International Delight Creamer *GIVEAWAY*

TIME'S UP!  RONNI is the winner.  She has been contacted.  Thanks for participating!!

I am so excited to talk about one of my favorite things....coffee creamer!  I love this time of year when all the delicious holiday flavors are out.  My favorite so far is the Pumpkin Pie Spice, and I am so excited it is available Sugar Free.  (You can still get it regular also!)  There is nothing better than the smell of cinnamon, pumpkin, and nutmeg in my hot mug of coffee on a cold fall day.

This year you can also find Peppermint Mocha, Salted Caramel Mocha, and White Chocolate Raspberry.  Just remember these are only available for a limited time...so be sure to stock up!  You can find all the available flavors on the International Delight Flavors page.  As a BzzAgent, I am able to give away one coupon for a free bottle (pint or quart) of International Delight Creamer. (maximum value $3.99).  To enter, just leave a comment with the flavor of International Delight creamer you would like to try.  This contest will close November 26, 2013 at midnight.  I will e-mail the winner, so make sure I have a way to contact you.  Good Luck!

THE WAYFINDING BIBLE

I have gone to church pretty much all my life {except for a couple of years in college...that's a whole other blog post!}.  I grew up with the King James Version, then used the New King James Version as an adult.  Then we moved and changed to the NIV {that is what the church we attended was using}.  And currently our church uses a very broad mix of Bible translations.  On any given Sunday, they can flash the KJV, NIV, NLT, the Message, or the ABC {I made that one up!} on the big screen Bible.

I got a message from Tyndale a month or so ago about reviewing this new NLT The Wayfinding Bible, and boy was I excited!  I am not a Bible expert by any means, but I am all about finding new and different ways to go about reading the Bible.  So without further ado, here it is!!!

What is different about this Bible, is you can choose one of three paths to guide you through reading the Bible.  

There is the FLYOVER route {about 50 readings that cover the most important events in the Bible}

Second is the DIRECT route {about 200 readings to better understand the God's story throughout history}

And last is the SCENIC route {about 400 readings that take you deeper into understanding God's word like never before}

Anybody remember the Choose Your Own Adventure books from the 1980s?  This is like a choose your own Bible adventure for grown ups!

When you decide on you route it takes you to the page and gives the exact scripture references you are to read.  Then you follow the arrow at the top of the page  (it tells you what page to turn to).  I have found it very easy to navigate through.

One feature I really appreciate is that each book has a brief overview, then it tells you haw many stops (readings) you will make in that book (on some of the routes, you might skip an entire book), and it also gives a timeline of important events that were happening when this book was written.  This last feature is great for history buffs!

I think this would be a great first or tenth Bible for anyone who wants to learn more about God and His story and His Kingdom.  This would also be great for families to share.  I know my 12 year old son would pick the FLYOVER route, my husband would pick the SCENIC route, and I would pick the DIRECT route.  So if you are looking for a great family Christmas gift, be sure to keep The Wayfinding Bible in mind!

*I received a copy of this Bible from The Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my review.  All opinions are mine.*

PUREX UltraPacks Plus OXI

TIME IS UP!!   Winners (tarter95 & Harriett) have been notified!  Thanks for participating in my Purex plus Oxi detergent giveaway!!

We went on vacation last week, so I came home to a mountain of laundry.  Dirty clothes, sandy beach towels, wet swimming suits, and lots of ice cream stained shirts.  Needless to say, I spent one whole day doing nothing but laundry.  After about 8 loads, I was finally to the end of the pile.  It's the little things in life that get me excited!!

I was so happy to be able to use these new PUREX UltraPacks plus Oxi on my mountain of laundry.  It made it a little bit easier for this momma.  I didn't have to worry about stain removal because they contain the awesome Zout stain removers!  It is so easy to just toss an ultrapack into the load and not have to worry about measuring anything!

According to some research done by Purex, these UltraPacks can help the average family save over $45 a year {vs. the leading unit dose detergent}.  Who wouldn't want to fight stains plus save $$$ ?!?!

As a Purex Insider, I am grateful to try out their amazing products, and then share them with my readers.  So I will be giving away a Free product coupon to two readers who leave a comment. {the coupon is for a FREE pack of the new Purex UltraPacks plus OXI detergent. Maximum Value: $6.00}  

One thing I do want to remind everyone is to keep these out of reach of small children.  My kids are older now, but I remember the days when they would put everything in their mouths.  You don't want to find your child with a laundry pod in their mouth!

