tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23447900223988804552024-02-26T12:34:41.356-05:00One Blessed MammaOur children are the only treasures we can take along to heaven.
-unknownoneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.comBlogger1440125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-6325633847995501742021-12-21T11:39:00.001-05:002021-12-21T11:39:31.522-05:00American Underdog Review and Giveaway<p> I don't know about you, but I think I've seen one movie in the theaters since Covid struck. But when I did go, my husband and I literally had the theater to ourselves...it was crazy. I sure hope that won't be the case for American Underdog, because it's SUCH a good movie, and if you are looking for a reason to get out and go to the theaters THIS IS IT. Buy tickets NOW for American Underdog, in theaters everywhere on Christmas Day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6CrO7jd0MxFjtWRtJPDyWJ7jSj72KrB_ztfeT4-SNsoOSnpWTu5TOQ-PWn2e3_rsQLg-LHGN24wAP83mGUWPrsdmLMnR-yGl6AHJIi3ktsr_OvQ4531FGBNNjLIlqZ1s57_9iSPnbI7sAoGh2N1Bz9oZoOpqTCdfHAWBfNzy-V4HCr6Euqiq52_dGjw=s4258" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4258" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6CrO7jd0MxFjtWRtJPDyWJ7jSj72KrB_ztfeT4-SNsoOSnpWTu5TOQ-PWn2e3_rsQLg-LHGN24wAP83mGUWPrsdmLMnR-yGl6AHJIi3ktsr_OvQ4531FGBNNjLIlqZ1s57_9iSPnbI7sAoGh2N1Bz9oZoOpqTCdfHAWBfNzy-V4HCr6Euqiq52_dGjw=s320" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Here's the official synopsis: <span class="qowt-font7-TrebuchetMS" id="E445" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E445">American Underdog<i> tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi from Shazam), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner</i></span><span class="qowt-font7-TrebuchetMS" id="E446" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E446" style="font-style: italic;">’</span><span class="qowt-font7-TrebuchetMS" id="E447" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E447" style="font-style: italic;">s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player </span><span class="qowt-font7-TrebuchetMS" id="E448" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E448" style="font-style: italic;">– </span><span class="qowt-font7-TrebuchetMS" id="E449" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E449" style="font-style: italic;">but just when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin) and the encouragement of his family, coaches, and teammates that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is. </span><span class="qowt-font7-TrebuchetMS" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E449">American Underdog</span><span class="qowt-font7-TrebuchetMS" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E449" style="font-style: italic;"> is an uplifting story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith, family and determination.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb4HHMSScBIlPwPJXGNxdQxLotJbmZC_LTOXlrPcp5Ops8kntQt_dawfKnfRns9z6sweyfPl5YuC98Gzv6TgpqK_KYF85VmZlsZP7PkD4DW0_upzJpF8zCX-J_WsPEv85n3DwZ9Qd3H6YVW7oDYJklmJfkgKJyrNtiyZW8pChdoBoZ44juADfxmO3HgQ=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb4HHMSScBIlPwPJXGNxdQxLotJbmZC_LTOXlrPcp5Ops8kntQt_dawfKnfRns9z6sweyfPl5YuC98Gzv6TgpqK_KYF85VmZlsZP7PkD4DW0_upzJpF8zCX-J_WsPEv85n3DwZ9Qd3H6YVW7oDYJklmJfkgKJyrNtiyZW8pChdoBoZ44juADfxmO3HgQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span class="qowt-font7-TrebuchetMS" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E449" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><p></p><p>OBM says: Here's the thing...I don't even like sports. I watch one sporting event a year-the Super Bowl-and I mostly watch that for the ads. But this movie was GOOD. It was well cast, and at a time when many in the younger generation think things should come easy to them, it shows how hard you might have to work to achieve your dreams. Plus, it's based on a true story. And, it's a "safe for the whole family" movie without being weird about it. I really, really enjoyed it, and I'm SUPER excited that I get to offer a set of tickets as a free giveaway to one lucky reader (click on the link below to enter)!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZmHVDLuZN12HmomqhY6Jq8HTCxuCcx9XtqbG6hTCvSqf-LGtRyiS5obqUI0qcyONdQizohmbR2OS4q0ZHiSV2TEG0KQploTiOq_zqkmtTFG3rT8OrnICdcUWcvO5FFV2Q6mG7tTj808T_JFLQa_61LMuAX8jXBH4J6zQ86kpk5DZL8wbWfjyDbNLwZQ=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZmHVDLuZN12HmomqhY6Jq8HTCxuCcx9XtqbG6hTCvSqf-LGtRyiS5obqUI0qcyONdQizohmbR2OS4q0ZHiSV2TEG0KQploTiOq_zqkmtTFG3rT8OrnICdcUWcvO5FFV2Q6mG7tTj808T_JFLQa_61LMuAX8jXBH4J6zQ86kpk5DZL8wbWfjyDbNLwZQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>American Underdog opens in theaters Christmas Day! You can get your tickets <a href="http://tickets.americanunderdog.movie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> if you don't win them. How do I win, you ask? You have to go to OBM's FB page and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OneBlessedMamma/posts/4936889546387663" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LIKE THIS POST</a>!</p><p><br /></p><p><i><span class="qowt-font7-TrebuchetMS" id="E563" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E563">Many thanks to</span><span class="qowt-font7-TrebuchetMS" id="E564" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E564"> </span><span class="qowt-font7-TrebuchetMS" id="E565" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E565">Kingdom Story Company </span><span class="qowt-font7-TrebuchetMS" id="E566" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E566">for providing a sample</span><span class="qowt-font7-TrebuchetMS" id="E567" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E567"> </span><span class="qowt-font7-TrebuchetMS" id="E568" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E568">of the product for this</span></i><qowt-drawing class="x-scope qowt-drawing-5" contenteditable="false" hpos="absolute" hposref="margin" id="E570" qowt-eid="E570" style="z-index: 1;" vpos="absolute" vposref="line" wrappingstyle="inFrontOfText"><span class="x-scope qowt-word-image-0" contenteditable="false" crop="true" drawingelm="true" id="E587" is="qowt-word-image" qowt-eid="E587" style="background-image: url("blob:chrome-extension://gbkeegbaiigmenfmjfclcdgdpimamgkj/b25c1113-5f53-4a6a-a728-82f96c6c4df5"); background-position: -153.122mm 0mm; background-size: 519.868mm 225.848mm; height: 119.72mm; margin: 0px; width: 221.5mm;"></span></qowt-drawing><span class="qowt-font7-TrebuchetMS" id="E593" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E593"><i> review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.</i></span></p>oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-81696493751562218462021-12-15T23:03:00.002-05:002021-12-15T23:06:26.430-05:00Invest in David (and maybe win a book)!!!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinM3pBJ98CmfTM07cy4e4uUxGWoVwqqs80DVUpspVfY7nd42pdq0iSb8_PK8w3lJKBJXVf3IN6lPOQ-lET1YREX7t8a5NPYtJNfPfVwszFX2Fr3pyUJ1yLhBcTnwWJRh0Ftb_sN9rcSyHcielzqxwYRN1gt3wITMVlZhkVUhi9VWy4G23C7C76LF7XbA=s509" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="509" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinM3pBJ98CmfTM07cy4e4uUxGWoVwqqs80DVUpspVfY7nd42pdq0iSb8_PK8w3lJKBJXVf3IN6lPOQ-lET1YREX7t8a5NPYtJNfPfVwszFX2Fr3pyUJ1yLhBcTnwWJRh0Ftb_sN9rcSyHcielzqxwYRN1gt3wITMVlZhkVUhi9VWy4G23C7C76LF7XbA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Y'all, I don't know about you, but I sometimes get frustrated with how "Christian entertain" somehow always means "cheesy entertainment". I get it. Hollywood is unabashedly NOT God-fearing, and definitely not seeking to throw money at Biblically accurate films, and that leaves the private sector, and its more limited funding, so...you get lesser quality. But UGH! God is worth more than that!I know He can work through anything, but still, it's nice to have quality materials, like the Chosen (which was crowdsourced) or the Kendrick Brothers films to have available as outreach to the world, or just quality, safe entertainment for believers of all ages.</p><p>Enter this new animated movie about David called, well, <i>David</i>. Produced by Sunrise Productions, it's being crowdsourced, and YOU can (and should) be part of it. And like The Chosen, <i>nothing</i> about it screams, "this is a small budget, cheesy Christian production".</p><p>Here's the "blurb":</p><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: #757575;"><span style="color: black;">Sunrise Animation Studios has embarked on the ambitious journey of making an epic animated movie about <span class="il">David</span> with the humor, music, and adventure of Tangled paired with the biblical authenticity of The Passion of the Christ or The Prince of Egypt. <span class="il">David</span>’s life was defined by his courage, faith and his love for God, while his fallible, relatable humanity has resonated across cultures and generations. <span class="il">DAVID</span> will tell a story that is authentic to scripture, and yet also a wildly adventurous and entertaining epic movie to appeal to every culture! We are creating what we believe will become the most-viewed animated film of all time, by telling the story of <span class="il">David</span> as you’ve never seen it before.</span></span></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0N1-IMbCYly7Ael4CwLC8S187jxatiL6M4Tf5OaJ3SH3NyhzyL6pgXVJSdLLWRGKazV3x5wqxnOZciiioThbp0xU9Ut9pedBx_IdlAktFaZVaxM6xIq6eLqPvQoouQY2GTDcZeOzwvbDSCROdcsyIgA1CIs7Fv7egPaenhqVJ-DDxqOhQrLrir14H3A=s720" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="720" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0N1-IMbCYly7Ael4CwLC8S187jxatiL6M4Tf5OaJ3SH3NyhzyL6pgXVJSdLLWRGKazV3x5wqxnOZciiioThbp0xU9Ut9pedBx_IdlAktFaZVaxM6xIq6eLqPvQoouQY2GTDcZeOzwvbDSCROdcsyIgA1CIs7Fv7egPaenhqVJ-DDxqOhQrLrir14H3A=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>OBM says: It's probably obvious from my intro that I love just the little bit of this movie that I've seen. The artwork is AMAZING. And the idea of having real, legit, studio quality animated movies for my kids and grandkids (someday) that tell the story of heros of the faith and not just fairytale princesses is SO appealing. I showed my son, and he shared my one concern, which is that, obviously, the story is embellished. Even in the short clip we see, we can see extra-Biblical accounts. We have no story in the Bible of David diving off a cliff using his sash in a whip like motion to save a single sheep, having a tree break his multi-story fall. BUT, I'm willing to to suspend my disbelief given that any time you have a person whose life you are trying to "flesh out" you have to build a story of what their day to day existence would have looked like. I just wish they hadn't made him appear to be quite so supernatural in a made-up scenario. He does thank God for surviving, but... Anyways, with that being said, I LOVE the subtle nods to scripture...the sheep KNOW his voice and he leaves the others to go after the one. David <i>is</i> a type for Jesus, and this shows us how a good shepherd behaves.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8NUsnQ1EcOo" width="320" youtube-src-id="8NUsnQ1EcOo"></iframe></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Here's YOUR chance to help bring David to life! Click <a href="https://invest.angel.com/david" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> to invest in this project. You only have a few days left. Like any crowdsourced project, there is a timeline, so act within a week!</p><p>ANNNDDD...this movie was based off a book, so I have a giveaway, but you need to act even MORE quickly for this! Enter below to win <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica;">1 autographed copy of The Viiith (8th) Son by Phil Cunningham.</span></p><p><br /><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d8c99d1060" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d8c99d1060/" id="rcwidget_xu5wbjnd" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></p><p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Many thanks to </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: small;">Sunrise Animation Studios</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"> for providing a sample of the product for this </span><span class="il" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">review</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">. Opinions are 100% my own.</span></p><p><br /></p>oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-15984787773558605502021-10-04T17:30:00.002-04:002021-10-05T10:20:13.631-04:00God's Not Dead:We the People Movie ReviewI'm SO EXCITED to bring you this review of <i><b>God's Not Dead:We the People</b></i>!!!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTS_Wfs-7cHS4UyLQ0tv1J97NgeRJitaToz-dzAaWL0n_CDXbnsLeAh0aiynOWpaCYvF4Ui9ZHso4R1sLErvXA4zCWw5osJvUaKtWo-lKNdx5zyNMPUuIDzpcwS4BJtPlDW2ldwLPjXOV/s963/GOd_s_Not_Dead_poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="647" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTS_Wfs-7cHS4UyLQ0tv1J97NgeRJitaToz-dzAaWL0n_CDXbnsLeAh0aiynOWpaCYvF4Ui9ZHso4R1sLErvXA4zCWw5osJvUaKtWo-lKNdx5zyNMPUuIDzpcwS4BJtPlDW2ldwLPjXOV/s320/GOd_s_Not_Dead_poster.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>It NEVER stops being exciting when I get to review movies. Especially ones where I have "skin" in the game, like this one. First of all, way back in 2014, I got to review the original <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/2344790022398880455/4830148207898516512" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">God's Not Dead movie</a>. Second, this fourth movie in the "God's Not Dead" franchise takes on the subject of homeschooling, which, as a homeschooler of two decades now, is near and dear to my heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>So what exactly is this movie about? Well, here's the official "blurb"...</div><div><div>Reverend Dave (David A.R. White) is called to defend a group of Christian homeschooling families. He</div><div>finds himself taken aback by the interference of the government, and believing that their</div><div>right to educate their own children is a freedom worth fighting for, Reverend Dave is called</div><div>to Washington DC to testify in a landmark congressional hearing that will determine the</div><div>future of religious freedom in our country for years to come.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2kKzH-h5j9gdjkwLqaOwWPL30_BIqDETXRkFQk5YGrV3UCv2UZf-Cx1enFlNRtOatzgx4YgdNU74l_8mB4o66FVeKgWpqpXAQqUqXn6H7J6jn_uOqs5U0YzBgYSNeQehseywdgsqfMHX/s1024/GND+1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2kKzH-h5j9gdjkwLqaOwWPL30_BIqDETXRkFQk5YGrV3UCv2UZf-Cx1enFlNRtOatzgx4YgdNU74l_8mB4o66FVeKgWpqpXAQqUqXn6H7J6jn_uOqs5U0YzBgYSNeQehseywdgsqfMHX/s320/GND+1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Think the premise is far-fetched, like a certain member of my family who watched it with me, but shall remain nameless (love you honey!)? Well, stay for the credits, because at the end of the movie they list the dozens of court cases that have occured around the country just like the one in the film. If you've gone to enough homeschooling conventions and heard enough speakers, you know that the situation they present in the film has happened in courtrooms all around our country, and it's only a matter of time before it takes the national spotlight.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6grANv5vlAEsmd6Xr6ixMv9zEPgqDdjbiq3-HHZ7jFrPiyAlX9pZ7Rcr6WphY_dGevlAhV5K9GPn4hYOG_hz_ti3wTW0IQXMDkrk3_v3CBSR0hsnS50NgCtjJweEJO8wx85UzWKwqP58/s1024/GND+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6grANv5vlAEsmd6Xr6ixMv9zEPgqDdjbiq3-HHZ7jFrPiyAlX9pZ7Rcr6WphY_dGevlAhV5K9GPn4hYOG_hz_ti3wTW0IQXMDkrk3_v3CBSR0hsnS50NgCtjJweEJO8wx85UzWKwqP58/s320/GND+2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>And while the film IS about religious freedom, it also carries a deeply patriotic message. And while it IS about Christian homeschooling, they make the point that the majority of homeschoolers do NOT do it for religious reasons, but that whatever our guiding principles for homeschooling may be, we all still desire the same interference-free environment in which to school our children. And I LOVED it for this balance they brought to the message.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CLVJ17PoO1o" width="320" youtube-src-id="CLVJ17PoO1o"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><i>God's Not Dead:We the People</i> stars Isaiah Washington (Grey’s Anatomy), David A.R. White (GOD’S NOT
