Wednesday, September 28, 2011

It's time to get carded -- Christmas carded!

Can you believe it's less than three months until Christmas?  It's time to start thinking about your Christmas cards!  Each year I try to do something a bit unique.  The year I visited Israel I put a picture of myself in Bethlehem on my Christmas card (a picture of me at the Western Wall for my Hanukkah cards for my Jewish friends.)  Over the years, I've enjoyed sending some unique Christmas cards.

I've mentioned on my blog before that I love Tiny Prints.  They have such a great selection of cards for everyone, and they have cards where you can personalize with your photo, or if you don't have a great photo, there are great cards to choose from:  elegant, whimsical, or even a Dora the Explorer card!  I like to send photo cards, so I spent time looking through their cards where you can add your own photos.

Check out this card:

Isn't that just fantastic for the pet lover?  I have three guinea pigs and I could just picture their faces in there.  I'm sure Einstein, Fuzzy, and Baby Crockett would enjoy being on a Christmas card being called "Santa's Little Helpers".

Or check out this "card".  Isn't it absolutely precious?



If I received this, I wouldn't be putting it in the holder where we keep all our cards, but it would actually be hung on the tree year after year! 

I have always loved Christmas cards.  When I was little, my parents owned a business and we received so many cards.  We had a desk/bookcase area in our living room and we taped our cards to the edges of the bookcase.  By Christmas it was so festive in a 1970s sort of way.  I loved the Christmas season because they would save all the Christmas cards for me to open since many had my name on them, too.  I loved the feeling of mail.  Even now many people feel the same way.  I have friends who live in Russia, and they have told me one of the things they miss most about living in Russia is not getting Christmas cards.  I know not as many people send them as they used to, but the bottom line is everyone loves mail.  So this year, I'd encourage everyone to spread some cheer through the mail.

Don't forget, the annual Christmas letter can also be replaced. If a photo speaks a thousand words, then this card is worth 8,000 words. You wouldn't have to say "Johnny graduated from high school, Suzy lost her first tooth, Rover is a new addition to the family, we visited Florida on vacation" -- show it with a collection of photos of the year's highlights!


Really, Tiny Prints has so many more great cards than the ones I just showed.  Take look for yourself  http://www.tinyprints.com/shop/picture-christmas-cards.htm  You're sure to find the perfect card for your family for 2011! 

FTC disclosure:  I received 50 Christmas cards from Tiny Prints for writing this post.  The opinions expressed are my own and in no way influenced my review.

Monday, September 26, 2011

What is He Thinking? Review and Giveaway

Rebecca St. James has been a recording artist for years.  You can check out some of her videos here:  http://www.youtube.com/rsjchannel  She's also published a few books, and her latest is What Is He Thinking??: What Guys Want Us to Know About Dating, Love, and Marriage .   This book is 155 pages consisting of answers she gleaned by talking to different men, most in the 20-35 age group, although she did interview men who had been married for a long time to see what they had to say about dating.  This was a great book that covered many questions I had about men (and boys) when I was younger!



She covers things such as flirting, turn-offs, physical boundaries (she was very outspoken before marriage that she was saving herself for her husband), spiritual connection, and more.

This book was a quick (and interesting) read.  It was fun to see how different men had different ideas, especially how that related to their age -- as well as where their opinions were the same.  As a single thirty-something, I'm not sure it really taught me anything I didn't already seem to know, but it was still an enjoyable read.  This would be a great book for a Christian teen girl.

The strengths of this book were the interviews, of course, since that's what the book is based on.  I also liked that she included her survey questions in the back of the book.  (That's the sociology geek coming out in me!)  Additionally, I enjoyed the style of the writing -- it felt like a letter from her, or possibly sitting down and having a cup of tea with this fascinating lady.

The only thing I disliked was so many comments from her Facebook page because some of the questions and comments raised were great, and she didn't address some of them.  Even so, this is a great book, and I would highly recommend it for any single female Christian. 

