LifeWay

Back in the day I used to work at the Burien Christian Supply before Walmart, all of the big corporate stores and online mecca’s took over. It was my favorite job in the world. I made pennies, but I had the coolest co-​workers (who I used to goof around with all the time) and it was really nice to be able to sell products I actually believed in.
At the time our biggest «competitor» (are Christians even allowed to have those?! Lol) was Family Christian Store. They have stores all around the US and although we carried most of the same products and offered the same services, they had the upper hand because of their large quanity of stores around the U.S. One thing we had that they didn’t? Sundays off! And the reason why is because while Christian Supply is a business that needs to make money to function, we were still very much aware that people mean much more than profit. IMaybe that’s why we ended up having to close down, but hey. they stayed true to their beliefs.
Anyway, all of this goes to say that for a long time after I left Christian Supply I didn’t know where to shop. The nearest Family Christian was about 25 minutes away so we would stop there if we were in the area and really needed something, but we didn’t make the trip out too often. Then one day as I was walking into Red Robin (which I also did a Unilocal review for ;) I saw this sign that said, «LIFE WAY COMING SOON!» That was exciting.
So now that my husband and I live about 3 minutes away from this store, I stop in as much as I can. Anytime I need a new book to read or new music, I make a pit stop. The workers are alway super friendly and helpful and they don’t follow you around and harrass you with the «book of the month» pitch the entire time you are shopping. The store itself is very clean and everything is well labeled so you can find what you are looking for without feeling like you are in Ikea. They have a good selection of merchandise — everything from clothing to books to music, housewares and so much more. They even have a candy section complete with Testimints for those Christians who are either super saved or think it’s corny hilarious like I do, lol.
I support Lifeway and think it’s great they are in my neighborhood. And they’re closed on Sundays ;)

I’ve come here a handful of times for a handful of reasons.
I would expect better service, especially since all the times I’ve been in the store wasn’t busy and there was an associate RIGHT near the door.
However, this last time I came in, the gal at the counter (who was a trainee, no less) was very warm and friendly. I hope she stays that way.

If I was here to buy things my pastor said was integral to my spiritual development in a cowboy theme I would be stoked.
If I was here to try and find every Christian CD copying some slightly PG-​13 popular artist — with even worse auto tune– I would be in (forgive the pun) heaven.
Their year round Christmas section, Veggie tales section, «music» section and «pick a program to take care of your child’s spirituality for you» section are huge.
Their section for comparative religions, and anything vaguely academic is about two shelves. Combined.
Which makes me sad. I always had kind of a Redwall view of the non genocidey parts of Christianity old. Peaceful scholarly monks, sitting around tending their gardens and working on their souls.
Their books that are good are I think accidents because the authors happened to be Christians and that is obviously the only criteria. This Phenomenon only occurs in Children’s books as well. Ex: C.S. Lewis books.
Here you can pretty much buy any kind of jewelry with a big cross or fish on it. Also mentioning how you’re a Christian mom– like you would forget.
I just seems materialistic and redundant. But apparently people like that. Too bad.

SUPER service — kind and friendly! They always have books in stock that I’m looking for and their prices are VERY competitive. Lifeway has an excellent children’s section.