Power of Prayer Thursdays - Week 187

baptism

I believe in a God that hears prayers and answers them. I've witnessed the miraculous gift of answered prayer. And, I want to pray for you. I've started weekly Power of Prayer post every Thursday. We are now on week 187. If you are needing prayer in an area of your life, please leave a comment and I'll commit to pray for your need or request. You can be as general or as specific as you like. Whether it be for healing, salvation, finances, emotions, or another area of life, I'd like to lift it up in prayer.

But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
–1 Timothy 1:16

Check It Out: Savings.com #OshKoshxCarters Giveaway

Savings.com is giving away $500 in gift cards from Carter's & OshKosh B'gosh!  Giveaway ends on Monday, September 30th at 11:59 PM PT.  Ten (10) winners will receive a $50 gift card to Carter's or OshKosh B'gosh.

Enter coupon code BESTDEAL at checkout to get 25% discount on all orders at OshKosh B'gosh.  Deal ends September 30th.

This post contains affiliate links.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Toy Story 4 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack - Giveaway

Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 4 Captures the Hearts of Fans Old & New
Coming to Homes Digitally Oct. 1st and on
Blu-ray™ and 4K UHD™ Oct. 8th

Extras include all-new deleted scenes, conversations with the talent and filmmakers sharing the most memorable moments and characters and much more!

In “Toy Story 4,” Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) has always been confident about his place in the world, and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. So, when Bonnie’s beloved new craft-project-turned-toy Forky (voice of Tony Hale) calls himself “trash,” Woody decides to teach Forky how to embrace being a toy. But a road-trip adventure, including an unexpected reunion with his long-lost friend Bo Peep (voice of Annie Potts), shows Woody how big the world can be for a toy. In addition, carnival prizes Ducky (voice of Keegan-Michael Key) and Bunny (voice of Jordan Peele) bring a new level of fun to the film.

The must-own, fourth installment in the Toy Story series will be packaged several ways to ensure families get the most out of their in-home entertainment experience. “Toy Story 4” arrives home a week early on Digital 4K Ultra HD™, HD and SD with two exclusive extras including a deleted scene, “Bonnie’s Playtime”.  A physical copy of the film is available as a 4K Ultra HD™ Combo Pack (4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and Digital Code), a Multi-Screen Edition (Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Code) and a single DVD. Fans who wish to relive all four Toy Story adventures may opt for a Digital bundle, which is available for pre-order.

BONUS FEATURES (may vary by retailer)
            Blu-ray & Digital:
'Toy Stories - The Toy Story 4 cast and crew share their love of toys!
Woody & Buzz - Take a look at the relationship between these two legendary characters.
Bo Rebooted - Discover how Team Bo reimagined all aspects of Bo Peep's identity to arrive at the fully realized character seen in the film.
Toy Box - Enjoy a collection of mini-docs on the film’s memorable new characters, featuring the voice actors, director Josh Cooley and Pixar artists talking about the many elements that make these characters fun and lovable
Let’s Ride With Ally Maki - Ally Maki, voice of Giggle McDimples, learns all about Pixar’s dialogue recording process from director Josh Cooley and his team.
Deleted Scenes introduced by director Josh Cooley including:
Scamming Playtime
Bo Knows Hippos
Desperate Toys
Knock-Offs
Recruit Duke
She’s The One
Audio Commentary, Trailers and more!
Digital Exclusive:
Anatomy of a Scene: Prologue - Filmmakers and crew review key scenes of the movie and dissect the practical and technological methods used to bring them to life.
Additional Deleted scene -  Bonnie’s Playtime

“Toy Story 4” Cast and Crew
“Toy Story 4” welcomes both veteran and new voices, including Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, Annie Potts as Bo Peep, Tony Hale as Forky, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele as Ducky and Bunny, Madeleine McGraw as Bonnie, Christina Hendricks as Gabby Gabby, Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboom, Ally Maki as Giggle McDimples and Joan Cusack as Jessie. The voice cast also includes Jay Hernandez, Lori Alan, Bonnie Hunt, Kristen Schaal, Emily Davis, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Blake Clark, the late Don Rickles and Estelle Harris.

“Toy Story 4” is directed by Josh Cooley, and produced by Mark Nielsen and Jonas Rivera. Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich and Pete Docter are executive producers, and Stanton and Stephany Folsom wrote the screenplay. Longtime “Toy Story” collaborator Randy Newman composed the score and wrote two new original songs, “I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away,” performed by Newman, and “The Ballad of the Lonesome Cowboy,” which is performed by Chris Stapleton for the end credits.

