spirit of christmas

  • Fashion With A Purpose

    See my Affiliate Details Here 

    The Soul H2O devotions in the past two weeks have been particularly impactful to me personally because I’ve had some financial struggles as I changed careers over the past five years. I went from a Director of Finance position; making a salary matching my title, to a new author’s salary; and let’s just say you don’t get into Christian literature or speaking for the money! It has to be a calling, as it should be! Because of this calling, I just couldn’t give up when the vision didn’t match the provision! I just prayed more!

    In my prayers for my finances God has seen fit to do some pretty crazy things (Like in the Provision Devo and CRAZY Provision FREE Download Post)  to answer my prayers! To help with my income God chose to connect me with Helena Cho and a few others I will be introducing over the next few months.

    While attending the 2015 International Christian Retail Show in Orlando, Florida for our books; when Todd and I were leaving the show on the last day, a woman came over and placed a wrap-around bracelet on my wrist. It had my grandmother’s favorite verse on it, Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”.   This woman asked if we could wait as she felt we needed to meet the founder of GOODWORK(S) Jewelry, Helena Cho. As soon as we were introduced, God immediately connected Helena and I. We spent hours talking and praying in a hotel lobby later that night getting to know each other and we’ve continued to stay in contact. When she presented me with the opportunity to sell her scripture covered jewelry I knew immediately that this was a God connection, and an answer to my prayers in a most unusual way! God used the scripture from Monday’s devotional Fix These Words in Deuteronomy 11:18 and Deuteronomy 6:6-9 to confirm that I should sell her products.

    I love how Helena’s products have scripture all over them! If you know me, you know that I LOVE jewelry and I LOVE scripture!  In one way it seems a crazy way for God to provide, but when I think about it, me selling jewelry with scripture on it makes complete sense! I’ve always been big on having scripture out in view. I have a practice of writing out scripture on cue cards or pretty pieces of paper to help me fix His Words in my thoughts and not just my own. If I leave my thoughts to my natural patterns of thinking it can be detrimental. I love having tactful artwork around my home that has scripture on it too.

    Helena is the daughter of Korean pastors. She too is inspired by scripture! Helena told me there were two scripture passages that inspired her business GOODWORK(S). The first gave her a vision to make a company using inspirational words:

    “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law”
    Galatians 5:22-23

    About second Helena said:

    “…this verse gave me my company’s name and direction for my company”

    “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
    Matthew 5:16

    I am pleased to partner with Helena and GOODWORK(S). Such an impactful company that provides people with gorgeous jewelry and a way to fix God’s words in your sight! I love how she is committed to helping others with the profit in her company; as Helena says it’s:

    “Fashion With A Purpose”
    GOODWORKS jewelry header Screen Shot 2015-11-11 at 7.17.50 PM

    In order to make the bracelets available to you, Todd and I are going to be selling the jewelry along with our books and Todd’s Greeting Card Line at some great events this Christmas season. We’d love to meet you, so make sure to say hello and let me know you’re a reader if you’re at any of the events posted below.

    PRINT OFF THE COUPON OR USE THE PROMO CODE TO SAVE

    At the bottom of this post there is a coupon for $5.00 OFF Purchases of books, greeting cards or jewelry to be used at any of the events in November or December. *See Details below

    Shop Online and save $5.00 off our books.
    Use Promo Code: Christmas5
    http://www.TAKETHE40DAYCHALLENGE.com
    A little help from the Stahl’s for your Christmas shopping!

    Below the event dates…I have included a more detailed write up on Helena Cho, her company GOODWORKS(S) and reports about how sales of the jewelry are making a difference around the world! 25% of Profit is given to GOODWORKS around the globe! Read below for more ….

