UPDATED WITH WINNER: Congrats to reader Misty! (I emailed you)

This inspires me:

[a recent gift from here]

This beautiful cross rests in a high traffic area of my home. A place where the wall is stenciled with a reminder of the One Rule I want to live by

Love God. Love Others.

Y’all know I love inspirational art. I want my walls and tabletops to talk to those living in and out of my home.

Jennifer of Studio JRU is a mixed media artists. She combines paper and paint and wood and creates simply beautiful work. Art is her calling and it draws the recipient closer to the Master Artist.

I love all her crosses:

Studio JRU is offering one reader a $50 gift certificate today. Please tell me what inspires you in a comment and that will be your entry.

This giveaway closes on Thursday.

*Updated with CD Winners* Lora @ Mothering Moments, reader Crystal, Lisa, reader Jeannette  and Mary Catherine and Grand Prize Winner: Gitz

I love me some worship music.

I love hearing my kids sing from the backseat.

And I’ve got a new MUST HAVE artist for you:

Singer, songwriter, Josh Wilson has a beautiful pop acoustic sound.

“Something I’ve been learning over the past decade is that when we want to see God, we have to depend less on our physical eyes and more on the Holy Spirit,” Josh says. “The subtle, still small voice of God. I admit it. I’m not the best at it. I want to see God with my eyes…”

That tension between faith and sight is the undercurrent of Josh’s new project, SEE YOU, a vivid collection of unforgettable songs that focus on the evidence of God at work in our lives. With a probing spiritual curiosity and imaginative, self-examining lyrics, SEE YOU solidifies Josh Wilson’s place among the finest song crafters of his day.–Josh Wilson Music.com

He has several songs I love, but this is one of my favorites:

*Updated with Winners* Congrats to winners (Mr. Random generated three readers) Juliea, AR and Rebecca (I emailed y’all!)

I’ve never been a roses and chocolate kind-of-girl.

I’m just too practical.

(Don’t get me wrong-I never turn these things down. I just don’t expect or ask for them).

I took a test once and do you know what my love language is? hand-stamped jewelry. Really, it said it right on the paper! (Only not really).

But I do think of this when I think of Valentine’s Day:

♥

♥

I have plenty though, so I thought it would be fun to give some away!  The Vintage Pearl is the EPIC Valentine’s gift-getting place and they are offering the THREE necklaces above to three very lucky readers! (winner’s choice)

Tell me what ♥ item  you love  at The Vintage Pearl and you’ll be entered to win it!

*Updated with Winners* Congratulations to random winners: Creative2xMom and reader (no blog) Sarah Parker!

I remember exactly where I was when the Haiti earthquake hit.

It was terrible to watch it unfold on TV.

But it became more personal when I learned that two Compassion International staff members were buried in the rubble.

I was in the middle of getting shots and a passport to travel with Compassion to Africa.

I’m not going to lie: I thought of myself and my own impending trip. I doubted.

But I also prayed. I shared the news with my family. And we prayed together. My son was so moved-he asked me constantly about the Compassion employees, Dan and David.

We asked God for a miracle.

And when news didn’t come and hours turned to days, we waited and we prayed.

I cried when I heard Dan Woolley had been rescued. I cried when I heard David hadn’t.

I will never forget sharing the news with my kids. My son said it first, “Mom, THIS IS A MIRACLE.”

He was absolutely right. It was a miracle we got to witness with our own eyes. It was also a tragedy for so many and we processed this with the rest of the world.

When I traveled to Birmingham in December for the Compassion Blogger Reunion, I was excited to meet and visit with everyone. But it was a deeply moving moment for me to sit across from Dan Woolley at dinner and hear his story.

God used him to remind me I ANSWER PRAYERS. I STILL DO MIRACLES. BELIEVE IN ME.

Dan has written a heartbreaking and beautiful book about his time trapped underground called Unshaken: Rising from the Ruins of Haiti’s Hotel Montana.

I read it in three days. I couldn’t put it down.

