Life's Not Always Fireflies and Hummingbirds

No One's Home

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:05:00 +0000

I've packed up and moved. You will be redirected to my new site in just a few moments.

If you are not automatically redirected, find me at Chrissy, Inspired.

Closing Time

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:36:00 +0000

The short version:

After 2011, I will no longer be blogging here at Life's Not Always Fireflies and Hummingbirds. You will now find me blogging at Chrissy, Inspired.

The long version:

Sometimes you just know that it's time to move on, and for me that time is now. I've outgrown this blog, and it's time to take on a new challenge. It's time to find a better way to focus on living a life of intention, purpose, and simplicity. That is the mission of my new blog.

On January 2, I'll be officially putting out the welcome mat, and I want all of you to join me at my new internet home! Please be sure to stop by!

In addition to the new blog, there's also a brand new Facebook page. Will you please "like" me there?

Thank you for your friendship here at Life's Not Always Fireflies and Hummingbirds. It's meant the world to me, and I hope I'll see you at the new place!

Have a blessed and wondrously Happy New Year, too!

Won't you please join me on my new blog? Click here to subscribe via email. Visit the blog for more ways to connect with me!

One Thousand Gifts - Week Twenty-Seven

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:48:00 +0000

Can you believe that in less than a week, 2011 will be a memory and we'll be starting a brand new year? It really does seem that the older I get, the faster time flies. Don't you agree?

It's been a busy, crazy week but there's so much to be thankful for, which is why I'm counting blessings today with Ann Voskamp and her followers. Today I'm especially grateful for:
131. Yet another week of beautiful weather here in the midwest. Still no snow - although we've had quite a bit of rain and today there's a beautiful hard frost covering the ground;
132. Family and friends, including those scattered all over the world, the ones I connect with through the box on my desk (my computer) or the phone in my hand - that means you!;
133. The means to give loved ones everything on their Christmas wish list;
134. A day off to catch up on cleaning and laundry and, yes, napping, before going back to work tomorrow;
135. The fact that Christmas is over and we can get back to the business of normal, everyday living.
How were YOU blessed this week, Friend? I'd love it if you'd share your gift list with me in comments below!

“There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy."— Ralph H. Blum

Oh! One more thing! I'll be away from the blog most of this week, but on Friday I have a big announcement to make! Please, please come back and see me that day so you can hear my good news!

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It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:05:00 +0000

image source

Friends, I'm going to be away from the blog from now through Christmas, but I'll be back on the 26th! I hope you all have a beautiful holiday with your families and that you'll remember the true Reason for the Season.

Merry Christmas!

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Procrastinators, Unite!... And Send Christmas Cards!

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:26:00 +0000

Do you still have Christmas gifts to buy? Holiday decorating to do? Family holiday menus to plan?
If you answered yes to even one of those questions, rest assured you aren't alone. If I'm being honest, I have to admit that I still have a few gifts to buy and many more to wrap.
At this point if you haven't sent Christmas cards to your friends and loved ones, you're probably thinking it's too late now, since we're 5 days away from the holiday. But it's NOT too late, and trust me, you're gonna thank me for what I'm about to tell you.

Back in 1999 when I was new to the internet (yes, I got a late start!), one of my favorite sites was Blue Mountain Greeting Cards. Having always been nuts about greeting cards, I absolutely loved to send their adorable e-greetings! Is that site even still around today? I haven't visited them in a long time because when they started charging to send electronic greeting cards, I stopped sending them. I mean, if I have to pay for a card, I'd rather go out and buy a really nice one and send it via snail mail.

Then I heard about Punchbowl, Inc. A brand new site that will let you customize beautiful holiday cards online for free? Yes, please! And the amazing thing is, these cards are so much like the sweet, traditional paper cards we're all so familiar with, yet the convenience of online customization and sending.

Wait. Are you still reading this post? Stop! Click on over to Punchbowl and start sending these adorable e-greeting cards to your family and friends! Be sure to check out the entire site, because they've got cards for every occasion, including Hanukkah, New Year's, and winter birthday parties! Oh, and I can't forget to mention, an amazing start-to-finish party planning program!
Remember at the beginning of this post when I said you'd thank me? Well... you're welcome!

