Gift Ideas for Christian Women

I can’t believe I’m even writing this post already, honestly. Where has the year gone?!

Regardless, I am happy with all of the fall leaves and cooler weather, and also getting to buy fun presents for everyone! The longer I live, though, the more I’m realizing just how much STUFF we all have, and that I really only want things that are meaningful and that I really want to own and use. Christmas makes this hard, truthfully, but I LOVE giving gifts to people, so finding just the right ones is a fun challenge. I do think we can all focus on buying thoughtful and special gifts, and one way I love to do this is to incorporate pieces of faith into them.

Gifts with scripture or uplifting sayings are one of my favorite things because whenever I see or read them it helps me to re-focus and be energized by what I know is true rather than what I’m currently stressing about. Because of this, I wanted to put together a list of faith based gifts for any Christian women in your life, whether it’s your daughter, mother, grandma, or even just yourself!

I hope this list gives you a little inspiration and some fun ideas for what you can get a loved one or important person in your life this year!

Devotional Planner

Who still likes a good ol’ pen and paper planner? Me! I love being able to write out my schedule, and this planner is even cooler because it has devotionals and scripture throughout the book and is so beautiful. Get your daily dose of Jesus while looking over your daily to-do’s—it couldn’t be more perfect! Check out The Grace Abounds Co to see more designs and other awesome gift ideas!

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Scripture Enamel Pin

How cute is this pin?! I am obsessed and I think it’s so much fun to add to your denim jacket, back, or anywhere you want to add a fun piece that is filled with truth! It’s so perfect for a good friend or even a little girl, and this seller has other color and quote options as well! Check out Prince of pins on Etsy to see this pin and the other items they have!

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Custom Painted Bible

If you need a new Bible or would like one for a special person or event, a custom Bible is perfect! I may be a little biased, but getting to create your own design and make the Bible truly your own is the perfect reflection of your personal relationship with Christ, and if you use it as a guest book for something it makes the perfect keepsake! It has lined margins on every page, so you can easily take notes or have people sign it! Reach out over at Ross Paint Shop to personalize your Bible!

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Gold Cross Layered Necklace

I love the dainty gold necklace trend right now because I think it’s so much more than that! It’s a classic look and perfect for any outfit as well as layering with other gold chains! This one is so cute and dainty. You or your girlfriends could wear this with literally any outfit, and versatile pieces are the best!

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His Life Saved My Life Tote Bag

Isn’t this bag so cool! I think it’s awesome for a couple of reasons. First, I’ve never seen a tote bag so beautiful and truthful, and second, we are all trying to use less plastic and find more reusable products, and I think this is perfect for that! The tote comes in several different sizes so that you could use it to put your laptop or notebooks in, or you could get the bigger size and carry groceries in it! It’s useful for so many things, and I think any lady in your life would love such a pretty and useable product! Check out The Artistic Life Co to see more of her beautiful items!

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You Are Loved Phone Case

I am a suck for minimal black and white designs, so this phone case is perfect. Everyone loves getting fun new cases and having options to switch between so I think this John 3:16 case is perfect! Not only a pretty accessory for your phone, but also the best reminder of our God and His great love for us. I’m obsessed! Keep in mind, the case is actually clear, so you or the person you get the case for can’t have a white phone for the design to show up very well. Otherwise any color will work!

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Personalized Engraved Leather Bibles

Grab a Bible that she can take everywhere with her, has a soft, flexible cover, and can be personalized with her name! Head to the shop to check out all of the different design and Bible version options and find one that’s just right for her!

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Psalm 118 Wall Art (and others!)

Sometimes the smallest pieces can make the biggest difference, like prints in your office or used in a little girl’s room. I painted this Psalm 118 artwork as a sweet reminder that we can rejoice every single day because it’s the Lord’s day and He has such good in store for us! The print is the perfect way to add a fun botanical print to any room and be such a special reminder of the joy we have each day.

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Camo Raise a Hallelujah Tee

Just behind leopard, camo is my favorite print! It’s so fun and can be dressed up or down with a pair of jeans or a cute skirt! I think this tee is so fun and beautiful and looks incredibly comfortable as well. It’s just girly enough and I love the phrase. It would be a fun addition to any little girl’s or woman’s closet!

