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Confession: I get caught up in the Christmas shopping, the music, the lights . . . and I often don’t think much about Advent.

I often think about my faith, but as far as “liturgical seasons”; I’m not , how should I say this, on the ball?

One thing I do think about in the busyness of the season is keeping Christ in Christmas and remembering He is the REASON FOR THE SEASON.

I like to remind others . . . but I don’t want to beat anyone over the head with it so to speak.

Which is why I came up with the idea of giving “Spiritual Stocking Stuffers”.  A little gift among the practical that reminds the receiver that Our Lord loves them tremendously and longs to spend time with them in prayer and sacraments.

I also believe these gifts show the person receiving how much we truly love them.  I believe this gifts will provide a physical sign of hope once the hustle and bustle of the season is long over, and life with it’s normal ups and downs, is back again.

I look for gifts I would want to both give and receive.  This year, here are my suggestions for

Spiritual Stocking Stuffers

Pink Salt Riot’s Saint Benedict Rosary Bracelet

I learned a little about the Saint Benedict Medal this year and it really intrigued me. There are a number of benefits credited to this medal – two are: To serve as an armor against temptation; 5. and to secure a timely and healthy birth for children. In addition to this medal being such a powerful sacramental, Pink Salt Riot displays it in a modern, fashionable and fun way! I’m looking forward to wearing mine

A T-Shirt from PioPrints

I simply LOVE these tees!  I have the set the world on fire, but I am hoping to also get the “Start being brave . . .” and the MOVE ON tee (where was that years ago when I so couldn’t move one!!??)!  I love that these fit women and children.  I love how soft they are and they are totally in style! I love how they empower women – young and old!

WWI Battle Beads with the Passion Crown of Thorns Crucifix

“When people love and recite the rosary they find it makes them better.”

Saint Anthony Mary Claret

The Rosary has been prayed and praised by many saints – and many of them, men!  The Rosary is such a powerful prayer, and this one from Cordbands.com couldn’t be more masculine!  I, personally, think it is so cool! As explained by the company:

This compact all metal rosary is rugged, functional, and portable.  It has a meaningful history, as it is a reproduction of the service rosaries issued by the government to soldiers, sailors, and flying aces during WWI, hence the name.

This Rosary is perfect for all the guys on your list!

Shining Light Dolls and Books

Totally adorable and absolutely perfect for my little ones hands!  They hold them, admire them and they put them in their mouths.  All okay with me!  It’s a great reminder for me as a mom to tell them about St. Michael the Archangel or Our Lady of Guadalupe or whomever they are holding and playing with at that moment.  It also reminds me to teach them a prayer and to pray over them and for them!

Shining Light Dolls also has two awesome board books for the little loved ones in your life!  We have and love The Virgin Mary Around the World and I’m thinking of purchasing Saints on the Go for a St. Nicholas Day present.  I also love these books for Godchild Christmas presents!

A Frameable Faith Catholic Print (or Subscription) 

Frameable Faith provides beautiful art to display and is incredibly inspirational!  Offering both digital downloads and monthly subscriptions options, it’s a great add on to a gift or stocking!

Natural Life Gifts

From their Blessings Shop to their FEARLESS collection, this company taps into our faith in a way that is modern and trendy without sacrificing the need for God in our lives.  Although most gifts are for the young woman you are shopping for, I’m so excited to see they have included a cool men’s t-shirt!  The Feel the Fear Tee is a part of the FEARLESS line; which aims to help educate and empower those who suffer from anxiety.

Trappistine Quality Candy (made by the Sisters of Mt. Saint Mary’s Abbey)

Lots of choices to choose from (some chocolate, some not) – ALL DELICIOUS!  Seriously, it must be the added prayer because this candy truly tastes heavenly!  Not only are you gifting a sweet treat when you purchase this product, but you are helping the Sisters who make the candy sustain themselves and allowing them to continue a life of prayer,  which includes prayer for you and all the peoples of our world!  Great for a man or woman, young or old – this gift truly is the best stocking stuffer! Shop their catalog and order online (and by the way, the dark chocolate goes great with red wine )!

SaongJai Catholic Shop

Perfect for the little girl who loves her pearls and jewelry.  I love how Aleesa hand makes fun Miraculous Medal necklaces – and even some matching necklaces for dolls!  Very kid friendly and fun, SaongJai has jewelry and rosaries for the little girl on your list. SaongJai also has medals young boys can wear – while staying stylish of course!  Whether your shopping for a boy or a girl, SaongJai has the perfect Spiritual Stocking Stuffer!

