Last year, I bought an appointment book at a local drug store. It caught my eye because it was bright pink, with a fancy faux-leather cover. Inscribed into the cover were the words, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Inside was chock full of spiritual & motivational quotes, with a particular theme for each month. It seemed the book had been made for me. I said to myself, "I know its a little bit large and a bit of a splurge but...I like it! The color is so pretty and its...spiritual! I'M GETTING IT!"

I have not regretted that purchase. Through a difficult year in my life, this little book has helped me hold it together-both logistically and mentally. Here are some quotes that struck a chord with me:

"Vision is the ability to see God's presence, plan and power over obstacles." - Mike Breaux

"God is our God forever and ever; He will be our Guide even to the end." - Psalm 48:14

"Never be afraid to trust and unknown future to a known God." - Corrie Ten Boom

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jer 29:11

"In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." - Rom 8:28

"Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn." - Harriet Beecher Stowe

So...of course I NEEDED to get the 2016 one, right? Last night, I braved Friday night Christmas Season in the famed "Huntington Village" of Long Island, where this drug store happens to be. There was NO place to park, so I had to park...a tad bit illegally. I recently got a $200 ticket for parking (a tad bit) illegally in Huntington Village, so I was somewhat nervous. If we got another ticket in the mail, my husband might make me forego foot massages for the next 6 months and that would be intolerable (foot massages are part of the "Survival Paradigm" I am developing. I'm actually not kidding.) So I ran through the store like a chicken with its head cut off looking for the 2016 version. Nothing. Asked a store clerk....Nothing. Then a lightbulb went off in my head, "THE INTERNET!" (I'm so old, I still have to remind myself that if it cannot be found on the internet, it does not exist-yep, "Star Wars" geek making a dumb reference.) I drove home hopeful....

And now to the actual point: Where can you get cool stuff?

christianbook.com

They've got Christmas items, books, homeschooling supplies, music, toys, artwork, jewelry, calendars, DVDs, prepper/survival items and more. Most items are not specifically Catholic, though there are a few. If you're looking for the prepper items, do a search with the word "survival" and you will get numerous pages. Here's what I bought (all reasonably priced):

Lost On a Mountain in Maine by Donn Fendler & Joseph B. Egan (true survival stories can be very instructional and inspiring)

A bunch of Paracord Bracelets

Pocket Guide to the Outdoors

Paracord Keyring

Survival Keychains (whistle, compass & signal light)

"WORDKeeper" Briefcase (can be a great bugout bag)

And...2016 "Love Always Protects" Medium Planner!

BTW, many items can be personalized and all have some spiritual purpose or inscription. So...what have you learned in this post? That Christian Prepper Stuff is a thing and that my family hates my Christmas gifts.

Happy Christmas shopping!