I'm Happy for You Review and Giveaway

     In October I decided to take a month long break from Facebook.  I called it a Facebook fast.  I realized that Facebook was taking too much of my time and my emotions.  It is easy to look in on snapshots of others' lives and play the comparison game.  And while I was comparing my life to others I was setting my own standard of what I should look like, what my life should look like, based on what I saw.  I was forgetting that my life is in God's hands and what He thinks is really what matters.  He is the one I am living for.

     I was just finishing my fast when this book came to my doorstep to review.  Perfect timing.  I'm Happy for You (Sort of…Not Really), by Kay Wills Wyma, is a book about "finding contentment in a culture of comparison."  Wow.  Just Wow.  I really needed this.

    I like that the author is is funny and she tells it like she sees it.  I found myself laughing a lot while reading.  And while reading there were many times when I thought to myself, "Wait a minute, I am not the only one who thinks/feels this way??? What a relief.  I thought I was the only one."  

     At one point when talking about the way people judge their own looks, the author talks about a youtube video.  I thought I would share it with all of you.  Dove Beauty Sketches.  The author goes on to say, "Each of us carries a mental mirror, a reflection of preconceived, often skewed ideas of how we look and how we should look.  Our mental mirrors more often than not tell us lies that send a crushing blow to our contentment."  And a paragraph later, "What if I switched mirrors?  What if I considered my true reflection to be found in the way God sees me, not in how I see myself?  What if I allowed my reflection to be informed by God's light rather than the shifting light of societal values?"


    Do you struggle with comparison?  Do you worry about how you look, how your house looks, the stuff you have or don't have, your accomplishments, your kids' accomplishments?  Do you feel like you don't measure up? Are you sick of trying to live up to a Pinterest perfect life?  Are you ready for change?  Then this book is for you!

Want to read this book?

Find it on Amazon

or Win it here!  One reader will win a copy of the book, I'm Happy for you (Sort of…Not Really)
To win, sign in to the Rafflecopter below.  You can get 1 entry for answering a question and 2 extra entries if you share this giveaway.  Comments are moderated so please do not be concerned if your comment doesn't show up right away.

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. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”  US and Canada only.

It's Christmas CD Review and Giveaway

    If you know me personally, you probably know that I think that Christmas music should be listened to year round. Why save it for only one month out of the year?! (This does not mean I am a fan of Christmas decorations showing up in stores starting in August!)  I have a large collections of Christmas CDs and also a playlist on Spotify that I really do listen to often.  Because of that,  I jumped at the chance to review the It's Christmas CD by MercyMe that is being offered by Pizza Ranch.

    You can see my past review of Pizza Ranch in this past post .  I like the choices that Pizza Ranch offers and how they will make me a pizza with the toppings I want if I don't see it at the buffet.  Even better though is what Pizza Ranch is all about.  Bart Millard of MercyMe says, "Pizza Ranch is a fantastic restaurant with a great mission to glorify God…"* I love that sharing God's love is a big part of what they do.

 About the CD:  I have to say the first time I listened to the CD, I wasn't sure of my opinion. The songs were so different than the traditional Christmas songs that I am used to.  As I have listened more to it though I have to say I think it is great!  The songs are peppy and fun.  There are 4 exclusive songs only found on this CD version sold at Pizza Ranch.  The rest of the songs have a new take on the old versions.

The cost of $5 makes this a great treat for yourself during the Christmas season or a great gift for others.    If you buy $25 in Pizza Ranch gift cards you can get the CD for free!  You can find the CD at any Pizza Ranch through December 31, 2015.

Want to win a copy of MercyMe's, It's Christmas!  ?  One reader will win a CD
Sign in to the Rafflecopter below.  You can get 1 entry for answering a question and 2 extra entries if you share this giveaway.  Comments are moderated so please do not be concerned if your comment doesn't show up right away.

a Rafflecopter giveaway




*"We are so excited to debut our new Christmas album, MercyMe, It’s Christmas, with Pizza Ranch” said Bart Millard with MercyMe. “Pizza Ranch is a fantastic restaurant with a great mission to glorify God. It's the perfect gift to give this Christmas season and the perfect CD to get you in the Christmas spirit.”

"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. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”  US and Canada only.

