The Not So Perfect Housewife

Love Out Loud: 365 Devotions for Loving God, Loving Yourself, and Loving Others by Joyce Meyer

2012-01-27T07:11:00.000-05:00

If you’re looking for a good devotional to follow throughout the year, Love Out Loud would be my suggestion.

Short, but meaning devotions that make you think outside the box a little. Encouraging you to love yourself and most importantly others.

Check it out..

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Joyce Meyer

and the book:

Love Out Loud: 365 Devotions for Loving God, Loving Yourself, and Loving Others

FaithWords (November 2, 2011)

***Special thanks to Sarah Reck, Web Publicist | FaithWords & Center Street | Hachette Book Group, for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, she has written more than eighty inspirational books, including The Secret to True Happiness, 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life, the entire Battlefield of the Mind family of books, her first venture into fiction with The Penny, and many others. She has also released thousands of audio teachings, as well as a complete video library. Joyce’s Enjoying Everyday Life radio and television programs are broadcast around the world, and she travels extensively conducting conferences. Joyce and her husband, Dave, are the parents of four grown children and make their home in St. Louis, Missouri.

Visit the author's website. Visit the author's twitter. Visit the author's Facebook.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Jesus said, "You must love the Lord your God with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." - Luke10:27

If one had to choose a single verse in the Bible that is a formula for successful living, this would be the one to live by, says Joyce Meyer: love God, yourself and others - in that order.

Many Christians get mixed up about love. They know they should love God and others, but many do not understand that loving oneself is one-third of God's equation. They mistakenly think of it as selfishness or self-aggrandizement.

Joyce Meyer believes that this misconception is one of the greatest pitfalls in the Christian journey. Loving oneself in a balanced, healthy manner is essential in order to have healthy relationships with God, ourselves and others.

Drawing upon her previous work and teaching series as well as original devotions, the author of Power Thoughts examines the three loves that we've been commanded to exhibit.

Product Details:

List Price: $16.99

Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: FaithWords (November 2, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446538477
ISBN-13: 978-0446538473

AND NOW...Press the Browse Button to Read THE FIRST CHAPTER:

OctoberBaby ~ Coming to Theaters March 23rd

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Oh, this looks like it’s going to be a must see..

‘OCTOBER BABY’ SETS MARCH PREMIERE

Award-Winning Directors Jon and Andrew Erwin Make

Feature Film Debut with Life-Affirming Coming-of-Age Story

OctoberBabyMovie.net

NASHVILLE – Jan. 11, 2012 – From award-winning directors Jon and Andrew Erwin comes OCTOBER BABY, a groundbreaking, life-affirming movie premiering in theaters nationwide March 23, 2012. Provident Films—known for its association with such hit faith movies as COURAGEOUS and FIREPROOF—and Samuel Goldwyn Films (distributor of such hit faith films as FIREPROOF, AMAZING GRACE and FACING THE GIANTS among others) have signed on to market and distribute.

A production of the Erwin Brothers and American Family Studios, OCTOBER BABY weaves a dramatic, romantic, humorous story of one young woman’s search for the truth after a life-changing discovery rocks her world.

“OCTOBER BABY is the story of 19-year-old Hannah, who finds out she is adopted and is the survivor of an attempted abortion,” said co-director and co-writer Jon Erwin. “So, she goes on a road trip to find answers, locate her birth mother and, ultimately, discover how powerful forgiveness can be.”

OCTOBER BABY offers viewers an enjoyable, entertaining, intensely human film about friends hitting the road together and finding more than they bargained for: adventure, romance, truth . . . and the power to forgive. But, the film is more than that—it tells the story of one young woman’s journey based on hundreds of stories of abortion survivors. OCTOBER BABY honestly and evenhandedly invites audiences to explore their own views of life’s value and the importance of their choices.

“Like all good films, OCTOBER BABY entertains, encourages and challenges audiences,” said Provident Films Senior Vice President Ben Howard. “Long after leaving the theater, viewers will continue conversations that OCTOBER BABY ignites.”

OCTOBER BABY marks the feature film debut of the Erwin Brothers, multiple Dove Award winners for music videos featuring hit contemporary Christian artists such as Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith and Francesca Battistelli. Jon Erwin and Theresa Preston co-wrote the film.

“We’re thrilled to introduce these exciting, young filmmakers to audiences nationwide,” said Meyer Gottlieb, president of Samuel Goldwyn Films. “OCTOBER BABY is one more example of Samuel Goldwyn Films’ commitment to releasing films with a dedicated audience. That, coupled with getting to collaborate with Provident once again, made this a homerun for us.”

Starring newcomer Rachel Hendrix as Hannah, OCTOBER BABY features John Schneider (Smallville, The Dukes of Hazzard) and Jasmine Guy (A Different World), along with Jason Burkey and American Idol finalist Chris Sligh in his feature film debut.

In support of the film’s life-affirming theme, the producers of OCTOBER BABY have assigned 10 percent of the profits of the film to the Every Life is Beautiful Fund. The money will be distributed to frontline organizations helping women face crisis pregnancies, life-affirming adoption agencies and those caring for orphans.

“We feel like it’s very important to use OCTOBER BABY as an opportunity to serve, give back and save lives,” Jon Erwin said. “That’s what we want the Every Life Is Beautiful Fund to be about.”

OCTOBER BABY has already drawn wide praise from advance screenings.

Mark Hall of Casting Crowns

“I am now an OCTOBER BABY activist. This is something I have to be a part of.”

Gianna Jessen, abortion survivor, national speaker

“I laughed so hard, cried so hard, and healed. Thank you!”

The Dove Foundation

“We urge you to see this movie. It might just change your life.”

One mother’s story shared on Facebook

“My 14-year-old daughter watched the movie with me . . . at the end, my daughter said, ‘Mom, OCTOBER BABY is my favorite movie ever.’ OCTOBER BABY gave me an opportunity to discuss many issues with her—forgiveness, healing, abortion and more. Thank you, thank you, thank you again!”

To learn more, visit: OctoberBabyMovie.net

About Provident Films ProvidentFilms.org

Provident Films, a division of Provident Music Group, develops, produces and markets faith-based films. Nashville-based Provident Music Group, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, has been one of the world’s leading Christian entertainment companies for more than three decades.

About Samuel Goldwyn Films SamuelGoldwynFilms.com

Samuel Goldwyn Films is a major, independently owned and operated motion-picture company. The company develops, produces and distributes innovative feature films and documentaries, working with world renowned and emerging writers and filmmakers. Goldwyn is consistently committed to filmed entertainment offering original voices in uniquely told stories.

A beautiful behind the scene glimpse

The Vow by Kim & Krickitt Carpenter

2012-01-25T16:35:00.000-05:00

Ok, to be perfectly honest here, when I first saw this trailer, I really wanted to see this movie just because Channing Tatum was in it.

But now that I’ve gotten the chance to read the book The Vow, The True Events That Inspired The Movie, I want to see this movie for a WHOLE BUNCH of different reasons.

From BH Publishing Group:

The Vow traces actual events from the 1990s, when Kim and Krickitt met, fell in love and married. Just 10 weeks later, the couple survived a terrible car wreck with Krickitt awakening in the hospital married to a stranger. The accident had claimed 18 months of Krickitt’s memories, including all recollection of Kim.

With Kim committed to his marriage vows and Krickitt maintaining her strong Christian faith even if recent memories were gone, the couple began the long road to a rebuilt relationship, with a second wedding ceremony and renewal of their vows almost three years later. It gave new meaning to the words “in sickness and in health.”

“You make a promise before God with your wedding vows,” Krickitt said. “You have to take that seriously.”

The Carpenter’s story generated international interest at the time and resulted in the initial release of their book. Now reissued with an additional chapter and new 16-page photo insert, The Vow tells the true and more complete story than the film it inspired.

My Review/Thoughts

Oh wow! What a TRUE TRUE TRUE story of love and devotion.

But not just the normal, what movies are made of, type of gushy ‘feeling’, kind of love..

No. This is the FAITH based, God fearing, I Took a Vow before God kind of love.