You can read the first 10% of the book by clicking here:  http://goo.gl/BWgEs

~~~~~~~~~~~~

About "What Is He Thinking??"


In WHAT IS HE THINKING??, Rebecca interviews a range of men from high-profile types to the guys next door, men that every woman can relate to. Although the interviews focus on single guys ages 20-35, Rebecca also includes words of wisdom from older mentors she respects who have been successfully married for years, people like her dad, life coach, and pastor.

The men share their thoughts on topics like how women can respect themselves and the men in their lives, modesty, purity, taking it slow, friendship, letting guys lead, and more. This book gives them the floor to say what they would really like women to know.

The men respond candidly to questions such as:

What is the most attractive quality to you in a woman?

Is modesty truly attractive?

Is neediness a turn-off?

What do you find beautiful?

How can we be dependent on God for our identity, not on you?

How can we help you with boundaries physically?

Rebecca also discusses her own dating life, speaking openly about the single life, her struggle with loneliness, and her hope for the future. She challenges women to see the men in their lives as brothers in Christ and to trust God with their dating lives.
About Rebecca
Australian born Rebecca St. James is a Grammy Award winner and a multiple Dove Award recipient, with international success that has driven her record sales into the millions. In January 2008, she was named Favorite Female Artist in Contemporary Christian Music by readers of CCM Magazine for the seventh consecutive year. Rebecca also won Best Female Artist of 2007 from Christianitytoday.com-her fifth consecutive year to be given this honor. She's been involved in several film productions and voiced the character of Hope the Angel in VeggieTales' bestselling DVD production The Easter Carol. You can read more about Rebecca on her official Web site: http://www.rsjames.com/ or on her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/RSJames.

