This Week In My Mailbox

Some things I was sent this past week. Lots of reading, listening and watching to do, some of which will be done this weekend - at least that's the plan :)

Wishing you a great weekend!

Love,

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HE is more

Sometimes when my mind begins to reel and I find myself worrying about things, I turn on worship music, hit repeat and worship, sing and pray the lyrics until I feel I feel His 'peace that passes all understanding'(Phil 4:7) in every fiber of me. 

He gently reminds me He has my life mapped out and that I don't have to have answers for everything and I don't have to know how things will play out because He knows.....and that's ALL I need to know. He is more and He is able. 

I guess this is the part where He grows my trust and faith in Him, His ways, and His timing. I seem to be re-learning these same lessons over and over again. Obviously He knows I haven't quite fully grasped them yet. Ha Ha.

I have the above photo on a little card and I keep it out where I can read it. I read it again. And again, and again as needed. 

For me, it's often. :)

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Be Courageous

image via 

 

So very true. And how cheery is that illustration? LOVE it! Happy weekend! Hope it's full of smiles and joy!

Love,

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Love Out Loud by Joyce Meyer Book Review

LOVE this devotional. You really can't go wrong with Joyce Meyer. She nails it every single time and she gives it to you straight. Sometimes it's the hard stuff that makes you squirm a little inside, other times it's an uplifting 'shot-in-the-arm' inspirational message that make your heart sing and puts a spring in your step. This is one her inspirational bests. Loving God, others, and yourself is one of the biggest tasks we are called to do and Joyce explains and helps readers WANT to delve more into making loving a permanent part of who they are.

I look forward to opening this book everyday and soaking up the scriptures and the practical life application Joyce infuses along with it. It helps me keep an eternal perspective and  remember that "the JOY of the Lord is my strength"(Nehemiah 8:10)! Such a great book to add to your daily reading pile. I read my devotionals in the morning while I sip my coffee and it totally sets the tone for my day. Spending time in the Word and with the Lord is the only way I like to start my day.

You can purchase this fabulous devotional here.

FaithWords kindly gifted me this book to review. Thank you!

Love,

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The way to trouble God is...

via Pinterest

Come.

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Torn: Trusting God When Life Leaves You in Pieces by Jud Wilhite - Book Review

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it really spoke to me because recently my life has sort of flipped upside down. I'm not one to air my laundry - I'm a very private personal(hello discretion), but I will say my life took quite a severe dip in the personal relationship area about six months ago. Since then, I've clung to the Lord; asking, seeking, and pleading for Him to lead the way and show me his purpose and will for me and my life. He's been faithful to do so, and even more! Along this hard road I've been reading lots of Christian based inspiration and spiritual growth books that have encouraged and helped me tremendously. Torn is one of them.

This side of heaven, we will never be content or fulfilled(this isn't our home and we weren't made to be content here). Often times life throws us curve-balls, tragedy strikes, or things just fall apart, but this book helps to put things in perspective - an eternal perspective - which is where our focus should be, on Him. It doesn't lessen the pain or realness of our emotions and feelings, but it does point to the only One who can heal us and bring good out of a bad situation or circumstance. I read through this book fairly quickly and soaked it up. I needed to hear that God brings good out of every single bad thing that happens in my life. That he's got a master plan that surpasses anything I could think was best for myself. He doesn't always deliver us from our problems or circumstances, but He PROMISES to walk through it with us. I can't think of anything that comforts my heart more when I'm hurting or having a hard time.

This book is written with a pastor's heart and is full of encouraging, raw, and powerful words. I highly recommend it to anyone who could use some encouragement in their life.

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Nearing Home Life, Faith, and Finishing Well by Billy Graham

It's safe to say Billy Graham is a Christian evangelist icon. He's spent his life sharing the "good news" and leading people to Christ. What an amazing life. Seriously. AMAZING, and I'm envious. If I thought I had enough wit and social/relational savyness to make it my life's work I would in a heartbeat. Because let's face it, "this life is a drop in the bucket" - as my Mom loves to say, but our souls are eternal. That's what really matters. Where we will spend eternity.