My copy of The Vow (Thank you Lovell-Fairchild) is covered in dog ears. Reading the true story of Kim and Krickitt has truly blessed my life and given me a whole new outlook on what ‘vows’ truly mean.

I was inspired by Krickitts deep faith from the get go. How, in the beginning of their budding relationship, she unshamedly and bodlys asks Kim if he is a Christian and explains to him why this is important to her. And than, even after going through a horrible accident, her faith is never lost. Memories yes, but not her faith.

Most of the book is written by and from Kim’s point of view. And what a view that is.

His unending love and devotion to his wife during such a trying time. His determination to keep his Vow and his willingness to create new memories with his wife who doesn’t remember him.

I read this book in 2 days.

I actually could have read it in one, but I really needed to sleep.

Although The Vow, the movie, looks like it’s going to be good..

I HIGHLY suggest getting a copy of the TRUE story and be inspired by two people who truly allowed God to be at the center of their marriage.

** Thank you to Lovell-Fairchild for the review copy of The Vow. All opinions and thoughts are 100% all mine**

Valentine’s Day Mantel Bling

2012-01-25T13:10:00.001-05:00

Wow.. it has been a VERY long time since I’ve sat down and actually blogged.

I’ll write more later on what I’ve been doing lately, but I wanted to show you the Valentine decorations we have going on.

I don’t usually decorate for Valentines day, but after taking down all the Christmas decorations, I quickly realized how bare and empty the mantel looked.

So with some great ideas from Pinterest, I was able to put this together for under $20!! I bought most of what I needed at the Dollar Store!! Yea Baby…

The subway art printables I found by Googling

The one on the right is from Today’s Fabulous Finds

The Faith, Hope, and Love is from A Step in the Journey

The LOVE votives I made using Dollar Store votives and Elmer’s Painters Pens

I made the X’s and O’s by just playing around with Microsoft Word.

I than took some simple twine and laced it through some paper doilies hearts for the banner.

And the Valentines Day plate was made using a plain white plate from the dollar store, clear labels and my computer.

I had A LOT of fun putting this together!

Love Blooms in Winter

2012-01-19T09:19:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it’s fun to escape the issues that surround us and just disappear into a good book.

Love Blooms in Winter is one of those books that takes you back to 1892 in North Dakota and makes you feel like your part of the story.

I really enjoyed following Mae Wilkey’s story as she patiently waits for the man she has been ‘dating’ for over 6 years to make a commitment, but she also patiently waits on an elderly women who seems to have no family to help take care of her.

But than Mae sees a ray of hope. A ‘kin’ name and address of someone who may be able to come help her. She prayed for someone to come care for this woman, but had no idea he would change her life too.

Love Blooms in Winter will keep you turning the pages.

Enjoy the first chapter.

Today's Wild Card author is:

Lori Copeland

and the book:

Love Blooms in Winter (The Dakota Diaries)

Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2012)

***Special thanks to Karri | Marketing Assistant |Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori Copeland is the author of more than 90 titles, both historical and contemporary fiction. With more than 3 million copies of her books in print, she has developed a loyal following among her rapidly growing fans in the inspirational market. She has been honored with the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books' Best Seller award. In 2000, Lori was inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame. She lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband, Lance, and their three children and five grandchildren.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

This new romance from bestselling author Lori Copeland portrays God’s miraculous provision when none seems possible. An engagement, a runaway train, and a town of quirky, loveable people make for more adventure than Tom Curtis is expecting. But it is amazing what can bloom in winter with God in charge.

1892—Mae Wilkey’s sweet next-door neighbor, Pauline, is suffering from old age and dementia and desperately needs family to come help her. But Pauline can’t recall having kin remaining. Mae searches through her desk and finds a name—Tom Curtis, who may just be the answer to their prayers.

Tom can’t remember an old aunt named Pauline, but if she thinks he’s a long-lost nephew, he very well may be. After two desperate letters from Mae, he decides to pay a visit. An engagement, a runaway train, and a town of quirky, loveable people make for more of an adventure than Tom is expecting. But it is amazing what can bloom in winter when God is in charge of things.

Product Details:

List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736930191
ISBN-13: 978-0736930192

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Dwadlo, North Dakota, 1892

The winter of ’92 is gonna go down as one of the worst Dwadlo’s ever seen,” Hal Murphy grumbled as he dumped the sack of flour he got for his wife on the store counter. “Mark my words.” He turned toward Mae Wilkey, the petite postmistress, who was stuffing mail in wooden slots.

“Spring can’t come soon enough for me.” She stepped back, straightening the row of letters and flyers. She didn’t have to record Hal’s prediction; it was the same every year. “I’d rather plant flowers than shovel snow any day of the week.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Hal nodded to the store owner, Dale Smith, who stood five foot seven inches with a rounded belly and salt-and-pepper hair swept to a wide front bang. “Add a couple of those dill pickles, will you?” Hal watched as Dale went over to the barrel and fished around inside, coming up with two fat pickles.

“That’ll fix me up.” Hal turned his attention back to the mail cage, his eyes fixed on the lovely sight. “Can’t understand why you’re still single, Mae. You’re as pretty as a raindrop on a lily pad.” He sniffed the air. “And you smell as good.”

Smiling, Mae moved from the letter boxes to the cash box. Icy weather may have delayed the train this morning, but she still had to count money and record the day’s inventory. “Now, Hal, you know I’d marry you in a wink if you weren’t already taken.” Hal and Clara had been married forty-two years, but Mae’s usual comeback never failed to put a sparkle in the farmer’s eye. Truth be, she put a smile on every man’s face, but she wasn’t often aware of the flattering looks she received. Her heart belonged to Jake Mallory, Dwadlo’s up-and-coming attorney.

Hal nodded. “I know. All the good ones are taken, aren’t they?”

She nodded. “Every single one. Especially in Dwadlo.”

The little prairie town was formed when the Chicago & North Western Railroad came through five years ago. Where abundant grass, wild flowers, and waterfalls had once flourished, hundreds of miles of steel rail crisscrossed the land, making way for big, black steam engines that hauled folks and supplies. Before the railroad came through, only three homesteads had dotted the rugged Dakota Territory: Mae’s family’s, Hal and Clara’s, and Pauline Wilson’s.

But in ’87 life changed, and formerly platted sites became bustling towns. Pine Grove and Branch Springs followed, and Dwadlo suddenly thrived with immigrants, opportunists, and adventure-seeking folks staking claims out West. A new world opened when the Dakota Boom started.

Hal’s gaze focused on Mae’s left hand. “Jake still hasn’t popped the question?”

Mae sighed. Hal was a pleasant sort, but she really wished the townspeople would occupy their thoughts with something other than her and Jake’s pending engagement. True, they had been courting for six years and Jake still hadn’t proposed, but she was confident he would. He’d said so, and he was a man of his word—though every holiday, when a ring would have been an appropriate gift, that special token of his intentions failed to materialize. Mae had more lockets than any one woman could wear, but Jake apparently thought that she could always use another one. What she could really use was his hand in marriage. The bloom was swiftly fading from her youth, and it would be nice if her younger brother, Jeremy, had a man’s presence in his life.

“Be patient, Hal. He’s busy trying to establish a business.”

“Good lands. How long does it take a man to open a law office?”

“Apparently six years and counting.” She didn’t like the uncertainty but she understood it, even if the town’s population didn’t. She had a good life, what with work, church, and the occasional social. Jake accompanied her to all public events, came over two or three times a week, and never failed to extend a hand when she needed something. It was almost as though they were already married.

“The man’s a fool,” Hal declared. “He’d better slap a ring on that finger before someone else comes along and does it for him.”

“Not likely in Dwadlo,” Mae mused. The town itself was made up of less than a hundred residents, but other folks lived in the surrounding areas and did their banking and shopping here. Main Street consisted of the General Store, Smith’s Grain and Feed, the livery, the mortuary, the town hall and jail (which was almost always empty), Doc Swede’s office, Rosie’s Café, and an empty building that had once housed the saloon. Mae hadn’t spotted a sign on any business yet advertising “Husbands,” but she was certain her patience would eventually win out.