A Miraculous Medal Necklace

There are so many to choose from – for men and women, teens and grandparents!  I love the handmade ones at Relics by Rose and I also love the simplicity of a small, simple gold Miraculous Medal. Our Blessed Mother promised many graces to those who wore one around their necks – its a spiritual and fashionable win!

A Necklace made by Relics by Rose

Rose enjoys rescuing lost, broken, or forgotten Catholic religious medals, prayer cards and rosaries, and using them in modern jewelry designs while maintaining their Catholic identity and value.  Her items are gorgeous.  Her most recent addition to her collection is a Rosary necklace that is also a wrap bracelet!  I love that I can use this to pray the Rosary, wear as a necklace OR as a stunning bracelet! Rose sells a variety of necklaces, bracelets and earrings – all incredibly unique and beautiful!

ChewsLife

My twins constantly put my necklace in their mouth – and the only necklace I wear is a Miraculous Medal!  ChewsLife has the perfect solution for me and both of my 7 month olds! A Miraculous Medal that I can wear and my babies and can chew on! ChewsLife also has jewelry that is more stylish and not for baby to chew on, but for mommy to wear while she’s running errands or out on a date !

Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Girls

I’m so thankful to be the Lord’s pencil for this awesome treasure!  God loves each and every one of us and has a mission for us – this journal helps young girls (and not so young ones) get a glimpse of God’s love for them and the mission that is unique to each individual -AND does so in a fun way that embraces the heart of young girls! Sponsored by Leah Darrow and Generation Life, this journal has been embraced by young girls, their mothers and religious education teachers! (Would you like to see two of my favorite pages?  Check out pics on my Prayer Wine Chocolate on Facebook)

DaySpring’s Illustrated Faith Kit 

The Illustrated Faith line is a great add on to the Be Yourself Journal! Their many GIFT SETS would be the perfect addition to the Be Yourself Journal and really get the receiver exctied about starting to use the book right away!  Illustrated Faith products are also great gifts for a loved one who has been talking about Bible Journaling; or someone who has embraced a love for Prayer Journaling.  There are lots of fun ways you can incorporate these fun stickers, pens and prayer prompts into a gift.  One way is to purchase a starter kit, another way is to buy an inspiration pouch like the Sadie Robertson Fearless Pouch and fill it with inspirational stickers, washi tape, pens and fun prayer prompts

One person will win:

A St. Benedict Rosary Bracelet from Pink Salt Riot

A T-shirt from PioPrints (you choose the size)

A WWI Battlebeads Rosary

Two dolls and a book from Shining Light Dolls

A Frameable Faith Print

Several gifts from Natural Life (some things gotta be a surprise!!)

A child’s necklace from SaongJai

A Miraculous Medal necklace from Relics by Rose

A $25 gift card to use at ChewsLife.com

A copy of Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Girls

And $25 to shop at the Illustrated Faith Shop (DaySpring)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Spiritual Stocking Stuffers 2017: Gift guide and Giveaway! appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This summer I’ve been highlighting some truly inspirational accounts on social media.  Seven more social media influencers are not only being introduced in this post – but each has donated an item for one reader to win!  Enter the giveaway to win some beautiful products!  Simply entering will help each person build their businesses!  Thank you so much for your support!  Check out these prizes!!

Rose Murnane-Osada

Hi! I’m Rose and I create unique, faith inspired jewelry that combines remnants and relics from bygone eras with stylish, modern designs. You can find my work here: www.etsy.com/shop/RelicsByRose I am a mother of 5 and have a large extended Catholic family. I love learning about our faith, teaching it to my children, and savoring all the rich history of our Catholic faith.   In my “spare time” I started making jewelry out of repurposed vintage and Catholic items. I received boxes of “old junk” from my grandfather that my grandmother had cherished for years. Hundreds of prayer cards with handwritten messages from loved ones and numerous medals on safety pins that I knew had been through more than one World War. I couldn’t bear to let them be thrown away. So, I started incorporating them into modern jewelry designs. I love the idea of preserving our Catholic faith and sharing the beauty of it through jewelry.   My little shop is growing as I learn and experiment more with different artistic mediums and ideas.

Where can you be found on social media?

