PASSION "WHOLE HEART"

PASSION "WHOLE HEART"

Album Overview: 

• “Rooted out of the Passion movement, we are committed to leading

people towards renewed intimacy with God and fresh encounters of

worship. Passion is more than music. More than events. Passion is a

generation living for His name.”

• WHOLE HEART is the new live album from Passion—captured at

Passion Conference 2018 in Atlanta, GA.

• Passion Conference 2018 was a beautiful worship experience, and the

live album captures each powerful moment, allowing those who were

not in attendance to experience it.

• Featuring Passion Artists: Kristian Stanfill, Melodie Malone, Sean

Curran, Matt Redman, Crowder.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed listening to these songs in the evenings.  I would listen to them while I reflected on the day.  Listening to the songs helped me to relax.  There was a peace that washed over me as I put on my headphones and closed my eyes and soaked in the music.  I felt like I was right there as they were recording these songs.  I think my favorite was More Like Jesus.  It helped me to put things into perspective, it stirred something within my soul. I also liked the song Whole Heart, and the reminder that His love comes with no conditions. It so easy in the world we live in to get caught up in conditional love and lose grips on the meaning of unconditional love.  I enjoyed all the songs, each time I listened I felt like I got something different from the song depending on the day and what I was facing.  Reviewing this cd has been such a blessing. 

“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 this product. 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

̶3̶3̶ years...

....or is it 34 years? 

(inside joke!)

On this day 33 years ago my mom and dad got married. 

December 8, 1984

They have had their share of ups and downs. 

Endured hardships.

and times of plenty.

Silent treatments.

Date nights.

Four children.

Seven dogs.

A hamster.

A miraculous goldfish.

Bearded Dragon.

Two additions to the house.

Dad takes hammer to kitchen cabinets.

Completely remodeled kitchen is the result.

Playing in the backyard.

Working hard.

Putting us kids first.

30 some odd cars that dad has had

Family vacations.

Ocean City.

Maryland.

New York.

Wisconsin.

South Carolina.

Look out mountain.

Rolling down hills in Wisconsin.

The carnival where I won a fish.

(And it died before we made it home)

Family dinner.

Pops bypass surgery.

loss of loved ones

cancer

depression

anxiety

afib

stroke

seizures

graduations

new life 

grandchildren

Neighbors

mechanic

yard man

bank teller

bus driver

teacher

father

mother

brother

sister

son

daughter

long days

even longer nights

playing dress up and coloring

watching tball games 

cheering at softball games

dr. hahn

pain 

heartache

joy

peace

healing

home videos

times gone by

times to come

loving in the moment.

no promise of tomorrow

a love that has stood the test of time

one that has been magnified these past 2 years

I've heard my parents argue and I've seen them come back together and move forward. I've seen them get creative to make ends meet. I've felt how much they care for us kids. I know they love each other. I just never knew exactly how much until I watched them endure something tragic. I've watched my mom and dad stand beside each other through a number of trials.  

 I took dad out this afternoon to pick out a card and a single rose.  See when he was cutting yards for his elderly friends he would tell them about his anniversary and they would tell him to go cut a rose out of their garden.  Dad seemed to be about the simple, thoughtful things....at least that is what I remember. He had to settle with going and buying a single rose. I think my mom was surprised.

I'm glad that my mom and dad got married and that they have stuck together no matter what hurdles have come their way.  an everlasting love.  

(on a side note---look at the symmetry in dads smile! this picture was taken today, the one below was from December 20, 2015 almost two years ago...In the picture above, from today, he is walking....the one below he was still in a wheelchair...our God is an awesome God!)

Let The Little Children Come

Let The Little Children Come

Gospel Tracts and Evangelism Tools Sampler Pack

The Sampler Pack contains 10 of their most popular Gospel Tracts and Evangelism Tools. They make Evangelism fun with these awesome Gospel Tracts.  There was a John 3:16 Animated Tract. I enjoyed reading through the verse with the plastic sheet that made the verse come to life. There was a Gospel Button flip about.  This is a folded piece of heavy paper and is useful for keeping the attention of younger children. I found it a bit confusing, trying to find the right way to fold it as to continue sharing the Gospel.  I see with practice where it could be useful and handy as it is easy to slip in your pocket. There were two pop up tracts that I thought were unique and different.  One explained the house that has been prepared for us in heaven.  The other was the parable of the lost sheep.  I always thought pop up books were so much fun when I was little.  Having something pop up off the page definitely held the attention of my boys and made it memorable. There were two different bracelets.  One was silicone and one was a wordless bracelet.  Both told the story of salvation.  I liked the beaded wordless bracelet as it was tangible and something they could touch and feel as we put together. I feel it helped make it more concrete. I enjoyed going through this sampler pack with my boys.  I would recommend it as these are useful tools to help spread God's word. 

I received this sampler pack in exchange for an honest review from FlyBy Promotions, but my opinion of the product is my own!