With a final smile Hal moved off to pay for his goods. Mae hummed a little as she put the money box in the safe. Looking out the window, she noticed a stiff November wind snapping the red canvas awning that sheltered the store’s porch. Across the square, a large gazebo absorbed the battering wind. The usually active gathering place was now empty under a gray sky. On summer nights music played, and the smell of popcorn and roasted peanuts filled the air. Today the structure looked as though it were bracing for another winter storm. Sighing, Mae realized she already longed for green grass, blooming flowers, and warm breezes.

After Hal left Mae finished up the last of the chores and then reached for her warm wool cape. She usually enjoyed the short walk home from work, but today she was tired—and her feet hurt because of the new boots she’d purchased from the Montgomery Ward catalog. On the page they had looked comfortable with their high tops and polished leather, but on her feet they felt like a vise.

Slipping the cape’s hood over her hair, she said goodbye to Dale and then paused when her hand touched the doorknob. “Oh, dear. I really do need to check on Pauline again.”

“How’s she doing?” The store owner paused and leaned on his broom. “I noticed she hasn’t been in church recently.”

Dale always reminded Mae of an owl perching on a tree limb, his big, dark blue eyes swiveling here and there. He might not talk a body’s leg off, but he kept up on town issues. She admired the quiet little man for what he did for the community and respected the way he preached to the congregation on Sundays.

How was Pauline doing? Mae worried the question over in her mind. Pauline lived alone, and she shouldn’t. The elderly woman was Mae’s neighbor, and she checked on her daily, but Pauline was steadily losing ground.

“She’s getting more and more fragile, I’m afraid. Dale, have you ever heard Pauline speak of kin?”

The small man didn’t take even a moment to ponder the question. “Never heard her mention a single word about family of any kind.”

“Hmm…me neither. But surely she must have some.” Someone who should be here, in Dwadlo, looking after the frail soul. Mae didn’t resent the extra work, but the post office and her brother kept her busy, and she really didn’t have the right to make important decisions regarding the elderly woman’s rapidly failing health.

Striding back to the bread rack, she picked up a fresh loaf. Dale had private rooms at the back of the store where he made his home, and he was often up before dawn baking bread, pies, and cakes for the community. Most folks in town baked their own goods, but there were a few, widowers and such, who depended on Dale’s culinary skills. By this hour of the day the goods were usually gone, but a few remained. Placing a cherry pie in her basket as well, she called, “Add these things to my account, please, Dale. And pray for Pauline too.”

Nodding, he continued sweeping, methodically running the stiff broomcorn bristles across the warped wood floor.

The numbing wind hit Mae full force when she stepped off the porch. Her hood flew off her head and an icy gust of air snatched away her breath. Putting down her basket, she retied the hood before setting off for the brief walk home. Dwadlo was laid out in a rather strange pattern, a point everyone agreed on. Businesses and homes were built close together, partly as shelter from the howling prairie winds and partly because there wasn’t much forethought given to town planning. Residents’ homes sat not a hundred feet from the store. The whole community encompassed less than five acres.

Halfway to her house, snowflakes began swirling in the air. Huddling deeper into her wrap, Mae concentrated on the path as the flakes grew bigger.

She quickly covered the short distance to Pauline’s. The dwelling was little more than a front room, tiny kitchen, and bedroom, but she was a small woman. Pauline pinned her yellow-white hair in a tight knot at the base of her skull, and she didn’t have a tooth in her head. She chewed snuff, which she freely admitted was an awful habit, but Mae had never heard her speak of giving it up.

Her faded blue eyes were as round as buttons, and no matter what kind of day she was having, it was always a new one to her, filled with wonders. Her mind wasn’t what it used to be. She had good and bad days, but mostly days when her moods changed as swift as summer lightning. She could be talking about tomatoes in the garden patch when suddenly she would be discussing how to spin wool.

Mae noted a soft wisp of smoke curling up from the chimney and smiled. Pauline had remembered to feed the fire this afternoon, so this was a good day.

Unlatching the gate, she followed the path to the front porch. In summertime the white railings hung heavy with red roses, and the scent of honeysuckle filled the air. This afternoon the wind howled across the barren flower beds Pauline carefully nurtured during warmer weather. Often she planted okra where petunias should be, but she enjoyed puttering in the soil and the earth loved her. She brought fresh tomatoes, corn, and beans to the store during spring and summer, and pumpkins and squash lined the railings in the fall.

In earlier days Pauline’s quilts were known throughout the area. She and her quilting group had made quite a name for themselves when Dwadlo first became a town. Four women excelled in the craft. One had lived in Pine Grove, and two others came from as far away as Branch Springs once a month to break bread together and stitch quilts. But one by one the women had died off, leaving Pauline to sew alone in her narrowing world.

Stomping her boots on the porch, Mae said under her breath, “I don’t mind winter, Lord, but could we perhaps have a little less of it?” The only answer was the wind whipping her garments. Tapping lightly on the door, she called, “Pauline?”

Mae stepped back and waited to hear the shuffle of feet. Pauline used to answer the door in less than twenty seconds. It took longer now. Mae made a fist with her gloved hand and banged a little harder. The wind howled around the cottage eaves. She closed her eyes and prayed that Jeremy had remembered to stack sufficient firewood beside the kitchen door. The boy was generally responsible, and she thanked God every day that she had him to lean on. He had been injured by forceps during birth, which left him with special needs. He was a very happy fourteen-year-old with the reasoning power of a child of nine.

A full minute passed. Mae frowned and tried the doorknob. Pauline couldn’t hear herself yell in a churn, but she might also be asleep. The door opened easily, and Mae peeked inside the small living quarters. She saw that a fire burned low in the woodstove, and Pauline’s rocking chair sat empty.

Stepping inside, she closed the door and called again. “Pauline? It’s Mae!”

The ticking of the mantle clock was the only sound that met her ears.

“Pauline?” She lowered her hood and walked through the living room. She paused in the kitchen doorway.

“Oh, Pauline!”

The Best Pizza I’ve Ever Had ~ @Ledopizza

2012-01-18T09:41:00.002-05:00

This past weekend we took a trip up north to see a family friend marry her prince charming.

Although it was about 40 degrees colder up there.. we had a great time.

One of the highlights of our trip was the chance to visit with family and pig out on some of our FAVORITE pizza!

Ledo’s pizza is the bomb diggity of all pizza’s!

Yes I said bomb diggity… LOL!

The sauce is sweet.. the crust is thin.. and it’s just plain ole YUMMYLICIOUS!

Congrats to the Lion King Blu+Ray Winner

2012-01-11T09:04:00.000-05:00

And the winner is...

Beth Green at A Disney Mom's Thoughts

Thanks to all those who entered..

Keep a watch out for more giveaways!

Courageous ~ Movie Review–in stores Jan. 17th

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Over the past few years, I’ve gotten the opportunity to review a lot of different products.

Books, products for the home, food, and tons others..

But I think I have the most fun reviewing movies.

I was recently blessed to have the opportunity to review the, soon to be released, DVD of Courageous.

My family and I didn’t get a chance to see this in the movie theaters, so getting to watch it home was extremely special.

We popped popcorn and with the advice of a dear friend who had seen it before, brought in a box of tissues.

I’m trying to find the words beyond.. WOW.. and WOW.. and Praise God.. but I just can’t seem to find them.

From a mother’s heart and a wife’s point of view, I whole heartily give this thumbs a DOUBLE THUMBS UP! Sherwood Forest has put together an inspiring movie that will make you laugh, cry, and lift your hands in worship all at the same time.

While watching this movie, I sat amazed at the level of storytelling, interaction, and flat out good movie know how this group of church volunteers has put together.

The story is one that will tug at any mother’s heart and, hopefully, stir a father into wanting more out of his life and walk with God. I know that my husband was deeply moved by this movie and has told others about it.

Courageous tells the story of four men, with one calling. To serve and protect. As police officers they stand up to the worst the streets have to offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that they truly are not prepared for: Fatherhood. After a tragic accident, these men are left to face their fears, hopes, and faith. Making a resolution to change the way they honor God in raising their children, these men show what it really means to be Courageous.

Courageous is Sherwood Pictures’ fourth film and it spent just over four weeks on the big screen in the box office top 10!! For a family friendly, Christian, faith based movie, that is just AMAZING!

