Music Monday: {Good Morning} by Mandisa

Good Morning!  Happy Music Monday!  I hope this song gets you UP & MOVING!  This song makes me HAPPY no matter what time of day I listen to it . . . I just LOVE it!  It gets you singing, and dancing, and raising your hands up in PRAISE to the LORD!  Enjoy and BE BLESSED!

A Book Review: {Where Wildflowers Bloom} by Ann Shorey - Revell Blog Tour

About the Book: The War Between the States stole a father and brother from Faith Lindberg-- as well as Royal Baxter, the man she wanted to marry. With only her grandfather left, she dreams of leaving Noble Springs, Missouri, and traveling west to Oregon to start a new life, away from the memories that haunt her. But first she must convince her grandfather to sell the family's mercantile and leave a town their family has called home for generations.

When Royal Baxter suddenly returns to town, Faith allows herself to hope that her dreams might come true. Does he truly love her? Or could another man claim her heart? Will she find that following her dreams may not mean leaving home after all?

My Review:  Ann Shorey has crafted a sweet, gentle story set in 1866 Missouri.  Ann is to be commended on her skill as a writer; I found myself immersed in the beautifully drawn town of Noble Springs.  The characters were realistic and likeable, though at times the dramatic irony annoyed me.  You know, when you're privy to something that the character doesn't know, and you just want to jump into the pages and say, "Look, can't you see what's going on here?"

The first third of the book seemed to go a bit slow for me, and didn't hold my attention as much as I thought it would, considering that this time period is a favorite of mine.  After that, the book did seem to pick up pace, and things started to get a bit more interesting. At that point, I did find it harder to put the book down.

I would describe Where Wildflowers Bloom as a light, easy read with a hint of mystery and a subtle romance.  And though I could predict where the story would go, it didn't detract from enjoying the story.  The story is well written, and I did like it, but I feel like I was left wanting a bit more excitement, more action, and more romance.

**Thank you to Revell for providing a copy of this book for review, in exchange for my honest opinion.**

**Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.**

Happy 1 year Blogiversary + A Julie Lessman BOOK GIVEAWAY! {WIN 3 BOOKS!}

One year ago today, I made my first blog posts!  This is how it all got started . . .

I had been considering a blog of my own, but didn't think I really had too much to say, or offer, to the "world," but I thought I'd give it a try.  It was also about this time that Julie Lessman was running her "Post-a-Review" contest to have a character named after you in her then upcoming book, A Heart Revealed.

I had been posting reviews like crazy, and I was coming to the end of the line -- I was running out of places to post more reviews when I had a light bulb moment!  I could get four more entries if I had my own blog to post them to.  And that, my friends, is how Sweet Treats & Inspiration was born!

After posting reviews like there was no tomorrow, some of you may know that I came in second place to my friend, Casey Herringshaw, of Writing for Christ - The Audience of One.  I finished with a total of 169 reviews posted, and Casey finished with 240 reviews posted!  She's pretty amazing!  :)  You'll find both of our names in A Heart Revealed . . . which is pretty cool, to say the least!  If you'd like a chance to have YOUR NAME in Julie's next book, A Love Surrendered, just visit her contest link for all of the details.

If you want to read more about it on Julie Lessman's Journal Jots, you can visit her archives and search for the March 25, 2011 entry.  And it goes without saying, that if you haven't read Julie's books yet . . . you simply must!  Just be sure to start with A Passion Most Pure, which is book one in the Daughters of Boston series.  If you haven't read my reviews for these OUTSTANDING books, you can find them here . . . A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, A Passion Denied, A Hope Undaunted, and A Heart Revealed. 

 

And without further adieu, I'd like to present THE GIVEAWAY!  In celebration of my one year of blogging ( over 120 posts!), I'm offering a copy of A Passion Most Pure, plus, Julie has graciously offered to giveaway two books -- winner's choice of one of her books (including Steven's upcoming story, A Love Surrendered!), AND a top CBA book of their choice from her personal library as well.  That's THREE BOOKS going to the WINNER!!!  To be entered into the contest simply leave a comment on this post saying that you'd like to be entered.  Be sure to leave your email address in your comment -- NO EMAIL ADDRESS=NO WIN.

