Hope for the Desperate Mom

At the beginning of the new century I was a new mother, and a lucky one at that. My baby started sleeping through the night at 8 weeks, complied with my strict feeding/sleeping/playing schedule, and was (thankfully!) not colicky. At the time, of course, I didn't realize how good I had it. Stories from friends since those days have made me realize how lucky I was.

In the years that have followed, we didn't add to our little family. Not necessarily of our choosing (I've always joked that evidently the Lord knew Kiddo was as much as I could handle!), but we were happy with just Kiddo. I never had the struggles so many young mothers do with more than one young child. Even though Kiddo was a challenge as he got older, I don't remember the feelings of desperation I know so many mothers have.

Until I hit 39. Yep, fast forward ten years from those days of schedules, a clean house, laundry kept up, suppers on the table, etc, etc, and it's a different story.

It may have started before that, but my memory is so foggy of that time in my life, I'm not sure. I was dealing not only with a mother dying of cancer, but also a body that decided to flake out on me. I had no energy, and trying to make it through the day of educating my son, keeping a house clean, and putting supper on the table at night absolutely exhausted me. I fell into depression, only getting things I HAD to accomplish done. My husband made supper more often than I did, and we ate out a LOT which wrecked our budget. Sound Man also did a lot of the house cleaning and laundry, as well. Guilt on top of depression on top of grief for my mother made my days unbearable. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease (a really scary name for having a thyroid your body thinks is a foreign object and tries to destroy), critically low Vitamin D (normal is 35...mine was 8), and anemia. Not to mention my child never did decide to suddenly become a compliant kid. All of that equals one messed up blob of a woman.

Desperate? Yep...I'd say I was. I wouldn't be lying if I said I still am sometimes...okay, a lot of the time. While my doctors have gotten my thyroid under control, and Momma is happy and whole with Jesus, I still have health issues (and more likely than not, heart and mind issues) that keep me down.

Which is why the words of a book aimed at mothers with young children are underlined with my pen and covered by my highlighter's marks.

Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe is the new book, just released yesterday, by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson. I am so excited for Sarah Mae, who has been a bloggy friend of mine since 2008. Meeting her in person at the Relevant Conference (now called Allume) in 2010, not three weeks after I lost my mother, just solidified to me what a precious person she truly is. I haven't met Sally Clarkson yet, but I know many of you have read her books, such as Educating the Whole Hearted Child, Seasons of a Mother's Heart, The Mission of Motherhood, and many more. She is a mentor to so many women just through her writing. I can learn so much from her!

I won't even try to summarize the thoughts I have about this book, because that would take forever, but I will share one or two quotes, just because they stood out to me like a spotlight was shining on them.

On raising my boy:

•  In the chapter called, "Oh Right, There's Sin," Sarah Mae points out that "...our children struggle just like we do. They have to fight the ugly in themselves, and it's no fun for any of us...This means we need to offer them loads of grace and affirmation, so that they can be confident that we get it and we are on their team" (page 42). My reaction is usually of the get-mad-discipline-first-ask-questions-later genre.
• In the same chapter, Sally says, "I believe that if moms understand how strategic their roles were in this battle for the hearts and minds of the next generation, they would grow in excitement about this great job God created them to fulfill. For me, it changed my whole perspective to understand that this was a job for which I was designed before the fall, and that I played a key part in God's plan of redeeming this world back to Himself" (pp 45-46, emphasis mine). WOW. Just...WOW. Oh, if I would make that part of my belief system!

On depression:

• In "When the Dark Invades," Sally says, "Hiding away in God's goodness and protection is an act of the will, choosing to turn my heart away from the dark toward the light" (page 60). 
• Previously in that chapter, Sarah Mae declared, "...I am not my bad days. I will not let the dark tell me who I am. I will give only God the authority to tell me who I am. I will choose to be a participant in my own life; I will not let this life or my dark days control me" (page 59).

Oh my goodness, there are so many more quotes I could include, but I'd rather you read the book for yourself. Other chapters deal with selfishness (Sarah Mae says she thinks she has a double dose of it...me to, girl, meeee tooooo!), the voices we listen to ("...there is only one voice that matters..." page 133), and, yes, housework. Each chapter begins with notes written by Sarah Mae and Sally to each other, and ends with questions to help you dig deeper into Scripture to see what God's Word says about it. There's something even more special at the very end of each chapter, but I want you to discover that for yourself (have your smartphone handy!).