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One Thousand Gifts - Week Twenty-Six... and A Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:05:00 +0000

I'd like to offer a big thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway of a $35 Dayspring gift certificate. I wish I could give you all a prize, but unfortunately there can be only one winner. The winner is:
Cynthia Chapman!
Congratulations, Cyn! Please email me by midnight EST on Wednesday, 12/21/11 to claim your prize. If I don't hear from you by the deadline, your prize will be forfeited and I'll randomly select another winner.
Foe everyone who didn't win, don't forget that Dayspring has some incredible sales going on through the end of the month. You'll also get free shipping on any order over $50.

Are you able to be thankful in all circumstances? Even when things aren't going your way? I think it takes a special talent - or maybe a strong faith - to find the silver lining in any situation; to find something to be thankful for, no matter what is happening in your life.

I try so hard to see the blessing in every situation. Some days, though, I fail miserably.

But sweet Ann Voskamp and her friends count tiny blessings each and every week, and I like to join them because it reminds me to look for the gifts, no matter the circumstances. It reminds me that although big blessings are obvious and incredible, little blessings are just as important because it's the little things that make up our every day lives.

This week I'm so thankful for:

126. My husband making dinner not one but TWO nights;

127. Finding an important something that I misplaced on 2 different occasions this week;

128. Still no snow, and we're already more than half-way through December;

129. A nice Christmas celebration with co-workers and an unexpected Christmas bonus;

130. Being finished with Christmas gift shopping which means I'm now able to focus on family.

How about YOU, Friend? How were you blessed this week? Won't you share with me in comments below?

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."— John F. Kennedy

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Product Review: Love Came Down... And A Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:05:00 +0000

Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? I'll let you in on a little secret: I haven't! And what little I've already bought remains to be wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree. Suffice it to say, I've got a lot of work still ahead of me if I want to be ready for the holiday in just a little over a week.
At a time of year when I'm usually giving gifts, I was thrilled to find a package full of gifts for me from Dayspring sitting on my front porch the other day, and even more thrilled with what I found inside!

Take a look at this beautiful wooden letter block , perfect for your mantle, coffee table or book shelf. It's got a name for Jesus on each of the 4 sides, and is a great piece to complement holiday decorating or year-round profession of your love for the Savior.

Throughout the month of December, it's only $10.49, too!

My Dayspring package contained two other items that I definitely wasn't expecting. My husband and I are both coffee drinkers, and over the years we've amassed quite a collection of coffee mugs and cups. I'm thrilled to add 2 new ones to our collection.

The Love Came Down Mug is the perfect size for my morning cup of wake-up juice. It holds 12 ounces of your favorite hot beverage, and there's a scripture message inside the cup.

It's also on sale this month, only $4.99. At that price, you can give one as a gift and keep one for yourself!

My husband claimed the Names Of Jesus Latte Mug for himself. This gorgeous mug holds 16 ounces of coffee and displays 7 different names of Jesus.
For the rest of December, this great mug can be yours for only $6.49! Talk about a great deal!
But I've got an even better deal for you! How would you like to win a $35 gift certificate to Dayspring, so that you can choose something really special for yourself or as a gift?
Entering to win is simple: just leave a comment below, telling me who you'll be spending Christmas with this year.
Want extra entries? Visit the Dayspring website, then come back here and leave a comment telling me what you'll buy with the $35 gift certificate if you win!
Each comment counts as a separate entry, and you can have 2 entries for this giveaway! Just make sure you enter before Sunday night at 11:59 pm EST. I'll announce the winner in my Monday One Thousand Gifts post!
Good luck, Friend! I hope you win!

{ Now for the legal stuff: Dayspring sent me these goodies in exchange for my honest review. And I'm being totally honest when I say I've never been disappointed with anything they've sent me! Also, I'm a Dayspring affiliate, which means that if you make a purchase using any of the links contained in this post, I might make a little bit of money. But I promise not to spend it all on shoes. Or chocolate! }

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2011 Year in Review

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:05:00 +0000

I have to be honest - I'm not going to miss 2011. It's been a rough year for me and my family on a lot of fronts, and I won't be sad to see it go.

Each year I like to do a Year in Review post, just to recap the previous 12 months. At a glance, this is what 2011 looked like for me:

1) What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?

I started the year in the unemployment line, after my job was eliminated due to corporate restructuring.

2) Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I'm not big on making a lot of resolutions because I'm so bad about sticking to them. Besides, if you need to make changes in your life, why wait until the New Year? Let's just start now!