DEAD, Evening Shade), William Forsythe (DICK TRACY), Antonio Sabato. Jr, (General
Hospital, THE BIG HIT), Jeanine Pirro (FOX News Justice with Judge Jeanine), and
GRAMMY® Award-winning CCM artist Francesca Battistelli.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the catch. <i>God's Not Dead:We the People</i> is only in theaters for THREE DAYS!!! So go! <b>NOW</b>! October 4, 5, and 6, 2021! You can buy your tickets <a href="https://www.fathomevents.com/events/Gods-Not-Dead-We-The-People" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE.</a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>Many thanks to Pinnacle Peak for providing this product/product information for</i></div><div><i>review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I</i></div><div><i>did receive the product in exchange for this review and post. </i></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-37269220856142069062021-09-06T22:22:00.006-04:002021-09-06T22:34:32.806-04:00Show Me the Father Review and Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKLZ6kAcCLpLSFMx1jl69-UeNOLYxqST06YKYeM9ZBn6_vnIMZQcbWSVnmbSMEAL4V6_X6cxUEG_FExYckEIodGPZnz20GXZ5PJeJWzEqGEg3wbrJnUSYp-4rXi-lMFIyBWHdkSOBfRjc/s1920/ShowMeTheFather-1920x1080banner+%25281%2529.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKLZ6kAcCLpLSFMx1jl69-UeNOLYxqST06YKYeM9ZBn6_vnIMZQcbWSVnmbSMEAL4V6_X6cxUEG_FExYckEIodGPZnz20GXZ5PJeJWzEqGEg3wbrJnUSYp-4rXi-lMFIyBWHdkSOBfRjc/s320/ShowMeTheFather-1920x1080banner+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Everyone has a father story. It's as unique as each of us. For some it's beautiful, for others it's a road filled with pain, but each person's relationship with their earthly father is completely unique to them. Yet no matter whether your father made it to every soccer game, or is someone you've never met, there is one thing we all have in common-a heavenly Father who loves us. <div><br /></div><div> SHOW ME THE FATHER is the first documentary film from the creators of WAR ROOM, OVERCOMER, FIREPROOF, and COURAGEOUS Legacy. Featuring a variety of amazing true stories, this captivating movie takes audiences of all ages on an inspiring and emotional cinematic journey. Providing a fresh perspective on the roles of fathers in today’s society, SHOW ME THE FATHER invites you to think differently about how you view your earthly father, and how you personally relate to God. </div><div><br /></div><div> I was SOOOO looking forward to coming here and sharing my first hand experience with the film after having watched it, but despite Sony's generous attempts at allowing me to screen it ahead of time, technology (and the enemy) seemed determined to thwart that goal! What I can tell you is this: I got to be part of a Zoom call with the Kendrick Brothers where they talked to us about the inspiration behind this film, and it sounds amazing. They spoke of how after Courageous was released, groups formed around the country-Bible studies where "father stories" were shared, and out of those stories came the inspiration for Show Me the Father. And the stories they chose to share in this film from men like Jim Daly and Dr. Tony Evans are just amazing-they will leave you transformed.</div><div><br /></div><div>The good news is that while technology might have kept me from screening the film, it doesn't keep me from giving away TWO free tickets to one lucky reader for opening weekend (September 10th)!!!
Enter below by leaving a comment, and do it NOW, because this one is almost a "blink and you'll miss it" quick one (I'll draw a name on September 7th at 7PM)!
If you aren't fortunate enough to win tickets to this must-see movie, you can <a href="https://www.showmethefathermovie.com%20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">visit the website</a> for information about purchasing tickets.</div><div><br /></div><div>The bottom line: SHOW ME THE FATHER is a film your whole family needs to see together. There is something for everyone. Get your tickets today at <a href="http://showmethefathermovie.com">showmethefathermovie.com</a> and join me and my family at the theater beginning September 10th! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5cSh1GXieFY" width="320" youtube-src-id="5cSh1GXieFY"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Many thanks to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sony Pictures </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">for providing this product/product information for review. 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.</span></div>oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-71134002228460750442021-08-16T20:27:00.000-04:002021-08-16T20:27:01.103-04:00Show Me the Father- An Advanced Look at the New Kendrick Brothers' Movie<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrnNQJRtDtM96jecS__KtqxHo9AH1sMtEFyykmTr4eo8wzc9_QLWU1DlPhfqcW-LOIGai4GazGm-suQ8Zvjm4HIGrK_aMkBFLSEb3vsVeTo3_YVgRSMMD2vq1h63FdM4eerj2HYyco-tr/s1920/ShowMeTheFather-1920x1080banner+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrnNQJRtDtM96jecS__KtqxHo9AH1sMtEFyykmTr4eo8wzc9_QLWU1DlPhfqcW-LOIGai4GazGm-suQ8Zvjm4HIGrK_aMkBFLSEb3vsVeTo3_YVgRSMMD2vq1h63FdM4eerj2HYyco-tr/s320/ShowMeTheFather-1920x1080banner+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Y'all! I am SOOOO excited to have the opportunity to share this trailer with you. I have LOVED the Kendrick brothers since <i>Facing the Giants</i> (still one of my all-time favorite movies...PLEASE say you've seen it?). You may recognize their name from <i>Overcomer,</i> <i>Fireproof, </i>or <i>Courageous</i>. </p><p>Now, they are bringing us a different sort of movie. A beautiful documentary-style film called <i>Show Me the Father</i>. I'll be watching the film and bringing you the full review in just a few days, but I can't even make it through the trailer without tears springing to my eyes!</p><p>Watch for yourself, then come back to read my full review!</p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://youtu.be/5cSh1GXieFY&source=gmail&ust=1629244849928000&usg=AFQjCNFSq1Ue__ijuHiGokmgL4YXBHxBtg" href="https://youtu.be/5cSh1GXieFY" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/<wbr></wbr>5cSh1GXieFY</a></p>oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-6270863948821651062021-08-04T15:51:00.003-04:002021-08-04T16:18:10.271-04:00When We Last Spoke: a Momentum Review and Giveaway<p> <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMLREu6jiaC-61IdwYuRKP55pE2AOibVCXk8_G28YmZo0_aXoB6lhCnhUL1TEY7ghA9VvzAhwvT9eK4KTdtpcqddt6S-1924V9mCqDt4WiHEHxP7G9u3-dys8O_LDcF0wKlC7Y9pWxT8L/s1200/When+We+Last+Spoke+Girls.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMLREu6jiaC-61IdwYuRKP55pE2AOibVCXk8_G28YmZo0_aXoB6lhCnhUL1TEY7ghA9VvzAhwvT9eK4KTdtpcqddt6S-1924V9mCqDt4WiHEHxP7G9u3-dys8O_LDcF0wKlC7Y9pWxT8L/s320/When+We+Last+Spoke+Girls.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Y'ALL! Are you ready for the SWEETEST movie you've watched in, well, forever? Then you do not want to miss When We Last Spoke, a heartwarming story of faith, family, and forgiveness! I'm serious. Even my husband was reaching for the Kleenex, in a good sort of way, with this powerful movie that is safe for the whole family to watch!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_g0zC9fvkTJ90kFx84kplhN5XwFZC9OkH5g2LBOqPeVb9bPjn2s69EOHtqay5Ukx2AvOE9I3HA4mG4i-J5lStYGFhK_J8tB2LWMebeudMf0_Pz1ZWYzGP1uHLrR5kmfqwV9HSbAJOHpvy/s1200/When+We+Last+Spoke.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_g0zC9fvkTJ90kFx84kplhN5XwFZC9OkH5g2LBOqPeVb9bPjn2s69EOHtqay5Ukx2AvOE9I3HA4mG4i-J5lStYGFhK_J8tB2LWMebeudMf0_Pz1ZWYzGP1uHLrR5kmfqwV9HSbAJOHpvy/s320/When+We+Last+Spoke.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>When Last We Last Spoke is clearly an award winner (<i>Best Picture, Best Narrative, Best Supporting Actor, and more at the Crown Awards at the National Religious Broadcasters 2021 Christian Media Convention!</i>) with an <i>amazing</i> cast (<i>Melissa Gilbert (</i>Little House on the Prairie<i>), Cloris Leachman, and Corbin Bernsen</i>) but it's also just such a sweet, sweet story about a couple who, just as they are enjoying being empty nesters, suddenly finds themselves raising their two granddaughters and then also caring for his elderly mother. It was based on a book by Marci Henna, which the reader in me is now anxious to check out (and it's sequel too, which I can only hope might make it to movie form someday).</p><p>When We Last Spoke is available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Last-Spoke-Cloris-Leachman/dp/B08NBC2L2P/ref=sr_1_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon Prime</a> or from A TON of other options as detailed below. It's the type of movie you'll want to watch more than once, so go on and buy it!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9Y5V9nWXeCA5SOef232FMpjkFVRsZI2-yQM29oZFsGyXOPTClQutTDEHUxCJ-8b6dy9hL7MM9Ej0njtW_dVptCI39T9ChSoshDwm8PlboviIUQSb7BuQwUBtsFPb_1MhQoETIgtJJdwC/s557/When_We_Last_Spoke+sale.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="557" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9Y5V9nWXeCA5SOef232FMpjkFVRsZI2-yQM29oZFsGyXOPTClQutTDEHUxCJ-8b6dy9hL7MM9Ej0njtW_dVptCI39T9ChSoshDwm8PlboviIUQSb7BuQwUBtsFPb_1MhQoETIgtJJdwC/s320/When_We_Last_Spoke+sale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The movie had so many wonderful moments, but one of my favorites was when the two young girls are left inside to keep an eye on Cloris Leachman's character and she mentions how she used to dance to them. They lament not having been able to see that so they put her in a rolling chair to "dance" with her in such a beautiful, tear inducing scene. <p>One of my favorite quotes was when Melissa Gilbert's character, Ruby, tells one of the girls, "The good Lord does not make messes, " when she is feeling down about herself. </p><p>The BEST part about this movie is that I get to give one lucky reader a FREE copy!!! All you need to do is interact below and you'll be entered to win.</p><p><br /></p></div><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d8c99d1059" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d8c99d1059/" id="rcwidget_qmtsjj8n" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><div><br /></div><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Many thanks to Last Spoke Partners<span style="color: black;"> </span>for providing this product/product information for review. 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.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-75159203685781418362020-11-30T22:20:00.001-05:002020-11-30T22:20:30.529-05:00Before the Wrath Docudrama Review<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BTvaFExwgEonGwoFZ4CbkdG_r2YuN5E7wbhN8aX9edSYjCMY_XKdzG6v2LZTc0cBxDSzNaPvKfMaGo24Bdj39iyt66z-oX-sEwppnwv42GcenaJ6l1grKhuvtDpvOlIBALMaB-SCxHCW/s1000/Wrath_Social1+-+Brian+Lange.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BTvaFExwgEonGwoFZ4CbkdG_r2YuN5E7wbhN8aX9edSYjCMY_XKdzG6v2LZTc0cBxDSzNaPvKfMaGo24Bdj39iyt66z-oX-sEwppnwv42GcenaJ6l1grKhuvtDpvOlIBALMaB-SCxHCW/s320/Wrath_Social1+-+Brian+Lange.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I work with the Deaf ministry at our church,and just over a month ago, our Sunday School leader came in and was VERY excited about a movie one of the Deaf students had let him borrow. He was soooo excited, in fact, that he planned that whole week's lesson around the movie's revelations. The name of the movie? <i>Before the Wrath</i>! So when I was offered the opportunity to review the same film just a few weeks later, I was excited to join the team!