Unashamed - Book Review

Shame is everywhere.

Whether it's related to relationships, body image, work difficulties, or a secret sin, we all experience shame at some point in our lives. While shame can manifest itself in different ways—fear, regret, and anger—it ultimately points us to our most fundamental need as human beings: redemption.

Throughout the book, readers will find that Unashamed was written from Heather's personal faith journey through shame, not merely from her theological training and counseling experience. The power of her words is grounded in her own tears, pain, and life crises, and how she has learned to abide in Jesus and His Word through thick and thin. Chapters, which include practical application in marriage, in parenting, and in the church, are profoundly relevant to anyone looking to enrich their appreciation and application of how faith in Christ affects every day living.

The book was given to me by #flyby for a honest review. 

My Friend

In Memory of my dear and special friend Carol Ann 

1960-2016

You have a special place in my heart.. We laugh, we cry, we rank coffee, we shoe shopped which was both of our fav things to do, we both love shoes,  we spent hours per day chatting, we spent many nights chatting til we fell to sleep.

You are an amazing friend to me,I will miss the time we spent  together

She fought a brave and strong battle for two months but the cancer would not allow her to get better. She took each day in stride, never really complaining, always feeling tired but always positive. She hoped that it would all go away and life would continue as normal. This was my hope too.

I’ve been looking back at all the thousands of messages she sent me on Facebook.  Even faced with such an extreme challenge, her faith and will to fight never waivered.  She was fighting for her life…. fighting for her family. She never wanted to leave her mom alone who she lived with, she never wanted to go first. 

Carol, I promise to take care of your mom, I will be a friend to her, I will not take your place as no one can... but I will take care of her for you, this week every person I have talked to  have had nothing but good to say about you, everyone loves you, you were such an amazing person to everyone who knew you and your memories will stay with us. 

Carol Anne i love you and will hold our memories forever in my heart. Go rest high on that mountain... You fought a good fight, you kept the faith. Rest In Peace my friend

Review- The Life we never expected

This book pulled at my heart strings. 

Sometimes life throws you a curveball.

Andrew and Rachel Wilson know what it means to live a life they never expected. As the parents of two children with special needs, their story mingles deep pain with deep joy in unexpected places. With raw honesty, they share about the challenges they face on a daily basis—all the while teaching what it means to weep, worship, wait, and hope in the Lord. Offering encouragement rooted in God's Word, this book will help you cling to Jesus and fight for joy when faced with a life you never expected.

“The Life We Never Expected is an honest, confessional, and hopeful book. It doesn’t flinch from telling the whole truth about the trials of parenting special-needs children, and it reminds us of our need for the gospel every day. This isn’t a book that’s going to tell you to pull yourself up by your bootstraps and try harder. This is a book for those who are on the floor, weeping, because they need to know Jesus is with them.”

Weekend Recap

My heart feels so full this weekend, we had friends visit from home on Thursday, it is Andrew's best friend and his family, we had such a great time.

Our Kids 

Best Friends

Picnic

Handsome Dude

Us

Amber and I. 

They were passing thru so they were just here for the night, but I wish they were here again for longer. 

Friday:
Brooke's last day of School. She has had a great year and we are so proud of her.
I also got a full time job at Xplornet, I start on July 4th, so I am home for a week with Brooke.
Hubby and I went on a dinner date then a ice cream date, came home and watched the NHL draft. it was nice.

Saturday:
We had a house viewing so I had to get prepped for that. We went to town to get a few things I needed.
Our friends Angie and her family came for a BBQ, it was fun.

Sunday:
We had our normal sunday service and then went to Mcd's after service

Review: Would a Worm...

The name of this book gives readers a clue that the contents are fun and colorful, and once you open the cover, you'll know you are right! This fun and colorful book helps children ages 3 to 8 learn about different animals and what they can and cannot do with whimsical rhymes.
My child is 12 so she wasn't really interested but I knew my nieces would be. 

The author asks readers cute questions using "sing-song" rhymes about eight different animals such as "Would a worm go on a walk / if you could lead him down the street? / Would he wear his tiny tennies / if he had four worm-sized feet?" These questions remind kids in a fun way that no, worms don't have feet so they wouldn't be wearing sneakers. Written in bouncing rhymes, Would a Worm Go on a Walk? asks all sorts of silly questions: "Would a rhino wear a raincoat?"..."Would a turtle drive a truck if she had to get to town?"...and more. Each question is answered with an equally cute explanation.

