The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson

 About this book:

When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison's heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter.With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings.

My Thoughts:

I have really enjoyed all of Melody Carlson‘s holiday books to date and this was no exception. While being very predictable, it was a very enjoyable read. I really love how so to speak, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. One sister didn’t want anything to do with the Christmas tree farm and the outdoors and the other one saw it as her escape and as her home. Everyone truly does have different gifts and different passions and I think that works to our advantage.  I would recommend this book to get in the holiday spirit.

#TheChristmasTreeFarm

What's on YOUR List?

As the Summer fades into Fall, it's time to think about back to school, and Fall festivities, and....the holiday shopping season. We are already planning our annual holiday gift guide series, so I'm curious, what might be on your wish list?

New Shoes or athletic Gear?

The Latest Tech?

A New Beauty Release?

Clothing?

Let me know in the comments below!

Never Say Never

For those of you who are parents, you know that once upon a time you said..."when I'm a parent I would never ____", and since becoming a parent realize all those statements have gone out the window and you've done every single one of them. Am I right?

For me, it was I would never use a sound machine because I want my kids to get used to real-life noise. Now, we use 3 of them every night to sleep and take them with us on vacation so we can sleep soundly. 

I said I would never let my kid fall asleep in the baby swing, and we LIVED by that swing during the newborn phase. When we had preemies and foster babies who were born addicted, this swing was our saving grace! 

You live and you learn, right?

I feel like aging is a lot like this. Never say never. When I was in my teens I said I would never own a van. Now I have one. When I was in my 20's I said I would never get botox. I caved at age 39 and gave it a try. When I was in my 30's I said I would never wear orthodic sandals. Guess what? I ordered orthodic inserts for my shoes and orthodic sandals. 

I don't think this is a "me" thing. I think people all over the place do this. They say they would NEVER marry again, and then they find themselves married again. They say they would NEVER have kids, and now they have three. They would never grow up, and sadly, we all must do so at some point.

I remember my grandmother about 10 years ago saying she would NEVER use a cane or walker, and now at 93, she's realized it offers her mobility and independence, while still being safe. I am so glad she fully embraces that walker because it means her life is fuller and she can do so much more!

I think the old adage "with age comes wisdom" really rings true. When you are younger you think you know what is best for your future, but as you age and learn, you realize you knew NOTHING when you were younger.

What are some things you said you would never do...and yet, you find that you actually have done it?

Did you say you would never get a cat, and you have? (my husband once said this, and we have 3!)

I said I would never go make-up free online, and I've done this many times as a beauty Youtuber.

I'd love to hear what your "I will never" statements are. Leave them in the comments below!

Many thanks to Responsival for partnering with me on this post!

GIVEAWAY: The Christian Capitalist and $500!!!

Overview: The Christian Capitalist explores various scriptural references that support twin pillars of Christian belief: 1) working hard to make a productive benefit from talents and materials that God has provided all people; and 2) giving generously to share those benefits with our neighbors in the name of Jesus Christ. Through a discussion of Holy Scripture, it analyzes various passages that relate to these concepts of productivity and generosity, along with two thousand years of history discussing the good works of Christians as examples. Ultimately, this book develops a philosophy that is uniquely Christian and capitalist: the Gospel of Hard Work and Generous Giving!

I have been a big fan of Christian Finance movements in the past. You can't out-give God, and the 7 baby steps to financial freedom, and others of the sort. I do believe that all that we have was given by God, so who are we to be stingy with what's been given to us. This book was interesting as it placed value on working hard and being productive and being responsible, but also being generous. You can't just sit back and chill and hope that boatload of cash will drop in your lap. God gave everyone talents and abilities, and they should be used. In using them, you earn income, and that income can be used to bless others. So it's along the lines of God helps those who help themselves, but it's more like God gave you talents and abilities, so use them for his glory, and to bless others with your profits. It's a well-written book!

BUY A COPY HERE

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Now for the exciting part....Momentum has allowed me to host a 2 part Giveaway. The first is for a copy of this book. One winner will be selected from each participating blos. The second is that 1 winner will be selected from ALL participating blogs and that person can pick an organization they want $500 donated to, and they'll do it! That's AWESOME!!! Be sure to enter for both down below.

GIVEAWAY# 1: A copy of this book and...

GIVEAWAY #2: $500 TO THE WINNER'S CHOICE OF CHRISTIAN US-BASED MINISTRY/ORGANIZATION (We’re pooling all giveaway winners across all participating bloggers)

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a comment down below with what organization you would donate to if you won, and leave a way for me to contact you (IG handle, email etc)

Hashtags: #ChristianCapitalistMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to GoodWorks Mission, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

JESUS: A Deaf Film in ASL

 

The long-awaited, first feature film about Jesus in American Sign Language is finally here! The best part of it all is that it’s Deaf led production and cast.

I have a friend who speaks American Sign Language, and my oldest daughter just started learning it. I think it's fantastic that there is a major Christian film, both directed toward and directed by the Deaf Community!

If you are hearing, and wondering if you would also enjoy this film, I think you would. It is NOT a silent film, there is background throughout the film, but all of the communication is done through sign language and subtitles. The way the movie is directed, the casting, the sets, it all reminds me so much of the series "The Chosen", which was such a well done series. In fact, some scenes seemed almost identical, from the sets to props to costume design. It is very well done!

