Scripture Saturdays: Christmas Countdown 2025

 James 1:17

 

17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.



King James Version (KJV)

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.



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Christmas in July: 'GLO' ALL OUT WITH UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER CELEBRATIONS AT GRANDE LAKES ORLANDO

This summer, Orlando's premier luxury destination unveils a captivating array of events, entertainment and culinary experiences to delight guests and locals alike


ORLANDO, Fla., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Grande Lakes Orlando, the 500-acre luxury resort destination in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades anchored by The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, invites guests to experience a reimagined summer escape through the return of its signature GLO Summer series. From exclusive culinary experiences and live music performances to exhilarating games and dazzling displays, every moment is thoughtfully curated to create unforgettable, artful experiences beneath the golden Florida sun.



Grande Lakes Orlando hosts its annual 'GLO Summer' all summer long.

GLO Summer

The highly anticipated GLO Summer returns for its third year, promising a captivating season of sunshine, entertainment, and indulgence. Beginning this weekend, May 24 through August 31, guests can enjoy a vibrant lineup of activities every Saturday and Sunday. Start the day in a private Oasis Grande Cabana, where fresh coconuts, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages enhance the experience. As evening falls, cabanas offer prime views of the GLO Fireworks, where brilliant displays illuminate the resort's scenic backdrop. Guests can also enjoy firework views from the EvrBar Terrace or the rooftop at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, accompanied by a curated selection of artisanal sips. For thrill-seekers, an immersive Escape Room experience and mesmerizing Fire Dancer performances add to the excitement. Additional highlights include magic shows by America's Got Talent finalist Drew Thomas, Movies Under the Stars on the Da Vinci Lawn, poolside face painting, balloon animals, and dancing with the GLO robot.


Special Holiday Celebrations

At Grande Lakes Orlando, every holiday is elevated into an artful celebration. Athletes and families alike can celebrate Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day with exclusive 5K runs winding through the resort's championship golf course, followed by luxurious post-run champagne celebrations. Each holiday weekend features the best of GLO Summer activities, from Silent Discos to inflatable water slides, ensuring every moment is one to remember. The resort's celebrated culinary venues offer bespoke menus and curated experiences, such as the Memorial Day Feast at Highball & Harvest and the Labor Day BBQ Buffet at Citron. On July 6, guests can indulge in the whimsical charm of "Christmas in July", a festive transformation of the resort complete with a magical 'snowfall' surprise in honor of the Winter Wonderland festivities coming this December. Plus, there will be a major announcement about a new holiday experience only available at Grande Lakes Orlando this winter. Travelers can then end summer on a high note with a Labor Day weekend celebration featuring live music, culinary creations, and captivating mini-magic shows.


Summer of Luxury at the Club

For those seeking a more exclusive and personalized experience, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando's Club Lounge presents a sophisticated haven throughout the summer months. The Fourth of July weekend becomes a celebration of live music and gourmet indulgences. August brings an elegant local Art Exhibit evening, perfect for art enthusiasts looking to explore curated works in a luxurious setting. Father's Day is marked by a special bourbon tasting and pop-up shopping experience with The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Pro Shop, providing the perfect opportunity to savor and shop. These activations are in addition to signature Club Level offerings, such as the Corsa exotic car experience, private styling sessions with The Fifth Avenue Club, meet-and-greets with magician Drew Thomas, and exclusive wine-tasting events.


Guests and Florida Residents are invited to experience GLO Summer by booking the popular "Family Escape Package," featuring a 50% discount on a connecting room when booking the first room with code E4000. Alternatively, choose the "Grande Escape Package," offering up to $200 in resort credit and complimentary parking with code PSF.


More information can be found at grandelakes.com. Images of the resort can be found here.


About Grande Lakes Orlando

Hidden in the heart of Orlando, Grande Lakes Orlando sits on 500 lush acres at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. The resort features a 582-room Ritz-Carlton, 1,010-room JW Marriott hotel, the 40,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton spa as well as three picture-perfect pools. The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Tennis Club, which hosts the PNC Championship, includes an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course. A dozen celebrated dining venues throughout include MICHELIN Recommended and Forbes Travel Guide 4-Stars Knife & Spoon, a steak and seafood restaurant led by award-winning chef John Tesar, and MICHELIN Recommended and Forbes Travel Guide 4-Stars Primo, Mediterranean/Italian fare by multiple James Beard award-winning chef Melissa Kelly, a leader in the farm-to-fork movement. Grand Lakes Orlando restaurants source fresh ingredients from Whisper Creek Farm, an on-property 18,000-square-foot working farm, as well as on-site apiaries. The resort features a wide array of additional activities: kayaking, eco-tours on Shingle Creek, falconry, mountain biking and fishing school. Conference and meeting attendees have their pick of meeting space options located across 150,000 square feet plus more than 100,000 square feet of outdoor space. Grande Lakes is located 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport, five minutes from the Orange County Convention Center and minutes from the major theme parks.


