Happy 1st birthday, dear blog!{a gift for YOU + a giveaway}

I can hardly believe it. Today is my blog's first birthday. When I started my blog and sent my first post out into the wide internet world, I really had no idea what to expect. I had been reading blogs for a while and felt a tug on my heart to participate a little more actively. Oh, I am so very glad I did.

Blogging has been such a gift to me. It has blessed me in many ways I could never have imagined. You prayerfully supported me through a most difficult season and rejoiced with me in times of delight. But there is no question in my mind what the very best part of this whole blogging thing is: It is the gift of connecting with so many wonderful, beautiful women {bloggers and readers alike} who are on this journey, too. And for you I am so very thankful.

So let's celebrate!

First, I want to give a gift to each and every one of you, dear readers, because you help make this place special. So here is an Advent printable calendar, designed with love, especially for you!

You can download and print a copy (or three) for your own personal use by clicking here. And feel free to share it with your friends & family, too! As you can see in the photos above, I plan on using my calendar as a meal planner for the season. You could also use it to keep track of your schedule, to make a special plan for your Advent prayer life, or if you're a blogger, to plan your posts for the season. I do hope you enjoy your gift!

Secondly, I am hosting my very first giveaway! The winner will receive three gifts:

{No. 1} your choice of a print from my etsy shop, {with joy calligraphy} // Pick one of the designs in the shop or have a custom design made just for you.

{No. 2} Advent pendant banner // just a little something fun to hang in your home
as a reminder of this beautiful church season

{No. 3} Blessed is She Advent Journal // such a special way to prepare your heart and soul
for our Lord's birth on Christmas Day

There are many ways to enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter at the end of this post. It will be open for entries through the end of the day this Saturday, November 22, so the winner will be sure to receive her (or his!) Advent treats in time for the season. Good luck!! I wish each of you could win!

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As you may remember, "in endless song" is part of a lyric from one of my favorite hymns, "How Can I Keep from Singing?" As I reflect upon my first year of blogging and look forward to the future, I know this verse will always hold true:

The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
A fountain ever springing;
All things are mine since I am His—
How can I keep from singing?

Happy first birthday, dear blog.  Here's to many more!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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