Christmas Behind the Badge

"We all have a role to play and joy awaits each one of us. The Lord appoints and anoints as He chooses and we should delight in our individual callings."- Patti Tingen, A God For All Seasons.

It's the Christmas season and we are busy getting ready for the holidays. 

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care.

My husband took all the older kids out on his birthday on the "great Christmas tree hunt" while I stayed back with the baby.

(Here is my husband with four of the kids when we started cutting our own Christmas tree at a nearby Christmas tree farm in 2008.)

It's a tradition we started because we didn't have the extra money to buy a tree one year, so we cut one down in the woods behind our house on my parent's property. Now we can't imagine buying a tree when cutting our own has turned out to be quite a lot of fun!

(Here is our "second chance clan"all ready for Christmas.)

So our tree is up inside. I made a wreath from its trimmings and hubby hung it on the front door. He hung lights on our growing fur tree outside. Every year the tree grows and we need to buy more lights for it. It looks magical in the evening when the moon shines high above and is then reflected by the crisp, white snow. Magical indeed. I love that tree!

Our kids are growing too. All seven of them, each with different talents and gifts and abilities. There's never a dull day here homeschooling these precious kiddos for sure! (I love it when they try to help each other too!- They don't know they are actually learning MORE by teaching their siblings!)

(My oldest daughter, age 7 helping her younger sister, age, almost 5)

With all the busyness of this most wonderful time of the year though my heart is very heavy.
Two police officers were executed in New York for simply doing the job they signed up to do, to protect and serve. My heart is broken for the families having to get through the holidays without their beloved officer. It's so hard to understand. I watched the wife of one of these officers sobbing on t.v. and my heart was with her. I may not know her personally, but I know her. Every time the phone rings in the middle of the night and my husband puts on his uniform, I pray. We are sisters in these moments.

(May these officers lives not be forgotten. R.I.P. Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos)

I don't write about my husband's job on my blog usually. It is his chosen profession and his calling. I have supported him through 21 years of marriage while he worked as a military policeman and then as a small municipal officer, to where he is currently serving as a Maine State Trooper. We've been through a lot together. I know what it feels like to have officers show up at my door and not know whether my husband was going to survive.

(This is the car accident my husband survived in 2006

with thankfully only a broken arm and leg and cuts and scrapes.)

I've pushed him in a wheelchair and cared for him while he recovered from a terrible car crash while on duty nearly nine years ago. He has also seen me through seven c-sections, several knee surgeries, an appendectomy, and a tubal reversal. He is my rock. He keeps me going when I want to quit. All the while he, himself works tirelessly to provide for our growing family as he puts on his blue uniform and performs the often thankless job of protecting and serving in our State. He usually works Christmas on call too. Thankfully this year he was able to get the day off. We are so excited to be able to have him home with us for Christmas!

 So as we celebrate the birth of our Savior and prepare to ring in the New Year let us remember the fallen as well as the officers out there working around the clock to protect us so we can sleep in Heavenly peace. They are NOT monsters, and hateful people. Many of these officers are like my own husband, just trying to come home safe to their wife and kids at the end of each shift. Just trying to carve out a little peace, a little hope, and spread little more love than hate.

We leave a candle glowing blue in our window each night to remember the fallen and those who currently protect and serve our great country nationwide.

 How will you show your support to your local police and stop the spread of violence and hate?

 Thank you to all our officers who put on the badge each day to protect and serve our great country!

May you have a blessed Christmas and a peaceful New Year!

A God For All Seasons by Patti Tingen A Review

With Winter upon us I am pleased to know a few moms like me who love to read AND talk about the books they've read. We love to share books we have enjoyed that are shaping our lives! Winter in Maine is taking on new meaning for me...

BOOK CLUB SEASON!

We read fiction and non-fiction and learn and grow from each book chosen and discussed. Before our next book club meeting begins and since we are now in a new season of Winter, I was pleased to be chosen to review this book for CWA, A God For All Seasons by Patti Tingen.

Hope for all seasons. Encouragement for all times. Love from God for all year. “There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT) 

ISBN: 978-1621417705| List Price: $13.95|Format: Softcover | Page Count: 110

My Thoughts on this book:

I really loved this book. It is a quick read but jam-packed with wonderful words of wisdom from Patti as she shares her life's lessons in different seasons while weaving scripture though out.

The book begins in Winter with December and coincidentally that is right where I am at in the calendar month! What I liked about this book was it isn't just another book about the "seasons of life". As I read along with the author she not only describes the different seasons of life but she walks you through each MONTH of the seasons bringing hope and inspiring her readers to keep looking for God every day no matter what season He is bringing you through! In Winter's darkest days, "Hope, renew, and wait on the Lord". In the Spring she encourages the reader to "change, plant, and trust". In Summer, we should "give, celebrate, and rest". In Autumn, we should practice "harvest, believe, and thank".