To enter this giveaway, just leave a comment with the stain you fight the most often in your laundry room!  Contest will close on October 24th at midnight.  I will contact winners by email, so please make sure to leave a way to get in touch.  Thanks and happy stain removing!!

RG3

I am probably the most unqualified person to be reviewing this book about football.  I am a mom who has never played nor watched much football.  Sad I know.  I am a Hoosier who lived in Bronco land for five years.  They won their 2 Super Bowls when I lived there...very exciting, especially for my husband who is a die hard Bronco fan.  He has fond memories of Mile High Stadium with his grandparents who were season ticket holder for years!

This year my 7th grader is playing football, which he hasn't done since 3rd grade.  So he is in whole new territory.  He is not a starter on his team, and he is okay with this.  He goes to practice, stands on the sidelines with his friends, and once in a blue moon steps foot on the field during a game.

I have also recently become obsessed with Friday Night Lights on Netflix!  I watched 2 episodes on a lazy Saturday afternoon and cannot stop watching it.  I am almost done with the second season.

Here is what I learned from the book Robert Griffin III about football...

*2012 was a great year to be drafted in the NFL.

*The Washington Redskins are totally counting on RG3 to win them a Super Bowl.

*RG3 will never be a rookie again.

*"Draft history would dictate that over 50% of the quarterbacks drafted in the first round each year are busts, meaning either Rober Griffin or Andrew Luck could potentially be an NFL washout"

Now that I have read this book, I am sure going to have to look at the Washington Redskins and their league record this year.  I love how the author ends his book...

"And whether Robert Griffin III takes the NFL by storm, or whether he underwhelms long-term because of an injury or some other reason, I'll remember his rookie year fondly.  And I'll miss it, because he'll never be new again."

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my review.  The opinions are mine.

Take Flight! {Review}

I love to read books and collect quotes from them.  I have a notebook that I use specifically for book quotes.  I have to say that I have more quotes from the Sisterchick books than any other books I have read.  Robin Jones Gunn is definitely a gifted author, and I love the wisdom and Truth that her words speak to me.  So I was very excited to read her devotional book that she co-authored with her dear friend Cindy Hannan.

According to the book, a SISTERCHICK is "a friend who shares the deepest wonders of your heart, loves you like a sister, and provides a reality check when you're being a brat."  Who doesn't need sisterchicks in her life?

What I love about this devotional is that each chapter begins with a quote from one of the sisterchick books.  Then the authors take turns sharing stories and wisdom from real life and the Bible.  At the end of each devotional they share a practical application for everyday life.  {What good is learning something new then having no way to apply it?}  

I think this would be a great devotional book to buy one for yourself and give another one to a friend.  The two of you could read this book and talk about it over coffee at Starbucks! {one of my favorite places to meet and talk!}

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review from blogging for books.  The opinions are mine.*

MY PRINCESS DEVOTIONS {review}

What little girl doesn't like princesses?!?  As a mom of three rowdy boys and one grown princess {aka daughter}, I was so excited to read this new devotional book for preschoolers.  It definitely brought out the inner princess in me.  And hopefully one day {further down the road}, I will be able to share this with my adorable granddaughters!

The cover consists of two adorably dress princess and it just invites you to open it up and read.  There is one page for each day of the year, and each day is divided into the following sections:

ROYAL WORDS {a short scripture verse}

PRINCESS THOUGHTS {a short thought about the verse}

A PRAYER FOR THE KING {specific words to pray to our Heavenly Father}

PRINCESS IN ACTION {how to apply this verse to everyday life}

Each day is short and to the point.  They are the perfect length for a preschooler's attention span!  This would be the perfect way to start or end the day with your royal princess!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review.  The opinions are mine.*

Splitting Harriet

My sister and I always say for growing up in a Christian "fish bowl", we have both turned out pretty good! We grew up in a strict fundamentalist Baptist church and attended a Christian school. Our parents were not in the ministry, per se, but it still feels like we grew up with everyone in our community watching every move we made. My sister went to a small private college, and I chose to go to Indiana University after graduation. Talk about eye-opening! I have pretty much come full circle, still attend church, and now my husband works in our church office.

In Splitting Harriet, the main character happens to be a preacher's kids (PK) turned bad, turned good again. She is constantly getting stuck in her past prodigal ways and finds it hard to accept grace and forgiveness. She is the women's ministry leader for the church she grew up in, which at times makes it even harder for her because her fellow church goers know all about her past.

