Running through spring 2010, the campaign will kick off with gift titles such as Fear Not by Max Lucado, Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham and Give Thanks, a Thanksgiving selection by artist and author Karla Dornacher.

Show Offs Art at Virtual Christian Retailing Show

All of the Show Offs Art designs are available in gallery-wrapped canvases, art plaques and note cards. To learn more, visit the Christian Retailing Web site, or go directly to the virtual show to watch a video by Jeff Atwood, company co-founder.

Bob Siemon Designs' wall crosses

The Wedding wall cross (pictured) features Eph. 5:31, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh," engraved in an elegant script and has two interlocking hearts. The cross measures 5-3/8 by 3-5/8 inches.

Manual's 'Time to Inspire' clocks

Sentiments in gold type include "A Time to Every Purpose Under the Heaven, Ecc. 3:1" on a small clock and "Wait on the Lord" on a tall clock.

Bob Mueller, owner, Bec and Chelle Candles
www.becandchelle.com

What's new in candle styles? "The distressed or mottled look has become very popular in pillar candles. The color variation provides an additional element of depth to the candle. Candle art has also become a rising trend. ... Candle art is a decorative piece usually in the form of a cross or fleur-de-lis that is attached to the pillar candle either with a strap or push pin. A large distressed pillar with a beautiful cross attached to it can make a striking accent piece."

1. Dad mug, "Definition Mugs" (Lighthouse Christian Products) $9.99
2. So Thankful for You Dad china mug, "Common Grounds" (Dicksons) $8
3. Graduate mug, "Definition Mugs" (Lighthouse Christian Products) $9.99
4. Man of God china mug, "Common Grounds" (Dicksons) $8
5. On Wings Like Eagles water bottle (Christian Art Gifts) $4.99
6. Strength mug, "Words of Inspiration" (Lighthouse Christian Products) $11.99
7. Wings Like Eagles mug (Christian Art Gifts) $7.99
tie 8. Believe mug (Christian Art Gifts) $7.99
tie 8. Faith mug, "Words of Inspiration" (Lighthouse Christian Products) $11.99
tie 8. Trust mug, "Words of Inspiration" (Lighthouse Christian Products) $11.99
tie 9. Cup of Friendship mug, "Cups of Encouragement" (Lighthouse Christian Products) $11.99
tie 9. God Alone Is My Rock mug (Christian Art Gifts) $7.99
tie 9. Journey mug, "Words of Inspiration" (Lighthouse Christian Products) $11.99
tie 10. Cup of Hugs for My Friend mug, "Cup of Hugs" (Lighthouse Christian Products) $9.99
tie 10. Cup of Joy mug, "Cups of Encouragement" (Lighthouse Christian Products) $11.99

List based on sales data for July 1-31, 2009, provided by Christian Books & More Gold and used with permission.

Aug. 19-25
Seattle Market Week/Summer Gift & Home Accessories Show
Pacific Market Center
Seattle, Wash.
800-433-1014
www.pacificmarketcenter.com

Christmas will be here before you know it. Many Christian retailers are buying now for the holiday season, and gift selections likely will expand at Christmastime. What special events might Christian retailers consider now as they plan for the holidays? How can they draw more traffic into their stores in the run-up to Christmas?

"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."