Wow, there's my first evangelist bit! Hey, I might just have a little knack for this, no? :)

Now about the book. Following suit with his other fabulous books, this one is just as great. It's definitely geared more for the more advanced(fancy for older) in age readers, but there's something to be gleaned from it for everyone. I personally enjoyed the essence of the book, which is, it really doesn't matter how you start or what you came from, it's about FINISHING WELL. Such a spot on concept because it's truth.

It also speaks to me personally because I'm a great starter. I get inspired by something and run with it! Research, purchase supplies, talk about it to people. Then a little ways into it I lose my steam, or motivation. Then there I am again looking around saying to myself. Seriously? How did this happen again? But I usually always push myself to finish.

This book is full of inspiration and firsthand knowledge of finishing well and how to do it. How to keep your focus on Him.

That's how it is with our Christian walk. New believers are hungry and fired up for the Word, learning and more of Jesus. Then life happens, complacency happens. We get in ruts, routines, or just make ourselves "busy". We neglect prayer and time with Jesus, being in his presence and time in the Word. It's ok though, we're human, we fall short, and it happens to all of us. The most important piece is to recognize it when it happens, shake it off(don't let condemnation phase you for a second), repent, and talk to the Lord about it. He's always right there ready to love on you and help in his merciful grace. He wants to equip you with everything you need for today and help you finish well.

It's all in surrender and constant communication with Him. He'll help you finish well. Promise. Just ask Him.

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BAGGU Leather Pouch Clutch Giveaway

 

Just a quick little note to let you know that I've having the best giveaway over on my fashion blog Kaizen Fashion Project for a gorgeous leather pouch/clutch from BAGGU(Ends 2/20)!

I'd love for you to win so come visit and enter!

Love,

Heather

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Get Friendly - JCrew Style

 

Since I was girl, bracelets have always been a favorite accessory of mine. I really adore all jewelry and appreciate it's beauty and significance in enhancing ones look, but I especially LOVE bracelets! I love the endless combinations of; materials, textures, colors, and size. They are a quick and surefire way to instantly add personal style and fun to your outfit, and are so easily mixed and matched. I'm convinced it's practically foolproof to goof up throwing bracelets on and looking great!

My newest love is this beauty from JCREW. Isn't she lovely? Small, dainty, but shiny, detailed, and impactful all at once! It's a gorgeous cherry apple red, made of nylon cord, with a super shiny thin rhinestone chain, and my favorite - teeny tiny rhinestone covered balls at the ends! Love. Love. Love.

 

 

I layered it with a neon DIY bracelet I made, my simple black masculine watch, and another double row black friendship bracelet from Forever21. So so happy with it! Have any gorgeous bracelets you want to share about? I wanna hear! Xo

Baggu: Duck duck goose!

Confession; I have a love affair with Baggu. Yes it's true, and since it's inception a few years back I've followed the brand fairly closely. It all started when Baggu's website first went live and I ordered my first set of three reusable bags. I was hooked instantly. These are, in my opinion, the best reusable bags on the market. Hands down. And since they began, they've branched out adding tons and tons of amazingly beautiful colors and patterns to their already lovely collection. Just have a look. I'm loving the brights and stripes! Swoon.

 Most recently I discovered they now have a bunch of new amazing bags, including, backpacks, leather bags and pouches, canvas bags, and zipper bags! They all look fantastic and functional! I was lucky enough recently to be gifted one of their Duck Bags in Sailor Stripe. I can't say enough about how I love this bag. I've carried it everyday since I received it; to the school, grocery store, shopping, lunch dates, everywhere. You get the idea. It's durable, but soft, and is one large compartment with on small inside pocket attached one the side at the top for a cell, chapstick, etc. I've been sporting it messenger style for the most part, but have also been folding it in half and carrying it as a large clutch. I've received lots of compliments and people asking where it's from, and for $24.00 it's a steal of a deal!

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Real by Shelley Malcolm Book Blog Tour and Review!

 I had the privilege of reviewing Shelley Malcom's new and A-M-A-Z-I-N-G book recently. The book is a compilation of  60 touching and inspiring stories of people and their lives. The stories are moving and deep, while the photos of the subjects hands are just as moving and detailed, there remains an anonymity to them as you never see the subjects faces. I am in LOVE with this book and have shared it with everyone who comes to my house! It combines so much: beauty, art, substance, simplicity, that it draws you in with the first profile. Which happens to be my favorite one in the book.