The Courageous movie will be released on January 17th on both DVD & Blu-ray.

After watching the movie, we got a chance to see what the DVD bonus features had. Packed with behind the scenes clips, stories from Sherwood Pictures volunteers, and funny outtakes and bloopers, the bonus features were just as much fun to watch as the movie.

There will also be an Exclusive Collectors Edition available on at CBA retailers that will boast more than two hours of special features including the 22 minute The Making of Courageous, a Casting Crown video, outtakes and more.

I’ve said this before and meant it than, but never as much as I do now..

If you haven’t seen this movie… go check it out!!

For more information, go to www.courageousthemovie.com

Just for fun, here’s a look at some of their funny bloopers and outtakes:

And I’ll leave you with this little tid bit..

I think my favorite part of the WHOLE movie was the ‘Snake King’… you’ll just have to see it to know what I’m talking about.

Today's the Last Day to Enter! Win a Copy of The Lion King

2012-01-09T10:18:00.002-05:00

I’ll be drawing the winner tonight!!

Enter today to win your very own copy..

Just Click here to Enter

The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter

2012-01-09T07:43:00.000-05:00

What a fun book to read!!!

To be honest, I didn’t even realize that this was Denise’s next book after A Cowboys Touch, but I was THRILLED when a little ways into the book I started recognizing some names and storylines.

The Accidental Bride is an adorable story of an ‘unexpected’ marriage that turns out to be a blessing in disguise.

Shay Bradenberger has seen difficult times in her life. Let alone having some of them played out in the eyesight of the whole town, but to be ‘accidentally’ married to the same man that left her at the alter.. well that just seemed to much to take.

Denise Hunter has done a wonderful job weaving together a story that will make you laugh out loud and keep you turning the pages.

Check out the first chapter..

Today's Wild Card author is:

Denise Hunter

and the book:

The Accidental Bride

Thomas Nelson (January 3, 2012)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings – The B&B Media Group – for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Shay Brandenberger has built her entire life on the shifting sands of what others think. Constantly seeking the approval of others, she has struggled through a rocky childhood, a failed marriage and single parenthood. Now it looks like she’s losing the ranch that has been in her family for three generations, a surefire way to mark her as a failure in the eyes of the community. When Travis McCoy, the high school sweetheart who very publicly broke her heart fifteen years before, returns to Moose Creek, she is less than pleased. Not only does his re-appearance dredge up a deluge of painful memories, it also reminds everyone in town that it was he who left her, not the other way around. To make matters worse, Shay and Travis are unwittingly paired to play bride and groom in the annual Founder’s Day wedding re-enactment where, much to her chagrin, she discovers he still has the power to take her breath away.

Product Details:

List Price: $15.99

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 3, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595548025
ISBN-13: 978-1595548023

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

The bell above the diner’s door jingled and—despite her most valiant effort—Shay Brandenberger’s eyes darted toward the entry. An unfamiliar couple entered—tourists. She could tell by their khaki Eddie Bauer vests and spanking-new hiking boots. Look out, Yellowstone.

When her heart rate returned to normal, she checked her watch and took a sip of coffee. Five minutes till she met Miss Lucy at the Doll House, forty till she met John Oakley at the bank. What if he said no? What would they do then?

“Mom . . . Earth to Mom . . .” Olivia waved her hand too close to Shay’s face, her brown eyes widening.

“Sorry, hon.” The one bright moment of her Saturday was breakfast with her daughter, and she couldn’t enjoy it for the dread. “What were you saying?”

Olivia set her fork on her pancake-sticky plate and heaved a sigh worthy of her twelve-year-old self. “Never mind.” She bounced across the vinyl bench, her thick brown ponytail swinging. “I’m going to meet Maddy.”

“Right back here at noon,” Shay called, but Olivia was out the door with the flick of her hand.

The diner buzzed with idle chatter. Silverware clattered and scraped, and the savory smell of bacon and fried eggs unsettled her stomach. She took a sip of the strong brew from the fat rim of her mug.

The bell jingled again. I will not look. I will not look. I will not—

The server appeared at her booth, a new girl, and gathered Olivia’s dishes. “On the house today.”

Shay set down her mug, bristling. “Why?”

The woman shrugged. “Boss’s orders,” she said, then made off with the dirty dishes.

From the rectangular kitchen window, Mabel Franklin gave Shay a pointed look.

So Shay had helped the couple with their foal the week before. It was the neighborly thing to do.

Fine. She gave a reluctant smile and a wave. She pulled her wallet from her purse, counted out the tip, and dragged herself from the booth, remembering her daughter’s bouncy exit. Lately her thirty-two years pressed down on her body like a two-ton boulder.

She opened the diner’s door and peeked both ways before exiting the Tin Roof and turning toward the Doll House. She was only checking sidewalk traffic, not hiding. Nope, she wasn’t hiding from anyone. The boardwalks were busy on Saturdays. That was why she hadn’t come to town for two weeks. Why their pantry was emptier than a water trough at high noon.

She hurried three shops down and slipped into the cool, welcoming air of Miss Lucy’s shop.

“ ’Morning, Miss Lucy.”

“ ’Morning, dear.” The elderly woman, in the middle of helping a customer, called over her rounded shoulder, “It’s in the back.” Miss Lucy’s brown eyes were big as buckeyes behind her thick glasses, and her white curls glowed under the spotlights.

“Okeydoke.” Shay forced her feet toward the storeroom.

A musty smell assaulted her as she entered the back room and flipped on the overhead fluorescents. She scanned the boxes of doll parts and skeins of yarn until she found what she was looking for. She approached the box, lifted the lid, and parted the tissue.

The wedding gown had been carefully folded and tucked away. Shay ran her fingers over the delicate lace and pearls. Must’ve been crisp white in its day, but time had cast a long shadow over it. Time had a way of doing that.

Her fingers lingered on the thin fabric. She remembered another time, another dress. A simple white one that hung on her young shoulders, just skimmed the cement of the courthouse steps. The ache that squeezed her heart had faded with time, but it was there all the same. Would it ever go away?

Shaking her head, Shay turned back to the task at hand. The gown seemed too pretty, too fragile to disturb.

Oh well. She’d promised.

She pulled it out and draped it over the box, then shimmied from her jeans. When she was down to the bare necessities, she stepped carefully into the gown. She eased it over her narrow hips and slid her arms into the long sleeves. The neckline was modest, the gathered skirt fuller than anything she ever wore. Here in the air-conditioning it was fine, but she would swelter next Saturday.

Leaving the button-up back gaping, she hitched the skirt to the top of her cowboy boots and entered the store.

Miss Lucy was ushering the customer out the door. When she turned, she stopped, her old-lady shoes squeaking on the linoleum. “Land sakes.”

Shay took two steps forward and dropped the skirt. It fell to the floor with a whoosh.

“Fits like a glove,” Miss Lucy said. “And with some low heels it’ll be the perfect length.”

Shay didn’t even own heels. “My boots’ll have to do. Button the back?”

Miss Lucy waddled forward, turned Shay toward a small wall mirror flecked with time, and began working the tiny pearl buttons.

Shay’s breath caught at her image. She forced its release, then frowned. Wedding gowns were bad luck. She’d sworn she’d never wear another. If someone had told her yesterday she’d be wearing this thing today, she’d have said they were one straw short of a bale.

Miss Lucy moved up to the buttons between her shoulders, and Shay lifted her hair. The dress did fit, clinging to her torso like it was made for her, wouldn’t you know. Even the color complemented her olive skin.

Still, there was that whole bad luck thing.

And what would everyone think of Shay Brandenberger wearing this valuable piece of Moose Creek heritage? A white wedding gown, no less. If she didn’t have the approval of her closest friends and neighbors, what did she have? Not much, to her thinking.

She wanted to cut and run. Wanted to shimmy right out of the dress, tuck it into that box in the storeroom, slip back into her Levi’s and plaid button-up, and go back to her ranch where she could hole up for the next six months.

She checked the time and wished Miss Lucy had nimbler fingers. Of all days to do this, a Saturday, when everyone with two legs was in town. And she still had that infernal meeting with John Oakley.

Please, God, I can’t lose our home . . .