God's Great Love For You

God's Great Love For You

Written By: Rick Warren

Book Overview:

God’s Great Love

Created the entire universe 

  And everything in it 

Including you.

God’s Great Love for You, written by #1 New York Times bestselling author and respected pastor Rick Warren, takes children on a whimsical and heartfelt journey that lets them know God’s love is with them wherever they go. With breathtaking illustrations by Chris Saunders, the simple yet poignant text comes alive as a child journeys to places far and near and discovers God’s great love is perfect, and everywhere, and will never end.

My Thoughts:

This was simply a beautiful book.  I enjoyed every aspect of this book from the words to the pictures to the soft colors. Simple and to the point yet profound and timeless message. It was great to remind my boys of the powerful message that God loves them.  I liked that it talked about things that God has done for us.  The illustrations are soft and warm and compliment the great message within the pages of this book.  I would recommend this book to somebody with young children.  It would be great for young children because they have a shorter attention span.  I must confess, I find myself picking up this book and reading through it. 

This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review from FlyBy Promotions but my opinion of the book was not hindered by that fact!

Matt Redman Glory Song

Glory Song 

Matt Redman

Matt Redman is a singer, songwriter, worship leader and author. His songs have been a source of inspiration to me and encouragement.  This world can be a cruel place to live in. Music allows us to feel those emotions that we try to bury.  I eagerly unwrapped this CD and listened to it on my way to pick up my boys.  Each song was captivating in its own way.  This CD has 13 tracks, some featuring other artists. I think my favorite song from this CD was Gracefully Broken.  It talked about surrender and pouring out our hearts, our lives and embracing the fact that its all about His power at work in us. I would recommend purchasing this CD, it would make a perfect gift or even a simple measure of self care.  

I received this CD in exchange for an honest review from FlyBy Promotions but my opinions are my own.  

Bless Our Gramps & Gran

The Berenstain Bears 

Bless Our Gramps & Gran

Written By Mike Berenstain

Book Overview:

In The Berenstain Bears Bless Our Gramps and Gran, the newest title in The Berenstain Bears Living Lights series, Mama, Papa, and the cubs decide it’s high time they honor Grizzly Gramps and Gran.

It’s almost Grandparents Day and the Bear family has never celebrated this special day before. So working as a team, the cubs, with a little help from Mama and Papa, come up with a fun and creative way to show Gramps and Gran just how much they are loved and appreciated.

My Thoughts:
I have many fond memories of my great grandma reading me Berenstain Bears books when I was growing up. I have always been fascinated by the stories but when I received this book to review I decided to dig a little deeper.  I read through the book and it filled my heart with happy memories. I decided to learn more about Stan and Jan Berenstain.  I was fascinated by the fact that Stan Berenstain was blind in one eye, yet created these humor filled cartoons.  By the world's standard he could not see, but yet he saw more than some people who have perfect sight. Some people can see and some people have visions. I think those with visions see some things so much clearer. This particular book is part of the Living Lights series.  I love the layout and the colors and the story, great book.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from BookLookBloggers, but my opinion is my own!

Precious Moments Little Book of Bible Stories

Precious Moments Little Book of Bible Stories

Written By: Jean Fischer

Book Overview:

Share beloved Bible stories with your little one!

Snuggle up close and imagine the animals entering Noah’s boat two by two, David standing before Goliath with just a slingshot, or Jesus blessing the children. These Bible stories will capture young hearts as they learn about God’s great love.

With classic Precious Moments® illustrations, simple Bible verses, favorite Bible stories, and fun rhymes, Little Book of Bible Stories will help introduce the power of God’s Word to your precious children.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading this book.  I am a big fan of precious moments.  I remember when I was young receiving a precious moments coloring book that I still have to this day.  Something about precious moments has always calmed my soul.  Reading the bible stories was refreshing.  I do think this would be great in a toddler Sunday school class.  The stories are short enough to hold the attention of a two year old while also getting the main idea across. 

I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review from Book Look Bloggers but my opinions are my own. 

Patterns of Evidence Exodus

Patterns of Evidence Exodus

DVD Overview:

The film describes numerous findings, including possible archaeological findings of evidence of Hebrew habitation in ancient Egypt, and new historical findings as to the timeline of the events of Exodus, as well as contemporary events in ancient Egypt. It also describes some existing artifacts and documents from Ancient Egypt which have been the subject of debate amongst experts for a number of year

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed viewing this DVD.  It challenged me to think a little deeper on something that I have read through a few times and find to encompass a foundational truth.  It was fascinating to hear several different accounts and points of view.  Even people who were not believers still pointed to physical remains and such that proved the events from the bible actually happened. A few parts of the documentary gave me chills to see these archaeologists who clearly state that they are not believers but then continue and explain that what they see in the ground is proof that the bible is true. Israel did exist. I got a little lost in the time lines towards the end.  I enjoyed watching it but I feel like I need to watch it again to really soak it all in.  After all, this was a 12 year journey condensed into about 2 hours!  

This DVD was provided in exchange for an honest review by FlyBy Promotions but my opinions are my own.