Win It!

One person will win a Toy Story 4 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received no compensation for this post.  This post is in partnership with PR firm.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Creek Walking and Geode Finding

There's a trail at a local park that automatically brings me peace when I am there.  Being surrounded by the nature of it all is so calming.  I especially like to take a walk along the creeks within the area.  Rushing water within the small waterfalls is one of my favorite sounds.

A couple weeks ago I went with some friends along the creeks and discovered that one can find geodes there.  If you look for certain patterns and textures of rocks, you can determine if it is, in fact, a geode.  You can see what they look like on the inside by smashing it open against other rocks.  I picked up several and added them to my collection at home.

Tasha walking her dog

Ain't no place for makeup or nice hair.

Covered in all-natural creek water and sweat.

Do you like to take nature hikes?

Do you collect rocks or geodes?

Power of Prayer Thursdays - Week 186

Photo by Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash

I believe in a God that hears prayers and answers them. I've witnessed the miraculous gift of answered prayer. And, I want to pray for you. I've started weekly Power of Prayer post every Thursday. We are now on week 186. If you are needing prayer in an area of your life, please leave a comment and I'll commit to pray for your need or request. You can be as general or as specific as you like. Whether it be for healing, salvation, finances, emotions, or another area of life, I'd like to lift it up in prayer.

"I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me."
–Psalms 16:8

Goodnight Messages from Fave Characters with the Disney Bedtime Hotline

Families and fans can add a little Disney magic into the bedtime routine with the Disney store “Disney Bedtime Hotline.” For the second year in a row, fans and families can call the toll-free number, 1-877-7-MICKEY, to hear six special goodnight messages from Mickey Mouse, Woody, Jasmine, Anna and Elsa, Yoda and Spider-Man to give kids something to look forward to at bedtime – and give parents a break. The phone number will run from today through September 30 and is available in the United States. 

I received no compensation for this post.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

NFL Grilling Apron - Review and Giveaway

We like football in our family but wouldn't consider ourselves die-hards.  We're more fanatical about grilling.  Doesn't matter the season or the weather, we grill out more than we cook in.  But, beings that it's football season, we may as well wear a grilling apron that represents our favorite team - the New England Patriots.  

Party Animal, Inc., a leading manufacturer of professional and collegiate sports and entertainment licensed toys, sells NFL Grilling Aprons among other things.  

The specific NFL Grilling Apron I received features NFL player jersey dye graphics and represent the best player on the team, Tom Brady.  It features 24" long waist ties, an adjustable neck strap, and two front pockets.  Made of 100% polyester, it fits most adults.  Not only does it provoke football conversation, it's also handy to wear when grilling.  It keeps food off your regular clothes, and is easy to wash afterwards.

Win It!

One person will win an NFL Grilling Apron (choice limited to aprons in stock).

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received product for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Random Tuesday Thoughts - Movies and Miscellaneous

It's been a while since I've participated but I'm back to play this week.  It's Random Tuesday Thoughts, hosted by Stacy Uncorked! 

---------------------------

me and Logan watching IT: Chapter 2

Yeah, I totally wore a shirt that helped set the mood!

I took my daughter and son-in-law to watch Ready Or Not in theaters.  I'm a fan of horror movies and loved the premise of this film.  But, it went straight to the gutter for me when it started getting sacrilegious.  I like scary, but cross the line at sacrifice.

Still speaking of movies, me and Logan went and watched IT: Chapter 2.  I didn't care for the book or the original movie (1990) but I was impressed when I watched IT in 2017.  So, I thought the sequel couldn't be that bad.  I was wrong, very wrong.  I didn't hate it but I sure didn't love it.  Seemed a little over-the-top and cheesy to me.  I just couldn't get the picture of an 8ft. tall troll lookin' grandma with saggy boobs out of my head.  Too much!
--------------------------------

homemade bread

My days have been super busy with raising funds for an upcoming mission trip to Cambodia.  I won't be leaving until March but need half the money by the middle of October.  A core group of us have been holding bake sales, Lemonade Shake-Up stands, making and selling fudge, and much more.  We have a yard sale, Paint Party, and pizza sales coming up soon.  God willing, it will all work out.

-----------------

We've had our pop-up camper just a couple of months and Jason's already decided to get an upgrade.  We bought a different, bigger one.  Right now it's in complete disarray because Jason has been doing some repairs but we should be able to go camping in it soon.