NIV Bible giveaway

     I remember as a child when I got my first Bible.  I grew up learning about Jesus and we had Bibles in our house that I could read, but this one was my own children's Bible.  I highlighted verses that were important to me and wrote a notes in the margin next to verses that God showed me during different seasons in my life.   Having my own Bible to read was a step towards making my faith my own.
    I think that every child (and adult) should have their own Bible that they can read.  That is why I was very excited to get to review the NIV Bible for Teen Girls.

This Bible is pretty cool.  It is in the New International Version, but also has extras geared towards teen girls.
Here are some of the features:

*Readings/devotions by popular Christian female authors including Bethany Hamilton (Soul Surfer), Annie Downs, Christine, Caine, Nicole Weider, Elsa Kok Colopy, Crystal Kirgiss, Bekah Hamrick Martin, Denise Van Eck, and more.

*Character Profiles of women in the Bible.--This is my favorite extra!  The profiles tell the meaning of the name, where to find her story in the Bible, and a description/lesson from her life.  I love that it shares well known women like Sarah and Hannah and lesser known women like Naaman's servant girl and the suffering woman that Jesus healed.

*Book Introductions for each book of the Bible--This section tells When the book happened, Who is in the book, Verses you might recognize, and What the book is about.  I really enjoyed reading these as an intro to the books.

*Highlighted promises of God

*A concordance for finding verses.


This Bible would be a great Christmas gift (or anytime gift) for the teen girl in your life.

I found it:
here on Amazon  kindle version also available.
Also here at Lifeway.com

Want to win a copy? One reader will win their own copy of the NIV Bible for teen girls.
Sign in to the Rafflecopter below.  You can get 1 entry for answering a question and 2 extra entries if you share this giveaway.  Comments are moderated so please do not be concerned if your comment doesn't show up right away.


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. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”  US and Canada only.

The Biggest Story Review and Giveaway

I am so excited to share the book, The Biggest Story-How the Snake Crusher Brings us Back to the Garden with you.  This book takes the stories of the Bible and connects them all to share the story of redemption.

I have to be honest, was a little bit nervous after I started reading.  I am a stickler for keeping to the facts when telling kids Bible stories.  When talking about the fall, the author only mentions Adam eating from the tree that God had declared off-limits. It said, "Adam failed."  No mention of Eve.  I lowered my expectations and was ready to be disappointed with the rest of the book.  I have to say though, as I kept reading, I liked the book more and more.  After finishing the book, here are some of my thoughts.

*I LOVE how the authors weaves each Bible story together to show the big picture themes.  Humans fail and sin over and over, but God always keeps His promises.

*This book would be great for kids who know some of the stories in the Bible already, to show the big picture.  It doesn't share a lot about each story.  My suggestions is to always go back to the Bible to dig deeper.

*I can tell that a lot of time was spent making the illustrations.  They are very detailed.  My opinion is that you will either really like them or think they are distracting.

If you are interested in buying this book I found it here on Amazon.

Want to WIN this book? One reader will win a copy of this book.

To enter: All you need to do to enter is answer one simple question.  You will need to sign in below to enter, but once you do rafflecopter should recognize you for future giveaways. 

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. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Pizza Ranch Living Hope CD Review and Giveaway

We are big Pizza Ranch fans so I am very excited to get to share this great restaurant with you all and to also share a the LIVING HOPE CD they have available right now.

Here is a little background about Pizza Ranch:

"Adrie Groeneweg had a dream that started in Hull, IA, in 1981, when he was just 19 years old.  It was simple.  Why does everyone have to drive out of town to get a pizza?  With just six specialty and single topping pizza recipes developed by Adrie's mother, Lorraine, Pizza Ranch was born.  Pizza Ranch's vision and mission is to glorify God by positively impacting the world and to give every guest a legendary experience.  They have 190+ locations across 13 states including Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado." 
   
     My husband and I usually get the buffet when we go to Pizza Ranch.  We like that they have many choices of pizza.  If you don't see your favorite on the buffet line they will make it up for you and bring it to your table so you can take many pieces as you like before they put the rest out for others to try.  My husband's favorite is the Bronco pizza and I always choose the California Chicken.  Yum!  If pizza isn't your thing, no worries, they also have a salad bar and another section that has great mashed potatoes and fried chicken.  The people are friendly at our Pizza Ranch and I love that they place Christian music in the restaurant (at least ours does).

   Pizza Ranch has released a CD called Living Hope.  It has 12 songs from many popular Christian artists including Francesca Batistelli, Colton Dixon, Sidewalk Prophets,  Ellie Holcomb, Michael W. Smith and Mark Schultz.