I cannot recommend this book more. It stirred my heart in so many ways, as Dan shares deeply personal details of his marriage and faith. It made me question my own life-what would I do in the situation? Where does my trust lie?

This excerpt from the book was so moving:

“And so, finally, I did. I trusted God with my crisis. I trusted him with my death. I trusted him with my family after I died — with Christy, with Josh, and with Nathan. My questions were resolved. My fears were gone. It’s not that I understood how God would make something good from my death, but I knew that, because of his power and love, he would. The majesty and awesome beauty that I had just witnessed and the love and grace that he had poured on me in such a personal way were evidence enough. My Father would make this situation work out for the good. Guaranteed.

He would be a father to Josh and Nathan and a husband to Christy. He would make my life and my death matter in their lives, and his good purposes would be fulfilled. Somehow there would be good through David’s death as well, and God would care for his family in special ways. Even for the people of Haiti, who had to be suffering so much, God would bring good through the tragedy of this earthquake.

Thank you, Father, for showing me you can be trusted completely! I trust you. Let your will be done in this situation — whatever that may be.

My thoughts were interrupted by a voice from above. “Hello. Is anybody there?”

My son is 8 and he’s an avid reader. He asked me twenty times if he could read Dan’s story. I kept saying no because it’s not written for kids.

He pressed in, “Mom, I want to read about the miracle. I want to know.”

I am reading it with him (passing over the chapters pertaining to Dan’s marriage). How can I not? My little boy needs heros.

He’s found one that is

Unshaken.

Today, I’m giving away TWO autographed copies of Unshaken.

Leave a comment to be entered.

This giveaway ends on Thursday.

*Updated* Congratulations to random commenters: reader Celeste (I’ve emailed you) and Candy M from Altered State of Mind! You guys and your spouses will be rockin’ new shirts!! Don’t forget to take advantage of the awesome coupons below!

I know him. I could pick his rough, calloused hands out of 100 pair. I know what every look means. I don’t know where he ends and I begin. One.

We’ve been through a lot:

the depths of Hell and the edge of Heaven in the last 16 years.

But I can say from my core, my marriage still rocks.

That doesn’t mean it’s always good. We argue over who ate the last of the hummus and fight our way through balancing the budget. We’re are OH, SO HUMAN. But we believe in our marriage.

We press in to the hard questions. We push each other to being better. We fight for our marriage (and over chick peas, apparently).

Y’all know I love Union 28.  And so it’s no surprise I love their new shirts: My Marriage STILL Rocks!

Today, Union 28 is giving away two sets (two winners) of HIS & HER “My Marriage Still Rocks” tees!

Plus, you’ve gotta check out the new darling Valentine’s shirts:

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Visit Union28 and check out all the fun tees that celebrate your marriage. (I seriously love love wearing my shirts from Union28. It makes me think of my hubby all day. And he doesn’t mind either!)

U28WATF20 – The first 20 people to use this code during the giveaway will get 20% off any Union28.net order!

U28WATF15 – Everyone can use this code for 15% off any Union28.net order!

(And as always, there’s free shipping on orders of $60 or more.)

Just leave a comment, telling me WHY your marriage STILL rocks!

This giveaway ends on Thursday.

*UPDATED WITH WINNER* Congratulations to random reader mommy2jands!

Worship leader, Kristian Stanfill is one of this generations most compelling singer/songwriters.

I love his music and his heart for worship.

“A great worship leader must first be a great follower,” Kristian asserts. “In order to lead people in worship you must first know how to listen to and follow the Holy Spirit. That is something I’ve been learning over the past few years, just by observing how people respond to what God is doing at any given moment.”

Kristian not only produces amazing worship music, he is a worship leader at his church. I love this.

His voice is amazing and by the way my hubby confiscated his new CD immediately when it arrived, I know it will be a new family favorite!

His new album that just came out on 1-11-11, Mountains Move:

is phenomenal.

Today, I am giving away SIX CDs to ONE lucky winner: Mountains Move, Attention and all four of the Passion CDs Kristian is a part of (Passion: Awakening; Passion: God of This City;  Passion: The Best (So Far) Passion: Everything Glorious).

