Our Favorite Things Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas will be here before we know it! It seems to creep up on me sooner than expected every year and I am rarely prepared for it.

This year, however, our family is doing something different. We are not giving gifts. Instead, we're having family photos made. All fourteen of us are meeting for a family dinner on the Sunday before Christmas and then we will head over to a local farm to meet Katelyn, our photographer, who is bringing a huge, mustard-colored sofa. I'm so excited about this! Can you tell?

I know that some of you are already shopping for Christmas. Maybe, you even have all of your shopping done. But if you are one of those, like me, who wait till the last minute, have I got a sweet deal for you! It's like going to the mall, but better—remember those days?

We polled our guest bloggers about their favorite things, like faith-inspired gifts and Bible study tools, books, etc. and came up with Our Favorite Things Christmas Gift Guide and we're excited to share it with you today!

​This gift guide has some pretty cool stuff in it and I think you're going to really love it! So, from us here at InstaEncouragements to you there at home, Merry Christmas and we hope you enjoy some of our favorite things this Christmas!

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The Daily Grace Co.

I love everything about The Daily Grace Co. There's just so much goodness and truth there, and it's all so very, very lovely! I never go to their site without seeing something new, something I want, something I need, or both. You're going to love this, friend. I promise! And their Be Still Magazine, makes the perfect gift! Buy an individual issue, annual subscription, or the entire collection. You will not be disappointed! 

BONUS: They have free domestic shipping on all orders over $75! Check it out.

The Names of God Verse Cards 
Checkout this set of 11 cards featuring 10 different names of God with their meanings and the Scripture passages where they are used.

"​I love having these verse cards to keep in my purse, in my car, around my mirror, at my desk, etc., to surround myself with God's truth. They are perfect for helping me keep Scripture right in front of me to meditate on throughout my day." —Casey

Order the Names of God Verse Cards here from The Daily Grace Co.

Did you know that The Daily Grace Co. has a magazine!?! I know you did, because I just told you. But before that, did you know? The Be Still Magazine may be one of their best kept secrets, but it is one of our favorite things ever! Each issue is packed with beautiful and intentional design and gospel-saturated truth. The articles are written by women for women and your heart will be encouraged to look to Jesus on every page. You can purchase individual issues or subscribe to this quarterly magazine and get a brand new issue in your mailbox every quarter! And they are coffee table worthy!

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​Prayer Journal for Women

This 52-week Scripture, devotional and guided prayer journal includes: Scripture verses, reflections on the Word, and journaling prompts to guide your walk with God and strengthen your faith.

Verses are organized thematically: Love & Inner Beauty, Provision & Faithfulness, God’s Love, Adversity & Trials, Awe & Sovereignty, Strength Through Faith, Fear, and Grace & Forgiveness.

​This 12-month journal is a perfect companion for individual worship or group Bible study.

JOURNAL FEATURES:

• A generous 8 x 10 trim size with plenty of space to write.
• Four full pages for each week of the year.
• Original illustrations on each page by author and artist Shannon Roberts.

EACH WEEK INCLUDES:

• Scripture - An inspiring Bible verse to reflect and meditate on throughout your week, giving you time to memorize the verse and ingrain it into your heart and soul.
• Reflect - A Reflect page with thoughts and questions prompted by the weekly Scripture verse, along with space to record your own thoughts and responses.

• Journal - Two full pages to journal your praise for God, your prayer requests, the things on your heart, and how you wish to be taught and guided, as well as a Bible verse about the power of prayer.
• Answered Prayers - A tracker with space to record your prayers so you can see how God moves in your life throughout the course of the year.

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Bible and Breakfast

I'll be honest with you, friend, when I first saw this I thought, This is gorgeous! But who has time for this? Maybe you don't have time for this every day, but what about Saturday mornings, holidays, winter breaks, spring breaks, and summer? This would be perfect for those days!

Are you starting your day on empty? Before your feet hit the ground, chaos drowns out any hope of quiet time with Jesus, as the alarm blares, kids run around the house, and your to-do list reminds you that you’re already behind.