“I’m obliged to you, dear. I completely forgot Jessie was going out of town.”

“No problem.”

“Baloney. You’d rather be knee-deep in cow dung.” The woman’s marionette lines at the sides of her mouth deepened.

“It’s one hour of my life.” A pittance, after all Miss Lucy had done for her.

Miss Lucy finished buttoning, and Shay dropped her hair and smoothed the delicate lace at the cuffs.

“Well, bless you for being willing. God is smiling down on you today for your kindness.”

Shay doubted God really cared one way or another. It was her neighbors she worried about.

“Beautiful, just beautiful. You’ll be the talk of the town on Founders Day.”

“No doubt.” Everyone in Moose Creek would be thinking about the last time she’d worn a wedding gown. And the time before that.

Especially the time before that.

Third time’s a charm, Shay thought, the corner of her lip turning up.

“Stop fretting,” Miss Lucy said, squeezing her shoulders. “You look quite fetching, like the gown was made for you. I won’t have to make a single alteration. Why, it fits you better than it ever did Jessie—don’t you tell her I said so.”

Shay tilted her head. Maybe Miss Lucy was right. The dress did make the most of her figure. And she had as much right to wear it as anyone. Maybe more—she was born and raised here, after all. It was just a silly old reenactment anyway. No one cared who the bride and groom were.

The bell jingled as the door opened behind her. She glanced in the mirror, over her shoulder, where a hulking silhouette filled the shop’s doorway. There was something familiar in the set of the man’s broad shoulders, in the slow way he reached up and removed his hat.

The sight of him constricted her rib cage, squeezed the air from her lungs as if she were wearing a corset. But she wasn’t wearing a corset. She was wearing a wedding gown. Just as she had been the last time she’d set eyes on Travis McCoy.

Don’t Forget to Enter! Win a copy of the Lion King!

2012-01-06T08:29:00.002-05:00

I’ll be drawing the winner on Monday!!

Enter today to win your very own copy..

Just Click here to Enter

You Know You’re A Disney Nerd When…

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

You are actually contemplating staying up all night on February 29th to hang out at The Magic Kingdom.. LOL

Did you hear about this?

Walt Disney World will be keeping The Magic Kingdom open for 24 Hours on Leap Day!!

How fun is that!

Are you going?

What would do if you had an extra day at Disney?

I’m not sure if we’ll go or not, but if we did.. I’m thinking we would..

Laugh like crazy at the Laugh Factory

Try and shoot down Emperor Zurg on Buzz Lightyear

and for me.. hang out on Main Street with a warm coffee and people watch for awhile..

Toto.. I don’t think We’re in Florida Anymore..

2012-01-03T08:01:00.000-05:00

I’m joining in on the Happy Homemaker Monday a day late..

The weather :

Are you kidding me??

Now don’t laugh..

I know for most of you .. this type of weather is WARM for this time of year..

But 28’ degrees at night?? Oh my..

On my reading pile:

Joyce Meyer’s Love Out Loud 365 Daily Devotional

Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter

On my TV:

At some point this week I’m going to watch It’s a Wonderful Life – I realized today that I never actually got a chance to sit down and watch this movie over Christmas.. can’t have that now..

On the menu for this week:

Monday – Mahi Mahi, Quinoa & mixed veggies

Tuesday – Turkey & Dumpling soup

Wednesday – Veggie Shepherds Pie with Salad

Thursday – “Hamburger” Noodle Casserole (made with Crumbles) & veggies

Friday – Homemade Gluten Free pizza

On my to do list:

Work a few days this week, finish putting away Christmas decorations , redo my family home planner

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting, or creating:

A new look for the fireplace mantel – not sure if I want to do a ‘winter’ theme or just shoot for Valentines Day

Looking around the house:

It looks so empty and bare now that the Christmas decorations are gone

From the camera:

Something fun to share:

See the picture above. This owl and it’s mate greeted us Christmas morning. They stopped by for a morning drink

On my prayer list:

Praising God for His provision of an adorable new home for a dear friend

Bible Verse:

"I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." ~ John 14 NLT

Disney’s Lion King Blu~Ray & DVD Giveaway

2012-01-02T18:33:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!

I’d like to kick start 2012 Disney style..

I have a brand new, Diamond Edition Blu-ray+DVD copy of Disney’s The Lion King for one (1) Lucky winner

This movie is only out on Blu-ray+DVD for a limited time, so enter today to win your very own copy.

There’s more than one way to enter, so you have lots of chances to win

How to Enter:
Simple & Easy..
* Leave me a comment telling me one of your 2012 goals/resolutions
For EXTRA entries you can: ( Leave a NEW comment for each entry)
* Follow my RSS Feed or via Google Connect
* Follow me on Twitter
* “LIKE ME” on Facebook

* Tweet this :

I just entered to win the Lion King on Bluray at TheNotSoPerfectHousewife http://ht.ly/8g3dK

I’ll draw the winner on Monday, January 9th so enter today!

Sorry.. USA entries only

Included on the DVD are these funny Bloopers

The ‘De-Christmasing’ Process Has Begun ~ Sniff Sniff

2012-01-02T12:28:00.001-05:00

I don’t like this time of year…

When the plastic tubs come back into the house

and the Christmas decorations come down..

Now the house looks empty and not so pretty..

Guess I’ll need to hit some more yard sales and stuff to add some more coziness to the house..

How about you?

Are you taking down decorations? Do you wait till after a certain date?

Bye By Christmas.. I’ll miss you..

The Daniel Fast by Susan Gregory

2011-12-28T20:23:00.001-05:00

Fasting is something that has always interested me, but have never really taken the time to research, study, or do.

I reviewed one book about fasting awhile back, but still no more motivated to try a fast myself.

But recently I got the chance to review The Daniel Fast by Susan Gregory and I’m starting to pray about when I will actually try a Daniel Fast.

Susan Gregory launched “The Daniel Fast Blogger” in 2007 hoping to encourage and educate her readers that fasting is all about encountering God in a new, healthy way.

The Daniel Fast book allows Susan to share her passion and success in her own fasting experience through delicious recipes, well written instructions and a well written 21-day plan that anyone can follow.

What I really liked about this book was how Susan constantly took it all back to scripture. Always encouraging the reader to seek God for a purpose in fasting and deeper walk with God.

Here’s more information from Tyndale

The Daniel Fast

Author Susan Gregory - view author info

What if you could grow closer to God and improve your health in just 21 days? Susan Gregory, “The Daniel Fast Blogger,” has a plan to help you do just that. Widely recognized as the expert on this 21-day fast inspired by the book of Daniel, Susan has helped thousands of people discover a safe and healthy way to fast. The principles you learn from The Daniel Fast will change the way you view food, your body, and your relationship with the one who created you. Includes 21 days’ worth of Daniel Fast recipes! Visit www.daniel-fast.com

Our Yearly Christmas Entertainment ~ Jaxson

2011-12-28T12:30:00.001-05:00

Someone needs to tell my dog that a rawhide bone is for CHEWING.

You see…

Every year, for the past.. let’s say.. 5 years… our dog Jaxson has received a rawhide bone in his stocking for Christmas.

And for the past 5 years we have been able to sit and watch and giggle at him all Christmas morning..

Why??

Well, you see.. Jaxson doesn’t realize that he’s supposed to lay down and actually chew on this bone.

No.. Jaxson thinks his job is to travel around the house looking for the PERFECT spot to hide his bone.

He buries it in the couch cushions… than a few minutes later.. pulls it back out and goes looking again

He buries it under the blankets in his dog bed..than a few minutes later.. pulls it back out and goes looking again

He hides it under the kitchen table…than a few minutes later.. pulls it back out and goes looking again

He buries it under the bathroom mat.. than a few minutes later.. pulls it back out and goes looking again

This goes on for HOURS until he finally asks to go outside and buries it in the sand….

but than a few minutes later.. pulls it back out and goes looking again

No Joke!!

This dog is crazy… a fun kind of crazy though.

I love how God gave His creatures funny little personalities.. and that we get the blessing of enjoying them.

After Christmas Shopping ~ @BHGLiveBetter Finds!