You can find my latest items, behind the scenes shots,

and access to special sales and coupons at

www.instagram/relicsbyrose

& www.facebook.com/relicsbyrose

What type of wine is your favorite?

If you are not a wine drinker, let us know and tell us about your favorite beverage.

I’m a white wine drinker- I love a good reisling!

What is your favorite chocolate?

Milky way bar- does that count?

What is your favorite prayer and/or quote?

Too many to choose from! Hail Mary is what I pray most often but I love the memorare as well.

What services do you provide?

I can provide you with any of the jewelry in my shop as well as design custom pieces! I have worked with wedding parties, CCD/prep teachers, RCIA sponsors, and more to help them find the perfect gift for their unique circumstances. Please contact me to discuss how I can serve you with your special requests!

If you are a blogger or shop owner I am also open to suggestions as to how we can work together!

Contact info

Contact me any time through www.etsy.com/shop/relicsbyrose, you can message me through any of my social media handles, or email me at rtm129@hotmail.com.

Michelle Gelineau

Hi! I’m Michelle. I love Jesus! In 2011, I founded Give Him 5 Ministries as a way to offer support and encouragement to adults and children in their walk of faith. Life is too hard without Jesus and I want EVERY– SINGLE – PERSON to have a personal relationship with Him. My faith has changed my life and I want to help others experience that for themselves. I’m a writer, speaker, composer and musician. I listen to the Holy Spirit and try to follow His lead. It makes for a wild ride!

Where can you be found on social media?

I can be found on my website at http://www.givehim5.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GiveHim5HeGaveUEverything/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/givehim5_/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/givehim5/pins/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GiveHim_5

What type of wine is your favorite?

It changes by the moment and my mood. I really enjoy an Italian Roscato for relaxing, but give me a steak and I’ll have a nice glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

What is your favorite chocolate?

Dark, with a few nuts and a little caramel thrown in.

What is your favorite prayer and/or quote?

Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.

(Psalm 63:3)

 What services do you provide?

Through the Give Him 5 Ministry, I write words of inspiration and prayer to build you up in your faith and encourage you in the trials of everyday life. I provide support and tools to ignite your prayer life, deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ and to share your faith. I speak at conferences and retreats about how to have a life changing relationship with Christ and I use the gift of music to lead participants closer to the Lord through praise and prayer.

Kids need Jesus too! Give Him 5 also offers fun ways for kids to get started praying and feeling comfortable talking to Jesus.

Contact info: mg@givehim5.net

Monica McConkey

 I am a wife, Mom of 5+ kids, a designer, an architecture school survivor, an author and a crafter and I think that we Catholics are so blessed to have this rich deposit of Catholic Faith, teachings and Traditions!

My husband and I founded a Catholic apostolate called Arma Dei in 2001. In 2002, Pope John Paul II was handed my book in a private meeting and we are told that he flipped through the book and said “tell her to keep doing this”. Needless to say, we have been creating solid Catholic, fun teaching tools and gifts to celebrate and teach the Faith, ever since.

In addition to a craft book and a faith journal, we have created several decks of quizzing cards (including Super Saints!) and over 40 Catholic craft kits packed with Saints, Sacraments, Catechism and fun.

Where can you be found on social media?

• Website: equippingCatholicfamilies.com

• Shoppe: ArmaDei.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquippingCatholicFamilies

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MonicaArmaDei

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicaarmadei

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ArmaDei/

What type of wine is your favorite?

Shiraz or Chardonnay

 What is your favorite chocolate?

All things chocolate. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, peanut butter and chocolate, chocolate covered almonds, caramel and chocolate, chocolate covered berries, chocolate fondue, Lindt, After Eights, Mars, Snickers, chocolate ice cream, chocolate brownies, chocolate cake…

Anything but Malted Chocolate…is that even chocolate?

 

What is your favorite prayer and/or quote?

Quote:

St Therese defines sanctity: “a disposition of the heart which makes us humble and small in the Arms of God, conscious of our weakness, and confident to the point of audacity in the Goodness of our Father.”

Prayer to St Joseph:

“…O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart.

Press Him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath.”

Favorite Saints: St John Paul II, St Therese, St Padre Pio, St Joseph and Mother Mary

What services do you provide?