-----------------------------

A good friend of ours purchased us a wooden well as a housewarming gift.  I bought a mum as an accent.  I admit, the mum isn't the only "fall" decor I've got out right now.  I started decorating for Fall and Halloween a few days ago.  It's my favorite time of year.

----------------------------

What's your randomness for the week?

Watch any good movies in theater lately?
When do you start putting out Fall/Halloween decorations?

Tennessee Trip To See My Son

Kickback food from Drury Inn

My son moved to Tennessee at the end of March.  I went with to help him move but hadn't been back since.  In the middle of August, me and Jason took a few days off and headed to see him.  On the way there, we split the drive in two and drove the first six hours before staying the night at Drury Inn in Louisville, KY. 

Drury Inns are the way to go, I tell ya!  The Kickback amenities of free food and drinks during certain hours can't be beat.  They also have free soda and popcorn.

creek in the mountains of TN

The next day we drove the next six hours and stopped by Adam's work to surprise him there.  He's a welder for Rimex and it's his main reason for moving to TN.  I hate, hate, hate that he moved but he's flourishing so much better there than he did here in IL.

Adam in his work wear

assembling the grill

Nothing like putting your kid straight to work as soon as they get off work.

As part of a housewarming gift, we purchased Adam a charcoal grill.  BUT, it was his job to put it together and watch Jason cook meat.  Hopefully, he caught on and can now grill for himself.

cuz I'm still a kid at heart

Throughout the next few days, when we didn't grill, we ate at places that aren't located in our hometown.  We stuffed our faces at Waffle House, Huddle House, Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel, and Cook Out.  If there's anybody from Cook Out reading this post, you NEED to come to Quincy, IL.  Your food (and prices) are legit!

We also did a Target run.  Don't kill me, but I'm not one of those people that HAVE to visit a Target anytime one is nearby.  It's got some nice merchandise, but I don't get the shakes if I don't visit a Target but once or twice a year.  What got me super excited was that I purchased a Feisty Pet on clearance for only $9.98.  Glenda Glitterpoop now hangs out in my home office!

We attended the Bristol Motor Speedway Nascar Night Race that Saturday.  It was a first for any of us to be at a Nascar event.  I had a good time in general, but Adam and Jason were more into it than I was.  

Sunday was Adam's birthday.  He turned 20 years old.  We visited the church he's been attending since the move, then came back to his house to watch movies (Logan and The Purge to be exact).

The days went by too fast.  I was content with just hanging out with Adam.  Sure do miss him when I don't see him. (If it sounds sentimental, that's cause it is.)

ringing in his birthday at Waffle House

Traffic Cop - Children's Game Review and Giveaway

I've had a few younger friends and family over to play Traffic Cop, a 2019 release from Endless Games.  It's simple to play and understand, yet so fun.  The kids really seem to enjoy the game.  Traffic Cop is a fun interactive action game based on the classic schoolyard game where one player is the traffic cop and the other players try to cross the street safely.

Traffic Cop is a game for 2 to 6 players, ages 5+.  Contents include:

1 Game Spinner

36 foam Crosswalk mats

27 Yield cards

1 Traffic Cop safety vest

1 instruction sheet

The object of the game is to be the first player to cross the street and reach safety.  First, one player needs to be chosen to be the Traffic Cop to start the game.  That person gets to wear the cool yellow safety vest!

Within a fairly large space, arrange the foam crosswalk mats in any configuration from one side of the room to the other.  The Traffic Cop stands on one end and the other players start at the other end.  Each individual player moves along the crosswalk mats, one at a time, based upon what sign the spinner lands on.  Players may have to stop (lose a turn), move right, advance, or yield.  

Traffic Jams and Dead ends mean a player must stay on their current mat.  If a player lands on a mat with a Yield Symbol or if the Yield sign is spun, a Yield card is read for that player.  These cards have fun actions that direct the player where to move and how to get there.  For instance, the player might have to play rock-paper-scissors against the Traffic Stop, or they may have to pick another player to trade spots with while cheering and lifting hands to the sky.  Special Traffic Cop challenges add a mixture of fun into the game as well.  Like mentioned before, the player to reach the Traffic Cop wins the game.

Traffic Cop is an entertaining recreational game for kids to play, both indoors and outdoors.

Win It!

