Warner Bros Mother's Day Movie Night Blog App & Giveaway

 *** Giveaway Now Closed ***

Congratulations to Cinderella10383!

Moms are the best - and they do a lot for us!  Now it’s time to return the favor and celebrate this Mother’s Day and one way to do that is with a movie night! Celebrate Sunday, May 12th in the best way possible by spending quality time with your family and watch one of YOUR favorite classic films!  Watching a classic flick together tells the story of a different time and place, and is the perfect opportunity to catch up and share stories with your family... tell them something that they never knew about Mom! 



Ready for a little giveaway?  You could win - A Star is Born (1976) (Blu-ray) or Cabaret (1972) (Blu-ray) - prize will be randomly chosen.

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win!  

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Share your results from the Guess-the-Scene Game (2 extra entries)
2.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)
3.  Follow my facebook page (2 extras)
4.  Follow me on Pinterest (2 extras)
5.  Follow me on twitter here (2 extras) 
6.  Share your favorite romance or musical flick from when you were a kid (2 extras)

Giveaway will end on May 7th at Midnight.  Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US residents only. 

Disclosure:  Thanks so much to Warner Bros. for providing this information and sponsoring this giveaway.

Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up! Review & Giveaway

Disclosure:  I received my own copy of Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up! to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  Thanks so much to the sponsor for providing this giveaway.

     

I have a fun book to tell you about: Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up!  by Troy Schmidt and illustrated by Cory Jones.  This is the first in a series (others include Hey God, Can You Stop the Rain so I Can Get off Noah's Smelly Ark? and Hey God, I'm Having an Awful Vacation in Egypt Thanks to Moses!).  In this book the whale tells his side of the story.

 B couldn't wait to start reading this one!

 A fun perspective

I love books that make you think and that give you a new and different perspective.  In this imaginative retelling, just like Jonah, the whale was given a task from God.  As you might remember, Jonah was told to go to Nineveh and tell the people to stop being bad and turn to God.  Jonah did not want to obey and went the other direction.  In this book, we read that similarly, the whale was told to swallow a human; but the whale went the opposite direction.  However, before he knew it he found himself with a human in his belly, more specifically Jonah.  This new ailment upset his stomach, gave him the inability to swim very far and other discomforts.

Jonah yelled, prayed, apologized to God and begged for deliverance while he was in the whale (not unexpected; have you ever considered what you might do in this situation?).  In Schmidt's account, this led the whale to pray, too.  He apologized to God for not wanting to listen and asked God to remove Jonah from him.  God revealed his plan of importance to the whale - the whale was needed to hold Jonah until he was ready to follow God with his task.  When Jonah was ready he would take a message of the Lord to thousands - and the whale would play a part in that.

Of course, please keep in mind that although based on Biblical truth, this is a fictional tale.  And to my taste, there was a little more complaining in this book than I would have liked.  My experience of knowing God is overwhelmingly joyful - even through sometimes really strange places or circumstances (not that I never grumble and complain myself, though).

I love that this book emphasizes how God can use anyone and everything for his purposes and plan.  Just as Jonah was used, so was the whale!

I really like the Parent Connection in the back of the book - there is something to Remember, something to Read, questions to Think about and things to Do.  I love this as it really brings it home!

This book is brought to you by B&H Kids and is available May 1, 2013 here.

Read more about the book below and make sure to enter the giveaway to win your own copy!

About the Book:
Oh sure, we've all heard the story of Jonah and the Whale a hundred times.  But have we heard it from the perspective of the whale who experienced that history-making event?  Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up! imagines how that great sea creature from the incident might tell his side of the story, helping kids ages 4 to 8 discover a creative way of learning about that guy who was supposed to go to Ninevah.  The "Parent Connection" feature (inside the book) will help Moms and Dads take the story further with scripture references and tips on how to talk with their children about what really happened.