 Just look at those beautiful hands! And those rings! I am utterly and completely smitten with her. Her profile is touching and just as lovely as the photo. This book is such a gem, I'm encouraging you to pick up a copy for a friend or relative! They will not be disappointed - not one bit. It's also a great coffee table book and conversation starter too!

Real - The Book from David Malcolm on Vimeo.

For more information visit -  http://realthebook.blogspot.com/

About Real and Shelley Malcolm: (please see attached press release)

“REAL” is a collection of 60 inspirational stories by Shelley Malcolm, with photos by Terilee Dawn Ouimette. The stories are deeply revealing, while the photos are anonymous, focusing only on each subject’s hands. Subjects range from adolescent to elderly, from former gangster to humble homeless, international refugee to hero-housewife, from pro athlete to Hollywood celebrity. While “Real” is her first published book, Malcolm is no stranger to creative projects, as co-owner and restorer of an historic chapel, La Perla del Mar in Shell Beach, CA, and a set designer for theater and film. Shelley Malcolm was named Pismo Beach’s Citizen of the Year in 2011 for her extensive contributions and involvement in the community. Proceeds from the book will benefit the Alzheimer’s Foundation and other charities. Shelley Malcolm graduated from University of Southern California with a degree in dental hygiene. For more information, please visit http://marthamartha.net or http://shelleymalcolmblog.wordpress.com/ Shelley Malcolm resides in Shell Beach, California with her husband, Doug. 

Shelley has four adult children. Her interests include painting , drawing, sculpting, building, playing piano and other musical instruments, outdoor activities including hiking, ocean kayaking, running, water and snow-skiing, international travel, sewing, reading, writing and others. Visit www.marthamartha.net for more information.

Proceeds from Real go to various charities! Woo hoo! And there are also note cards for sale too here:  http://marthamartha.net/shop/shopnotecards.html 






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FFH - 'One Silent Night' Chirstmas Album Review & Giveaway!

If you love Christmas music like I do, then you will love this new album by FFH(Far From Home)! Their new Christmas album was just released and is available now iTunes, and Amazon. But since it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas I will be giving on lucky reader a chance to WIN an download of the whole album! Hooray!


If you have never heard of FFH here's a little background about them courtesy of iTunes -

"Alternative CCM vocal group FFH (Far from Home) comprised husband and wife Jeromy and Jennifer Deibler, Michael Boggs, and Brian Smith. Signing to Nashville's Essential Records, the group debuted in 1998 with Take Me As I Am. This album quickly pushed FFH into the limelight, earning the band two No. 1 hits, four Dove Award nominations, and Christian Research Report's Best New Artist of 1999. Found a Place, a stunning follow-up, was issued in spring 2000. I Want to be Like You, a piano driven album that incorporated string arrangements to liven up FFH's acoustic style, appeared a year later."

This album includes 10 songs, mostly Christmas classics, but a few of their own as well - like"The Birthday of a King” and “Glorious Impossible”. 

Here's a list of the songs included on the album!

• Baby It’s Cold Outside
• Jingle Bell Rock
• One Silent Night
• I’ll Be Home For Christmas
• The Birthday Of The King
• O Come O Come Emmanuel
  
• Winter Wonderland
• Glorious Impossible
• O Little Town Of Bethlehem
• Heaven And Nature Sing

I absolutely LOVED the album and have been listening to it for a good almost 3 weeks!

Connect with FFH! 

Website: http://ffh.net/ 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FFHmusic 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/FFHMusic 

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/one-silent-night/id474548207

WIN IT!

Thanks to Propeller I have one (1) Digital Download of FFH's "One Silent Night" album to giveaway to one blessed reader!
 

On Loan

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The Winner of the Christmas Lodge Movie is...

Thanks to everyone who entered the Christmas Lodge Movie/DVD giveaway!

The blessed winner is....

Kimmie!

Congratulations Kimmie!

