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Home » Giveaways

40 Days of Faith and Fitness Devotional Journal Review & Giveaway

November 16, 2017 By Brenda 9 Comments

I love reading at night before I go to bed. One of the types of books I enjoy reading are devotionals. I like reading year-round devotionals and also devotionals on a specific topic. So, I was so excited when Marsha asked me if I would like to review her devotional.

40 Days of Faith and Fitness Devotional Journal Review & Giveaway

*This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (This means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will earn a small commission which helps keep my blog up and running but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

40 Days of Faith and Fitness A Devotional Journal by Marsha Apsley is a very encouraging book that helps you grow your faith and work on your fitness goals at the same time.

Why Marsha Wrote 40 Days of Faith and Fitness

In the introduction Marsha says, “I gave my heart to Jesus when I was 9, and I’ve had regular daily quiet times since then. At about that same age, I started struggling with insecurities and body image. It essentially became a lifelong battle until about the time I was turning 40. Some of that journey is shared in the following pages.” She prayed and read Scriptures to help her deal with her insecurities and trouble losing weight. She also tried lots of diets, but when she finally decided to give all of it to God, she “found freedom.” She “started writing the verses down and what they meant to me.”

Marsha joined some 40 Days groups on Facebook and also hosted her own. She shared the verses she had written down, in an email to her 40 Days group, and it was well received. So, she decided to write them in a book, in the hope that “these devotions speak into your life and help you build your fit life on a firm foundation.”

About the 40 Days of Faith and Fitness

The 40 Days of Faith and Fitness Devotional includes a verse, devotional, prayer, action step, and journal space for each day.

The verses are from both the Old and New Testament.

This devotional is Marsha’s thoughts about the verse and include personal examples to help make her point clear. Each devotional, when you read it, is only about 5 minutes long, or less. So, it’s definitely something you have time for in the morning or before bed.

The prayer is written for you, so you can just read it to God. It’s asking God to help you apply what you learned in that day’s devotional.

Each action step is a suggestion for something you can do to apply what you learned.

The journal page is a blank page for you to write down what you learned, write your own prayer, or just to reflect on how you can apply what you read to your life.

My Opinion of 40 Days of Faith and Fitness

I really enjoyed reading 40 Days of Faith and Fitness and was disappointed when it was over. I read the devotional at night before I went to bed. I head to bed around 10:30 and get up before 5:00 in the morning, so I don’t have much time to read, although I love reading! So, the fact that this devotional only takes about 5 minutes to read through, is fantastic for me! Also, having the prayer already written out was a great benefit that also saved me time, but still allowed me some quiet time with God.

I have reached the magic age of mid 40s where things are starting to go downhill and I’m really struggling at keeping the pounds off. I eat a heart healthy diet and I also walk 50 minutes a day, yet still a few pounds are starting to try and creep on. So, I’ve been starting to feel a little bit negative about what I see in the mirror and this devotional addresses that! It’s like Marsha was writing to me!

I learned something every day out of the 40 days of devotions! I even had 11 days that I wrote down as my favorites. They are Days 2, 6, 11, 16, 17, 18, 25, 28, 32, 34, and 39. I’m not going to tell you about all 11 because that would take too long and I wouldn’t want to ruin the book for you. If you read the devotional, you’ll have to come back here and see what days were the most meaningful to me, and see if they were also the ones that hit home with you.

However, I will tell you about some of the things that impacted me from those 11 days. I needed to be reminded that I am precious and was created with care and for a purpose. I needed to read about the peace that God gives and the freedom from all the struggles and thoughts running through me head, especially when I compare myself to others; and even about the negative words that come out of my mouth about myself. “Every day is a new day” is such an encouragement that I needed to hear, that I have a chance to try again. Looking in the mirror is difficult for me, even though my weight is still fine, it’s something I’ve struggled with my whole life, and several of the devotions talk about how to look in that mirror and be fine with what you see because God thinks I’m beautiful.

So, if you noticed, the common themes in all of those are worry, comparison, struggles, and low self-esteem. These are all things most women struggle with too, but won’t always admit to each other. Reading this devotional was like having a best friend talk to me and give me the encouragement I needed and sometimes the tough words I needed to hear. In my notes I made as I read, several times I wrote, “just what I needed to hear when I needed it.”

I think that every woman, young or old, would benefit from this devotional. We, as women, struggle with our body image and need to hear these verses, words, action steps and prayers in this devotional. A lot of these devotions are applicable to life in general too, not just about fitness and losing weight. I can see why she chose the title “of Faith and Fitness” because the devotionals do apply to both.

If you would like to read this devotional for yourself, or buy one for a friend, or 10, just click here.

