The Beautiful Blog

Take a long, slow drink.

2012-03-06T06:58:00.001-08:00

I love this little plant.

I've had it for years.

It looks half dead. And it's pretty small.

It should be lush, and full. And overflowing its little pot.

But I forget to water it. Most of the time.

So instead of getting long, slow drinks of life-giving water, it gets a dribble here, a dribble there, a deluge if I'm really thinking about it. It's been chewed on by the cat more than a few times. And yet, this little plant carries on. It basks in the sun. And it tries to grow. Just as a new branch sprouts, an old one dies, because this plant needs a drink. It doesn't ask for much. A drink of water is all it needs from me.

It would be a beautiful plant. If only I gave it enough water to drink.

Aren't we thirsty? Aren't we starving for God's Word? But rather than take big long drinks and getting my fill, I find myself getting a dribble here, a dribble there, and a deluge if the guilt of not having a disciplined devotional time overtakes me. And I get chewed on by life, scalded, and parched, and yet I limp along when I know that all I need is a drink. I feel half-dead at times, burned out, and worn, with my spiritual limbs falling down and my roots barely clinging to the dried out soil. But all I need is a drink.

A long, slow drink in God's Word.

I love this little plant.
I think I'll give it a drink.
And maybe I'll take one, too. A nice, long, slow drink.

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

² He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

³ he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

^{⁴ Even though I walk}

through the darkest valley,^[a]

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

^{⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me}

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD

forever.

A great discount for you!

2012-03-05T04:19:00.000-08:00

Good morning, Friends! I just received an email with a great discount for you! You can receive 20%off of my book, Clef Hangers or any other other book at www.lulu.com. Just enter the code SPACIOUS305 at check out. You can purchase Clef here:Clef Hangers Shop around for other great books, too. Have a great day!

Beauty Buzz for January 11th.

2012-01-11T05:12:00.000-08:00

Hair trends for 2012. What's new for hair in 2012.

Best Makeup for Valentine's Day Need some makeup ideas for your Valentine's Day date? Try these!

10 best hairstyles for Valentine's Day Hair ideas for your Valentine's Day dinner.

What to Wear on Winter Dates It's hard to dress for winter dates - here's how to look cool and stay warm.

Best makeup for winter dates. Get your makeup ready for your winter date night.

Get your hair ready for winter dates Tame the frizz for your date night.

10 easy manicures you can give yourself Some easy DIY manicure styles for you to try.

10 body parts you can slim instantly. Look slimmer right now with these tips.

How to grow your hair for your wedding day. Want to grow out your hair for your wedding? Here's what you need to know.

Five steps to faster hair styling. Get ready faster with these hair styling techniques.

2012-01-05T20:18:00.000-08:00

My sweet husband, knowing that I'm always looking for beauty topics to write about, picked up a magazine for me the other day. The magazine is In Touch, and the headline is "100 Stars without Makeup." It was pretty neat to see all the faces of these gorgeous, glamourous women stripped down to their bare skin. Some of them still looked beautiful. Others looked like a normal, every day person, many of which I didn't even recognize. A few didn't look too great. It's amazing how much makeup can alter your appearance. And it made me start thinking about how appearances are so deceiving.

Right now, my life is on a little bit of a roller coaster. I can't go into detail, but I can tell you that I have a lot of ups and downs. Some days I am convinced that things are going to end up how I want them to go, and other days I just feel disappointed and scared that they won't. The reality - the part that I'm really trying to grasp and learn - is that God is at work in my circumstances whether I see it or not. It doesn't matter how it appears to me, He is working it out, just as He wants it to go. So even when things aren't looking good for me, when I'm feeling low, or scared, or disappointed, I can at least have peace knowing that even though it seems bleak, God is still at work. And He will continue to be at work, no mater what I'm feeling.

Romans 8:28

New International Version (NIV)

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose.

2012!

2011-12-31T20:28:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

2011-12-28T15:37:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I hope the end of 2011 finds you happy and content. And I hope that 2012 becomes your best year ever. Do you have plans to make 2012 better than 2011? Are you setting any New Year's Resolutions?

I have never been very good at keeping New Year's Resolutions. By February they are out the window and my old ways have resumed. It's kind of depressing, really. But I do use New Year's as a time to refocus my priorities. And trust me, they need a lot of refocusing right now!