~~~~~~
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the 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."

~~~~~~~~

And now for the giveaway:

I have been given the opportunity to give a DVD away to one of my readers.


The giveaway lasts until October 11 at 11:59 Eastern Time, open only to the USA.

Please leave a separate comment for each way you enter as I use random.org to pick my winners.

Winners have 48 hours after being contacted to respond or I'll pick other winners.

Please leave contact information in your comment if it's not in your blogger profile so I will have a way of contacting you if you win. 

Ways to enter:

#Win What Is He Thinking book about single Christian men by Rebecca St James @jenndiggy Ends 10/11 #Giveaway http://bit.ly/njiqsa

Friday, September 23, 2011

Cough, cough, cough

Did you know that some cough drops have "pep talks" on the wrappers? 

"Fire up those engines"
"Impress yourself today"
"Get through it"

I realize I could choose not to read my cough drop, but come on, it's hard not to read those few words on the wrapper when you're desperate for relief, and quite frankly, they are slightly annoying when you're coughing hard!

So, I think you now know where I've been the last couple weeks!  I've been pretty sick with a cold.  For some reason when I get a cold it takes me out for the longest time.  This is day #14 of it, and I had a doctor's appointment today to go over medicines.  He was quite interested in the fact I've been sick as long as I have, and I still have a fever.

Thankfully I'm feeling better, and hope to get back into blogging regularly!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Review and Giveaway: The Shunning DVD

Katie Lapp loves music and playing the guitar.  This shouldn't be a problem, should it?  Well, it's a HUGE problem when you're Amish and that is forbidden.  The movie begins as Katie's brother finds her strumming her guitar in the barn.  She's engaged to marry the bishop, and suddenly she discovers she may not be who she always thought she was.  Who is this woman who has appeared in her community?  By the movie's end, Katie is "shunned" meaning she can't be spoken to by anyone in her Amish community, nor is she allowed to sit and eat with the rest of her family.  This pushes her further towards her questions of who she is.



This is a wonderful family movie.  It's very wholesome in the fact there is no bad language, no questionable situations, and the like.  It brings up questions that could be discussed such as when do we give up on someone vs. when do we continue to love them with the unconditional love that God shows us?  Not only is it a good movie because of content, but the story line is one of the best I've ever seen.  I'd read the book years ago and remembered how fantastic the book was, so when I had the opportunity to review this movie, I was excited.   I never say this, but I do believe the movie was as good as the book!   You will NOT be disappointed with this movie!  Be sure and check it out!

You can watch the trailer here:  http://hallmarkchannel.com/microsites/video.aspx?simscode=OWN_891400000000000&pageid=2607&pn=PN147958&tabIndex=2&pnlist=pn147958%7C

Beverly Lewis' The Shunning - About the Movie
Before she succumbs to cancer, the dying wish of Laura Mayfield-Bennett is to be reunited with the daughter she never knew. Unfortunately, that daughter, Katie Lapp, is a member of the Amish order. Katie is about to be married, but uneasy about the path ahead. Now she discovers the secret her parents have kept from her: she's adopted.

The film is based on the celebrated first novel of the best-selling "The Heritage of Lancaster County" book series from author Beverly Lewis. Stars Danielle Panabaker & Sherry Stringfield.


BEVERLY LEWIS - Author of "The Shunning"

Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is The New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Lewis to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with "The Shunning," which has sold more than one million copies. In 2007, Lewis' "The Brethren" was honored with a Christy Award.

Lewis has been interviewed by both national and international media, including Time magazine, the Associated Press, and the BBC. Lewis lives with her husband, David, in Colorado.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services  mentioned above for free in the 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."

You can buy the DVD here:




And for the Giveaway:

I have been given the opportunity to give a DVD away to one of my readers.


The giveaway lasts until October 4 at 11:59 Eastern Time, open only to the USA.

Please leave a separate comment for each way you enter as I use random.org to pick my winners.

Winners have 48 hours after being contacted to respond or I'll pick other winners.

Please leave contact information in your comment if it's not in your blogger profile so I will have a way of contacting you if you win.

Ways to enter:
#Win #Giveaway a copy of the DVD The Shunning  from @jenndiggy ends 10/4 http://bit.ly/ofop9B

Thursday, September 8, 2011

DVD Review & Givewaway: Theo Teaching Children God's Word

I recently had the opportunity to review Introducing THEO -- Teaching Children God's Word by Whitestone Media.  The DVD I received had the bonus video of "Good News" on it as well as the "Saving Faith" episode.

I was pleasantly surprised at the entertainment quality of this video, as well as the theology contained in it.  This was a very cute video, with Luther and Belfry the mice providing laughable situations while important truths are being presented.  Because of Luther and Belfry, I believe children will watch with interest to see what they are up to!  
The theology on the video I saw was sound.  One episode explained how we can become a Christian, and the other episode was about how faith pleases God, using Abraham as an example. 
This would be fantastic for use in a children's outreach.  I expect Theo will become a mainstay of Christian children's entertainment in the future.   I highly recommend this product to anyone who is a church worker, parent, or have children in your life! 

There is even a church curriculum for use with this DVD series:  http://www.lifeway.com/Product/theo-church-edition-foundations-of-faith-P005397446

From the publisher:

About Theo


The animation series of Theo guides children and adults through a careful study of systematic theology. Theo discusses doctrines about sin, Godʼs character, the Bible, salvation and godly living with easy-to-understand illustrations that make children want to learn more about the Christian faith.

Theo Presents recognizes a universal fact: children and adults alike love cartoons. Theo captures the attention of young minds with liberal amounts of humor and high quality animation to present the Gospel of the Christian faith through the teachings of Theo and with the use of his two object lessons, Belfry and Luther.

Theo Presents is designed to serve as a multi-media resource tool that will help men, women and children fulfill the Great Commission of Christ, to go into all the world and make disciples and to teach those disciples Godʼs Word. The multi-media outlets include a DVD series, curriculum, books and iPhone/iPad app. Each of these facets are designed to work with one another or individually.

Theo was created to reach kids of all ages. The lessons and teachings of Theo can be used for Sunday school lessons, Christian school curriculum, missions, evangelism and homeschooling.

About the creator - MICHAEL JOENS

Mike Joens has produced and directed scores of animated commercials for toy companies such as Milton Bradley, Hasbro, Kenner, McDonaldʼs and Playskool. In addition to commercial work, he produced and directed the animation segments for the award-winning video series “McGee and Me,” as well as the animated “Adventures in Odyssey” for Focus on the Family. After a waiting period of over 30 years, God opened the doors to Joens for the production of “Theo Presents.” At last, the dream of a cartoonist, called to teach the Word has come true. It is Mikeʼs hope that God will use Theo to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to children and adults in every country of the world!
 