I think this is a wonderful little book every woman should read to inspire and reflect on life, no matter what season they are experiencing right now!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtBpV4bVWag

About the author:

Patti Tingen is an award-winning author and speaker. She also serves as an elder at her church and is involved in various ministries including prayer and teaching. Patti’s nonfiction inspirational books have offered hope and encouragement to many. Her book, A God for All Seasons: Inspiration and Reflection for All Times, won the 2014 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal for Christian Non-Fiction. Patti’s prayer is that her words of personal experience, humor and testimony will continue to bless and inspire others. Patti lives in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania with her husband Doug and their cat Braveheart. Please visit http://pattitingen-author.blogspot.com/ to learn more.

Patti's BLOG

A God for All Seasons at AMAZON

Follow Patti on TWITTER

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Using Essential Oils on C-Section Scars

I was first introduced to essential oils after the birth of my seventh baby last Christmas.

My cousin had begun using them in her own family to support them through environmental and seasonal issues. She gave me a sample of Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, and Digestzen (and a cute little pair of baby shoes too!).

 I fell in love with the Lemon right away and began using it in my water. I liked the Lavender too!

I attended one of my cousin's classes on making over your family bathroom cabinet and thought it would be wonderful to use all natural products!

 I eventually signed up with my own wholesale account to save money on my oils and I began to do more research on my own and learned about so many more health benefits from using essential oils. It seemed endless the possibilities and the uses of these amazing oils and what they can do for a body, especially one like mine that has been through seven, (UPDATE now EIGHT, yes EIGHT C-sections) and an appendectomy AND a tubal reversal!

We began applying  the ten oils and learned how to use them! We put the On Guard to the bottoms of our feet, Digestzen on upset tummies, Lavender on cuts and scrapes, inhaled Peppermint for occasional nausea on car rides, Lemon in my water, Oregano and Melaleuca in the diffuser for environmental threats, and the Deep Blue! Now that stuff is AMAZING! It really sold me after I applied it to a hurting wrist and it took the pain away in less than 5 MINUTES!

SING OVER ME ESSENTIAL OILS WAS BORN!

I started my own Facebook Page to save all my research and invited everyone I knew to join along with me! I never intended to build a thriving team with  doTERRA, but I couldn't help sharing! 

Why should I keep this to myself?!

I got a FREE bottle of Immortelle for purchasing 200 PV (product value) on my LRP (Loyalty Rewards Program, super way to save on oils!) back in early September of 2014. I thought, "well, I'm 40 now, I'm going to need help with wrinkles! I'll jump on the deal of the FREE bottle!)

Then I read somewhere on one of the Facebook groups I follow that someone uses this for their c-section scar. I thought, "I'll have to try it!" So I did!

 

"A proprietary blend of powerfully renewing, rare essential oils used throughout history for their beautifying benefits, Immortelle Anti-Aging Blend is formulated to protect and nourish skin while helping to reduce contributing factors to the appearance of aging skin. These powerful essential oils help sustain smoother, more radiant, and youthful-looking skin. Immortelle easily absorbs into the skin and can be used on the face, neck, and décolletage to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and aging skin."-doTERRA blog.

After less than two weeks, I noticed much of the redness had disappeared in my top c-section scar.

 (I have two c-section scars from 9 surgeries). My lower scar had become less lumpy and less sensitive and in general, after 10 years, looked less "angry". This stuff is incredible and a true gift from God in my opinion!

 (I am not a medical professional and I make NO claims that this WILL work for you, but it has worked for me. If you have been wondering how you'll ever get back to normal after your c-section, you might want to give this amazing essential oil blend a try! After placing your order, it will come straight to your home and arrive in only 2-5 business days! )

With less sensitivity I may even begin doing this massage technique, although the video below is kind of hard to watch the whole thing!

http://www.pregnancy.org/article/massage-your-c-section-scar

How to Properly Massage a Scar.

If you would like to know where to purchase this amazing essential oil and help your c-section scar, go to my website to order. There are two ways to order Imortelle, Retail or wholesale.   I am not a medical professional and I make NO claims that this WILL work for you, but it has really diminished my redness and supported my body in its recovery process. Your order will come straight to your home and arrive in only 2-5 business days! If you have been wondering how you'll move on after your c-section, you might want to give this amazing essential oil blend a try!

If you are here on my page and read this far, you might be interested in the emotional piece that comes from recovering from delivering by cesarean. DoTERRA is working on the scientific research on the significance of how essential oils work through our olfactory senses to help our bodies recover and support our emotional health as well as our physical health. I will be writing and sharing about this more soon! But I am excited to announce that doTERRA has just released an entire roller bottle "Touch" kit with all of their emotional oils!

