Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The Christmas Lodge (DVD Review & Giveaway)


It's official! I am in the Christmas spirit! Sure, there is no snow on the ground and my windows are still open at night. Sure, Thanksgiving hasn't even happened yet and I still have Christmas shopping to do. Nonetheless, I am ready. I have begun listening to Christmas music, lit my Gingerbread candle, put up my wreath, and even wrapped some presents. To keep my spirit alive throughout the season, I feel there is nothing better than heart-warming movies about the original purity and beauty of the holiday season.


I am excited to introduce my readers to
Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Lodge: a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. The story goes like this: During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (played by the adorable Erin Karpluk) finds herself at the now-dilapidated lodge where she spent the holidays with her family growing up. She becomes determined to restore the building to its former glory. Inspired by her grandfather and guided by her grandmother in heaven, Mary throws herself into the project, and during the process finds herself drawn to Jack (Michael Shanks), a handsome man who loves the lodge as much as she does. Historically unlucky in love, this chance encounter allows Mary to renew her faith in life and discover her one true love. For an uplifting story about the importance of faith, family and the true holiday spirit, go to the Christmas Lodge. This story was most certainly heart-warming and definitely fun. I appreciated the original story and the adventurous setting. I felt fulfilled at the happy and enlightened ending. And I am positive my readers will feel the same way I did!

Here's your chance to win your very own copy of The Christmas Lodge on DVD.

*Mandatory Entry*
Please tell me, in a blog comment, what your favorite Christmas movie is!

*Extra Entries*
Be my Google Friend.
Like Me on Facebook. (+2 Entries)
Like Me through Networked Blogs.
Follow Me on Twitter.
Tell me your favorite Christmas song.


Winner will be chosen on Sunday, December 4th. Entries will end at 12:01 am. If the chosen winner (via random number generator) does not respond within 72 hours, I will choose another winner. If there is no way in which I can contact you, another winner will be chosen.
Good luck and blessings to all!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Rebecca St. James "What is He Thinking?" (Book Review & Giveaway)

In What is He Thinking??, Australian born, Grammy Award winning musician and renowned writer Rebecca St. James interviews different men, from high-profile types to the guys next door. Although the interviews focus on single guys ages 20-35, Rebecca also includes words of wisdom from older mentors she respects who have been successfully married for years, people like her dad, life coach, and pastor. The men share their thoughts on topics like how women can respect themselves and the men in their lives, modesty, purity, taking it slow, friendship, letting guys lead, and more. This book gives them the floor to say what they would really like women to know.

The men respond candidly to questions such as:

  • What is the most attractive quality to you in a woman?
  • Is modesty truly attractive?
  • Is neediness a turn-off?
  • What do you find beautiful?
  • How can we be dependent on God for our identity, not on you?
  • How can we help you with boundaries physically?
Rebecca also discusses her own dating life, speaking openly about the single life, her struggle with loneliness, and her hope for the future. She challenges women to see the men in their lives as brothers in Christ and to trust God with their dating lives. I think we should listen to this lady, not only because of her sincerity, but because she recently was married and, therefore, knows what she's talking about! There must be a great deal of truth woven in this book as Ms. St. James is the proof.

Rebecca St. James is a Grammy Award winner and a multiple Dove Award recipient, with international success that has driven her record sales into the millions. In January 2008, she was named Favorite Female Artist in Contemporary Christian Music by readers of CCM Magazine for the seventh consecutive year. Rebecca also won Best Female Artist of 2007 from Christianitytoday.com-her fifth consecutive year to be given this honor. She's been involved in several film productions and voiced the character of Hope the Angel in VeggieTales' bestselling DVD production The Easter Carol.

Read the beginning of this book here to see for yourself. Learn more about Rebecca here. Connect with either her and/or the book on Facebook.

I'm happy to announce that one lucky reader will win their very own copy of What is He Thinking?? by Ms. St. James. I'm excited to hear what everyone thinks of this book! I know I'm thankful for literature that discusses dating as a Christian and the particular struggles we are challenged with.

*Mandatory Entry*
Please tell me, in a blog comment, why you would like to win this book.

*Extra Entries*
Be my Google Friend.
Like Me on Facebook. (+2 Entries)
Like Me through Networked Blogs.
Follow Me on Twitter.
Like Rebecca or this Book on Facebook. (1 Entry EACH)


Winner will be chosen on Sunday, December 4th. Entries will end at 12:01 am. If the chosen winner (via random number generator) does not respond within 72 hours, I will choose another winner. If there is no way in which I can contact you, another winner will be chosen.
Good luck and blessings to all!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Cooper and Me (Review & Giveaway)


In 2010, 11-year-old Alexa Peters, along with her mother Monique Peters, found a meaningful way to turn her passion and love for writing and drawing into an opportunity to “give back” to other kids. Cooper and Me was illustrated by 11-year-old Alexa Peters and co-written with her mother, Monique Peters. The idea was inspired by Alexa's own experiences on her first day of school. A talented young artist and writer, Alexa wanted to give back to others in a meaningful way through her art. Starting at a very young age, Alexa created illustrated stories about her daily experiences, and from the pages of her sketchbooks came the idea for her first book, Cooper and Me.