Giveaway Information for 40 Days of Faith and Fitness

Marsha Apsley has been generous enough to offer a book for a giveaway to my readers. You have a chance to win a free copy of Marsha Apsley’s book 40 Days of Faith and Fitness. This giveaway is open to the US. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below, fill out one option or as many as you want. The giveaway ends at 12:01 a.m. eastern time on 11/23/17.

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God’s Great Love for You Book Review & Giveaway

November 9, 2017 By Brenda 13 Comments

I love reading books before bedtime with my son. We enjoy reading all kinds of different books together and we’re always excited to find a new book to read. God’s Great Love for You by Rick Warren, Illustrated by Chris Saunders is a very beautiful book to read and is just the right length for reading before bed.

God's Great Love for You Book Review & Giveaway

About God’s Great Love for You

*This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (This means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will earn a small commission which helps keep my blog up and running but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

God’s Great Love for You, written by #1 New York Times bestselling author and respected pastor Rick Warren, takes children on a whimsical and heartfelt journey that lets them know God’s love is with them wherever they go. With breathtaking illustrations by Chris Saunders, the simple yet poignant text comes alive as a child journeys to places far and near and discovers God’s great love is perfect, and everywhere, and will never end.

My 10 Year Old Son’s Opinion of God’s Great Love for You

God's Great Love for You Universe

My 10 year old son thought God’s Great Love for You was a good book. He said, “I liked the pictures because they showed an example of what the words were, that they were talking about in the story.” When I asked him what his favorite picture was, he chose the one above. That was the same one that I chose as my favorite! He liked it because he said, “It looks really cool!”

This book is much better suited for younger children, probably ages 2 – 5. However, my son still did enjoy reading it with me, he just noted that there weren’t very many words on each page.

My Opinion of God’s Great Love for You

I thought God’s Great Love for You was a very beautifully illustrated book! Like my son, I liked the pictures because they really did show what the words were conveying.

God's Great Love for You Unstoppable

This picture talks about God’s big love, and that’s definitely shown in the big heart the girl is standing on. I also like how the ribbon from her dress just flows, showing that God’s love is unstoppable. The dove is a nice touch on every page since that often symbolizes God’s love/presence.

The book’s message is that no matter where you are, what time of day it is, or what kind of day you’re having, God is always there with you, loving you. This is a message that the world today definitely needs to hear! What better way than to instill it in the littlest of children so that they will remember this all of their lives. Can you imagine how much better our world would be when those kids grow up, knowing that God loves them and has always loved them?

This book would be really great to read to a Sunday School class, as part of a homeschool curriculum, to your own children, grandchildren, etc.

Where to Find God’s Great Love for You Book

Zondervan.com
Amazon.com

Giveaway Information for God’s Great Love for You

I am also running a giveaway for you. You have a chance to win a free copy of Rick Waren’s book God’s Great Love for You. This giveaway is open to the US. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below, fill out one option or as many as you want. The giveaway ends at 12:01 a.m. eastern time on 11/16/17.

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.

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Brooklyn Bean Roastery Pink Pumpkin Coffee Review & Giveaway

October 17, 2017 By Brenda 24 Comments

Brooklyn Bean Roastery Pink Pumpkin Coffee Review & Giveaway

Brooklyn Bean Roastery is run by 3 guys from Brooklyn who love coffee. They grew up with an appreciation for quality, originality, and local pride, so their company is based on those values. They only use the highest quality Arabica beans for each of their blends and roast them in New York. Brooklyn is diverse and never boring, so their coffee includes a variety of flavors to suit any palate. Whether you prefer a smooth, mild blend, or a rich, dark roast, Brooklyn Bean Roastery has the perfect blend for you.

Brooklyn Bean Roastery Pink Pumpkin Coffee

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission which helps keep my blog up and running but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

I was sent the Brooklyn Bean Roastery Pink Pumpkin coffee to try. I received a box of 40 single serve coffee cups that are Keurig compatible. Pink pumpkin coffee is pumpkin vanilla flavored coffee. I was so excited when I found out I was going to be reviewing this flavor coffee! I absolutely love anything pumpkin flavored! I also like vanilla, so this was a win-win!

By the way, my dad was helping my husband fix our fence and he noticed this box of coffee in the garage. He said he would be willing to try a cup, which is pretty impressive coming from someone who only drinks black coffee. However, unfortunately, I was busy cleaning and getting ready for my parents to come over for dinner that night, so I hadn’t had time to take my pictures for this post yet. So, I told him he would have to wait until next time he comes over.