About the Author:
Troy Schmidt has writing and video production credits ranging from assignments with Disney (The Mickey Mouse Club) and Nickelodeon to Max Lucado's Hermie franchise.  He is currently the lead writer for The American Bible Challenge hosted by Jeff Foxworthy on the Game Show Network.  Troy and his wife have three sons.

Ready for a giveaway?  Enter below to win your own copy of this fabulous book!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

MVP and MVP 2 Movie Reviews

Disclosure:  I was blessed to receive MVP and MVP2 to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Have you heard of MVP and MVP 2 from kaboom! Entertainment?  It is a series from the makers of Air Bud.  My kids are huge fans of the Air Bud movies.  MVP stands for most valuable primate in case you are wondering!

My thoughts:
We enjoyed both of these movies.  It was fun to see some of the same actors (although different characters) from the Air Bud movies in these.  In MPV we meet Jack, the genius chimpanzee who knows sign language and happens to have a hidden talent for ice hockey.  It has a really similar feel to the Air Bud movies.  In MPV 2, Jack returns only this time he finds himself showing off his skateboarding talent along with ice hockey.  This time he befriends, Ben - a runaway foster kid with a knack for skateboarding.  Together they end up finding out where they both need to be.

Read more about these movies below.

More About MVP and MVP 2
MVP (Most Valuable Primate)
Rated PG, Runtime 93 minutes.  Jack, the chimp, breaks for freedom - and ends up stranded in the frozen northlands.  Befriended by two teens, Jack's talent for ice skating soon turns him into the local hockey team's secret weapon.  Now, playoffs are in full swing.  The lab officials are closing in.  And Jack has one chance to prove that when it comes to skating away with the affections of an entire town, he doesn't monkey around!

MVP 2
Rated G, Runtime 87 minutes.  From the makers of Air Bud, the Most Valuable Primate is going vertical!  Jack is back, and this time he's traded in his hockey skates...for a skateboard!  When the beloved chimp is framed for something he didn't do, he ends up lost and alone in a strange city.  Befriended by Ben, a shy skateboard kid, Jack reveals a hidden talent for totally awesome skateboard tricks!

Both MVP and MVP 2 are available for purchase at Walmart for $9.99 each.

Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn Series Review, Blog Tour, Nook HD Giveaway and Facebook Party {5/9}

I have a new book series to tell you about, the Misty Harbor Inn series - Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer!

I really enjoyed getting to know Caroline, Gracie and Sam throughout this series.  I thought the authors did a great job creating unique individuals and you find yourself really caring about them as well as Misty Harbor Inn and the mysteries surrounding it.  These books were truly delightful.  The series contains mystery, romance, family dynamics and beautiful descriptions of settings and scenery - they really take your there.  Both books read at a quick pace and you will be finished with both before you know it. 

Read more about the books, the authors and the upcoming facebook party below!  And check out the complete blog tour here.

More about the books:
The Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series (Guideposts Books) introduces readers to Caroline, Gracie and Sam as they gather for a vacation where they spent the summers as children, and follows their adventures as they fulfill their mother's dream of opening a bed and breakfast. As the sisters heal from their mother's passing, they bond in ways they never imagined and discover evidence of God's hand in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

A team of four authors come together under the pen name of Evangeline Kelley to bring the unique personalities of each sister to vivid life and welcome audiences to the charming and historic island of Nantucket, complete with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, ferries, sandy beaches and salty air.

Seaside Harmony:

Three sisters, a charming inn, hints of mystery and romance, and a gorgeous seaside setting. Summer reading at its finest!

When Caroline Marris joins her sisters, Gracie Gold and Sam Carter for a Nantucket Island getaway, she has no idea how it will change her life. The sisters stumble upon Misty Harbor Inn, the place their late mother loved so much, and Caroline talks her sisters into buying the beautiful but dilapidated inn. But can free-spirited Caroline stay focused enough to make opening the inn a reality? Hand-drawn old postcards draw the sisters into the mystery of Hannah Montague, the young widow of the original owner. Can the sisters uncover the fate of this woman who disappeared in 1880? As Caroline and her sisters work together to make their mom's dream a reality, they bond in ways they never expected.

