Monday, January 28, 2013

Just Like Jesus -Review-

Just Like Jesus
by Max Lucado
A Heart like His.

He wants you to "think and act like Christ Jesus." Phil. 2:5

Gods plan for you is nothing short of a new heart.

A forgiving, compassionate, listening, God-intoxicated, worship-hungry, focused, honest, pure, hope-filled, rejoicing and enduring heart.

There are twelve chapters in this book and each one focuses on different areas of your heart, teaching you how to be just like Jesus. There is a study guide for each chapter in the back of the book that challenges you to take a deeper look into your own heart and see how things could be. I have highlighted, underlined and made notes all through this book. I highly recommend this book.
My favorite quote from this book is:
From the basin of his grace, he scoops a palm full of mercy and washes away our sin.

Book Description


God loves you just the way you are, but he refuses to leave you there. He wants you to be just like Jesus.

Can you think of a better offer?

Jesus felt no guilt; God wants you to feel no guilt. Jesus had no bad habits; God wants to do away with yours. Jesus had no fears; God wants the same for you. Jesus had no anxiety about death; you needn't either. God's desire, his plan, his ultimate goal is to make you into the image of Christ.

But how does this change occur? And why does the change seem so slow? If God wants me to be just like Jesus, why do I still seem just like me?

In Just Like Jesus, Max Lucado helps you answer these questions. He helps you understand God's wonderful ways of transformation. Would you like to know more? Then read on. And remember: God loves you just way you are, but he refuses to leave you there. He wants you to be just like Jesus.

I received a copy of this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review, whether it be negative or positive. No other compensation was provided.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Emmy Rossums Sentimental Journey -Review-

Are you a music lover like myself? Is there one particular genre that you like more than the others? If you are a regular reader than you know that I love praise and worship music the best. Its just what I am drawn to but I really do love all kinds of music and have a wide collection on my iPod. With that said, I was excited to get the opportunity to review Emmy Rossum's album Sentimental Journey. I enjoyed the album, it isn't something I would normally listen to but her voice is absolutely beautiful and soulful. Plus I have to admit I caught myself dancing around my room while I was listening to it this afternoon. ::Blush::

On Sentimental Journey, the multi-talented actress and singer brings her stellar voice to songs popularized by some of the most beloved artists of the last century. It is a collection of classic covers with each song representing a month of the year.

Sentimental Journey Track Listing:
  1. “Sentimental Journey” (Les Brown, Ben Homer, Arthur Green)
  2. “The Object Of My Affection” (Pinky Tomlin)
  3. “I’m Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover “(Mort Dixon, Harry M. Woods)
  4. “These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You)” (Eric Maschwitz, Jack Strachey)
  5. “(I’ll Be With You) In Apple Blossom Time” (Albert Von Tilzer, Neville Fleeson)
  6. “Summer Wind” (Heinz Meier, Johnny Mercer)
  7. “Many Tears Ago” (Winfield Scott)
  8. “All I Do Is Dream Of You” (Nacio Herb Brown, Arthur Freed)
  9. “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out” (Jimmy Cox)
  10. “Autumn Leaves” (Joseph Kosma, Jacques PrĂ©vert)
  11. “Things” (Bobby Darin)
  12. “Pretty Paper” (Willie Nelson)

 
Rossum is also an acclaimed actress who currently stars in the Showtime series Shameless with William H. Macy. She also stars alongside Emma Thompson and Viola Davis in the upcoming feature film Beautiful Creatures, which hits theaters on February 13th.

Emmy will be performing a track from her new album on Access Hollywood Live on January 25th. She will also be appearing as a guest on Conan on January 28th, Chelsea Lately on January 29th, and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on February 6th.  

You can pick up your copy of Sentimental Journey on January 29th on Amazon or iTunes.

I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

ProgressOh!

