Music Monday: "We Are" by Kari Jobe {Acoustic Version}

I've already posted one video for "Music Monday," but I can't help myself -- I just discovered this acoustic version of Kari Jobe's new single, and I had to share it.  Enjoy!

Music Monday: "You Love Me Anyway" {Sidewalk Prophets}

I am the thorn in Your crown
But You love me anyway
I am the sweat from Your brow
But You love me anyway
I am the nail in Your wrist
But You love me anyway
I am Judas’ kiss
But You love me anyway

To be loved like that is a truly amazing gift!  I thank God every day that He loves me anyway!

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, 

in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Romans 5:8

Friday Funny: Tim Hawkins on Bad Candy

Candy!  Candy!  Candy!  I love candy!  Hope you enjoy this HYSTERICAL video featuring Tim Hawkins talking about "Bad Candy."



Have a great weekend!

Music Monday: "Outcast" by Kerrie Roberts

I've been a fan of Kerrie Roberts since I heard her first single on the radio. She's an amazing Christian artist who shares a great message with her fun and fresh contemporary sound! I just recently discovered this video of "Outcast" from her self-titled debut album. It speaks to the fact that as Christians, we're not going to fit in with the "world." We're going to "look different," and that's okay. I hope you enjoy it!  Click to read my short and sweet review!

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

Since I can remember
Guess I've been a problem
Never had a filter
Never been the popular one
To sugarcoat what I know is undeniable
I just can't hide it
I wear it like a letter

Everywhere I go
Everyone is talking
I can feel them staring
They hope I'm just pretending
And giving up my power
Caving into pressure
I'm not living for them
I live for something better

I'm not good enough
I'm not what they want
But let me tell you what
I know who I am
So just throw me out
For not fitting in
I will stand my ground
And be an outcast

So-o what if I'm an outcast
So-o what if I'm an outcast

So what if I don't look the
Part I'm supposed to play
What if I don't follow
All the rules they make
They think I should be perfect
They love it when I mess up
No grace in case I blow it
A good girl shouldn't need it

I'm not good enough
I'm not what they want
But let me tell you what
I know who I am
So just throw me out
For not fitting in
I will stand my ground
And be an outcast

So-o what if I'm an outcast
So-o what if I'm an outcast
So slow and everybody's so fast
So-o what if I'm an outcast

I try to play nice
I don't want to fight
But I won't be gray
When it's all black and white
'Cause what I believe
Is what makes me strong
If I don't belong
I'll hold on to love

I try to play nice
I don't want to fight
But I won't be gray
When it's all black and white
'Cause what I believe
Is what makes me strong
If I don't belong
I'll hold on to love

So-o what if I'm an outcast
So-o what if I'm an outcast
So slow and everybody's so fast
No matter what it costs
I'll be an outcast

I'm not good enough
I'm not what they want
But let me tell you what
I know who I am
So just throw me out
For not fitting in
I'm gonna stand my ground
And be an outcast

I'm not good enough
I'm not what they want
And let me tell you what
I know who I am
So just throw me out
For not fitting in
I will stand my ground
And be an outcast

Music Monday: "We Are" by Kari Jobe {New Single}

Kari Jobe is one of my FAVORITE singers!  She has such an anointing and a gift from God!  She also has a new single coming out on October 18, 2011, titled "We Are."  I'm not sure when the CD comes out, but you can download the single from iTunes on Tuesday, October 18.  It's a GREAT song to remind us what we are called to do as Christians - let our light shine! 

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden."

Matthew 5:14

Every secret, every shame

Every fear, every pain

Live inside the dark

But that's not who we are

We are children of the day

So wake up sleeper, lift your head

We were meant for more than this

Fight the shadows conquer death

Make the most of the time we have left

We are the light of the world

We are the city on a hill

We are the light of the world

We gotta, we gotta, we gotta let the light shine

Book Review: The Measure of Katie Calloway {Revell Blog Tour}

 
Her heart seeks sanctuary in the deep woods. But will trouble find her even here?
The Civil War has ended, but in Katie Calloway's Georgia home, conflict still rages. To protect herself and her young brother from her violent and unstable husband, she flees north, finding anonymity and sanctuary as the cook in a north woods lumber camp. The camp owner, Robert Foster, wonders if the lovely woman he's hired has the grit to survive the never-ending work and harsh conditions of a remote pine forest in winter. Katie wonders if she can keep her past a secret from a man she is slowly growing to love.