If all that sounds too familiar, Bible and Breakfast is for you! In just a month, you’ll kickstart a morning habit of meeting with Jesus and eating a healthy breakfast every day. Join Bible teacher and author Asheritah Ciuciu for 31 devotions for busy women and 31 tasty breakfast recipes.

EACH DEVOTION INCLUDES:

• Feast Bible study prompts for days you want to dig deep.
• Snack on-the-go devotionals for busy days.
• Plenty of space for journaling and responding.

RECIPES FEATURE:

• Family favorites that are healthy enough to feel good about and tasty enough that your kids will eat them.
• A full-color photo for every recipe.
• Lots of gluten-free, kid-friendly, and freezer-friendly options.

No more waiting for the perfect time and place. Experience the joy of starting your mornings with Jesus today!

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The Heart That Heals: Healing Our Brokenness Through the Promises of God

The Heart That Heals is a book I wrote for you, for your mom, your sisters, the girls in your small group or Bible study and the women you work with every day. ​

Basically, I wrote this book for every one of us, because we all need to be reminded, from time to time, of the promises of God.
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​Two things I want today:

1. I want you to thrive, live good days and love life, but most of all I want you to love God!
2. I want to see how God changes lives through this book.

Are you looking for fresh, Scripture-based material for your women's small group or Bible study? This 10-week study covers issues we all face and issues we all need help with.

If you and I were Pen Pals, The Heart That Heals is the letter I would write to you if you’d lost a child, a husband, a best friend, or a sister. It’s the kind of letter I would seal with a heart-shaped sticker that says, God Loves You, you know, that kind of sticker you used to get in Sunday school. You’d read my letter and you’d know, yes, you would know, He truly does love me! ​

The Heart That Heals: Healing Our Brokenness Through the Promises of God is available exclusively at Amazon in paperback and Kindle. Hope is written here. Love happens here. Friendship is born here. Community begins here. Bring your coffee. Pull up a chair. Join us! Read chapter 1 for free today.

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Faithbox Subscription

Give the gift that keeps on giving all year long! What's in the box? Every month is different and you won't know what's in the box until it arrives at your front door! SURPRISE! Like Christmas morning.

Each Faithbox is based on an uplifting theme and includes their daily devotional book, Everyday Faith, plus inspired content and tools to help you end the month more centered on Christ than you began! It's that what we all want!? They also include amazing products and books that have a positive impact on the world.

To give you an idea of what kinds of things to expect in your Faithbox, here's a sample from their Transformation-themed box. Click here to order a Faithbox Subscription today.

"Faithbox has become something that our family looks forward to receiving each month. With every box comes encouragement. The daily devotionals are so uplifting and wonderful to carry around. Every night at dinner our little family is able to talk about the message for the day and grow together." —Sarah Joy

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Canvas Vows Personalized Home Decor & More

This personalized canvas, using the family's last name and established date, makes such a wonderful gift! The classic design also has the quote "home sweet home" to welcome you home! This canvas print is part of the Family Last Name Sign Canvas Collection, Home Decor Canvas Collection, and New Home Decor Canvas Collection.

The wonderful thing about personalized family signs is that you can custom order it perfectly to your liking! Provide CanvasVows with your family’s last name, established date, and the color and size of canvas, and Canvas Vows will create for you a lovely personalized last name canvas that will make you feel right at home every time you see it!

There are a lot of great last name canvas ideas (check out  their Last Name Collection!), but personalized family name signs have to fit the style of the family. That is why this last name canvas is so wonderful: its classic design and elegant script make it a canvas print that stands out as a home decor item!

Whether you are looking for yourself or for a loved one, you absolutely can’t go wrong with personalized family established name signs. Personalized family established signs are a wonderful way to welcome the family home.

Click here to shop Canvas Vows.

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​Fisher-Price Little People Nativity

If you have little ones, this is perfect for them! I remember when ours were little and they seemed to always want to play with our porcelain nativity set. And then there was the time I found our cat batting baby Jesus around on the floor. YIKES! No worries with this nativity set though. It's made for little hands to play with, and it's cat-friendly as well!