Does this sound like it might speak to your heart? Please head over to desperatemom.com to order the book. And should you decide to do a small group study with Desperate (which is an AWESOME idea!), some great gifts are included when you purchase multiple copies (this week only!)!

Speaking of gifts, if you've read this far, you deserve some fun stuff! Head to SarahMae.com to enter today's giveaway (massages for a YEAR!), and yesterday's (one year of FREE HOUSE CLEANING! WOOT!)! There are new giveaways every day, and they only last 48 hours, so you better get on over there! The winners will be announced Saturday, and next week, on Monday, January 14, the BIG GIVEAWAY winner will be announced. 

What BIG GIVEAWAY is that, you ask? Well, it's a spa getaway for you and a friend with Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson!

But don't bother entering, 'cause I'm going to win. Just kidding! Get on over there and enter to your heart's content! More giveaways announced each day!

Let me know if you read Desperate, and how you enjoyed it! I can't wait to see what God does with this book!

As a disclaimer, I received a copy of Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe in exchange for my honest and objective review. The opinion I've shared here is completely from my heart and was not influenced by anything else but the words on the page. 

Parenting from the Overflow by Teri Lynne Underwood

Several weeks ago my friend Teri Lynne invited me to read and review her book, Parenting from the Overflow. I was happy to do it because I love her and wanted to help any way I could. I also knew it would be a great book.

I wasn't wrong. Parenting from the Overflow isn't really a parenting book. I mean, how many of those are out there? A bazillion? Not that we don't need them, but this book is different. Read what Teri Lynne has to say about her book here.

As mothers, we are the model our children learn from (if that thought isn't enough to frighten you, I don't know what is!). If we live our lives trying to figure this parenting thing on our own, we're going to end up frustrated, confused, and exhausted.

Parenting from the Overflow shows that it's possible to parent from the overflow of what God is doing in our lives. If we're allowing the Lord to move in us as He wants to, then we will use HIS model to parent from.

Something Teri Lynne said in the book brought me to tears (and it was just in the Introduction!).

"But in the midst of all this parent-learning and child-rearing, 
I pray I never lose sight of the 'better part' . . . 
and I will never get 
so focused on being a parent I forget I am also a child.

My heart is set on being a child who first sits
 at the feet of her Father, 

who calls out for His guidance and leans on His Word. 
And as I focus on being the child He created,
I am certain of this:

He will give me the wisdom to parent the child 

He has entrusted to me."

(Parenting from the Overflow, Introduction, p. 9, highlighting mine)

Oh, that I would learn to sit at the feet of my Father and learn to parent the way He parents me! I long to be the daughter who looks adoringly at her Abba (translated from Aramaic as "Daddy") as He patiently teaches me from His Word.

Parenting from the Overflow is broken into three parts, the first using the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 to show the "Fruit That Overflows" from a life lived at the feet of the Father. The second part is filled with characteristics we will model to our children as we live out of the overflow of what He's doing in us. The last section is Bonus Content that has everything from how to resist "parenting publicly" (Facebook, anyone?) to learning how to get the most from your quiet time with the Lord and delving into Scripture.

All throughout the book there are questions and challenges she asks us to tackle. Some are easy to do...some, not so much. Which is one reason why I think this is such a great book!

I have not had the chance to really sit with this little book like I've wanted to. Almost every page had something in it that I wanted to really contemplate and "suss it out," as they say in Australia.  I can't wait to do that!

  

As part of the celebration of the launch of Parenting from the Overflow, Teri Lynne is graciously giving a PDF copy away to one Butterfly Genes reader! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment letting me know why you'd like the book. That's it! Easy-peasy. Of course, if you wanted to Tweet, Facebook, or any other kind of social-media-made-up-verb, go right ahead! I know Teri Lynne would appreciate the exposure!  

If you would like to purchase a copy, she has a PDF version for $5, a Kindle version for $5, and a  

print version for $8. How's that for a bargain! These are my affiliate links and by clicking and making a purchase you are being gracious enough to send a little commission money my way.

But even though I was given a copy of this book by Teri Lynne to review, and though I get a small commission from any book sold from my blog, this review and my opinions are all my own. I wouldn't support a book I didn't believe in, and I surely wouldn't put it on my blog. So trust me when I say this is something I believe in!