This kit is simply splendid and contains six unique essential oil blends combined with Fractionated Coconut Oil in 10 mL Roll-Ons. They are super convenient and have are meant for a gentle topical application. "These proprietary blends provide targeted emotional health benefits for the entire family and can be applied every day to specific points on the body to help balance and brighten your changing moods."-doTERRA blog-***COMING OCTOBER 3, 2016*** (Because I went to convention we got to purchase these products before they are available for purchase, and they are wonderful! More details to come)

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

You can also see my latest posts on other oils and supplements at Everything Essential For Me 

When Chicks Hatch by Heather Randall A Review

ASIN: B00OZQP3OS| List Price: $2.99 kindle (on Amazon) or $10 print (on author website)|Format: Softcover or Kindle |

I write reviews for Christian Women Affiliate and when I saw that our very own Heather Randall, the CEO of the company was offering up her own book for review, I jumped at the chance to deviate from Day Planners and historical fiction to a good "chick book"! I was not disappointed!



"She had prayed for it in secret, exposing her loneliness only to God. She knew God had heard her, just as he’d heard every other prayer, whether it was a silent prayer from her heart or spoken out loud. Could it be that a door was opening and her life would soon be moving at a faster pace with love front and center?"

This is just one of the heart cries of the five women in this book who come to realize that life has ups and downs. No one is perfect. But there is a God who forgives and when we walk in God's amazing grace, we can find hope once we break free of our shells and cast our cares on Him.

In When Chicks Hatch we meet Nicky, who finds out her boss is having an affair. Sydney, a college student, who gets involved with a married man and lies about it and has to pay the consequences for her actions. Then there's Alexis who's marriage is falling apart and has no happy ending in sight. Alexis' sister, Kristen, a nurse, who has always had guy friends but has she pushed them all away leaving her to be alone the rest of her life? And don't forget the "princess", Jennifer who desires one thing that her husband hasn't been able to give her but maybe her friend can?

At first this book was a little hard to follow because of the five different story lines. But I quickly found it amusing as I learned to follow the lives of these five different women as their stories began to slowly intersect. I won't give away much but I was in tears near the end. The author has written this book so beautifully that you feel so much love for the characters that you wanted to hate in the beginning of the book. There are a lot of life lessons learned in this book. One of my favorite lines comes from the mother of Sydney, Mrs. Flannery.

“You'll learn. It takes time to kill the flesh, honey. It's kind of like those candles your father used to put on Mitchell's cake--the ones that relight when you think they're out. You've got to keep huffing and puffing and maybe even use the help of water before it's over, but eventually it's over, and that candle can't be lit even if you try
-Mrs. Flannery”
― Heather Randall, When Chicks Hatch

That line really drove home the lesson for me about how we don't change overnight. As much as we would love to see others make a 180 in their life or see a 180 in our own life, it takes time to see the results we want. Often God has a bigger plan and the answers to our prayers may not be at all what we were expecting!

If you like a fairly quick read and a good, clean, Christian, chick book, full of twists and turns and want a greater sense of how God works out every last detail of your own life for His greater purpose, you might want to pick up a copy of this book! Better yet, download a copy, now!

About the author:

Heather Randall began her writing career with baby steps, literally. In 2003 she started blogging about her mommy adventures and connecting with like-minded women online. During this time she was also preparing the final bits of a novel that had been written with pen and paper. A friend typed it all up properly for her and, at last, in 2011 When Chicks Hatch was published.

In 2013 He paved the way for her to purchase Christian Women Affiliate.

She now serves as the CEO of Christian Women Affiliate, LLC and all of its divisions including the CWA Radio Network and The CWA Review Crew. She especially enjoys serving fellow writers through her company. Heather still leaves time for God to fill her up with stories and she is currently working on a second novel.

Heather's hobbies include spending time with family, writing, reading, creating and trading mail art, homeschooling and blogging. Heather and her husband, four children, Mom, three cats, a dog, and a frog all reside in Oklahoma.


Website: http://www.heatherrandall.com/ 

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

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CWAreviewCrew/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherMRandall

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/heather-randall/19/8bb/b61

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+HeatherRandallCWA/posts

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/heathermrandall/

Instagram: instagram.com/cwaheather

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11475687-when-chicks-hatch?ref=atw

I received a free Kindle download of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Faith Joseph's Story A Novel and Christian Bible Study A Review

A novel, a Bible study, a leader's guide all in one book?! Yes, it's true! Faith, Joseph's Story, by Sandra Lea Hardage has beautifully crafted the Bible story of Joseph's life written as though it is from his own perspective, while adding a full Bible study AND a leader's guide right in the book!

About the book:

"At the age of seventeen, Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob, faces the wrath of jealousy, hatred, and deceit from his own brothers. He is thrust into a world of slavery, lust, and power. Joseph experiences a culture so different from his own that he must adapt quickly just to survive. He learns to trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and be content in the difficult circumstances that challenge him far too often.