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Give Me Jesus Coffee Mug

Last but definitely not least, maybe the most used gift will be this “Give Me Jesus” mug. I mean, can you ever have too many coffee mugs? This sweet cup is so pretty and sturdy and sure to be a favorite for any Christian woman. Beholden Life on Etsy has several different phrases and mug colors you can get, so there’s definitely something for the lady on your list, and it’s just under $20 as well!

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I hope this list was helpful for you! I had so much fun perusing through things on my wish list as well as some pieces that I already have, and I tried adding pieces in all price ranges to give you lots of options! Happy shopping!

I’d love to see your favorite items this year as well! Share them in the comments! I’d love to support other small businesses and share their work as well!

Tips For Budgeting As A Young Married Couple

I know...money isn’t fun :( But if there’s one thing I have found out in just a few months of marriage, it’s that we needed to figure it out in order to thrive. Honestly, nothing else will go right or keep you joyful until you figure out your money —whether you’re young, old, having been working steady for years or just getting started, you NEED to know what your money is doing, and even more importantly, I think God asks us to.

I’m certainly no expert, but I do love a good numbers game and sniffing out the best coupons and hacks, so below I compiled a few of my favorite tips on how we budget our money and are doing pretty well (while only making a little bit!).

First off, let’s get our WHY out front and center here, and then we’ll have a little fun with some tips!

For my husband and I, that “why” is our faith. God asks us to be responsible with the things that He gives to us because ultimately everything we have is His and is meant for His purposes, so being irresponsible with it will only lead to disaster. An example of this is shown in the story of The Prodigal Son when the younger son takes his inheritance, blows every bit of it, and has to come crawling back to his father.

One of my ultimate favorite verses on this subject is from Luke 16:10:

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

I LOVE this.

Mostly because it gives me ultimate hope and, in my opinion, relates directly to many of our situations as young people and young married couples. We don’t have any money! I’m not complaining or anything, but my husband and I legitimately have thousands of dollars in student loans, and jobs that annually don’t make as much as we owe.

I just want to be real because I think it helps you see the situation better.

But what makes me friggin giddy, is that God doesn’t jeopardize us for that! In fact, He tells us that if we can manage the little we have now and be responsible to pay what we owe (one of the Psalms talks about the evil not repaying what they owe), then He will entrust us with more to serve Him with.

So you better bet your butt I’m going to do all that I can to be trustworthy with my “very little” so that someday God can give me much more for His kingdom. Isn’t that exciting!

And also a challenge, since we have to prove our trustworthiness to Him.

So if your very first issue is not understanding why you should save or worry about paying off your bills or doing whatever it is that you need to with your money, I suggest you take a good look at your reasoning behind your beliefs and desires. Trust me, I know it’s hard! When my husband and I first started looking into our finances, it was hard to realize we didn’t just get to keep all of our hard earned money. Paying off loans is not fun! Or credit cards, or even just saving and not spending more than you make…but at the end of the day the money was never ours to begin with, and we have to take care of it just as if we were taking care of a friend’s money (or, better yet, as if we were taking care of our Heavenly Father’s money!)

If you want a little perspective on it all, take a look here first.

So here’s the lowdown on some things my husband and I do to take great care of our money:

1. Create a budget for your bills and non-negotiables

   Literally the last word you wanted to read, but you simply cannot deal with anything else or even say you know what you’re doing with your money unless you budget it out and, as Dave Ramsey would say, tell it where to go, and if you need more convincing, just think on this:

   “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’”—Luke 14:28–30

   It’s actually pretty simple, though. Figure out (as best as you can) what you will make each month, then write down every bill you know you have to pay each month as well as some set aside for saving and tithing, and take the remaining amount and split it up where you want it to go (remember, you are telling your money where to go!). Some of the remainder might include fun money for going out, buying clothing, entertainment, etc.

   Go here for more explanation from the boss on budgeting. There’s a reason he’s a millionaire.

   *Head to the end to get your budget spreadsheet!

2. Create a $1,000 emergency fund—with some of your wedding/gift money!

   This one can be a little tricky, but like mentioned above, we immediately took $1,000 from money we already had and some of our wedding money and simply put it in a savings account, away from our joint checking. Over and done. Don’t touch it. It may not cover an entire emergency, but it’s a place to start, and you don’t have to worry about creating it if you just get it over with right away. If you are past the wedding and don’t have the funds to start your account, consider asking for monetary gifts for birthdays/holidays and put those directly towards your fund.

