Hillsong Kids "Can You Believe It?" DVD: Review and Giveaway!!

By: Melissa Baker

I have recently had the privilege to view the Hillsong Kids "Can You Believe It?" DVD. It is an amazing DVD filled with worship songs kids of all ages will love. Some of these songs we worship to in the adult service at our church. These videos are great for worshipping at home as well as in Sunday school class or group. There are even lyrics on the videos to make it easy to sing along. These 14 songs are simply amazing and this DVD is sure to lead your kids into worship like never before! I would highly recommend this dvd to kids of all ages. It is very uplifting and your kids will have so much fun worshipping our God as they sing along with this dvd.

About the DVD

“Can You Believe It!? - Songs of Truth” is both a question and a challenge... a statement of gratitude to a loving God and an invitation to explore the very foundations of faith. Classic songs like “My Best Friend”, “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” and “What A Beautiful Name” join brand new declarations of faith such as “As The World Shakes” & “Heaven Is Our Home”. We pray that this collection of fun and vibrant songs, help children around the world to declare biblical truths about God’s love and grace for them.

Hillsong believes that teaching children to love God and others takes place in both the home and in the church. For this reason they seek to partner with parents (the greatest teachers of all!) and with church pastors and leaders, equipping them with great resources. Through fun experiences, meaningful music and ministry that encourages kids to participate, Hillsong Kids presents Jesus Christ and His Church in a relevant way, creating moments which children will never forget.

If you would like to purchase your own copy of Hillsong Kids Can You Believe It, click here.

And now for the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Seek and Remember

By: Melissa Baker

Sometimes we get so busy with our daily lives, that we forget to really seek God. Sure, we may pray, read our Bibles and worship Him throughout the day, but we sometimes forget to seek him. We need to be continually seeking Him and connecting with him every day! When we are not seeking Him like we should, we often take for granted the little things He has done for us, and occasionally even the big things. Sometimes, we forget the wonders and miracles of God. Those are the big things we should be in awe of and yet we play them down to "no big deal", or we just simply forget how wonderful they are. God is literally a God of wonders!

Search for the Lord and for His strength; Continually seek Him. Remember the wonder he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given.

1 Chronicles 16:11-12

We should really "stop and smell the roses" like that old saying suggests. Let's take the time to appreciate and be in awe of all the wonders and miracles in our lives and in this world. We should seek the Lord every single day of our lives, and then it won't be so easy to forget just how big and awesome our God really is!

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic. glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. 

Psalms 145:4-6

Have a great day!

Remembering 9/11

By: Melissa Baker

Today September 11th. It is the anniversary of one of the most tragic and horrible events in US history. The terrorist attack on our country 17 years ago turned our world upside down. I remember being in Theater class in high school, when I heard (and saw) the news on TV. Everyone was in shock. We just couldn't fathom the horror that was taking place. Thinking back on the events of that day, my heart is still broken for those that were lost, and for the families that have to deal with this tragic time. However, I am also hopeful and my spirit is lifted when I think about all that God has pulled us through, not only as individuals, but as a nation as well.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  Psalm 34:18

The Bible tells us that God is close to the brokenhearted, that is will never leave us, and that we are loved by God. We have to hold onto those promises in times like these. I know we were all deeply impacted by 9/11, some more than others, so I can't speak for everyone. However, I do know that my God is bigger than any tragedy that we will ever face. So today, if you are grieving yet another anniversary of a loved one lost, or just reliving the heartbreak of this day, know that God is always with us, carrying us through our hardest moments.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

I have posted a video below of a song about 9/11. It puts things in perspective and helps me to reflect. And it is a reminder to never take each day for granted. Its called "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)" by Alan Jackson.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  

Jeremiah 29:11

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

 John 3:16

Have a great day!

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

By: Melissa Baker

Everyone wants to feel loved, appreciated and respected. Sometimes we forget the importance of not only respecting ourselves, but respecting others as well. The definition of respect is as follows:

Respect:

1: a relation or reference to a particular thing or situation
remarks having respect to an earlier plan

2: an act of giving particular attention : consideration

3 a: high or special regard : esteem

b: the quality or state of being esteemed
c: respects plural : expressions of high or special regard or deference
paid our respects

4: particular, detail
a good plan in some respects

The Bible mentions "respect" in multiple verses. So it must be important to God that we treat each other with respect. 

Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God 

and respect the king.

1 Peter 2:17 NLT

Each of you must show great respect for your mother and father, and you must always observe my Sabbath days of rest. I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 19:3 NLT

God commands that we love and respect each other. There is so much hate in this world and there is a lack of respect for human life in general. Everyone demands respect but yet no one is willing to give it. But my God says we MUST love and respect one another! 

"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

John 13:34-35

We are also commanded to respect our husbands and wives. Sometimes this can be extremely hard, especially if you have been hurt or have lost respect for your spouse. Regardless of what has happened in your marriage/relationship, we must strive to show respect to our loved ones. It's important to God, so it should be important to us. A marriage simply cannot survive without mutual respect. Wives are commanded to submit to their husbands. How many of you know, you cannot submit to someone whom you have no respect for! Submission is a form of respect, and we must do so in love.

For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:22 NLT

So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 5:33 NLT

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.

Colossians 3:18

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

1 Peter 3:7 NLT

I truly believe that we have a severe "respect for authority" problem in our world today, especially in the Unites States of America. Everyone is spewing hate left and right, especially when it comes to our president and our government. The Bible has something to say on this matter as well. 

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 

Romans 13:1

Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

Romans 13:7

Respect has became a lost art. My hope and prayer is that we as human beings, learn to respect one another again, no matter how different we are or what political stance we take. We have to teach our kids to have a proper respect for authority and for all of mankind. And the best way to teach our kids to respect others, is to lead by example. So I encourage you, weather it be friends, family, spouses, or even those that God has put in authority, let's give respect where it is due.  

Back To The Basics

By: Melissa Baker

As we start this new year, I am reminded of something we should all be aware of. In the middle of our busy lives, we forget sometimes that it is supposed to be all about God. We have work, church, our kids, our husbands, extra-curricular activities etc, and we make our lives all about us. It is so easy to get distracted by everything we have going on, that we forget to put our focus on God. The very first sentence in the Bible said that God was the beginning. He was the thing that started this life, the solar system, the universe and everything inside of it. God created Heaven and Earth, and we sometimes forget that.  We try so hard to define what life is all about when it is all about God, and it will always be about God. 

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
  Genesis‬ ‭1:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God is the beginning and the end. He is the maker of all of us. God still sits on the throne. And it is up to us to acknowledge that and let Him take control. I have read that one of the best ways to understand something, is to go back to the basics. The basic foundation of our lives is God.  Sometimes we let life get the best of us, and slowly we start drifting away from God, and before we know it, we don’t even know Him anymore. So let’s start this new year off right! We need to make this life about the one who it is supposed to be about. Reading our Bible and praying to God daily is so important. We need to make God the focus and foundation of our lives, even more so than He already is. Let’s get back to the basics. Let’s go back to God!

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
Revelation‬ ‭22:13‬ ‭NIV

When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette: GIVEAWAY!!

By: Melissa Baker

When Jesus was a Green-Eyed Brunette is a great book. I wasn't too sure if I would enjoy reading this book to be honest- the title kind of threw me off a bit. But as I began to read and was really able to dive in, I was pleasantly surprised. This book reminds us how to love people like God does. The author includes stories in the book that really hit home and are very relatable. There are many refreshing Biblical truths in these stories. Some will make you giggle, and some might even bring a few tears. If you read this book, it will leave you humbly inspired and you will not be disappointed. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get back to the basics...Jesus!

About the Book:

    When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette weaves heartwarming and miraculous stories of Jesus showing up in ordinary people, revealing that He knows us and is fully present in our everyday circumstances, especially in our difficulties. Those hurting and weary from worn-out religion are longing for a fresh touch from the living Jesus. Best-selling author Max Davis challenges us to do more than simply receive God’s grace—we need to allow grace to soften, change, and shape us. As you read this book you will laugh, cry, and come face-to-face with the living Jesus, much like Davis did, when he found Him living in a green-eyed brunette. As Davis puts it, “Jesus is very much alive today and still does incredible things—sometimes supernatural things—through us!”

    208 pgs.

About the Author:

    Max Davis is the author of over 20 published books and has been featured in USA Today and Publishers Weekly and has appeared on The Today Show and The 700 Club. He holds degrees in Journalism and Biblical Studies and is a much sought-after speaker for churches and organizations worldwide. He and his wife, Alanna, live on 50 beautiful acres in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana.