Through rhythmic verses, Cooper and Me tells the story of a young girl who is nervous as her first day of school approaches. She is frightened about leaving home and doesn't want to go without her best friend, her dog Cooper. Fortunately her mother finds the perfect solution to help the little girl overcome her fears – a small replica of her beloved pet she can take to school with her. In Cooper and Me, the story of a child’s fears about starting school has evolved into a timeless tale about overcoming separation anxiety and trying new things – basic emotions all people experience throughout their lives – but this time, written by a child, for children.

The story behind Cooper and Me also offers an inspiring example of families working together to help others. In addition to helping young children gain emotional resilience and confidence through their books, Alexa and mom Monique wanted to go beyond that to help less fortunate kids. Their search for an organization to which they could donate a portion of the proceeds from the Cooper and Me book led to a charitable alliance with the Happy Hearts Fund, founded and run by Petra Nemcova, the supermodel who was directly affected by the tsunami in Thailand. Happy Hearts improves children’s lives through education and sustainable programs in natural disaster areas.

One lucky reader will win their very own copy of this endearing book.


*Mandatory Entry*
Please tell me, in a blog comment, why you would like to win this book.

*Extra Entries*
Be my Google Friend.
Like Me on Facebook. (+2 Entries)
Like Me through Networked Blogs.
Follow Me on Twitter.

Winner will be chosen on Sunday, November 27th. Entries will end at 12:01 am. If the chosen winner (via random number generator) does not respond within 72 hours, I will choose another winner. If there is no way in which I can contact you, another winner will be chosen.
Good luck and blessings to all!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Jeremy Riddle "Furious" (Review & Giveaway)

Hello Readers!
I am excited to bring to you today the music of Jeremy Riddle. "Furious", Riddle's 3rd full length album from Vineyard Music, is the newest collection of songs penned by this gifted songwriter and worship leader. Fans of Christian pop/worship music will recognize his amazing song Sweetly Broken . I adore that song and now adore Jeremy Riddle after listening to "Furious."



Riddle talks about his new album:
These songs are a reflection of being part of something bigger than just me,” Jeremy says. “Through some significant growth in understanding and living out humility from a very independent place, I’ve shifted into a place where I can’t even claim this record is completely inspired by me. There are so many elements of the album that could never have flowed from me had I not been connected to people walking out life with me.” Of all adjectives in the English language to title a worship record, “furious” – also the name of the album’s lead single – will certainly draw some attention and, perhaps, even some misperception of Jeremy’s emotional state. “It’s pretty hard to confuse what the song’s all about when listening to it in context,” he says. “Part of the wonder of our relationship with God is that it’s not predictable…and often confusing. It’s how Aslan – the iconic C.S. Lewis character – is described: ‘He’s not a tame lion; but He’s good.’ In the Bible, Job never got answers to his many questions, but he ultimately saw God and came to understand what He was doing – and it led him to repentance. I’m hoping ‘Furious’ will have that impact in a worship setting.

I loved this album. These songs were powerful and inspirational. Riddle is a mature singer and musician who demonstrates obvious passion for Christ and God. I was utterly impressed by his ability to skillfully perform slow, melodic, soulful songs and also high energy, sock-rocking praise music. Each end of the spectrum and all the spaces in between are well performed by Riddle.

Furious, the title track, demands attention. It has hints of the U-2 sound and is so moving. I can't help but sway back and fourth or nod my head. Fall Afresh, the first track, is acoustic. It is sensitive and moving--a truly beautiful track. In fact, it is one of Riddle's personal favorites. “Two songs from the new record – ‘Love Came Down’ and ‘One Thing Remains’ – have made it into the set almost every single time I’ve led worship this year,” Jeremy says. “I’ve seen the power these songs have had on people and I know how they connect. There’s a great hope in me that these will be sung in church for quite some time.”

Learn more about Jeremy, his tour dates, or his albums. Connect with him on Facebook or Twitter or win his album HERE!


*Mandatory Entry*
Please tell me, in a blog comment, why you would like to win this album.

*Extra Entries*
Visit Jeremy's website and tell me something you learned.
Like Jeremy on Facebook.
Follow Jeremy on Twitter.
Be my Google Friend.
Like Me on Facebook. (+2 Entries)
Like Me through Networked Blogs.
Follow Me on Twitter.

Winner will be chosen on Sunday, November 27th. Entries will end at 12:01 am. If the chosen winner (via random number generator) does not respond within 72 hours, I will choose another winner. If there is no way in which I can contact you, another winner will be chosen.
Good luck and blessings to all!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."