Narrated by Joseph himself, FAITH Joseph’s Story communicates the power of this young man’s faith-faith that began in the midst of a plot to murder him and ends with his rise to power in Egypt. It show the perseverance one must find to overcome the negative experiences that happen in life, and it provides a testament to the importance of placing complete faith and trust in God."

About the author:

Sandra Hardage considers Jesus Christ her Savior and her family including husband, children and grandchildren the chief blessings in her life. She has been married to her husband Jim for forty-four years, has three grown children with Christian spouses and eight grandchildren between the ages of two to fifteen.

From the age of ten, God began to stir a desire in Sandra’s heart to become a teacher.  She did in fact fulfill that desire and has worked in education all her life. Positions she held in pursuit of teaching include: public school teacher, coordinator of a televised GED-ONTV program, coordinator of an Adult Education Learning Center, coordinator of Technology, Distance Learning and Media for an education cooperative, Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader, associational women’s ministry director and online Bible teacher.

During years as Sunday school teacher, the Lord placed on her heart the sensitivity for the feelings of Biblical characters. As a result, she began writing stories of God’s people.  After retiring, the Lord placed Joseph on her heart and over a four and a half years period, she wrote FAITH Joseph’s Story, a novel and Bible Study.

Sandra holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters of Science in Education degrees and has taken many courses along the way to hone the skills needed for the jobs that God placed in her path including computers, web design, distance learning, curriculum and much more. She feels that every area in teaching and learning were in preparation for her current role as creator and founder of the online ministry: My Journey of Faith. http://myjourneyoffaith.com

The ministries website is a gathering place for encouraging Christians women in their daily journey of life. It is her desire for this ministry to be used by God to encourage Christians and uplift the name of Jesus Christ by sharing stories through CWA Radio, My Journey of Faith magazine, Bible studies, blogs and more.

My thoughts:

I thought this was a great book! I really enjoyed revisiting the story of Joseph from the Bible and reading it again from a fictional perspective of none other than Joseph himself! I love historically accurate fiction and I thought the book captured Joseph's story in a way that draws the reader in to really consider what it must have been like to be one of twelve sons, and favored by his father. It helped me consider Joseph as a real person and not just a character in a Bible story. I had never given much thought to how many years Joseph was in the Pharaoh's palace before the story reaches its climax. I recommend anyone could read this book and gain a little bit more insight to the real Joseph of the Bible from a fictional perspective.

The other great part about this book is the fact that it is actually three books in one! The novel begins on the opening pages but is a quick read and ends on page 67. The rest of the book is a Bible study followed by a Leader's Guide as a companion to the Bible study. This is a great way to take the history of the story and go really in depth into a Bible study of the history of Joseph's family, their family traits, family life, the study of Joseph's dreams, and many more topics. Along the way Sandra also shares a bit of her own faith walk and truths of the Bible regarding the salvation message.

If you re looking for an in depth Bible study on the life of Joseph this would be a great one to choose!

You can order your copy over at Amazon here.

Order at Barnes and Noble here.


ISBN: 978-1-4627-2783-4(sc) |List Price: $14.99 |Format: Softcover | Page Count: 206

ISBN: 978-1-4627-2785-8 (hc) |List Price: $33.95 |Format: Hardcover | Page Count: 206

ISBN: 978-1-462-72784-1 (e) |List Price: $3.99 | Format; E-Book | Page Count: 206



For more information about Sandra Hardage come check out her sites!

http://sandrahardage.com/


https://twitter.com/myfaithjourney


https://www.facebook.com/MyJourneyOfFaith


http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sandra-hardage/75/812/529

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

2015 Daily Planner by Sue Hooley, A Review

Everyday
May not be good,
But there is
Something good
In every day.

I am so excited to share this with my readers! I was chosen to review the 2015 Daily Planner, a homemakers best friend! Here it is! Introducing Sue Hooley's newest planner!

2015 Daily Planner

List Price: $13.99 with free shipping on three or more|

Format: 6x9 Spiral bound 

Order at: http://www.homemakersfriend.com

"A homemaker’s life consists of innumerable details. Appointments, church activities, school schedules, and homemaking in general, repeatedly demand her time and attention. Written tasks help to organize our days and duties and it frees the mind to focus on what is most important.

        The Daily Planner was designed by Sue, wife of Dan for 24 years and mother to six lovely children, two girls and four boys ages 5-21. The planner was developed after several years of motherhood and homemaking. Sue understood that a homemaker's day can rarely be scheduled and structured the same as the one before – not every task can fit neatly into the time-slot allotted by other planners. Since her first publication in 2010, thousands of homemakers have benefited from the daily planner.