My daughter also saw this box of coffee in the garage and she likes that it’s pink for Breast Cancer Awareness. One of her closest friends growing up, had her mom die when she was very young (5 or 6 I think), of breast cancer. One of the teachers in our elementary school has also had breast cancer twice, once while pregnant with her son. The teacher and a friend always participate in the local 3-day breast cancer walk now. My fellow sign language interpreter at our previous church had breast cancer, and my oldest son’s friend’s mom just battled breast cancer too. So, this cause is very dear to our hearts.

Pink Pumpkin Coffee in Keurig

As you can see, this pink pumpkin coffee pod fits nicely in our Keurig.

Cup of Pink Pumpkin coffee

Mmm, I wish you could smell this coffee; it smells so good! I could smell the nice pumpkin spices and a little bit of vanilla. It also tastes very nice, just like it smells. It has a nice subtle flavor of pumpkin spice and vanilla, not overpowering. It adds a nice flavor to the coffee. I usually have my coffee with creamer, but I think this coffee doesn’t need it.

I definitely think Brooklyn Bean Roastery Pink Pumpkin coffee is worth the try. The pumpkin vanilla tastes delicious and makes you feel like Fall is here. Every purchase of the pink pumpkin coffee supports Breast Cancer Awareness, so you can enjoy your coffee and feel good knowing you’re helping other women too.

If you want to know more about Brooklyn Bean Roastery Pink Pumpkin coffee, you can check them out on:

Amazon
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram

I am also running a giveaway for you. You have a chance to win a free 40 count box of Brooklyn Bean Roastery Pink Pumpkin Coffee. This giveaway is open to the US. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below, fill out one option or as many as you want. The giveaway ends at 12:01 a.m. eastern time on 10/31/17.

I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post, however all opinions expressed are my own.

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The Answer CD from Jeremy Camp Review & Giveaway

October 5, 2017 By Brenda 12 Comments

The Answer CD from Jeremy Camp Review & Giveaway

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission which helps keep my blog up and running but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

We always have a Christian radio station on in our car, and anytime we listen to music at home, it’s also Christian music. So, I get to enjoy listening to lots of different Christian singers and songs. One of those Christian singers is Jeremy Camp. I really enjoyed getting to review his new CD, “The Answer.”

Song List for “The Answer” CD

  1. Word of Life
  2. My Defender
  3. The Answer
  4. Storm
  5. My Father’s Arms
  6. Never Stopped Loving
  7. Tell the Whole World
  8. Heaven’s Shore
  9. Carriers
  10. Love so Great
  11. Awake O Sleeper

What I Thought About “The Answer” CD

All of the songs on “The Answer” CD are all about God’s love and how no matter what we’re going through or what we do in life, God is always there for us and He always loves us. What an awesome encouragement! It’s encouraging to know that we can be confident as we go out into the world because God is with us, and He’s done a lot for us already and has a wonderful future planned for us. I did like every song in the CD, but I will just share with you my favorite 5, so you can get an idea of what the songs are about.

“Word of Life” is about how God’s word changes our lives for the better and how we don’t need to be afraid anymore, instead we can be filled with joy. I’ve heard this song on the radio many times, so as soon as it started playing on the CD, I started singing along with it. Jeremy Camp wrote this song based on what he read in John 6 when Jesus was talking to his disciples. Reading that Scripture, inspired Jeremy to write the song about how there’s not anywhere to run to in the world, but instead we need to run to Jesus who gives us words of peace, hope, and eternal life. You can listen to him explain more here:

Also, here’s the “Word of Life” music video:

“The Answer” was just the song I needed to hear yesterday when I was listening to the CD. My kids are all back in school now, college just started again for my older two, and I was feeling pretty sad and lonely, and this song was just the encouragement I needed. I also enjoyed signing along to it in American Sign Language (I’m an interpreter at my church). The song talks about how when we’re hurting and sad, Jesus sees us and He’s our solution, help and answer. Here’s the music video, which includes stories of real people who have found light in the darkness, including Jeremy Camp:

“Never Stopped Loving” is a beautiful song about how even when we’re not following God as closely as we should, or even if we turn away, God never stops loving us. He always loves us! What an encouragement that we need to hear. In the world, when we fail, other people’s love is conditional, and they sometimes leave when someone fails them; but, not God, He never stops loving us no matter what!

“Love So Great” is another wonderful song about how great God’s love is, and the price He paid for us. He’s our hope and strength flowing through us, so that we can’t contain His love inside of us. We need to share it with the world. This is a great reminder of how much people in today’s world need to be shown God’s great love; we need to show it to them. I try to do that every day with all of the kids I see at school.

“Awake O Sleeper” is my absolute favorite song in this CD! It’s a rock song, with a little bit of a heavy metal vibe, and I really enjoy that kind of music (I know most of you will be surprised). I think Christian rock is just a beautiful way to express yourself to God with all your heart and soul. The song is about how we all need to wake up from our evil ways and fight this war and just turn to God. Oh, how our nation needs revival!