If you'd like an extra entry --  Follow Sweet Treats & Inspiration, and leave a separate comment saying that you're a follower.

Contest ends on January 31, 2012 at 8:59 P.M. PST.  Winner will be announced and notified on February 1st, and will have until February 8th to contact me to claim their prizes.

Thank you all for making this such a fun year of blogging!

Music Monday: {The Lost Get Found} by Britt Nicole

Happy Music Monday!  I love Britt Nicole, and if you haven't see this one, I think you'll really enjoy it.  It's a beautiful reminder to "let your light shine."  Don't be afraid to SHOW people the love of Christ and SHARE the Gospel.  Don't be afraid to stand out . . . that's how the lost get found.  



Hello my friend
I remember when you were
So alive with your wide eyes
Then the light that you had in your heart was stolen
Now you say that it ain't worth stayin'
You wanna run but you're hesitatin'
I'm talkin' to me

Don't let your lights go down
Don't let your fire burn out
'Cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe
Why don't you rise up now?
Don't be afraid to stand out
That's how the lost get found
The lost get found

So when you get the chance
Are you gonna take it?
There's a really big world at your fingertips
And you know you have the chance to change it
There's a girl on the streets, she's cryin'
There's a man whose faith is dyin'
Love is calling you

Don't let your lights go down
Don't let your fire burn out
'Cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe
Why don't you rise up now?
Don't be afraid to stand out
That's how the lost get found
The lost get found

Why do we go with the flow
Or take an easier road?
Why are we playin' it safe?
Love came to show us the way
Love is a chance we should take
I'm movin' out of the way

Don't let your lights go down
Don't let your fire burn out
'Cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe
(Stand out)
Don't let your lights go down
Don't let your fire burn out
(Stand out)
'Cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe
Why don't you rise up now?
Don't be afraid to stand out
That's how the lost get found
The lost get found

So when you get the chance
Are you gonna take it?
There's a really big world at your fingertips
And you know you have the chance to change it

Friday Funny: Tim Hawkins Talks About Moms

It's been awhile since I posted a Friday Funny, and I hope you enjoy this one!  It doesn't get much funnier than Tim Hawkins!  He is a HOOT!  :o) Have a fantastic Friday, and a wonderful weekend!

UPCOMING GIVEAWAY on Tuesday, January 24, 2012!!!

In celebration of my 1 year Blogivesary, I'm hosting an AWESOME giveaway!  Your clue is two words . . . JULIE LESSMAN!  I look forward to seeing you here on January 24, 2012!

Upcoming Music Release: {Kari Jobe - Where I Find You}

Releases Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Kari Jobe's new album, Where I Find You, comes out January 24, 2012!  I've been looking forward to this one for quite some time, and the wait is almost over!  This is Kari's sophomore album, and her first album with Sparrow Records.  You can read more about the project at Urban Christian News.

A Sweet Treat: {The Best Coffee Cake. Ever.} from The Pioneer Woman

Mmm, don't you just love a warm piece of coffee cake served with a cold glass of milk, or a hot cup of coffee?  This Pioneer Woman recipe has become a frequently requested item in our house, because no one can resist its buttery, cinnamon goodness!  It's takes a little bit of time to prepare, but with a name like The Best Coffee Cake. Ever., it's worth every minute!

Also, be sure to ignore the fact that it has 3 sticks of butter . . . it's all a part of the YUM FACTOR, which is not to be missed!

The Best Coffee Cake. Ever.  Recipe by The Pioneer Woman

• FOR THE CAKE:
• 1-1/2 stick Butter, Softened
• 2 cups Scant Sugar
• 3 cups Flour, Sifted
• 4 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1-1/4 cup Whole Milk
• 3 whole Egg Whites, Beaten Until Stiff
• _____
• FOR THE TOPPING:
• 1-1/2 stick Butter, Softened
• 3/4 cups Flour
• 1-1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Cinnamon
• 1-1/2 cup Pecans, Chopped

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat egg whites and set aside.
Cream butter and sugar. Add flour mixture and milk alternately until combined. Don't overbeat. Fold in beaten egg whites with a rubber spatula. Spread in a well-greased 9 x 13 (or LARGER!) baking pan. A cake pan with higher sides would be best.
In a separate bowl, combine topping ingredients with a pastry cutter until crumbly. Sprinkle all over the top.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until no longer jiggly. Serve warm---delicious!