    Screen Shot 2015-11-11 at 8.17.14 PM THE GIFT SHOW 2015Screen Shot 2015-11-09 at 4.10.18 PM

    IN HIS PRESENCE 2015             THE GIFT SHOW                CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW
    Windsor, ON                                  Tecumseh, ON                     Essex,ON
    Friday, Nov. 13  7pm                      Sunday, Nov. 15 10-5pm     Saturday, Nov. 29 9am-4pm

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    SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS SHOWS                       SETTERINGTON’S BOOK SIGNING
    Various Cities Across Ontario                               Leamington, ON
    Various Dates in December                                  Saturday, December 5  11a-3pm
    http://www.kevinpauls.com

    About Our Founder

    CEO Helena Cho
    Screen Shot 2015-11-11 at 7.57.50 PM
    Fashion With A Purpose” was the goal for CEO Helena Cho.

    Since 2011, her company GOODWORK(S) Make a Difference has pledged 25% of its net profits to charitable contributions supporting in-need communities around the world.

    Cho always had a vision of being able to create something that could benefit needy communities. Inspired by a charity run’s ability to unite individuals to achieve a common goal, she crafted a bracelet—an uplifting piece gifted as a random act of kindness. Over time, her work grew in popularity, earning strong support and a loyal following. Leveraging previous retail experience and a strong academic background as a dual-major Marketing and Finance graduate at the University of Southern California, Cho established her own business intent on delivering positive, empowering merchandise to the public.

    Helena now resides over one of the fastest growing socially conscious fashion/accessories brands in the market, sold across 40 countries and 1,800 boutique stores within the United States. Highlights of the company’s advocacy work include providing home essentials to over 117 former homeless families as part of its “Home Sweeter Home” campaign, working with nationally renowned enrichment program LA’s Best to provide over 1,200 holiday gifts to low income students, and sponsoring an annual “Dream Prom” event for scholastically deserving, underprivileged high school students. “Random acts of kindness really make a difference”, she reflects, “and empower people.”

    GOODWORK(S) has been awarded with accolades from a number of organizations including the Angel Award, the Diamond Award (NOLA) and the Global Humanitarian Awards. Today, GOODWORK(S) bracelets can be found in recognized storefronts including Buckle, Von Maur, and Fred Segal. The company has also developed positive media exposure across various mediums, including features on the pages of Elle, InTouch Weekly, and Cosmopolitan Magazine, among other international publications. Helena is passionate about inspiring people to help improve their communities and encouraging the act of charity in everyday decisions.

    
    Screen Shot 2015-11-11 at 6.58.52 PM
    Click Here or on the coupon above to Print coupon-with LW logo 
    *Limit One Per Customer
    *$5.00 Off Total Purchase Price OVER $25.00
    *Valid on any legacyworks products

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  • Celebrating Christmas with Kevin Pauls and Seeing Dreams Fulfilled

    christmas kevin paulsAs far back as I want to remember I’ve been having WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS TIMES WITH KEVIN PAULS! Kevin and I grew up together.  We belonged to Bethel Gospel Tabernacle in Hamilton, ON.  A large church that has always been very involved in reaching out to the community so, every Christmas we had some event to be a part of.

    WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS TIMES WITH KEVIN PAULS

    When we were kids there were Sunday School Christmas Concerts.  As teens we were always a part of the Live Nativity plays and youth choir engagements.  How they let me be a part of the choirs is still a mystery to me 🙂  Our youth choir would sing in Nursing homes, other churches or anywhere our Music Minister could get us booked!  Even as teens we became involved in our church’s Christmas Cantata’s.  They were literally the talk of the town.  Every year there would be 3-4 days worth of shows for two weeks before Christmas; each one jam-packed, often with overflow seating in the lobby.

    We were blessed to belong to such a wonderful church that applauded people’s gifts no matter their ages.  We didn’t think it strange back then, but now it wouldn’t be so common in big churches for 15-18 year olds to get lead singing parts like Kevin did.  At some point, people in my church recognized that I really should not be singing and they began giving me speaking roles and then at 17 asked me to narrate the Christmas Cantata with a local radio host.

