Family Christian Stores

An Hour at a Family Christian Store

August 11, 2016 by Suzie Waltner 14 Comments

I’m of the opinion that it’s never too early to begin shopping for Christmas gifts. And when I hear about a great sale opportunity, I’ll happily drive a little out of my way to mark a few people off that gift list.

Today, I want to tell you about the sale that’s going on at Family Christian Stores through August 25. All books, music, and DVDs are Buy One, Get One 50% off. Don’t have a store near you? Don’t worry, the sale is also happening online.

When I was in my local Family Christian Store this past Saturday, I enjoyed the browsing experience. There is plenty of space in my store, a decent selection of gifts, music, and books (and again, if you don’t find what you want, you can always visit them online). There was also lots of clearance to look through (just a note here, the BOGO 50% in only on regular priced items so it doesn’t work with clearance). My cashier was friendly and he had a good chat about music and books as she was ringing up my purchases. I spent $60 while I was in the store, which is well-worth what I left with.

The Inspire Journaling Bible ($24.99)
Bible journaling has gained popularity over the past year and while the concept sounds great, as a person with absolutely zero artistic ability, I always thought it sounded like more work than Biblical study. But when I came across this journaling Bible, with some of the content already filled in for me, I decided I’d like to give it a try. Some of the pages have just a faint outline, some are blank for your own journaling, and some have the actual verses for you to fill in as you spend time in God’s Word.

Third Day and Natalie Grant Cds ($13.99 ea regular price but with the BOGO sale, the second was only $7.00). As music lovers, many of my family and friends are always happy with more.

And while I didn’t buy this one during my trip because I already have it, if you haven’t picked up Needtobreathe’s newest album, do it soon!! You won’t be disappointed.

Music: H A R D L O V E by NEEDTOBREATHE (available July 15)
Description: This sixth studio album from NEEDTOBREATE finds the group reflecting on the tumultuous seasons behind their recent albums, Rivers In the Wasteland and The Reckoning, and enjoying extraordinary success while experiencing personal conflict. “We were in a dark place when we made the last record, but to me this album is mostly a story of redemption,” Bear Rinehart said. H A R D L O V E delves into the world of electronic effects and instrumentation, resulting in a sublimely crafted and expansive sound that reflects the band’s unforgettable live show. Includes lead singles “Happiness” and “Money & Fame.”

What better way to offer someone encouragement than a daily reminder of Scripture. Take the time to be still and know God and all of the promises that entails in our lives. (plaque $12.99)

There are so many great things at Family Christian Stores, I could go on and on but I don’t have time for that and I doubt you do either. So, I’ll leave you with a little information about the organization (followed by a giveaway so don’t give up on me yet)

Family Christian is a Christian retailer, operating in 250 stores across the country. They are committed to helping you find, grow, share and celebrate your faith through a wide selection of Christian books, music, Bibles, DVDs, gifts and more.

When you shop with Family Christian, your purchases support their efforts to unite with ministries that are helping children and families in need around the world.

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“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

When the Game Stands Tall (Family Christian product spotlight)

January 2, 2015 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

After an extremely productive New Year’s day, I decided I had earned an evening to sit back, relax, and enjoy a good movie. My roommates were all out for the night so I had this cutie.

That’s Roxy in her Christmas sweater. The pup loves nothing more than to sit in someone’s lap so she was perfectly content while I watched a movie.

I believe I’ve mentioned before that my tastes in movies tend to lean toward what guys liked to watch. My video collection consists mainly of action, suspense, or sports movies so When the Game Stands Tall from Affirm Films and starring Jim Caviezel, Laura Dern, and Michael Chiklis was something I knew I would enjoy.

High school football coach Bob Ladoucer coached the De La Salle Spartans to a record winning streak of 151 games. This movie is not about the 151 games but about what happens when the glory fades and life pushes in to dull the luster of accomplishment.

“Don’t let a game define who you are. Let the way you live your lives do that.” –Assistant coach Terry Eidson

This is a movie you do not want to watch half heartedly. There is a lot going on. Between the coach’s family life and his heart attack, the dynamic between the players (the whole team as well as friendships), and the pressure of the community on a high school football team, there is a lot to keep track of. Filled with the usual sports movie clichés–the kid who is too good for the rest of the team who turns around in the end, the kid everyone perceives as a loveable idiot with a big heart, and the workout and game montages–When the Game Stands Tall is also full of motivation, faith, and compassion. When the team visits a VA hospital and spends time with veterans who have lost their limbs in war, there are several humorous moments that will have you laughing. And when tragedy strikes the team, you will be in tears.