Sunflower Summer:

Misty Harbor Inn officially opens, and Gracie Gold, the middle Marris sister, wrestles with an overwhelming decision. As the sisters learn the day-to-day workings of running an inn, Gracie counsels its first guests, newlyweds whose honeymoon seems to be ending before it begins. Meanwhile, Sam's discovery of a clue in a secret room sheds unflattering light on Hannah Montague, who vanished from the house more than one hundred years ago. And as Gracie and Caroline welcome guests to the inn, they are delighted to see how God uses it --- and them --- to deepen relationships and transform lives.

Meet Evangeline Kelley: Evangeline Kelley is the pen name for the writing team of Patti Berg, Pam Andrews & Barbara Hanson, and Camy Tang, the four authors who collaborated to create Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn.  Each of them has published novels individually, but this is their first series together.

Find out more about Evangeline at http://amzn.to/10d3FZM.

Guideposts Books is celebrating the release of their new Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series with a fun giveaway and a Facebook party on May 9th.

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Nook HD
• Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer by Evangeline Kelley

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 8th. Winner will be announced at the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/9. Connect with Patti Berg, Pam Andrews, Barbara Hanson, and Camy Tang (who collaborated together under the pen name, Evangeline Kelley) for an evening of book chat, trivia, and fun! There will also be great giveaways (gift certificates, books, and more) as well as a sneak peek at the next book in the series!

So grab your copies of Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer and join readers just like you on the evening of May 9th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 9th!

Disclosure:  Thanks so much to Litfuse Publicity Group for allowing me to be a part of this tour and providing me with these books to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

Berenstain Bears Collection DVD Set Review

Disclosure:  I was blessed to receive a Collection Set of the Berenstain Bears to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

You have probably heard of the Berenstain Bears or possibly read some of their books.  I wanted to tell you about the Berenstain Bears Collection Set from Phase 4 Films, featuring the voice of Michael Cera (as Brother Bear).  All DVDs are rated G.

This collection features 3 DVDs (Bear Country, Celebrations and Homework Help) with 5 episodes each.  Each DVD is approximately 55 minutes in length.  My kids love these DVDs.  In fact, they ask to watch them every day, no kidding!  The introduction is cute and catchy (check it out here) and I find D singing it on occasion.  The episodes are engaging and I really like that they are each geared towards teaching a specific lesson whether it be counting your blessings, learning responsibility, valuing what is truly important, learning about peer pressure, etc.  I like that the value of family and others is exemplified.  If you are looking for clean, wholesome entertainment for your little ones these are perfect - I highly recommend this set.

More About Berenstain Bears Collection Set
In the rolling hills of Bear Country, this animated comedy stars a fun loving family of honey Bears whose love, loyalty and humor allow them to overcome any obstacle that finds its way down to their sunny dirt road.  The funny, familiar experiences of this bear family instill timeless life lessons and reflect the traditional community values of country life.

This set is available for purchase at Walmart stores for $29.99.

Dial Kids Body & Hair Wash 6+ Review & Flash Giveaway

Dial Kids 6+ Watery Melon

 *** Giveaway Now Closed ***

Congratulations to Donna, amweeks and Clair!

You may remember my review of Dial Kids Body Wash for children 2-5 found here.  Well, now I am here to tell you about the Dial Kids Body Wash for kids ages 6 and up!  This wash comes in both Watery Melon and Berry Cool varieties.  We were blessed to receive the Watery Melon scent.  I love having lots of kids!

This particular wash is meant for children ages 6+, Dial offers mild cleansing without drying out your child's skin.  I love that it is tear free, hypoallergenic, and has no artificial dyes.  The Watery Melon variant gently removes dirt from head to toe with a fun, fresh scent.  My older kids really like the scent and it works well for cleaning both their bodies and their hair.