Now leave me a comment to enter to win! The giveaway will end Friday, October 26 at 11:59 p.m.

 

Clubhouse Magazine (for tweens) Review

My review "week" continues...(I told you I had a lot!)
Clubhouse Magazine, one of Focus on the Family's printed resources, is one of the best investments I've made for my son's spiritual growth, even if it's "just" a kid's magazine. Through the articles, fiction stories, "Adventures in Odyssey" clips, and more, my now 12-year old son learns more about the world of a tween-ager from a Christian world view.

What's missing is the celebrity gossip of other "teen" magazines, as well as photo layouts of not-so-modestly dressed young girls trying to look "hot." Nor does Clubhouse constantly try to hawk mindless products that cause discontent in my son's heart. He gets that enough from watching television. I love that I don't have to worry about it coming from his favorite magazine.
My son tells me what he likes best about the magazine are the "Average Boy" stories (in his words, they are "HILARIOUS!"), but he says he likes everything in the magazine. When asked why this magazine is better than a secular magazine, he says that Clubhouse has funnier jokes than other magazines he's read, and it doesn't talk about the earth being "a billion, trillion, gazillion years old." We love the art of exaggeration around here. Heh.

How refreshing to invest in a magazine that actually cares about my son's spiritual growth instead of wanting to make money off of him or make his heart discontent with what he has already been blessed with. He doesn't know that he's "supposed" to be all into girls at his age. He doesn't know he's "supposed" to try to figure out life without God. On the contrary, Clubhouse emphasizes our need for the Savior. I love that!

If you have a child between the ages of 8 and 12 and are looking to add to their reading material (or if they complain EVERY DAY they don't get anything in the mail. Not that I know anything about THAT one. Ahem.), Clubhouse Magazine is a great option.

Right now you can get it for just $14.99 for a year subscription from Christianbook.com in partnership with Focus on the Family. That's $1.25 an issue! Well worth the small investment.

If your kids are younger, we also loved Clubhouse Jr. Magazine (also $14.99), geared toward children ages 3 to 7. Same kind of content, just made where younger ones would be interested.

AND, since I'm on the subject, all three of us love reading Thriving Family, Focus on the Family's parenting and marriage magazine. It has great reviews of new books, movies, and music (secular as well as Christian - Kiddo loves these); not to mention the other relevant articles and regular features that Sound Man and I like. At a price of ZERO dollars, what have you got to lose?

If you haven't checked out these resources yet, I encourage you go now!

Music Inspired by The Story

I'm not sure I would necessarily call this a review. I'm just going to tell you to go buy it. HA!

No, really. Go buy it.

I found out about Music Inspired by The Story a few months ago. The Story is a Scripture-based "experience" of the Bible (not a translation, not really a paraphrase), written as one sweeping story that tells about God's love for His people.

Each song, written by Nicole Nordeman (lyrics) and Bernie Herms (music - and who happens to be married to Natalie Grant) takes you through one "chapter" of the Story on a very personal level. Adam and Eve's story, for example, gives the listener a glimpse into what it must have felt like to know they've broken the Creator's heart.

"If I could, I'd rewrite history
I'd choose differently
If I could, I would
I'd leave out the part
Where I broke Your heart
In the garden's shade
Fix the mess I've made
If I could, I would..."

So heartbreaking, but it makes the coming of Hope that much more wondrous!

The songs that move my soul are "Good (Adam and Eve)," sung by Matthew West and Leigh Nash of Sixpence None the Richer; "Be Born in Me (Mary)," sung by Francesca Battistelli; and "Alive (Mary Magdelene)," sung by Natalie Grant.

But my favorite songs to listen to just for ear candy are "Born for This (Esther)," sung by Mandisa (man, she kicks tail on this song!); "Bring Us Home (Joshua)," sung by Michael Tait from Newsboys, Bianca Callahan from Group 1 Crew, and Lecrae; and "Move in Me (Paul)," by Jeremy Camp.

One of the more poignant moments is when Todd Smith of Selah sings "Broken Praise (Job)." My son was the first to connect the dots. After the tragedy of losing their newborn daughter, Todd and his wife Angie have gone on to minister to thousands (Angie is a blogger, author, and past speaker at the Relevant Conference). While listening to the song and reading over the CD cover, Kiddo said, "Wow...Todd Smith is singing Job's song. How fitting." I love those moments when he gets it. I hadn't even thought about that connection.