On a similar note, I received an interesting devotional from Purpose Driven Connections the other day. It talked about making a 'things not to do' list this year. The devotional went on to say that so many things - even good things - can sidetrack us from our purpose in life. We can't achieve our goals, or do what's most important, because we're so busy with other things. That is so true for me, a person who loves too many different things in this life. So I plan to refocus on what's important and cut out some of the other stuff. I'm not sure how I'm going to do it, but I am definitely a work in progress! I so often find myself tired and stressed, and I know that some of that is because I stretch myself too thin.

One thing I'm doing is decluttering. My hubby and I are taking this week to declutter as much as possible. We are sorting closets, cleaning the basement, and getting rid of old toys. We have way too much stuff! Stuff takes time to manage, organize, and clean.

I suppose I also need to give facebook the heave-ho. Okay, not. I love facebook because it gives me the chance to connect with friends that I don't get to see often. But I think I'll try to keep account closed until the kids are in bed. Or something like that. It's a great time stealer, that's for sure.

I'm going to keep my family at the forefront, as well as my daily devotional time (which I hate to admit has been sorely neglected!). Thankfully, I can talk to God as quickly and easily as I can pick up my cell phone. But I do need to spend more, solid time in the Word of God, and not just read a few verses as I'm nodding off at night (although, falling asleep with God's Word on my mind is not a bad thing in and of itself).

I need to do something about the food issue in our house, too. We found ourselves so tired by dinner that we hit the drive through instead of making something good for us. The problem with that, as you know, is the more fast food we eat, the more tired we become. When we focused on all -natural, healthy food (think no preservatives, no high fructose corn syrup, etc) we were much more energetic. Food for thought, I suppose.

So maybe these are resolutions, but I try not to think of them that way. I try to think of them as a return to my values, a time to take inventory of what my family needs, and I time to re-purpose myself. And I'm looking forward to making 2012 my best year yet!

Happy New Year's and thanks for reading!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T05:56:00.000-08:00

The presents are wrapped, the Christmas groceries purchased, stocking stuffers ready to be squeezed into the stockings that are never nearly big enough. My piano music is practiced, Christmas Eve outfits are picked. The house is decorated and nearly clean. I even baked a few Christmas cookies this week. It feels good to be so prepared for Christmas!

But those things are all meaningless if I haven't prepared my heart. Tonight I'll be spending long hours at church, playing piano for a number of Christmas Eve services. I'm excited about the chance to serve. I'm also looking forward to the time of getting my heart ready for Christmas. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, born in a dirty, humble stable is the best gift we could ever be given. As you enjoy Christmas day, sharing gifts, eating fruitcake, and having fun with your family, I hope that you will receive Jesus as your best gift.

Merry Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Be a guardian angel.

2011-12-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

AIDS ORPHANS 1 from Rebecca Vanderwerf on Vimeo.

I don't feel like I have a lot to brag about. My house is not fancy, nor is it big. In fact, I find it a little embarrassing at times. I don't wear designer clothes. My idea of fine dining is a few appetizers at Applebees. I'm just a regular, ordinary person. But if I stop comparing myself to the other folks in town, and instead, look at the rest of the world, I'm a lot embarrassed. I have so much. My kids don't lack for toys, clothes, or food. They barely know what it feels like to be hungry. They're never alone. I often think our budget is so tight, but their stockings will still be stuffed to overflowing on Christmas morning, the heat will be on, the coffee brewing, and Santa will have eaten his cookies and left plenty of presents behind. And we won't even talk about the feast that Daddy and PopPop are planning to prepare.

Come to think of it, I often drive through a nearby city, with my windows tightly rolled up in my minivan, the doors locked, the Christmas music blaring, and the kids eating snacks in the back. I am secluded from the poverty - this city I drive through is the most impoverished city in the United States. I see it several times a week. And I lock myself away, protecting myself from its pain and brokenness. I busy myself with my own family so I don't have to take notice.

And then I get an email about Hope for AIDS Orphans. Millions of children in Africa have been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. They have no food. No shelter. No clothes. And no one to love them. I can't imagine my little ones without a mommy to give them love, and it breaks my heart. In steps Hope for AIDS Orphans. They have a mission to feed, clothe, shelter, and love these impoverished children. They want to share the love of Jesus with them. And we can help. A small donation will go far in helping these children. Compared to the cost of Christmas toys or books or videos, the amount it takes to rescue a child in need is so small.

