Amazing Grace

I grew up in a Baptist church and have very fond memories of singing many hymns on this CD. I also took a trip overseas in middle school and have seen bagpipes being played. The combination of these two things equals my love for this music. If you enjoy Celtic music, this album is for you. Their are several classic hymns plus a mix of new songs that are beautiful. There are two versions of the title track, Amazing Grace, that are both enjoyable and relazing to listen to. After listening to this, you will definitely want to learn how to play the bagpipes!

This CD does not disappoint the listener!!

(in)courage (in)spired deals review & giveaway!!!

*GIVEAWAY CLOSED* ACMOMMY3 is the winner. I will email you the details! Thanks!

Have you ever had a week, month, or year where the same thing keeps coming into your life? You hear a sermon, someone gives you a book they love, your friend asks you a question, your kids are struggling in this area, even the people in line at McDonalds are talking about this! And finally you realize God is trying to get your attention. He is trying to get you to slow down and listen to what He has to say. He wants you to learn a lesson before something really bad or crazy happens.

Well, this month for me it's all about PRAYER. Our MOPS year ended and we are doing a study on prayer, I just finished reading an amazing book about talking to God. My friends are going through some really hard times. Prayer. Prayer. Prayer. God is refining me and bringing me to him and reminding me sometimes there is nothing to do, but pray! When I got to pick an item to review through the (in)courage website through Dayspring, I knew immediately what to pick! A reminder every time I walk by this artwork to pray! They have monthly deals so be sure to bookmark their page and check it often (like I do)!

Because Dayspring wants to spread the word about their products, they are offering a $20 code for an online purchase to one person who comments on this post. To enter, please go to the Dayspring website, pick what you would purchase, then leave that in the comment. Comments close June 1 and then a winner will be announced.

*I was given a free product by Dayspring for doing this review/giveaway. The opinions are mine*

REJOICE

Let us rejoice and be glad today. Psalm 118:24

If you are looking for some good worship music, you are looking in the right place. This CD is top notch. The women's vocals are amazing. The songs are inspiring. I love the mix of familiar songs and new songs. I have only attended one Women of Faith conference (several years....maybe even a decade...ago), and I don't really remember the music all that much. But after listening to this CD, I definitely want to attend an event and be able to listen to these women live! The music alone would be worth the cost of an admission ticket!

My favorite song on the CD is the classic "Great Is Thy Faithfulness". This is a song I have loved for many years and could listen to it over and over. Which I did today when I was waiting in car line for the kids! This CD will not disappoint you!

Love Food & Live Well by Chantel Hobbs

This is the first of Chantel Hobbs' books that I have read. I was very excited to read all about her journey to a new healthy lifestyle. Getting healthy, eating healthier, and starting an exercise regime has been on my to-do list for a long time now. I have 3 grade school kids, and I feel like now I can finally start to focus on myself now that my kids don't need constant attention! I have been looking into ways to eat less and moving more (I know it sounds like such a simple concept, but actually putting it into practice is a totally different story!), and also making what I eat (each and every bite) count.

Chantel shares some of her darkest moments she had when she was overweight and how God opened up here eyes and she became aware of just how unhealthy her lifestyle was. She did a complete turn around and is now dedicated to sharing her story by writing books and speaking to people. I love how she describes her walking partner..."He doesn't complain, we talk about what's going on in my life, He gives me awesome encouragement, I could walk with Him forever, when I'm done, I feel like a new creation". The partner she is talking about is God, the greatest Partner and Companion of all time. He wants to start this journey to health with you and be there to see it come to completion. What an awesome concept to grasp. God created each of us and cares about us more than anyone. He never disappoints, He never fails, He always loves!

the elemental journal

I was so excited when I got this book. I had grand ideas of making end-of-the year teacher gifts, mother's day gifts, and gifts for my family and friends. But after looking through the book and seeing what kinds of ideas were given, I quickly decided this kind of art is not for me. While the creations in the book are indeed very eye appealing, it is stuff I will never make nor would want to give away. Many items used for these arts and crafts are things that are a bit foreign to me. There is a beautiful nature element in many of the ideas, which for a true artist would be very excited. This would also be a great book for art teachers or professors looking for student ideas.