PR Newswire


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Christmas 2025 Upcoming: Schiffer Publishing Expands into Crafting Kits with 14 Exciting New Releases for All Skill Levels from Its Better Day Books and Schiffer Craft Imprints

ATGLEN, Pa., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Schiffer Publishing, an indie publisher of high-quality books and creative products across nonfiction categories, is expanding its reach further into the crafting market this year with an exciting new lineup of craft kits, launching under two of its imprints: Better Day Books and Schiffer Craft.




New Schiffer Craft and Better Day Books craft kits

These new craft kit offerings, releasing in June and October of this year, include everything needed to create beautiful, handcrafted projects across a variety of engaging and easy-to-follow activities, including watercolor painting, crocheting, finger knitting, and mixed-media stamp and stencil projects.


Each kit includes high-quality materials, easy-to-follow instructions, and a unique project to engage crafters' imaginations. With these kits, Schiffer Publishing is poised to introduce a fresh era of creativity to current and new customers, whether they're new to crafting or experienced makers looking for fresh inspiration.


Better Day Books: Watercolor, Finger Knitting, and Crochet Kits for Beginners

Better Day Books, known for inspiring its readers to try something new with fresh ideas, beautiful imagery, and approachable instruction, brings beginner-friendly kits to the lineup, starting with two watercolor-painting kits, out in June, and a series of playful finger-knitting kits and crochet kits out in October:


Watercolor the Easy Way: Paint Your Own Watercolor Notecards; Flowers and Coastal


Super Simple Finger Knitting Kit: Jiggle the Jellyfish and Sugarplum Christmas Tree


Crochet Café Amigurumi Kits: Donut, Cupcake, Cake Slice, and Hot Cocoa


"We saw an opportunity to create craft kits that truly support success from the start. With beautiful packaging, premium materials, and clear, inspiring instruction, including video, these kits feel special from the moment you open them. They're a joy to create with and beautiful enough to give as a gift!" said Peg Couch, founder of Better Day Books.


Schiffer Craft: The Art of Mixed-Media and Crochet for Advanced Makers

Schiffer Craft, an imprint dedicated to educating, enriching, and inspiring today's makers, will also introduce its own range of innovative crafting kits in October:


Mixed-Media Print Adventure Stamp, Stencil, and Storybook Sets: European Scripts and Asian Scripts


Crochet Your Veggies Amigurumi Kits: Carrot, Radish, Peapod, and Avocado


"These kits are cute, calming, and easy to pack in a purse or tote bag so you can break them out during a free moment. I'm crocheting the peapod as we speak, and can confirm that it's a joy to make," says Kaylee Schofield, imprint director for Schiffer Craft.


Availability and Pricing

The crafting kits will be available for purchase at retailers starting in late June and are available now for preorder. For pricing and additional information, or to place an order, contact Sales@SchifferBooks.com or visit https://newcraftkits.com/.


About Better Day Books:


Better Day Books, an imprint of Schiffer Publishing, was founded on the belief that all people are creative and that making things by hand is inherently good for us. Our products combine practical instruction with thoughtful design, offering content that's both informational and aspirational. Join our crafty community @better_day_books. It's a good day to have a better day!: BetterDayBooks.com.


About Schiffer Craft:


Schiffer Craft, an imprint of Schiffer Publishing, focuses on heritage crafting for modern makers. Whether you're a weaver, woodworker, quilter, stitcher, potter, or simply an enthusiast of beauty, our offerings are designed to inspire you toward a rich, creative life that blends traditional techniques with your own unique vision. The story doesn't end with the book you read or the kit you buy; it continues with you: SchifferCraft.com.