We all live for those little moments of Oh! when we look and feel our best. The feeling of Oh! when you button up your favorite old jeans ... and they fit! Or the Oh! you get from your friends when you walk into a room confidently sporting a new dress! Those moments of Oh! are some of the best of our lives! When's the last time you had one of those moments? Who's said Oh! lately in your life?
 
And of course there's the Oh! satisfaction when you discover a delicious ally that helps you beat diet boredom - Progresso® soup! With 40 delicious flavors at 100 calories or less per serving, you are sure to find a soup that makes you say Oh!
 
Oh! wait...there's even more! Since we all know how important it is to look and feel your best (and get the Oh! reaction from yourself and others), Progresso is giving you the chance to win the ultimate ProgressOh! Make-Oh-ver experience in Hollywood*! Three lucky grand prize winners will get to take the ultimate trip full of ProgressOh! experiences - from a head-to-toe makeover to sightseeing in LA!
Here's what you could win:
  • Round-trip airfare for you and a guest to Los Angeles, California
  • 4 day/ 3 night hotel accommodations
  • A head-to-toe makeover, including hair, makeup and a blue dress to get you ready for your own ProgressOh! moment in Hollywood
  • Two tickets to this season's live finale of The Biggest Loser
  • $2,000 spending money
Here's how to enter:
  • Visit Facebook.com/Progresso
  • Complete an official entry form
  • Share a photo
  • Tell us why you love Progresso soup
  • Tell us why you deserve a ProgressOh! makeover
Don't forget to tag your content #ProgressOh!
Three grand prize winners will each get the ultimate ProgressOh! Make-Oh-ver from Progresso®! #ProgressOh!

Disclosure: The information, products and ProgressOh! gift packs were provided by Progresso through MyBlogSpark.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Delusional?

I saw the two lines, they were just there, now there's only one. Am I crazy? Take another test...wait the right about of time....one line. I guess they tell you to wait 3 to 5 minutes for a reason. For those long 5 minutes though...the next 9 months played out in my head. It's not my time yet but for those few minutes I thought it was.....

Monday, January 14, 2013

Comfort

A hot cup of coffee with a friend. Cuddled up in a warm blanket with a book. A rainy day with the blinds open. Family and friends. I find comfort in all of these things. Sometimes life just gets you down. Sometimes we just don't feel like ourselves. We have to remember to take care and time for ourselves.

What things do you do for you?
Do you remember to take a timeout for yourself?

One thing I have been doing lately that I find comfort in is genealogy research. My husband thinks its the most boring thing ever but I find it relaxing and exciting. I'm finding things out about my family that I had no idea about. Its so interesting .I've found old family pictures of my grandfather, Census reports, marriage licenses and death certificates. There is no telling what else is out there to be discovered.

I challenge you this week to take an hour or two and use that time just for you. Do something you enjoy.  Do something that will help recharge you so you can continue to give your all to your family and friends. So what will you decide to do?

The Blog Dare on Bloggy Moms
*This post was written as part of Bloggy Moms: The Blog Dare. Todays writing prompt was - I find comfort among. If you'd like to participate feel free to link up with your own post at the link posted above.*

Something for you

I bought you something today. I know I shouldn't have but its hard not to. I tried to put it back but it wasn't happening. I can imagine you wearing it one day. It's adorable. I can't wait to dress you in it. Lately you come see me in all of my dreams. Its so bittersweet. I wish to dream of you and then I wake wishing the pain wasn't there. I wouldn't trade those dreams for anything though other than you being here in my arms. One day, my child, one day. Promise.

Friday, January 11, 2013

My Patchwork Heart

It's hard pretending to be okay all the time. It leaves it to when you aren't okay nobody really listens. Its in one ear out the other. Its hurtful. How am I suppose to say anything though? It took all that I had just to say I was hurting. If I say something about being sad people always tell me to turn to God and have faith that he will fulfill all of my hearts desires. God is my life. I talk to him all the time. I pray to him. I pour my heart out and tell him all of my wants and needs and I know that he will give me all of my hearts desires in his timing. I love my God. I have hope and faith. With that being said, am I not allowed to have moments of sadness? Trust me, I wish I didn't hurt from this. I wish this didn't consume my thoughts. I wish I could not think of my sadness when you talk about your happiness. I can't always keep my heart patched, sometimes the wounds show through. I just wish it didn't feel like it didn't matter.