Want to help? Here's how.
You can Express Your Care by signing the Angel Mosaic.
You can Share Their Story by sending a short video to friends.
You can Give Them Hope with a donation of any size. Every little bit can help.

Please take a moment and share the Christmas spirit - and God's never failing love - with the children who need it so much. You can be their Guardian Angel during a time when they need it most. Thank you.

Drink coffee. Help villages.

2011-12-18T15:26:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that I adore coffee. I'm sure that I drink more than my fair share. I love the smell, I love the taste, and I love it first thing in the morning to help me get my day started. I've never met a cup of joe I didn't like! My love for coffee is what inspired me to read Nicole Johnson's book, A Fresh Brewed Life. And it also inspired me to get involved with Pangeo Coffee. Now, at least my passion for good coffee can be put to good use. If you drink coffee, you can help villages by ordering coffee from www.pangeocoffee.com. They are a group of humanitarian aid workers who help the poorest of poor in Africa learn techniques and skills to overcome poverty. And they love coffee.

Pangeo Coffee has generously offered a special discount code for The Beautiful Blog readers. Just visit www.pangeocoffee.com and enter the code, beautiful, at check out. You'll receive $2 off per bag through the month of December. In fact, I'm going to go order some for myself right now!

Have a beautiful day and a great cup of coffee!

Deadline

2011-12-17T17:08:00.000-08:00

I rarely bother going to the movies anymore. There just isn't anything worth seeing, so I'm usually disappointed. But that's about to change in early 2012. The movie "Deadline" is a family friendly flick, based on a true story, about a cold-case murder, family ties, race, and redemption in a small town in Alabama. But don't take my word for it. Watch the trailer, and visit www.deadlinefilm.com to sign up for email updates.

6 ways to look prettier on the outside. (Even though you don't need it.)

2011-12-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

Six articles to help you look better on the outside.
But I know you don't need to.

What to wear when you don't know what to wear. Suggestions on how to dress for any occassion.
Wake up prettier. How to look a little more appealing when the alarm goes off.
Perk up your smile with these simple steps. Easy steps towards a whiter, brighter smile.
7 beauty products for $7 and under. Great products for cheap.

Is navy the new black? All about navy blue.
How to wear gold makeup. Be totally on-trend in gold.

Praying expectantly.

2011-12-14T07:03:00.000-08:00

¹ I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.

² Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

Psalm 116, NIV

Twice in the last few weeks I've felt frustrated, anxious, and scared. I didn't know which steps to take next. And I didn't know if I could handle what the future would bring. So, I cried. I cried a lot. Probably a few buckets worth. And through my tears, I desperately prayed to God to have mercy on us, and to move swiftly on our behalf.

Well, I really should not have been surprised that God made things happen the very next day. I mean, it was me that asked Him to work fast, right? I received a phone call in the early afternoon that turned my entire day upside down. I was stressed by the task I had to face. I hate to admit that I tried to find a way out of it. And it wasn't until later that I realized that although the day was mixed up and inconvenient, it was God answering my prayer. He moved fast and He moved big. Why was I so surprised? In the end, I was grateful for the answer that I needed. But I wish I had my eyes open to see how God was moving that day. I could have faced the upheaval with a lot more excitement, anticipation, and joy if I had only been expecting God to answer me.

The second time I prayed that prayer, the answer happened nearly the same way. The only difference was it took a few more days for me for things to come to fruition. Again, my eyes were closed to God's work in my life. Why didn't I learn this lesson the last time?

Through these two experiences I learned a few things about me, about God, and about my faith. I learned that God is faithful even when we're not. I really didn't show very good faith that He was going to answer my cry. I should know God better than that. But He answers our prayers, always. Even when we don't fully expect an answer.

My prayer for today is that I will have my eyes open to all He is doing around me. And that I won't just ask for God's help, but that I will fully expect the answer and pray expectantly.

Have a beautiful day!

Why you never had to worry about a bad hair day again.

2011-12-13T05:31:00.000-08:00

Bad hair days. Ugh. Even us hair stylists get them. It's no fun, is it? And it usually happens when you're getting ready for something important, like a job interview, family pictures, or a class reunion. I think I have more than my fair share.... probably because I hate to spend more than five minutes styling my hair. It's hard for me to wake up that much earlier than my kids! If I wouldn't look weird without hair I probably wouldn't even have any. :)

But I suppose there is hope for me, yet. While I may stress when my hair isn't doing what I want it to, what I really need to recognize is that I don't ever have to worry about a bad hair day. Why? Because God's opinion of me won't change with how I look. No matter if my hair is perfect or punky.

