It’s November, people. November. And being that I am the greatest procrastinator last-minute-doer-of-all-things, it’s miraculous I’m even writing this post. But I really want you to join me this Advent season so, alas, I’m planning ahead. Below are two things I wanted to tell you about before the hustle and bustle gets underway. And then, the giveaway!

 

1 :: Then Came Jesus Starting November 30th!

 

Last year I released my Advent Bible study Then Came Jesus and I’m excited to host the study again this year on my blog. Starting November 30th we’ll walk together into Christmas day looking into the life and face and work of our Lord Jesus.

 

 

As I say in the introduction of the study,

 

The actual writing of this study became a sweet time with the Lord. It was as if I went on a long walk with Jesus. I pray that as you go through the study, you feel the same way. I pray that the Father graces you with fresh eyes to see His extravagant love through the person and work of the long-awaited Christ.

 

What does “host the study on my blog” mean? It means that you and I and anyone else who wants to join us will individually go through the study on our own, starting on the same day. It also means that I will post weekly encouragement and reminders on my blog — hoping you will join the conversation in the comments section.

Why am I already telling you about it? Because if you want a paperback copy of the study before we begin, you will probably want to go ahead and order. Because. Self-publishing. Print. On. Demand. Takes. A. Long. Time. To. Ship. Blah.

The study is available in paperback (mentioned above) or as a PDF (which you could print and bind on your own) or in Kindle format.

CLICK HERE for more information or to order the study. And then stay tuned. I’ll talk more about this the closer we get to December. Tis the season!

 
The second thing I want to make sure you know about…

 

2 :: Anchor of Hope Subscription Box

 

A sweet (local, in-real-life) friend of mine recently launched a “subscription box” called Anchor of Hope. Having personal ties with World Relief, she has organized local refugee artisans to create a variety of beautiful pieces of art from jewelry to household goods to accessories that she then ships out each month. I’m so proud of her.

If you want to purchase a meaningful, empowering, fair-trade gift to give (or keep) this Christmas, then this subscription box would be an excellent choice!

 

 

Here’s a little from the Anchor of Hope website:

Our partnership with World Relief High Point connects Anchor of Hope to these beautiful souls that have left devastating circumstances and war-torn countries for a chance of freedom in a foreign and strange land. They could use our support to help provide for their families as they heal from the poverty and injustices that afflicted their lives before now. Join with us in this exciting adventure as we empower these artisans and give them the opportunity to overcome.

 

3 :: Now for the GIVEAWAY

 

To get you even more excited about Anchor of Hope, they are graciously giving away an item from last month’s subscription box: a set of nesting, gold accented, jewelry dishes. Check these out!

 

 

Here’s a little about the artisan who crafted these beautiful bowls:

 

Nadine is a mom of four who arrived in America in July as a refugee from the Congo. She feels blessed with the opportunities she has in the United States, including the opportunity to learn English and attend classes at a community college. Plus her children LOVE going to school — a privilege they didn’t have for quite some time. And though she (and other refugee families) consider these things as gifts to their families, the changes are difficult.
 
Imagine arriving in a new country, one where you don’t speak the language. You are placed in a low-income apartment and are given a small stipend that will last you no longer than 3 months. Organizations like World Relief and Anchor of Hope step in and help support these families.

 

Anchor of Hope gives artisans like Nadine an opportunity to express their creative giftings, while giving us the opportunity to support them.

One winner will be chosen to receive these gorgeous bowls crafted by precious hands. To enter, simply share this post on your social media outlets and comment below telling me that you did so.

The deadline for entry is this Friday, November 6th. And the winner will be announced on Monday, November 9th here on my blog.

Wow, that was a mouthful. Thanks for staying with me. Now let’s go live Monday on purpose!

 

RECAP:

• Then Came Jesus beginning November 30th here on my blog
• Anchor of Hope Subscription Box
• GIVEAWAY — share this post and comment below by Friday, November 6th