With grace and skill, Serena Miller brings to life a bygone era. From the ethereal, snowy forest and the rowdy shanty boys to the warm cookstove and mouth-watering apple pie, every detail is perfectly rendered, transporting you to a time of danger and romance

My Rating: 5 Stars

My Review: This is my first novel by Serena Miller, and I can say with certainty that it won't be my last.  Miller has written a wonderful novel that captured my attention from the very first page!  She has a wonderful, descriptive writing style that immerses you into a realistic setting.  You feel as if you're right there with the shanty boys as they feast over meat pies, donuts, bread pudding, and cinnamon rolls.  The characters are well drawn, each with a distinct charm that makes for a great cast of characters, that won't soon be forgotten!

I've read a lot of stories set in the 1800's, but never one set in a lumber camp.  I really appreciate that unique aspect to the story.  The research was well done, and Miller wove the history of that time beautifully throughout the book.

The story kept my interest from beginning to end, anxious to see how things would turn out.  I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a sweet, historical romance!

**Thank you to Revell for providing me with a copy to review, in exchange for my honest opinion.**
**Available October 2011 from Revell, a division of Baker publishers**

Friday Funny: Tim Hawkins on Hand Sanitizer

Hope you enjoy this little snippet from Christian comedian, Tim Hawkins -- He's so funny!!!



"Clean comedy is easy. Funny comedy is hard."


Since giving up his job as a grocery truck driver in 2002, Tim Hawkins has been forging the magical blend between two comedic ideals: A genuinely funny comedy show that caters to the entire family. Is it realistic? Hawkins believes so. With over 100 million views on YouTube, 120+ sold out shows every year, and a motley crew of loyal supporters, Tim has started a gut-busting grassroots revolution of multi-generational proportions. But what's so special about this St. Louis native who is most notorious for his wretched cow impersonations?

Some would say it is his equally gifted and twisted approach to the medium. A self-taught guitarist, Hawkins will go note-for-note on everything from Skynyrd to Bon Jovi to Prince, while dishing out flawless vocal imitations of Bono, Jason Aldean, and John Mayer... all within mere minutes. His stand-up material is vigorous, well-timed, and honed to perfection. However, the connection he makes with his fans goes deeper than that: "If you can't laugh at yourself, laugh at other people."* It is this ability to show the brokenness of our human nature and simultaneously marvel in its hilarity which makes Tim such a unique artist. Plus, he'll make you wet your pants. Seriously. It's happened.

With four munchkins of his own and a beautiful wife who is winning her battle with breast cancer, Hawkins develops new material daily by simply absorbing the world around him. The perils of marriage, parenting, and homeschooling may not exemplify the rock-star life, but they sure make for great comedy. And as Tim would tell you himself, "It's not like I have choice. Comedy is my only life skill."


*It's in The Message Bible.

From Tim's Website

Have a fantastic Friday!

gmc World Premiere Movie: Decision, Sunday, October 16, 7 & 9 PM EST

                                                                                                                                  

I just found out about this movie, and thought I'd share it with all of you!  The movie premieres on Sunday, October 16, 2011 on the Gospel Music Channel!  Here is the information that I found at Jesus Freak Hideout . . .

NEWS SOURCE: Merge PR
October 10, 2011

Atlanta, Ga –October 10, 2011 –Dedicated to providing uplifting music and family entertainment, gmc announces the acting debut of four-time GMA Dove Award Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Grant this Sunday in the gmc world premiere movie, Decision. Sharing the story of a family in despair rediscovering their faith, Decision debuts October 16 at 7 PM and 9 PM EST as well as re-airing Sunday, October 23 at 11 AM EST.

Grant stars in this touching and dramatic movie dealing with family, loss, love and faith. Decision also features award-winning country music star Billy Dean as well as the theme song by American Idol contestant Ricky Braddy (Season 8).
“I'm so excited that my debut acting role was in a film that offers so much hope and stresses the importance of faith and family,” shares Grant. “I was also honored to work along side some wonderful people who were patient with me and helped this ‘rookie’ every step of the way!”
In this uplifting drama, Grant stars as Ilene, a mother struggling to make ends meet after the tragic death of her firefighter husband (Billy Dean). When she begins to lose control of her heartbroken teenage son Jackson (Michael Rosenbaum), she reaches out to her estranged father Wyatt (Rusty Whitener) to take in the troubled boy. Gradually, they form a bond that will require Jackson to find an inner strength he never knew he had to avert yet another family tragedy.
For a sneak peak of the movie, check out the trailer on watchgmctv.com.

Click the link below to watch the preview:
gmc World Premiere Movie: Decision, Sun. Oct. 16, 7 & 9p et