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This Morning

Good morning good morning! Or afternoon for some :) This morning has been slow and relaxing, on purpose of course, it just felt like one of those move-at-a-snails-pace-and-feel-at-peace-with-it mornings. Ahhhh....deep breath. To be perfectly honest, I am still in my pajamas. Yes, I wear pajamas. They are two-toned pink and very comfortable in fact. Every girl should own and wear pajamas. Daily. Lingerie is all fine and dandy and purposeful in certain instances, but it can never, and should never replace a lovely comfy pair of pajamas. Sigh.

Well, now that I've solved all the problems in the world this morning, I am going to get ready to greet my sweet little girl at the door in a few minutes and bake brownies with her. Speaking of brownies, she is one. We signed her up last week for Girl Scouts, and boy is she excited about it! More on that later.

SIDE NOTE - I am totally smitten with DownEast's new November catalog and everything in it! The holiday styling is perfection - think holiday decorated living room smack dab in the middle of a Christmas tree farm, um yes, perfection, and the clothes and accessories are just as noteworthy. If you have never heard of DownEast I am happy to be introducing you to such a lovely company, and encourage you to visit their website and request a catalog of your very own. You won't be disappointed. Promise.

I hope your morning/afternoon is a lovely one, just like you....

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The [expanded] Bible Book Review

Bibles are treasures to me. Bibles that are the TRUE word of God that is. Not bibles where things have been added, subtracted, or belong to particular groups of people that have their own "interpretations" of the bible, I'm talking the honest-to-goodness, raw, real deal, TRUE word of God. With that said, I was cautious and really curious to receive and pour over the new The Expanded Bible by Thomas Nelson Publishers. It claims to help the reader understand and comprehend the bible in a deeper more meaningful way, by providing a more modern language translation to the scriptures. To my delight it has passed the test! I am always wanting to dig deeper and learn more from God's word and this helps that! I read it slower than I do my Max Lucado NIV bible, since there are multiple expanded translations next to the traditional(original wording) text and I want to make sure I'm understanding what I'm reading. Something else I really enjoyed were the comments next to some of the words explaining what they were, and the wide margins for note taking. This would be a great bible for a new born-again believer, or someone who wants to learn more about God's word on a deeper level!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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Living Beyond Your Feelings By Joyce Meyer Book Review

Joyce Meyer. Where do I even begin? I am a huge fan and sister in Christ to sister Joyce! I watch her show every morning while drinking my cup of jo and thoroughly enjoy every minute of it. I would LOVE to attend one of her conferences someday! She's always so encouraging and real, so it's easy to relate to her and what she's teaching. She also doesn't mince words, which I love - because really, we all need truth, so why skirt the issue, candy coat it, or dilute it? Why not just deliver the truth in a loving direct way? Enter Joyce Meyer! I own many of her books, some which I have read multiple times, and really love them all. Her new book Living Beyond Your Feelings is no exception. I didn't want put it down, but when I had to, I found my mind wandering and thinking of what I was going to read next! To me, that's confirmation of a good book - when you catch yourself wanting to pick it up when you have a free moment. So much of this book spoke to me. I think we all could learn, benefit from, and work on, managing our emotions. Her voice in this book is uplifting, and encouraging, and she gives lots of insight into self examination, which I think is something else I know I'm guilty of not doing or giving too much thought too. Slowing down, and reflecting on where we're at in our season of life we're in, and how we're doing in our daily walk is such a healthy thing to do! This is a book I will most definitely read a few times, and would encourage you to buy or borrow it and experience the positive message it brings!

I would like to kindly thank Faithwords for my copy of this book! 

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Collage Cluster: [Shine]

I've always always always loved pretty sparkly things. It doesn't matter whether it's something to wear, use or eat? Okay maybe not so much eat, but you get the idea, I la la LOVE me some sparkle, so I thought I would share a few that caught my attention. Eye candy - a good way to start the week I think.

1 Three-By-Three Clutch (BHLDN) // 2 Jumbo Party Bobbi (ban.do) // 3 Sleek Sequin Skirt (DownEast Basics) // 4 Sequin Circles Cardigan (Banana Republic) // 5 Sequin Stripe Sweater (unknown source)

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