Watch the Trailer here:

An Interesting fact...68 out of 70 million deaf people are waiting to encounter Jesus. We are ready to make Him seen ... would you join us?

Buy tickets today to see JESUS: a Deaf Missions film in theaters starting June

20th!

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ENTER TO WIN: $10 Amazon giftcard

HOW TO ENTER: Leave comment down below with how to reach you if you win (IG handle, email etc)

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#JESUSaDeafMissionsFilmMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

New FREE way to challenge your mind

 If you've been following my blog for years you'll know that I am a mom of four, and now holding a full-time HR job. These things keeps me quite busy, and I don't often have time to just unwind and relax, but I've definitely gone through my phases where I latch onto something and love it for awhile. 

In the past I've loved cake decorating and it was both a way to unwind and be creative. Next came makeup, which is a phase I am still fully in! Next came nail art. Again it was a way to relax, be creative, and express myself. Finally, was the online gaming phase. I played the game Township on FB for about a year. I also played words with friends, so I am familiar with online gaming and how it can be an outlet to unwind. 

I recently learned about a bunch of games on this site, which has some games exclusively for kids, while some of the other games are more challenging and fun for adults too, which I've been enjoying exploring!

Since I loved farming games in the past, the first one I checked out was Ice Cream Shop. Also because I really enjoy ice cream, and summer is approaching. It seemed fitting!

In this game, customers line up and order ice cream - certain numbers of scoops, certain flavors, and certain toppings. It is your job to get the orders right and now waste product or time. Each level introduced something new - a new flavor or topping. I think kids and adults would both enjoy this game! 

  If you are more into puzzles or mazes than restaurant/food games, there are ton of tetris-like games, if that is more your speed. My daughter loves cats and puzzles, so this Molly the cat game was perfect for her! It combines fun animal animation with strategy.

 It seems that there are tons of fun games on this site to explore and they're FREE! Fun and Free, double win in my book. Check them out and let me know what you think.

Shopping for Fur Babies!

Let's face it, the pets usually get the short end of the straw when it comes to celebrating holidays and  gifts. 

You buy gifts for your mom, dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, sister, brother, bus driver, nanny, childcare workers, teachers, maids, postal workers, bank clerks, coworkers, pharmacists, little league coaches, charities, employees, children and sometimes even yourself, but what about the pets in your life? Are they often overlooked? They deserve something special too, don't they? After all they provide you with love an affection no matter what is going on in your life. Can you say that about ALL the humans on your shopping list? I suspect not. :)

I especially like gifts that are multi functional. Like a dog treat that also freshens breath, or a cat mouse that also cleans their teeth! I also appreciate things that will last for more than  a second like long lasting dog chews or durable bones that won't disintegrate at first chomp.

There are gifts for playful pups, or laid back old dogs as well as the curious kitten or the cuddly house cat! Something for everyone!

Thank you to Responsival for sponsoring this post!

Tom Ford Holiday Collection - 2023

I discovered some GEMS! Watch to see what ;-)

 

Holiday Gift Ideas - Stocking Stuffers

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt

 

Description

On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.

When Antonina's beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls along with the rest of Warsaw's Jewish population, Antonina turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland's secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear the sisters apart--and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.

Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.

I really enjoy historical fiction novels. They bring history to life, which previously I found boring, but now I'm intrigued and want to know more. I love the way the author makes you feel like you're there and experiencing what Helena and Antonina are. It was a really well written story and I'm interested to read more from the author.

Many thanks to Revell and Netgalley for an advanced review copy of this book.

Journey to Bethlehem

Synopsis: A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honor. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown. This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith, and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told—the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. A unique new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies, this epic Christmas musical is unlike any before it. See JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM in theaters beginning November 10.

Buy Tickets: LINK

#JourneyToBethlehemMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to AFFIRM Films, Inc. for providing a sample of the product for this re- view. Opinions are 100% my own

Review: He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox

 

About the book:

Beekeeper Beckett Walsh is living her dream, working alongside her father in their apiary, until his untimely death sends her world into a tailspin. She suddenly finds she must deal with a new part owner of the family business--one who is looking to sell the property. Beck cannot fathom why her father would put her into the position to lose everything they built together.

When Callie Peterson is named in the trust of a man she's never heard of, she's not sure what to do. Her fledgling business has just taken wing and her mother has reentered her life asking for help getting into rehab for her lifelong substance abuse issues, making Callie's financial situation rather . . . precarious. She's sure she has no right to someone else's farm, but the money from the sale could solve her problems and give her the stability she's always craved.

As these two women navigate their present conundrum, they will discover a complex and entangled past full of secrets--and the potential for a brighter future for both of them.

My Thoughts:

This book was a very slow burn for me. A lot of time was spent building up the back stories about each of the women and their lives and struggles. It wasn't until about 40% through the book that I started to care about the plot and became interested in the new revelations and decisions that had to be made. Usually I give up on a book by then, but I'm glad I didn't.

Thanks to NetGalley & Revell for the review copy. #netgalley