Our shoppe, www.ArmaDei.com offers Catechism, Saint, Sacrament and Prayer-packed paper craft kits (available as PDFs), unique and fun quizzing cards, innovative Prayer Journal Stamps, a craft book based on the Liturgical Calendar and a Faith Journal with thoughtful prompts on the seven Sacraments and a budding prayer life.

Our blog, www.equippingCatholicfamilies.com features our Catholic products while offering free crafts, activities and traditions to celebrate the Catholic Faith at home. 

Contact info

Monica McConkey

mmcconkey@rogers.com

Lorelei Worland

I am a work-at-home-mom to one awesome little guy with autism. I write on my own blog about books, productivity, and everyday faith. What began as a way to rediscover my own interests after 18 months of colic-purgatory has branched out into a small business. It turns out that others love words (book quotes, Saint quotes, snappy quotes, latin mottos) just as much as I do! I offer digital art prints and jewelry with words on Etsy.

Where can you be found on social media?

www.BooksFaithLife.com
www.instagram.com/booksfaithlife
www.facebook.com/booksfaithlife

Check out the ring you could win if you enter the Giveaway! Our Lady of Guadalupe Ring

What type of wine is your favorite?

Moscato d’Asti because it’s sweet and bubbly.

What is your favorite chocolate?

I love M&Ms because they are portable and sneakable. Perfect for moms.

What is your favorite prayer and/or quote?

Psalm 34:19

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed.”

It became my go-to prayer during our infertility journey.

What services do you provide?

I offer custom prints and jewelry through my Etsy shop. Just convo me there to get the process started.
Contact info

Lorelei @ BooksFaithLife.com

Elayne Miller

I’m a wife, mother, teacher, and artist. I stay at home with my toddler son and teach high school math online. I create Catholic cards and goods with hand-lettered designs for my small business, Annunciation Designs. See my shop on Etsy, annunciationdesigns.etsy.com

Where can you be found on social media?

Facebook:www.facebook.com/annunciationdesigns

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/annunciationdesigns

What type of wine is your favorite?

My favorite wine Riesling, or maybe Pinot Grigio. Although, if I have the choice, I’ll take an oatmeal stout instead.

What is your favorite chocolate?

Dark chocolate, especially with caramel.

What is your favorite prayer and/or quote?

My favorite prayer is the Prayer for Generosity by St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Prayer for generosity

Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556)

Lord, teach me to be generous. 

Teach me to serve you as you deserve; 
to give and not to count the cost;
to fight and not to heed the wounds; 
to toil and not to seek for rest; 
to labor and not to ask for reward 
save that of knowing that I do your will.

What services do you provide?

Beyond the items in my shop, I love to create custom hand-lettered designs! Contact me for pricing info and to get started on your unique print, logo, shirt design, etc.

Contact info

annunciationdesigns@gmail.com

Maria Victoria

I am a stay at home mom of four soon to be five lovely kiddos. I am very passionate about my Catholic faith! I love the beauty, richness, truth and boldness of Catholicism and I try to express that through my work. Every piece that I create leaves with a piece of my heart with it. I try to create unique items that honor our faith as well as encourage us to live out our Catholicism boldly and proudly!

Where can you be found on social media?

 I can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AveMariaFaithcrafts, on

Instagram @AveMariaFaithcrafts and

on Pinterest as FAITHCRAFTS. You can also contact me or view my current offerings on my Etsy Shop at www.avemariafaithcrafts.etsy.com

What type of wine is your favorite?

My favorite wines are any sweet and semi-sweet wine, both red and white. My absolute go to are Stella Rosa wines and The Chocolate Shop wine. I am n to a fan of super dry wines.

What is your favorite chocolate?

Semi dark chocolate is my absolute favorite. There is a world renowned fine chocolatier (DeBrands fine chocolates) where I live, and ANY of their chocolate confections are absolutely divine! My absolute fave is their Truffle Collection. So decadent! However, I will never say not to Hershey’s and Nutella!

What is your favorite prayer and/or quote?

My favorite prayer besides the Rosary is the Prayer of Saint Francis. As for quotes, it is so very difficult to pick just one! In fact, that’s how my collection of Saints&Sayings came to be! Two come to mind right now:

“Holiness is not for wimps, and the cross is not optional but a requirement.” -Mother Angelica.

 “The devil may have its hour but God will have His day.” -Venerable Fulton Sheen

What services do you provide?