My favorite piece of advice from this book is "The old Harri doesn't exist anymore, so do us all a favor and come to terms with who you are now--a FORGIVEN woman. Then, and only then, decide what to do. If you don't you'll end up bitter. And nobody wants that, especially God." (pg. 344-345)

For anyone with a spotted past {which pretty much included everyone on this planet}, this book is a great reminder of the forgiveness we are given. I love how Harri embraces the forgiveness given to her, starts believing in herself, having fun, and taking chances. Some things we should all do a little bit more of.

*I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my review.  The opinions are mine.*

The Christian Mama's Guide {to the grade school years} Review

I am so excited to share about this new author and book I have discovered.  I love {love love} to read, and I really enjoy learning about authors.  So when I found Erin MacPherson, I think we could be friends in real life.  {not in a stalker kind of way}  

Here's a little about this author:

Erin MacPherson is a mom of three who never does anything halfway. When she discovered she was pregnant she decided to write about it—but then kept writing. A former staff writer and editor for Nickelodeon, Erin now entertains parents on her personal blog as well as through her book series, The Christian Mama's Guides (Thomas Nelson, 2013), freelance magazine articles, devotionals and speaking. She wants to come beside her readers not only as a confidant and Christian sister, but also as a best girlfriend who understands what daily life is all about.  

*From faithgateway.com 

I have three boys of my own, two of which are still in grade school.  So this new book is just what this mama needs!  It is not easy to put two eight year olds on a school bus each morning wondering what in the world they are going to be exposed to.  Teachers, kids, bus drivers, lunch ladies, and any other person my children come in contact with can be a positive or negative experience.  And having a good family foundation can help kids thrive!

This book is based on The Fifteen Factors {the first of which is Genuine Faith: a faith that is personal and real} which can help kids grow strong foundations for faith, academic, and social success.  And what mom doesn't want these for her kids?!?
*You can go here to get a free printable download of The Fifteen Factors To Help Your Kid Succeed.

Each chapter includes a Time-Out for Mom with a scripture verse and a short prayer that can be applied to specific situations in mothering. {like praying about the right school for your child or learning to better communicate with your kids}

I love the verse about the plans God has made for us.  How he gives us hope for the future.  How he wants us to prosper.  This is the same prayer I have for my children every single day.  And with this excellent resource, I am one step closer to letting my kids go into the real world!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review.  The opinions are mine.*

RESCUE TEAM Book Review

I graduated from Indiana University (go Hoosiers) School of Nursing in 1996.  I cannot believe I have been a nurse for 17 years now.  I worked for one year as a nurse for our state's department of corrections, then moved to the operating room and never left.  I have been witness to thousands of operations and procedures and still don't get bored.  My grandma, mom, and sister are all nurses as well.  So I guess I was pretty much destined to become a nurse also.

Reading is one of my favorite things to do, so when I was able to read Candace Calvert's newest book Rescue Team, I was very excited.  The book centers around an Emergency Room nurse, Kate Callison, who seems to be running away from the past.  She has taken on a new role in the ER (after the disappearance of a favorite charge nurse) and is trying to pour her heart and soul into her career and nothing else.

As luck would have it, there is a rescue worker, Wes Tanner, who lives to save lives.  He starts investing time and energy into Kate in hopes to win her over.

No matter what her circumstances, there was always hope.  Wes believed that.  It was the reason he searched ditches in the dark, shouted a missing person's name for hours against wind and freezing rain.  Why he never gave up on stubborn horses.....or people. (pg. 104)

This story is all about hope and how important it is to never give up on people, no mattter how hard they push against the truth.  There is freedom in the truth and that is why we need to keep fighting lies and the past.  No matter what!  

Good memories are God's mercy.  Remember that.

Because otherwise it's hard to see the hope.  Or find the peace that comes with forgiveness. And living that way is the worst kind of loss. (pg. 322)

I am thankful for hope and peace and forgiveness!

I received this book in exchange for my review from the Tyndale Publishing Company.

Tyndale also has a REWARDS PROGRAM you should check out.  There is a profile to fill out and a few surveys you can take to earn points.  You can then use your points to earn free Tyndale books or even really cool Bibles.  Free is always good in my book!!