This daily planner is divided into the following seven sections:

Yearly Calendar
Monthly Calendar
Weekly Planning
Tasks List
Projects and Events
Information
Shopping Lists

Some helpful tips on using the Daily Planner from Sue;

yearly calendar

This is for jotting down upcoming events,or making note of a special happening. To remember the one-year anniversary of the death of a friend’s husband, just post it in the appropriate space of the following year. If passports expire in October of 2016, make a note for future reference.

monthly calendar

Make an entry of all the upcoming events such as church meetings, weddings, school activities, appointments, reunions, holidays, etc. on the Monthly Calendar. It is helpful to see at a glance what will be happening over the next several months.This becomes useful for weekly scheduling.


weekly planning

       Under the heading Tasks for this Week are spaces to jot down things that need to be done such as phone calls, appointments, balancing the checkbook, etc. It’s beneficial to take time to sketch out the weekly tasks in advance. If a dentist appointment needs to be scheduled, write it down. If laundry is the biggest event on Monday, write it down. Look for short slots of time to do small projects. It only takes a few minutes to schedule a dentist appointment or to send a card. If it is written down, you are more apt to grab those precious few minutes when the opportunity arises. If a suit needs to be taken to the dry cleaners, jot it down so it isn’t forgotten on the next trip to town. If cleaning is consistently done on Friday, then consistently write it down. As monotonous as that may seem, it is still a big accomplishment.

       Plan the basic menu for the main meal each day. This can be done before the week arrives or it can be decided on a daily basis. Deciding on the type of meal for each day will lessen the choices. Example: casserole on Monday, soup on Tuesday, meat and potatoes on Wednesday… When Monday comes, just decide what type of casserole to make.
 To make the current weekly layout easy to find, clip the top corner of the page on the dotted line. Write with a pencil so daily tasks can easily be erased and rearranged to accommodate the unpredicted issues that come along. Written tasks are to serve as a guide so you can plan what is reasonable and comfortable. Freely modifying a schedule is not a sign of weakness, rather it is a mark of strength. This approach will help to make wise choices that are best for you, your husband, and your children.
To view more on how to use the Daily Planner just click over to their website under How To Use The Daily Planner.


My Thoughts: This planner is fantastic! I was given the 2014 planner to begin using right away to prepare for this review and I have loved it! It is portable and fits right into my diaper bag! It is thick but not too bulky. The pages stay intact despite being tossed in my bag and being on the go. I use it for planning meals, carpool, play dates, essential oil classes, field trips, trainings, journaling, recipes, grocery lists, and so many more things! I have NEVER been a planner type of person but have always wanted to be more organized. This was the perfect planner to set me on the right path toward being the type of mom, wife, homeschool teacher, and friend I long to be. 

The beautiful artwork on the front of the durable cover makes it a joy to take out and schedule events in my calendar. There is a lovely photo and scripture on the front that reminds me to always put God first in all of my preparations. Only He holds the plans of my life, I can only prepare. This planner helps me to be more diligent in helping me to live my life on purpose not just let life events roll on by.

"My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest" Exodus 33:14 This scripture graces the cover of the 2015 edition of the Daily Planner. May we all sense the Lord's presence in our daily lives as He grants rest to our weary minds by writing our days down!

Grab one for yourself before January, details below. Let your comings and goings be a testimony and light for the Lord each time you open your Daily Planner! God bless!



2015 Daily Planner
List Price: $13.99 with free shipping on three or more|
Format: 6x9 Spiral bound
Order at: http://www.homemakersfriend.com


I received a free 2014 and 2015 planner in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Let My Light Shine, Julie Kinscheck A Review

I am so excited to write this review for all of you! I was so happy to be chosen as one of the twenty fabulous women who got the chance to write a music review and set aside our books, (for a short bit anyway)! This is SO COOL!

INTRODUCING... JULIE KINSCHECK!!!

"Let My Light Shine" by Julie Kinscheck & LIFLIGHT is Gospel-Jazz with an infusion of pop-rock and country. 

Julie's music reflects a Christian world-view, sometimes boldly, but is really about the hope God can provide- especially to women and Mom's- expressed with some humor, SCAT solos, lush arrangements and depth of heart.

This music is her ministry to shine God's light in a dark world.

Purchase Her CD HERE!

From her Facebook page:

Singer-songwriter, folk, country/ gospel with Jazz on top!

 Recently called "An ambassador for unfortunate children in the world and for what faith in God can do!" by a representative from Hope Worldwide. Julie Kinscheck has written songs and/or performed for Hope Worldwide and Compassion International. 

Named one of the most promising unsigned writers by the National Academy of Songwriters, Julie has played across the US and Europe. She has been honored to play on large stages such as Madison Square Garden, NYC and the Fleet Center, Boston and also many conferences, small churches, restaurants, weddings and coffee houses.

Raised with folk roots in Ithaca N.Y., she launched a street tour of Europe, followed by a few years training at Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio. At last she landed at Berklee College of Music in Boston on a full scholarship. Some fans have named her the : Queen of SCAT!