One person will win a Traffic Cop children's game.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received product for review from Endless Games.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Why Philo Has Become A Favorite For Watching Shows

I have basic cable at home.  If it wasn't for the fact that an Internet + cable package costs about the same as Internet alone, I'd cut cable altogether.  I do pretty well with the streaming media companies I subscribe to, with those being Hulu and Amazon Prime.  Not too long ago, though, I added another streaming service, and here's the reason why (Don't Judge!):

I'd been jonesin' on watching MTV's The Challenge.  I've spent several years watching Johnny Bananas, Wes, CT, Zach, Cara Maria and all the other competitors overcome obstacles...and drama.  It's my form of soap opera adrenaline.  BUT, the cable package I have doesn't carry MTV.  Hulu and Amazon Prime don't carry The Challenge.  What's was a girl to do?!  Uncle Google answered my questions with Philo. 

Photo by Victória Kubiaki on Unsplash

Philo offers a package of top-rated television channels for just $20. Watch live, save unlimited shows to watch later, or browse a huge library of content available on-demand. Philo is available on all your favorite devices and on the web, wherever you are. 

Since signing up for Philo, I've been using it most to watch movies and shows.  The amount of channels available is pretty impressive.  Just some networks included are: A&E, Animal Planet, Game Show Network, Nickelodeon, TLC, and Discovery.  That's just the tip of the iceberg.

You can watch on up to 3 different devices at the same time. Seven day free trial that you can start in seconds with just a phone number.  Unlimited 30-day DVR, deep on demand library, plus the ability to pause any live channel, start programs from the beginning, and watch programs that have aired in the past three days for no additional charge.

If you're interested in signing up for Philo, you can get one week for free with no strings attached.  If you become as addicted to it as I am, you will receive $5 off your first month's bill. 

Warning....Same some time for binge watching.  You're gonna need it!

Photo by John Tuesday on Unsplash

This post contains referral links.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Check It Out: Savings.com #WinBigAtMacys Giveaway

Savings.com is giving away $2500 in gift cards from Macy's!  Five (5) winners will receive a $500 gift card to Macy’s.  Giveaway ends on Monday, October 7th at 11:59 PM PT.

Also, use coupon code VIP at checkout to receive 15% off your beauty purchase at Macy's.  This offer expires September 22, 2019.

This post contains affiliate links.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Loaded Cream Cheese Corn - Recipe

I really can't remember where I came across this recipe.  I believe it was one shared on FB.  I tried it for the first time yesterday and it was really good.  It's a different way to cook with canned corn.

Ingredients:

3 cans whole kernel corn
8 oz. cream cheese
1 stick butter
1/2 cup milk
1 packet dry Ranch Mix
1 cup bacon, crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Start by draining the cans of corn and placing them in skillet.  Add in dry ranch mix.  Slice up butter and cream cheese, then add to skillet.  Add in milk.  Cook on high until cream cheese and butter is melted.  Let sit to thicken.  Add in bacon and shredded cheese.  Top with sour cream and green onions if desired.

Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Home - Children's Book Review and Giveaway

Publication date: 07/02/2018

Pages: 30

Age Range: 4 - 9 Years

Book Overview:

Miss Olive Finds Her “Furever” Home is the first book in the heartwarming and inspirational series The Doggy Diva Diaries. When we first meet Miss Olive, she is a sad and lonely little pup hoping to find a loving family and her “furever” home. With the help of her magical fairy dog-mother, “Sophia the Doggy Diva,” Miss Olive learns a valuable life lesson: It doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside. It’s the kindness and love you have on the inside that counts. Your dreams really can come true!

About the Author:

For over fifteen years, Susan Marie has been spreading the word about puppy love through her nationally syndicated weekly radio show, The Doggy Diva Show. On her show, Susan interviews pet care experts, dog trainers, authors and representatives from animal rescue organizations. Past guests include Bob Barker, Dean Koontz, Julia Cameron, Alison Eastwood, and America's Veterinarian, Dr. Marty Becker. The Doggy Diva Show can be heard on Pet Life Radio, iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Speak Up Talk Radio.

Aside from radio, since August 2007, the Doggy Diva (Susan’s nom de plume) has contributed a regular column to Suncoast Pet Magazine with her lighthearted look at all things diva-licious in her bimonthly editorial feature, Diva Delights. The column originally came from the perspective of Sophia, a previous rescue dog of Susan’s, and is now penned by Miss Olive. Along Florida’s Suncoast, the name Miss Olive is synonymous with the bringing together of homeless pets to loving families everywhere.

