The power of prayer is truly unfathomable…it can change someones fortune, outlook on life, and give them something to believe in. For me, I know that I don’t pray as often as I’d like to, or maybe as often as I should…but when I do pray, I know that it means something and its giving me some kind of hope that may not have been there before. When I received my Caring Cross (pictured above) in the mail a couple weeks ago, I honestly felt an urge to pray. I prayed for several things…my family, my friends, and even for myself. I think everyone needs to take a little time to do this at least a couple times a week – to reflect, to believe and maybe just to care about life.
About My Caring Cross
Caring CrossesTM are individually carved from a single unique piece of beautifully grained olive wood pruned from the olive trees around Bethlehem – the birthplace of Jesus. Christians have been carving crosses like this for hundreds of years, originally for pilgrims and more recently tourists visiting the Holy Land. Each craftsman receives a fair price to support their family and Christian community. My Caring Crosses are designed to fit comfortably into the palm of your hand as an aid to prayer or meditation. Ideal as your spiritual companion for easing children’s fears, comforting worries and stresses of adults and focusing the prayer of the sick and elderly.
The handcrafted cross comes inside a beautiful red velveteen bag with a card explaining the significance of the comfort cross and this verse: “When I am afraid. I will trust in you.” – Psalm 56:3.
Designed to fit in the palm of your hand, it is perfect for taking with you anywhere!
The cross is smooth to the touch, and a perfect reminder to have faith in God. It is small enough where you could take it with you in your purse, back pack, diaper back, etc. You could keep it in the car, on your desk or by your bedside.
A close up of the card
The olive tree is probably the most significant plant mentioned in both the New and Old Testament. First mentioned in Genesis as the leaf brought by the dove to comfort Noah it was the tree Jesus prayer under before the last supper. The Olive tree also provided food, lamp oil, anointing oil and building material during ancient times.
The olive tree is an evergreen which can grow for thousands of years. The tree admired by Hosea whose leaves have been a sign of abundance; glory and peace are still used to crown victors in the Olympic Games. The oil from the fruit used to anoint the sick. The olive trees of Jerusalem are pruned to remove the hard wood and open the tree so new growth can provide a bountiful cop of olives the next year. This hard and beautiful timber is used by local craftsmen for carving.
Bethlehem Craftsman and Fair Trade
Christian craftsmen have been carving the branches thinned from the olive trees since the fourth century. Monks from the Church of Nativity built on the site of the birth of Jesus Christ taught the local Christians how to use the olive wood to carve. The process was passed down from generation to generation.
When Franciscans arrived in the 16th century the artisans began creating religious souvenirs for the pilgrims. Today, the cottage industry is a major source of income for the Christians of Bethlehem. The carving of Olive wood crafts is a very labor intensive practice with much of the carving done by hand.
In recent years, the decrease in tourism and reduction in suitable olive wood has caused many Christian craftsmen to emigrate from the area. Each member of the community who leaves put further pressure on the rest. Purchasing Caring CrossesTMand other handicrafts made by local Christians in Bethlehem who are paid a fair price for their work both provides yourself with a beautiful natural reminded of Jesus Christ but also supports the presents of Christians in the land of Christ.
Issa is a Christian living on the outskirts of Bethlehem and has been carving crosses and religious items his whole life to support his wife and three children. Twenty years ago my mother met Issa on a visit to Bethlehem and began importing his olive wood handicrafts. With the decline in Bethlehem tourism, Issa and other Christian Artisans are struggling. Our aim is to support them by providing a market for olive wood crosses direct to Christians in America.
How much do they cost?
An individual cross costs $5.00, plus $3.00 shipping – for a total of $8.00 each. You receive everything pictured above – an Olivewood Caring Cross, an Informational Card and a Velveteen bag. 2 crosses are $12 ($9 plus $3 shipping). A Mission Pack of 8 crosses costs $40 ($32 plus $8 shipping). Fundraising and Church packs are $3 per cross plus shipping.
HUGE Holiday Special
For a limited time, you can purchase 2 crosses for $10 and/or 8 crosses for $32 shipped (within the United States). An incredible deal!
Last, but not least, I wanted to share that My Caring Cross has just launched a new “Wedding Cross”, the same olive wood cross which can be used as a wedding favor in a cream colored velveteen bag and personalized card.
My Thoughts
Caring Crosses make a wonderful gift to say “thanks” or “I care” to your pastors, priests, bible study groups, prayer groups or any family member or friend in need of a little boost in faith. There is never a bad time for prayer, whether you are celebrating a new family member or grieving the loss of someone you love. Having one of these crosses gives you something that you can literally hold onto, take with you and share with others. Plus, for those of you are who interested, Caring Crosses are also available for church or private school fundraisers!
I would highly recommend buying this for anyone on your holiday list this season! Caring Crosses are an ideal gift for anyone, and would especially be comforting to cancer patients, graduates, baptisms, and/or anyone in need of comfort.
To learn more about My Caring Cross, you can visit their website, and/or like them on Facebook.
Now for the give away…My Caring Cross would like to giveaway an olive wood Caring Cross to ONE very lucky Frugal Fabulous Finds reader! Please note: if you buy this product, and WIN this giveaway, the company will refund your money back (up to $10 of your purchase).
There are TWO mandatory things you must do:
1. Enter your name/email address in the giveaway form below (for each entry), so that I can contact you!
There are also several other OPTIONAL entries as well, including (but not limited to):
Liking FFF on Facebook, liking this blog post via FB, tweeting and more!
***Very Important: All of your entries MUST be entered into the giveaway form below, or they will not count towards winning!***
This giveaway will end Monday, November 28th at midnight. The winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter.com and will be announced Tuesday, November 29th!! Good luck!
Post published by Melissa Roach, our Product Review & Giveaway Specialist.
Melissa is a Full Time Mom & Blogger HERE (please check out her blog!)
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
If you cannot see the giveaway form below, please click here!
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