It is a really sweet book that kids will love. 

Weekend Recap

Since last Thursday I have been battling a fever and a head cold and on top of that my best friend is in the hospital not expected to be alive for to much longer, last Wednesday Dr's gave her 3 days but here it is late Monday and she is still fighting, one thing I can say my friend is a fighter, she will fight til she can't fight anymore.
I have had a head cold and her being sick going on so weekend Recap is taking a break and will be back next weekend :)

My Mother's Quilts- book review

When I got this in the mail I knew it was going to be my new fav devotional book. It is so beautiful inside, the pictures are so clear and crisp, the stories are so beautiful. hey are just beautiful and the love and care that went into each one reminds us of the love and care that the Lord has for us.

My mom is a quilter so I knew it was gonna be extra special to read those beautiful stories. 

Ramona shares the stories of her family's quilts. Especially those of her mother and grandmother. Each one has a Scripture and a thoughtful point to ponder after each story.  I devoured this book in one setting and enjoyed every minute of it. 

 Each quilt is as unique and lovely as the hands that created them with each one depicting the enduring legacy of faith, family, and tradition. Each story is intriguing, encouraging and inspiring. My favorite stories include the one about the Dutch Doll, and the Cathedral Window.

About the Author:

Ramona Richards is an award-winning editor, speaker, author of nine books, and a frequent contributor to devotional collections. An avid live music fan, Ramona loves Nashville, which she’s called home since she was ten. Sensing her mother was near the end of her life, Ramona documented her mother’s stories and lessons behind each family quilt. These stories form the devotions in My Mother’s Quilts. Find out more about Ramona and her books by visiting her online at ramonarichards.com.

You can find this book on amazon or Shopbetterbooks.com you can get the book on here for $11.

CONTEST OFFER!

Win one of the quilts featured in #MyMothersQuilts by Ramona Richards. Also up for grabs: loads of other prizes including quilting hand warmers, coloring books, and 25 signed copies of Ramona’s book. Winners will be emailed after the contest ends on June 30, 2016. Click the image to get started!

I was given this book from #flyby for my honest review. 

Review of Bible belle's

I was delighted when I found a book for girls not about a Princess.. 
There is a new book series not he block and this time it is not about princesses... 

In this book, we meet Rooney Cruz, a spunky, kind and pretty normal 9 year old girl with everyday 9 year old troubles. Rooney has a run in with a group of mean girls, leaving her feeling scared and unsure of herself. Through a surprising turn of events, Rooney gets to take a peek into the past and sees how a woman named Hannah has to deal with some of the same feelings. Hannah cries out to God and experiences God’s presence with her. Rooney realizes that she can do the same and that no matter what happens, God will be with her.

This is such a lesson for all ages to understand, no matter what happens or what we go thru Jesus is with us. 

The book is fabulously written by Erin and gorgeously illustrated by Rob Corley, a former Disney animator. We’re super excited about the rest of the books in the series, with the next one, Esther: The Belle of Patience, coming out in early 2016.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Weekend Recap

Friday- my friend and I went to lunch and did some thrifting. Went to her house and hung out.
Once we got home we relaxed which is what we needed.. We are always busy so a quiet evening was welcomed.

Saturday- hubby had a meeting at church so Brooke and I had a quiet morning at home where we did some house cleaning.. Our house is clean because with it on the market to sell we can have showings anytime so we keep it presentable but I wanted to freshen up the floors etc.
Did some yard work and got groceries.

Hubby and I were invited to a friends house for nachos and punch, fun and laughter. It was a lot of fun.

Sunday- leadership training and pot luck after morning service.... It was so good. I love our Staff.
After PM service it was Stanley Cup time. Congrats Pittsburgh Penguins... Not my first choice but hey i dont pick ;) Moses and Kim came over for food and the game. Andrew made jalepeno poppers and I made wings, we had chips and soda.  It was nice.

Relaxing weekend is over and a new week begins.

Unashamed- Book Review

Unashamed by Christine Caine helps us take a hard look at how shame hinders our lives. We've all experienced shame in some form or other. Whether it's being bullied on the playground or being told we aren't pretty enough, smart enough, or just enough. The lasting effects of shame can cripple you and cause you to hurt others. Christine opens up about her struggles with shame and in the process teaches us how to change our inner dialogue to match what Christ says about us.