2011-12-27T20:07:00.001-05:00

Since moving to Florida, I’ve only had a few times when I’ve been able to go out and do some serious After Christmas shopping.

I like to stock up on gift wrap, gift bags, and decorations for the house.

This year I was able to hit Walmart, Target, and the mall (only because my dd’s made me.. LOL)

Wal-Mart was actually my pot of gold this year.

I was able to find some REALLY CUTE dishes from their Better Homes & Garden collection.

We have NEVER had a gravy boat, so the hubster was THRILLED that I was able to find one.

Isn’t the print adorable!!

Next years Christmas table is going to look REALLY good!!

But my FAVORITE buy of the day was my new Better Homes and Garden Scented Wax Warmer.

I chose the snowman thinking that I could keep it out past Christmas a little while.

Isn’t he cute..

I got it going for the first time tonight and started with the Orange Clove Pomander.

Wow!! This little warmer does a GREAT job spreading the aromas around the home.

I also LOVE LOVE LOVE that once I’m done and unplug the warmer, I can POUR BACK the wax that I used into the container and use it AGAIN later.

How cool is that!

So all in all, my After Christmas Day shopping wasn’t like Christmas’ past.. but it was a good day.

Homemade Veggie Burgers ~ A Kitchen Miracle…LOL

2011-12-23T10:34:00.001-05:00

This was one of those moments in a housewives life…

When she’s tired, when she doesn’t feel like cooking…

But she bites the bullet and grabs what she can out of the fridge.

And what came together is nothing short of a kitchen miracle… LOL.

Well, Ok.. not really a miracle..

But boy did they taste AWESOME!!

There really wasn’t a recipe.. just me throwing stuff together.

1 shredded zucchini

1 shredded yellow squash

1 carrot, peeled and shredded

about 2 cups(?) of crushed crackers – I used some really yummy garlic herb crackers

2 eggs beaten

1 tablespoon of olive oil

Mix the egg and oil together and than add to the rest of the ingredients.

Shape into burgers and fry in skillet with a little bit of oil

Add some grilled onions and a favorite dressing or condiment… and you’re all set.

YUMMY!!

The Lion King 1 1/2 & The Lion King 2!

2011-12-20T17:09:00.001-05:00

My one daughter is going to be so excited to hear about this!!

We loved The Lion King 1 1/2!!

Simba, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa are Back For a Limited Time, Includes a New Timon and Pumbaa Bonus Feature

Available March 6, 2012 on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital

Synopsis: Hilarity reigns in the motion picture comedy-adventure that takes you waaay back to the beginning before Simba’s tale began…now more fabulous than ever for the first time in a 2-disc Blu-ray Combo Pack!

From their uniquely hysterical perspective, Timon and his windy pal Pumbaa—the greatest unsung heroes of the savanna—reveal where they came from, how they helped Simba save the Serengeti and what really happened behind the scenes of The Lion King’s biggest events.

This essential chapter of The Lion King trilogy features your favorite characters voiced by the original cast (Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Ernie Sabella plus Julie Kavner and Jerry Stiller) and music by Elton John and Tim Rice. You’ll feel the love for every outrageously funny moment.

Cast: Nathan Lane (Broadway’s “The Producers”) as voice of Timon
Ernie Sabella (The Lion King) as voice of Pumbaa
Julie Kavner (TV’s “The Simpsons”) as voice of Mom
Jerry Stiller (TV’s “The King of Queens”) as voice of Uncle Max
Matthew Broderick (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) as voice of Simba
Robert Guillaume (TV’s “Benson”) as voice of Rafiki
Moira Kelly (The Lion King) as voice ofNala
Whoopi Goldberg (voice in Snow Buddies) as voice of Shenzi
Cheech Marin (Cars) as voice of Banzai
Jim Cummings (Winnie The Pooh) as voice of Ed

Director: Bradley Raymond
(Tinker Bell and Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue)

Bonus Features: Timon & Pumbaa’s Vacation Safari
This new animated bonus feature shows Timon & Pumbaa watching home movies of their animal friends at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

Deleted Scenes
Director Bradley Raymond and Producer George Mendoza explain why these segments did not make the final film.

1. Opening Concept #1

2. Opening Concept #2

3. Old Fearless Buzz

4. Timon talks to Dad

5. Timon, Dad & Mom

6. Intro to “Scurry, Flinch, Sniff”

7. Timon & Pumbaa look for Oasis

Timon: Behind the Legend
Hosted by Peter Graves, this mock-umentary traces Timon’s childhood. There are interviews with Timon’s mom, Uncle Max & Pumbaa, plus snapshots show him growing up.

Before the Beginning: The Making of Lion King 1 1?2
Director Bradley Raymond and Producer George Mendoza walk viewers through the film… from before the beginning. Brad and George are silhouetted against their own film with a remote, just like Timon and Pumbaa.

“Grazing in the Grass”
Music video performed by Raven.

Digital Bonus Features: Timon & Pumbaa’s Vacation Safari
Timon: Behind The Legend

Street Date: March 6, 2012
(Direct Prebook: 1/10/12; Distributor Prebook: 1/24/12)

Rating: G in U.S. and G in Canada
Bonus materials not rated.
Feature Run Time: Approximately 76 minutes
Suggested Retail Prices: 2-Disc Blu-ray (Blu-ray + DVD) = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada
1-Disc DVD = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada
High Definition Digital = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada
Standard Definition Digital = $29.99 U.S./$35.99
Aspect Ratio: Blu-ray: 1.66: 1/1080p High Definition
DVD: 1.66:1/Widescreen
Sound: Blu-ray: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French and Spanish, 5.1 Dolby Digital
DVD: 5.1 Dolby Digital English, French andSpanish
Languages: English
Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish

The Simple Things of the Season

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

I love this time of year for soooo many reasons..

But here are some ‘little’ things that bring a smile to my face..

Homemade Hot Cocoa mix

Christmas glasses.. they get packed away every year and it’s always fun to bring them out again

Yummy gifts from friends.. I’m thinking this box of chocolate will last us quiet awhile

How about you? Any simple things you enjoy this time of year?

Long Time No Blog..

2011-12-15T17:42:00.001-05:00

It’s that time of year..

Busyness and craziness seem to be the norm..

This year things are little bit crazier since I’m working part time, but I’m still allowing myself time to just sit and reflect on what CHRISTMAS is all about.

I haven’t had much time to sit and visit other blogs… so sorry..

So I’d love to hear how things are going for you..

Are you ahead of the game and feeling good about Christmas or are you still in need of gifts to buy or cookies to bake?

If you have a minute.. leave me a comment and let me know.

And here’s a little something funny..

Our Christmas tree this year goes RIGHT TO THE TOP of our ceiling, so there’s no room for the angel.

But we wanted to give her some ‘tree time’ so we let her “PLANK” at the top of the tree for a bit..

Merry Christmas!

What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care?: Answers to the Big Questions of Life by Edward Welch

2011-12-14T20:06:00.000-05:00

This is a really good book.

Having two young adults in my home drew me to reading this book.

Even as they get older, wanting to fit in or understanding why you don’t, is still something we all struggle with.

Edward Welch has put together a book that will truly encourage anyone, young or old, to truly see themselves as God created and important.

Enjoy the preview.
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Edward Welch

and the book:

What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care?: Answers to the Big Questions of Life

New Growth Press (October 1, 2011)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings – The B&B Media Group – for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Edward T. Welch, M.Div., Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He has counseled for over twenty-five years and is the best-selling author of many books, including When People Are Big and God Is Small; Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave; Blame It on the Brain?; Depression: A Stubborn Darkness; Crossroads: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Addiction; Running Scared: Fear, Worry and the God of Rest; and When I Am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety. He and his wife Sheri have two daughters, two sons-in-law and four grandchildren.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

In his latest release, author Edward T. Welch offers a way

of escape for young adults held captive by the opinions of others
In an increasingly unstable culture, being obsessed with what others think is an escalating struggle among teens and young adults, leading to more serious consequences than ever before. Although everyone—whether they’re sixteen or sixty—works hard to win someone’s approval or ward off someone’s rejection, these issues plague teenagers and young adults with particular intensity. And how teens and young adults answer the big questions of their lives now will affect the direction of their adult lives for better or worse. In his new book, What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care?: Answers to the Big Questions of Life (New Growth Press, October 2011), Edward T. Welch extends hope to those weary of hiding behind a mask of performance in order to gain love and acceptance.