3) Did anyone close to you give birth?

Several blogging friends had babies this year, including Libbie and Brittany.

4) Did anyone close to you die?

Our 16 year old Yorkie-Schnauzer mix, Sophie, died on November 1.

5) What countries did you visit?

As usual, I didn't make it out of the country this year.

6) What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

Real joy and freedom from worry.

7) What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

April 29 and June 3, but I'd rather not go into detail. Suffice it to say those weren't the best of days.

8) What was your biggest achievement of the year?

After losing my job at the end of December 2010, I found and started a new job within 30 days. In this economy, I consider that quite an accomplishment!

9) What was your biggest failure?

Not getting back in school. I wanted to, but just never got focused enough to get it done. It is definitely on the agenda for 2012.

10) Did you suffer illness or injury?

No, thankfully. I am so happy to be blessed with good health!

11) What was the best thing you bought?

We bought a new home theater system and new furniture for our basement. It's pretty awesome!

12) Whose behavior merited celebration?

My husband's - for a lot of reasons. He is incredible, and I'm so blessed to have him.

13) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

At times, the Kiddo's. It's hard being a young person nowadays, I get that. It's also hard being a Mom.

14) Where did most of your money go?

Things for the house, things for the Kiddo.

15) What did you get really, really, really excited about?

I don't get really excited. I don't know if that's good or bad.

16) What song will always remind you of 2011?

"Pumped Up Kicks" -- Foster The People

17) Compared to this time last year, are you:

- happier or sadder? About the same.

- thinner or fatter? Probably a little heavier.

- richer or poorer? Richer, because my husband works very, very hard to provide for his family.

18) What do you wish you'd done more of?

Praying

Reading
Spending time with family

19) What do you wish you'd done less of?

Eating

Worrying

20) How will you be spending Christmas?

We will travel to my parents' home, about 35 miles for Christmas day. We'll have Hubby's family get-together sometime before the actual holiday.

21) What was your favorite month of 2011?

I didn't have a favorite.

22) Did you fall in love in 2011?

If falling in love with my husband all over again counts, then yes!

23) How many one-night stands?

Zero.

24) What was your favorite TV program?

Grey's Anatomy remains my favorite TV show. I also really enjoy Body of Proof, The Middle, and Modern Family.

25) Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

I don’t hate anyone. It’s a waste of precious energy.

26) What was the best book you read?

I didn't read as much as I would've liked to, but my favorite book of the year was undoubtedly One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are.

27) What was your greatest musical discovery?

Sadly, if I discovered any new music {or musician} this year, I can't recall.

28) What did you want and get?

There wasn't anything I particularly wanted.

29) What did you want and not get?

I can't think of a thing!

30) What was your favorite movie of this year?

I see a lot of movies, but nothing this year really stands out as being great. I did enjoy My Week With Marilyn.

31) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

Don't you know it's not polite to ask a lady how old she is? :)
On my actual birthday, which was a Tuesday, the Hubby took me out to a nice dinner. The following weekend we went outlet mall shopping and then had a nice, big extended family dinner.

32) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Worrying less about the Kiddo.

33) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

I'm going to be honest - I didn't care about fashion this year. A lot of days, I was perfectly content to wear sweats. A few times, I even stayed in pajamas all day. I really like whatever is comfortable.

34) What kept you sane?

Prayer, writing, and losing myself in my favorite TV shows.

35) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Mmm.

36) What political issue stirred you the most?

Healthcare Reform and the War. Shouldn't it be over already?

37) Who did you miss?

My Nannie and my old kitty, Spook. Always.

38) Who was the best new person you met?

I have some awesome co-workers at my new job!

39) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:

I learned to rely more on my faith in God. I knew going into the year that faith was going to be my focus, but I had no idea how much of a focus it would be. Sometimes you simply have to trust when God says, "I've got this."

40) Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

"Made a wrong turn, once or twice
Dug my way out, blood and fire
Bad decisions, that's alright
Welcome to my silly life..." --Perfect, P!nk

What are some of the highs and lows of YOUR 2011? Please share them in comments below.

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One Thousand Gifts - Week Twenty-Five

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:05:00 +0000

I'm not a fan of snow and cold and so far, we've been fortunate enough to avoid much of those things here in central Indiana. That's the single biggest thing I'm grateful for this week!

