Amy Grant Tennessee Christmas CD Review and Giveaway

I have loved listening to Amy Grant for decades.  So I was super excited when I learned that she had a new album out...and a Christmas one at that.  Yay!  I have been listening to the CD in my car on my way here, there, and everywhere.  There is nothing like beautiful Christmas songs to help boost my Christmas spirit.

The album contains some familiar songs that Amy has given her own style to, as well as some Amy Grant originals.  

My Thoughts:

This CD track list is meant to cover the breadth of emotions people feel around Christmas time...from joy and eager anticipation, to loneliness and sadness.  Some of the songs are uplifting, and some are a tad bit of a "downer."  But that is what Amy intended.  She wanted to reach out to everyone during Christmas time, and meet her fans right where they are, no matter what they might be feeling.  The songs are very mellow and low-key, a little guitar here, a little piano there.  I can almost imagine Amy Grant sitting on a bar stool in a little cafe, playing the guitar and signing while customers sip on tea.  This would be a good CD at the end of a very stressful day, when you just want to put your feet up and close your eyes and the let music carry you away.  Or perfect for at a dinner party, when you want to have background music but don't want your guests to have to shout over the carols.  

Did I enjoy it?  Well, I am listening to it right now as I type this review.  :)

Have a listen for yourself with “To Be Together” on Youtube.

Would you like to purchase the CD on iTunes?

Track List

1. Tennessee Christmas (4:27)
2. To Be Together (4:10)
3. Christmas For You And Me (3:03)
4. Melancholy Christmas (3:02)
5. December (3:29)
6. White Christmas (2:23)
7. Joy To The World (3:08)
8. I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm (3:24)
9. Baby, It’s Cold Outside [feat. Vince Gill] (3:14)
10. Christmas Don’t Be Late (3:16)
11. Still Can’t Sleep (3:11)
12. Another Merry Christmas (2:22)
13. O Come, All Ye Faithful (3:07)

Album length: 13 tracks: 42 minutes, 16 seconds

GIVEAWAY: On December 9, I will choose one reader to receive their own copy of this CD.  Just leave a comment on this review or on the Facebook post.  Residents of the continental U.S. only.

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

BONUS:

All Amy Grant fans are being asked to upload videos of themselves surprising loved ones for the holidays to social media.  Use the hashtag #TNChristmasSurprise.  Those chosen will be part of a compilation video that Amy Grant will share on her large social media outlets!

Parenting - 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family...A review and a giveaway

by Paul David Tripp

A Review and a Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In the midst of folding laundry, coordinating carpool schedules, and breaking up fights, many parents get lost. Feeling pressure to do everything “right” and raise up “good” children, it’s easy to lose sight of our ultimate purpose as parents in the quest for practical tips and guaranteed formulas.

In this life-giving book, Paul Tripp offers parents much more than a to-do list. Instead, he presents us with a big-picture view of God’s plan for us as parents. Outlining fourteen foundational principles centered on the gospel, he shows that we need more than the latest parenting strategy or list of techniques. Rather, we need the rescuing grace of God—grace that has the power to shape how we view everything we do as parents.  Freed from the burden of trying to manufacture life-change in our children’s hearts, we can embrace a grand perspective of parenting overflowing with vision, purpose, and joy. 

Mr. Tripp covers 14 gospel principles which can be applied to parenting. 

1. Calling

2. Grace

3. Law

4. Inability

5. Identity

6. Process

7. Lost

8. Authority

9. Foolishness

10. Character

11. False gods

12. Control

13. Rest

14. Mercy

My Thoughts:

I am so thankful that I accepted the offer to review this book.  I knew that I would be out of town a good chunk of the time, and that finding the time to read and review this book might be challenging.  But something about the title and the description was intriguing.  So I accepted.  And I am so glad that I did.  Mr. Tripp's parenting book isn't what I expected from a parenting book.  It isn't like so many of the other parenting books that I have read.

I have had so many ah-ha moments during the past few weeks.  It is as if a burden is being lifted off of my shoulders.  I am seeing parenting in a whole new way, through God's eyes.  Of what He expects from us, and what He doesn't. 

He does expect us to take parenting seriously.  Of course He does; He has entrusted us with precious treasures.  But He has never expected us to be miracle workers.  It is not our purpose to change our children, to make and mold them into perfect little people.  We can't do that, no matter how hard we try. Changing the heart is God's work, not our ours.  We are to lead and correct and point them to Jesus.  Jesus takes it from there.

We are to show grace, lots and lots of grace.  Not one parent is or ever has been perfect.  So why do expect that our children should be?  They will never be perfect; they are works in progress just like we are.  And we should show grace, just as God shows grace to us.

We mustn't take our children's offenses personal.  So many are guilty of comments such as, "How could you do that? After all I've done for you."  Mr. Tripp points out that for the most part, children sin, just because they are sinners.  Not because they purposely set out to irritate you or embarrass you or get back at you.  They are just sinners, plain and simple.  And as such, they will mess up...a lot.  Just like we do.  Show grace and show love and keep nudging them back to Jesus.  There are rarely overnight triumphs; it a journey and we must be faithful.

Mr. Tripp also points out the dangers of finding your identity in your children.  You shouldn't take too much of the credit when your child does well.  And you also mustn't take too much of the blame when your child fails.  God doesn't give a child to parents so that the parents can find their self-worth in their child.  We are stewards; taking care of God's children.  I am so grateful that He has entrusted me to be a steward of these precious children in my life, and I want to be found faithful.

