You can download the app, subscribe to the emails or just head over to their website. Each day a devotion is posted that will have Scripture reading for the day as well as the devotion itself.

Keeping Our Hearts Focused on Jesus by Courtney Jospeh

Courtney, from Women Living Well and Good Morning Girls, has a beautiful Advent that you can print out and put in a binder or folder. She uses the S.O.A.P. method.

Ann Voskamp

Ann, in her beautifully poetic way, shares the heart of Advent as well as books and free printables.

Reasons for the Season

In this ebook, you will find twenty-four devotions for the family. Each day including memory verses, discussions and activities.

Advent began yesteryday, December 3rd, and goes until Christmas. If you missed it, that's okay! Start today. Check out the resources I listed above, or head to your local LifeWay and find a great Advent study that fits your family. I pray that this season of Advent helps you and your family to focus on the beauty of expectantly waiting.


I am so excited to bring you the 6th Annual Christmas Blessing Giveaway! I've teamed up with Woman to Woman Ministries and fifteen other bloggers to bring you this incredible giveaway.

One blessed reader will win $420 in Paypal cash. Money for Christmas, bills, a need your family has, whatever God lays on your heart to do with the money. To enter, you only need to complete the tasks in the rafflecopter below.

Please support the participating bloggers:

Woman to Woman Ministries
Jenifer Metzger
Shari A. Miller
Elizabeth Stewart, Just Following Jesus
A Mama’s Story
Skill Trekker
Rachael Gilbert
Phyllis Sather, Write the Vision
Breakthrough Homeschooling
Mama’s Coffee Shop
Learning Grace Through Motherhood
A Delightful Glow
Heather Bixler
Paradise Praises
Word Traveling, Faith-Fueled Living
Awe Filled Homemaker
Ben and Me

Giveaway rules: No purchase necessary. Must be 18 to enter. Void where prohibited by law. Open to US and Canada residents only. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or associated by Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Pinterest. By entering this giveaway, you agree to release Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Woman to Woman Ministries and all participating bloggers of all liability. Contest ends at 11:59PM CST on December 11, 2017. Winner is randomly chosen by Rafflecopter and will be emailed.

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Gift Collections & The Christmas Blessing Giveaway 2016

Sadie Robertson offers a message that every young girl, honestly every single woman regardless of age, needs to hear. She encourages us to live original. To be who we are. She reminds us that we are beautiful and valuable to our Father and loved dearly. Because of this message and the truth that Sadie herself lives it out, I love the Sadie Robertson collection at Dayspring.

The Sadie Robertson - Live Original Gift Collections are perfect for Christmas. They offer calendar planners, journals, makeup bags, tablet bags, coffee mugs, cards, and so much more. Each of Sadie's pieces have her message to live original, be you, and to remember you are valuable. Several of her gift collections come with gift bags and tissue paper. Perfect for Christmas!

My favorite is this beautiful necklace that has Sadie's message Live Original.

This week only, get 25% OFF all things Sadie Robertson plus FREE shipping when you use code SADIE25 at checkout. To shop Sadie's Dayspring collection, click the image below.

Now time for the Christmas Blessing Giveaway! One blessed reader will receive $200 in Paypal cash! What a blessing that will be!

Please visit and support our participating bloggers:

Woman to Woman Ministries

Jenifer Metzger

Coupons and Freebies Mom

Beauty in the Mess

A Mama’s Story

Write the Vision 

I Choose Joy!

Rachael Gilbert (Faith, Family, Fitness)

A Delightful Glow

Whole Family Strong

Giveaway rules: No purchase necessary. Must be 18 to enter. Void where prohibited by law. Open to US and Canada residents only. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or associated by Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Pinterest. By entering this giveaway, you agree to release Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Woman to Woman Ministries and all participating bloggers of all liability. Contest ends at 11:59PM CST on December 11, 2016. Winner is randomly chosen by Rafflecopter and will be emailed.

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