I create unique Rosaries, beautiful and practical Catholic jewelry and gifts. I love making custom pieces! it is my absolute favorite thing is bringing customer’s ideas to fruition! Some of my most beloved and popular items have come from the inspiration my clients provide.

Contact info

I can be contacted by email at faithcrafts@hotmail.com or through the message features on my FB and IG pages as well as my Etsy Shop.

Cecilia Escobedo 

Where can you be found on social media?

” A person’s a person no matter how small.” Dr.Seuss

Would you like to win a collection of gifts from these talented artists?  Enter below and best of luck!

The post Catholic Social Media Influencers: Artisan Spotlight and Giveaway! appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This article contains affiliate links.

I have been perusing DaySpring’s Illustrated Faith line for some time now.  I love that this company creates stickers, washi tape, pens, paint and die cut prompts specifically for Christians that Bible Journal.  Although I don’t journal in a Bible – I often write parts of Scripture inside my prayer journal.  As I scoured over the website at all of the products geared towards prayer, I thought of how much I could do with them in my own prayer life.

I was so excited when I received the Praise Book, Pens, Sticker and Clips Set to review!

Seriously – it felt like Christmas morning!  Since I had planned on doing more journaling for Lent, I decided to dedicate the Praise Book as my Lenten Journal.

At first, I was super excited about the stickers and die cut prompts, but a little skeptical about the binder.

Up until this point, my favorite prayer journal was the good ol’ fashioned Catholic school marble notebook (I’m sorry, Amazon calls these “composition books“).  I had recently tried a notepad that opens vertically, and decided that I would never go that route again.  So the binder – I wasn’t so sure about.

But, I dived right in.  Before even entering one prayer, I was so grateful for the inside pockets.  I often glue prayer cards to pages and write around them – so these pockets provided the perfect place to hold them.  I loved that the pockets were in the front and the back of the binder.

The next step I took to personalize the Praise Book and make it my own, was I wrote “Lenten Prayer Journal, 2017” on the first page.  I used one of the Illustrates Faith pens that came with the set.  I’m being totally honest here – I think I said out loud after I wrote:

Wow . . . these pens write nice!

Then like a dumb, dumb, I left the lid off of the one until the next day.  It was dry and I thought it was done forever.  Luckily the next day it worked better – but warning – put the cap back on the pen when you are finished using it!

I love the two pens included in this kit. Each one writes with a different thickness, so depending on what your preference is that day and how much you plan on writing, one of the two will be the perfect writing tool.

My prayer life was given a lift before I even started the official “Lent Journal”.  I loved how the prayer cards looked in the front pocket and how I decorated my title page so much – I had to stop and take a picture!

I mean really – I even posted it on Instagram!

My first entry was simple.  I copied a prayer I found that really spoke to me, and used a colored pencil to highlight some powerful sentences.  The next entry I was so excited to use one of the die-cut prompts.  On almost every page I found myself using the stickers to be an added fastener for prayer cards and prayers.

Then I showed my husband the clips.  These were new to me, so I wasn’t sure how I was going to implement them.  He picked them up and started saying “these are great, you can . . .” and he started describing ways they could be used!

Then, a few days into using the Praise Book Set, something awesome happened!

The extra features that were included in this set that were new to me, allowed my whole prayer experience to be brought to a new level.

The binder includes transparency dividers that you can write on and give one of your pages an added layer of creativity.  The first one I came across I took out and put in the back of the binder!  I had no idea what to do with it.

But one night when I was reading Resisting Happiness, the author, Matthew Kelly,  got me thinking about what my image of God is . . . He challenged the readers to really think about it and write down how we view God.  I thought this would be a great journal entry, so I did it.  When I was done writing, I looked at one of the cardstock sticker packs that were included in the set.  Almost every sticker was a title that described an “image of God”.  I took a transparency divider and put the titles over the words I had written.  I then used the clips to put actual images over what I wrote.  It was really quite a mediative and prayerful experience!

I am really enjoying using all the elements of this set.  I feel like I have tapped into some creativity that I did not realize I had inside or maybe the materials themselves have allowed me to be more open to the Lord’s inspiration.  Whatever the case, I am so grateful for this product!  Using it has given me even more ideas to share with you!  I am so excited!

And as for my pessimistic view of the binder . . . that went away the minute I realized I could take out a page I was working on and really get it to look exactly how I envisioned.  That mobility provided by the binder makes it another positive feature of the whole set.