“The Answer” CD from Jeremy Camp is a wonderful collection of songs encouraging you with God’s great love! Listening to these songs will give you confidence, hope, peace, joy, and strength to face every day life, or when times of trouble come. If you are needing to hear how much God loves you, or know someone who needs to hear that message, this would be a great CD to listen to.

Where to Find “The Answer” CD

(click on the links in the box)

iTunes
Amazon

Giveaway Information for “The Answer” CD

I am also running a giveaway for you. You have a chance to win a free copy of Jeremy Camp’s “The Answer” CD. This giveaway is open to the US. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below, fill out one option or as many as you want. The giveaway ends at 12:01 a.m. eastern time on 10/12/17.

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.

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Filed Under: Featured, Giveaways

All In CD from Matthew West Review & Giveaway

September 21, 2017 By Brenda 19 Comments

All In CD from Matthew West Review & Giveaway

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission which helps keep my blog up and running but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Listening to Christian music makes my day better, so I really love hearing new songs that come out. So, I’m always overjoyed when I get to review a new CD. All In by Matthew West is a really encouraging and inspiring CD.

Matthew’s Heart Behind “All In”

Matthew wrote his new album All In with the goal of encouraging himself and others to get up off the sidelines of their faith and really live it out – to go all in in your time with God, all in with your family, all in with your community, and all in battling your fears that may hold you back from becoming who God made you to be. Along that same theme, Matthew will be launching a 6-week All in Challenge on his social media starting 9/18, and each week Matthew will be challenging his fans to go all in in a different part of their lives. What does it look like when a heart that knows Jesus takes a step and holds nothing back? How can we go All In in the places that mean the most?

Song List for “All In” CD

  1. All In
  2. Broken Things
  3. Mercy is a Song
  4. Amen
  5. The Sound of a Life Changing
  6. Something Greater
  7. Jesus & You
  8. The Beautiful Things We Miss
  9. 1 Song
  10. Power Love Sound Mind
  11. Never Ever Give Up
  12. Dream Again
  13. Becoming Me
  14. You are Known

Matthew West shares the story behind the song “All In” on YouTube:

Also, here’s the lyric video on YouTube for “All In.”

What I Thought About the “All In” CD

The songs were all very positive, encouraging and uplifting. In fact, I was feeling bad because I have to sub the next 3 days, and I really just want to stay home and work on my blog, even though I need to work. So, I was feeling torn, and as I listened to the CD, I could just feel my spirit lighten and I felt so much better after listening to all the songs. I liked something about every song on the CD, but I don’t want to spoil the whole CD for you, I need to leave you something to look forward to, so I’m just going to tell you about 5 of them.

“Broken Things” is a song I’ve heard before on the radio and I think we’ve also sung it at church before because as I listened to it, I automatically started signing along to it (since I’m an an interpreter at church). The song’s about how God uses us even though we aren’t perfect.

Matthew West also shares the story behind this song on YouTube:

Also, here’s the lyric video on YouTube for “Broken Things.”

“Jesus & You” is a beautiful tribute to Jesus and Matthew West’s wife. He talks about how when he’s barely hanging on, Jesus and his wife give him the strength to keep going. Oh, how I would love to be that strength for my husband!

“The Beautiful Things We Miss” is a song about wanting to make sure and not miss the special moments with his wife, and his daughter as she grows up. It talks about how it’s really easy to miss them, but he wants to make sure and remember them. Matthew West seems like a really great husband and dad.

“Power Love Sound Mind” is a really unique song. It has both talking and singing in it, and I think it’s kind of neat. He tells stories of different people and the tough things they’ve gone through/are going through, but how, by God, we “have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power love sound mind.” That comes from one of my favorite verses in the Bible, 2Timothy 1:7.

“Becoming Me” is a beautiful song about his mom’s support for him throughout the years. It brought tears to my eyes because I hope my sons (my daughter too) feel the same way about me some day when they look back on our lives together.

The “All In” CD is full of songs with nice rhythms that are easy to tap or clap along with. The messages of the songs about how God can use everyone and how everyone should pick themselves up and be encouraged to move on because God cares for you, are really inspiring. If you’re feeling discouraged or know someone who is, this would be a great CD to listen to.

Where to Find the “All In” CD

(click on the links in the box)

iTunes
Amazon

Giveaway Information

I am also running a giveaway for you. You have a chance to win a free copy of Matthew West’s “All In” CD. This giveaway is open to the US. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below, fill out one option or as many as you want. The giveaway ends at 12:01 a.m. eastern time on 09/28/17.

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Featured, Giveaways

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Hi! I’m Brenda, and I’m happy you’re here!

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