For the price of a regular CD, you get two discs with a total of 17 songs on it, all of them taking you from Creation to the Second Coming, and not a bad song in the bunch.

If you haven't gotten the message, I highly recommend it.

Freeset: Redeeming Lives by Giving Purpose

There are times I liken myself to an ostrich with my head in the sand. If I don't know the bad stuff that's going on in the world, it's really not happening, right?

No. It's not right. It's irresponsible. If I'm not aware of issues that need my attention, how else am I supposed to do anything to help?

Did you know last Wednesday was National Human Trafficking Awareness Day? I couldn't believe this issue was being brought to my attention yet again; I was first confronted with it at the Relevant Conference.

Freeset, one of the sponsors at the conference, gave out keychains signed by the women working at their India-based company. Because I was so busy getting stuck in the elevator, enjoying the snow, and talking to my roommates until the wee hours of the morning, I didn't really get what Freeset was about. When I got home, looked up who signed my keychain, and watched this video, I finally GOT IT. And was shocked. I never knew the numbers of women just in Kolkata who were victims of the sex trade until I watched this. But that's not the end of the story, if Freeset has anything to say about it. Please take a few minutes to watch. It will break your heart; it will give you hope.

The last scene with the crayon-box array of saris makes me tear up every time I watch it.

Back in December, Kristi Griem, a blogger who works with Freeset contacted me and wanted to know if I'd be willing to do a review of a Freeset bag. Hmm, let's see...a bag of my choice, made by a woman whose life has been given back to her and her family, designed to be as unique as she is? Yes, please! (Please forgive the awful lighting...it was nighttime and this was the best shot!) I chose a Farmhouse Jute Bag in Earth Brown, and I love it! I compared it with another jute bag I have and this one came out the winner in my opinion. The Farmhouse Bags are made from a sturdy laminated jute material, meaning they have a kind of plastic backing on the inside of the bag, keeping it much sturdier than if it was regular jute. They each have two gusset pockets on the inside of the bag, one on each end, as well as an internal purse with velcro closure. Have I said I love it?

My favorite thing about these bags, though, is the recycled sari material they use for the front of the bag as well as the inside of the handles. Isn't that gorgeous? Each bag is unique...just like the woman who made it. No, I don't know who sewed this bag together, but I know that her life will never be the same since coming to work for this company.

If you didn't watch the video, PLEASE watch it now and find out more about Freeset. YOU can make a difference by purchasing a bag or a Freeset t-shirt.

You know, Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Why not send a little birdie to your husband or boyfriend and let him know you'd like one of the many (did I say many? I mean MANY) bags to choose from in Freeset's line, or maybe a unique tee. You will be giving purpose to women's lives, aiding them in their flight from the most heinous trade there is...human life.

Review Week - The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge

Today starts a whole week of reviews on Butterfly Genes. I had so many to do I thought this would be a fun way to do it. Some of them have giveaways, some don't. Even if it doesn't come with a giveaway, I either think you ABSOLUTELY need to know about the product or I'm completely enamored with it. Or both.

My first review is one I've been excited about since before Christmas. I am a reviewer for Tyndale House Publishers, and was excited to get the chance to review Tony Dungy's new devotional, The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge.
Here's what the Tyndale Blog Network (for whom I review books and other media) had to say about Mr. Dungy's new book:

"The coach's newly-released book, The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge is a devotional specifically designed to challenge and encourage you on your own path to living an uncommon life. It's difficult and takes integrity, honor, and commitment. However, Tony and his coauthor Nathan Whitaker both know that accepting the challenge to live with meaning and purpose is worth the effort. Including 365 reflections from these #1 New York Times bestselling authors and the chance to join the growing online community of those who are already taking the challenge, this book is your invitation to spend regular time with the Lord and dare to be uncommon every day."

I ended up not being the only one reviewing it in my household. Because it's written by my son's favorite former NFL coach, I decided to give it to him for Christmas and get his opinion. I'll give you my first impressions then his take on it.

When I first received it, I was immediately impressed with the format. The book takes you through seven themes, repeated each week: Core, Family, Friends, Potential, Mission, Influence, and Faith. Each day of the week fits into one of these themes, but you don't have to have read the previous days to step into the devotional whatever day you start reading.