1 Samuel 16:7b (NIV) reminds me: "For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."

And that, my friends, is a beautiful thing, indeed. Have a great day!

Do you tweet?

2011-12-12T04:41:00.000-08:00

Are you a fan of Twitter? I love tweets - such short snippets of thought that can be chock full of encouragement and hope! Here's a few of my favorites. Who do you follow?

womenoffaith Women of Faith - encouraging women everywhere.

KayWarren1 Kay Warren, wife to Rick Warren. Her tweets are profound and full or God's love.

RickWarren Rick Warren, pastor, author, and funny, too.

lensweet Leonard Sweet, Speaker. And just because he's cool.

OfficialSanta Santa will tweet his location all night long as he delivers toys.

JoyceMeyer Joyce Meyer Author, speaker, spreader of hope

beautifulmanda That's me! :)

My Beauty Wish List for Santa

2011-12-10T18:47:00.001-08:00

If I could write Santa Clause a letter, I would send him my beauty wish list. Santa may never read my wish list, but you can.

10. To be able to wake up in the morning, already dressed, coiffed, and with perfect makeup.

9. For a never ending supply of Sephora Black Glitter Waterproof Mechanical Eye Liner.

8. For a Magic Eraser for pimples, varicose veins, freckles, wrinkles, and scars.

7. For a bigger closet.

6. Instant Dry Nail Polish that really does dry 'in an instant.'

5. Rock star hair.

4. Another Magic Eraser that removes muffin tops, crows feet, and arm jiggle.

3. For more of the purple sparkly eyeshadow from Tarte's Glamour to Go palette.

2. To find a cotton ball substitute that doesn't take up space in landfills.

1. To feel beautiful all the time. And for other women to feel the same.

Thanks, Santa, I hope you can fit that all in my stocking!
If you're reading, please share your beauty wish lists for Santa, too! Merry Christmas!

A Fresh-Brewed Life, by Nicole Johson

2011-12-06T07:15:00.001-08:00

Fresh-Brewed Life by Nicole Johnson
I admit it. I love all things coffee and I certainly can’t get my day going without a cup. Or three. So when I saw the title of Nicole Johnson’s book, Fresh-Brewed Life, I was hooked. In her book, Nicole calls us to wake up from our hum-drum, dazed, and sleepy approach to life. She encourages us to reflect inwardly, discover our weaknesses through the act of journaling, and turn them over to Jesus. He, and only He, can set us free from those damaging issues, like hidden anger, that wear us down. In it’s place, we’ll have a refreshed, revived approach to life and a renewed relationship with Christ. Nicole uses interesting, heart-wrenching, and funny examples from her own life to illustrate this book.

I love the coffee references in Fresh-Brewed Life. I love the coffee trivia, and the thought of curling up with a good book and a hot cup of Joe. What’s not to love? The book is interesting to read and spiritually challenging. I love that Nicole calls us to journal our lives. Not only is it cathartic, it helps us see patterns, prayers, and God’s answers in our lives. She even gives great tips on how to incorporate journaling into an already busy life. While this book is a great read, and Biblically accurate, I would have loved to see Nicole go even deeper spiritually. But I’ll take it as a bonus that her words left me hungering for more, both from her writing and especially, from God’s Word. If you’re a woman who needs a boost, a coffee lover, and someone looking for some insight into another woman’s journey, then this book is for you. Drink it up!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

2011-11-29T12:31:00.001-08:00

Here are few articles for the beauty connoisseur....

The Best Ways to Wear a Classic, Red Lip A how to for successfully wearing red lipstick.

The Secret to a Perfect Pout How to perfect your lips!

10 Steps to Prettier Skin Don't forget to pretty up your skin in time for those Holiday Festivities!

How to Look Fabulous in Your Facebook Photo How to look great in your profile pic.

Women of Faith

2011-09-12T07:31:00.000-07:00

I knew I needed to recharge my physical batteries, but I didn't realize how badly I needed to recharge my soul. I was getting physically, mentally, and spiritually tired. And it was starting to make my cranky. If there's one thing I can't stand in myself, it's crankiness. So it was on a whim - a somewhat tired whim - that I applied to be a BookSneeze Blogger for Women of Faith. I really wasn't planning ahead too much when I applied. And I was totally shocked and grateful when I was chosen.