FEATURES:

• Star lights up, set plays Away in the Manger.
• Figures Included: Joseph, Mary, Baby Jesus, angel, three Wise Men, 2 donkeys, camel, sheep, and cow.
• Includes stable, left and right stone walls with palm trees, hay dale, and donkey's cart.

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​NIV Journalling Bible Illustrated by Hannah Dunnett

With extra-wide margins, quality writing paper and thirty-two pages of Christian artist Hannah's Dunnett's beautiful illustrations to inspire you, this NIV Journalling Bible is perfect for those who love to reflect and journal creatively in God's presence. The single-column setting and blank margins allow for plenty of room beside the Scriptures for your notes, drawings, stencilling and illumination, bringing a new depth and imagination to your quiet times. ​​​

There could not be a better gift for Bible readers who love to add their own doodles and personal reflections to their Bible. Enhanced by Hannah Dunnett's stunning biblical artwork, this edition will encourage you to spend time soaking in the Word as you meditate on her paintings.

The endpapers feature original artwork by Hannah Dunnett, inspired by the story of the Garden of Eden in Genesis, and Revelation's Heavenly City. This NIV Journalling Bible has an easy-to-read, single-column 8.5PT Bible text, two ribbons markers and an elastic strap closure. Also included are shortcuts to key stories, events and people of the Bible, lists of references for help and guidance and a reading plan to help you familiarize yourself with the Bible.

​This edition of the New International Version uses British spelling, punctuation and grammar to allow the Bible to be read more naturally.

​Royalties from all sales of the NIV Bible help Biblica in their work of translating and distributing Bibles around the world.

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​2020 Weekly & Monthly Planners by Pretty Simple Planners

Friend, you are going to LOVE Pretty Simple Planners. I promise! And they are so affordable, you'll be able to buy a planner for every girl on your list!

Click on any of the lovely planners above to order today.
​You're not going to believe how affordable they are!

The new 2020 Planners are here! These beautiful planners are printed on high quality interior stock with gorgeous covers. Each monthly spread (January 2020 through December 2020) contains an overview of the month, a notes section, inspirational quotes, and fun holidays such as National Donut Day! The cute weekly spreads include space to write your daily schedule as well as a to-do list. Grab your colored pens and washi tape and let's get organized! These make wonderful gifts for the planners, teachers and all the girls in your life!

PRODUCT DETAILS:

• January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
• Beautiful premium matte cover.
• Printed on high quality 60 lb white paper.
• Perfectly sized at 8 x 10 so it is both portable and practical.
• Designed and Printed in the USA!
• Part of the 2020 Pretty Simple Planners Series.

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Gratitude Journal: A 52-Week Guide to Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude

Good Days Start With Gratitude and that is the truth! You're going to LOVE this 52-week Guide to Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude, friend! I promise! It is also from Pretty Simple Planners and unbelievably affordable. You'll want to purchase one for everybody on your gift list.

This is a self-exploration journal designed to focus on being thankful for what we have, the big things in life, as well as the simple joys. Each well-designed, weekly spread contains an inspirational quote, space to write three things you are thankful for each day of the week, and a weekly checkpoint. If you start each day by writing down three things you are thankful for—a good cup of coffee, the smell of rain, starting a good book —you begin each day on the right note. Do it daily and make it a habit to focus on the blessings you have been given! Grab a copy for yourself and for a friend and share the journey together!

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​Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than Left Out and Lonely

This may seem like an odd Christmas gift, but I LOVE a good book—and this one is good! It's one of the best books I've read in 2019 and I'll bet if you look around you'll see someone on your Christmas list that really needs Lysa's message of hope.

The enemy wants us to feel rejected . . . left out, lonely, and less than. In Uninvited, Lysa shares her own deeply personal experiences of rejection—from the perceived judgment of the perfectly toned woman one elliptical over to the incredibly painful childhood abandonment by her father. She leans in to honestly examine the roots of rejection, as well as rejection's ability to poison relationships from the inside out, including our relationship with God.