About Schiffer Publishing:


Schiffer Publishing is an independent publisher of special-interest nonfiction, including art, design, photography, pop culture, military and aviation history, craft, children's, body/mind/spirit, and more, with over 7,000 titles in print: SchifferBooks.com.


SOURCE Schiffer Publishing


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Scripture Saturdays: Christmas Countdown 2025

 Isaiah 40:8 - The grass withers and the flowers fall but the word of our God endures forever.




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What You Missed: Christmas 2024-Bedsure Heated Essentials: Cozy Winter Comfort & Exclusive Holiday Deals

NEW YORK, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the holiday season approaches, Bedsure introduces its Heated Essentials collection, designed to transform winter experiences with consistent warmth, comfort, and style. Offering exclusive Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts, these products make the perfect gift to keep loved ones cozy throughout the cold months. Featuring heated blankets, mattress pads, and heating pads, the Heated Essentials series combines advanced heating technology with elegant design for ultimate relaxation and luxury.


Embracing Consistent and Reliable Warmth




The Bedsure Heated Essentials collection provides exceptional comfort for every moment of rest. Whether it's a cozy afternoon nap or a peaceful night's sleep, these products are designed to seamlessly blend reliable warmth with sophisticated style. With adjustable heat levels and fast, consistent warming, they ensure relaxation and luxury with every use.


Commitment to Safety and Quality Assurance


At Bedsure, safety and quality are of utmost importance. Every product undergoes rigorous testing, including 74 comprehensive assessments conducted in our Bedsure Intertek-recognized Satellite™ Lab. This commitment consistently exceeds UL standards, setting a benchmark for excellence and comfort. The safety features include overheat protection, efficient controller heat dissipation, and tests for wire bending and distortion, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.


Safety: Our heated essentials pass 74 rigorous tests, including the Overheat Protection Test, Efficient Controller Heat Dissipation Test, and Wire Bending Test, ensuring consistently high performance.

Reliability: Tested over 8,000 hours for aging, washing, and extreme usage. All products are ETL/FCC-certified, offering durability, auto shut-off, and overheat protection.

Warmth: Bedsure's enlarged heating areas, faster, consistent heating, and upgraded, safer wires provide superior warmth compared to other brands.

Softness: Enjoy the upgraded softness of flannel, shaggy sherpa, and sherpa fleece fabrics, adding unparalleled comfort to every product.

Discover the Three Heated Essentials Categories


1. Heated Blankets – Up to 54% Off

Loved by over 1 million customers and their families worldwide. With adjustable settings, our heated blankets wrap you in cozy warmth wherever you are—at home, the office, or anywhere you need a little extra comfort. Below are our different styles and designs of heated blankets to meet all your needs for various settings and pairings.


  • Solid Flannel Heated Blanket
  • Ribbed Flannel Heated Blanket
  • Heated Sherpa Fleece Blanket Hoodie
  • Jacquard Shaggy Sherpa Heated Blanket
  • Christmas Flannel Heated Blanket


2. Heated Mattress Pads – Up to 30% Off

Transform your sleep with Bedsure's Heated Mattress Pads, designed to provide soothing warmth and unmatched comfort for a luxurious, restful retreat. Designed for ultimate relaxation, our heated mattress pads elevate your rest to a new level of luxury.


  • Coral Fleece Heated Mattress Pad
  • Removable Heated Mattress Pad


3. Heating Pads – Up to 44% Off

Perfect for easing fatigue and providing personalized comfort, our heating pads are your go-to companion, whether you're relaxing at home or on the move.


Weighted Heating Pad with Massager

Take advantage of these exclusive Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts to bring home consistent warmth, reliability, and unbeatable comfort, backed by Bedsure's rigorous safety standards.


About Bedsure:


Founded in 2016, Bedsure is a leading home textile brand with products sold to over 15 million customers worldwide. Currently, Bedsure has over 50 bestselling home products in 8 countries and has maintained a compound growth rate of 100% for five consecutive years. While Bedsure has grown into a global company with diverse products to meet different customer needs, its focus on comfortable home products and everyday value stays the same. For more information, visit Bedsure's official website https://bedsurehome.com/, or Amazon shop https://www.amazon.com/bedsure. Stay in touch with Bedsure on social media @bedsurehome.