</p><p><i>Before the Wrath</i> is a Docudrama narrated by Kevin Sorbo (you might remember him from <i>God's Not Dead</i>) and is the number 1 Christian movie in America right now. In addition to historical reenactments, it features interviews with the following modern day theologians:</p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 54.828pt; margin-top: 0.995972pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">○ </span><span face="Calibri,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Jack Hibbs - Theologist and host of “Real Life” on SiriusXM </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 54.828pt; margin-top: 0.245972pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">○ </span><span face="Calibri,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Amir Tsarfati - Founder and President of Behold Israel </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 54.828pt; margin-top: 0.995972pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">○ </span><span face="Calibri,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Jan Markell - Founder of Olive Tree Ministries </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 54.828pt; margin-top: 0.245972pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">○ </span><span face="Calibri,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">JD Farag - Theologist and Eschatologist </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 54.828pt; margin-top: 0.995972pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">○ </span><span face="Calibri,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Scott McConnell - Exec. Director of Lifeway Research </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 54.828pt; margin-top: 0.245972pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">○ </span><span face="Calibri,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Jay McCarl - Ancient Middle Eastern Anthropologist </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 54.828pt; margin-top: 0.245972pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">○ </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lizette Dillinger - Qualitative Director of LifeWay Research </span></p><p>The focus of the movie is on what the scripture says will happen "<i>Before the Wrath</i>" or the coming tribulation period and the parallels between the events surrounding a Galilean wedding of Jesus' time and the events described in scripture before the second coming of Christ, including the Rapture. </p><p>OBM says: I am a HUGE history buff, and I'm also a very visual person, so I LOVED this movie. I loved hearing the comparisons that were so specific to weddings in Galilee where Jesus' disciples were from. Context always is key with the scriptures and it's true that many times our more modern customs are so different from the way things were in those times that we miss subtle yet meaningful references that would have been obvious to those who read/hear them back then. I think we are also always called to be a Berean and research for ourselves, although certainly much of what is presented in the film just makes sense in light of the way Jesus used parables to and teach and familiar activities as object lessons. The only thing that bothered me was the slightly "sensationalized" way they try to hook you in the beginning, with lots of references to "newly uncovered evidence," etc. It's unnecessary, as the subject matter really is interesting enough without all that-like tingles down your spine interesting. And I truly <i><b>love</b></i> the way they end on a high note, encouraging pastors to keep doing the hard things and keep teaching end time prophecy because it is important, and also encouraging lay people to remember that the time is short, because Jesus is coming back for His bride! I finished watching with a new appreciation for the comparisons Jesus used in describing His return and with a renewed sense of anticipation and excitement for His coming when His father says it's time.</p><p>Click here for the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdeWmg10OFc&feature=emb_logo" rel="nofollow"><i>Before the Wrath</i> trailer</a> or here for a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcD90biB_A4">10 minute <i>Before the Wrath</i> sneak peek.</a></p><p>To buy Before the Wrath, you can go directly to the <a href=" http://www.beforethewrath.com/order_select.cfm " rel="nofollow">Before the Wrath website</a> or <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/BEFORE-THE-WRATH-DVD/516653610 " rel="nofollow">Walmart</a>.</p><p>Want to WIN A COPY????? Of course you do!!!! </p><p>Enter Below!!!</p><p><br /><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d8c99d1058" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d8c99d1058/" id="rcwidget_padcx0u7" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasi9tyEuVq_N1CW-5AfSc5BNfx6vz77marp6epODY3RBn7otAhvOMPS3n5W-l1Dz94tIGkUozuCzz1kraCCBnfLEWtxNiaVYCEaOQN-N5Y26wE-a7zwgPWCMutWrN2b_OXWK-DfBWNMwn/s1200/FlyBy+2017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasi9tyEuVq_N1CW-5AfSc5BNfx6vz77marp6epODY3RBn7otAhvOMPS3n5W-l1Dz94tIGkUozuCzz1kraCCBnfLEWtxNiaVYCEaOQN-N5Y26wE-a7zwgPWCMutWrN2b_OXWK-DfBWNMwn/s320/FlyBy+2017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-79490734134749346882020-04-27T12:15:00.000-04:002020-04-27T12:15:11.499-04:00Life, Blog Neglect, and Corona VirusAs I'm typing this, I'm at my very cluttered desk looking out the window at 4 bunnies engaged in a game of chase in my neighbor's backyard. My husband is on a conference call upstairs, and my son is in his room taking college Chemistry online. Sari is downstairs doing some combination of working math problems and TV watching. Scott is probably asleep after a late-night gaming session, and Mimi, ironically enough, is at her boyfriend's house for the week. <br />
<br />
In SO many ways, I feel like Alice stepping through the looking glass. If you had told me the whole world would shut down over a virus with questionable net effects on a majority of the population, I would have said you were CRAZY. I mean, an outbreak of Ebola-I'm ALL IN for a shut down. But this seems a bit crazy for me that we are shutting down the world for an upper respiratory virus. I am NOT meaning to negate the seriousness of it for people in the "at risk" group (which I fall in with autoimmune issues). I know people have died from Corona, and I don't mean to make light of their deaths at all. But as more and more info is coming in and the true mortality rate is being assessed WAY lower than first predicted, it's just surreal to have events like Prom and graduation cancelled for high school when those demographics as among the least likely to be adversely affected by the virus. For all the talk from por-vaxxers about "herd immunity", we are doing everything in our power to insure we DON'T achieve that with all this isolation of the non-high-risk population.<br />
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On the flip side, I LOVE this shelter-at-home order. It's right up my alley. An introvert's dream. You could command me to stay at home forever, and I'd be fine as long as I have access to some good books. It's my concern over our blatant disregard of our constitutional rights (the securing of which resulted in WAY more deaths when you factor proportional population) that has me concerned. I'm fairly certain our governments, especially the state governments, have WAY overstepped their legal limits of power and WAY infringed on our rights. Here in NC, a "reopen NC" protester was arrested and protestors were told to disband because some violated the social distancing guidelines...if we are arresting peaceful protestors who didn't break any LAWS, we are in a bad place. While you won't find me at a protest-it's not my style-I do feel like this blog is a place I can speak out for sanity. The fact that I'm teaching American Government in the fall also contributes to my interest in how this is all being handled for sure, as I am certain it will be a hot topic.<br />
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This is what I know. God has it all in control. He is El Elyon-God Most High. Nothing is beyond His control. Nothing happens that He doesn't either initiate or allow. This virus didn't catch Him by surprise, and NO ONE dies before their time. That time might not suit us. Might not be when and how we anticipated. But it's His timing. Always. In Everything. And it's always perfect. So I face Corona with a modicum of respect but completely without fear.<br />
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Through this all, I've been thinking I would love to blog again, but I've been very active with other things that I had neglected as well. I've completely weeded our front flower beds and done rock edging around all the beds, including the mailbox. I bought a TON of plants and got them planted. I also bought a peach to replace ours that died, and got that planted as well. Today I scrubbed our shower with the proverbial fine tooth comb (and it still looks awful-our shower is the one feature I HATE in this house). I've started a successful sourdough starter and made some bread, and also bottled my first home-brewed Kombucha. I've still been teaching my photography class online, and I've been handling all the music for the Deaf for our Sunday AM church livecast. Oh, and I've done two virtual choir projects in voice and sign....So I've been busy. But today I felt like I wanted to say a little something here. Hoping I can keep it up for my own sanity.<br />
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Here's one of the virtual choir projects. The other will be released next Sunday.<br />
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/407" target="_blank">Is He Worthy</a><br />
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A few of my projects:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MO1g9Xg-llFDrttczTnsUkb4Wv-lgXlMt4JPwAGIx8vWEylPy4th77G3Ysi9lXSvjms5OO2Jq4ftN9sblkGfH-aVlltOhuzZ9BQCTELmLarDRxcchZoCOrc6sy3hu4s9TUkvqiy9uBCh/s1600/yard+work+front+bed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MO1g9Xg-llFDrttczTnsUkb4Wv-lgXlMt4JPwAGIx8vWEylPy4th77G3Ysi9lXSvjms5OO2Jq4ftN9sblkGfH-aVlltOhuzZ9BQCTELmLarDRxcchZoCOrc6sy3hu4s9TUkvqiy9uBCh/s320/yard+work+front+bed.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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OBMoneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-33924945412495443332019-03-02T17:21:00.000-05:002019-03-02T17:21:41.664-05:00Saturday Saga-Episode 1...The Van<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-er7knOccOKMJTwJgwX4VHuCLGk7iwgM61lL9nx19YqdKiv8ZVN1ux4nqarW10hTmHXjCJ8xK9YYiJerp94Zra17fBQJgTYzmiZZY7u9SrgfmgiQ2vMxGgG7phg9znKe_8tRKFn99PGp/s1600/Van+on+tow+truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1010" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-er7knOccOKMJTwJgwX4VHuCLGk7iwgM61lL9nx19YqdKiv8ZVN1ux4nqarW10hTmHXjCJ8xK9YYiJerp94Zra17fBQJgTYzmiZZY7u9SrgfmgiQ2vMxGgG7phg9znKe_8tRKFn99PGp/s320/Van+on+tow+truck.jpg" width="201" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My van...on the tow truck</td></tr>
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First, let's just start by acknowledging that's a HORRIBLE picture. And now that we've done that, on to the saga.<br />
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In Sept. of 2017, I had my battery of my 2006 Kia Sedona replaced. Then, we found out that oil was leaking ALL over the engine...like I had to have the engine cleaned before they could even find the leak. It turned out to be my valve cover gaskets, and so those had to be replaced. THEN, in Dec. of 2017, the alternator died too...turns out they don't like having oil dripping all over them. If you are playing along at home, that was all somewhere in the neighborhood of "make one mortgage payment on a really nice, new house" or "flat out buy a completely 'new to me cluncker'" to replace the current van...but we repaired it anyway. Because, well, the devil you know is better than the devil you don't, right?<br />
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Well then in the summer of 2018 the water pump control module died and my car seriously overheated. I replaced THAT, and then it was still overheating. Turns out when it overheated the first time, it fried a wire that connects the module, and so that was working intermittently, which meant that sometimes the water pump still wasn't getting power. That took several trips to multiple shops, and finally the amazing skills of my friend's husband to fix, so dd another $600 for that whole repair process, and you will see that late 2017 to mid 2018 was a pretty costly time.<br />
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Fast forward to a month ago. I went in to FS for an oil change and my state inspection, and they said "you have oil ALL over your engine (sensing a theme here?)". They cleaned the engine ($110), put dye in it, and sure enough, when I went back, it was the valve cover gaskets that were leaking again...on the alternator. SOOO, I had to go back to the original shop that did the work (Pep Boys) and would you believe they couldn't find the leak? They even added MORE dye, and I had to go back in AGAIN, but they still couldn't find the leak. ARGH!!!!<br />
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Also during this time, I had been having weird electrical problems. They began right after FS's shop cleaned my engine, and I was afraid they created a loose connecting when they used the pressure washing to clean the oil. My headlights were flickering (but my dash lights were fine), my "brake" and "battery" warning lights came on together (the google says that's a sign of power failure), and it was running a little rough. I had them run an electrical diagnostic when they checked for the oil leak, but my battery and alternator tested fine.<br />
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Then, one day last week, I went to pick TJ up from college. That morning my "check engine" light had come on, but I've learned that's usually just an error code, and not a "your car is about to blow up" situation, so I figured my husband would pull the code that night. Well, as I was pulling into the CC to pick up TJ, the battery and brake warning lights came on again...and then ALL the warning lights started coming on. <br />
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If you've been driving for any decent length of time, you know that means you car is about to die. The alternator is shot, and you aren't going anywhere. Sooo, I pulled into a parking space and turned off the car. And I began debating what to do. Do I call my husband? Do I call a tow truck? Do I try to drive it, if it will start? In the end, I called my husband and he encouraged me to try to take it up the road to FS (about a 10 minute drive). Surprisingly, it started, and we made it there just fine.<br />