But over the last seven days I've had a lot of other things to be grateful for, and that's why I'm counting gifts today with Ann Voskamp and one thousand of her closest friends. I'm learning that there's always something to be thankful for when you open your eyes and your heart and simply look around. This week, I'm especially grateful for:

121. A big red Cardinal, sitting regally in the maple tree in my front yard;

122. The box of goodies from Dayspring, waiting patiently on my front porch when I arrived home from work yesterday;

123. Shopping for Christmas gifts with and for people I love;

124. Swans swimming in a pond I drive by every day on my way to work - I would've thought they'd migrate south for the winter, but I guess not;

125. Finally registering for Blissdom 2012 and booking my hotel room in Nashville, TN. Are you going to Blissdom? Link up here so we can get to know each other before the conference!

Those are just a few of my little gifts this week. Friend, why don't you share a few of yours in comments below?

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” — Anthony Robbins

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One Word Wrap-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:05:00 +0000

Earlier this year I chose FAITH as my One Word for 2011.

Let me tell you, when I chose that particular word as my focal point for this year, God must've sat back on His throne and laughed. I picture Him rubbing His hands together, a sly grin on His face as He imagined all the ways He'd make me work for it this year.

FAITH.

If I was going to choose FAITH as my One Word, He was going to make sure I learned something from it.

He found ways I'd never dreamed of to test my faith. And when I was failing the test, He was gentle as He pulled me back to Him, reminding me that whatever is happening in my life, He can handle it.

"I've got this," He said to me, time and time again.

And you know what? He really did. He had it - and me - all year long.

I grew in my FAITH this year. I learned how to let go of my Type-A need to control everything and trust in The One who really is in control.

{Although I have to admit, relinquishing that control is a daily process for me.}

He didn't let me down. He didn't leave me hanging.

He carried me.

And I can't wait to see what He wants to teach me in 2012!

Friend, what about you? Did you choose One Word for 2011? And will you join us again in 2012? I think you'll be amazed what One Word can teach you.

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Holiday Favorites: TV Shows

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:05:00 +0000

As I started to compile my list of favorite Christmas television shows, I realized that all the ones I love are from my childhood. Have they even made any new Christmas TV programs in the last 30 years? If they do, I sure couldn't name any of them.

Does that make me old?

Well, if that doesn't, my list of favorites sure will. Do you remember any of these?

1. Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town - This is my favorite Christmas TV show of all time.

2. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer - Who doesn't love to hear a good story about an underdog who becomes a hero?
3. How The Grinch Stole Christmas - We've all felt a little "Grinch-y" at one time or another, but in the end his heart is softened when he sees that the Whos in Whoville don't care about the material aspect of Christmas. We'd all do well to remember this. And anyway, who doesn't love his "Grinch-y" smile?

4. Frosty The Snowman - This one really takes me back to my childhood. I still love it today.
5. A Charlie Brown Christmas - Who can forget that wonderful scene where Linus explains the true meaning of Christmas to Charlie Brown?

Friends, what are some of YOUR favorite Christmas TV shows? I'd love it if you'd share with me in comments. Maybe you can recommend something I haven't seen yet!

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One Thousand Gifts - Week Twenty-Four

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:05:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, sweet Ann Voskamp introduced the fabulous 1,000 Gifts app for iPhone, iPad, and Android. If you haven't downloaded it yet {it's free!}, be sure to do it soon. It's an excellent way to keep a running list of your blessings at all times! I love it!

I had a little bit of a rough week. I was distracted, worried, and at times not very thankful. But as I look back on the week, I realize that even though the days were hard, there were many times God blessed me, sometimes in the most subtle of ways. I'm especially grateful for:

116. Bright, beautiful sunny mornings after several consecutive days of buckets of dreary rain.

117. No snow! While much of the area around us was getting dumped on, we had a little bit of sleet and then miraculously, it stopped. No accumulation! I'm just not ready for snow yet!

118. Spending less time online, and more time getting back to one of the things I love: reading good books.

119. Sisterly confidants.

120. A blue ribbon for my 10 yo niece Lindsey's science fair project.

I'm sure there were dozens more little blessings that, in the busyness and stress of my week, I overlooked. I need to remind myself to slow down, keep my eyes open, and appreciate even the tiniest gift.

Friend, how were YOU blessed this week? Won't you share with me below, in comments?