3. Simplify with allowances

   This one has been really helpful for us! My husband and I tried to budget out the extra money, but it was honestly kind of tough for us to specifically budget out restaurants, entertainment, and even just haircuts or new razors we would need. We decided to take the leftover money (after paying our bills, loans, and saving), and we split that up between us. Then every time each of us bought something, went out somewhere, or whatever else it might be, we wrote it down to track our spending. Once it runs out? You’re done. Simple as that. If you follow your budget and allowance you NEVER HAVE AN EXCUSE TO OVERSPEND.

4. Get off your high horse and eat/shop store brand generic—it adds up

   I probably don’t even need to mention this one, but for some reason the man in my house thinks he needs real Oreos, Doritos, Chex Mix…and they’re like $3 or $4 each! Yes, that doesn’t sound like much, but it adds up, and switching to generic will give you SO much more money to work with in your grocery budget! Then you can stock up on other things and make your food last longer! Same goes for makeup, clothing, and a lot of other things. Later in life when you have more money, feel free to buy the “good” stuff, but for right now, I promise you Great Value brand is actually pretty decent. As I read on a blog somewhere the other day, “Money looks better in the bank than on your feet,” or in your belly, just saying.

5. Shop at Aldi and Walmart before Target, or [Insert other pricier store]

   No explanation necessary. Target is not meant to be a poor man’s grocery store, department store, etc. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Target (or whatever store you love to get lost in), but you will be tempted to buy things you shouldn’t (You’ve all read the Target memes!), and they just don’t have the $1/$2 items like the bargain stores do. Also, I’ve heard that millionaires shop at The Dollar Tree these days.

6. Become a DIY-er and thrift store connoisseur

   I’m not gonna lie, I LOVE watching makeup tutorials, YouTube videos on the ultimate pampering night, the latest decor and home items, but then when I push the links to each item I am blown away. Like one tiny product or piece might cost $65! Uh, no way. I will spoil myself with a coconut oil hair mask, brown eye shadow “bronzer”, and antique, thrift store bar cart. I will save over $100 and get way more use out of the products in my own house, and it’s fun to try and figure it out and see what you can find!

7. On that same note—if you own a similar product, don’t buy more

   When I’m debt free I will own all of the magical face washes and foundations in the world, but for now? I have one and as far as I know it gets the job done. Trust me, it’s hard walking past past the thousands of different kinds of products, but if I have something that already does what I need it to (cleaning products, shoes, blankets, decor, nail polish….) then I don’t need another one.

8. Set aside or budget money for trips/vacations, and pay ahead whenever you can

   If you know you want to go somewhere specific in advance, start setting aside money for it, or, on the flip side, maybe set aside $500-$1000 (or whatever your budget allows) for each yearly vaca and then let that decide your destination. Also, if you can pay for travel, shows, outings, etc. ahead of time, do that. Do everything in your power to make sure your trip doesn’t have an excuse to burden you. You can enjoy it more if you know it’s paid for ahead of time!

9. Make seeking out restaurant bargains and weekly specials a fun challenge

   Red Robin buy one get one free entrees this weekend? Okay, date night. Coupon about to expire at Subway at the end of the week? That works for our drive home Friday night. Make it a game to base your weekly meal or two out(yes, limiting your going out to once or twice a week is another super smart tip) on which places are having a special, where you can use a coupon at, or where you know you can get a good meal for a decent price.

10. Around the holidays—look for BOGO gift cards and meals

    This Christmas I bought a $50 Subway gift card and got a $10 one for free. I saw the same deal at Panera, Applebees and several other places too. Or at Potbelly you could get a free sandwich for buying a $25 gift card. If you really want to be nice and get gift cards for other people, make sure you buy one that at least gets you a bargain too. Or, if you’re trying to be even more creative and you know you can use these restaurants as one of your weekly dinners out anyway, then why not buy yourself a gift card and literally get free money or food? I like to be as smart as possible about eating out since I am still attacking debt and trying to be a savvy spender, so finding the best deals and scores has become something I love trying to figure out. Don’t get down about being money smart! Make it fun!

    I know this is only applicable for a few more days in 2018, but you can still get an idea of which places have the best deals for future reference here!