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They had my car the next day, and confirmed it WAS the alternator. Turns out it was initially powering just fine, but something inside it was not keeping the charge as you drove, so that's why it would be okay, and then not okay. Of course, the alternator was initially replaced by Pep Boys, so I had to take it there as it was under warranty. So LATE that Thursday night, after a whole day of co-op and volleyball and Physics, my husband came and picked up TJ, SG, and I and we headed to get my car from FS and drive it to Pep Boys. Luckily, there is a Pep Boys 1.2 miles from the FS...unluckily, by car completely died literally 2 minutes out of FS, before we had even reached the main road. SIGH. So add an hour wait for a tow (did I mention none of us had eaten?), and we finally got my car dropped off around 8:30 after having been out of the house since 7:30 that morning. <br />
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Luckily, THAT Pep Boys quickly diagnosed the alternator AND found the oil leak without my even mentioning it AND cut me some deals on these repairs that I was having to "re-repair". It took 2 days to get the work done, but it got fixed. Oh, and the check engine light? You won't believe it, but it was the code for the water pump control module! It seems to be working fine now, so we are all hoping that was just because of the intermittent power issues. <br />
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And then we get to THIS Thursday night, literally a week after the alternator died. I'm at Bible study to pick TJ up, and my battery completely dies! One of his friends and the man who runs the Bible study jumped my car, and a check at Advanced Auto today says the battery is just fine. NO idea what happened there...maybe it's just that cars and technology hate me.<br />
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I'm starting to feel like a "new to me" car might be a good idea, lol. I think I was without my car more than I had my car in February, and I'm meant to take 10 trip in it at the end of the month. Please pray!oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-50203796730355577202019-02-06T22:38:00.001-05:002019-02-06T22:38:24.068-05:00Word WednesdayThe word for today is surrender. <div>
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Lately, God has been walking me through the tough process of becoming less. Over the past few years, I've found myself involved, to a scope well beyond any initial intention, in a ministry. Each year found me taking on more and more responsibility to meet the needs of the sweet youth that we served. But recently things have changed...</div>
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On paper, I actually have MORE responsibility. I'm co-leader now. </div>
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In reality, as half of a team, I find that my duties don't cover the same span they did before, and I'm feeling a little underappreciated and underutilized in one of the main ways I served last year. I LOVE these girls, and my new role finds me having less one-on-one interaction with them and doing mostly the admin work (which, to be fair, is quite a job in and of itself). </div>
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I guess I just didn't realize how much the relationships with the girls meant to me. How much I enjoy pouring into them and seeing them improve in skill and grow in maturity. How much I would miss the very thing I never wanted to do from the get-go. It's a very eye-opening experience indeed.</div>
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As I bemoaned my situation yet again to God the other day, He was gracious to remind me that this ministry is His, and I'm just a steward. And that my co-leader is actually the one who started the ministry years ago, before a move out of state took her away from it, so in many ways, I just helped to keep the program going until it could come back to her.</div>
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But I'm not going to lie...I am still struggling to be at peace with my new role. I KNOW I'm profoundly over-committed in many areas, and I should be happy that this season will mean less intense work for me. But it's a constant reminder to surrender. <i>To be still and know</i> that He is God. To know that <i>I plan my way, but the Lord directs my steps</i>. To know that He is sovereign, and I am not. He knows what's best for me...what His plans for me are. I just need to trust and obey. To do what I'm called to do. It's not easy, because my human emotions get in the way. But it is what I need to do. And I only see THIS part of the picture. THIS piece of the puzzle. Who knows, I could get to the end of this season and find God blessed my socks off in ways I never could have imagined. So I'll keep reminding myself to surrender to His perfect will, and look forward to seeing what He brings of this new turn of events.</div>
oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-32859372929755662182019-02-01T11:08:00.002-05:002019-02-01T20:54:40.014-05:00Favorite Food Friday or On the Road Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least sometimes, the drive is a pretty one...</td></tr>
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Kind of a tease, because this post isn't about a favorite food, although it's meant to be. The problem is that food posts should include pictures of said food...and I don't have time to make anything. Which made me think...maybe I should post about my schedule. Not because I'm busier than anyone else, but because if my life is what I'm trying to remember, then our frenetic schedule is part of that.<br />
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So here's what today looks like...<br />
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7:35- TJ has to be taken to class at the local community college because we only have 2 cars, and they are both in use today.<br />
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Get home around 8.<br />
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8:45- leave to take the girls to ESL, where they provide childcare for the adults who are there to learn English.<br />
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Get home around 9:35.<br />
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Blog, lol. Prepare sign-in lists for volleyball, and input new participant info.<br />
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11:15- leave to go get the girls, take Mimi to work on the way back home. <i>Edited to add: Psych! While driving up there, my battery AND brake warning lights came on. Apparently that can be a harbinger of doom in the form of a failed alternator OR ut can just be a blown fuse/loose wire. My alternator is 1 yr and 1 month old, my battery and brakes are newer. Sigh. I have an appt. on Monday for an oil change and state inspection...hopefully the car holds out til then AND they can find what's wrong.</i><br />
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Get home around 12:15. <i>Stress about car...</i><br />
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Get crap done...probably not laundry, there isn't enough time, but I need to have SOMETHING to show for today.<br />
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2- leave to head up to volleyball, which will last until 6. During that time, around 3:30, I have to leave, drive to the community college to pick up TJ, and bring him back with me to volleyball. Volleyball practice is at our church, and there is a retreat tonight/tomorrow for the MS kids, so SG will stay there after volleyball and I'll get here tomorrow night at 9. TJ is working the MS event and we live 25 minutes from church, and today, I will have already made that trip back and forth 2 1/2 times (counting the run to the community college), so I'll just stay until TJ is done and then we will head home.<br />
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Get home around ???<br />
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Where are YOU going today?<br />
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<br />oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-9978954447589039162019-01-31T19:00:00.000-05:002019-02-01T10:29:05.133-05:00To Co-op or not to Co-op<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of co-op selfie</td></tr>
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When my kids were little, we NEVER participated in co-ops. There were some around, but I never felt the need, preferring to set my own schedule and choose my own curriculum. And the one brush with a co-op we did have ended horribly, so it made me wary to try it again. But then we moved, and when you move with teens and you homeschool, it gets harder for them to meet their peers, especially if they are introverted like two of mine are.<br />
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So first we joined a local homeschool group...and that helped a bit. One of my daughter's best friends here came from that group, and it gave me some connections and starting points...but there wasn't that instant connection, and a feeling of belonging, despite the fact that I eventually became a board member, and still technically help run the group.<br />
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Through my BFF Amy, who was literally the FIRST person I met here in NC, I learned of a co-op, and after some kicking against the goads about the loss of control of my schedule and my life, we joined, and it has been a TOTAL blessing.<br />
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Through the co-op, my kids have taken their sciences with other kids, and I haven't had to secure random components for each experiment. My son took a 3 year apologetics class, and he's currently studying Christ and the Classics and taking ACT Prep. My older daughter took art classes, SAT Prep, and a teen girls' Bible Study. And my youngest gets to feed her love of babies by using one of her class hours to work in the nursery. Oh, and my son got a JOB based on his tech work at co-op, and has found the field he wishes to pursue.<br />
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So co-op started today for the spring semester. We have 473 people this spring (kids and adults) representing 39 churches. I don't know everyone...but I know a LOT of them. I'm on the leadership committee, and head up our Early Elementary classes and our Family Night. I also am teaching Middle School Photography. When co-op is over at noon-ish, many people head to the park (even the older kids) to continue the fellowship. After co-op this week, it was cold (38 degrees), so some of us headed to the mall. We ate, the kids talked and shopped, and 3 of us moms chatted...until 4! They aren't even moms I'm super close to, but it was great fun to be able to just hang out and talk and get to know them better.<br />
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For the photography teacher, I'm horrible at taking pictures of events like co-op, but I have a "first day" selfie above for your entertainment, lol. It's going to be a great spring!<br />
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<br />oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-25374207918025726362019-01-30T22:17:00.001-05:002019-01-30T22:17:30.364-05:00Word Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouprMhq4M6-7c_guKLk-p0rRV5r9BH0POR7UNxG_OC18xeO7SmcabZxKG8W4YbybP3fQ-hmcwxue4yiY7Z9p1LTO4SZf2bKb3czyaEkm_wzyzHLEcKkM0DUfcwQfXRiAgbdsy5QaErq_1/s1600/Blog+WW+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="904" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouprMhq4M6-7c_guKLk-p0rRV5r9BH0POR7UNxG_OC18xeO7SmcabZxKG8W4YbybP3fQ-hmcwxue4yiY7Z9p1LTO4SZf2bKb3czyaEkm_wzyzHLEcKkM0DUfcwQfXRiAgbdsy5QaErq_1/s320/Blog+WW+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tonight in choir I got several wonderful reminders of why we do what we do. We were singing a song called "All My Praise". Some of the lyrics are as follows:<br />
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<i>I will follow You through green pastures and sing hallelujah to Your name. I will follow You through dark disaster and sing hallelujah through the pain. And even in the shadow of death I will praise You, and even in the valley I will say...Holy, my God, You are worthy of all my praise.</i></blockquote>
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While we were practicing, one of my friends leaned over and said that TODAY a judge had dismissed a 2 year lawsuit in HER favor. She had much to praise Him for. <br />
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Then, our director read an anonymous post card he received thanking the choir and orchestra for blessing them during last week's service.<br />
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Then the director shared a devotional with us at the end of practice about facing giants. The devotional pointed out that when there was a giant needing to be faced, God chose a musician for the challenge. David, while he indeed was later to be King, was a devout worshiper through praise, having penned most of the Psalms. He used songs to remind him about who God was and what He had done. And God still works the same way. He still sends musicians to help people face their giants. Sometimes those giants are 2 year long lawsuits. Sometimes they are a cancerous tumor. Sometimes it's the birth of a baby. Sometimes it's the death of a loved one. But ALL the time, worship helps us to put it in perspective. When we worship God, when we remember who He is and what He's done, it puts out problems in their proper place, and reminds us that the Creator of all things can certainly handle whatever we encounter. WE don't have to be bigger than our problems, HE already is.oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-59080733449005181992019-01-30T17:51:00.001-05:002019-01-30T21:42:24.028-05:00Who Am I?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkL9XKu-youTAJR-gOujMmJA9_zwBobSWw2yMQ7tjIKSvo5IHMWn_9ZOtmb8Nv3YIdiMvPCDjRvmOOEVBFGR1roN62uEmKJIG3sbl7us1xizkncLltkmtGzwSWHLzogbWVjH6Hd1siSYS/s1600/Map+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="620" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkL9XKu-youTAJR-gOujMmJA9_zwBobSWw2yMQ7tjIKSvo5IHMWn_9ZOtmb8Nv3YIdiMvPCDjRvmOOEVBFGR1roN62uEmKJIG3sbl7us1xizkncLltkmtGzwSWHLzogbWVjH6Hd1siSYS/s320/Map+for+blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
I'm a huge genealogy buff. Knowing who I am, who my people were...it's important to me. It's important to God too, or there would be so many pages and pages of "begats" in the Bible. I'm fairly confident of who I am in Him, and vastly interested of who I am in terms of history...both my family's and the history I will be part of.<br />
