Deidra Riggs

Author and Speaker

In Which I Make a Grab Bag Thank You Gift to Give Away

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When I first started blogging, back in 2008, I can’t even say for sure that I was aware of the Church calendar. Today, however, I know enough to say with certainty that Christmas is just beginning. I know you may be trying to catch your breath from the shopping and the wrapping and the baking and the eating but, according to the liturgical year, Christmas has just begun.

It has been quite a year. I published my very first book, hosted the second JumpingTandem retreat, spoke at some great events where I got to meet many of you in person, and worked with many incredibly talented writers at the High Calling to produce stellar content.  Thanks so much for hanging in there with me. Thank you for buying the book, coming to the retreat, writing great stuff, supporting our #Dressember efforts to help end human trafficking, and showing up to read this little blog from time to time. I have some of the most amazing followers and friends—here on the blog, and on social media. You’ve been such a gift to me, and I’d like to thank you for all the ways you’ve supported me over the years.

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One of my favorite things about Christmas is the giving of gifts. I’m always thrilled when I get to hand a brightly wrapped present to someone I love. It’s truly my favorite part about the holiday we celebrate on December 25th. This year, as we take a deep breath and say good-bye to 2015, I’ve put together a grab bag of gifts for one lucky winner of this little blog. Hopefully you’re just as thrilled about this collection of gifts as I am to offer it to you.

IMG_1866 2I’ve curated a few of my favorite things, and I know that’s not really how gift-giving works. I know you’re supposed to try to figure out some of the recipients’ favorite things but, I’m hoping some of these gifts make you smile, just as they make me smile.

Here’s what’s included in the grab bag: Whatever is Lovely: A Coloring Book for Reflection and Worship; the Alexandra bracelet by ViBella for Every Little Thing; One Word “Embrace” Pendant Necklace by Krafty Kash; Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts, by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver; the audio CD of Every Little Thing: Making a World of Difference Right Where You Are, read by Robin Miles; sparkly earrings by Noonday Collection; It’s Good to Be Queen, by Liz Curtis Higgs; Raising Grateful Kinds in an Entitled World: How One Family Learned that Saying No can Lead to Life’s Biggest Yes; and a $50 gift card to Lifeway Christian Stores (includes online shopping)!

books giveaway

Of course, Every Little Thing is my book, but I’ve been chatting with Robin Miles, the voice of the book in this audio version, and she is really amazing. I’d love to share this version of the book, just so you can hear her voice. Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World and Choose Joy each release in January. They are written by two of my (in)courage sisters, so I’ve had the privilege of a sneak peek at both and let me tell you, I recommend both of these books with a standing ovation on the side.

Liz Curtis Higgs is another (in)courage sister and she blessed me immeasurably when she asked me to endorse her book about the Queen of Sheba. Liz is so very gifted at mining a biblical story for rich and practical truths. I had no problem lending my enthusiastic support to this book. Finally, the beautiful book, Whatever is Lovely, is published by Waterbrook Press. It’s a coloring book, and it will take your breath away. It includes quotes from people like Lisa-Jo Baker, Jennifer Lee, Sarah Bessey, and yours truly.

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I will always have a special place in my heart for the people behind the jewelry companies featured here. Each one has sponsored the JumpingTandem retreat, both years that we’ve hosted it. I’ve met each of the women behind these three companies, and I’m honored to call them my friends. They are gentle powerhouses, and they are changing the world in the places where they live and travel, every single day. It’s my joy to be able to share the results of their hard work with you.

IMG_1867 2As I prepare to head into 2016, I’m looking forward to quite a few things. First of all, I’m well into the writing of my second book. It’s the book I’ve been wanting to write for a very long time, and it focuses on many of the same elements that drive our #GoingThere conversations. I am so excited to have gotten the go-ahead to write this book and I ask for your prayers as I try to get 5,000 words written each week, ahead of my April 15th deadline. I’ll be working to update my speaking calendar for 2016, and I hope for the chance to see many of you again, or for the first time, in 2016. And, I bought a planner! Did you just faint?

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I actually bought two planners, but I’ll tell you more about that, on a different day.

For now, know that I’m grateful for you. And, take a minute to enter to win this Thank You Grab Bag, using the Rafflecopter, below. There are lots of ways to enter and the more options you choose, the better your chances of winning. The contest closes on December 31, 2015. All the best!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Note: this post includes some affiliate links.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. JoAnne Isom

    I am looking forward to the new year. This grab bag would be a great boost. I love to color and read.

  5. Laura Boggess

    These are all amazing goodies. What a privilege it has been to watch as God worked so much loveliness through you this year, D. Sending my love to you and yours as Christmastide rushes in.

  6. Wendy Munsell

    What a lovely grab bag! Thank-you for sharing the things you love in this give-away. It’s fun to see (and maybe get!) items I”ve never seen before.

  14. Angela Sangalang

    I just found out about how Christmas is the beginning of Christmas. Being single, I set up a 12 Days of Christmas countdown calendar for myself to help me focus on Jesus from Christmas till the beginning of the new year. My church doesn’t follow a liturgical calendar, but I love the idea that Christmas just begun.

  15. Deb Anderson Weaver

    I love when the gifts include books! And it’s an interesting thought that Christmas has just begun!

  17. beckyl

    So it’s still ok to say Merry Christmas like I did today at the gas station!! Thanks for the giveaway my friend!!! snapperbeck at gmail dot com

  18. Linda Stoll

    The adults in our family drew names for Christmas gifts this year … and guess whose book was waiting under the tree for me to open??!!

    Looking forward to curling up with Every Little Thing!

    Blessings as you continue to forge ahead to all God is calling you to, Deidra!

  19. Marcy

    What a wonderful idea! I’m loving your book right now and would love another copy to share with one of my girls.

  21. Mollianne

    What a generous giveaway! Thank you for providing a thoughtful place in the midst of a very noisy Internet.

  25. Mary Bonner

    You know I love your book & I am anxious to read some of the others you have here, especially Liz Curtis Higgs. And the jewelry…oh my!! I love it all. I hope your Christmas Day was Merry!!

  32. Mary Beth Cain

    These books look good and you have other lovely items too! I am an avid reader. I enjoy your insights on your blog.

  48. Jennifer

    I’m learning more about the “Church Calendar” too as I become more “adult!” I am thankful for the wisdom God bestows year after year. These prizes are lovely.

  49. Stephanie

    I received your book a while ago and although I haven’t read it yet, (I had ordered 12 books and keep flipping coins to see who is next.) Right now I am reading Michelle DeRusha’s Spiritual Misfits, when that is done, I am sure your’s will be next. I can’t wait to start this book club, I don’t know what the Church Calendar means, but getting to be a part of this is really exciting, I can’t wait to get the YaYa book and start reading that also.

  51. jetaylor47

    What a exciting grab bag. I am so looking forward to your book club. As I march right in to 2016, the list of books beams
    with anticipation!