KJV Bride's Bible - Review-

 

Book Description

Make God’s Word your everyday traveling companion. Thin and lightweight, Thomas Nelson’s KJV Compact UltraSlim™ Bible boasts a complete and easy-to-read Bible that is ready to go when you are! A Bible you can be comfortable taking with you every day and everywhere you go, the Compact UltraSlim Bible is thin enough to tuck into your purse, briefcase, backpack, or glove compartment, yet large enough for easy readability. The Compact UltraSlim Bible is the perfect gift and ideal companion for today’s Christian on the move.
Features include:
*Presentation page *Self-pronouncing text *Words of Jesus in red *Concordance *Full-color maps

My Opinion
This has got to be one of the most beautiful bibles I have ever seen. The cover looks like a lacey silk like you would find on your wedding dress. It is gorgeous. It truly is the perfect bible to give to a bride on her special day. It is the perfect purse size. For such a small little bible it has everything you need in it.

I received this book free from BookSneeze.com as part of their book review blogger program in exchange for an honest review whether it be negative or positive. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

2013 Reading List

I love to read. I tend to go through reading spurts though. I'll read book after book after book hardly ever setting them down to not reading for a couple of months. I'm going to try to finish all the books I list here at some point this year - I will cross them off as I go. I could find a million books to read but I know I wouldn't get them all done this year so I'll try to narrow it down. These are in no particular order.

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
The Good Father by Diane Chamberlain
The Midwife's Confession by Diane Chamberlain (anything by her really!)
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
Chill Factor by Sandra Brown
Still Life by Joy Fielding

That's all for now. I will add to it as I come across things. What are some books on your list to read this year? Who is your favorite author?
The Blog Dare on Bloggy Moms

*This post was written as part of Bloggy Moms: The Blog Dare. Todays writing prompt was - My 2013 Reading List. If you'd like to participate feel free to link up with your own post at the link posted above.*

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

School changes?

Todays writing prompt is -- Schools Should.....
I don't have much to say on the topic. This is the kiddos first year at public school and he only goes for three hours a day. The only thing at this point in our school adventure that I would change would be better food! :) Not that its not healthy, I just know that my kiddo doesn't care for the taste of the breakfast items. Other than that, we have no complaints and really that isn't a complaint either - we are just picky around here.
I've actually been extremely satisfied with the school year so far. I can see a difference in my kiddo on a daily basis. He has always been one smart cookie but he just absorbing so much more this year than he did last year. He is brilliant! I'm not bias either! :) Love that boy!
The Blog Dare on Bloggy Moms
*This post was written as part of Bloggy Moms: The Blog Dare. Todays writing prompt was - Schools should.... If you'd like to participate feel free to link up with your own post at the link posted above.*

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Class Bully

There was a discussion that took place in my sons class a while back in regards to one of his classmates. The student was labeled a bully. The child was not at school that day and so he is unaware of the conversation the entire class had about him. I nor any of the other moms I spoke with were happy about this situation. I did not feel like it was right. I was not happy that my son was told information that I did not think he needed to know. He was also told to do things that I as a parent do not agree with. Luckily my child has not had any problems with this other student and I hope it continues that way. However, labeling this child as a bully has a majorly negative impact on my child. I do not feel like the child is a bully. Is he too rough with the other kids? Yes. Do the kids sometimes get hurt by him? Yes. Is he doing it on purpose? I'm not sure. Some may say he is being a bully in fact I know some say he is, I just don't feel that way. I've heard that his family is going through hard times(sibling illness) and I really feel that this other child just needs more compassion and love, maybe even some counseling.  I do not think what he does is right by any means and if my child gets hurt of course I will want to hunt his mother down BUT I do not agree with bullying the bully at age four to five. My son refers to this kid as a bully now. He talks about this kid often in reference to what he was told during the class discussion that was had. Several other students that I've been around have also repeated the same things about this child. I don't feel that it is right. I try to teach my son how I want him to behave and how I would hope that he would handle certain situations and types of people. Its hard to reteach when the ones we are suppose to trust with our children are teaching them something completely opposite.
The Blog Dare on Bloggy Moms
  *This post was written as part of Bloggy Moms: The Blog Dare. Todays writing prompt was - Negative Impact.  If you'd like to participate feel free to link up with your own post at the link posted above.*