If you would like to purchase this book visit :http://worthypublishing.com/books/When-Jesus-Was-a-Green-Eyed-Brunette/
                         

And now for the giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

All Things Bright and Beautiful: Review and Giveaway!

By: Melissa Baker

All Things Bright and Beautiful is a wonderful children's book that captures the beauty of nature and all things created By God. The colorful pictures and vivid detail really describe the awesomeness of God's creation, every single one of them! My kids loved this book and I would recommend it to anyone who has kids, especially those that are learning about God's beautiful creations!

About the book:
First published by Cecil Frances Alexander in 1848, this favorite hymn has become a mainstay of
churches and Sunday school classes everywhere. Here artist Katy Hudson brings new joy to the
words with her fresh and bright watercolor style. Readers can join in the fun as they follow two
little girls and their brother on a day filled with the discovery of “all things bright and beautiful.”

About the artist:
Katy Hudson was raised in Middlesbrough, England, and started her career as a small child
drawing on freshly painted walls. Her parents quickly encouraged drawing with pencil and
paper instead. The idea stuck, and after earning a degree in illustration, Katy is now a freelance
illustrator. Katy works at a desk in a studio within Old London Library and likes to tap dance in
her spare time.

Specs:
Jacketed hardcover
Page count: 32
Reading age: 4-7
Category: juvenile fiction/Christian
Retail price: $15.99

If you would like to purchase this book, click on the link: All Things Bright and Beautiful


And now for the giveaway!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Would a Worm Go On a Walk: Book Review and Givaway!!

By: Melissa Baker 

I have had the privilege to read this book to my sons, and they loved it! They repeatedly asked me to read it again and again. It was a very cute book and I loved it as well. It is a great story with silly characters and bright colored pictures. In this book, we are reminded that God created each and every one of us to be unique and that we each have our own purpose, even the animals! We are God's masterpiece! It even has a scripture reference at the end which I love! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has kids, especially kids from ages 2-7. 

About the book:

“Would a worm go on a walk, if you could lead him down the street? / Would he wear his tiny tennies, if he had two worm-sized feet?”

​So begins this humorous and imaginative picture book that introduces children to the idea that animals are uniquely created by a loving and wise God. Would a Worm Go on a Walk?, with its colorful, comical illustrations, is a fresh, fun way to teach young children that God created all things very good. He gave all the animals, and children, too, wonderful qualities and unique strengths. Children will giggle over the ridiculous scenarios presented, and they will come away with the knowledge that we all are loved and special.

About the author:

Hannah C. Hall is the author of best-selling children’s books, including God Bless You and Good Night and God Bless Our Christmas, as well as an award-winning blog, HannahCHall.com. Hannah lives in Prairie Grove, AK with her husband, Josh, a worship pastor, and their four children.

If you would like to purchase this amazing book for your family, you can do so here:

http://shopbetterbooks.com/would-a-worm-go-on-a-walk

And Now For The Giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

None Like Him: Book Review and Giveaway!!

By: Melissa Baker

I've recently had the privilege to read this amazing book. The author walks us through many characteristics and traits that God has. In each chapter it explains and goes into depth about God's character, and provides verses to meditate on, that pertained to what that chapter was about. It also has questions for reflection at the end of every chapter to make you better understand and apply what you just read, as well as a short prayer. It makes for a great Bible study and let's you dig deeper into God's word and to better understand who God is...And just how amazing He really is. I truly enjoyed this book! It is very humbling to read about who God is, and it assures you that, no matter how hard we may try to be, we are NOT God and we can never come close to being as great as Him. We have to "let God be God" in every situation of our lives. Weather you want to know God better or just simply want to be able to rest in Him, this book is for you!

About the Book:

God is self-existent, self-sufficient, eternal, immutable, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, sovereign, infinite, and incomprehensible.

We're not.

And that's a good thing.

Our limitations are by design. We were never meant to be God. But at the root of every sin is our rebellious desire to possess attributes that belong to God alone.

Calling us to embrace our limits as a means of glorifying God's limitless power, Jen Wilkin invites us to celebrate the freedom that comes when we rest in letting God be God.

Amazon link for purchase

And now for the giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”