SOURCE Bedsure


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Scripture Saturdays: Christmas Countdown 2025

Luke 1:46-47 - And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,



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Upcoming for Christmas 2025: OCEANIA CRUISES INVITES GUESTS TO EMBRACE THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WITH EXTRAORDINARY FESTIVE VOYAGES

MIAMI, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Oceania Cruises®, the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, invites travelers to embark on magical holiday celebrations, complete with gourmet feasts, dazzling entertainment, and visits to enticing ports of call across the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 seasons.


Onboard Festive Decorations in the Grand Dining Room

With more than 40 voyages to choose from, including sailings aboard the line's newest ship, Oceania Allura™, which joins the fleet in July, guests can fully immerse themselves in the holiday spirit in destinations all over the world, from island-hopping in the South Pacific and cruising around South Africa's spectacular coastline to experiencing a vibrant New Year's Eve in South America.


Spending the holiday season aboard Oceania Cruises' small, luxurious ships offers the perfect escape for travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary – where festive traditions are reimagined with elegance and flair at sea. Christmas carolers welcome guests during embarkation, while evening entertainment performances on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day add a touch of sparkle to the celebrations and New Year's Eve is marked with Champagne toasts and a lively countdown. Throughout Hanukkah, a striking and elegant menorah is lit each evening, honoring tradition with grace and sophistication.




"Our festive holiday voyages are meticulously crafted to deliver the magic of the joyful season in an elegant, luxurious setting wherever you're sailing in the world," said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer at Oceania Cruises. "Guests will enjoy inclusive celebrations that honor beloved traditions – from festive dĂ©cor and holiday entertainment to lavish meals – alongside our signature heartfelt onboard service and the elegant ambiance of Oceania Cruises' ships, creating a truly memorable journey at sea."


With voyages ranging from seven to 197 days, Oceania Cruises offers holiday sailings to suit every schedule and sense of adventure, from sunny island escapes to epic journeys across continents. Choose from a week-long New Year's voyage through the Caribbean, or set out on a grand 77-day exploration spanning the Americas. Celebrate the holidays cruising the dramatic coast of South Africa, uncovering the cultural riches of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, or basking in the turquoise lagoons of French Polynesia.


With a selection of itineraries across the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 holiday seasons, these festive voyages promise exceptional value and unforgettable celebrations aboard Oceania Cruises.


Highlighted 2025-2026 Holiday Voyages


Indian Ocean Opus: 24 days from Cape Town to Singapore aboard Oceania Sirena™, departing December 2, 2025. From the dramatic coastline of Cape Town to the bustling streets of Singapore, this sweeping sojourn transports travelers across the Indian Ocean's most alluring ports. Discover the cultural richness of Malaysia and Thailand, soak in the serenity of the Maldives and Mauritius, and explore the diverse landscapes of Sri Lanka, RĂ©union Island, and Mozambique.


South Pacific Archipelagos: 19 days from Sydney to Papeete aboard Oceania Riviera™, departing December 10, 2025. A highlight of Oceania Riviera's much-anticipated first Australia and New Zealand season, this voyage sails from Sydney into the heart of the South Pacific. Explore the vibrant cultures of New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa before enjoying the festivities in the turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora and Moorea, with a final call into sun-drenched Tahiti.


Outrigger's Route to Bali: 24 days from Papeete to Bali aboard Oceania Regatta™, departing December 17, 2025. This tropical escape winds through the lush isles of French Polynesia, Fiji and the Solomon Islands before exploring Australia's exotic Top End and the Indonesian archipelago. With sun-soaked beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and rich island cultures, this voyage delivers the ultimate in warm-weather festive season bliss.


Yachting Treasures: 10 days from Miami to Miami aboard Oceania Insignia™, departing December 19, 2025. This sun-drenched Caribbean escape sails to the heart of the tropics, visiting San Juan, Basseterre, St. John's, Philipsburg, and Charlotte Amalie. Travelers can soak up the vibrant island culture, golden beaches, and crystal-clear waters of the Eastern Caribbean, bookended with leisurely sea days, allowing guests to enjoy the luxurious comforts and festive experiences on board.


Antarctic Triumph: 20 days from Santiago de Chile to Buenos Aires aboard Oceania Marina™, departing December 21, 2025. From the colorful charm of Puerto Montt to the icy serenity of Laguna San Rafael, sail the majestic Chilean fjords and explore the vibrant cultures of Punta Arenas and Ushuaia. Conclude the journey in Buenos Aires, the birthplace of tango.