Flipping through the devotional I stopped at random days to read, and enjoyed each day that I read. Tony and Nathan aren't afraid to take on hard topics. There are devotions on keeping your guard up against the enemy's attacks, failed leadership in our lives, and standing strong on sexual purity. Lessons that I want my son to learn early on...not to learn from his own mistakes. Of course, he has his daddy and me to learn from and lean on, but let's face it, it sounds a lot cooler coming from his favorite coach.

So, what does Kiddo say about it? When I asked him, he immediately said, "Best devotional ever!" He's used several over the past few years, but as a young man about to enter some of the hardest he will experience, I think this one will prepare him well. It's the most consistent he's been with any devotional he's had, reading nearly every day since January 1.

Kiddo says Tony's style of writing is like he's having a conversation with the reader. To him, this makes it more personal than the other devotionals he's read. He also likes the fact that sports stories and characters are woven into some of the devotionals. Not to the point that people who are not die-hard sports fans would be turned off, just enough to make Kiddo want to read more. The fact that each devotional is only one page long is also a plus for my I-get-bored-with-too-much-serious-stuff son.

Personally, I believe this devotional is a relevant devotional for anyone, from young teenagers to men and women of any age. Would you like to hear from the author himself? Watch this video:



Thanks to the gracious people at Tyndale, I am giving a copy of The One year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge away to one of my readers! I will send one of you a certificate for a free copy to redeem at your favorite Christian bookstore (or you can send it in to Tyndale if you don't have a bookstore near you).

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave a comment letting me know you'd like it. That's it! Please make sure I have a way to contact you if you are the winner.

Now, I'd love it if you followed me on Twitter, or liked my Facebook page, or subscribed to my blog, too, but you don't have to. It won't give you extra chances. It will just give me a chance to get to know you. I'd love that!

For more information about Tony Dungy (his other books, his coaching experience, his blog, etc.), visit coachdungy.com. And for more information about Tyndale House Publishers, you can visit them at tyndale.com.

This giveaway will be open until 11:59 p.m. (CST) on January 22, 2012 and a winner will be chosen at random.

Tyndale provided me with a free copy of The One year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge in exchange for an honest, objective review. My opinions (and those of my son) are not influenced by anything but the book itself.

Glow Crazy Glow Glove and Giveaway!

Several weeks ago I was contacted by Glow Crazy to review a new product they were unrolling just in time for Christmas. Since it seemed like a "cool enough" product for an 11-year old boy, I told them I'd love to.

It was a good call.
The Glow Glove is a new product that uses the same technology as their previously released Glow Wand and all the products that go with it. In a nutshell, it uses light to draw on glow-in-the-dark canvases. Here is what Glow Crazy has to say about the Glow Glove:"The Glow Glove is Glow Crazy’s flashiest toy yet! The Glow Glove has cool lights on each finger to make glowin’ the dark more fun than ever! The wall clings included, made from our super glow material, will stick to the wall without damaging it and will give kids an awesome canvas to design on. The glove's unique design will fit right or left hands, and the 4 settings mean there is no end to the cool glow-designs you can make!"

After opening the package and pulling out the instructions,We put the two included Glow Canvases on the wall side by side (removable and reusable) and Kiddo strapped the Glow Glove on. Here's a picture (badly lit) of just one of the canvases before turning out the bathroom light (hey, it was daytime and that's the only room with no window. Don't judge).Then went to town on them!And of course we had to make a video:

Is that not COOL? I mean, anything that makes Kiddo feel like he has "the force" has GOT to be at the top of his "this is too cool" list. He told me he wants all their products now! Just now as he was coming to give me a hug goodnight he saw me writing this and said, "I want the Distance Doodler!" and proceeded to explain how far away he could be from the Glow Canvas and draw. He's hooked.

The Glow Glove is $19.99 and can be ordered directly by contacting Glow Crazy's customer service department (phone number and email can both be found at the bottom of Glow Crazy's website)

Not only do they have these "glowin' the dark" products, they also offer free stencils on their Facebook page. These stencils can be used with the Glow Canvases and wands and are so cute! They offer a line of Christian stencils including the praying hands, cross, loaf of bread, Noah's ark, and even Jonah and the whale! Not all of these products are available yet, so if you like their page you can get updates on when they will introduce each new set. Right now, however, you can get holiday themed stencils like a pumpkin and turkey. Just "like" their page and it will tell you how to get them.