I was super excited to be given the opportunity to review this book. I have been following Christine on social media. I knew the book would be good, I just didn't realize how good! She walks through step by step, how shame can have an effect on us, which effects how we relate to others. How Satan will throw up every negative thought or thing to keep us rooted in shame to keep us from achieving what God wants us to do.

A Pug List

What a delightful read. Who know how a little dog could change there lives. 

 Having their house burned down by an arsonist, the Hodgson family experienced grief, loss, new reality and turmoil to make it through a difficult situation not only intact, but perhaps stronger with a better perspective at the other end. Through faith, sharing, family, friends, hope and perseverance, they struggled yet realize they could survive. In The Pug List, author and mother Alison Hodgson chronicles the major event in the life of her family that changed everything…

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book by Alison Hodgson. If you are an animal lover, you will love it. If you are a pug lover, you will really love it. But if you are neither, you will still find the story of loss and rebuilding encouraging. It will help put the trials of life in perspective. It will help you come to terms with the fact that stuff is, well, just ... stuff. And that the dreams of children are really big!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.

Weekend Recap

Friday

My friend came over for breakfast after working all night before we set out on our road trip to the Good ol' USA. 

We then went to her house so she could get ready. 

Then we headed for the border, pretty quick crossing which is always a relief, some times they just like to grill you. 

We were headed to do some shopping and then to a concert to see my all time fav soloist

MR JASON CRABB. 

Yes i got a picture with him, he is so humble and down to earth, here is a sample of his music

https://www.youtube.com/user/JasonCrabbMusic

My dream come true, I have been a fan all of my life. 

It was an amazing night, he sang for two hours and had a short intermission where I got my picture:)

It was 2:30 am when I got home. 

Saturday:

I had agreed to help neighbour with her years sale so I was up at 7 am, I was exhausted. 

I took a long nap in the afternoon. Hubby was at a conference so once he got home we got greek food delivered

Brooke and I did some crafting after we ate and we went to bed early. 

Sunday:

I was feeling under the weather all day so I stayed in bed and chilled out. 

Have a great week friends <3 

Phil Wickham CD review

This was my first ever CD to review. 

Phil Wickham never disappoints me though, his voice is so clear and crisp. You can hear his heart in his songs. 

This album provides listeners with songs that seek to give a voice to humanity's acceptance of God's love in any circumstance. In the same way that the Psalms offer expressions of joy, sorrow, repentance, hope and victory, Children of God gives a voice to the appreciation and adoration of God in every chapter of life. Phil's enthusiastic and reverent style of writing and singing praise and worship songs has consistently been a draw for me. His prayerful sentiments are consistently filled with his personal adoration of God.

Some of the song titles on this album are:

1. Doxology/Amen - is a worship song that defines the purpose of praise and worship music, that are prayers to Jesus Christ.

2. Better Than Life - will be just like what This is Amazing Grace was to Phil's previous album on this one! Definitely upbeat worship song!

3. Your Love Awakens Me - conveys the sense of what it is like for a believer of Christ to experience God's love in their life. It creates an awakening in their soul. This is such a catchy song and one I know you will absolutely love!

4. The Secret Place - features Madison Cunningham, talks about what its like when we experience God in our hearts. Its a place others can't see, but we can certainly feel. More like a worship song.

5. Wide Awake -  an uplifting worship song.

6. My All in All - Speaks of the great love and presence of Jesus Christ, who is the stream of life and victor in any battle we face. A definite battle-worthy song!

7. Starmaker (High Above the Earth) - Definitely a worship song of our dedication for the salvation that Jesus Christ alone offers. I can this one being incorporated by churches as part of their praise and worship service!

8. Children of God - Another great praise song. It conveys a song about whom children of God are in Christ. We are more than warriors, but children of God.

9. Stand in Awe - Another powerful praise song, that takes what a believer feels for God, and puts it not only in song, but in a prayer to our Heavenly Father!

10. Body Mind and Soul - another praise song, that conveys in the heart of the believer what where our praise and worship comes from, body, mind and soul.

11. As It Is In Heaven - a great song that comes off more like a prayer set to music.

12. Spirit of God - Speaks of our longing for the Spirit of God to have His in our life.

You can purchase this CD here:

Itunes
Spotify
Amazon

I was gifted this CD in exchange for my honest review from #flybypromotions.