What do you think?  Would you like to try this soap for your own family?  Enter the giveaway below to win some!  And would you like to join me as a Purex Insider.  Click here to join - you won't regret it!

I also want to tell you about the Dial Kids sweepstakes which is live right now!  Enter to win $1,000 (grand prize) while 250 second place winners will try the New Dial Kids Body & Hair Wash for free!

Now, onto the giveaway!  Three winners will each receive a free product coupon for the New Dial Kids Body & Hair Wash (coupon max value $4.49 and expires 6/30/2013).

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend and let me know, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win! 

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Enter the Dial Kids Body & Hair Wash Sweepstakes found here (5 extra entries)

2.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)

3.  Follow my facebook page (2 extras)

4.  Follow Dial on facebook (2 extras)
5.  Comment on Dial's facebook page and mention that Cummins Life sent you (2 extras)
6.  Follow me on Pinterest (2 extras)
7.  Follow me on twitter here (2 extras)

Giveaway will end on April 24th at Midnight (yep, it is a flash giveaway).  Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 24 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US residents only.

Disclosure:  I was selected to participate in this campaign as a Purex Insider.  Thanks so much to Purex and Dial for providing me with a sample of Dial Kids Body & Hair Wash for children ages 6+ to facilitate my review and coupons for this giveaway.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Renaissance Faire Girls Juliet Costume Review

Disclosure:  I was blessed to receive the Renaissance Faire Juliet costume for review.  All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

Have you heard of Wholesale Costume Club?  They have tons of costumes from animals, super hero, fairytale, to historic (including Renaissance) and everything in between.  I was blessed to receive a girl's Renaissance Juliet costume.  To check out all the Renaissance costumes available at Wholesale Costume Club click here!

 A super excited to try out her new costume!

 Juliet costume comes with both the dress and headpiece.  Notice the vibrant purple.

 A wearing Juliet

 A view of the headpiece from the back

Emphasizing the puffy shoulders and Renaissance style sleeves

About this costume
 This Juliet costume dress features a lavender front paired with a vibrant purple on both sides and arms.  The cording in front is gold and black and can be used to adjust the costume in small amounts.  The dress is long, ankle length and has the traditional puffy shoulders and Renaissance style sleeves.  This dress also comes with a headpiece.  This dress is made of polyester material and needs to be hand washed.

My Thoughts
 The colors are nice and vibrant and the style is perfect.  I think the sizing is pretty accurate as well.  I received a Medium (USA size 8-10).  I did have to adjust the cording slightly on A (who is 9) and I used a safety pin to pin up the top a bit as it was a little low in the front (A tends to have a longer torso like me).  The material is thick enough to withstand safety pins without a problem.  The material is not itchy!!  This is a huge one as A and B are consistently finding various outfits and costumes at times itchy and this one is not - huge, huge plus in my opinion.  If you are looking for a Halloween costume, a Renaissance period piece or even just a fun dress-up outfit for girls I would highly recommend this one.  You will not be disappointed.

This costume will be around for awhile!

Our Xtreme Customz by Ridemakerz Party

I was selected to host an Xtreme Customz by Ridemakerz Party through MommyParties!  And let me tell you, C was so excited.  I got pretty into it as well.  I even created a fun pinterest board - you can check it out here.

I used a black tablecloth and created lines to symbolize a road on the table.  We had cheese dipsticks, spare tires (mini chocolate donuts), traffic light brownies, off road dirt (chocolate pudding), fruit wheel (strawberries, bananas and oranges), and race dogs (hot dogs made into racers)!

The boys picked out their cars and got right to work in building them and playing!

 A pretty awesome display of Xtreme Customz!

 Building Fun

Xtreme Customz come in two sizes - the size of a cell phone and the size of a football.  These cars are the 1:48 scale or cell phone size.  The car parts are interchangeable and they have a 4-mode adjustable chassis so you can customize the way you cruise (race, lifted, jacked and off-road - with just the push of a button).  The boys had a lot of fun putting the cars into the different modes and this is a huge selling point for me.  These cars were fun, engaging and overall cool.  I liked the different designs and the fact that the parts interchange.  I would definitely recommend them.  They are available for purchase at Target and Toys R Us. 

