Moving beyond business as usual may be the singular toughest thing you ever do. Putting away your past and starting over again to reinvent your store or company is not easy.

The challenge is to disengage from the past and gain a new perspective on what you do as a business. In many cases, this means building a new vocabulary and encouraging your staff to embrace it.

Now that we are living in what might be termed a "participation economy"-where we take part in each other's lives, share success as a team, enjoy equality and build God's kingdom together-we have to move from the old to the new in the way we speak, too.

Heartsong Creations-believed to be the world's first organic-certified, sustainable and eco-friendly Christian children's apparel label-will make its debut at the International Christian Retail Show in St. Louis, June 27-30.

Heartsong's designs are inspired by scriptural themes and gospel songs. The apparel is made with eco-friendly organic cotton and sustainable bamboo-based fabrics.

As the economy continues its slow rebound, Americans will spend slightly more on the most important men in their lives this Father's Day, to be celebrated Sunday, June 20.

The average person will spend $94.32 on dad this year, up from $90.89 last year, according to the National Retail Federation's 2010 Father's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch. Total Father's Day spending is expected to reach $9.8 billion.

Four prominent trends in jewelry have been named by leading trade publication and jewelry authority JCK at the JCK Las Vegas Jewelry Show that ran June 4-7.

This year's jewelry ranges from unusual, geometrically shaped pieces to intricately designed animal pendants, bright patterned bangles and oversized cuffs.

Gregg releases new Give Thanks platter

Whimsical art from Our Name is Mud designer Lorrie Veasey style Gregg Gift's new Give Thanks Ceramic Platter, releasing this month. The platter, which is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, features the wording: "Be Thankful-Psalm 100:4."

1. 2010 VBS High Seas Expedition God Loves Me blanket

List based on sales data for May 1-31, 2010, provided by Christian Books & More Gold and used with permission.

June 26-28
Charlotte Gift & Jewelry Show
The Charlotte Merchandise Mart
Charlotte, N.C.
704-365-4152
www.charlottegiftshow.com