Friday, December 30, 2011

How I Was Raised For The Very Best New Year's~

Coming from humble beginnings in a family with a strong Faith in God, I didn't realize how different we did things until I ventured out in this world. While college peers were making plans on which party to attend and what to wear, we were baking desserts to bring to our church's potluck supper for our New Year's Celebration. I didn't realize what a blessing it was to come from a spiritually rich upbringing. New Year's Eve our members and friends gather at our Branch around 9 pm to listen to our brother Elder's speak followed by a season of thanksgiving testimonials from the members on how the Good Lord saw us through another year. About 15 minutes to midnight, we kneel and pray in the New Year that God would bless us and strengthen us for whatever is ahead. I always loved those services and still do. What better way to begin the New Year than asking God to please be with us every step of the way. I wouldn't trade my background for anything in this world. I can do without the glitz and glamor; the partying; the horrible hang-overs and the sound of guns but one thing I cannot do without is the Lord. I pray that he opens the windows of Heaven and blesses each and everyone of you in 2012.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

"God Gave Us You"~What Every Child Should Hear

Lisa Tawn Bergren's "God Gave Us You" reminds our children how special they are and how much they mean to us. This book should be on every parent's shelf. This precious tale of a sweet polar bear cub who bombards his mom with questions about life and where he comes from will touch the hearts of every parent. The answers are age appropriate and beautifully done. The story will strengthen your bond with your little ones as well as deepen their faith in God. I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my review.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

The Perfect Gift for Baby Jesus~

As a young child, more times than nought, I felt a kin to the Little Drummer Boy wondering 'Who am I to know the King and what have I to give him?' It took many years before I would come to realize that none of us are worthy enough and that Jesus was our gift from God. Last night, my spouse and I exchanged gifts since we would be traveling tonight (Christmas Eve). Tears literally rolled down my cheeks when I opened Harold's gift to me...my very own Sony Internet TV with Google Android HD built in. To make a long story short, my prized laptop died a few months back and I certainly did not want to spend the family's money on this sort of luxury. However, with my disability my sweet husband realized this is my prime contact with the outside world. He wanted to make my dream come true and what meant more than this to me was the warm sentiment that comes with knowing he truly loves me. Yes, I have been blessed. Now I can continue to blog of God's goodness to my hearts content.
Ironically, this is not my birthday nor your birthday but it is the Day that Christ was borne. In many ways, I am still like that young girl I was many moons ago...inadequate and unsure of what I could give to Jesus. The glorious truth is that all he wants is our hearts, our sincere desire to follow him and place Him first in our lives. I can't imagine my life without him and the tender guidance he has given or the loving support and encouragement. As the world has sought many other avenues to walk down, my sincere prayer is to remain faithful to the little baby in the Manger. The greatest gift we can give to him is ourselves~

Wishing you all a Safe & Joyful Holiday!
Soon to come...A special New Years Giveaway for my followers. Spread the word to have your friends sign up~

Friday, December 9, 2011

Spend The Holidays With The Amish at A Fraction of The Cost

The Christmas Singing By Cindy Woodsmall was such a blessing for me that I want my readers to share in that joy. Here's the trailer for that sweet story that I reviewed earlier this week on my blog. After watching the trailer, Read on for a special discount~ Enjoy-




WaterBrookMulnomah.com is offering my readers 30% Off & FREE SHIPPING on "The Christmas Singing" by Cindy Woodsmall Or any other title when you use promo code
CHRISTMAS11 at checkout on WaterBrookMultnomah.com The coupon expires on December 20, 2011. Don't miss out on this splendid opportunity!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

20,000 FREE subscriptions to Better Homes & Gardens Magazine!

20,000 random winners will enjoy whole year of smart, approachable articles from BHG on style, decorating, gardening, food, and more. The entry form is live now through December 20th at http://www.purex.com/bhg
Just another reason to celebrate Purex!

New Triple Action Purex Laundry Detergent ~ Delivers on its Promises!

