Saturday, September 29, 2007

SHARE IN MY JOY!

Several weeks ago, my sister-in-law Stephanie Lanza Harvey and I were messing about with blog stuff and she rashly offered to design a customized header for my blog. This week I decided to take advantage of her offer AND her talent and asked her to create a new look that would better represent MUSINGS FROM GRACELAND. I wanted one that was both a reflection of both my personality but also the freedom and joy I experience in life due to God's amazing grace.
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After many hours and who knows how many bouts of frustration, Stephanie created the fun, free, and just "a bit cheesy" (like me) header you now see above.
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This is one of the nicest and definitely one of the most original gifts I've ever received. It makes me smile just looking at it and reminds me of how richly I'm blessed. People like Stephanie and the ways they bring blessings into my life are just more examples of God's goodness. I am often overwhelmed with how much He loves me and I thank Him for putting so many precious friends and family members in my life.
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He loves me not because I'm perfect, because I'm far from that, but He loves me because I'm His. And because of this assurance, I can truly dance and sing and laugh and love in this beautiful place called GRACELAND.
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Any one who knows me well, knows I love parties. And I love gifts. And I'm always looking for an excuse to throw a party and give gifts. This looks like a pretty good excuse to this big haired girl!
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To all of you who have been sweet enough to visit my re-vamped blog, I'm giving you the chance to win goodies.
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The first give-away is a gently pre-read book by my favorite grace-touting teacher, Steve Brown. A SCANDALOUS FREEDOM "has the power to help Christian believers who have been struggling to march in a straight line to leap up and dance". http://www.amazon.com/Scandalous-Freedom-Radical-Nature-Gospel/dp/1582293929/ref=sr_1_1/105-0812404-8734821?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1191083066&sr=8-1
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The second give away is a just-for-fun girlie gift....a pink, sparkly purse! Its compliments of my shopping-savvy Mom.

To enter for a chance to win these celebration gifts, please leave a comment telling me whether you want to win the book, the purse, or both items. Please make sure that your comment gives me a way to contact you if you're a prize winner. I'll have a drawing next Sunday, the day that we here at Graceland call "The Sweetest Day of the Week".

Thanks again for sharing in my joy!
Elysa

15 comments:

Jennifer said...

I love your new header! And I was going to tell you so even BEFORE I knew you were being so generous with gifts. I thought maybe the girl in the car was like you since she is all fixed up with her lipstick and all. But while I'm here, lol, I'll just say that the book would be a goody. I know a bit about Steve Brown and his ministry, but I haven't read his books. (DH may have, I'm not sure.) I know we'd love the book and be sure to pass it on to others who would also love it.

So there's my entry. ;)

Have a lovely weekend in Graceland!
Jen

Oh, I guess if you want to contact me, just leave a comment on my blog (www.goodfruity.blogspot.com) or PM me at FIAR (Jen in SC).

Anonymous said...

Wooooo Hoooooo! She really pimped your blogspot! It's lookin' good over he-ah!

Great Job!

Elysa said...

Hi Jen!

Thanks for being a part of my fun day! The girl does look a bit like a younger version of me...especially the fluffy bangs and the made up face!;) My hair is just a bit more silvery now though and as it thins with age, attaining big hair status is becoming more of a challege!

But that's okay, the advantages of growing older, at least in my case, far outweigh the advantages of youth. Including being able to be pals with so many great homeschool moms...just like you! :)

Elysa said...

Thanks, Mair. Here's a BIG KISS...MW-A-A-AH!

BTW, your blog header is one of THE best I've evah, evah seen!

Oh...and I thought of you when I told my SIL that I wanted the header to be a bit "cheesy"! ;)

And for those of you who have not read Mair's books, you just HAVE TO! And then you'll want to be "cheesy", too!

Drewe Llyn said...

I want the book!!!!!

Stephanie said...

Hey Elysa! I just want to say that it was a joy to do and I was honored!

Hugs,
Stephanie

Rhonda Jeanne said...

How FUN!!! I love the new header...i'm going to check out your sister-in-law's stuff.
Books and purses....2 of my most favorite things. Either would be groovy!

Rhonda

Anonymous said...

Elysa, I love, love, love your new header!! Way to go! SO cute! I would love to enter your drawing for the book! :) You know me, can't pass up a good read. :)

Candace
www.homeschoolblogger.com/CandaceC

~ said...

Your new look is TOO CUTE! You are one of the most fun people I know...you celebrate the events of your life...both big and small.

Oooo...freebies! I would love to win either one.

Thanks!

Shauna said...

I love the header and would like to be entered for the book (of course)!

My blog will be going Pink for October, so you'll have to take a look after tomorrow!

Elysa said...

This is a proxy entry for the book or purse on behalf of my stepdad's daughter-in-law Patsie.:)

The Rusty Hoe said...

I love your blog makeover! Too cute. I've wondered how to personalize my blog more. I'll have to visit Stephanie's blog and see what she's got up her sleeve.

Oh, either the book or the purse would tickle me pink!

Elysa said...

Another proxy vote for Sandy, a literal "old school" friend. We've known each other since we were in the same 6th grade homeroom at Magnolia Park Elementary School. She's still a girlie girl and want me to enter her for the pink purse.

Love you, Sandy, and thanks for visiting my blog!:)

Elysa said...

Posting this for a friend as when she tried, it didn't go thru:

"Love your new header! It's just soooo YOU! :-) What a fun surprise.

I would love either of the goodies. You are sweet to have a drawing.

I'm excited for you too about your upcoming trip! What an incredible blessing for all involved! ((((Elysa))))) I can't wait to hear all that God is going to do!

Thank you too for the blog award. I appreciate you - your encouragment and prayers.

Love you dear friend!
Leslie
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/LeslieNelsen

Elysa said...

The drawing is now completed. I will post the winners momentarily. :)