Go listen to a preview for free or download a new favorite.

Leave a comment to be entered to win this huge collection of incredible music!

This giveaway ends on Thursday.

*Updated with Winners!* Congrats to Jenny, Cheryl (kidofgod@sbcglobal.net), Tina L (tinakennylay@yahoo.com) and Allyson!

I have fallen in love with Thirty-One bags! I have a bag and a large family tote and I got my daughter her first grown-up purse for Christmas.

The company is run by moms and I love what they stand for.

I’ve learned with three kids, a hubby who has a special diet and my strong love of sweet tea, you can never have too many lunch totes. (The sweet tea thing is unrelated. But. Still.)

I was sent a cute thermal lunch tote to review (it’s at school right now with my daughter). Look how cute:

And today, Thirty-One is giving away FOUR thermal lunch totes on my blog, each valued at 12.50 each.

Tell me what you love from their catalog in a comment and that will be your entry.

———————-

Want to know MORE??

• You can order from the catalog of purses, bags, totes, and accessories, most of which can be personalized.  (At the top of the products page there is a link to order online 24/7)
• You can host a show – either a live show, or an online/catalog show.  When you do this, you can earn free and half priced products.  More information about hosting is http://www.31team.com/host/
• You can join a team and earn money by sharing Thirty-One Gifts with others http://www.31team.com/join/ If you join the team in January, you’ll get a free Jewelry Roll! You also receive a starter kit valued at over $250 of the most popular products for just $99.

From Laura, the successful Thirty-One consultant, hosting this giveaway, “Having been in the direct sales industry working from home with my children for 11 1/2 years, this has been an amazing opportunity to be able to put family first, and still contribute to the family budget (and have a girls night too!).  Better yet, Thirty-One is a faith-based company, whose name comes from Proverbs 31:31 in the Bible where it talks about celebrating and rewarding women, and there is definitely a focus in the company about being the Proverbs 31 virtuous woman.“

*Updated with Winner* Congrats to reader Gail S (I’ve emailed you).

We all have to wear stuff.

Why not WEAR HOPE?

I love the idea of shopping fair trade. It takes a bit more work and sometimes costs a little more, but I love the idea of purchasing something unique that helps the poor.

Light Gives Heat is a fair trade organization that sells handmade jewelry and handbags made from recyclable material from artisans in Uganda, Africa.

I love these unique twists on paper beads:

I love this gorgeous handmade beaded bag. (They are sending me one!)

This amazing bag is hand-created by a talented tailor in Uganda. Her story is printed on the inside of the handbag.

Today, Light Gives Heat is giving away a $50 Gift Certificate so you can get your own bag or beads or….!

Please consider shopping Light Gives Heat-you’ll get something uniquely cute and make a difference the life of a woman on the other side of the globe. You can’t beat that!

Leave a comment, telling me what you love and that will be your entry.

This giveaway closes on Thursday.

*Updated with Winners: Congrats to random #’s 39 Lindsay of Not to Us and #149 reader Kelly (kellyma01@gmail.com)!

Dear People of the World,

I have the perfect, inexpensive, custom Christmas present for you to consider:

The Rusted Chain Hand Stamped Jewelry.

Love,

Me.

Seriously: Doesn’t this make you want to SOAR?

And I want to wear this around my neck, even though I’m hardly a photographer (and I’m terrible with a gun, too):

And, sweet Beki, owner of The Rusted Chain has blessed me personally by creating a beautiful design to benefit the word of The Mercy House. $10 from every sale of this necklace goes toward this ministry:

The Rusted Chain is giving away TWO $25 gift certificates to TWO commenters. Tell me what you love and you’ll be entered!

This giveaway ends on Thursday.

*UPDATE with WINNERS*

Congratulations to reader Melissa_n and Beth @Sew Anyhow

My sweet real life friend, Lucy Doo, has darling AFFORDABLE  jewelry!

I told you so.

I wore one of my favorites from her in our family photo session (let’s ignore the extreme close up of my crow’s feet, shallwe?)