“Julie Kinscheck’s songwriting and outstanding vocal work will satisfy you to your soul…” - Metronome Magazine Jan 2010

I really enjoyed the different styles of music Julie sings on this CD, "Let My Light Shine".

Just after enjoying a country style song, "Nothing Like the Love", talking about the love of children, and an even softer country style song in "Jesus Wept", Julie breaks out the guitars in "Waiting on You". 

I loved the words in Julie's songs. In "I'm a Mess", she sings how she can't even get her eight year old to bed, "I'm a mess!" My favorite song was "Love Life Like I Should". It is a fun, light-hearted song about living life with less worries, with lots of fun scat singing. "Oh, oh, oh, gonna love life like I should, Zabbie at, zabbie at do day"! (Or something like that!)

While my family didn't care all that much for Julie's singing coming out of my laptop speakers, I can  just imagine her live in concert she would probably really get the crowd hopping with her songs about children, life, love, and Christ!

"Oh, oh, oh, gonna love life like I should, zabbie at, zabbie at do day"! (Or something like that!)

Purchase Julie Kinscheck's CD HERE!

Julie Kinscheck's WEBSITE

Follow Julie Kinscheck on TWITTER HERE!

I received a link to review Julie kinscheck's music in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Essential Oils? How Is That Going To Help Me?

What is the deal with essential oils? 

"Few people in mainstream medicine will want me to share this post with you. First, they’ll say it’s because they have an aversion to all things quackery. Then, they’ll have a change of heart and try to classify essential oils as “medicine,” of which nobody else can give advice on because these oils are used to “prevent or treat disease” – along with carrots, garlic, herbal tea, and wheat grass.

Then, they’ll make an exception for reading package inserts and make up one on the spot to warn you about the potential atrocity that could result from you using something natural that has little to no side effects and is responsible for zero hospitalizations and deaths each year. While they’re busy scaring your socks off, they’ll forget to tell you they’ve had no training on essential oils and have no clue what they’re talking about.
No worries. I’m not going to diagnose you with a disease today, nor am I going to treat you. I’m not going to try to sell you essential oils either. I’m just going to sell you on them because really, life just seems incomplete without a good essential oil in your back pocket.

I know what you’re thinking…what are my qualifications for speaking on this “trend?” No worries guys. My quack degree in quack medicine taught me everything I needed to know, and what I didn’t pick up in one quack school I picked up at another, and what I didn’t pick up there, I picked up from Google University. Rest assured, you are in good hands.

Pleasantries aside. Let’s talk.

Essential oils are not a trend. They’re not voodoo, woo woo, or foo foo. They’ve been around a long time, are mentioned over 188 times in the Bible, were referenced in Chinese manuscripts and the Dead Sea Scrolls, and were even used during the time of the ancient Egyptians as medicine. People survived the bubonic plague thanks to this stuff. No joke.

An essential oil is a volatile liquid carefully extracted from a plant that’s used medicinally for all sorts of health imbalances. Once carefully extracted these oils can be used for inhalation, ingestion, absorption, and are used for all sorts of household and personal products like laundry detergent, shampoo, toothpaste, and lotion. It’s the chemical properties in these oils that provide the benefit and once applied to the skin these benefits hit the blood stream within three seconds.

Essential oils are amazing. They’re powerful, and they’re safe when used appropriately. You shouldn’t take my word for it though." Read the rest here.  www.livingwhole.org





Help nurture your family today! Ask me how to get these oils!

Join the essential oil discussion! Sing Over Me Essential Oils

Come Back To Jesus And Don't Bring Your Blackberry by Tanya Logan A REVIEW

ISBN-13: 978-144978207-8  |List Price: $14.46 |Format: Softcover | Page Count: 120

Finding time to be in God's presence with seven children can be at many times very challenging. Just as I'm about to sit down in the morning and enjoy a nice cup of coffee and my Bible I seem to have a little one eager to greet me with "hello" and hugs and kisses.

I mean seriously! Look at those cheeks!


 My kids are truly a great source of joy and also a distraction. What drew me to this book was a conviction in my spirit to the things in my life that maybe I was the problem and I need to be the solution. "I am my own worst enemy" I mumbled to myself recently. Maybe God was speaking to me to reach for greater things, instead of easy things, like Facebook to pass my time. Why not teach my daughter to cross-stitch while she is little? Do I have the time?

I'm HUNGRY!
For. God's. Word.
For His Heart.
For His Love.
For His Time.
If God can make time for me, maybe I can find a little time for Him!

So with a little reservation, and a humble heart I signed on to review this book to take a look into the things that might be getting in my own way of deepening my relationship with God. Maybe you too have similar issues?

"Have you drifted away from the Faith? Or has life gotten in the way? 

If any of these:

Busy-ness
Relationships
Hurts
Addictions


have held you up, you need Come Back to Jesus.