Its official...

I have a five year old. I can't believe my baby boy is growing up so fast. This morning as we walked into the school I went to hold his hand and he pulled it away from me and tucked it under his arm. I said what now that you are five you are to big to hold mommas hand. He replied with, "Mom, I'm a big boy now I hold my own hand!" WHAT?! I told him he was breaking my heart and that big boys can still hold their mommas hand and he caved! Whew. Close call. It feels like he has grown up overnight.
Happy Birthday Kiddo!
 

Monday, January 7, 2013

Busy Bee

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed with things to do that even though you are getting things done it feels like you haven't done anything at all? Sometimes it doesn't matter how much we get done there are still a million other things in the waiting line. I feel like I have been going from one thing to the next since November. I have a break period for awhile so I am trying to focus on getting things done around the house. I have a guest bedroom that has recently became the storage room. I started working on it yesterday and it won't take me long to clean up but we have little storage place so now I have to find new places to put things without just making more clutter. I also have some craft projects that I've bought all the stuff for and I just need to sit down and make them.

Things I have that I need to start/finish:
Buzz pillows for my kiddo and his best friend.
Scripture wall art
Picture flower pots
Organize my art stuff and find a place for it

Things I would like to do around the house:
Put in shelves in my hall coat closet and in my sons closet.
Organize my spare room closet and add in shelves
Make some curtains for the living room and bedroom.
Find more kitchen space....add-on? New house? :)

What projects are you working on?
*This post was written as part of Bloggy Moms: The Blog Dare. Todays writing prompt was - Other projects I'm working on.  If you'd like to participate feel free to link up with your own post at the link posted above.*

Saturday, January 5, 2013

2013 Health Commitment

I am not going to go on a diet.
I am not going to exercise until I can't move.
I am not going to kill myself trying to lose weight.

I am going to eat healthier.
I am going to be more active.
I am going to be happy with me.

That is my health commitment for 2013. To be a healthier happier ME. If with that comes a smaller number on the scale then that's great but my main goal is to just be healthy and to be me.
The Blog Dare on Bloggy Moms
*This post was written as part of Bloggy Moms: The Blog Dare. Todays writing prompt was - Health Commitment of 2013. If you'd like to participate feel free to link up with your own post at the link posted above.*

Friday, January 4, 2013

Unexpected Changes of 2012


Are we ever really ready for changes in our lives? There is no way I ever could of prepared myself for the changes that took place in my life last year. If I had to title the changes of last year I would name it 'Stolen Friendships'. Just about all of my closest friendships changed and all right about the same time too. One of my girls moved away, one drifted,  one passed away and one took a leave of absence. It was a difficult year for me. I felt alone and abandoned. I felt confused and sad. I had health problems. I had six months of not knowing if I was okay or not. I was sad a lot of the year. I never would of imagined that that was how my year would go. If I had the opportunity to go back in time and prepare myself for what was to come I'm not sure I would even know what to say except for to treasure the time you have with the ones you love so dear and to guard and protect your heart. We all go through things in life and we all handle them differently. In a time when I needed my friends the most, a time I thought we would all grow closer...the exact opposite occurred. I learned that sometimes you have to be your own best friend. I'm glad 2012 is over with, it was too much for me to handle. I'm ready for this new year and all the great things that will come with it.
The Blog Dare on Bloggy Moms
*This post was written as part of Bloggy Moms: The Blog Dare. Todays writing prompt was - Changes I didn't expect for 2012. If you'd like to participate feel free to link up with your own post at the link posted above.*

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Worry and Concern

Heading into the new year what worries and concerns might I have? None. Are you sure? Absolutely!

