Thursday, November 13, 2008

Christmas Shopping

I have to admit, I've been doing a LOT of my Christmas shopping online. I've realized that being out and about in the middle of the afternoon is just not the greatest of ideas for me... everywhere I go, it's the stroller brigade. And to be quite honest, it's just too painful some days (well, most days) to be constantly confronted with images of what I deeply desire my life to look like... going shopping with Isaac in his little infant carrier.

Anyhow, as I mentioned a few posts ago, I have received another generous offer to help raise funds for Isaac's playground... and perhaps this fundraiser will help you with your Christmas shopping!

Kara Duenas is a Pampered Chef consultant and is graciously running an online fundraiser on our behalf. Here's how it works.

The fundraiser will run through December 6, so you have plenty of time to order and receive your items in time for Christmas. 10-15% of the sales will go towards Isaac's playground. If you are interested in booking a show, $3 (which will be matched by Kara for a total of $6) will be donated for each show booked. If you desire to sign up as a Pampered Chef consultant yourself, Kara will personally donate $20 towards the playground.

As an FYI, all of Pampered Chef's unglazed stoneware is 20% off for guests this month.

If you are interested in placing an order, please go to Kara's Pampered Chef page.

Then, follow these easy steps:
1. Click on the link for Our Products at the top of the page.
2. Click on How to Purchase.
3. In the field where you can look up an organization, type in Mountain View Community Church

To save time, the link below should take you directly there. If not, then please use the steps above.

http://www.pamperedchef.biz/karaduenas?page=products-main

Please be sure to have your order shipped directly to you to ensure that you receive it in plenty of time for Christmas.

Thank you to Kara for so kindly setting up this opportunity, and thank you to each of you who decide to do a little Christmas shopping from Pampered Chef.

11 comments:

Stephanie said...

I'm going to check out her site now!!!

Still praying for you!

Anonymous said...

I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me.

Praying for you.

Cynthia

Anonymous said...

Dear Stacy, I know what you mean about the on line shopping and avoiding the stroller brigade. For me, it was because we lost Art Dec. 23, and during my hospital stay, I had to get up and walk around the floor I was on. All I saw were happy people, decorated trees, nurses in Christmas scrubs, moms and babies being wheeled out to go home. The following Christmas, I was in Central America.

At least you have not run from the country! You keep hanging on. If it is hard to go out and find joy in shopping, do it from home. We are still praying for relief for you while you go through this. Much love, Jill

Foreverloves said...

That is a very wise way to shop. You have to recognize your own mental health in this. I'm glad you have so much help in raising funds for the playground. Do you know how much you will need?

Anonymous said...

LOVE pampered chef - just ordered stuff...happy holidays...

Anonymous said...

Stacy ,

I wanted to share this poem with you, my great aunt gave it to me when my son died, someone had given it to her when her grown son had died, and it still even now 28 years later gives comfort, so here you go:

“I’ll lend you for a little time”

I’ll lend you for a little time, a child of mine He said;
For you to love the while he lives and mourns for when he’s dead.
It may be six or seven years, or twenty two or three,
But will you till I call him home, take care of him for me?
He’ll bring his charms to gladden you and should his stay be brief,
You’ll have his lovely memories, as solace for your grief.

I can not promise he will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there, I want this child to learn,
I’ve looked the wide world over, in my search for teachers true,
and from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes, I have selected you!
Now will you give him all your love?
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call, to take him home again.

I fancied that I heard them say:
“Dear Lord Thy Will be done,
For all the joy the child shall bring, the risk of grief we’ll run,
Well shelter him with tenderness,
We’ll love him while we may, and for the happiness we’ve known,
Forever grateful stay”
But should the angles call him much sooner than we’ve planned,
We’ll have the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.

~ Edgar A. Guest ~

I pray God heals some of the pain that is so raw and now! shi~

Anonymous said...

Thinking and praying for you today. Praying for so many things for you, but mostly peace as you get closer to returning to work.

I was reading online today and came across this blog entry, I immediately thought of you.

http://findingtreasureinjarsofclay.blogspot.com/2008/03/valley-of-baca-or-valley-of-adversity.html


God Bless You and Spencer and please know you are still being lifted in prayer daily.

Love and prayers from San Diego....

Anonymous said...

While watching ER last night, one of the characters was reliving the loss of her 5 year old son, one of her comments really stuck me and I immediately thought of you.

When your parents die you are an orphan
When your spouse dies you are a widow
What do you call someone who has lost a child?

There is nothing, no word to ever describe what you and Spencer have been through. You continue to be in my prayers.

Kirsten said...

Praying for you daily. I can relate so much to your post. Shopping is difficult for me too. I'm holding on to Jer 29:11 in order to get through this first holiday. It is hard, so hard. You are not alone - we are praying for you to feel God's comfort and strength each moment. Enjoy your weekend with your sweet husband. God bless you both.

Anonymous said...

Stacy,

I am really praying for you as
you face returning to work.Are there any specific things you'd like for us to be on our knees about?

Obviously,I guess,just the strength
to get out of bed would be first. I hope you can actually feel Jesus walking through the day with you.

Know how many of us will be praying.

Jer.29:11and Psalm 121,as well
as the words to "Great Is Thy
Faithfulness" might be some words
to hold on to-especially as "well-
meaning people"may want to talk
and you're not ready.

"All I have need of His hand will
provide-He's always been faithful
to me".I pray that you will feel
His tender mercies and loving
compassions every minute.

Love and abundant prayer for
comfort and peace for you and
Spencer.
Betty and Craig Laf

Brooke said...

Stacy-
I know how hard Christmas shopping is. For us, seeing thousands of people who are just carrying on with their regular lives when we feel, well, so paralyzed, is just too hard. I make it about 20 minutes and have to leave. I think of you and Spencer often and hope that you make it through this holiday season knowing so many people care about you.
-Brooke (books4brooke)