Susan is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators as well as the Dog Writer’s Association of America and the Florida Writers Association. A devoted champion of animals, Susan donates a portion of the proceeds from the Miss Olive book to various animal rescue services. She’s passionate about passing along the love of animals to future generations.

My Review:

A hardcover book with cutesy illustrations, Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Home is the first book in a series.  Loosely based upon true events, this story tells of a dog who wishes to be adopted.  Her wish comes true when she goes home to a family who fosters dogs.  Miss Olive is happy and enjoys being around the other canines.  But then she notices that the other dogs are getting adopted out and she isn't.  Olive wonders if she's not good enough, and if it may be because she has only three legs.  Then, one day, a family chooses Olive as their pet and she has joyful days in her new "furever" home.  

There are two main points to be learned from this book.  One is that all animals need love, and rescuing a pet can be advantageous to both the animal and the owner.  Two, it's okay to be different.  You're not unlovable just because you're not "normal".  

Win It!

One person will win a Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Home children's book.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received book for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fun Coca-Cola Alarm & Wall Clocks for Back to School

With back-to-school having started, Seiko and The Coca-Cola Company can help get kids up and to the bus on time. At exactly the same time as Kintaro Hattori was planning to open his Seikosha factory and to create his first ever wall clock, Doc Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia created a drink that would soon sweep the world. Both companies are celebrating 130 years in business this year and have collaborated on some clocks that could make a perfect gift or addition to the home.

 More info about the new products:

Coca Cola Wall Clock ($35 ∙ SRP $70/Dimensions: 14.4 x1.69”)

Coca Cola Alarm Clock (Cost $20 ∙ SRP $40): Available in Red or White and features an alarm, snooze function and light

Coca Cola Alarm Clock - Travel Version (Cost $12.50 ∙ SRP $25.00): Available in Red or White or Black and features an alarm, snooze function and light

I received product in exchange for this post.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

MaKynzee's 7th Birthday

birthday girl with some of her gifts

Moving into my first owned home with my husband three months ago has been quite a good thing.  For one, we now have our own place we can do what we want with.  For another, my niece and her three children live just two doors down.  The young'uns have been coming over quite a bit to hang.

MaKynzee, my great-niece, celebrated her 7th birthday the other day with an outdoor party at her home.  I'm not gonna lie, it was nice to roll out of bed after a night of working and just walk a few paces down to attend.

MaKynzee with the tye-dye gang

When I moved into our home, I turned one of the rooms into our office with the computer.  Now it's a combined space filled with toys that I bought just so the littles would have stuff to play with when they come over.  They better remember who the cool aunt is!

Me and my man

So Many Angels: A Family Crisis and the Community That Got Us Through It - Book Review

Book Overview:

Diane Cook’s idyllic suburban life was shattered with one phone call. As she stood five feet away from her two young sons, her husband, Jed, delivered the news: He had just been arrested. For attempted solicitation of a minor male over the internet.

Her world suddenly in shambles, Diane could have fallen apart―but she knew that wasn’t an option. She was a mom; her responsibility was to her boys. So she vowed to herself that she would keep herself―and her children―together. And then, just when it seemed things couldn’t get any worse, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

In the months that followed, Diane struggled to deal with Jed’s scandal, raise her two sons, and handle her new medical condition, all as a suddenly single mother. But she quickly learned that, even in her darkest times, she was not alone: her community was with her every step of the way, always ready to swoop in to support her when she needed it most. Ultimately, So Many Angels is an uplifting story of resilience and strength―and a tribute to the many friends and strangers who helped Diane and her boys survive the greatest trial of their lives.

My Review:

We all face difficult situations.  How we handle them can help determine the outlook and outcome of those situations.  Sometimes, reading about others struggles and how they've overcome them can help us in our own personal struggles when they arise.  So Many Angels is a book that shows a mother's resilience and resolve in the face of difficult times.

Author, Diane Stelfox Cook, chronicles how she faced life when confronted with scandals and sickness.  She is real and raw with her feelings and details of events.  Readers can learn a lot about how to help themselves during difficulty, and how to bring aid to others when they need it.

I received book for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Check It Out: Savings.com #LillysAfterParty Giveaway

Savings.com is giving away gift cards from Lilly Pulitzer in support of their After Party Sale.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, September 11th at 11:59 PM PT.  Five (5) winners will receive a $100 gift card from Lilly Pulitzer.
-----------
Get 10% discount on your orders with Lilly Pulitzer's email sign up.

This post contains affiliate links.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.