What sets THEO apart from anything we've worked on? The Buy 1 - Give 1 campaign!
 
For every Theo DVD purchased, Whitestone Media and Child Evangelism Fellowship® will send a child in need their very own copy of Theo.
You can log onto TheoPresents.com after making your own purchase, and select the region of the world you'd like another copy of Theo to be sent.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the 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"

And now for the Giveaway!

I have been given the opportunity to give a DVD away to TWO of my readers.

The giveaway lasts until September 19 at 11:59 Eastern Time, open only to the USA.
Please leave a separate comment for each way you enter as I use random.org to pick my winners.
Winners have 48 hours after being contacted to respond or I'll pick other winners.
Please leave contact information in your comment if it's not in your blogger profile so I will have a way of contacting you if you win.

Ways to enter:

#Win a Theo Presents DVD from @jenndiggy #giveaway 2 winners ends 9/19 http://bit.ly/ol0ZTT

Friday, September 2, 2011

Five Minute Friday -- "Rest"

What is rest?

Feeling safe.

Knowing you're okay.

Relaxing knowing that the world around you is not out to get you.

Deep breaths, enjoying the moment. 

Feeling secure.

A hug from the world.


Five minute Friday Linkup and rules:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back to The Gypsy Mama and invite others to join in.
3. Get a little crazy with encouragement for the five minuter who linked up before you.



Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Book Review: Midnight Mystery


This is the 4th book in the "Winnie The Horse Gentler" series by Dandi Daley Mackall.  Unlike previous books, this one actually does include a mystery, and the horse Winnie is helping doesn't board in her barn.  This time the circus is in town, and she's needing to help a circus horse who is jumpy, frightened, and even disobeying commands he's been taught.  But the Russian circus is going to be there to scout for new talent. . . can she figure out what is going on in time?

Sub-plots of the book are Catman's Grandfather "Colonel Coolidge" is in town.  He's gearing up for a reunion of army men -- but where are they?  Even more important is Winnie's mother's birthday is approaching.  Since her mother died, Winnie wants to put on a horse show for the family -- celebrate the birthday like they always did when her mother was alive which meant a movie in the morning, spaghetti for lunch, and a horse show in the afternoon.  Winnie wants to teach Nickers to bow because her mother always had her horses bow, but will Nickers learn in time?  And besides that, with Winnie's dad headed to the Invention Convention in Chicago, he's not going to be home on her mom's birthday.  Lizzie has a writing competition that day, so that leaves -- Winnie -- and Winnie alone to remember her mother's birthday -- or so she thinks!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Review: The Cause Within You



The Cause within You: Finding the One Great Thing You Were Created to Do in This World is a book where the title might not be as catchy as it could have been but the one thing that will catch in this book is inspiration.  Matthew Barnett was the youngest pastor of his denomination at age twenty, and he took a church that had about eight people in attendance to creating a huge center that reaches out to those in Los Angeles who are hurting and desperate -- the homeless, drug addicts, and anyone who feels hopeless.  People come to serve at his church and he stresses that serving will bring out the cause that is inside you, just serve and you will find that.  He says that true joy comes when we realize others are better off because of our investment in them.

This is a fascinating book.  He is certainly someone who hasn't thought traditionally.  A church that is open 24 hours a day?  There's always someone at the church serving.  Vans go out to feed the homeless.  He tells personal stories, too.  The story of taking the homeless children to Build-A-Bear was one I really enjoyed, but my favorite was one where he was telling of a woman who started a ministry in his church to pimps.  She even got invited to the Pimp of the Year award ceremony, and they all told her they would go to one function she wanted them to go to, and one Sunday morning there was a section of pimps in Matthew Barnett's congregation.

This book isn't a one-two-three to find your purpose in life.  Instead, it's a book of inspiration for you to discover that yourself -- or if you already know what your cause is, it's a book of encouragement to keep it up! 

I very much enjoyed this book, and will definitely be recommending it to others. 

FTC disclaimer:  I was sent a copy of this book free from the publisher as part of their summer reading program.  The thoughts and opinions of it are my own.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Cricket 1. Kitchen Light 0.

I've heard crickets in the house are good luck.  However, I'm not sure the one we had in our house this week was.

It jumped from the counter, hit the kitchen light and this is what happened:




Hard to believe this cricket could do that!  Of course it is only a lightweight plastic, but still. . . and the light inside hasn't worked since.  An earthquake and a cricket this week. . . Hope next week is better!


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

EARTHQUAKE!

At  1:54 Eastern time I posted on Facebook:

Was that an earthquake?

Indeed it was an earthquake!  I know people from California are probably laughing at those of us who only felt the earthquake, but I never expected my first ever earthquake to happen while at home on my computer.  Isn't that something that is suppossed to happen when you are visiting California?

I was sitting at my computer, which is near the corner of the house.  I felt something, but my mind dismissed it as a gust of wind like sometimes happens in the winter.  Then I realized it was neither winter NOR blizzard conditions.

I turned around in my chair and just felt.  The floor was shaking.  I realized then it was an earthquake.  I started to get up to walk to a doorway.  No matter how slight an earthquake we have, I was going to use my earthquake preparation  learned 20 years ago when I was a college student in Tennessee and everyone was saying that there was going to be an earthquake in Missourri. 

I got sidetracked, though.  My closet door was open slightly, and my clothes were swaying.  I stopped and watched.  (So much for earthquake preparedness)



I stopped for a moment because it was just so strange to see the shaking, and then I walked to the doorway of my bedroom.  I called out to Mom, "Get in a doorway".  (Hey, who knew if it would continue to increase in magnitude?) 

She yelled, "What is going on?" and I felt like Chicken Little yelling "Earthquake".

Since when does West Virginia have an earthquake?  I guess since August 23, 2011!

I learned something important today -- Facebook is a much better than CNN, http://www.usgs.gov/ , or any other website in the first moments after something happens.  Report on my news feed started flowing in from Virginia, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Massachussettes.  Even our local once a week paper reported that was an earthquake before CNN or the United States Geological Survey.


A little shaking, but otherwise we're fine.  I saw someone on twitter say something to the effect that Californians are probably laughing at us, but let's send them two feet of snow and laugh at them.  (Two feet?  Why be easy on them? How about the snow we had Feb of 2010!)  :)