There was also the opportunity to create Xtreme Scenez.  Using some art supplies, boxes and a lot of imagination the boys built a mountain scenery and a garage - I was impressed.

And below is a fun video of the festivities and my interviews with some of the boys - what they like about their cars and what they would add if anything.


Disclosure:  Thanks so much to MommyParties and RideMakerz for allowing us this opportunity and providing us with the amazing Xtreme Customz starter kits.  All opinions express are 100% my own.

Another Cut, Another Donation

Remember in January 2011 when I did something big?  I had done it in the Fall of 2008 as well!  And a few times before that.  Last night I brought my grand total to 87 inches!  Yep, I chopped off my hair!  If you know me, this is pretty old hat.  I like to grow my hair out long and then eventually donate it.  And once again, my hairdresser told me that I have the thickest hair she has ever seen - in her life.  I now expect that from hairdressers when I go!  Wouldn't you?

 Getting my hair chopped!

So much lighter.

I like it already.  It is still long enough to pull back in a pony tail yet definitely a change from before.  What do you think?

Chick-fil-A Leadercast Blog App

I wanted to let you know about the Chick-fil-A Leadercast Blog App!

What is it?
Chick-fil-A Leadercast is a one-day leadership event broadcast LIVE from Atlanta, GA to hundreds of locations around the world on May 10, 2013.  Strengthen your leadership by simplifying your life.  SIMPLY LEAD.

Our lives are full of things that we think will grow our businesses and increase our influence.  We are busy - and that may, unknowingly, be holding us back.  What if there was potential impact in simplifying our lives so our leadership could thrive?  Leading in a complex world requires simplicity to cut through the clutter.  Saying NO to what may seem good could help increase your capacity to live your life to the fullest.  Join Chick-fil-A Leadercast and learn to Simply Lead.



With the Bog App above you can take the quiz and find out - What is your leadership style?  Everyone is born with the power to influence and although it may not always feel like it - we are ALL LEADERS in our own way! The question is... what type of leader are you?  You will also find 7 tips to simplify!  Simplicity enables leaders to cut through the clutter and make the best decisions possible. Read these 7 tips to simplify your life... and remember, it’s the decisions you make that define the leader you become!  And you can Join.  Chick-fil-A Leadercast will be broadcasted to hundreds of locations around the world!  Enter your zip code to find a broadcast location near you - or join us at the LIVE site in Atlanta May 10, 2013! 

Speakers for this year's event include:
•    Jack Welch, Former Chairman and CEO of General Electric
•    Andy Stanley, Best-selling leadership author and communicator
•    Mike Krzyzewski, Head men's basketball coach, Duke University and Team USA
•    John Maxwell, Best-selling author and leadership expert
•    Dr. Henry Cloud, Best-selling author and leadership consultant
•    LCDR Rorke Denver, Navy SEAL and star of the 2012 movie Act of Valor
•    Sanya Richards-Ross, 2012 London Olympic gold medalist, track & field
•    David Allen, Best-selling author of Getting Things Done and productivity expert
•    Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State (2005-2009), via exclusive Simply Lead video interview

Remember - May 10th!

Lead Your Family Like Jesus Review, Blog Tour, Live Webcast Event & Giveaway

 

I have a new book to tell you about - Lead Your Family Like Jesus: Powerful Parenting Principles from the Creator of Families by Tricia Goyer, Phil Hodges and Ken Blanchard.  This book talks about aligning your four leadership domains - your heart, your head, your hands, and your habits.    When these areas are aligned, you can lead with joy! 

