Regards,
Maxine

We have many things which we are contemplating these days and if you’ve been around for the past two to three months, you’ve probably noticed it’s been a bit quiet at SG. We are waiting on the Lord about several directions to go with products and services, so as we’ve said before, check back in when you have time to see what, if anything, is new.

Hope you and your family are being richly blessed these days. Another thing we are waiting on is a third little daughter/granddaughter who is expected to arrive in September.

For His Glory,
Maxine (Nanna)

Three years ago we had an article in our spring newsletter which is still good for today. With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day coming up quickly, why not have your children make homemade cards and gifts for their parents and grandparents? I know from experience how much that little gift of love can mean, especially if it’s somewhat botched up. I have a one of a kind pincushion that is still treasured and used even after twenty years.

And by the way, we have lots of gift packages that would make very good gifts for these upcoming holidays, especially Mother’s Day. And don’t forget teachers’ gifts!

Blessings,
Maxine

Please remember the writing contest which is going on over at our Children’s site . Please tell others as well!

Our feature this month is a classic which has been around for years. For girls approximately ages 9-15, Beautiful Girlhood has no match for its insight and practical instruction. This book clearly outlines what girls need to know concerning what it means to be “beautiful.” A wonderful companion to Beautiful Girlhood has been written by Shelley Noonan and Kimberly Zach. We sell these two books separately or in a gift set. Which brings us to our special for the month of March. We are selling the two books as a set at a very good price. More information is here

Soon winter will be over and soon we’ll be outside, doing all the things we do in spring. Soon we’ll be able to have our windows opened as we’re about the house (I love that most of all!); we’ll be doing our spring cleaning with curtains blowing on the line, enjoying the fresh sweet smells that all of this brings. I have little doubt that you’re looking forward to this as much as I am.

Then comes gardening. Sowing seeds, nurturing their growth. I’m not much of a gardener, but know many folks who are and the growth of those little round hard things into something beautiful or useful is always a marvel. I was thinking, though, about the sowing of seeds that we do in our own lives and that of our children. No matter how young or old you are, no matter how young or old your children are, I hope you’re sowing seeds of grace and truth in your own and their hearts.

Especially if you’re a mom with young children, reflect on this article, written almost four years ago. Hope it blesses.

Many of you who are familiar with SG know of our love for the writings of Elizabeth Prentiss (1818-1878). I could go on and on about this woman, but if you want to have some insight into her godly character, read her hymn “More Love to Thee.” Most of us are familiar with that hymn, but I would venture a guess that she’s even better known for her book Stepping Heavenward. If you’ve never read it, you most definitely have missed out on one of the rarest of gems. We carry it at SG, you know, and you can find it here.

Did you know Mrs. Prentiss wrote another wonderful book? It’s title is Aunt Jane’s Hero. Have you heard of it? Have you read it? All I can say is, it’s another gem. The Calvary Press publication is the one we particularly like; mainly because of its cover. Unfortunately, and I must say, sadly for us, this edition is no longer in print. We’re waiting and hoping that someone will pick it up and redo it (with a similar cover), but so far we’ve heard nothing. We do still have a few copies on hand and for now we’re offering them in a gift package. Since the book is so suited for young women anticipating marriage, you may want to think about getting one for a bride-to-be if you know any. I can’t tell you what a special gift that would be.

The package is 35% off for the month of February, so I really encourage you to look into it. The book itself is worth the price we’re charging for the whole package. Take a look at the book description here and the package description here to find out more. Believe me, you can’t go wrong, even with the shipping costs. Whether a shower, engagement, or even a birthday gift, whoever receives it will love this book. That’s a promise!

Note: Women already married will still appreciate this story, and it would also be a good book for a couple to read together.

For the most part, girls from twelve to sixteen seem to have enjoyed being judges of the seven pretend contestants in our “Beauty Contest” booklet which we’ve been offering for a few years now. They’ve enjoyed choosing a winner, and do you know what? Most of those we’ve heard from have managed to get the same winner that we have! That’s good news because it means the girls who’ve participated have been focusing on just what we’d hoped for.

Recently, I began working on a companion/guide for the girls’ booklet, which I had hoped would be useful for moms and other mentors. However, while working on the guide, it became clear to me that our dear little booklet would benefit greatly from a face-lift. So that is what I’ve been doing for a couple of weeks now. Names will remain the same; situations and circumstances will remain the same; the winner we’ve chosen will be the same; and our rules and traits will be the same. But the book will have an entirely new look, and as I see it, the many revisions will result in a greatly improved publication. My desire will continue to be that the booklet will be a worthwhile activity for your daughter, granddaughter, or some other special teen, helping her to recognize the importance of true beauty.

In the near future we’ll have the revised edition available for purchase and you can be sure we’ll let you know when that time comes. Needless to say, the companion guide has been put on the back burner for a while. Since I have yet another project awaiting my attention, I’m not sure when I’ll get back to the guide. We’ll see how God leads.

Blessings,
Maxine

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

What a blessed truth from the Word of God! There has never been a better gift ever given. To think that the Creator of the universe would take on human flesh, very God but still very man, born in a lowly manger, for the very purpose of dying a horrific death on behalf of and in place of all who would believe on Him. Wondrous grace of our marvelous Lord!

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

We may sell gifts here for our customers to give to those whom they love. But the gift that God gave is the best gift ever.

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15

Merry Christmas from our homes to yours.

The Randalls and the Smiths