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Years and years ago, I did the old fashioned sort of geneology. You know, the kind that involved microfiche, basements of official buildings, and EVEN the records in Salt Lake City. My mom and I did it together, and it was a great bonding activity.<br />
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And then I had kids 😛.<br />
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Fast forward to today. We live in time where you can find everything my mom and I found over many, many years and many, many miles with a few clicks of a button. It's amazing. But having spent some time on Ancestry.com, I can tell you it's also VERY easy for people to take the easy-way out and not double check the info...and then when they share it, it just spreads the incorrect info.<br />
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Thanks to a good friend of mine who is also into genealogy, I decided on Black Friday to buy one of those Ancestry DNA kits. Really there were no surprises,but it was fun to have people who are 4th or 5th cousins reach out.<br />
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So who am I?<br />
<br />
I'm 46% England, Wales, and NW Europe<br />
I'm 14% Ireland and Scotland (It's Scotland...this I know for sure.)<br />
I'm 8% European Jew (This was not a "surprise" but a confirmation of an old family story)<br />
I'm 7% Eastern Europe and Russia<br />
I'm 7% Sweden<br />
I'm 6% Norway<br />
<br />
I know I've got Dutch heritage, so I'm assuming that's the Norway/Sweden. The Eastern Europe and Russia is a little less clear based on the lines I've traced so far, but it will be fun to find out.<br />
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So...who are you?<br />
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<br />oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-73032870288050865022019-01-29T09:49:00.000-05:002019-01-29T09:49:21.345-05:00A Volleyball LifeToday is volleyball. Four years ago, my oldest daughter, on a whim, decided she wanted to play volleyball. That first season led her to develop a friendship with the head coach's daughter (they moved from FL too, and had lived less than 10 miles from where we lived). As we headed into the next year and second season, that coach's family was adopting internationally, and I stepped up to help run volleyball...a sport I never played (unless you count those 6 weeks in Middle School P.E. when we did volleyball as one of the 6 "rotations" that year-I don't recall being particularly good at it). I was assistant coach of 2 teams that year...and the year after as well. And I did most of the Admin work:ordering uniforms and t-shirt, taking care of paying the bills, etc.<div>
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Fast forward to this year. More changes meant I still did the Admin work, but I also was the head coach of the middle school team. My girlies had an awesome season, and they won 10 games and lost 2. It was even more special because only 3 of the 8 had ever played before, and EVERYONE played in every game.</div>
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In past years, our season ended in October and that was really the end of it until the next May, but this year, post season, we had some even bigger changes, with a new Athletic Director who handles all the coaching and training related issues, and me taking over all the Admin, and possibly not coaching at all. It's an exciting time for us, but one full of change too. Where our v'ball has always been only for homeschool girls, now, for the winter and spring, it's open to boys and girls of any type of school background. The response has been phenomenal, with over 60 interested students, most of which aren't even "our girls", as they are currently playing Club ball for other teams.</div>
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And so today, I have volleyball. Now my youngest daughter is the one playing, but her slightly older brother is honing his skills at our clinics as well.</div>
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It's a volleyball life!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0p3DBaSLQrVuQ1NnruDkSFcliyFWcuj6wiSiyUFAPOZ7YkzhkseBx8PhbTKOSAILDvZ_aTFLY5E3mHwrQBRet9lICmy9weaubJI5DJeyIo8T4-ku9kR3zYjIsa_dadecknuUlQXpkuWT/s1600/Blog+Vball-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1200" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0p3DBaSLQrVuQ1NnruDkSFcliyFWcuj6wiSiyUFAPOZ7YkzhkseBx8PhbTKOSAILDvZ_aTFLY5E3mHwrQBRet9lICmy9weaubJI5DJeyIo8T4-ku9kR3zYjIsa_dadecknuUlQXpkuWT/s320/Blog+Vball-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Middle School Team-such sweet girls!</td></tr>
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oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-75009973958249333142019-01-28T23:50:00.002-05:002019-01-28T23:50:49.588-05:00Still Going Strong!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWp_HtBCsQQRydtCjqjYr5fnrezn9px0RFfL7XLmdG1KaKUW3PkMRwlfqk0KlFUC7NJuStlT5PcmTi90w3fQA1BavU5ZavqRmgkE__fjFUPc99qDxy1vdWVF90ZtnRUiJrHuJ6vLtpiFAV/s1600/Hammered+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1159" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWp_HtBCsQQRydtCjqjYr5fnrezn9px0RFfL7XLmdG1KaKUW3PkMRwlfqk0KlFUC7NJuStlT5PcmTi90w3fQA1BavU5ZavqRmgkE__fjFUPc99qDxy1vdWVF90ZtnRUiJrHuJ6vLtpiFAV/s320/Hammered+necklace.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
<br />
Yesterday found me in the most unusual place...a beer cellar. No judgment here if beer is your thing, but it's NOT mine, so for me to be hanging out in a beer shop is a bit out of character. But I was there to get hammered...or really to get hammering. Along with a good friend of several years, a few acquaintances, and two or three strangers, I learned how to make hand hammered metal jewelry. The necklace above is my final piece and I LOVE it. <br />
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It was quite a process...figuring out the ONE thing that meant enough to you that it would be immortalized in metal. My girlfriend opted for a mama bear, daddy bear, and 4 cubs. Someone else made their teen aged son a key chain that declared "Be Unique". One lady made a really nice hammered cuff-style bracelet. But as I thought and prayed over what to make, I was listening to an old CD from when I sang in UIP in Florida. The song "How Great Thou Art" came on, and I knew that the above lyrics were what I should do. <br />
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Singing has been so much a part of my life...every since I was a little girl I've sang in choirs. And singing God's praise is even more my purpose. It truly is my soul that sings, and now, in our current church, I do so with my hands for our Deaf ministry as well. <br />
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We were created to praise Him, and truly nothing brings me greater joy. Singing God's praises is the only thing that carried me through some very dark parts of my life, so it's my joy and honor to declare that as I go through my day.<br />
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So too with writing. I've missed my blog. A LOT. Keeping track of my life, my thoughts, my kids' crazy and touching moments...it resonates in my soul too. So I've decided to try to "pick up the pen" again. If you are still around and reading this, I'd love to here from you. <br />
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Feel free to comment below on what message YOU would stamp :).<br />
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Blessings,<br />
<br />
OBMoneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-85975447030854515362017-12-01T17:52:00.000-05:002017-12-01T17:57:12.128-05:00Adored-365 Devotions for Young Women {A FlyBy Review}I have two girls, and as the days march by into years, I'm aware that my all-day-every-day time with them is precious and short. And I'm always looking for ways to pour more of God's truth into them before they "fly the coop" and are out on their own, so I was happy to have the chance to review <i><a href="http://info.zondervan.com/adored-devotional/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adored</a></i>, a new devotional by Zondervan geared specifically for young women ages 13 and up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhg6CEL8GfDjZzuQOgkeSm4YnSBVgQPQukTL4MvWQuUk4MCXrsBknVA4vEtP15iR9hUruhnmUS-blqFC8Q-oKmri2SvS_qdlZBgzFGbChlv4ujyIlTgZS_Kv-Jptm9YbKXKHu0seG5tavX/s1600/Adored+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhg6CEL8GfDjZzuQOgkeSm4YnSBVgQPQukTL4MvWQuUk4MCXrsBknVA4vEtP15iR9hUruhnmUS-blqFC8Q-oKmri2SvS_qdlZBgzFGbChlv4ujyIlTgZS_Kv-Jptm9YbKXKHu0seG5tavX/s1600/Adored+Cover.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here's the official blurb:<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Each day features an easy-to-read, relevant devotion paired with a
scripture verse and journaling space to help readers reflect on the day’s
message.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> The book tackles tough topics girls face,
from bullying and social media to friendships and dating, all the while showing
readers how infinitely precious they are in God’s sight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">OBM says: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Not many devotionals discuss yoga pants, and if I'm honest, the intro to that particular devotion really was a turn-off to me...but I kept reading, and in the end, I </span></span><i style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">loved</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> the message it communicated about modesty. My younger daughter (almost 13) really likes the way the book ties in popular culture and always turns things back to a Godly focus. In fact, she asked if we had to send the book back after the review, (we get to keep it :) ), because she wants to keep reading it. That's a ringing endorsement in this house. The devotionals are pointed, not fluff, but brief enough that doing one daily is </span>manageable<span style="font-size: 12pt;">. They cover topics like God's promises, rejection by the world/being loved by God, enduring through painful times, and not letting the internet stir up contention. I also like that this hardcover book is a smallish (maybe 5x7x1.5) size and a not overly "girlie" design, so it suits the target audience well</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9wjHahN6o5T2QOqhRto-hEzP2duvMO9v1tbRrf3879C3OzAIQjD9r3jgSZOqjQfiP5V_2ft55hXMXvSlhp4oVk5LOFe_wG4NBWV9J3PqdubH5ncslOylAhwut3IlvkNZqsc25oPWaQ7p/s1600/Adored+pg+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9wjHahN6o5T2QOqhRto-hEzP2duvMO9v1tbRrf3879C3OzAIQjD9r3jgSZOqjQfiP5V_2ft55hXMXvSlhp4oVk5LOFe_wG4NBWV9J3PqdubH5ncslOylAhwut3IlvkNZqsc25oPWaQ7p/s320/Adored+pg+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Adored</i> retails for $14.99, and you can buy <i>Adored</i> from <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/adored-365-devotions-for-young-women/9780310762799/pd/762794?product_redirect=1&Ntt=762794&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christianbook.com</a>. You can also visit Zondervan's website to preview <i><a href="http://info.zondervan.com/adored-devotional/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adored</a></i> and download a free week of devotionals.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrrK7Fz4ovet6xB7MXp5Xb5SjnFp4bm_JVuiY-EFJEvVziLQ9Cerg2bmqskXSlaaxsqo3GEpfqguOl2ANAWfKvmUGTo1qLpG8_Vcidqr-TvxDFkhHawbhyphenhyphen61LtoUgwMpziIEPouohmu5d/s1600/FlyBy+2015+disclosure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="325" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrrK7Fz4ovet6xB7MXp5Xb5SjnFp4bm_JVuiY-EFJEvVziLQ9Cerg2bmqskXSlaaxsqo3GEpfqguOl2ANAWfKvmUGTo1qLpG8_Vcidqr-TvxDFkhHawbhyphenhyphen61LtoUgwMpziIEPouohmu5d/s320/FlyBy+2015+disclosure.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-92201746721531944062017-10-21T21:10:00.000-04:002017-10-21T21:10:24.516-04:00My Poor, Sad, Neglected Blog-an UpdateI don't mean to neglect my blog. I used to love posting, and I miss writing, but life, it just gets SO busy, you know?<br />
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So right now, I'm sitting here taking a mental health break, and I figured I would do a quick post, if only for myself :).<br />
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We just got home from a weekend volleyball tournament out of town, and it marks the end of the season for our state-wide traveling homeschool league. For the past two years, I've been the assistant coach for the Middle School and Varsity teams, as well as doing at least half of the admin work. I have to say...as much as I love the girls, I'm SO thankful when the season ends.<br />
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Here are pictures I took of our three teams:<br />
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Middle School<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbP4vUzpVtClRZPidQma7mrZdV7dKiBSvHKhdK3dNR5TqhvXBM-599yUv1UCAJJICaQ0RUuloLZF6i9bfodpoCjZ75bZHg-TxPI9tG5KqX6bcDaCr1zXqW5J_DkIi_8HA9SF2Zxk6s2hCL/s1600/Crowns+Middle+School+2017-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbP4vUzpVtClRZPidQma7mrZdV7dKiBSvHKhdK3dNR5TqhvXBM-599yUv1UCAJJICaQ0RUuloLZF6i9bfodpoCjZ75bZHg-TxPI9tG5KqX6bcDaCr1zXqW5J_DkIi_8HA9SF2Zxk6s2hCL/s320/Crowns+Middle+School+2017-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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JV<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBBZnMaUOyGP71fskJrSc2BIP5QAeWo3vqXfTb_wOI7lMgAfybz-KlTppAMO1aQXGAtHmEPzrHj-q3d48ggvyLnWzIvArKguTwwKbR6dNPFRBmHuYlMfm_4Qob2xGswQhVXFI21fQhx43/s1600/Crowns+JV+2017-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBBZnMaUOyGP71fskJrSc2BIP5QAeWo3vqXfTb_wOI7lMgAfybz-KlTppAMO1aQXGAtHmEPzrHj-q3d48ggvyLnWzIvArKguTwwKbR6dNPFRBmHuYlMfm_4Qob2xGswQhVXFI21fQhx43/s320/Crowns+JV+2017-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And Varsity<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRSebnViCP1Yrj8O_Bvv3QsmiVcYXkoLy9M_5EkjLzDzHwuINFt82ekBlmdwSvApIHw9W_PtjdqrTdoG_XTIiTWy_yEOd4EFhwLSE6t8TZD7FKVJZ_dDLjj3s05JON2zVmTtgazS2rQUR/s1600/Crowns+Varsity+2017-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRSebnViCP1Yrj8O_Bvv3QsmiVcYXkoLy9M_5EkjLzDzHwuINFt82ekBlmdwSvApIHw9W_PtjdqrTdoG_XTIiTWy_yEOd4EFhwLSE6t8TZD7FKVJZ_dDLjj3s05JON2zVmTtgazS2rQUR/s320/Crowns+Varsity+2017-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My oldest daughter is a senior this year, so this was her last year with varsity. These girls are the BEST, and it was my honor to coach them at the tournament. My youngest just started this year on the middle school team. Like her sister, I'm not sure if she's in it for the sport or the friends, but she's enjoying it, and playing well, and that's all that matters :).<br />