DIAL KIDS BODY & HAIR WASH

CONTES IS CLOSED!!  WINNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED

I have some very messy kids.  As a mom with three boys, I am always looking for products that make life simpler.  This Dial for Kids Body and Hair Wash is just the kind of product I like.  After playing in the mud one rainy afternoon, I was able to toss my very dirty twin boys in the shower with this Kids Body Wash! I love that this product works from head to toe.  No bars of soap or multiple bottles for them to play with!  We were able to try the Watery Melon scent and really liked it.

Some things I love about this product are:

*tear free*

*hypoallergenic*

*no artificial dyes or parabens*

*Ph balanced*

You can check out the full line of Dial for Kids Body Wash for yourself.  I am a part of the Purex Insider program and was able to try this product out for my family.  I am also giving away a FREE PRODUCT COUPON (maximum value $4.49) to two readers who comment on this post.  I want to know what the weather is like in your neck of the woods.  It's hot (80s) and sunny here in Indiana.

Contest ends 5/8/2013.  I will contact the winner by email, so make sure I have a way to get in touch with you!

Soft Scrub Advanced Surface

CONTEST IS OVER.  WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED!

I am so excited to share about the new All purpose cleaner from Soft Scrub!  Are you looking for the perfect granite cleaner, or stainless steel cleaner, or glass cooktop cleaner?  Then you've come to the right place.  This new cleaner comes in an easy to use gel, but the best part is there is no rinsing this amazing cleaner off!

I decided to put this new cleaner to the test on my very own stove's glass cooktop.  You can tell it's been a while since I cleaned it last.  There was a lot of build up from spillovers and just grime in general.

It only took about three minutes for my cooktop to look like this.  With just a paper towel and a small squirt of the Soft Scrub Advanced Surface cleaner, my cooktop was shiny clean!  Then I used the paper towel to wipe down my fridg and the front of the stove; it also makes the perfect stainless steel cleaner.

So how can you try this cleaner for yourself?  Well, I am going to give away 2 free soft scrub product coupons to 1 lucky winner here.  You can keep both coupons or give one away to a friend (your choice!).  I am a Purex Insider, and was given these coupons and this All purpose cleaner to try in my home.  Just leave a comment saying what needs cleaning the most in your kitchen to be entered.  The contest ends on April 28th at midnight.

PUREX with Crystals & DRY IDEA AdvancedDry Giveaway!!

CONTEST IS CLOSED.  WINNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED BY EMAIL.  THANKS FOR ENTERING.

Are you as excited about March Madness as I am?  I am totally glued to the TV watching basketball.  As a mom of three boys who play basketball, I wash a lot of stinky sports uniforms!  Between the jerseys, shorts, practice clothes, and sweaty socks, I am so thankful for PUREX with Crystals laundry detergent.  With fabric softener already added, it makes the many loads of laundry I do just a little bit easier!

One new thing about PUREX detergents is the power of DirtLift Action, which works deep into clothes to get out dirt.  This helps those basketball uniforms stay bright and clean!  With this new superior cleaning, it is a great value laundry detergent.

One thing that happens when we play basketball around here, is we get really sweaty.  So what better way to take care of sweaty armpits than to use this new Dry Idea with AdvancedDry technology.  I was able to try out the Dry Idea roll-on deodorant and was very impressed with the Pulse Activated Wetness Protection!  I am sure you are familiar with the Never Let Them See You Sweat slogan, and this Dry Idea deodorant lives up to this.  

The odor protection lasts for 72 hours, although I didn't test this out.  I did notice it worked for the 24 hours I used it!

Would you like to try a bottle of Purex detergent plus Fabric Softener with Crystals Fragrance and a Dry Idea Advanced doedorant?  I am giving away a FREE coupons (one for each product) to two readers.  Just leave a comment telling me which team you are cheering for in the NCAA Final Four tournament and make sure I have a way to contact you!  Contest ends April 11th.

*I am a PUREX insider and was provided a sample of this detergent, deodrant, and coupons to give away.  The opinions are mine.*

Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends

CONTEST IS OVER!  WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED!!

It is March 6th, and last night we got a major snowstorm!  It snowed for hours, and our kids had a 2 hour delay.  I was sure school was going to get cancelled all together, but the snowplows must have been busy all night long.  All of this snow just wants me to go somewhere warm and tropical.

Since that isn't going to happen anytime in the near future, I guess I will just have to live vicariously through the new Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends!  With crisp mango flavored flakes and coconut shavings, I can dream I am at a tropical location when in reality I am at my kitchen table in my pajamas and big fluffy robe.