Renew your love of Christ and your joy in building on the gifts God gave you. STOP just going through the motions. Find the time-stealers and replace them by starting afresh with prayer; center yourself in The Word.

Explore the things that could lead you off the "narrow path." Practice opening up to God, being in His presence....

Experience the love of the Lord like you may never have before. Read the book as a personal growth guide, or use it as a 6-week Bible study and share insights and encouragement with your small group."


Week One opens with a question to the reader, "Who Is My God?"  This week is followed by five more weeks titled "Seduced by the World", "A Week Without My Little Gods", "A Week with the (Di)Vine", "Responsibilities of Salvation (How to Remain Pruned)", finishing with, "Staying Free in an Idolatrous World". Each week contains five days of devotional studies for a total of 30 small devotional studies leading to ways to stay free from idols and come back to Jesus!
In addition to sharing her own journey in coming back to Jesus, the author uses plenty of scripture quotes and describes Biblical characters and their flaws and strengths to draw the reader into identifying their own weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
I enjoyed the study and there is plenty of room to write your own convictions answers in the spaces provided.
At the end of the book is also a helpful Leader's Guide that anyone can use to lead discussions in order to do this Bible study in a small group setting. This would be a wonderful way to dig deeper into the study by sharing in the journey with others!
Don't let the "And Don't Bring Your Blackberry" subtitle sway you though.  The title seemed a little outdated to me, but the book is still very relevant.

Purchase on Amazon Here

Check out a sample here!





Author BIO:Tanya Logan found herself drawn to Christ while on a cloud-gazing walk at the age of 9. Since then, she has seen His hand in nature from her native East Tennessee to Washington, DC, Atlanta, GA and now Southwest Florida. A writer all of her life, Come Back to Jesus—and Don’t Bring your Blackberry is her 4th book. She has also freelanced extensively and is the ghost author of 11 books, 2 of which are required reading for college courses.

“If I never have another word from God, this one is enough: Go tell the people to get the “stuff” out of the way so they can worship Me better,” Logan says. Thus the 6-week study Come Back to Jesus was born.

Tanya's Website


Book Website

Author's Facebook


Author's Twitter





I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Surviving Camp on a THM Diet! 10+ THM KETO Camping Meals

It's time to get ready for our annual camping trip!

     We can't wait to get back and make some more memories! Swimming, fishing, boating, 4-wheeling, and lots of relaxing and EATING!

Since starting Trim Healthy Mama back in March both my son and I have lost 20 pounds each! Yep, that's 40 lbs of flab gone! (All with minimal "exercising" mind you. Just THM'ing life)

     It's been an interesting THM journey to say the least! I've learned what GGMS, MIM, CIB, gluccie, and "doonk" mean. Learning how to make all the foods we love so my kids are growing and satisfied while my son and I lose weight has been more than a challenge. There were days I would stand in front of the open fridge and cry, "I can't eat anything in here! Ugh!"

     But I've learned to come up with some of my favorite "go to" meals and snacks.

My favorite "go to" snacks are:

cheese sticks

mixed nuts

Greek yogurt

cottage cheese

eggs

skinny chocolate

protein shakes

But this blog entry is going to be about getting ready for CAMPING!

How do I take all the delicious THM recipes on the road and still make the week FUN and YUMMY? Here are some meal ideas I have put together to get me through our week of camp eating! 

Who knows, maybe our other kids will want to join in on our THM meals too?!

For our camping trip, we have access to modern conveniences such as fry pans, stove, and even an oven! We have a small refrigerator and coolers to keep food cold. We have a camp fire for cooking too.

Breakfasts!

1. Campfire Breakfast Burgers

jellytoastblog.com has a great recipe for morning breakfast. I will take this recipe and sub out the regular biscuit for the two on the THM diet and use THM Muffin in a Mug for the biscuit. Almond meal and coconut flour biscuits with whole egg and sausage patty will make this a very satisfying camp breakfast, S style! Yum! 

  2. Walking In Light has a great recipe called Raspberry Cheescake Rollups with Cinnamon and Sweetener. I will use Joseph's Lavash wraps and this will stay in S territory thanks to the yummy fat in the cream cheese. Just warm the wrap and spread some cream cheese and roll and cut then roll in truvia blend sweetener with cinnamon!

3. Sausage Roll Bites

24/7 Low Carb Diner has a fun recipe for mini sausage bites.  I'll buy precooked sausage links and bake these up in our camp oven. Serve these with some scrambled eggs and spinach, a yummy S breakfast!

 4. Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs Speaking of scrambled eggs, this is a really yummy recipe with lots of extra protein thanks to the cottage cheese. Easy too! I'll serve these with fried French Style green beans maybe some bacon or sausage. Yum!

Lunches!

Lunches for us at camp often have to be portable because we are usually boating or out on the ATV's. When not having leftovers, these will be great go to lunches!