Peer pressure, codependency, shame, low self-esteem—these are just some of the words used to identify how young people can be controlled by the perceived opinions of others. Stand out in the right way to the right people, and you’re on top of the world. But experience failure in front of those same people and prepare for a sinking sensation in your stomach and a night of tossing and turning.

Why do you care? Why do we all care? These are questions that can’t be answered without listening to God, the One who made us and knows us better than we know ourselves. In What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care? Welch takes the big questions of life and shows that freedom from what people think of us comes as we learn who God is and who we are in relationship to Him. Only then will we be able to let go of our masks, stop trying to fill our leaky love cups and begin to live for something bigger than ourselves.

An interactive book, What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care? includes questions throughout the text for individual or group study and is especially aimed at teenagers and young adults. A corresponding website rich with controversy and dialogue, My-Big-Life-Question.com, will also offer readers a place to discuss personal needs as well as to find other resources for life’s journey and places to go for help.

“I want to draw people to the path of becoming truly human, where you are controlled by God more than other people and where you love others more than you need them to love you,” says Welch. “The result? Genuine loving relationships and the ability to make a lasting impact on the world around us. It’s a hard process, but it’s wonderful and the results are worth it.”

Product Details:

List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: New Growth Press (October 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935273868
ISBN-13: 978-1935273868

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Somebody is Watching

“Lord, please let me be normal.”

Okay, maybe you never actually prayed that, but you do want it. You want to fit in. Who doesn’t? Imagine you are invited to a formal dinner, but you didn’t read the entire invitation and you go in shorts and flip-flops. (Yes, it wasn’t pretty. I was also wearing a Killer Dana T-shirt—it’s the name of a surf shop, but the other dinner guests thought I was going gangsta.)

We all have these stories. We spend a lot of time concerned about fitting in, which means that we spend a lot of time thinking about our hair, our body, our intelligence, and our clothes so we can be part of the larger group. None of us want to be stared at if it means that the people looking at us don’t like what they see. When they look at us that way we want to run and hide.

Oh, and there is another prayer too. “Lord, please don’t let me be normal.” “If I can’t fit in, then I’ll be a vampire,” and she did just that. She figured that both fitting in and standing out were impossible, so she made a choice. Her parents would have preferred a more traditional route such as starting on the basketball team or high SAT scores. They are hoping it is a phase, which it is—there are not many fifty-year-old vampires. But, unless she discovers something else to run her life, she will always be looking for ways to stand out, and she will be depressed.

We want to stand out from the crowd. We want to be seen, which means that we want people to notice us and be impressed with something. We want them to respect us, to like us, and to love us. Not too many people dream of being average. Take a look at your fantasies, and you will probably find a quest to be noticed.

• Have you ever imagined that you scored the winning basket in the NBA finals?
• Do you enjoy superhero movies because you like to imagine what it would be like to have such powers?
• Do you identify with a celebrity because you would like to live her life, at least for a year or two?
• Have you ever fantasized that you were famous or great?
• Or maybe you have already given up on greatness and will settle for a B+.

It’s complicated, isn’t it? If only we could be less controlled by the opinions of others. Maybe a deserted island could be the answer. That would be a pricey way to avoid the judgments of others, but it might work. Apart from that option, you have a creepy sense that people are watching, judging, evaluating, accepting, or rejecting you. Sometimes the eyes belong to no one in particular. Other times you know exactly who or what group you are trying to please. Either way, you are controlled by other people more than you think, and other people, of course, are controlled by how you see them.

The problem is a common one, but we don’t talk about it too often. As a way to get it out into the open, keep trying to locate this in your own life.

• Do you buy clothes because of what other people will think? Have you ever not gone somewhere because you didn’t have the right clothes or didn’t like the way you looked?
• Do you spend a lot of time in front of the mirror?
• Do you avoid people, either because you are angry with them or because you would be embarrassed if they saw you?
• Do you ever get embarrassed to be seen with your parents?
• Have you ever been embarrassed at the thought of other people knowing that you go to church?
• Have you ever been embarrassed to say you believe in God?
• Have you ever been embarrassed to say you believe in Jesus?
• Do you ever exaggerate to make yourself look better?
• Do you feel like a failure sometimes? Do you hate school because from the moment you walk in you feel like a failure?
• Are you afraid to ask questions in class because you might look stupid?
• Do you wish you were thinner, stronger, taller, shorter, smarter, faster, or better looking?
• Have you ever been jealous of someone thinner, stronger, taller, shorter, smarter, faster, or better looking?
• Have you ever wished you could shrivel up and disappear?

Agreed, these questions are too easy. You might hesitate on one or two of them, but basically the answer is yes across the board, and they are that way for everyone. They all point to how we can be too controlled by the opinions of others. Why do you think everyone struggles with it? Where does it come from?

One of the riskiest things in life is to like someone—really like someone. It all starts innocently. You find yourself attracted to another person. Happens all the time. No big deal. But then the attraction grows, and amid the glow of romantic feelings lurks a monster: what if you like the other person more than the other person likes you? What will he or she think about me? you wonder.

You send some friends out on a reconnaissance mission. Their job is to find out if the other person likes you without that person knowing your intentions. If word comes back yes, you can move toward that person safely. If the answer is no, you lick your wounds, thankful for the heads-up that saved you from total embarrassment. In your every- day life, the potential for rejection is enormous. It’s amazing that so many people actually get out of bed in the morning. Sound familiar?

Success can’t protect you. Steven King, the ridiculously prolific and famous horror writer, was told by Miss Hisler, his school principal, “What I don’t understand, Stevie, is why you write junk like this in the first place.” At the time, he was already writing scary stories that other students were willing to pay to read. “I was ashamed,” he says of the incident. “I have spent a good many years since—too many, I think—being ashamed about what I write.”* You too have probably heard words like Miss Hisler’s, and they are still etched inside your soul. Can you think of some?

Look around a little more and you will see it—it goes by many names: a desire for acceptance, the fear of rejection, painful self- consciousness, or peer pressure. You can see it when you or any of your friends take muscle-enhancing steroids or illegal drugs. You see it in anorexia, bulimia, and depression. You find it in people who are sexually active before or outside of marriage.

• What will they think of me?
• What might they think about me?
• How can I be accepted?
• How can I be loved?

The evidence is everywhere. If you can’t relate to any of this, here is a sure way to find it.

• Do you think you’re especially attractive?
• Are you supercompetitive? Do you hate to lose? (And do you usually win?)
• Would you say you are self-confident?

There it is again: a life that is always judged by others. The only difference is that, at least for the moment, the judges score you highly. Yet it is even more complicated. Deep down those who are super self-confident don’t believe the judges’ high scores. They feel like failures— frauds who are barely fooling other people. Do you think beautiful celebrities struggle with feeling judged and unaccepted by others? Count on it.

Some people seem more self-confident or at least less self-conscious than others. It’s hard to know exactly why, but everyone can easily recall times when they withered under the rejection (or possible rejection) of other people.

I know, I know. You were trying to manage this perfectly common experience by ignoring it, and somebody (me) comes along and makes an issue out of it. But my purpose is not to make you miserable. Stick with it, because this particular problem is actually a window into the mysteries of the universe. It takes you directly to three questions that every human being must answer: Who am I? Who is God? and Who are you? And there is no way I would invite you down this road unless the road was very good.

ABC Family’s ~ Switched at Birth Season 1 Released Today

2011-12-13T18:26:00.001-05:00

Now a days there seems to be fewer and fewer shows that I will actually sit down and watch.

Especially on a regular basis..

But ABC Family channels Switched at Birth is one of those shows.

I loved the story line – two girls, mistakenly sent home with the wrong parents, who later are reunited with their true biological parents and from there… the stories begin..

I received a review copy of the first season that was just released and I am LOVING it.

I watched JUST about every episode when it was on TV. I missed the last two, so I’m thrilled that I can finally catch up and share this great show with you.