    Friends to Family

    spirit of christmas kevin wendy brandon and me
    Kevin & Wendy, Brandon and me!
    spirit of christmas lauren and brandon
    Kevin’s daughter Lauren, Brandon and me!

    Ok, enough about me, back to Wonderful Christmas Times with Kevin Pauls!  Throughout most of my life we’ve gotten together for Christmas.  There really has only been a few Christmases that we didn’t see each other.  Our kids have grown up together and we all consider each other family.  Kevin and his wife Wendy are the closest friends I have.  They were there like “Jesus with skin on” as Jeanne Mayo says, when I was at my lowest point in life. We have become family by been there for each other through the good and the bad.   The triumphs and the tragedies.

    Kevin Following God’s Calling

    Years ago Kevin and Wendy took a risky move and decided to give up on the “American Dream” way of living and begin to follow after God’s dream, no matter the cost.  There was a great cost to pay in giving up jobs and the fickle respect of some people who can’t understand the noble act of following God’s call.

    I remember at one of Kevin’s birthday parties and one of his cousin’s roasting him telling him it was time to give up the dream and get a “real job”!  I was so ticked.  Kevin was never visibly bothered by anything anyone said.  He just kept on singing.

    spirit of christmas cd coverFast-forward 5 years and Kevin released his Christmas CD with his now Trade-Mark song “The Spirit of Christmas”, which you should all have in your selection of Christmas music!

    Kevin Pauls First “Spirit of Christmas” Event

    Fast Forward another couple years.
    Last year Kevin held his first ever “Spirit of Christmas” event at the Centre in the Square, Kitchener.  It was a magical night of Christmas Carols sung by incredible artists with a large 100 voice choir, all brought together by Kevin.  It’s like a Bing Crosby Christmas special, only updated and cooler!  The event went so well that this year it was the Spirit of Christmas Tour with Kevin Pauls and Friends.  Growing from one event to a tour of over 13 events across Canada!

    Throughout the tour Kevin had many big name entertainers on the stage with him.  Here’s some to list a few: The Martins Trio, NewWorldson band, Steve Archer of The Archers, comedienne/international speaker Joanne Goodwin, guitarist  Kevin Ramesssar, singer Jacob Moon, and many others.

    The show is going to be televised December 22 & 25 on yesTV, so everyone can watch.  Next year there will be even more event dates added to the Christmas tour.  Kevin will host his first ever Easter Celebration April 6, 2015 with another stellar cast of singers, and musicians all performing with the KW Symphony.  It will be an incredible night I’m sure!

    Fulfilled Promise of God

    kevin pauls living his dreamsAs I sat with my son on one side and one of Kevin’s daughters on the other, I was overcome with emotion.  I felt such pride for my “brother’s” accomplishments.  He could have given up so long ago when the phone wasn’t ringing so frequently, and the bookings were further apart.

    For the past few years Kevin has been singing with most of the industries key people.  He says “it all feels surreal, and then I hear the voice that I heard nearly 15 years ago, “I did not give you this dream to torment you.  I gave it to you so you could fulfill it”!  Kevin feels truly blessed that God gave him “staying power”.  He takes no credit and sees it all as a gift from God.

    Kevin has exhibited the faith described in Hebrews 10:35 which says “do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”

    God’s Perfect Timing

    Talking about the increased opportunity for ministry Kevin told me “the best thing I can say is…it’s timing.  God has been at work on me and the people He would bring into my life.  God birthed this in me a long time ago.  I feel very blessed to have had the belief that if HE truly birthed it…HE would see it come to life!”

    I hope this blog on my bro leaves you encouraged to believe not in Santa this Christmas, but in the promises that God has for your life!

    Check out these remaining dates to see if you can catch the Spirit of Christmas Tour near you.  You’ll be glad you did! http://www.kevinpauls.com Music From His CD The Spirit of Christmas can be heard on his website.


    WHERE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP MY BLOG WITH OR PLACES WHERE MY WRITING HAS BEEN FEATURED

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