“If you don't think every day is a great day, try going without one.” — Jim Evans

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Sunday - Week Three

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 05:05:00 +0000

Sometimes when things are not going well, it's easy to forget how faithful He is. I'm glad that somehow He always finds a way to remind me.

How are YOU reminded of His great faithfulness?

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Holiday Favorites: Movies

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:05:00 +0000

'Tis the season. For Christmas movies, that is. As the holidays are approaching, I've been thinking about all the great movies that help us celebrate this time of year. Do you have a favorite? Here are just a few of mine... in no particular order. I'll bet you've heard of some of them!

1. The Family Stone - I love this movie. I love how it tells the story of a really diverse, fairly dysfunctional family, but at the heart of it all is the fact that they all love one another.

2. The Holiday - I love this one because it reminds me that sometimes when we're not looking for something, that's when we find it.

3. A Christmas Story - I never saw this movie until after my husband and I got married. I don't know how I missed it as a kid, but now it's a regular part of our holiday, bad words and all.

4. Edward Scissorhands - Speaking of my husband, this is the movie he took me to on our first date, so of course it has to make the list of favorites.

5. Love Actually - And speaking of bad words, this one has more than a few. But it's still a holiday favorite because it reminds us that love is ... all around.

6. Serendipity - Fate? Chance? Whatever it was that brought this couple together, it's kind of romantic that it happens against a Christmasy New York City backdrop, don'tcha think?

7. Fred Claus - Okay, I have to admit... I really like Vince Vaughn. And I really like the dance he does with the elves in Santa's workshop. And I like that Jeffrey Dean Morgan shows up for a minute in this one.

8. It's A Wonderful Life - Who doesn't love James Stewart? Enough said.

9. Jack Frost - This one is a little bit of a tear jerker. Still, I like it.

10. Meet Me In St. Louis - As if this movie isn't already great, it's also playing in a scene in The Family Stone, too. Love it. When Judy Garland sings "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", it's magical!

What about you, friend? Do YOU have a favorite Christmas movie? Or two? Won't you share with me in comments below? I'd love recommendations if there something out there that I haven't seen!

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One Thousand Gifts - Week Twenty-Three

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:05:00 +0000

How was your Thanksgiving celebration? Ours was very nice, and while I enjoyed the holiday, I find that my life is richer when I stop to give thanks every single day, not just on a holiday.

That's why I love counting One Thousand Gifts with Ann Voskamp and her friends. It reminds me to be thankful for everything, every day. And this week, I'm particularly thankful for:

111. Time spent with my only child, even when it's when I'm picking him up from work;

112. A very nuce lady who was kind enough to let me in front of her in rush hour traffic in the pouring rain;

113. Relatively short Black Friday check-out lines;

114. Orange popsicles;

115. The quiet darkness of early morning, when no one else in the world is stirring yet.

Even the little things... you know, the things you might be too busy to notice... are worth celebrating and giving thanks for, and being thankful makes me so much more joyful.

Friend, what are YOU thankful for this week? I'd love it if you'd share with me in comments below.

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” — Albert Einstein

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Sunday - Week Two

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 05:05:00 +0000

I love this verse, especially when I'm going through hard times and it seems like I can't go on. It's good to know that there's nothing I'm facing that He can't handle.

Do YOU have a "go-to" verse for hard times?

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Small Business Saturday Is Huge

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:05:00 +0000

You guys have heard of Small Business Saturday, right? It's a day dedicated to supporting small local businesses, and what better time to do it than right now as we kick off the Christmas shopping season!

Today in honor of Small Business Saturday, I'd love it if you'd check out my wonderful blog sponsors. I think you'll find they all offer some amazing products that would make perfect Christmas gifts for your family and friends. Just click on each of the little photos below to be taken directly to the site.

In this economy, I know that every dollar is hard to come by and you want to spend them wisely. I think you'll do just that when you visit these fine businesses and pick out some goodies for your loved ones for Christmas!
Like the site says, "when we all shop small, it will be huge!"

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Happy Turkey Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:05:00 +0000

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Grateful. {And A Tiny Prints Giveaway}

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

image source

To kick off the holiday season in style, I'm partnering with Tiny Prints to offer one lucky reader a fabulous gift of 50 FREE Christmas cards!

Entering the giveaway is simple: just "Like" my Facebook page, then comment on the most recent post there and tell me what you're most thankful for this year.