I will not allow myself to be worried about things that I have no control over. The only thing that ever comes out of worry and concern for me is anxiety and I have a hard enough time with that, that I don't need to add to it.

Isaiah 41:10 (CEV)
Don't be afraid. I am with you. Don't tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories.

Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I will stand strong in my faith and everything else will work itself out.
The Blog Dare on Bloggy Moms
*This post was written as part of Bloggy Moms: The Blog Dare. Todays writing prompt was - What worries or concerns do you have heading into the new year. If you'd like to participate feel free to link up with your own post at the link posted above.*

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

2013 Bucket List

What I want to do before 2013 is over with.....

Hmmm...oh I don't know....get Knocked Up maybe! :)
I'm pretty sure that will be my number one thing every year until it happens, but one of these times it will happen and I can mark it off. That will be a glorious day!

Other things I hope to do are -
Read more - I've finished one book already this year. Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks. Have you read it? I really enjoyed it and can't wait for the movie to come out next month.
Meet my nephew - He will be born in April. He will live far far away but I hope to take a road trip to meet him and see my beautiful niece too. I love my second family.
Enroll in school - I've talked on this before. I know what I want to do I just need to get the ball rolling.
Vacation - My family has never really been on a vacation together before. My husband took me to my best friends wedding years and years ago but that was such a short trip that I don't count it as a vacation. I'd love it if we could take the kid to Disney World either this year or the next. That would be amazing. I've never been and would love to go.

I don't really have anything else that I can think of but I'm sure there is a million things. Maybe its better that I don't think on this one for too long..once I get started it may be hard to stop, especially if I think about things around the house that I'd like done. :)
The Blog Dare on Bloggy Moms
*This post was written as part of Bloggy Moms: The Blog Dare. Todays writing prompt was - 2013 Bucket List - what I want to get done before 2013 is over with. If you'd like to participate feel free to link up with your own post at the link posted above.*

Starting new

Its a new day. Its a new year. Its a time to start new.
Resolutions? Nah.. I've never been one to really stick with them - (read previous post). Instead I have hopes and ideas for my life and I have faith in God and what He has in store for me.

My hope for myself this year is to....Grow. Learn. Live. Contentment.

I want to listen to Him and really understand what He is saying to me. I pray for clarity.

As I've said before, last year was not my year. So much pain and suffering. So many things broken. Now that things are coming back together and the pieces are being mended it doesn't make it all fixed. There is a lot of underlining issues that haven't been resolved. There is still a lot of pain and hurt under the surface. There is confusion still. There is heartache.

I pray.

I pray for understanding. I pray for love. I pray for friendships. I pray for the lost and confused. I pray for healing.

I pray and I praise. A beautiful God, a beautiful life.



Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Broken resolutions of years past...

The only resolutions I ever remember making have always been the two most common(I'm sure) ones that you always hear...to quit smoking and to lose weight. Neither of which I ever succeeded in doing as a New Years resolution. I have quit smoking though. Yay for me. Its been a long time though and I did it just because....more like forced to quit but either way its done and over with and I'm happier and healthier because of it. I need to focus on losing weight but where I'm at in life I need to focus more on just being happy and I think the rest will fall into place(& with that hopefully the weight will fall off!). I'm not going to stress myself on it, it doesn't do me or my family any good.

What are some of your broken resolutions of years past?
Do you make the same resolution year after year?
The Blog Dare on Bloggy Moms

*This post was written as part of Bloggy Moms: The Blog Dare. Todays writing prompt was - Broken resolutions of years past.....If you'd like to participate feel free to link up with your own post at the link posted above.*