With biblical depth, gut-honest vulnerability, and refreshing wit, Lysa will help you:

• Stop feeling left out by believing that even when you are overlooked by others you are handpicked by God.
• Change your tendency to either fall apart or control the actions of others by embracing God-honoring ways to process your hurt.
• Know exactly what to pray for the next ten days to steady your soul and restore your confidence in the midst of rejection.
• Overcome the two core fears that feed your insecurities by understanding the secret of belonging. 

Uninvited reminds us we are destined for a love that can never be diminished, tarnished, shaken, or taken away—a love that does not reject.

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​You Can Trust God to Write Your Story: Embracing the Mysteries of Providence

You've got someone on your list that needs to be reminded this Christmas that God is the master Storyteller! You know who they are. They need this book! They need to read the stories of the DeMoss' and the stories of people from God's Word that lived through life-altering challenges, but, in the end, found God to be faithful. 

What's God doing in your story? Our kids beg us for stories at bedtime or while we drive; we gather around fire pits and dinner tables to tell and retell our favorite tales—the more dramatic the better. But when it comes to our actual lives, we prefer something less sensational, even boring—sunny skies and smooth sailing, please and thank you. We want our own stories to be predictable, safe, controllable, and catastrophe-free.

When plans fall apart, jobs are lost, kids wander off, doctors give bad reports, we often wonder, "What are you doing, God? Are you sure you have this under control? It doesn’t really seem like it right now."

God is the master Storyteller. He’s writing your story and it’s a part of His bigger, grander, eternal Story. But we’re still in the middle. We haven’t gotten to the happy ending yet, and it can be hard to trust Him in the thick of our struggles.

​That’s why Robert and Nancy share their own story, friends’ stories, and the stories of people in the Bible who have faced life-altering challenges, but, in the end, have found God to be faithful. Learn why you really can trust God to write your story—no matter what plot twists you may encounter along the way.

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3 Online Shops We LOVE for Beautifully Unique & Original Christian Artwork

Redeeming Goods

Blue Chair Blessing

Coffey Design Co.

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​Scripture Art

I love having Scripture Art hanging on the walls of our home—especially in my kid's rooms. The power of putting Scripture on the walls of your home is that anyone who visits has the opportunity to read the Living Word of God, including your kid's friends. BONUS! And these are so lovely and affordable. You can hang them as posters or frame them. Either way, you are turning the focus of the room to God's Word, and that never returns void!

"For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

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No Little Women: Equipping All Women in the Household of God by Aimee Byrd

Why are so many well-intentioned women falling for poor—even false—theology? The Devil has been effectively targeting women from the beginning, so why are we often left to fend for ourselves in so-called women's ministries?

Strengthening women in the church strengthens the whole church. Cultivating resolved, competent women equips them to fulfill their calling as Christ's disciples and men's essential allies. Writing to concerned women and church officers, Aimee Byrd pinpoints the problem, especially the commodification of women's ministry.

Aimee answers the hot-button issues:

• How can women grow in discernment?
• How should pastors preach to women?
• What are our roles within the church?

And then the book points us in the direction of a multifaceted solution.

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InstaEncouragements Etsy Shop

Many of our InstaEncouragements from Instagram can be purchased over at our Etsy shop in print form either as 5” x 5” press prints or 8" x 8" and/or 12" x 12" full-bleed prints on premium Fujicolor archive paper, and they are gorgeous! During the months of November and December, use code SAVE50 at checkout to save 50% off your entire purchase! And, as always, shipping is just $2.00.

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Little Pilgrim's Progress from John Bunyan's Classic

​Fifty-five years ago, Helen L. Taylor took John Bunyan's classic, Pilgrim's Progress, and simplified the vocabulary and concepts for young readers while keeping the storyline intact.

The result was a classic in itself, which has now sold over 600,000 copies. It's both a simple adventure story and a profound allegory of the Christian journey through life. It's a delightful read with a message kids ages 6 to 12 can understand and remember, and a new look and fresh illustrations for today's children enlivens the journey to the Celestial City.

​Invite your 6 to 12-year-olds to journey to the Celestial City with this special version of Pilgrim's Progress adapted just for them! Featuring child-friendly vocabulary and simplified concepts for young readers, Taylor's abridgment leaves Bunyan's unforgettable story line intact. Now fresh illustrations bring the classic to life for contemporary "travelers."