Also on their Facebook page is a link to Glow Crazy's Activity Center. Just look on the left hand side of the page and click "Play Online!" where your kids (or you!) can draw to their heart's content.

And now for the giveaway! One Butterfly Genes reader will win a Glow Glove from Glow Crazy! All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave a comment letting me know how and where you'd use the Glow Glove.

Note: Please make sure you leave an email address where I can contact you should you win. The initial winner of my last giveaway didn't leave me any way of contacting her so I had to choose another.

For extra entries that are not mandatory, just leave a SEPARATE comment for EACH one of these that you complete:

Like Glow Crazy on Facebook

Follow Glow Crazy on Twitter

Follow Butterfly Genes on Twitter

Subscribe to Butterfly Genes blog (click the link to take you to my subscribe page, or join by Friend Connect on the lower right hand side of the page - if you already subscribe, thank you! Just let me know in your comment.)

That's FIVE chances to cross a name off your Christmas list! Any child will be happy to receive this, if my Kiddo's reaction is any indication. This will make a WONDERFUL Christmas present for any child age 3 and older.

The giveaway will last until November 25, 11:59 P.M. I will

Disclosure: I was contacted by Glow Crazy and offered a free Glow Glove in exchange for a fair review. The opinion stated here is mine (well, and my son's) and was not in any way influenced by Glow Crazy.

Glow Crazy!

Have you heard about GlowCrazy? I had not until just a few days ago when they approached me about reviewing a new product they are coming out with. If it is as cool as the rest of their stuff, Kiddo is going to be spending lots of time in the dark. On his terms, not mine. Heh.

GlowCrazy is a Christian-based company and in addition to their new Glow Glove (which I will review later this month), they have launched their free, limited edition Christian-themed stencils for children to incorporate their faith into their playtime each day. The Christian Stencils are being featured on GlowCrazy's Facebook page, and you have to "like" them to be able to download them. The first line of Christian stencils is based on the Noah’s Ark, and the second line of Christian Stencils (launched September 15th) includes Christian Symbols: a loaf of bread, a fish, and a boat. My favorite are the Noah's Ark Stencils. One is the shape of the ark with silhouettes of animals on top, as well as a dove flying off. Cute! They also have a Halloween themed Stencil in the shape of a Pumpkin. These stencils would be so cute using the Glow Wand and Glow Canvas.

Watch the short video (it's like a commercial) on Glow Crazy's website to see how you would use these. Personally, I can't wait to get their new product to review. I've been sitting here needing to do my grocery list but haven't yet because I've been playing with their online Glow Game. They have won several toy awards (you can see the images on their Facebook page) and since they are a Christian company, I'm excited to review for them.

Now "glow" check them out! Hardy har har!

I received no compensation for this review. Glow Crazy approached me and asked for an honest review without anything in exchange, which I was happy to give. The opinion given is my own.

Dolphin Tale - GO SEE IT!

A few weeks ago I told you about a new movie that premiered yesterday...Dolphin Tale. Kiddo and I went to see it; I have to say it was the most heartwarming movie I've seen in a long, long, LONG time.
I'm not kidding when I say, "I laughed, I cried, it moved me!" It really did. It's not just the story of Winter the Dolphin...it's also the story of how she helped one boy find his passion in life. I don't know if there is a real Sawyer, but I do know from scenes at the end of the movie that Winter has helped real people with prosthetic limbs and other disabilities.

Go see this movie. Support it. Not one curse word in it (well, my son told me there was one at the beginning of a song, but I missed it. He's usually pretty good at picking up on that, though) and of course no scenes I would have been embarrassed to see with my 11 year old son. I want it to do well, just like I want Courageous to do well next week to tell Hollywood that conservatives DO have wallets and spend their money on GOOD movies.

Now, from an 11 year-old's perspective, I'll tell you what Kiddo said about this movie.

"That movie ROCKED!"

"That was the best movie I've seen in a LONG time!"

"We are BUYING that movie when it comes out on DVD!"

(All this while walking from the theater to the car. I think he liked it. You will, too.)

Jesus is the Gift - and a Giveaway!

Are you sick of me talking about Relevant yet? Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one who is still posting about it. There was just so much. I haven't even really gotten into what I learned. Or the people that touched me the most.