Today, LucyDoo is giving away TWO $25 gift certificates to help you Christmas shop (for yourself or others).

Please hop over and look around and tell me what you love in a comment as your entry.

[Wait-it gets better]

LucyDoo is offering FREE SHIPPING right now AND 15% of your sale goes towards Mercy House (just mention Mercy House in the comment section)!

This giveaway ends Thursday.

Cyber Monday deal!

It is only valid on Monday, November 29, 2010 starting at 4 am and ending at midnight the same day.

It will be sold for $199

(originally $299)

This is the newest version with more capabilities and newest technology.

Silhouette America has NEVER sold these cutters for this cheap.

PLUS!! Included in that price is:

1 Roll of Cream vinyl ( $7.99)

All for ONLY $199!!

That’s almost $200 dollar in savings!

Use code: FAMILY

________________________________________

And now…..the winner of the

Silhouette SD machine

that includes

• Silhouette machine
• Software for Windows XP/Vista, Mac
• Power cable, USB cable
• 2 Cutting mats (one for thick media, one for thin media)
• One cutting blade
• $10 gift card to the Silhouette Online Store

Congratulations to Random Comment #1882, Mom2TnT (email: jennypher@gmail.com)!!!!!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED! Please check out the amazing Cyber Monday deal here. Use code: FAMILY

Boy, do I have a treat for y’all!

I’ve got a new love in my life. She and I have gotten very close in just a matter of weeks.

I’d love for you to meet the Silhouette SD-the most amazing digital cutting tool available!

This little machine creates endless possibilities!  With the Silhouette, you can cut vinyl, paper, make custom apparel, magnets and temporary tattoos–create cards and etch glass–to name a few!

Look what we made with the Silhouette in just a matter of minutes:

It cut this felted transfer paper perfectly:

Darling, huh?

With a press of a few buttons, I made birthday invitations for my youngest:

I’m so excited about making things for the Mercy House! I thought it would be fun to make magnets for our supporters.

Here’s a quick tutorial-

Simply choose the design-everything in red is where the Silhouette cuts:

Next, you need to fill in whatever color you will be printing for the magnets:

Insert magnet paper, proper blade and hit the CUT button:

And voila!

(The Silhouette even cut out this brochure holder from card stock!)

Look at this vinyl Africa:

And gifts? I have so many ideas!

I needed a quick gift and so I shopped my house to make a cute Bath Salt gift:

[bud vase (.99), unused bath salts, tule and ribbon from my craft drawer and I cut the vinyl word JOY w/the Silhouette]

And I can’t wait to make this:

***********************************

And today, I’m giving one of these AMAZING machines away!

The giveaway includes:

A Silhouette Machine

(a $299.99 value)

And it includes…

Silhouette machine

Software for Windows XP/Vista, Mac

Power cable, USB cable

2 Cutting mats (one for thick media, one for thin media)

One cutting blade

$10 gift card to the Silhouette Online Store

{Don’t forget: SILHOUETTE now available to MAC USERS TOO!!}

**************************************

Want to win this sleek beautiful gal? Here’s how you enter:

• Leave a comment, telling me what you love about the Silhouette SD-1 entry
• Tweet “I want to win a Silhouette Craft Cutter @wearethatfamily (with this link to the post) http://tiny.cc/mnxgp-second entry
• Facebook it-third entry

U.S. entries only, please.

And the best part????

Cyber Monday deal!
It is only valid on Monday, November 29, 2010 starting at 4 am and ending at midnight the same day.
It will be sold for $199
(originally $299)
This is the newest version with more capabilities and newest technology.
Silhouette America has NEVER sold these cutters for this cheap.

PLUS!! Included in that price is:

*Updated w/Winners* Congrats to random comments #33 Crayl and #104 Nicole at Team Pipkin!

I was feeling lazy. I needed my computer cord and didn’t want to go into the other room.

My hubby was catching up on expense reports for work.

Knowing full-well that I was choosing myself over him, I interrupted him and asked: “Honey, would you go get my computer cord?”