5.  Low Carb Chicken Wraps These look really yummy. I can make these with Joseph's Lavish Wraps. Serve with some pork rinds and celery while everyone else eats Doritos and I will be a happy camper! Taste and crunch needs satisfied!

6. Taco Salad Three Ways This is s a great recipe for making a taco salad three different ways, S, E, or FP. Î will probably eat this a couple times and try it in the different versions to keep my body guessing while on vacation! I sure would love to come back from vacation and have lost weight, not gained. This recipe will be a great way to shake things up. The kids will eat taco meat in flour tortillas. I may even enjoy this salad filling inside a Joseph's Lavish as a taco wrap one day! Lunch anyone?!

7. I couldn't find the link to this gorgeous wrap, but it looks pretty straight forward. Turkey, bacon, cheese, and lettuce all on a low carb wrap equals one yummy S lunch!

 

Dinner!

 8. BURGERS! We will most likely eat burgers several nights while at camp. While everyone eats theirs on white buns, I'll be eating mine inside a Joseph's Pita. So good! Low-carb deliciousness, keeping a burger, even with bacon and avacado in S territory for a slimming meal!

 9. PIZZA! These are a great go to meal I use at home and can easily make while at camp.

 10. Jalepeno Poppers! These will make a fun appetizer staying in the S zone. I will probably leave out the little sausages.

 11. Fall off the bone RIBS!!! I'll make these when our company comes for dinner! I. CAN. NOT. WAIT!!! Camp Dobsee here we come!

For more KETO Ideas grab your FREE book "Bacon and Butter"
Click Here!

Learn more about sustainable energy sources for your camp below.

Click Here!

Esther Queen of Persia by Jim Baumgardner, A Review

I've been busy homeschooling my kids and getting ready for our oldest to graduate from our homeschool, but thought I might get another review in for you, my readers! I read a couple of books over the winter that were really great and inspiring. I was looking for something inspiring again, maybe empowering too as I conquered oodles of paperwork to get my son ready for college. Something historical I thought, because I love history, since history is after all, His Story. So something also biblically based, but not necessarily a dry history book sounded just right. When I read about this book Esther Queen of Persia I was excited to dive in and see what it was all about. It did not disappoint.

ISBN: 978-0988410718| List Price: $16.95 | Format: Softcover & ebook | Page Count: 304

About the book:

Hadassah, the beautiful, Jewish teenager from the city of Susa in Persia, is taken by force to the palace of King Ahasuerus. His command to find the most beautiful virgins in his kingdom, and bring them to the house of women, has placed Hadassah under the supervision of Hegai, the king's custodian of women. Hegai and his servants, have one year to prepare each virgin for one night with the king. Although Hadassah was taken from her home by force, she refuses to become bitter. She accepts being called Esther, but inside remains always, Hadassah. She continually wonders why she is there, yet remains faithful to her God, and to her identity. It is years before the answer is revealed. Her people face annihilation, and it falls upon her shoulders to stop it. Her first thought is to shirk her duty, but Mordecai, her cousin, will not allow it. His words, '"Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"' brings her to her senses.

Unlike many of the novels written about Esther, this book seeks to remain true to the Biblical account, while supplying additional historical information from the time period 486-473 B.C. The book has a five page Introduction, which gives insight into some of the things found in the story. It has a page, listing the months of the Jewish sacred calendar and the corresponding month of our modern calendar. Also in the back of the book is a listing of Scriptures mentioned in each chapter, along with a listing of works consulted in research for Esther Queen of Persia.

About the Author:

Born in Wichita, Kansas, Jim Baumgardner, raised by Christian parents, gave his life to Christ in 1957. The author continues to reside in Wichita with his wife Linda. They have three children and nine grandchildren. Jim has seven published books. Four are known as the Sarah books, which tell of the adventures of a girl named Sarah, set in the 19thCentury. The other three are Bible novels, including the author’s latest release Esther Queen of Persia. All of Jim’s books are primarily written for his grandchildren’s benefit.

You can learn more about the author by clicking on the websites below.

www.biblenovels.net

http://kansasjimbo.bravejournal.com/

http://www.sarahbooks.net/

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Goodreads

The Author was also nominated for:

Finalist for Book of the Year

You can purchase your copy on Amazon.

See what others are saying about the book.

My Thoughts:

Before reading this book, I went and reread the book of Esther to brush up on the biblical facts of the life of Esther. I found the book followed the biblical account of Esther but from a fictional perspective. In our homeschooling we have really enjoyed reading historical fiction to gain a better understanding of the time period we are studying. I think this would be a great book to read alongside the Ancient History time period during the rein of King Ahasuerus. It is a very descriptive account of Esther's time in the King's palace and how she is chosen to become Queen and ultimately helps her Jewish people. I have always loved stories of simple people God uses in big ways. While this is a fictional account of the life of Esther, it does follow the Biblical account and is a good read. I would recommend you pick up a copy and check it out!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.