   This CD rocks!  The music is catchy and meaningful.  I find myself listening to it often and singing along.  I love that the theme is HOPE.  So many people need the hope of Christ in their lives.  I really enjoyed the music for myself, but also could see myself buying one for a friend who is struggling and needs encouragement in their life right now.

The CD is available to purchase for $5 (plus tax) exclusively in Pizza Ranch restaurants or you can download it at pizzaranch.com/livinghope through August 31.

From Adrie Groeneweg, President & CEO of Pizza Ranch, Inc.:  "This album has a very special meaning for Pizza Ranch.  Although Pizza Ranch is not in the music business, many things have been happening, conversations have been taking place and doors have been opening for this album.  Through these events, I believe it was obvious that God has been behind this for His specific purpose and putting it on our hearts to collectively create this project.  As such, we call this our miracle album, Living Hope."

Want to WIN this CD?

One reader will win this CD.  For a chance to win I would like you to leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite singer or band.  You can also earn an extra entry by "liking" Jen's Stamp World Facebook page.  Just leave me a comment letting me know you "like" the page.  This giveaway will be open until August 5, 11:59 p.m.   

 

"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.  If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Love Inspired book set review and giveaway

**Giveaway Closed**

When I was a kid I loved summer because it gave me more time to read.  The school I went to would give us a page to write all the books we read over the summer.  I would go back in the fall with pages filled in.  I would read everything I could get my hands on, all different genres of books.  As an adult I still love to read, but don't always have the time.  When I got the chance to review this set of books in the Love Inspired line, I jumped at the chance for an excuse to HAVE to sit down and read. :)  This isn't the first time I have read books from this line.  I actually enjoyed them before so I was excited to read new ones.

I tend to be picky these days about the types of books I will read and these books aren't your typical romance novels.  The biggest difference is that they are clean.  The story lines are great, but are more from a Christian perspective.  Sometimes the character's struggle includes a struggle with their faith, but not always. I also like that the books are pretty easy reads.  Fun to read, but not super deep.

"The Love Inspired product line is a series of 6 books that are released every month and only have a shelf-life of one month."  If you see one you think you would like you have to grab it quickly.  I like that they are always coming out with new books.  I read all 6 books for this month.  My favorite was A Firefighter's Promise. Not all of them were ones that would go on my "gotta have this" list, but the fun thing is that next month there will be 6 more books out, all by different authors!

Want to try these books out for yourself?
For more infö about Love Inspired books check out their Facebook Page HERE
To purchase these books check out the website HERE  You can only purchase the May set until May 28.

Want to win the set of the 6 books from May?

I feel like people have been having trouble entering my giveaways through Rafflecopter so I am going back to comments for this giveaway.
To enter leave a comment on this post and tell me the most recent book you read. 
Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you if you win.  This giveaway will run through Saturday, May 16.  Giveaway only valid in US & Canada.

"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. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

gMovies Review and Giveaway

     Our family enjoys watching movies, but sometimes it is hard to find a family friendly movie.  Even as an adult I try to be careful what kinds of things I watch.  That is why I was so excited to get to review this great family friendly movie website called gMovie.  gMovie is a subscription based site (similar to Netflix) that gives you "instant access to almost 300 faith friendly feature films of every genre, in addition to animated stories, television series, and biblical documentaries."
 

     I have to say that when I tried it out I was impressed.  First of all there are many options.  I had fun searching through movies and television series to decide what to try first.  When I did choose a movie to watch on my iPad, I couldn't get the sound to work.  Sound worked for everything else and I could not figure out what I was doing wrong.  I emailed the company to see if they could help.  gMovie emailed me back quickly to help me find a solution.  Great customer service!
     All around I would definitely recommend trying out gMovies.  And here is the great news.  Because you are a reader of my blog you get a special code to try out gMovies for free for 2 weeks!  Pretty cool, right?!  Try it out and see what you think.  Be sure to come back and let me know. :)

All you need to do is Click this link: gMovie and enter the code  FREETRIAL65 


Not only do you get a 2 week free trial, but one reader will win a 6 month subscription to gMovies!
All you need to do to enter is answer one simple question.  You will need to sign in below to enter, but but once you do rafflecopter should recognize you for future giveaways.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway valid only in US and Canada 

"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. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”