The Pilgrim's Progress Exclusive DVD

Based on John Bunyan's epic masterpiece, Pilgrim's Progress which is one of the most popular books of all time, and one of the most important stories of our faith!

Second to the Bible in total copies and translations, the story was written by John Bunyan, a pastor imprisoned for sharing his faith. This powerful allegory helps families understand the spiritual journey is the most important journey in life, as well as the importance of sticking to the path, even when the journey gets difficult.

FEATURES:

• Recommended for ages 8 and up.
• Features the voices of John Rhys-Davies, Kristyn Getty, and Ben Price.
• English SDH.
• English subtitles.
• Approx. 110 minutes.

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: Epic Story. Historic global Impact. Future Influence. Join international ministry leaders Sheila Walsh, Dr. Jack Graham, Skip Heizig and Dr. Hormoz Shariat to hear how Pilgrim's Progress has had more impact than almost any other story worldwide, and preview clips from the movie.

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DEAR MUSHKA

You're going to love this beautiful site and all they have to offer, friend! Go to www.dearmushka.com and sign up for their newsletter to get free shipping on your first order!

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​Wheatley Jewelry Co.

The Lola Necklace
I love this necklace, and not just because my grandmother's name was Lola. I love it because it's clean, simple, and chic. Five matte white, hand-carved African bone beads sit on a matte gold 32-inch chain. Wear it with jeans and a tee for an effortlessly casual look, or upgrade it with that classic, little black dress. You'll love the Wheatley Jewelry Co. and they have free domestic shipping on all orders over $60.00!

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​The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by Tim Keller

This book is for that coworker or relative on your list who just simply doesn't believe like you believe. Maybe they've been a bit abrasive when you've brought the subject of Jesus Christ up, but you love them anyway. You love them enough to put a book like this in their hands on Christmas morning and say, "Please, read this friend—it's important!"

The New York Times bestselling author of The Prodigal Prophet uncovers the essential message of Jesus, locked inside His most familiar parable.

Newsweek called renowned minister Timothy Keller "a C.S. Lewis for the twenty-first century" in a feature on his first book, The Reason for God. In that book, he offered a rational explanation of why we should believe in God.

Now, in The Prodigal God, Keller takes his trademark intellectual approach to understanding Christianity and uses the parable of the prodigal son to reveal an unexpected message of hope and salvation. 

Within that parable, Jesus reveals God's prodigal grace toward both the irreligious and the moralistic.

​This book will challenge both the devout and skeptics to see Christianity in a whole new way.

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Gathered & Sown

I hope you love this shop as much as I do! My friend, Emily, over at Blue Chair Blessing told me about it and I am in LOVE!!! 

Angie, over at Gathered & Sown, creates functional and pretty things to keep us rooted in the Word and growing in our faith. And they will all make you feel so very beautiful in the ordinary. Isn't that just what we need to be--rooted, growing and seeing the beauty! Go check it out! Read her About page here. You're just going to fall in love like I did, promise!

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The Dwell Journal

I absolutely LOVE The Dwell Journal! It's a great Bible study for your personal study or for a group study—a fantastic way to begin the year in the Word.

"Studying the Bible doesn't have to be hard. If you're not sure where to start, or are struggling with being consistent in God's Word, try this 12-week guided Bible study journal to help you get on a fulfilling and exciting path in your quiet time with the Lord. ​​Through dwelling on God's word, you'll be rooted and established in Christ. Each week focuses on a different topic; areas that will convict you and encourage you to apply what you have learned as the Holy Spirit lives and moves through you to accomplish His work.

Inside this journal you'll find floral coloring pages with Bible verses as well as a place for:

• Writing Bible verses for deeper reflection and internalization
• Recording what you learn as you study God's Word
• Reflecting on ways to apply what you've read
• Recording things you are thankful for
• Keeping track of prayer requests and answered prayers

Dwelling in God's word is exciting and enriching. Let's dive into the Father's love letter and see how it impacts our lives and the lives of those around us." --Sarah Liberty Hardee

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Which one of our favorites would you like to unwrap on Christmas morning?