Holiday Havens: 14 days from Miami to Miami aboard Oceania Allura, departing December 21, 2025. The newest ship in the fleet, Oceania Allura, embarks on her inaugural holiday voyage, offering travelers an unforgettable Caribbean escape. This roundtrip journey from Miami visits vibrant ports and sun-drenched islands of the Caribbean including Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Grenada, Barbados, St. Vincent, Dominica, Antigua, and St. Maarten.


2025-2026 Grand Voyages


Iberian & Island Dreams: 25 days from Barcelona to Miami aboard Oceania Nautica™, departing December 2, 2025. This transatlantic voyage sails through Spain, Gibraltar, and the Azores before crossing to the Caribbean. The itinerary combines European charm, island beauty, and relaxing sea days.


Spanning the Americas: 77 days from Los Angeles to San Diego aboard Oceania Vista®, departing December 20, 2025. This extensive voyage begins in Los Angeles and traverses the Pacific coasts of Mexico and Central America, including ports such as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco. The journey continues through the Panama Canal before exploring the Caribbean islands of St. Barts, Dominica, and Barbados. Further highlights include visits to Devil's Island and multiple Brazilian ports, including two overnights in Rio de Janeiro.


Highlighted 2026-2027 Holiday Voyages


Australasian Allure: 23 days from Sydney to Perth aboard Oceania Riviera, departing December 15, 2026. Offering a blend of Australia's coastal beauty and the rich cultures of the Indonesian archipelago, this voyage will explore multiple stunning ports including Whitsunday Island, Cairns, Komodo, Bali, and Waingapu.


Antilles to Andes: 15 days from Miami to Lima aboard Oceania Insignia, departing December 19, 2026. This voyage blends laidback island charm with South American intrigue, featuring stops in Curaçao, Aruba, and Colombia, followed by a daylight passage through the Panama Canal and calls in Ecuador and northern Peru. It's a relaxed yet culturally rich journey along some of the region's most storied coastlines.


Legends of Jade: 15 days from Hong Kong to Singapore aboard Oceania Nautica, departing December 21, 2026. For travelers wanting an immersive exploration of Southeast Asia, this voyage includes enriching experiences among the dramatic limestone landscapes of Ha Long Bay, the golden beaches of the Philippines, and the cultural treasures of Hue, Nha Trang, and Kota Kinabalu. With a mix of vibrant cities, tranquil coastlines, and time at sea to unwind, this sailing is a balanced blend of discovery and relaxation.


2026-2027 Grand Voyages


Ramblas to Renaissance: 26 days from Barcelona to Rome aboard Oceania Sirena, departing December 9, 2026. Exploring a diverse array of ports across Spain, Morocco, the Canary Islands, and the French and Italian Rivieras, this cruise invites travelers to experience a rich tapestry of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. Highlights include visits to Casablanca, Agadir, Arrecife, Lisbon, Seville, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Toulon, and Cinque Terre, culminating in Rome.


Corals & Kiwi Coasts: 40 days from Sydney to Auckland aboard Oceania Riviera, departing December 15, 2026. Travelers are welcome to experience a diverse path through Australia's east and west coasts, Indonesia's storied isles, and New Zealand's scenic shores. With stops in Bali, Komodo, Perth, Busselton, Napier, and Picton, this itinerary offers a unique journey combining cultural discovery, natural beauty, and ample time to enjoy life on board.


View More Holiday Cruises Here


Oceania Cruises' Your World Included™ features a rich array of thoughtfully selected amenities, from gourmet specialty restaurants and in-room dining to juices, smoothies and gourmet ice-creams, plus unlimited WiFi, laundry services and group fitness classes. Designed to enhance every moment at sea, the Your World Included brand promise delivers exceptional value while complementing the luxury cruise experience travelers expect from Oceania Cruises.


For additional information on Oceania Cruises' small-ship luxury, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly refined travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor.


About Oceania Cruises     

Oceania Cruises® is the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line's eight small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,250 guests and feature The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences are available aboard the designer-inspired, small ships, which call on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports in more than 100 countries on seven continents, on voyages that range from seven to more than 200 days. Oceania Cruises® has two additional ships on order scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028 or 20291. Oceania Cruises® is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.


1 Delivery for the second Oceania Cruises ship is contractually scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2028, but may be delayed to 2029.


SOURCE Oceania Cruises



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