Oh, yes, I did.

He looked at me.

And made a choice.

He got up and returned a few seconds later, even plugging it in for me.

“Thanks,” I said sheepishly. “I should have done it myself since you were busy.”

“Do you know why I did it?”

I shook my head.

“Because earlier today you went out of your way to do something for me. I wanted to,” he said.

Do you know how much that little act meant to me? You can bet I did something nice for him at the very next opportunity!

Love is a cycle. But there are two paths:  giving and going the extra mile; or repaying one negative with another.

Marriage is a give and take. We can’t be the only one giving, or always taking. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve been known to scream, “GET IT YOURSELF!” and both felt yucky.

Today, I challenge you to go the extra mile in your marriage.

Union28 sent me the coziest hoodie to review the other day. I wore it to my son’s last YMCA flag football game.

I love wearing love on my sleeve.

Union 28 is giving away TWO $25 gift certificates-winner’s choice of awesome shirts!

P.S.

Sale!

There are some great shirts on clearance and if you use the coupon code on the ad in my sidebar, you can really get a deal!

Please leave a comment telling how long you’ve been married as your entry.

This giveaway ends Thursday.

*Updated with Winners* Congrats to random commenters; Megs, reader JennB (jennifertully@hotmail.com), reader Jennifer (jroehl@hickorytech.net), Ali Workentin, and Andrea. Y’all send me your addresses and I’ll get the books to you!

It may seem too soon to make preparations for Advent ”a coming, the arrival.”

But it is coming.

His arrival is imminent.

In an effort to still the fast-pace race of this life, to capture the very essence of Christmas, we must prepare.

Each day leading up to the Christ-child’s birth and Holy Day should be awaited and cherished. What better way to teach our kids about Christmas’ true meaning than this. I have found a precious book to help me do just that. Last year after Christmas, at the Christian bookstore, I found them deeply discounted and bought five extra copies. For you.

Getting Ready For Christmas is a simple children’s book, with colorful pictures. It’s a daily Advent prayer and activity book for the family. It is dated with each day, leading up to Jesus’ birth. There’s a paragraph that tells the story with a scripture to see for yourself, a prayer and a family Advent Activity. At then end of the book, there is the traditional lift-a-flap, one for each day.

It’s simple. It’s perfect.

You can purchase Getting Ready For Christmas for around $7 or  leave a comment if you’d like to win one, and tell me an Advent activity you enjoy with your children.

He is coming. Prepare.

I have no idea why I was asked to be a toilet paper spokesperson. It’s not like I have a plethora of photos or anything.

*Ahem*

But I do have some confessions:

• Once in the sixth grade, at a roller skating birthday party, I rolled right into a bathroom stall and right out and was halfway to the rink before I realized a roll of toilet paper was wound tighter than a new girdle around my skate. I NEVER SKATED AGAIN (only I did, but I have a flare for the dramatic).
• When my first two were really little, once I hid in the bathroom stall at WalMart until it had cleared out because my kids loudly said SUCH EMBARRASSING THINGS. ‘Nough said.
• My favorite Seinfeld of all times is the “Can you spare a square?” one. Makes me laugh every time. Turns out (according to research, women are much more likely to share toilet paper than men. Figures.
• A plumber may or may have not come to our home to tell us (and charge us!) that you can’t flush ENTIRE rolls down the potty. Not one person confessed to this soggy crime.

YOUR Turn…one lucky confession will win A YEAR’S SUPPLY of QUILTED NORTHERN TOILET PAPER and a $50 Visa gift card!!

To be entered. to this ridiculously practical giveaway, here’s how you can earn entries:

• Leave a “confession” in the comments
• Follow @QuiltedNorthern on Twitter
• Tweet something @QuiltedNorthern and @wearethatfamily
• Friend on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/QuiltedNorthern

Please leave an extra comment for each that you do!

The winner will be announced next Monday.