Here are some facts about this new Post cereal:

*10g Whole Grain

*120 calories

*6g Sugar

4 Wholesome Grains

*60% daily value of iron

~per serving~

If that's not enough to convince you to try this cereal, I would like to help!  I am giving away a Free box of Honey Bunches of Oats coupon to two lucky people!  This is valid only in the USA and has a maximum value of $4.49.  Help me out my liking Honey Bunches of Oats on Facebook or follow @HBOats on Twitter.  Just leave a comment telling me you did one of these two things, and you will be entered to win.  Contest ends March 13th at midnight and I will contact winners by email.

Post provided me a sample if their Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends for this post. These opinions are mine, and I volunteered to do this.

Unglued Review

I am a wife, mother, leader, loyee, and many other things on any given day. I can easily become unglued over a small thing or a mountain on any given day. Lysa Terkeurst in her new series, Unglued, gives practical ways to make imperfect progress in hopes of correcting unglued situations and behaviors. I have been leading the Unglued DVD series at my MOMSnext group and have learned so much from her teaching. That is why I was excited to get my hands on the devotional book she wrote.

If you are like me and have read Jesus Calling several times, this is a great devotion book to pick up. There are 60 days of devotions included and I would recommend reading at least twice!

Each day starts with a verse:

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:2

Then a thought for the day:

Choosing a gentle reply doesn't mean you're weak; it actually means you possess a rare and godly strength.

After the days devotion, she ends with a short prayer:

Dear Lord, I accept the challenge to hold my tongue in order to honor, give grace, and have compassion for others. Please give me strength to do this today. Thanks so much. In Jesus' name, Amen

The example above is from Day 47. What a great way to start any day! Each day is a reminder that I can make a choice in how I treat and respond to others. And it will help break the cycle of being led by emotions rather than the Holy Spirit!

*I received this book in exchange for my review. The opinions are mine.*

Crunchy Nut Review

Let me introduce you to my new little friend......

I love to eat cereal....always have.  In fact, if I didn't have three kids to feed every single day, I would probably eat cereal for lots more meals than I already do.  So when I got the chance to try Kellogg's Crunchy Nut cereal through the BzzAgent program, I was very excited.  I was really wanting a snack last Sunday so I broke open the box and had a small bowl with skim milk.  Here is what I loved about this cereal:

*It is very crunchy and it stays crunchy!

*It has bits of real peanut on each flake!

*There are only 120 calories in 3/4 cup of cereal.

*It is the perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, & nutty!

I think this cereal would be great with fruit or raisins added to it.  I also think my kids would love this cereal as a snack without milk.  This cereal is also part of Kellogg's Family Rewards program.   It has a code on the inside of the box that you enter online.  Then you can use your points you earn for merchandise or coupons.  I earned a $5.00 Starbucks card a few months ago, so I am letting my points build back up!  

*I received a sample of this cereal through BzzAgent.  The opinions are mine.*

miracle for Jen review

I am so excited to share this review with my readers.  The book, MIRACLE FOR JEN, was written by Jen's mother, Linda Barrick.  Linda tells the story of how their family was involved in a tragic accident. Their minivan was hit head on by a drunk driver, wreaking havoc on everyone inside the van.  Linda, her husband, daughter (Jen), and son were all injured.  Her daughter Jen was the worst off.  She was not expected to live through the night.  But miraculously she did survive the night!  And she is alive today telling her story all across the world.  Their family are Christians with ties to Liberty University, and Linda talks about the thousands fo people praying for her daughter while she recovered from her traumatic brain injury.

The thing about brain injuries is that they take so long heal from.  A lot of times the person may look perfectly normal, but their brain is not functioning properly.   I believe that waiting to heal from an injury like this is the hardest part.  While waiting for her daughter to heal, Linda talks about the raw emotions she was feeling at the time.

"Later that day....was the first time I could remember being by myself since the accident.  Overcome with emotion, I shut the door to Jen's room and collapsed on the floor at the top of the stairs.  I got on my face and confessed my thoughts to the Lord.  I didn't know what else to do  As I lay there, I didn't hear an audible voice in the room, but I heard GOd speaking to my heart.

Linda, do you love Me as much as you love Jen?

Lord, You know I do!

In that instant I realized that at the root of our greatest fear is often something we love more than God.  I didn't want to love Jen more than I loved God.  I didn't mean to do it, but my priorities said otherwise.

Then you have to stop being consumed with trying to fix Jen.  I don't want you to be consumed with anything else but Me.  I want to be your number one obsession.