11. Learn to return

    Friends, returning items is not fun, but let me tell you, my husband and I got like $250 back after our wedding just from returning items we knew we wouldn’t use. Just like that! Free money! I know it may seem rude to return someone’s gift, or just annoying to go through the hassle, but really get thoughtful about what you are going to use and what is just going to take up space and be of no use at all when it could better serve someone else. Or, if you bought a shirt and it doesn’t quite fit. DO NOT LET IT EVEN TOUCH A HANGER IN YOUR CLOSET. Take that sucker back to the store ASAP before you forget, get past the return period, or just decide you don’t feel like doing it. It’s your money!

12. Use credit cards for GAS ONLY

    Yes, I know you’re going to create a budget, but to even further protect yourself, please only use your credit card to buy gas. It’s a payment you know you can handle and will pay off every single time. I love Dave Ramsey and follow almost all of his tips, but I don’t see a problem in using a credit card to help you build good credit and also to get cash back (heyyy Discover, you da best), but ONLY if you are 100% committed to only spend within your budget. That’s why, for us, only buying gas with it works. There’s no temptation to overspend, and we pay it off every single month.

Okay, that’s all for now. We will share some more tips in upcoming posts! Is there anything specific you’d like to learn about?? Let me know!

Before you move on, just remember in this time of planning and perseverance, God promises to be with us and take care of us. Don’t let money even take your eye off that amazing truth. You can have 73 cents of 2 million, and the same God still loves and cherishes you.

And because I think you’re so stinking worth it and crazy cool, I created a spreadsheet for you to plan out your budget! If you have any questions just leave a comment!

6 Wedding Pieces You Need As A Christian Bride

We know God is at the center of marriage (a cord of 3 strands, anyone?), but sometimes it's hard to find the perfect Christian wedding pieces to weave into the ceremony or reception.

And, honestly, I believe that weddings these days have become a little distorted and more about the extravagant event than the glorifying of God’s creation and purpose for marriage. So sneaking a few reminders in for everyone to see is just what a Christian wedding needs.

Whether the bride yourself (congrats!), or a guest seeking a gift for the big day, this list will give you a sigh of relief in finding the perfect faith pieces- not to mention meaningful keepsakes that can be used afterwards too!

Personalized Painted Bible Guest Book

This is the ultimate Christian wedding piece. Every person will open and sign your guest book, and with this option you get to share a glimpse of your faith with each one and keep those special notes and highlighted verses with you forever in a beautiful Bible. There are several Bible versions to choose from, and each one has lined margins for your guests to sign in. You can customize the Bible to match your bouquets and reflect your wedding color palette, favorite verse, and more.

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Christian Wedding Favors

Okay, so we had to include these adorable favor bags, and what better way to sneak in a beautiful Bible verse and have your guests thanking you later for their post dancing snacks! Check out DetailsOnDemand for lots more fun and personalized party favors!

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Bible Verse Wooden Sign

This sign is stunning and a real focal piece! It’s 24”x30” and is the perfect way to incorporate a bit of your faith into a stunning piece of decor that you can keep forever. This shop has many options for different verses, sign sizes, and more, so check them out!

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Bible Verse Backdrop

Whether it's for the ceremony, a reception centerpiece, or head table backdrop, this Christian inspired wall hanging is perfect because it is large, can be customized, and adds another faith snippet into your wedding decor. While you're at it, this shop has loads of other gorgeous event backdrops to look at!

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Unity Cross Sign

A beautiful alternative for unity candles is a wooden braided rope sign that perfectly displays Ecclesiastes 4:12 and what it represents. It will last you forever, and is another personalized piece made special for you and your spouse. Head to The Rustic Earth’s shop to see loads of different options for their beautiful signs!

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Okay okay, so we said 5, but we added 2 bonus items for you because your wedding is SO worth it and we love helping you find cool ideas!

Bible Verse Aisle Runner

We added this one as a bonus because it is just so perfect for a Christian theme at your wedding, and it is such a cool reminder of why you are getting married as you walk down the aisle. What a cool way to add a touch of faith into your ceremony!

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Text-Only Wedding Bible Guest Book

We wanted to add another Bible guest book option that’s a bit simpler, ships quicker, and is the perfect amount of customized yet not too overwhelming. Pick from multiple different Bible versions and choose your background color, all wording, and wording color. It’s the perfect way to incorporate your color palette and wedding details into a Bible that you can cherish forever.

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Hopefully this was helpful for you, and what better way to glorify God on such a precious day! Happy shopping and don’t forget to enjoy and relish this beautiful time!