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Mimi turned 18 the day before the tournament. One of her teammates brought her a HUGE bag full of chocolate chip cookies and a hand made cookie-shaped card to our hotel room that night. YUM!<br />
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And...Mimi has a boyfriend. A serious one. He's sweet, and they are smitten with each other. He COMPLETELY surprised her by showing up at the tournament on Friday (my undying thanks to his mom for bringing him and spending some time watching Mimi as well). THAT is a labor of love, let me tell you, because there are not words in the English language to describe the noise level of an indoor volleyball tournament, but sit next to someone blowing a whistle every ten seconds while watching a live sporting event with a CONTINUOUSLY cheering crowd, and you will begin to understand...then do that for hours and hours and hours. And Mimi wasn't the only girl with a beau who did that! Ky's young man, who is a former student of mine and a real sweetheart too, came with his family and spent the day just to support our girls, and her in particular :).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SlBOyYyGDCZ6s1HKGyOdEvUJTOLYJJcLIsGMfOESaQlDKgJPtfbi1hNXPXJH5E-S2v3TqBUcj5Z6T4dyuaZAZcXmX2SuKH4Wz4r0TpeUIsZ8DB1D3wc2E7SpSsrUlFU6uBFrx3W4YUYy/s1600/Em+Daniel+Ky+and+Joel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SlBOyYyGDCZ6s1HKGyOdEvUJTOLYJJcLIsGMfOESaQlDKgJPtfbi1hNXPXJH5E-S2v3TqBUcj5Z6T4dyuaZAZcXmX2SuKH4Wz4r0TpeUIsZ8DB1D3wc2E7SpSsrUlFU6uBFrx3W4YUYy/s320/Em+Daniel+Ky+and+Joel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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While we were at the tournament, one of the scorekeepers from the team we were competing against asked me if I was singing in the choir Wednesday night at the Pastor's conference at our church...she had been there and recognized me from that, lol.<br />
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The Pastor's conference was a three day event and draws people from all over the world. Sadly, Monday and Tuesday we had volleyball (away games on Monday and practice on Tuesday at a different gym since the conference was in the church's gym-the gym doubles as the worship center), so I wasn't able to sing the first two days, but TJ worked tech all three days of the conference. He normally does tech at church on Sunday mornings for the middle school service and has done it for our co-op for years, but this was his first time working a conference event. <br />
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Speaking of TJ, he gets his braces off in December. I just made the appointment for his last wire change, and the braces removal, and his retainer fitting. Yay! He also got a concussion two weeks ago from a header in a soccer game. Boo! He got it on a Saturday, and then had the PSAT four days later. Good times! He's doing better, but still not back to playing soccer.<br />
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And just for fun...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSvOkVXkj2R0cmUQzpufOhTH31OnlU7Ikhr2TfIu6YrV5_ksQ-H6B33Tne0kdrEH74VSBpsbsa020wHncC24Mx3wKPWz28-DO-NKs6ZVsSy16aAhPimpz6kVLFXj0Qlkcch0w8PN6gBzA/s1600/Supercon+2017+SG+web-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSvOkVXkj2R0cmUQzpufOhTH31OnlU7Ikhr2TfIu6YrV5_ksQ-H6B33Tne0kdrEH74VSBpsbsa020wHncC24Mx3wKPWz28-DO-NKs6ZVsSy16aAhPimpz6kVLFXj0Qlkcch0w8PN6gBzA/s320/Supercon+2017+SG+web-4.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Here's Sari before SuperCon. She went as Chibi Moon, and Mimi hand painted and accented her jacket.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8at7rS3opZ7HU_LXL_dkqoo-0YPCs9E0U_MNhp_KeTkyB4vXk-he_JGqBZjCs15C4fAMMoA91SbV0cYgAaG6B_yb3R8I33ffRygk7vmN2MqU9Mjy4jr8FH_qlMhBpYglP7HA53vCAwrQa/s1600/Supercon+2017+The+Girls+web-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8at7rS3opZ7HU_LXL_dkqoo-0YPCs9E0U_MNhp_KeTkyB4vXk-he_JGqBZjCs15C4fAMMoA91SbV0cYgAaG6B_yb3R8I33ffRygk7vmN2MqU9Mjy4jr8FH_qlMhBpYglP7HA53vCAwrQa/s320/Supercon+2017+The+Girls+web-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's Mimi's friend who made her cookies, Mimi (looking SO much like my mom in this picture it's not even funny) and Sari all cosplaying for SuperCon.<br />
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And Mimi's 18th birthday...here's a new picture:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBeVTGyz2XmeQbuOQuaMGxjbFDpdz3nux_zzrJ459ykQAydYnN7EEfnchYz0mBy5-Dh7dZ1uP1W5l2bonra_iLY6hA34n4Fw9u-2EintnPwPIvulQBbGm6Gd5daZSdMBoIhtN3iQKDJsB/s1600/Emily+Headshot-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBeVTGyz2XmeQbuOQuaMGxjbFDpdz3nux_zzrJ459ykQAydYnN7EEfnchYz0mBy5-Dh7dZ1uP1W5l2bonra_iLY6hA34n4Fw9u-2EintnPwPIvulQBbGm6Gd5daZSdMBoIhtN3iQKDJsB/s320/Emily+Headshot-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-50743694124971189072017-06-19T10:49:00.000-04:002017-06-19T10:54:43.204-04:00Miacademy Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRq5QQwYjY-4ncgg1nqTUz6YiAOFkqrthpNUcCNO27hsWE7LGsqTu-4fPQuBkg1G0UWIQsLYcfrgiK9S0qY-kOJAyUNX5Zu8SzL_jhttA7ueDbbB8Omo6ssPn6YnAw4P9_XnN_k8JuZzx/s1600/Miacademy+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRq5QQwYjY-4ncgg1nqTUz6YiAOFkqrthpNUcCNO27hsWE7LGsqTu-4fPQuBkg1G0UWIQsLYcfrgiK9S0qY-kOJAyUNX5Zu8SzL_jhttA7ueDbbB8Omo6ssPn6YnAw4P9_XnN_k8JuZzx/s1600/Miacademy+logo.png" /></a></div>
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For those of you who remember, quiet a while ago, I reviewed one of their other learning site-<a href="http://oneblessedmamma.blogspot.com/2011/10/always-ice-cream-review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Always Icecream</a> for girls and and have a lifetime membership to that and to Clever Dragons for boys because we enjoy their safe, moderated content so much. Now, the same parent company has created another learning site where all kids can find a "safe, wholesome, and fun place to learn online". That site is called <a href="https://miacademy.co/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Miacademy</a>.<br />
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Beyond being open to both boys and girls, what makes Miacademy so very different from many other sites out there is the emphasis on meeting your child where they are at, meaning this site is great for "normal" kids, but also perfect for those that need a little extra help. It begins when you first sign your kids up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9XuGwj0wTDxLzSIy6uVdtKDTfROebtZrO909JSDeVQfIiVcVsrirCHPU4oXpyvW1ETJWKrlqps2dNGTrtYSpLgotoHJ4Fk0FaQG4sWexTWlDJugmG0NKj3d6e-JN_aXDwkSxMsx-fKjM/s1600/Miacademy+parent+settings+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="746" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9XuGwj0wTDxLzSIy6uVdtKDTfROebtZrO909JSDeVQfIiVcVsrirCHPU4oXpyvW1ETJWKrlqps2dNGTrtYSpLgotoHJ4Fk0FaQG4sWexTWlDJugmG0NKj3d6e-JN_aXDwkSxMsx-fKjM/s320/Miacademy+parent+settings+2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
In this box above, parents configure learning levels and social features. You can set difficulty generally, by only adjusting the top bar across any range you want-as wide or narrow as you wish. Or, you can choose to go subject by subject...or a combination of both. Here, I left most of it set to the upper range, but keyed in on the foreign language setting and made that one lower, knowing that my child's exposure to ASL was probably not going to help them much with French or Spanish games. Socially, you can choose to have them be able to interact with others in the community or not, so they can just be there to learn, or they can take place in the group games.<br />
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Parents' accounts have two levels- free and premium. With the free membership, you can assign your student(s)' s learning and social levels, choose whether learning and enrichment videos are accessible to them, receive weekly emails with your student(s)'s progress, and give them bonus site based currency for chores or schoolwork done at home. Here is what you get for the premium membership:<br />
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<strong><big>Premium Parent Membership Benefits</big></strong> </div>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #304b76; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li>Assign practice from any learning area on Miacademy.</li>
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<li>Preview and assign assessments. You'll receive <b>statistics</b> on your child's scores when your child completes the test.</li>
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<li>See a detailed list of incorrect answers. (You can use this to help focus your teaching where it's most needed.)</li>
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<li><b>Require</b> an assignment to be <b>completed</b> before your child explores other site areas.</li>
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<li>Receive detailed reports about your child's assessment progress as part of our weekly update.</li>
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<li><b>Track study time</b> and see how much time your children spend in each learning area.</li>
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<li>Print <b>customizable report cards</b> for independent study portfolios or school.</li>
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<li>One Premium Parent membership covers all paid child accounts.</li>
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</ul>
The parent premium membership is $199 for a lifetime, or $99 for one year.<br />
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Here's a sample of the letter portion of the weekly email you receive letting you know what your student has been working on:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZ5cXjuhQpD08YrwGTrvjXJwTx6Edj2P_Pa_QCkjxzR3St7mx2JvN3McveRwpZWMxUxjXiuAFG4Wi5BgKP5u-KYVayuBVsoIsXoLGedjhlvNNHirOpGKIjqP7r_b8Etst-5_K7z01KinA/s1600/Miacademy+parent+email.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="597" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZ5cXjuhQpD08YrwGTrvjXJwTx6Edj2P_Pa_QCkjxzR3St7mx2JvN3McveRwpZWMxUxjXiuAFG4Wi5BgKP5u-KYVayuBVsoIsXoLGedjhlvNNHirOpGKIjqP7r_b8Etst-5_K7z01KinA/s320/Miacademy+parent+email.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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When your student first logs into the site, they create a "mini me". that figure is initially customizable in a somewhat limited fashion, but as they play more, they can design clothes of their own for their figure to wear. Then, they can even sell the clothes (and other items) they design to others in the site, and the site tracks how well their item sells and shop does overall allowing them to learn about business as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjDnnxV6-nDSXofVignj476sqfBTb8Ff4JcK85u-XUeFJZCCfEyACeC41DSVEta26dhc7DKY22-7EgGUm2a81cwEnEsbeJytHkOLyBVnEgD5L4mpdzVA5EV9CrAQw7asALEaYn1Pr_JSq/s1600/Miacademy+mini+me.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1011" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjDnnxV6-nDSXofVignj476sqfBTb8Ff4JcK85u-XUeFJZCCfEyACeC41DSVEta26dhc7DKY22-7EgGUm2a81cwEnEsbeJytHkOLyBVnEgD5L4mpdzVA5EV9CrAQw7asALEaYn1Pr_JSq/s320/Miacademy+mini+me.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The map helps them explore their world, and as you can guess, in the design studio is where they can do all their creating, whereas the shops for the items are on the right hand side.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriwrzMmt6P0hcIj6abvg7igouG0398ESFCRkPEXzfEGy5Rok0WIKuTImo3AsiH4gdBhawGayQTXVK5n05Wt1q9x6wd3iOYSjgajcztwBAclRDnXXHT7nEkd8Ya15kpAVIfy02B1tE2j4K/s1600/Miadademy+world+map.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="990" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriwrzMmt6P0hcIj6abvg7igouG0398ESFCRkPEXzfEGy5Rok0WIKuTImo3AsiH4gdBhawGayQTXVK5n05Wt1q9x6wd3iOYSjgajcztwBAclRDnXXHT7nEkd8Ya15kpAVIfy02B1tE2j4K/s320/Miadademy+world+map.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have to say, this creative area is one of my daughter's favorite parts of Miacademy. She loves being able to design clothing and furniture items, or just works of art, and then offer them for sale to others. And she loves seeing all the creative things others have designed! That apple doesn't fall far from the tree though, because her sister typically has one of the top selling shops on Always Icecream, and I really credit that with planting the seed for her digital design aspirations. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIlBc9VbOW0DlsLnPAqLfgxLVDFN6azKwPKsMM_k_lSjlwhdDUOJq2QYqJkn3oIr_WrW3qzHoK3qjMXPdVaXjH_-U8z5Rgc-17HtKdHFR3GpzM6-0yT22K30fnXf1q7FerMoqee1nvYFh/s1600/Miacademy+circle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="512" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIlBc9VbOW0DlsLnPAqLfgxLVDFN6azKwPKsMM_k_lSjlwhdDUOJq2QYqJkn3oIr_WrW3qzHoK3qjMXPdVaXjH_-U8z5Rgc-17HtKdHFR3GpzM6-0yT22K30fnXf1q7FerMoqee1nvYFh/s320/Miacademy+circle.png" width="320" /></a></div>