Music Monday: {Free} by Dara Maclean

I heard this song on the radio last week, and fell in love with it!  I LOVE Dara Maclean's beautiful voice and the beautiful message she shares in this song!  "Free" is off of her debut CD titled, You Got My Attention, which will be finding it's way to my iPod soon.  Be blessed and enjoy!



Hurting heart and broken wings
Cannot stop Your love from always finding me
No more days wasting away
I finally realize the gift inside of me

My strength alone will never be enough
But Your arms keep lifting me up

You tell me I've been made free
You give me everything I need to walk in my dreams
You whisper words that free my soul
You're the reason I have hope
You're everything I need and more
You made me
You made me free

I was caged in, then You opened
Every door that held me bound and You gave me the key
No more pressure I can just breathe
The girl I tried so hard to be, has always been me

My strength alone will never be enough
But Your arms keep lifting me up

You tell me I've been made free
You give me everything I need to walk in my dreams
You whisper words that free my soul
You're the reason I have hope
You're everything I need and more

Now I'm free to love, free to live,
Free to take my life and give it all to You

You tell me I've been made free
You give me everything I need to walk in my dreams
You whisper words that free my soul
You're the reason I have hope
You're everything I need and more
You made me
You made me free
You made me
You made me free

Dwelling in His Presence/30 Days of Intimacy with God: A Devotional for Today's Woman by Cynthia Heald

I never thought that I'd get a Kindle, since I have probably over 200 books on my shelves. I know, that number is a bit much, isn't it? Whew! It will take me years to read them, with the possibility of some never being read. Did I hear someone say, "book intervention?"  :::grin:::

I need a Kindle like I need a hole in the head, right? Well, I was fortunate enough to receive one from my mom for Christmas, which I LOVE!  Many Christian fiction and non-fiction Christian books are offered FREE on Kindle . . . and you know I love FREE! So, from time to time, I thought I'd share links to free Kindle Edition Christian books that I think you may enjoy.

The first of those, being one that you will want to pick up if you're wanting a deeper commitment, or intimacy, in your relationship with God.  Dwelling in His Presence/30 Days of Intimacy with God

As of January 9, 2012, this book is available FREE.

NOTE: THIS BOOK IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD, BUT IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR $7.99.

As you may know, you don't actually need to have a Kindle to download these books.  Just check the amazon website for more information.

Music Monday: {Where I Belong} by Building 429 + Free KLOVE Download

Did you all know that KLOVE offers a FREE music download every week?  This week, the featured free song is "Where I Belong," by Building 429.  If you love the song, and want to add it to your iPod or MP3 player, just follow this link . . . FREE KLOVE Music Download.  The iTunes code to get your FREE song is 6YHT7LEFR7MH (the code expires on January 22, 2012).



Information about Building 429 (from KLOVE'S website):
With a name inspired by the passage in Ephesians 4:29 that says “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen,” Building 429 got its start in North Carolina when the band members, who were in different independent acts at the time, met at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church.

Enjoy, and have a blessed day! 

Good Morning Girls on-line Ephesians Bible Study starts January 15, 2012

If you're looking for an on-line Bible Study, I highly recommend checking out The Good Morning Girls on-line, Ephesians Bible Study that will be starting on January 15, 2012.  For more information, go to the Good Morning Girls website.

This is a 3 month reading and study plan that is designed to keep you rooted in the Word, and strengthen your daily walk with the Lord.  There is a reading and study plan, plus an e-study guide that you can download.

For those of you are looking for a deeper commitment in your relationship with Christ, this is a great way to start the year off right!