That's all you have to do to enter to win! But do it before 11:59 pm EST on Thursday {Thanksgiving Day in the US!}. I'll announce the winner Friday here on my blog!

In the meantime, check out all the amazing things Tiny Prints has to offer this season! I'm amazed at the gorgeous Christmas cards, New Year's cards, address labels, party invitations, and more. You will be, too!

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One Thousand Gifts - Week Twenty-Two

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:05:00 +0000

Here in the United States, we'll celebrate Thanksgiving later this week. What are your plans for the day? Are you traveling to visit family, or are you entertaining at home?

This time of year, the act of thanksgiving is on everyone's mind. But being thankful is a daily process - not something we should do once a year when the season is upon us.

That's why I love Ann Voskamp's gratitude project and book One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. It reminds us to be thankful every single day, for blessings both big and small. This week I'm particularly thankful for:

106. My son's new job and his excitement about it;

107. A new quilt, sheets, and pillows for my bed;

108. Having a little girl in the house (my 10 yo niece spent the night on Saturday);

109. A phone call from my mom (that doesn't happen very often);

110. Unexpected car repairs, and the fact that we are fortunate enough to be able to pay for them.

Friends, did you receive any little blessings this week? I'll bet you did. Won't you share them with me today?

"As we pause to thank Him for the blessings of the past year, we must not forget to thank Him for the lessons we have learned through our difficult times. We are not to be thankful for just the pleasant, easy things, but ALL things."
-- Millie Stamm

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Sunday - Week One

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:45:00 +0000

As we kick off Thanksgiving week, I'm giving thanks to the Lord. How about you?

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I Dare You

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:05:00 +0000

I simply adore this photo and its message...

image source

One Thousand Gifts - Week Twenty-One

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:05:00 +0000

When you think about all the blessings in your life, what are you most grateful for? Your marriage? Your healthy children? A good job? A nice, warm home? A great church home? These are all blessings indeed.

But do you stop to think about the little blessings? Simple, everyday things like a front row parking spot at the mall on a rainy day? A short line at the grocery store? Sweet snuggles with a purring kitten?

I'm not good at recognizing the small things, which is why I really like Ann Voskamp's weekly exercise of counting them. It helps me to be mindful of all my blessings - not just the big ones.

This week, I'm especially grateful for:

101. Running out of gas less than a mile from home - hey, that's better than running out on the other side of town!

102. A husband who wasn't too terribly upset with me for running out of gas;

103. The smell of homemade vegetable soup like Nannie's, wafting through my house on a Sunday afternoon;

104. Times when the burden of worry is lifted, even if it's just a little bit;

105. Four new little fish in my aquarium.

The little things, my friends, add up to the big things, so I am very grateful. Tell me - what are YOU grateful for today?

"Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul."-- Henry Ward Beecher

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Tiny Prints Giveaway Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:17:00 +0000

THANKS to everyone who entered yesterday's Tiny Prints giveaway! I wish I could give free holiday cards to all of you, but there can be only one winner, and it is:
TaylorLynne34
Taylor, please email me to confirm your email address, and I will get back with you with details about how to claim your free cards!

For those of you who didn't win, I hope you'll still visit the Tiny Prints site {by clicking the banner above} and go ahead and order your holiday cards. You won't be disappointed with these beautiful high-quality cards! Personalize them by adding your own photos and text! Make a big impression on friends and family when they receive your card this holiday!

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Tiny Prints Giveaway TODAY ONLY!

noreply@blogger.com (Christina Berry) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:05:00 +0000

Friends, TODAY ONLY I am hosting a giveaway of 50 FREE Tiny Prints holiday cards! Trust me when I say, you do NOT want to miss out on this!

Entering the giveaway is simple. Just click here {or click the banner above} and check out the amazingly beautiful, high-quality holiday cards Tiny Prints is offering this season. Then come back here to my blog and leave a comment telling me which card design you'll choose if you win the giveaway. It's that simple!
Enter to win before midnight EST tonight! I'll announce the winner tomorrow!
Want another bonus? TODAY ONLY, you can receive a FREE card to your kid(s) from Santa! Visit the Tiny Prints Facebook page to find out how, but don't forget, it's TODAY ONLY!
Blogging friends, if you would like to participate in this Tiny Prints holiday card campaign and get 50 FREE holiday cards, click here to get all the details and complete the sign-up form! Easy peasy!

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