The above circle explains the Miacademy model best, as it's not all designing clothing or fun and games, it's about smart learning. Kids have the opportunity to learn across the curriculum through multi-level educational quizzes and videos. There is lots of appreciation for accomplishment like achievement medals earned in game, praise and incentives awarded by parents, and peer support. And then there is plenty of incentive with the earning of "in game" currency. "Gold" earned from doing learning games or watching learning videos can be used to purchase decorations for your castle, expansions to your castle, pets, new clothes, play creative games, or, if you allow it, watch entertaining videos (which are still approved by the moderators).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12qNlMczyYehnc9RC0QZ4sNN7630tPp-mamFZoGLzMj3vCAKo0I5LAPZL7NWWDvrn-Pj9oyYUqt94ZHdgj4_tufbDsGjVimGvTKM4BoGKaatzBp7uc7m37ZgD0GoJ0EhNuUJlIQDOgnKa/s1600/Miacademy+science+game.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="840" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12qNlMczyYehnc9RC0QZ4sNN7630tPp-mamFZoGLzMj3vCAKo0I5LAPZL7NWWDvrn-Pj9oyYUqt94ZHdgj4_tufbDsGjVimGvTKM4BoGKaatzBp7uc7m37ZgD0GoJ0EhNuUJlIQDOgnKa/s320/Miacademy+science+game.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's an example of a science game. During the initial assessment process, the games begin somewhat simple and allow students to skip 5 levels once they have shown some competency. They can always go back a level as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmLPGohHF4cdjYk9W77IDKxNzNWz6pDDNEO3sExkpbH9AR4LOltZx6HCD7s3hMq9tpfg823TNinVIancz-vlSKQzL3MHrdSnoc7odvroHvzDKna_yvsPyS0WepycPyHAoTIK7kwJRk49j/s1600/Miacademy+silver+medal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="845" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmLPGohHF4cdjYk9W77IDKxNzNWz6pDDNEO3sExkpbH9AR4LOltZx6HCD7s3hMq9tpfg823TNinVIancz-vlSKQzL3MHrdSnoc7odvroHvzDKna_yvsPyS0WepycPyHAoTIK7kwJRk49j/s320/Miacademy+silver+medal.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's an example of earning a medal in a a game.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LU-MO3QGlVaEjlzhA1TK146Z2hQmPxABV9wzJDspQFh5UYg6nVXn1hJ_2LjYwGwH08cn9HwOpSIKbzjqNrrmY9bM7VXYgQhybfBAISllNXvAWKW70evTT7PwdCsZDPKeMqvbBW80sMAi/s1600/Miacademy+videos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="613" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LU-MO3QGlVaEjlzhA1TK146Z2hQmPxABV9wzJDspQFh5UYg6nVXn1hJ_2LjYwGwH08cn9HwOpSIKbzjqNrrmY9bM7VXYgQhybfBAISllNXvAWKW70evTT7PwdCsZDPKeMqvbBW80sMAi/s320/Miacademy+videos.png" width="271" /></a></div>
This is the video screen. The ones with coins on them will earn the students coins to watch them, and the ones without cost them coins to watch them. Again, all videos have to be approved before they are allowed on the site, but you can also chose to not allow your child access to videos if you'd like.<br />
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OBM says: I have 4 kids, but really only one that falls within this age range anymore. I have to say though, that even though my 17 year old daughter has "aged out" of Always Icecream, she loves to go on there and create new things from time to time because she's artistic and with AI she found a community and an outlet for her artistry she really enjoyed. She also learned SO much through the videos about geography and other subjects. But every child is different, and for whatever reason, even thought she enjoys AI, my youngest child has LOVED Miacademy even more. She is truly my Ferdinand...preferring to smell the flowers in the field over doing the schoolwork in front of her...but she will willingly do Miacademy all day long. NOT that it is a replacement for a full day of school. But it is a welcome change to fighting over everything, for sure. I like it because it has solid educational material that she will watch and do without fighting with me about. And I like it because, unlike YouTube and a lot of other video sources out there, once she's done watching one video, I don't have to worry about the content of the NEXT one that is going to pop up. She likes it because she can work on her own. I can use the parent's premium membership to assign her work if I want to, but so far I've just let her wander as the mood suits her and kept track of it with the weekly emails. We'll see how that changes as time passes...I can tell you the parent company behind Miacademy is very responsive and really listens to any concerns you might have, which in my mind's eye is another huge plus in today's day and age. The biggest "con" I would have is that the artificial intelligence voice that speaks through most of the games can be hard to understand sometimes for critical things like phonics games where you are trying to distinguish between very similar sounding words or phonemes, which sometimes results in erroneous "incorrect" answers. But that doesn't happen too often, so it's something I can get past given the other positives. <br />
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To sign up for a <b>free</b> trial of<a href="https://miacademy.co/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Miacademy,</a> just click the link. Pricing is $9,95 a month ($4,95 for your first month), $89 a year, or $189 for a lifetime. If you have multiple kids and many, many years ahead of you, then the family lifetime might be your best bet. It's $389 for up to 4 children. My friend Susan had multiple students using Miacademy, so you can see the benefits of that if you read her review here: <a href="http://www.homeschoolingheartsandminds.com/2017/05/online-learning-made-fun-review-of.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Homeschooling Hearts and Minds</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjDS6mQTiORh-Nu0HSekkH1n8oK_HJHoPWlZG8GDQC8MuMkKt-OSeUUX33pAdM210fLzR9sOeo7X64HElbNowR2DT3ST23uPXwKoIcQmlQvJD0mA_wJFB8YfhTsO6neGi_LBnPpoum8DG/s1600/OBM+Review+Disclaimer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="900" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjDS6mQTiORh-Nu0HSekkH1n8oK_HJHoPWlZG8GDQC8MuMkKt-OSeUUX33pAdM210fLzR9sOeo7X64HElbNowR2DT3ST23uPXwKoIcQmlQvJD0mA_wJFB8YfhTsO6neGi_LBnPpoum8DG/s320/OBM+Review+Disclaimer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-69228921079023358762017-03-15T23:19:00.001-04:002017-03-15T23:19:10.909-04:00Open Hands-Laura Story's Newest CD {A Flyby Review}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi3fHaIXWtwwAhReTKS_Ee6hgOKdHkALSs-YL9B5hW_gqJ6vi7cVyzVX2OJCTSgjCwhRQeCmcxmZzxKof5h9n5_kPhnMNm28VQYIRCmSl6C7Sqi4pfPCxh4S2uW2A-ffA_HIz3H2xRK8W/s1600/Open+Hands+Cover+Laura+Story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi3fHaIXWtwwAhReTKS_Ee6hgOKdHkALSs-YL9B5hW_gqJ6vi7cVyzVX2OJCTSgjCwhRQeCmcxmZzxKof5h9n5_kPhnMNm28VQYIRCmSl6C7Sqi4pfPCxh4S2uW2A-ffA_HIz3H2xRK8W/s1600/Open+Hands+Cover+Laura+Story.jpg" /></a></div>
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When the "call" came out to review this new album by Laura Story, I was eager to say "yes"! Her song <i>Blessings</i> was a real blessing to me, as I'm sure it was to so many people out there based on its popularity. For those of you not familiar with Laura, here's a bit of her bio:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">GRAMMY®
award winning artist, speaker, songwriter, author and worship leader Laura
Story has a gift for penning songs that connect with people all around the
world. Among her successes as a solo artist with her smash hits “Mighty to Save”
and “Blessings,” Laura has also penned hit songs for other renowned artists
including Chris Tomlin’s “Indescribable.” Her solo artist music debut in 2008
with <em>Great God Who Saves</em> led
to four Dove nominations and the award for “Inspirational Album of the Year.”</span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKcCCo9YyavkVzZi9le4N2Z_PRoLzRMYxXgSjwdM56jEQ6A6dWGZkv6tfMgkGB2baVymtTmBQakWCTwUz8_Y-FY6EMZX_d4fyzEDym-kJohNXhy-aT9hikUwcWWoZOIvfsvmdoQtjhEaz/s1600/Open+Hands+quote+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKcCCo9YyavkVzZi9le4N2Z_PRoLzRMYxXgSjwdM56jEQ6A6dWGZkv6tfMgkGB2baVymtTmBQakWCTwUz8_Y-FY6EMZX_d4fyzEDym-kJohNXhy-aT9hikUwcWWoZOIvfsvmdoQtjhEaz/s320/Open+Hands+quote+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I <i>loved</i> this backstory that we were given about the inspiration for this album:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="gmail-body">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Throughout the Bible, there are countless stories of ordinary
people whole-heartedly attempting to live a life fully surrendered to God’s
unique calling on their lives. More than once, God asks people of faith to
relinquish control and simply trust Him. These days, singer/songwriter Laura
Story is discovering the beauty found in letting go. It’s this posture of
surrender that she’s striving for on her fifth studio album, <i>Open Hands</i>
(Fair Trade Services).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
“We have this picture all the way through the Scriptures of all
these great leaders in this process of surrendering everything. What the Lord
is asking them is not, ‘You need to hold on tighter. You need to manage this
better.’ What the Lord asks us is to surrender,” she offers, “It’s about
learning to live with open hands, learning to live life in this constant state
of saying, ‘Lord, my life is Yours. My time is Yours. My resources are Yours.
All of this is Yours. Do what You will.’”</div>
</blockquote>
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I found this to be such a true sentiment. Having just finished a study of Ezekiel, I was struck by all the odd (to the observer), difficult things God asked Ezekiel to do, and he lived a life fully surrendered. Time and time again in the Bible, ordinary people do extraordinary things when they let go and let God. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqod4Q1yxa4CKjFX-PMh5n3-_IxvphsNCQYLv46LTiw-FxyOvTJwWLuxIsw0JQAvUQ7MwkAvnNhGpl-B_J0jDv4Q8jHF-MnQvIpI741asZWsH4iNsgZRqhZ9M8FqyL80XpO10jRPq_nQL/s1600/Open+Hands+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqod4Q1yxa4CKjFX-PMh5n3-_IxvphsNCQYLv46LTiw-FxyOvTJwWLuxIsw0JQAvUQ7MwkAvnNhGpl-B_J0jDv4Q8jHF-MnQvIpI741asZWsH4iNsgZRqhZ9M8FqyL80XpO10jRPq_nQL/s320/Open+Hands+quote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And this quote was so insightful:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Worship at the very core of what it is is ‘worth-ship.’ It’s the
easiest definition I’ve ever heard of worship. It’s giving God worth, and
sometimes that means verbal adoration and praise. Sometimes that’s showing Him
worth with our calendars and our checking accounts. No matter what it is, it
always begins with open hands. It always begins with a willingness to say, ‘You
are worth whatever cost you call me to give,’” she maintains. “Worship in its
very core begins with surrender. That’s how we really show God that He’s worth
it all.”</blockquote>
<br />
OBM says: <u>Open Hands</u> does a wonderful job of taking you to the throne of grace. From the title song, which features guest vocals from Mac Powell of Third Day fame, to my personal favorite <i>For the Love of My King</i>- a beautiful updated version of <i>My Jesus I Love Thee</i>, each of these songs definitely speaks of God's worth-ship. The last song, <i>Grace Abounds,</i> is simplistic, but lovely, and such a great reminder on days when everything seems to be going wrong. Overall, <u>Open Hands</u> is truly a worshipful CD that would make a wonderful addition to any collection. <br />
<br />
To purchase the album or any of the songs individually, you can go to <a href="http://smarturl.it/OpenHandsiTunes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>.<br />
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To follow Laura Story and her music, you can use any of the links below:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://laurastorymusic.com/%20https://twitter.com/laurastorymusic%20https://www.facebook.com/laurastory%20https://www.instagram.com/laurastorymusic/%20Video%20links:%20Open%20Hands%20(Official%20Lyric%20Video)%20-%20https://youtu.be/AABE--YR1No%20Open%20Hands%20(Song%20Devotional)%20-%20https://youtu.be/NWWiyFlXdi0" target="_blank">http://laurastorymusic.com/ </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="http://laurastorymusic.com/%20https://twitter.com/laurastorymusic%20https://www.facebook.com/laurastory%20https://www.instagram.com/laurastorymusic/%20Video%20links:%20Open%20Hands%20(Official%20Lyric%20Video)%20-%20https://youtu.be/AABE--YR1No%20Open%20Hands%20(Song%20Devotional)%20-%20https://youtu.be/NWWiyFlXdi0" target="_blank">@laurastorymusic </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/laurastory">https://www.facebook.com/laurastory</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurastorymusic/">https://www.instagram.com/laurastorymusic/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I have great news for one reader! I have a copy of <u>Open Hands</u> to give away this week. Just enter the raffle below.<br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d8c99d1057" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d8c99d1057/" id="rcwidget_fbollcaa" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggidgFdGtX9Sxdi7exruXJiAjyHrf-gy1jvr1fdIQfBwYukPTcBg0HSP94K4QI3NpmDs_QkeSHDaPZbJKAh0wZ6MRoizwEOzzOpu29kaQ51bogw0ZH_XUU1-Ojz0j2TLo9bmzFwoKlBGNk/s1600/FlyBy+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggidgFdGtX9Sxdi7exruXJiAjyHrf-gy1jvr1fdIQfBwYukPTcBg0HSP94K4QI3NpmDs_QkeSHDaPZbJKAh0wZ6MRoizwEOzzOpu29kaQ51bogw0ZH_XUU1-Ojz0j2TLo9bmzFwoKlBGNk/s320/FlyBy+2017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-63080842709567293632017-01-17T12:50:00.000-05:002017-01-20T12:53:43.621-05:00The Returning by Rachelle Dekker {A Tyndale Review}<div class="MsoNormal">
***I want to start by saying I was meant to post this on the 17th for the book's launch, but my computer has been
misbehaving terribly, and I have not been able to get it working, even with a “tech
guy” for a husband. I feel terrible, and
I am ever so appreciative to Tyndale and Ms. Dekker for the opportunity to
review this book.***<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was SO excited to be chosen to review this final book in
Rachelle Dekker’s <i>The Seer</i>
series. I’ve had the chance to review
each of the other books in the series and was very much looking forward to
reading <i>The Returning</i> and seeing how
the story concluded. Before I get too
much into my thoughts, here’s a little background on the book and the author.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifa9IMUORQ8MFlLFtFJlToTq97TYjN7Uqp1kMqfFSKYUDY2smW-BU_Rh86e94CGIuyY1GPvRO9pdVf2ZcN1b5KNiAaVnOwIPHBHWZaNrsA1mxkcdVfyxPGkNIfio0S4XbZSXtIuXicT4MD/s1600/pic_lg_Dekker_Rachelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifa9IMUORQ8MFlLFtFJlToTq97TYjN7Uqp1kMqfFSKYUDY2smW-BU_Rh86e94CGIuyY1GPvRO9pdVf2ZcN1b5KNiAaVnOwIPHBHWZaNrsA1mxkcdVfyxPGkNIfio0S4XbZSXtIuXicT4MD/s1600/pic_lg_Dekker_Rachelle.jpg" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br /><o:p> The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle
Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through the avenue of storytelling.
She graduated with a degree in communications and spent several years in
marketing and corporate recruiting before making the transition to write full-time. She
lives in Nashville with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat, Blair.