Jen is mine.  You have to let go and trust Me."

And that is what this book is all about.  Letting go and trusting God's perfect plan.  This book is a great reminder that His ways are not my ways and His plans are often not my plans.

I was given a copy of this book from Tyndale publishing as part of their Tyndale Blog Network.  The opinions are mine.

shespeaks L'OREAL MAGIC Skin Beautifier

I am excited to share my review of the new L'OREAL MAGIC SKIN BEAUTIFIER B.B. CREAM.  I am always excited to try new skin care products and was interested in learning all about B.B.s (Beautifying Beads).  L'OREAL describes B.B.s as encapsulated pigments infused in an ultra-light lotion with antioxidant Vitamin E.

This cream claims to have 4 beautifying actions:

PRIMES (to smooth texture)

Perfects (to hide imperfections)

HYDRATES (for all day moisture)

CORRECTS (for an even looking complexion)

The sample I was sent is the 812 LIGHT cream.  I took this picture of the end of the tube to show just the little bit of color in this product.  This shade is perfect for winter when I am very pale.  I think I would need a shade darker for the summer tan months.

The consistency of this cream was a bit surprising.  It is a bit on the runny side.  Not the consistency of most facial creams.  And I did learn after the first use that a little bit goes a long way.  The B.B.s do feel a little bit gritty, but when you smooth it on your face, it does not feel gritty.  I know you're thinking this sounds like the craziest make-up review ever!

But overall I was very pleased with this new cream.  I tend to have a reddish complexion, and I love how it tones down the redness on my cheeks.  I have noticed the B.B.s popping up in lots of skin care products, but I will be sticking with L'OREAL!

*I was offered a free sample of this product in exchange for my review.  I am a member of shespeaks, but all opinions are mine.*

Purex Baby Review and Giveaway

CONTEST CLOSED WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED!

Do you know how long it's been since I have washed baby clothes?  Well, my twins are almost eight, so it has been a few years.  When I had my first son, I washed all his clothes in Dreft.  When the twins came along, I was using whatever my husband picked up at the Walmart on the way home from work! I really do miss baby clothes.  I just don't miss spit up, dirty diapers, stinky diaper pails, and carseats.  

We went to a Super Bowl party on Sunday and there just so happened to be boy/girl 3 month old twins there.  I had to hold both of them and get a picture.  It brought back a flood of memories of my two little babies who are in second grade now!

Being a Purex Insider has its perks!  I get to learn about new Purex products and share them with my blog readers.  This detergent is brand new for infants and for babies.  Their formula is dermatologist-tested for babies sensitive skin.  It is gentle yet effective in removing stubborn baby stains and has a gentle baby-inspired fragrance.  It is currently available in 50 oz size bottles.

I am lucky enough to be giving away a FREE bottle of Purex Baby detergent coupon to two different readers.  You don't have to have a baby to win this.  If you can't use this personally,  I'm sure you know some mom who can!  To enter this giveaway, just leave a comment saying who would use this product if you won.  I will pick two winners on February 14th.  Just make sure I way to get in touch if you win!

*Purex provided me with a sample of Purex Baby detergent in exchange for a product review.  All opinions expressed are mine.*

echoes

I have been wanting to watch You've Got Mail ever since a friend of mine shared a quote from the movie on facebook. So I was uber excited to see that the movie is on cable at least twice a week! So I recorded it and watched it two times!  I know I have watched it at least once in the past, but I really did not remember any of it.  So it was like watching a new movie all over again.

I also recently read a Robin Jones Gunn novel called echoes. I think I liked the book so much because it reminded me of the movie that I just watched.  I know lots of people who meet through the internet these days, but back when this book and movie came out, it was a little crazy to fathom! echoes is one of eight books in The Glenbrooke Series by Robin Jones Gunn.  

I love this quote from the book about life and all the crazy things that happen:

"You know sometimes we think something terrible is happening to us, and God is saying, 'Hey, relax, will ya?  I've got it covered.'  My dad used to say that we should never think for one minute that Almighty God is standing in heaven wringing his hands, and saying, 'Oh dear, oh dear! This wasn't supposed to turn out this way.'  God is in control.  All day, every day.  All the way."

I love knowing that God is in control of everything.  How we meet our spouse.  Where we get a new job.  What our kid does at school today.  When a beloved one gets sick.  Who comes into our lives. God is in control.  All day, every day.  All the way.

*I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my review.  The opinions are mine.*