I have, however, talked about how much stuff we racked up. The "Ever Grateful" Pitcher. The "Studio Dayspring" cards. My Vintage Pearl necklace. Plus so much more stuff that I haven't even begun to tell you about.

Here's one of those things I haven't told you about. Dayspring has a line of Christmas products called "Jesus is the Gift"...and it is beautiful. Everything I saw on the display table, as well as what was around "The (in)courage Lounge" was just lovely. Things I really wanted in my home. When the opportunity to receive and review a "Jesus is the Gift"13.5" Serving Platter came, I JUMPED at the chance.
I love it. It's HUGE. And even though it's a serving platter, I doubt I will ever use it for that. It's just too pretty. And right now, Dayspring's "Jesus is the Gift" line is on sale! So you can get this gorgeous platter for $8.49! What a great way to express your faith...it has the first part of John 3:16 around the edge of the platter. Very pretty, and not over the top. That's the way the whole line of "Jesus is the Gift" products strikes me.

White Cookie Plate - $5.99

Metal Table Top or Yard Decor - $19.99

And as my Christmas gift to you, you have the opportunity to WIN a $20 credit toward Dayspring products. Just leave me a comment. That's it. You don't have to tweet, facebook, post, jump through hoops, sell me your first born, or anything else. But, I'd like you to answer this question: What is the best gift you've ever given or received? Besides receiving the gift of salvation. That's a given. : )

I can't wait to hear what your best gifts are.

Giveaway ends Tuesday, December 21st, at 11:59 PM, Central time. You won't have time to purchase any Christmas items for this year, but what a way to rack up for next year!

Edited to add: I just found out that the $20 does not cover shipping, so keep that in mind!

Disclosure: Dayspring compensated me for this review by giving me a "Jesus is the Gift" Platter. My review was my own opinion.

Studio DaySpring Cards

Relevant's been over with for over a month. And yet I'm still reaping the benefits. In my home as well as in my spirit.

We had the opportunity to receive 50 Studio Dayspring Christmas cards for free in exchange for a review of them. Well, it didn't take me two seconds to sign up for that one!

When Sound Man and I sat down to try to pick out a design, we were overwhelmed. There are so many to choose from! The original design I had picked out he scoffed at. Not that it wasn't gorgeous...it was just to "girlie" for our family. I am the only girl human in the house...I don't think Windi really cares about Elegant:Blue Christmas cards. So a less frilly design was chosen. But you don't get to see it yet. You have to wait until they come in. I'm so mean.

I asked Sound Man (the computer savvy one) what he thought about the site and he loved it. He said he would like to do it again next year, even when we are paying for them. The custom design section was easy to navigate and comes with so many options...change the front, change the back, pick your font size, pick your font color...there were so many ways to customize these cards.

I really can't say anything negative about these cards. There is no minimum order, but you do get free shipping with 25 or more. And it's been so long since I've ordered picture cards, I can't remember how much they were back then. The design I ordered was $1.49 per card with free shipping (and envelopes) if you ordered 25 or more.

Make life a little simpler...don't go out and buy cards...stay in your jammies and design your own!

I can't wait to see them!

Disclaimer: This review was in exchange for 50 personalized photo cards from Studio Dayspring. The opinions and review are my own.

Ever Grateful!

One of the most wonderful things about Relevant (aside from hearing from amazing women like Sally Clarkson and Ann Voskamp) was all the great products that sponsors gave away. Since one of the main sponsors was Dayspring, they offered some WONDERFUL products to review.

Dayspring's line of Ever Grateful Collection is absolutely beautiful. As the recipient of this gorgeous pitcher, I can honestly say this is quality stuff.

Ever Grateful - 10" Large Pitcher

Photo by Dayspring

When the box came to my door, I was so excited. I've never had a pitcher to grace my kitchen, so this is a beautiful addition that makes me happy just to look at it.

Having the chance to look at so much of the Ever Grateful Collection in person, I now want every piece! The beautiful, earthy colors go with any decor, and the inspiring sayings, verses, and designs allow you to share your faith with friends and family without being over the top. Please check out the Ever Grateful line out from Dayspring. You might even find something to put on your Christmas wish list!

*Disclaimer: I recieved this pitcher from Dayspring in return for an objective review of the product. I really do love it and the rest of the Ever Grateful line!