Looking ahead to 2011, I've come to the same conclusion as Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple and founder of Pixar: "If you look at my life, I've never gotten it right the first time. It always takes me twice," he said.

Jobs has this unfailing consistency-faith that he would figure it all out as he went along-and it would often take a leap of faith to see a vision through to its fruition. Creative, magnetic people who want to make changes have to believe it will all work out in the end and be ready to put their boots into the stirrups, hold on for a wild ride and make it to the finish line.

Cardmaker DaySpring initiated a free encouragement card giveaway on Sept. 12, the National Day of Encouragement. Through active DaySpring retailers, the company gave away a half-million cards the week of Sept. 6.

Christian retailers responded with "great reports" from their customers, Brenda Turner, DaySpring's director of marketing communications, said.

Holiday retail sales are expected to increase a moderate 2.3% this year to $447.1 billion, which would be a marked improvement from last year's 0.4% uptick and 2008's 3.9% holiday sales decline, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).

"While many consumers will be wishing for apparel and electronics this holiday season, retailers are hoping the holidays bring sustainable economic growth," said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. "Though the retail industry is on stronger footing than last year, companies are closely watching key economic indicators like employment and consumer confidence before getting too optimistic that the recession is behind them."

California-based baby apparel maker Faith Baby recently offered to make donations to Compassion International on behalf of its new Facebook fans.

For two weeks in September, the company challenged anyone who wanted to do so to "like" the company on its Facebook account. Calling the challenge "The Jesus Effect," Faith Baby donated $1 to the Christian relief organization Compassion International for every new fan added during that time, up to a $500 maximum.

When The Thanksgiving Game warehouse roof collapsed July 21, the destruction challenged game creator Louie Stotz to "Be thankful in all things," as is his practice. After a storm caused the collapse, flooding the warehouse, Stotz said he was thankful that "no one was in the building, so no one was injured."

Losing much of the game inventory prompted Stotz and his staff to get creative, announcing a downloadable version of the game. He credits his staff and computer technicians for making the online option possible, adding, "Now families across the globe can simply click, print and play."

An introductory offer on the downloadable game runs through Oct. 15.

See the full story at www.thethanksgivinggame.com.

Footprints artist releases second coming print

Widely known for his Footprints in the Sand painting, artist Danny Hahlbohm has just released Behold He Comes, depicting Christ's second coming.

"In this past year, we have heard more references to Christ's return then any other year we can remember," said Diana Hahlbohm, her husband's partner in the art ministry. "It seems all Christians are feeling the time approaching, and with it, a great expectation is in the air."

Friends and Heroes' Halloween alternative

Friends and Heroes Productions is offering Christian retailers and churches a Halloween resource based on its multi award-winning animated Bible series.

Released this month, the Bright Sparks Party Pack features characters from the "Friends and Heroes" series--which features both 2-D and 3-D animation, and follows the adventures of 14-year-olds Macky and Portia, weaving in stories from the Old and New Testaments.

"We created Friends and Heroes to bring Bible stories to a new generation of children so that they would have the light of the gospel in their lives," Executive Producer Alison Dorricott said. "The Bright Sparks Party Pack is a wonderful new addition to our other teaching resources."

List based on sales data for Sept. 1-30, 2010, provided by Christian Books & More Gold and used with permission.

Oct. 22-24
Seattle Cash & Carry Show
Washington State Convention Center
Seattle
800-346-1212
www.weshows.com