Some of the key points include - keep and eternal perspective, be humble, focus on God, discover what your family's mission is and take it on, say yes to the best and no to the rest, know the difference between a crisis and a bump in the road (or mountains and molehills as I like to say), make the most of the childrearing years, help kids succeed, inspire obedience and not rebellion, stay on track by staying close to Him, meet challenges by meeting with Him, and turn mistakes into opportunities through forgiveness and grace.

While we all have strengths and weaknesses this book has allowed me to realize that I really struggle with my habits.  It is much easier to stay on track of goals and missions if you are staying close to Him and meeting challenges face on by meeting with Him.  Now, this doesn't exactly mean - meet with Him and everything in your life will run smoothly.  I admittedly have let my time with God dwindle lately and have not been having consistent times with just Him and I.  And I know that this has played its part, making things more difficult for myself and those around me.  This book has served as a good reminder for me to press in to all that God has for me and my family!  Not only do I want my kids to have a heart for God but I want them to experience my heart for Him as well.

I am grateful to add this book to my parenting resources and you should too!

More about Lead Your Family Like Jesus:

Powerful Parenting Principles from the Creator of Families

(Focus on the Family/Tyndale) - Does your family need a five-star general at the helm?  A psychologist?  A referee?  Ken Blanchard, best-selling co-author of The One Minute Manager and Lead Like Jesus, points to a better role model: the Son of God.  Joined by veteran parents and authors Phil Hodges and Tricia Goyer, renowned business mentor Blanchard shows how every family member benefits when parents take the reins as servant-leaders.  Moms and dads will see themselves in a whole new light-as life-changers who get their example, strength, and joy from following Jesus at home.  This user-friendly book's practical principles and personal stories mark the path to a truly Christ-centered family, where integrity, love, grace, self-sacrifice, and forgiveness make all the difference. 

Meet the Authors: 

Tricia: 

Bestselling author of more than 30 novels, nine nonfiction books, and more than three hundred articles for national publications; 2003 "Writer of the Year" at the Mount Hermon Christian Writer's Conference; popular blog writer, speaker, and radio host  

Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com. 

Ken: 

Leadership expert and author of over 50 books, including the New York Times bestseller, The One-Minute Manager; cofounder of Lead Like Jesus; and coauthor of Lead Like Jesus; Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time 

Learn more about Ken at www.kenblanchard.com

Phil: 

A human resource and industrial relations manager in corporate America for 36 years with Xerox Corporation and U.S. Steel, co- founder of Lead Like Jesus; co-author of five books, including The Servant Leader and Leadership by the Book with Bill Hybels.

Learn more about Phil at www.leadlikejesus.com

Would you like to read this book for yourself?  Go here to purchase a copy.  And please visit the complete blog tour here.  Keep reading to find out how you could win an iPad mini!

Celebrate the release of Lead Your Family Like Jesus with Tricia by entering her iPad Mini Giveaway and RSVPing for the Lead, Momma Lead LIVE Webcast Event (with MomLife Today's Tracey Eyster) on April 16th.

  One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A Tricia Goyer library 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 15th.  Winner will be announced at the "Lead, Momma Lead" Live Webcast Event on April 16th.  Connect with authors and everyday moms, Tricia Goyer and Tracey Eyster, for an evening of sharing and perspective-changing encouragement for leading your family.  Tricia and Tracey will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Lead Your Family Like Jesus and join Tricia and Tracey on the evening of April 16th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 16th!

Disclosure:  Thanks so much to Litfuse Publicity Group for allowing me to be a part of this tour and providing me with this book to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

This Is Our Time Movie Review & Giveaway

I have a new movie to tell you about, This Is Our Time by Pure Flix.  This movie follows the lives of five close friends upon completion of college.  They want to pursue what God has for them and make a difference in the world. 

Ok, look - this film isn't out to be the next entertainment blockbuster, but they did a good job exploring some real life issues here.  I didn't realize before watching it that this is a promotional movie for Embrace a Village, and honestly for me, knowing that changes my expectations.  While there were definite "cheese" moments I enjoyed this movie and the story itself.  It is a great example of how plans do not always turn out as expected yet God is in the midst of every trial and situation and it can be used to bring Him glory.