I love using this set and I am truly happy with the quality and diversity of the materials included in it!  You can purchase your own Praise Book Set by clicking here: Praise Book, Pens, Stickers and Clip Set

Also, if you order today – the Illustrated Faith – Starter Kit is on sale – $15.00 off the normal price!!!  This sale is only on until Wednesday – so even if you win the giveaway, this starter set will enhance your experience with some different materials!

Would you like to win your own Praise Book, Pens, Stickers and Clips Set?  Enter below!!!  This contest ends on March

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Prayer Journaling with DaySpring’s Illustrated Faith Line [Review and Giveaway] appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

My little boy needs fine-motor skills practice.

I would love to someday be able to sit down with him and say “lets journal together” . . . and then have 15 minutes where we sit together and write in our prayer journal. I don’t know if that will ever happen . . . but we have been working on a “pre-school prayer journal” for over a week now – and it is going great!

My son asks if we can “do a project”almost daily now!

I got him to color all the fruits of the Holy Spirit today!  This is a big deal in this house since our little boy is not a huge fan of coloring!

Working on his prayer journal has become some nice one-on-one bonding time, much needed fine motor skill practice and has provided some teachable moments and faith-centered discussions!

(For example, when he was coloring “patience” and he had to be reminded to be patient!)

Here are some ideas for “Pre-school Prayer Journaling”

1. Order a Primary journal composition book.

This book provides a space to draw, paint or glue pictures and lines for your preschooler to practice writing.

2. Use Pinterest!

I have no background in early education (former high school teacher here)!  So, since my son is in desperate need of fine motor skills, I went to Pinterest for some ideas – you can follow my Preschool board here: Pre-school Activities.  My son has no interest or love for coloring – but he loves using Q-tips, taping and cutting!  So we cut out a cross and glued it to his prayer journal.  He likes to write words if I provide dots for him to trace, so under the cross we wrote, “I love you Jesus, Love Xavier”.

This coloring page is free (along with a page for each letter of the alphabet) when you subscribe to Do Small things with Love!

3. Dot Painting!

I finally found a Pinterest activity I can use my wine corks for! We found some free printables for practice – and  Xavier LOVES this activity!  He has asked to do it again already!  I love how the wine cork is small, so therefore encourages the “pincer grasp”.  We are still working on this skill – so finding an activity that he enjoys is such a gift!

4. Pick a Prayer Card!

SaongJai, one of my favorite Etsy shops, sells prayer cardsets for children!  They are adorable and once you purchase them you can print them out right away.  I loved giving Xavier the choice of which Saint he wanted to cut out and glue to his journal.  He picked out Saint Margaret and I have to admit – I had to look her up!  Once I did, I discovered that she spread the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Xavier traced Saint Margaret pray for us and he put heart stickers around her prayer card.

*** You can enter win an entire package from SaongJai by subscribing to prayerwinechocolate.com and sharing this post!  See more details below!

5. Practice writing with Catholic Pre-school Printables

Once again, SaongJai provides an excellent tool in teaching both how to write letters and numbers, while at the same time discussing our faith.  I love how the set uses Saint Anne for the letter A.  Xavier loves his “Gram” so it was easy to teach him “Who is Saint Anne?” Jesus’ Gram!!! SaongJai also has Alphabet flash cards that would fit in the journal – or could be laminated and used for all sorts of learning activities!

*** You can enter win an entire package from SaongJai by subscribing to prayerwinechocolate.com and sharing this post!  See more details below!

6. Color and Cut

You can find plenty of coloring pages online with Catholic and Christian themes. I found a cute “Fruits of the Spirit” packet where you can color all the fruits together (which we did) and also each fruit has it’s own half page where you can trace how to write each “fruit” (patience, love, gentleness, etc).  We plan on using more of this packet to practice drawing fruits this week!

7. Use what you have and be creative!

We had a play-doh activity book that included a scene of a road and stickers.  We glued the scene to our page and wrote “Lead me Lord” under the picture.  Then Xavier picked out stickers to put on the road and in the sky. We have some prayer books, so one activity I may try this week will use one of those.  Perhaps I will read him a prayer or short story and ask him to draw a picture.

Have a tween or teen daughter?  Get her the Be Yourself Journal!

Here’s a peak inside at some pages!