</o:p></blockquote>
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Tyndale provided some Q&A about the book directly from the author, which is <i>so</i> insightful.</div>
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<i><b>Set the scene for The Returning. What has happened since The Calling ended?</b>
Well, it’s been nearly 20 years, and the world has changed. I don’t want to give too much away
for those who haven’t read the first two, so I’ll just say the world is very different and much more
dangerous than it once was. But something is brewing under the surface. Change is coming, and
people know it. </i></div>
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<i><b>What themes are explored in this book?</b>
Identity is something I am always exploring, so that’s no different in The Returning. But in this
novel I took a really hard look at forgiveness and how that relates to our journey of discovering
who we really are.</i></div>
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<i><b>The theme of identity is explored in all three Seer books. How does forgiveness relate to
identity?</b>
For me, forgiveness is more about the one who feels wronged than the one who committed the
wrong. What if, for a moment, you believed that nothing could harm you? That you, as a believer,
are seated at the Father’s table and standing with him? Can anything harm the Father? If you
believe no, then can anything harm you—the true you, the true spirited self? So then, forgiveness
becomes more about letting go of false belief and stepping into the true identity that the Father
gave to you. I know it’s radical, but belief like that could change the world, don’t you think?</i> </div>
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<i><b>How do you hope this book will resonate with your readers?</b>
I hope, as with both of the other books, that the reader sees themselves in the characters and
that the story causes them to look inward. To ask hard questions like, Who am I? What am I
capable of? Do I see myself the way the Father does? Can I? I hope it challenges their idea of
identity and then gives them hope to see themselves and others more clearly. Because that’s
how these stories have impacted me, and we are all really just the same. </i></div>
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OBM says: I read this
book over the course of a day. It sucked
me in, the wanting to know the end of all the characters’ stories. I personally enjoyed this book so much more
than the second one and felt that it came back around to the original feel of
the first book, <i>The Choosing</i>. I love that there are discussion questions at
the end, not because I am in a book club, or because I have anyone to discuss
the book with, but because they make me think a bit more about the story. It’s an odd genre- this post-apocalyptic/dystopian but
decidedly Christian one-since that possibility doesn’t really line up with how I
understand end-times to work, but it does give YA readers who enjoy the post-apocalyptic
genre a faith filled series to enjoy. And reading Ms. Dekker's Q&A made me look at the themes beyond the possibility of whether the scenario was plausible or not belief-wise in my mind's eye. I did thoroughly enjoy the entire series-it's very readable, and definitely draws you into the story that she is telling. The one character I struggled with a lot was Aaron, as I wasn't sure what he was exactly supposed to represent, and so I'll share Ms. Dekker's words on him from her Q&A: <i> <b>What is he supposed to represent and what kind of spiritual leader is he? </b>I like to leave this one open, which I know isn’t really the answer you want. I want the reader to
decide who he is to them. For me he’s a guiding light, an angel maybe, a representation of the
spirit who communicates with us and leads us. He can be many things—mostly, though, he’s a
great way to hear truth. </i>I'd wholeheartedly agree that he was the character through which the greatest amount of Biblical truth was spoken.</div>
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The Seer series in general, and The Returning specifically, is available on <a href="http://tyndale.com/">Tyndale.com</a> and in bookstores everywhere.</div>
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oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-45875025443826781112016-12-19T22:12:00.000-05:002016-12-19T22:12:26.209-05:00When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette by Max Davis {A Review and Giveaway}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
It seems like it's been forever, but this Blessed Mamma has been plugging away at the Mamma part of her job a LOT lately. Life is settling in a bit and I was really ready for this opportunity to fill my spiritual cup when the opportunity came to review <i><a href="http://worthypublishing.com/books/When-Jesus-Was-a-Green-Eyed-Brunette/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette</a></i>. That title catches your attention, doesn't it? Here's the official blurb:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette</span></i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> weaves heartwarming and miraculous stories of Jesus
showing up in ordinary people, revealing that He knows us and is fully present
in our everyday circumstances, especially in our difficulties. Those hurting
and weary from worn-out religion are longing for a fresh touch from the living
Jesus. Best-selling author Max Davis challenges us to do more than simply
receive God’s grace—we need to allow grace to soften, change, and shape us. As
you read this book you will laugh, cry, and come face-to-face with the living
Jesus, much like Davis did, when he found Him living in a green-eyed brunette.
As Davis puts it, “Jesus is very much alive today and still does incredible
things—sometimes supernatural things—through us!”</span></blockquote>
I wasn't familiar with the author, Max Davis, and in case you aren't either, here's his bio:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Max Davis </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">is
the author of over 20 published books and has been featured in USA Today and
Publishers Weekly and has appeared on The Today Show and The 700 Club. He holds
degrees in Journalism and Biblical Studies and is a much sought-after speaker
for churches and organizations worldwide. He and his wife, Alanna, live on 50
beautiful acres in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana.</span></blockquote>
His wife Alanna, by the way, is the green-eyed brunette in question, but you'll have to read the book to get more of that story. In fact, the book is full of stories of people "<i>Loving People Like God Does</i>" as the subtitle suggests. I think this quote sums up best the purpose of the book and the stories shared in it, "It's about allowing the Jesus inside us to transform us and then use us to touch the people who come into our lives..." Mr. Davis further says our calling, with Jesus living inside us, is to "step where He steps, stop where He stops, and go where He goes." <br />
<br />
OBM says: I took this book with me to read during "downtime" as I ran my brood from place to place, and frequently found myself moved to tears and having to discreetly wipe my eyes :). More than that, I found myself challenged by some of the stories. I try to touch the lives of people who come into my life for the better, but I'm no Corrie ten Boom. And yet I'm reminded that I just need to honor and obey God in all my circumstances. Go when He says go, stay when He says stay, and always strive to keep my relationship right with Jesus first and foremost. I'd recommend this book for anyone who needs to be reminded of Jesus's presence in their life or of how He can work through them in the lives of others.<br />
<br />
U.S. Residents can enter below for your chance to win a copy of <i>When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette</i>!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d8c99d1056" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d8c99d1056/" id="rcwidget_0mb0drfe" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<i>"Disclosure
(in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the<br />
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 <wbr class=""></wbr>per mailing address, per <wbr class=""></wbr>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.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-35950798050106852772016-04-12T06:52:00.000-04:002016-06-02T07:40:02.435-04:00Loved+Blessed Box ReviewIt's so nice when encouragement arrives on your doorstep. Especially when all you've been dealing with for weeks is brown moving boxes and this one is a petite pink box with the words "loved + blessed" on the outside. Even the mailing label says, "Encouragement Delivered." And that's exactly what the Loved+Blessed Box is-encouragement delivered to your home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrwY-al_MvchpinflXszIIMxWMlnkv1g2UsiU6MHN_zTEpxsAROSmPfIe4jOOmeD7oel8yIsunjkcpp3xk-CiCZZwBwvbkrAaUJ3j_75FW1EZ7LM1782_cK3ZQbr6gtxv9MaRR-tQuva5/s1600/Loved%252BBlessed+box+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrwY-al_MvchpinflXszIIMxWMlnkv1g2UsiU6MHN_zTEpxsAROSmPfIe4jOOmeD7oel8yIsunjkcpp3xk-CiCZZwBwvbkrAaUJ3j_75FW1EZ7LM1782_cK3ZQbr6gtxv9MaRR-tQuva5/s1600/Loved%252BBlessed+box+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Last month's theme was "Speak Life." The box contained a mini poster reminding recipients not to believe everything they think, and then providing positive encouragement (you are loved, you are blessed...), a removable, repositionable sticker, two scripture cards (one was a bonus), a theme card, which is mounted inside the box to explain this month's theme, and a journal for recording encouraging scripture, quotes, or positive thoughts. Here's what it all looked like:<br />
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Loved + Blessed Boxes can be bought in month to month, and 3, 6, or 12 month pre-paid <a href="https://lovedandblessed.cratejoy.com/subscribe/35840163_Box+of+Encouragement" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">subscription plans</a>. They are $10 each month to month, and less for the pre-paid. You can also <a href="https://lovedandblessed.cratejoy.com/subscribe/gift/35840163_Box+of+Encouragement" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">purchase them as a gift</a> for someone else at the same price. <a href="https://lovedandblessed.cratejoy.com/shop/all/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Previous boxes are available for purchase</a> as well. The price is slightly higher ($12), but you know what you are getting, so that's helpful if one box looks particularly appealing or encouraging for someone you know.<br />
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OBM says: The idea of these little monthly subscription boxes is so popular right now. And I love that this one is Christian and positive and NOT full of a ton of junk that I just feel guilty about throwing away because I paid for it. They'd also make great, inexpensive, "I was thinking of you" gifts to send. As to the box I specifically received, I wish the mini poster had stuck exclusively to affirmations that were Biblical and then put the citation beneath the saying, i.e. "you are wonderfully made...Psalm 139:14" and skipped the "you are smart" type things because I'm not sure that's among God's promises for each of us :). Other than that, I loved the box, and I think it came at a perfect time for me. Ephesians 4:29, the verse on the scripture card, is one of my favorites to be reminded of, especially in the stress of moving! I am truly loved and blessed-it's a good reminder.<br />
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For you Facebookers out there, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lovedblessedbox/?fref=ts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Loved+Blessed has a FB page</a> where they post encouraging things on a regular basis.<br />
<br />oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-17706963325696307302016-03-15T22:15:00.001-04:002016-03-15T22:15:38.282-04:00So, We Bought a House Today :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the new home on the range ;). It all came together rather quickly, and we've been crazy making everything fall into place between the time we made the offer and today when we closed, but it's officially ours. There's some drama over the fence you see in the picture-it *should* be tethered to the back corner of the house according to the HOA guidelines, not the front corner. So the HOA tried to stop the closing, but we have a fence company coming to move it, and the sellers under contract to pay for that fee plus any HOA fines, so we went on and closed because we need to get out of our rental house. <br />
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I'm super excited to say that we have plenty of room for guests to stay, and .79 acres of land for kids to run around. A wood playset stayed, and we'll have a volleyball net up soon enough. <br />
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After living in a house built in 1883 for over a decade, and this "stuck in the 80's" rental for the past 2 1/2 years, a 3 year old house sounds really, really amazing to me. <br />
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I'll post some more pictures as soon as I take some of my own, although it won't look nearly as impressive with our stuff in it as it did with theirs :). <br />
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<br />oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344790022398880455.post-22573101436978621402016-03-08T14:43:00.000-05:002016-03-11T14:44:22.123-05:00The Calling by Rachelle Dekker {A Tyndale Review}<div class="tr_bq">
Back in May of last year, I had the opportunity to <a href="http://oneblessedmamma.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-choosing-by-rachelle-dekker-review.html" target="_blank">review The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker</a>. Ever since that time, both my son and I have been eagerly awaiting its sequel, and so when the chance to review The Calling finally came up (you know how long it seems when you are waiting for that next book!), I jumped at the opportunity!</div>
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About <i>The Calling</i>:<br />
<blockquote>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">Remko Brant had never been so sure of anything as escaping the Authority City with Carrington Hale. But bravado comes easy when you have nothing to lose. Now a husband, father, and the tactical leader of the Seers, Remko has never had so much at risk.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">As he and his team execute increasingly dangerous rescue missions inside the city, they face growing peril from a new enemy. Recently appointed Authority President Damien Gold claims to be guiding a city shaken by rebellion into a peaceful, harmonious future. But appearances can be deceiving. In order to achieve his dangerous ambitions, Gold knows he must do more than catch the rebels—he must destroy the hope their message represents . . . from the inside out.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">With dissension in his own camp—and the CityWatch soldiers closing in—Remko feels control slipping through his fingers. To protect those he loves, he must conquer his fears and defeat Gold . . . before one of them becomes his undoing.</span></span></blockquote>
About Rachelle Dekker:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">The oldest daughter of</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"> </span><em style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">New York Times</em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through storytelling.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"> </span><em style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">The Choosing</em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">was her critically acclaimed debut novel. Rachelle graduated with a degree in communications and spent several years in marketing and corporate recruiting before making the transition to write full time. She lives in Nashville with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat Blair. Visit her online at www.rachelledekker.com.</span></span></blockquote>
Some Q&A with the author:<br />
<b> The Calling is the second book in The Seer Series. Does it pick up right
after The Choosing leaves off?
</b>No, a year and a half has passed when we rejoin the characters in The Calling.<br />
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<b> In the book you talk a lot about surrendering to fear. What does this look like and
how does this help us to not be afraid?
</b>I think sometimes the natural reaction to fear is to hide from it, or try and push it away. It’s
the idea that if we can’t see it then it must not be there, but we all know that unless dealt
with the unseen things often come back to bite us. The only way to face fear is to walk
through it; surrendering to Father God and letting Him reminder us of our true identity.
Only then do we really see that the light within us is always greater than the fear we face. <br />
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<b>What do you hope readers will take away from the story? </b><br />
I hope they take a moment to see themselves as children of the Father. I hope they see that
true freedom and fearlessness rest in surrendering, and that when they stand with the
Father than nothing can stand against them. There is incredible peace in that truth, and I
hope, like I am beginning the experience, that readers feel that same peace.<br />
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<b>What can readers expect in the final book of the series?</b><br />
Characters they know and some new ones I hope they’ll love! More questions of identity,
and fear, but the characters will also be looking at forgiveness and letting go. I’m really
happy with the way the final book played out, and I’m hoping readers will be as well.<br />
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OBM says: I was so looking forward to this next book in the series. I had really, truly enjoyed <i>The Chosen</i>, and waited almost a year to find out more of the story for Remko, Carrington, and the others. But almost a year is a long time to be out of a story, and so when I picked up <i>The Calling</i>, it took me a few minutes to re-acclimate. This book was so much about Remko and his struggle to just let go. He's leading the Seers, but he's not really a Seer himself, at least not in a true believer sense of the word. But Aaron, their spiritual leader, knows he just needs time, and trusts Remko even when Remko feels like a failure himself. That struggle is one I believe so many people can relate to. What I didn't love about <i>The Calling</i>, when I wanted to much to love it, was that it felt like a second novel...a middle book. It didn't feel resolved, and it doesn't seem like it tells it's own engaging, stand-alone story. Instead, it leaves me desperate for the third and final novel to see how the story will conclude. Still, <i>The Calling</i> is a critical part of the story if you began the trilogy, and the third book promises to be full of surprises.<br />
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<i>The Calling</i> is available from Tyndale Publishing this month for $15.99.<br />
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<br />oneblessedmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168661646220055908noreply@blogger.com0