Have you seen it??

If not, here are some great clips to get you hooked.. I mean interested. LOL.

Synopsis:

From the studio that brought you “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” comes a groundbreaking new drama about the upheaval that two teen girls experience when they discover that they were accidentally switched at birth.

Bay Kennish, a talented graffiti artist with an edgy streak, grew up in a wealthy family with happily married parents and an older brother. Daphne Vasquez, an athletic teenager who lost her hearing at an early age, grew up with a single mother in a working class neighborhood. When the girls’ worlds collide, family bonds are tested, new romances are sparked, and they start to learn that it’s who they are inside that matters, not where they grew up. Relive the girls’ journey and catch up before the premiere with “Switched At Birth: Volume 1.”

Including all 10 episodes plus exclusive collectible iPod skins, this two-disc set is a must-own for every fan!

Talent:

Vanessa Marano (“Gilmore Girls”)

Katie Leclerc (“Veronica Mars”)

Constance Marie (“George Lopez”)

Lea Thompson (Back To The Future, “Caroline In The City”)

D.W. Moffett (“Friday Night Lights”)

Lucas Grabeel (Disney Channel’s “High School Musical”)

Guest Star:

Marlee Matlin (“West Wing,” “The L Word”)

Director:

Steve Minor (“Dawson’s Creek”)

Producers:

Shawn Wilt (“10 Things I Hate About You”) & Sean Reycraft (“90210”)

Co-Executive Producers:

Lizzy Weiss (Blue Crush), Paul Stupin (“Make It Or Break It”), John Ziffren (“Melissa & Joey,” “Make It Or Break It”), Becky Hartman Edwards (“Life On Mars”), Joy Gregory ("Swingtown") & James Patrick Stoteraux (“Kyle XY”)

Series Writers:

Lizzy Weiss (“Cashmere Mafia”), Chad Fiveash (“Kyle XY”), Becky Harman Edwards (“Life On Mars”) & James Patrick Stoteraux (“Kyle XY”)

the Help ~ Blu-ray Combo Review

2011-12-08T14:50:00.001-05:00

Love it…

Yup, that about sums it up. I LOVE this movie.

I still haven’t read the book, but I truly enjoyed watching this movie.

I first saw it in theaters and was impressed by the truth and humor of it all, but just recently I had the chance to review the new Blu-ray Combo pack and I’m loving it even more.

With the new Blu-ray combo you are able to learn so much more about the making of the movie, the director himself, and so much more.

The Blu-ray gives you the chance to delve deeper into the movie through the never before seen bonus features, including “ The Making of ‘the Help’. This bonus features allows you to see the close-knit childhood friendship between the director Tate Taylor and the novelist Kathryn Stockett, and how this friendship led to the creation of the best selling novel and it’s movie.

I was impressed that the Blu-ray also included a bonus feature called “In their Own Words: A Tribute To The Maids of Mississippi,” which gives you an honest observation of life in the south from real-life maids. It was interesting to see how they also showed the thoughts and stories of the maids children and allowed them to share how it felt to see their mothers take care of someone else's children.

If you haven’t seen this movie yet, oh… I highly suggest you take some time and get yourself a copy. I really don’t think you’d be sorry that you did.

One of my FAVORITE parts… You is kind.. You is Smart… You Is Important

THE HELP

Comes Home For The Holidays on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD,
Digital Download and On-Demand, December 6, 2011

The Help, the inspirational summer hit film people can‟t stop talking about, arrives in homes just in time for the holidays, delivering this powerful story on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD, Digital Download and On-Demand, December 6, 2011.
The #1 New York Times bestseller by Kathryn Stockett comes to vivid life through the compelling performances of a phenomenal ensemble cast including Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Bryce Dallas Howard. The Help is a courageous and empowering story about very different and extraordinary women in the 1960s South who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project.
“Davis and Spencer are both brilliant”
– Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy)
Exclusive Blu-ray Bonus Features:
 The Making of “The Help:” From Friendship To Film
 In Their Own Words: A Tribute To The Maids Of Mississippi
 Three deleted scenes with introductions by Director Tate Taylor, including „Humiliated,‟ „A
Book About Jackson‟ and „Johnny‟s Home‟ (which is a Blu-ray exclusive)
DVD Bonus Features:
 Two deleted scenes with introductions by Director Tate Taylor including „A Senator‟s Son‟
and „Keep On Walkin‟
 “The Living Proof” music video by Mary J. Blige

2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD)
Exclusive Blu-ray Bonus Features:
 The Making of “The Help:” From Friendship To Film
 In Their Own Words: A Tribute To The Maids Of Mississippi
 Three deleted scenes with introductions by Director Tate Taylor including „Humiliated,‟ „A
Book About Jackson‟ and „Johnny‟s Home‟ (which is a Blu-ray exclusive)
DVD Bonus Features:
 Two deleted scenes with introductions by Director Tate Taylor, including „A Senator‟s Son‟
and „Keep On Walkin‟
 “The Living Proof” music video by Mary J. Blige
1-Disc DVD
Bonus Features:
 Two deleted scenes with introductions by Director Tate Taylor, including „A Senator‟s Son‟
and „Keep On Walkin‟
 “The Living Proof” music video by Mary J. Blige
High Definition Digital Download
Bonus Feature:
 Three deleted scenes with introductions by Director Tate Taylor, including „Humiliated,‟ „A
Book About Jackson‟ and „Johnny‟s Home‟ (which is a Blu-ray exclusive)
 “The Living Proof” music video by Mary J. Blige
Standard Definition Digital Download
Bonus Feature:
 Three deleted scenes with introductions by Director Tate Taylor, including „Humiliated,‟ „A
Book About Jackson‟ and „Johnny‟s Home‟ (which is a Blu-ray exclusive)
 “The Living Proof” music video by Mary J. Blige

On-Demand
For additional information and pricing, please contact your television provider or favorite digital
retailer. Bonus features are not offered with On-Demand.

About The Film & Cast:
The #1 New York Times bestseller by Kathryn Stockett comes to vivid life through the powerful
performances of a phenomenal ensemble cast. The Help is an inspirational, courageous and empowering
story about very different, extraordinary women in the 1960s South who build an unlikely friendship around
a secret writing project — one that breaks society‟s rules and puts them all at risk. Filled with poignancy,
humor and hope — and complete with compelling, never-before-seen bonus features — The Help is a
timeless, universal and triumphant story about the ability to create change.
The Help stars Emma Stone as the courageous Eugenia „Skeeter‟ Phelan, who goes against the beliefs of
her family and friends to find her own voice. The critically praised, emotional performance of Viola Davis
as Aibileen Clark, a woman who secretly dreams of one day having more than she has been given, offers
a deep emotional storyline. The breakthrough performance of Octavia Spencer as Minny Jackson, whose
sass and tough exterior disguise the pain and fear she faces every day, brings both drama and humor to
the film. Bryce Dallas Howard breathes life into the catty Jackson socialite Hilly Holbrook and Jessica
Chastain brings charm and humor as Celia Foote, a kind housewife living outside of town who longs to fit
in. Sissy Spacek, Allison Janney and Ahna O‟Reilly also provide vivacious performances that round out
this all-star female ensemble.

About The Filmmaker:
The Help is directed by Tate Taylor and co-produced by Michael Barnathan (Percy Jackson & The
Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian), Chris Columbus (Percy
Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Night at the Museum franchise, Harry Potter 1, 2, 3),
Brunson Green (Fool’s Gold) and Tate Taylor. The screenplay for The Help is written by Tate Taylor and
is based on the best-selling novel by Kathryn Stockett.
Social Media:
Those who would like to stay connected with the exciting The Help release are encouraged to:
“Like” the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/thehelpmovie
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/helpmovie
Visit the website and mobile site: http://thehelpmovie.com/us/

About DreamWorks Studios:
DreamWorks Studios is a motion picture company formed in 2009 and led by Steven Spielberg and
Stacey Snider in partnership with The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group. Recent releases include
Cowboys & Aliens, The Help, Fright Night, Real Steel and War Horse. DreamWorks Studios can be
found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DreamWorksStudios and on Twitter at
http://twitter.com/dw_studios.