You will learn a ton about Embrace A Village, a ministry that cares for those afflicted with leprosy and their families in India.  I hope that this movie encourages people to embrace the calling that God has for them wherever they are.  Thank you Pure Flix for striving to make a difference, one person at a time!

This Is Our Time is available for purchase here.  Be sure to enter the giveaway below to win your own copy!

More About the film:

This Is Our Time, distributed by Pure Flix, follows the post-collegiate lives of five friends connected by their strong belief in God who all long to make a meaningful difference in the world. But when tragedy strikes the close-knit group, their friendship and their faith are tested in ways they never imagined.  This is an inspirational film about what it really means, and what it really takes, to follow the call of God in your life.   “The experiences the characters in THIS IS OUR TIME face are the kinds of real-life ups and downs, successes and devastation, all of us encounter in living life,” said Lisa Arnold, the film’s writer, director and co-producer. “I wanted to tell a story that would resonate with young people just stepping out into the world to make their mark that would help them see that no matter the circumstances they face, God is always with them, loving them, guiding them.”

The movie tells the interwoven stories of Luke (T.J. Dalrymple) and Alé (Erin Bethea), who marry right after school and move to India to serve as missionaries for Embrace A Village, a ministry that cares for those afflicted with leprosy and their families; aspiring financier Catherine (Kate Cobb), who joins a prestigious financial institution determined to make an impact on corporate America; Ryder (Matthew Florida), who lands an impressive job in social media and can’t wait to use the powerful medium for a greater good; and Ethan (Shawn-Caulin Young,) seemingly the odd man out, who struggles to find his God-given-purpose and feels sidelined by God.  “What they all come to learn is that it never really was their time,” Arnold said. “It always was, always is, God’s time.”

This Is Our Time releases  on DVD and Blue-Ray on April 16, that is tomorrow!  It will be available nationwide at Family Christian Stores and most Christian on-line and brick-and-mortar stores nationwide.

This Is Our Time has received The Dove Foundation's Family Seal of Approval (earning the highest rating of five Doves) and is recommended for all ages.  It also features appearances by Hollywood veterans Eric Roberts, Erik Estrada and Dawn Wells.  Coinciding with the movie's DVD release, Pure Flix is teaming with Family Christian Stores and other Christian retailers to award eight $2,5000 college scholarships through registrations submitted through FamilyChristian.com and other  websites representing more than 2,000 retail outlets nationwide.  Participation eligibility and rules can be found at www.thisisourtimemovie.com.

                       

More About Pure Flix
Pure Flix is a Christian movie studio that produces, distributes, and acquires Christ-centered movies for the sole purpose of changing our culture for Christ, one heart at a time.  Our mission since day one has remained the same and we continue to strive to make a difference for His name.  Learn more at www.pureflix.com.

Would you like to watch this movie for yourself?  Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  I received my own copy of This Is Our Time to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  Thanks so much to the sponsor for providing this giveaway.

    

When Jesus Wept Review, Blog Tour, Facebook Party & Giveaway

If you read historical fiction I am sure that you have heard of Bodie & Brock Thoene.  They are amazing authors!  I loved their Zion Covenant Series that took place during the growing tide of Nazi terrorism. 

I have a new series to tell you about today though, Jerusalem Chronicles and more specifically book 1, When Jesus Wept.  This book follows the life of Lazarus -  a talented vineyard owner, a man with two sisters Mary and Martha, one who Jesus befriends and ultimately is risen from the dead by Jesus himself (should sound familiar right?).  I really enjoyed this book!  While they are honoring to the Biblical account, there is a lot of liberty taken as well.  Again, I just want to be clear that this is historical fiction.  The story is told from the perspective of Lazarus himself; I very much enjoyed reading this story and hearing a different perspective and possible account for some things; however, in no way do I want this to overshadow Biblical fact or truth in my mind.  I appreciate that there is true scripture woven throughout this book.  The Thoenes are excellent at taking history, information, and facts and creatively weaving it into a fabulous story - you will be engaged and taken back into history itself.  I love the way that they present the times around Lazarus and Jesus - the people, life, the politics - they do it so well.  Remember that you are reading fiction, and dive right in!  You won't be disappointed.