“People always ask me what it’s like to never lose. Today I am lost. It’s as if life has taken more than it gives and I don’t know if I can handle it.” –Coach Bob Ladoucer

A movie that reminds us that relationships are what count, that boys need role models to help them become men, and that it’s okay to enjoy victory as long as it doesn’t rule who you are, When the Game Stands Tall is a keeper.

Pick up your copy at your local Family Christian or order online (and don’t forget to check out other amazing deals while you’re there).

You can keep up with the latest news from Family Christian on your favorite social media outlet.

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****Family Christian provided me with a free copy of this film in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Win a Family Christian Stores Customer Appreciation Certificate!!

December 15, 2014 by Suzie Waltner 3 Comments

Yes, you read that right. At the end of this blog post, you will have several opportunities to gain entries to win a $10 Customer Appreciation Certificate to spend in Family Christian Stores or online.

But wait, before you enter, let me tell you a little about one of the products that you can buy with that certificate. Family Christian Stores provided me with a free copy of Checkmate by Steven James in exchange for an honest and fair review.

“I both wanted to know what happened to Jerome and did not want to know. You can’t erase the things you see at crime scenes from your mind. They get rooted in there in a place that’s impossible to run from. Whatever I ended up seeing in that bedroom, I expected that the images would stay with me for a long time. Maybe forever.”

Excerpt from Checkmate by Steven James

I will admit, my preferred genre for books is romance or romantic suspense but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a legal thriller or something else once in a while. My go to movie choice is usually action or adventure (preferably something that includes some brains with the brawn). I mean, the movie adaptations of Tom Clancy’s books are well done and enjoyable and the Bourne movies adapted from Robert Ludlum’s books are some of my favorites (admittedly, that may have something to do with the crush I’ve had on Matt Damon for years, though).

What a treat Checkmate by Steven James was. This is the eight book in The Bowers Files series, but don’t worry, you don’t have to read the others to follow along in this one–I didn’t and I was still pulled into the story. The main character, Patrick (Pat) Bowers, does reference a few of his previous cases throughout the books and yes, I did the research for you, and some of those cases are the plots of the other books in this series.

Order your copy from Family Christian Stores online

The advantage to reading a book where a law enforcement agency (in this case, the FBI) is rushing to try and divert a national disaster, is that the reader gets to see into the minds of the characters. James takes readers into the minds and thoughts of several different characters throughout the story. Pat Bowers is truly a good guy–one you cheer for because of the way he loves and respects his family and friends. With the popularity of shows like CSI, Criminal Minds, Law & Order, and more (and these are even mentioned in this book), it makes sense that authors would spend time writing in this genre. There is still so much the public doesn’t know about government agencies and crime prevention.

James does one other thing in his book. Much like Dan Brown does in his fiction, Steven James draws the reader into a place and makes them interested in visiting. I now want to plan a trip to Charlotte, NC to check out the areas and sights mentioned in Checkmate.

Order your copy from Family Christian Stores online or check out your local store.

And be sure and stay in touch with what Family Christian Stores has to offer by visiting their Facebook page.

Does Checkmate sound like something you might be interested in reading? Or maybe it would make the perfect gift for someone you know. Well, enter to win a Customer Appreciation Certificate and pick up a copy.

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Family Christian Stores Amazing Christmas Sale and Product Spotlight

December 5, 2014 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

If you live near a Family Christian Store, you may have already received their catalogue and seen the amazing deals they have advertised from Dec 5-Dec 24. If you do not, you can check them out online. And if you still have Christmas shopping to do, check them out!

Be sure and check the website for their daily coupon on the home page.

Years ago I used to work for some magazines and reviewed Christian music almost daily. Admittedly, I have fallen out of the Christian music loop. The bands that were popular when I was reviewing–Jars of Clay, Newsboys, Third Day, etc, are either not around anymore or filled with a whole new set of singers. I heard the name Lecrae but I think the first time I actually heard his music was when my strength and fitness instructor at the gym played “Jesus Muzik” one month. By the way, he’s got great beats to exercise to.

Anomaly is his latests and is included in the Family Christian Stores sale. With lyrics that are thought provoking and real and beats that will keep you pumped up and moving, Lecrae keeps the music pumping. Some of the songs include collaborations with other musicians (my favorites include “Give In” with Crystal Nicole and “Messengers” with For King and Country). If you have a teenager or someone who is into rap music (think Toby Mac), this would be a great stocking stuffer or gift.

Of course, Anomaly isn’t the only thing on sale this week.

And if you’re looking for a great Christmas album, check out Francessa Batistelli. I gave this one to many friends a couple of years ago.