Mr. Tripp has helped me to see parenting in a way that I haven't thought much about before.  It is a freeing concept, taking away some of the huge burden that parents often place on themselves, a burden that God never intended for them to carry.

Would you like to purchase a copy of this book?  Here is the link from Amazon. 

FlyBy Promotions has graciously offered me one copy of the book as a giveaway.  Please leave a comment here or on Facebook for your chance to receive the free copy.  I will randomly select one comment on November 1, 2016.

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

I am grateful to FlyBy Promotions for sending me a copy of this book for review purposes.  My opinions are my own. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Coming Home for Christmas - A DVD Review and Giveaway

Norman Rockwell presents...
Coming Home for Christmas (Home is Where the Heart is)

Available at Wal-Mart for $14.99

Not Rated 

87 Minute Run-time

Director: Vanessa Parise

Cast: George Canyon (Christmas Miracle, Dawn Rider, Man of Steel), Aaron Pritchett, Britt McKillip (Dead Like Me), Carly McKillip (Hot Rod)

Soundtrack also available featuring holiday songs performed by George Canyon

Movie Trailer

COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

After their parents separate, two estranged sisters who haven't been on speaking terms reunite in hopes that having a family Christmas all together for the first time in years will bring their Mom and Dad close again. They plan to do this in their old family home... the only problem is someone else lives there now.

The DVD includes a limited edition Norman Rockwell print!

Who is Norman Rockwell?  Rockwell was famous for his famous American culture illustrations and artwork. He was born in the late 1800’s and died in the mid 1900’s. 

Our Thoughts:

This is a very cute family Christmas movie.  Yes, it is  a bit corny and a bit predictable. Most family Christmas movies are.  Still, it is a "wholesome feel good" kind of movie.  The movie reminds us to never give up on love and family.  It also confirms our  desire to have our family gather together during the holidays and the importance of family traditions.

One lucky reader will receive a copy of this DVD, courtesy of FlyBy Promotions.  Just leave a comment on or before November 30, 2013.  I will choose one comment at random.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

 

King's Faith - A Review and Giveaway

About KING'S FAITH 

Eighteen foster homes. Nine arrests. One life-changing moment.

After Brendan King’s life spiraled to rock bottom, the teen found hope in a new relationship with Christ while serving time in a juvenile penitentiary. Recently released from prison, Brendan finds solace in the foster home of a couple struggling with suppressed grief.

As the city-bred teen enrolls at a suburban high school, he finds support from a group of believers. Yet the bonds of his old way of life—and the gang that wants to know where he hid their stash on a long-ago night—are strong. In his darkest moment, Brendan found faith. Now he must decide if it’s worth the price to hold on to it.

KING’S FAITH is produced by DiBella and Faith Street Film Partners LLC, a Rochester, NY-based collective of filmmakers, churches, investors, and supporters.   

“KING’S FAITH is a compelling story 

which features solid acting and a good storyline.”  

The Dove Foundation

“KING’S FAITH is a very redemptive, uplifting movie

extolling the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” 

MOVIEGUIDE®

KING’S FAITH stars Emmy Award winning actress Lynn Whitfield (The Women of Brewster Place, Madea’s Family Reunion), Crawford Wilson (Judging Amy, Zoey 101), Kayla Compton (Entourage), and James McDaniel (Malcolm X, NYPD Blue).

KING’S FAITH features the themes of courage, forgiveness and overcoming your past highlighted with the important message of youth in foster care. The film prompts audiences to consider many of the questions they struggle with today: How can I stand firm in my faith when life’s challenges put me to the test?   Where do I turn when I feel paralyzed by loss and grief?  Can I find true forgiveness from my wrong choices?

Release Date: October 22, 2013

Run Time: 108 minutes

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for violence, drug content, and thematic events)

Suggested Retail Price: $14.99

Special Features: A 10-minute behind-the-scenes feature, commentary, discussion guide, Bible study clips affiliated with the LIVE IT OUT Bible Study

Watch the trailer/Visit the official website www.kingsfaith.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KingsFaith

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kingsfaith

OUR THOUGHTS:

 I watched this movie with my husband and teen-age children.  My mom, who just happened to be in town visiting, was also able to enjoy a movie night with us.  This movie is rated PG-13 for drug use and some violence, but I found it appropriate for my 14 and 11 year olds. 

King's Faith is a story about a young man who has spent his life in and out of foster homes... 18 foster homes.  He has made bad choices and paid his dues, including jail time.  As the movie begins, Brendan King is now a Christian who is trying to make a fresh start and trying to make good choices.  Unfortunately, his past comes back to haunt him as his former gang comes after him and demands to know where he hid their stash long ago. 

This movie covers some of the issues that teens may face, either themselves or with someone close to them... serious topics such as drugs, gangs, foster care, and abortion.  It encourages teens to rely on God and to turn to those they can trust, in times of great trial.  King's Faith reminds us that God is willing to forgive us, no matter how horrible our sin or crime may seem.  We, as adults, are also reminded that God has entrusted us with these children to love them and encourage them and point them to God.

Life is about forgiveness and second chances.  We shouldn't be too quick to judge others, as everyone has a story and a struggle... and no one but that person and God knows the whole story.  Be patient and be kind.

One lucky reader will receive a copy of this book, courtesy of FlyBy Promotions.  Just leave a comment on or before November 16, 2013.  I will choose one comment at random.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.