About When Jesus Wept: 

Book 1 in the Thoene's new Jerusalem Chronicles.

Lazarus occupies a surprising position in the Gospel accounts.  Widely known as the man Jesus raised from the dead, his story is actually much broader and richer than that.  Living as he did at Bethany, near Jerusalem, Lazarus was uniquely placed to witness the swirl of events around Jesus.  When Jesus Wept, the first novel in The Jerusalem Chronicles series by bestselling authors Bodie and Brock Thoene, unfolds the turbulent times in Judea during Jesus' ministry, centering on the friendship between Jesus and Lazarus.  With rich insights from vineyard owners and vine dressers, the Thoenes explore the metaphor of Jesus as the True Vine, harvesting the ancient secrets found in the Old Testament.  Weaving the life of Lazarus, who owned a vineyard, into the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ will help you understand it is the hand of Love Divine that holds the knife, that cuts and breaks with such tender and loving touch, and that we who have born some fruit, after the pruning, can bear much more. 

     

  

Meet the Thoenes:  

  

Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced Tay-nee) are bestselling authors of over sixty-five works of historical fiction.  Their timeless classics have sold more than thirty-five million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards.  The Thoenes have four grown children and eight grandchildren.  They divide their time between Hawaii, London, and Nevada.

Find out more about Bodie and Brock at http://www.thoenebooks.com/.

Would you like to read this book for yourself?  Go here to purchase a copy.  And please visit the complete blog tour here.  Keep reading to find out how you could win an iPad mini!

Celebrate the release of When Jesus Wept with the Thoenes by entering their iPad Mini giveaway and RSVPing to their {4/23} Facebook Author Chat party!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A brand new iPad Mini
• A book club kit - 10 copies of When Jesus Wept

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "When Jesus Wept" Author Chat Party on 4/23. Connect with the Thoenes, get a sneak peek of the next book in the Jerusalem Chronicles series, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be fun giveaways - gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of When Jesus Wept and join Bodie and Brock on the evening of the April 23rd for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

Disclosure:  Thanks so much to Litfuse Publicity Group for allowing me to be a part of this tour and providing me with this book to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

Old Navy Women's Best Tees Sample Share

Guess what?  I was selected for another awesome Old Navy Sampling through crowdtap.  This time it was for Women's Best Tees!

 Coupons in hand and ready to shop.

A friend and I were able to shop for two Best Tees each - we could select any from the Vintage and Perfect collections.  I was surprised at how many options there were.

 In front of the Perfect Tees

 Vintage Options

The Best Tees consisted of bright and bold colors as well as more traditional and classic options.  There were crew necks, v-necks, graphics, non-graphics, Henleys - really just a huge variety!  I think the crew tees are my favorite as the neckline is super flattering on me and I do not have to think about modesty.

 I really liked this green one on me.  I didn't get it but I plan on going back for it!

Sporting different Stripes

We each chose a vintage and a perfect tee!  I chose the perfect crew tee in black stripe and a graphic v-neck in black jack and my friend chose a Henley in orange stripe and a different graphic v-neck in royal rowena.

So I often get asked, "How in the world do you get these amazing sample opportunities and free products?".  And the answer is - crowdtap!   Crowdtap is an on-line community that allows you to sample products and earn cool rewards for interacting with top brands.  Interested in signing up, just go here.

A big thanks to both Crowdtap and Old Navy for this sampling opportunity!  I was blessed to receive two Old Navy Best Tees of my choice and take a friend along for two Best Tees of their choice.  All opinions expressed are 100% mine.