This post is brought to you by Quilted Northern Soft and Strong®. Please join the conversation at www.facebook.com/QuiltedNorthern or on Twitter each week @QuiltedNorthern for opportunities to win free Quilted Northern Soft and Strong® and help make the taboo talkable. Author proceeds from this campaign will be used for the work of The Mercy House.

*UPDATED with Winner* Congrats to random commenter #30 EMILY C. (emilyjchilds@gmail.com)

Got this for my hubby for his 40th birthday:

Want (reminder: send this link to my  hubby):

Love:

The Vintage Pearl was one of my very first advertisers. She has grown in popularity and is recognizable worldwide. Her generous donation to the Mercy House meant the world to me. I simply love her items and even more? Her heart.

With the holidays fast approaching (slow down, will ya??), The Vintage Pearl is a great gift choice. She has a great READY TO SHIP selection for last minute gifts too.

Today, The Vintage Pearl is giving away a $75 gift certificate to one reader. Leave a comment and tell me what you’d love to give this Christmas.

This giveaway ends on Thursday.

She’s at an age where her peers want to blend in. They don’t want to stand out.

If one wears her jeans rolled up, the next day, rolled up jeans are the new fad.

It’s a struggle to fit in. It’s age old and it’s come knocking at our door.

I spent all summer prepping and pouring into my oldest daughter. She’s nearly eleven, not so little anymore. We talked and shared and the mother-daughter bond deepened at a crucial point. She came home the other day, weary from the world and the pressure.

“I feel like I’m different from other girls,” she confessed.

“You are!” I said proudly.

“I want to be different. Mom, I know we’re trying to make a difference in the world and I know not everything is about me.”

We snuggled under the covers and celebrated the difference. I did more pouring into and building up. “We are not supposed to be like everyone else. You are fearfully and wonderfully made….”

But I know the pressure. Sometimes, even I feel it. Different from the other moms. A heart yearning for Africa, on an isolated road. Weary from the world and the pressure to be like everyone else, building my own American Dream bigger and better.

I shared my thoughts with my girl-child. She poured into me and built me up. And together, we didn’t feel so alone.

She’s growing up, in more than one way. She chooses her clothes carefully, fixing her hair just right. Her room (OH! HER ROOM), often a source of contention, has becomes hers. It looks the way she wants it to and I’m learning to pick my battles. But the other day, I saw this piece of art that one my newest sponsors, Show Off Arts makes and they sent it to me as a gift:

Romans 12:1-2 has always been my favorite verse. This picture reminded me so much of my daughter and her desire to be different. It reminded me of me.

I took my little-big girl out on a date for a sinfully-delicious cupcake the other night. I gave her the picture for her messy room:

It’s hanging over her bed as a constant reminder.

For both of us.

“Don’t Be Afraid to Stand Out”

Some of my very favorite pieces of art in my house are from Show Offs Art (also sold through Dayspring). I simply love my walls to encourage those who live within them.

Show Offs is generously giving a $75 gift certificate to a reader for their very own piece of art or two. . .

Shop around and tell me what would encourage you or someone you know.

This giveaway ends on Friday.

*Updated with Random Winners* Congrats to Sarah of Letters 2  My Sister and Karrie of 5 Happy Campers!

Some things just make me happy. Visiting Mimi’s Babies Shop is one of those things. This creative momma donated some DARLING things to benefit The Mercy House and this item sold five times in a row:

I love this.

And this literally makes my womb ache:

Oh, and please, how cute:

Today, Mimi’s Babies is giving away a BOY and a GIRL Monkey Hat-TWO winners!!

Product details: What a cute and funky crochet monkey beanie! This monkey beanie would be a great addition to your child’s wardrobe. Or the perfect prop for your next photo session.

These monkey beanies have been handmade using crochet and cotton yarn. The cotton yarn is soft and wears well. It is a natural fiber and feels great on baby (or big kid) skin.

The beanie is pictured in 2T – 4T, but the following sizes are also available (newborn all the way to preteen)

If you’d like the cutie in your life to be EVEN CUTER, this giveaway is for you. Go visit the shop and tell me what makes your womb shutter.

This giveaway ends on Thursday.