I had kind of stayed away from Women of Faith before, not because I think there's anything wrong or bad about it. I stayed away merely because I had this idea in my head that it was a hand-holding, Kumbaya-singing, cry-your-eyes-out kind of estrogen fest. And with three small children in my household, there are plenty of tears - many of them mine! It just didn't sound like my cup of tea - I much prefer coffee. But when BookSneeze gave me 2 free tickets in exchange for a little blog post, I decided it was worth a try.

I grabbed a friend, told her I had a ticket with her name on it, and away we went. I was pleasantly surprised with the opening worship. No Kumbaya to be heard! It was actually current, beautiful, worship music with a little bit of an edge to it - something you'd hear on the radio, not around a camp fire. And the team was dressed in purple and black (my favorite colors). They rocked. I was hooked. This was totally not like I had imagined.

What really got me were the speakers. I loved how they stood up and honestly shared their life stories - the good, the bad, and everything in between. They shared how God loved them. They shared how He showed up. And they shared how God loves us. They laughed at themselves and cried real tears when they shared their hurts and sorrows. I was moved by their authenticity, their transparency, and their compassion. I admit, I did cry. And I laughed. And I sang. And I was completely caught off guard by how much I needed to hear that God loves me. After all, I know God loves me. I've known it since I was a little girl. But I guess we're never too grown up to hear it again. And again. And again.

Thank you, Sheila Walsh, Lucy Swindoll, Angie Smith, Lisa Harper, Nicole Johnson, Mary Mary, and Natalie Grant for sharing your heart, your thoughts, and your soul. I feel re-energized, excited to see where God is going to meet me and use me, and ready to care for my little flock of children. And thank you BookSneeze, for convincing me to go!

I hope I have the opportunity to blog about the event again next year. And my friend and I are already planning to attend Women of Faith Philly in 2012. Guess we better warn our husbands now.....

Learn more about Women of Faith at www.womenoffaith.com. Sign up to be a BookSneeze blogger at www.booksneeze.com.

Worship at Women of Faith

2011-09-10T08:28:00.001-07:00

Refreshing time of worship.

2011-09-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I'll be leaving my three little ones in the tender care of my darling husband. I'll leave the house as the sun peeks over the trees and join a dear friend in Philly for the Women of Faith Conference. I'm looking forward to a time of getting a way, enjoying my friend's company, and getting refreshed. I need it!

I know the sacrifice that my hubby is making so I can go. And I'm really not excited about getting up before the sun, knowing I'll have been up most of the night feeding a baby and changing diapers. And I always get nervous trying to find my way around Philly. But I know it will all be worth it when I come back tired but renewed. I'm looking forward to telling you all about it! For now, you can visit http://www.womenoffaith.com/ and see what its all about!

September Sale!

2011-09-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

From now until September 9th, get 20% off my book, Clef Hangers!

Shop at http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/clef-hangers/188849 and enter code September at checkout.

Piano for Boys

2011-08-18T20:02:00.001-07:00

I was thinking long and hard about how to improve my piano teaching and my piano studio. While I was doing some Googling about new music for my students, I came across a giveaway on a piano blog, www.colorinmypiano.com. I was so intrigued by the giveaway item, “The Adventures of Fearless Fortissimo” Piano Books for Boys, that I just couldn’t wait it out to see if I had won the contest. I went straight to www.pianomusicforboys.com and downloaded the music. I am so glad that I did.

I was excited to present these comic book style pieces to one male student in particular. Once he started playing the songs, his younger brother couldn’t wait to play them, either. They quickly learned each and every piece of music in the down-loadable early elementary level music, and have been asking for the next installment. They love the comics, the action-oriented music, and the mysterious and exciting sounds. They are thrilled to use the pedal, and they have asked to work on the next level of difficulty (of the same pieces) to tide them over until the next installment is complete.

The music is convenient to order, no trips to the music store are necessary. It is very attainable for younger students. The hand positions are easy but not static, there is enough repetition to facilitate learning, and the music writing is exciting, fun, and full of neat ideas that the students love. My students have already improved on their note reading and especially in their musicality. Suddenly, musical themes and dynamics have much more meaning when attached to a Villain and a Hero. Fermatas and rests become secret hideouts and eighth notes are clues to the mystery. This series has certainly added energy and excitement to my students’ piano lessons.