                   New Triple Action Purex Laundry Detergent  has so many wonderful qualities that I just had to share the news with my readers!  As a Purex Insider, I was given the opportunity to try out this splendid product in exchange for my honest review.  I was sent the "Mountain Breeze" scent which literally brings the outdoorsy scent of fresh, clean air inside.  I fell in love as soon as  I took the cap off of the bottle.  Scent plays an important part in my determination of which laundry detergent to buy because there is someone in our household that gets pretty sweaty feet.  I couldn't wait to try the New Triple Action Purex Laundry Detergent on a pile of soiled white socks.  I was ELATED to discover how much brighter, whiter and clean this ordinary hard to clean laundry became.  So long to bleach!  Kudos Purex, for not only a phenomenal product but the reasonable price!   New Triple Action Purex Laundry Detergent has been specifically formulated to work in both traditional and He (high efficiency) washers.  Another bonus about Purex is that they are enviromentally safe ,  their bottles are made with 25%  recycled plastic.  Keep an eye on this blog for updates and an upcoming surprize for the readers.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Journey To Christmas Is A Must See For The Whole Family~

 The Journey To Christmas Dvd is a must see for all family members this season.  What better way to learn the true meaning of Christmas than to watch Biblical scholar, Nizar Shaheen lead a small group of individuals through the Holy Land to trace the steps of Jesus's birth.  The scenes are breath-taking as this blessed event becomes alive.  The glory of the film is that it is real and spiritually uplifted.  The viewers feel as if they are also there and they can be a part of the most wonderful experience ever.  A sweet reminder to all of us to remember to celebrate the birth of our King not only on the Holiday but everyday of the year.   I was given the opportunity to watch this awesome movie from Tyndale Media in exchange for my honest review.  This film will bring families closer together and open the doors for further conversation on the birth of Christ.  I highly recommend!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

And A Little Child Shall Lead Them~

  "Heaven is for Real" Little Todd Burpo's account on his trip to Heaven and back is one book that you won't want to pass up reading!  It is delightful and inspiring, uplifting and hopeful (all those things which are hard to find in this stressful day and time we live in).  Todd's account reminds us that Heaven is our goal and that is real.  Who better to have such an awesome experience than a little child.  The Good Book tells us "that a little child shall lead them".  Children are pure and innocent.  Little children don't lie...they have no reason to.  Todd's real life story confirms that what God's word is true.  It brings us joy knowing we have a lot to look  forward to.  This lovely novel is a great comfort to those who have recently lost loved ones and it may convert the soul of a non-believer.  I adore this writing and highly recommend.  A real perk of being a member of  Book Sneeze is the wonderful opportunity of receiving books like this in exchange for an honest review.

Cindy Woodsmall's "The Christmas Singing"

"The Christmas Singing" is the perfect gift for amish reader fans this Season.  Cindy Woodsmall's riveting ability to capture the hearts of  such a huge audience is due in part because of the valuable lessons on love and life portrayed in her writings.  This excellent saga causes the readers to emphathize with Mattie after Gideon breaks her heart.  He breaks their engagement and through much pain Mattie must move on.  We can relate to her suffering.  After time has passed, Mattie finds a new love which she so deserves and as we applaud her, guess who pops back into her life?  Read this powerful love novel about forgiveness and real love.  Perhaps that is why so many have come to adore the amish love stories.  Cindy Woodsmall has again, rose over the top with this monumental book! I was elated to receive this book from Blogging for Books Walterbrookmultnomah in exchange for my honest review~

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Tip Junkie Giveaways for Holiday 2011

For my followers:  Wanted to share this amazing opportunity to win a $200.00 Amazon gift card from Tip Junkie with you all.  While your at it subscribe to their awesome newsletter to receive winning ideas to save you dollars.  Don't miss out!
http://thesuburbanjungle.blogspot.com/2011/11/200-amazon-giftcard-giveaway-save-money.html

Monday, August 8, 2011

Moms the Word on Dinner

What do you do when dinnertime is #tough? Join @audreymcclellan TONIGHT 8pm ET for a LiveChat! http://on.fb.me/RaguMoms #momstheword\

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Everything Christmas, A Family Heirloom for the Holidays

Everything Christmas by David Bordon and Tom Winters was a favorite read for our family during this past holiday season.  Loaded with tons of treasures starting with the history of Christmas; various traditions and tips for enjoying the Season this book is truly Everything Christmas.  We had no intention of going through this resource of information in  a hasty piece.  We wanted to fully digest each new facet presented.  There are heartwarming stories, carols and poems, ideas, suggestions on gifting and Christmas rememberances.  The most celebrated holiday around the world with all the grand joyous details.   This is a glorious book which would make for the perfect family heirloom to read yearly with the family.  I loved this gift and will cherish it and pass onto my children for their children.  I had the wonderful pleasure of receiving this book to read for Blogging for Books website.