*Updated* Congrats to random winners: Tammy of A Glimpse of the Taylor Tribe and reader (no blog) Alli (northssclub at yahoo dot com)

My long time sponsor and friend, LaBella Jewels makes stunning creations!

A couple of my favorites:

See? I told you. I’m right about these things. One of the number one Google searches that leads people to my blog day -after-day is hand stamped jewelry. Even GOOGLE agrees that I know good stuff when I see it.

LaBella Jewels is offering TWO $40 gift certificates to TWO readers today! Click over to LaBella Jewels. Tell me what you’d love to wear or give.

Please note: the last day for ordering for guaranteed Christmas delivery will be November 24.

Did I just use the word Christmas in a post?

Where does the time go?

Someone make it stop.

*Congrats to random winner: reader Kate (no blog) katenowakistan@gmail.com

Since I’m in a worship music love affair, I thought I’d share one of my favorites: Matthew West.

And guess what? His much-anticipated The Story of Your Life Album is released today! I listened to the pre-release digitally last week and I’m telling y’all, it’s so good. Deep, rich, meaningful.

Matthew spent two months locked up in a Tennessee cabin reading letters and writing the beautiful songs on this album:

“I’m not sure I fully understood just what I was asking for when I reached out to all of you and with the opportunity to send me the story of your lives. And perhaps God intended for me NOT to see the whole picture beforehand because I may have been too scared to follow through with his plan for this new record. As stories began to pour in by the thousands, I could quickly sense that not only was something special taking place, but that my life was about change.”

Every song is based upon the true life stories of the letters he received:

“It was as if a veil had been lifted, allowing me a rare look into the lives of everyday people. I read joyful stories about adoption and cancer survivors. I read heart-breaking stories of abuse and broken homes. And with every look into someone’s life, something began to stir in my own.”

I love a good story. And Matthew West doesn’t let me down. But these songs are more than a story. It’s a life. And it’s beautiful.

Go. Listen. Soak it in.

What’s your favorite? Your comment is your entry to win:

ALL FOUR of MATTHEW’S ALBUMS!! Plus an Exclusive Book highlighting the making of The Story of Your Life” created just for this giveaway!

This giveaway ends Thursday.

*UPDATED with WINNERS* Congrats to Patty of South of the Fork and reader (no blog) Megan C.

99.9% of the music I listen to is Christian worship music. (That other 1%? Um , that would be the theme music from Dora and Handy Manny). My last one if almost four years old, so there’s a light at the end of the pre-school music tunnel.

There is simply nothing that drives my heart and mind into the presence of God like worship music.

Audrey Assad is a writer’s singer. She loves words and her music is a reflection of that soul-stirring.

Her debut album: The House You’re Building is fabulous. She has a new fan. It’s deep and mature and leads you to Him.

I love Audrey’s unique style and individuality. Forget Hannah Montana, I want my daughters to emulate these kind of stage musicians.

The title song is probably my favorite, but I also love Come Clean and several others.

Listen to a song or two and come back and leave a comment to win this:

Two winners will receive:  a copy of her record as well as a handmade lyric book and custom bag. Leave a comment and tell me your favorite song!

This giveaway closes Thursday.

_________________________

If your business is supporting The Mercy House on a monthly basis, you need to read this.

Congrats to reader (no blog) Deborah (comment #12)! You’re the winner!

We’ve sort of got book-writing on the brain these days in our house.

My kids think I’m going to be famous for this. We’re all about false reality here.

(I did have to autograph the cover of my book the other day and I mispelled my name. So there’s that. Oh, infamy, you’re a slippery one).

My oldest daughter wants to be a writer/slash cook. (I’m leaning on my neighbor for the second part). My son loves reading, but he’d rather illustrate a book than write it-all the more reason to make him write, I say. (insert mean mom here).

So, when I got an email from Tikatok, offering to let my kids write their own hard bound book, I jumped at the chance for them (insert sweet/mean mom here-depending on which kid you are).

They both decided to write a book for their DAD!! Can you believe it? So much for their famous mother! But it is his 40th birthday this month, so a win for seniority.