These pieces are easy to teach, as well. The fingerings are not overly complicated. I find that the pieces are just easy enough that the student feels successful, but just hard enough that they are learning new material. I’ve already started using “The Adventures of Fearless Fortissimo” with a new batch of students. Their eyes lit up and they couldn’t wait to run to the piano. These arrangements are definitely a hit.

You can download your copy of “Fearless Fortissimo” Piano Music for Boys at www.pianomusicforboys.com. For $19.95, you’ll receive a down-loadable copy of the music. You are licensed to print unlimited copies of each of three levels of music.

Cure for the Common Life, by Max Lucado

2011-08-09T08:26:00.001-07:00

Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado

Cure for the Common Life, by Max Lucado, is a blessing to the believer who is seeking God’s purpose for their life. It is hope for the person who feels less than special, unnecessary, and unneeded. It is encouragement for the soul who has become weary in their Christian walk. Max’s view is that everyone has unique, special abilities and desires, and a ‘sweet spot’ for using them. He says that fulfillment in life comes from walking with Jesus and using our gifts, talents, and resources in a way that is exciting, invigorating, and most importantly, reflects God to those around us. Max walks us through the process of figuring out what our ‘sweet spot’ is, and how we can get to that place. He helps us overcome our aimlessness, live a life of purpose, and share the Gospel through our everyday living. Max’s writing is encouraging, uplifting, and filled to the brim with hope.

Cure for the Common Life encouraged and inspired me when I felt like everything was “meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 2:17b) The humdrum of work life had me down, and Max reminded me that I’m here for a purpose – God’s purpose, and I can reflect Him no matter what I’m doing. If you’re a believer searching for your place in life, wondering what God’s purpose is for you, then you need to read Cure for the Common Life. You’ll come away refreshed, encouraged, and inspired by Max’s warm, love-filled writing.

Hope of the Broken World

2011-08-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

Beautiful music. Pure harmonies. Amazing musicianship. Pristine mastering. Passionate love for Jesus. These words cannot begin to sum up Selah’s amazing album, Hope of the Broken World, available on Auguest 23, 2011. Hope of the Broken World crosses a variety of style lines. The harmonies are pure and sweet, the vocals bluesy and intense. Passion and authenticity can be heard in every note. Words of hope, assurance, and God’s love effortlessly flow through the captivating strains of music and catchy melodies. Selah wears its hearts, not just on its sleeves, but on its CD jackets, as well.

Selah’s sound is nearly impossible to put into a style box. As we listened to Hope of the Broken World, my husband and I discussed what we heard. “Is that Southern Gospel?” “Broadway,” he responded. “I’m pretty sure that’s modern pop.” “I think it’s Soul.” The reality is, Selah is all those things. Their sound is a sweet blend of styles, attesting to their impressive musical versatility and their ability to reach a broad audience.

But what really hits home for me is not just the beautiful music, but the fact that Todd Smith, Allan Hall, and Amy Perry can worship God in spite of the awful tragedy and loss that they experienced in their personal lives. Visit Selah’s blog, www.selahonline.com to read about the devastating loss of Todd’s infant daughter, Audrey Caroline, and the lives she touched during her short time on earth.

Preview Hope of the Broken World at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KQG2BcNOX0&feature=player_embedded. Please pre-order this amazing CD at http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Broken-World-Selah/dp/B004Y1QQ4A.

Buzzplant was kind enough to provide me with a review copy of this CD in exchange for my personal opinions. While they encouraged me to be forthcoming and honest in my review, I cannot lie. I truly loved this CD and am grateful for the opportunity to listen in on such beautiful music.

The Beauty Buzz for Monday, August 1, 2011

2011-08-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

Summer is just flying by! Where does the time go? Are you enjoying your summer? It's my favorite time of year, but it does bring about certain challenges for hair and makeup. Check out these tips to deal with the summer heat and still look your best!

How to Keep Hair Frizz-Free All Day Tips and tricks to keep away the dreaded frizz-monster!

5 Quick Hairstyles for Wet Hair Easy, beautiful hairstyles that will get you out the door without taking the time to blow dry your hair.

3 Professional Hairstyles for Hot Summer Days Keep your hair looking professional in spite of the heat and humidity.

Melt Proof Your Makeup How to keep your makeup from melting off.

Makeup Artist Beauty Secrets Tips and tricks to keep your makeup looking great.