The post 7 Ways to Start a Pre-School Prayer Journal appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

1.  Miraculous Medals – Such a beautiful gift given by Our Blessed Mother! Not only are you giving an awesome present, but taking part in bringing the graces promised to those who wear it. The Central Association of the Miraculous Medal has a huge variety of gifts.  Here are some of my favorite: The Round Miraculous Medal necklace; the Classic Miraculous Medal  and the Silver Heart Shaped Miraculous Medal.  The gift shop also has some precious gifts for little ones – my absolute favorite is the Flower Power Rosary and bracelet. They also have rosaries for every family member.  I’m loving the Pope Francis Rosary and the basketball rosary, and of course the adorable prayer buddies!  I could go on and on about this gift shop.  Take some time to peruse it yourself!  Have fun!
2. Rugged Rosaries – It is so great to see a rosary that suits a man! Rugged Rosaries not only offer paracord rosaries, but paracord chaplets, and Military Battle Beads.  This is the perfect gift for a husband, son, dad and Godson! If you want a big rosary – one that my husband says would remind him to pray in a big way – they got that!  The metal work is extremely impressive and attractive.  If you want a smaller, more portable rosary – the battle beads and pocket rosaries are perfect.  These are a “must have” for the men in your life!
3. Rosary Bracelets and Trendy Jewelry from Give Love + Blessings– These bracelets, necklaces and rosaries are the perfect stocking stuffer for any young lady (from teens to moms)!  They are also the perfect gift to send to someone you may not see over the holiday, but want to send them a present.  The way Give Love + Blessings packages their products is exquisite. What a great way to remind your friends and family that God’s love is beautiful! Give Love + Blessings website is still under construction, but you can order by email or by contacting them on Facebook or Instagram.  Email them at giveloveandblessings@gmail.com. 
4. Prayer boxes, jewelry rounds, phone cases, bungalow pillows and more from Natural Life – The Prayer Boxes are perfect stocking stuffers! Personally, I’m a huge fan of writing my prayers down, and often before I go to sleep. Not only will these prayer boxes fit in everyone’s stocking, they don’t take up much room in a night stand either.  Natruallife.com also has a variety of gifts that are uplifting, including Liv-N-Grace bracelets, car accessories, on the go cups , and necklaces.  Natural life even has a “stocking stuffer” tab on it’s website.  Check them out – perfect gift for students and moms!
5. Prayer buddy toys!  When I first saw these I thought, “Perfect for my friend’s newborn”.  I soon realized that this toy is perfect for children of all ages! The Catholic Company has a wide selection of these adorable stuffed animals that say prayers.  They even have a Christmas donkey that sings Silent Night! The Catholic Company also has a beautiful line of Nativity Sets which include some gorgeous snow globes.

6. Holy Chocolate

   Yes, you read that correctly.  Holy Chocolate. Trappist nuns, who live by the rule of Saint Benedict, are directed by that rule to “live by the work of their hands”. In Massachusetts, the Sisters at Mount Saint Mary’s Abbey support their life of pray by handcrafting candy. Butternut Munch is their best seller.  You can shop their catalog online and order almonds squares, chocolate squares and fudge.  I highly recommend the dark chocolate assortment with your favorite glass of red wine! Did someone say wine?  You can also order that from another group of Trappists in California. You could actually give prayer, wine and chocolate to someone for Christmas.  Happy Holidays!!! Click here to order this chocolate: Trappistine Quality Candy

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8. Monk Coffee. Perfect gift for the coffee lover – especially the coffee lover who is diabetic and can’t have the chocolate (yes, I know someone).  Carmelite Monks make Mystic Monk Coffee and they have some festive flavors like Candy Cane, Christmas blend and Jingle Bell Java.  I love how they have Monk Shots for those of us who have single-serve coffee makers.  These monks also make tea and other gifts you can purchase to spread Christmas cheer!
9. Books. From prayer books to picture books – if you’d like it for yourself, chances are someone else would appreciate it too.  I’m going to recommend one book that is brand new The Little Flower: A Parable of St. Therese of Liseux.  This book has beautiful illustrations and lets children know, that even though they are little, they can do great things for Our Lord.

You can enter to win a stocking filled with many of these gifts!!!  The winner will be chosen on the Feast of St. Nicholas! IN ORDER TO ENTER THE CONTEST comment what your favorite gift idea is below, and earn more chances to win the competition several different ways here a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a joyous Advent and a wonderful, peaceful Christmas season!  May the Lord Bless you abundantly.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

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