Here’s a sample of what they created:

He’s going to love them.

And I’m giving away a gift certificate TO CREATE A BOOK for a lucky reader today!

Leave a comment, telling me if your kids enjoy writing and you’ll be entered to win a Tikatok book.

This giveaway ends on Thursday.

*UPDATED with WINNERS* Congrats to the Grand Prize Winner: Jennifer of A Beautiful Calling and the following random commenters one Britt Nicole’s awesome new CD: Texas Carlisle Family, Angie, Troop Petrie, Pam (pamwalkrey530@gmail.com) and jenleahlynn (ctstrong@juno.com)

My soul needs music. When I’m feeling down and stressed and my heart is occupied with clutter, worship lifts me up. It stirs me.

She had me at the word Africa.

I love this song by Britt Nicole. I cried while I watched this video. God is asking our family to walk on the water (I’ll be sharing more in September):

“It’s about stepping out and being who God has called you to be and not being afraid of that,” states Britt. “I believe when we look different and carry something different, people are going to see that and want it too. They are going to see the love of Christ in us, and they’ll desire that. I believe people will come to know God if we as Christians will do that.”-Britt Nicole

I love this music!! It’s spunky and fun and deep. She draws from the well that is Jesus. She’s music I want my daughter’s humming!

Britt Nicole’s newest album, Acoustic, has her five biggest songs, including Walk on Water, and a new release.

Today, I’m giving away a GRAND PRIZE that includes: a custom-designed Britt Nicole T-shirt and Starbucks Coffee Mug and the CD. Plus, FIVE others will also win Acoustic, her latest CD.

Leave a comment telling me what worship/Christian music does for you and that will be your entry.

This giveaway ends on Thursday.

*UPDATED with WINNERS* Congratulations to random commenters Deanne Riddle (email: deannemk@yahoo.com) and Life’s Good Be Happy

It’s sort of a long [home decor] story.

But, I love stories don’t you?

For months, lo years, I kept seeing this eye-catching, beautiful inspirational art popping up in different places: the tiny gift store at Family Camp,

a random shop along the beach,

in a friend’s home.

It took me awhile to put two-and-two together. Because I’m quick like that. It dawned on me that one company, called Glory Haus was producing the art I had fallen in love with (but had yet to own).

Until now:

When I made the epiphany and discovered that Glory Haus was a growing, amazing company owned by moms, I knew I had to share them with you.

They sent me this beautiful piece of art to hang. I cried when I read it:

Glory Haus is giving away TWO $75 gift certificates today on my blog! Visit their HUGE catalog, and tell me what you love in the comments.

This giveaway ends on Friday.

*Updated with Winners* Congrats to necklace winner: Linda R-reader (blog@gfawana.com) and bracelet winner: Tiffany C

Last week, I had a party.

It was a gathering of friends and family. We sat around and talked about these women:

They live in Uganda, many are widows, refugees. They are all heroes. They are a defeating poverty, one bead at a time. Four college girls traveled to their war-torn country, saw a need, and started a company, 31 Bits, to sell their beautiful creations.

I love stories like these. I love world-changers.

Today, I’m giving away this gorgeous 3-strand necklace ($36):

And this pretty bright green multi-strand bracelet ($16):

Visit 31 Bits

and tell me what you love to wear.

If you decide to book your own party (it’s easy: the jewelry is mailed to you), you will get FIVE extra entries. Just let me know in the comments and I can tell you how to do it.

This giveaway ends on Thursday.

*Updated with Winner* Congrats to random #10: Cooking Up a Family!

I have been known to wear a poppy in my hair.

I love the feminine ruffles and colors and the way a simple hair clip can make me feel girly.

It’s true.

I’ve also been known to give pleated hand towels for gifts (to my Mom):

and check book covers as gifts (to myself). I’m practical like that.

The Pleated Poppy is one of my awesome sponsors and I love her things! She is giving away a $50 gift certificate to a lucky reader today. Please shop around and let me know what you’d love to own.

This giveaway ends on Thursday.