I have never been to a marriage conference as a married person. Have you? I attended Solomon's Song with my cousins during a weekend retreat. That was something else! Today at church they announced that "The Church" at BattleCreek- we have kind of a new name will soon be doing one.
We will be hosting the Passionate Love Marriage Conference May 6.
I am thinking God is telling me something, especially since when I checked my email one of the companies I blog for sent me the widget below to post fromFamilyLife.
This particular widget focuses on Military families. I have said before in my writings that although we are not a military family we have many members of our family and friends who have served and will be serving. We also just found out that in just a few short weeks we will be adding a new family member in marriage who will leave for Afghanistan shortly after nuptials are said. Please keep this young couple in your prayers.
This makes this subject even more and dear to my heart than ever. Military families need our prayers and God's constant guidance.
Would you help get the word out about this program?
Spread The Word! Did you or someone you love serve in the military? Help us spread to word and share the app on your Facebook or Twitter! Use hashtag #marriageops ! The more people who realize this is an issue, brings us one step closer to helping more families!
Donate! Text OPS to 80888 and donate $10.00 to help our men and women in the military strengthen their marriage by attending an event showcasing The Art of Marriage! Less than the price of two cups of coffee!
I will tell you again and again and AGAIN how much we enjoy our music especially Christian music. So anytime I get a chance to review and offer to my readers an album, I jump at it. The MIAMI VINEYARD LIVE CD gives us favorites such as Holy Spirit Come, Lord Reign in Me,Breathe and How Great is Our God that "is filled with many flavors, from Latino claves to gospel two-step to funk and soul to delay-laden rock guitars of modern worship, yet they all work together seamlessly to create a new sound and voice that is authentic and refreshing."
I also LOVE that parts of the songs are bi-lingual.
You can certainly feel the presence of the Lord when you are listening to this LIVE album, I felt like I was worshiping with them!
"What happens when a group of 20+ musicians and 10+ songwriters steeped deep in their own musical traditions of Black Gospel, Latin, Caribbean, and Anglo come together to create a new tradition and sound? What happens when the fusion of Black, Anglo, Latino, Caribbean, and Cuban voices unite together to worship in one voice? Among the 2000 people that attend the Miami Vineyard Community Church, there are over a hundred singers, instrumentalists and songwriters that make up its eclectic worship ministry. For one night, these musicians joined together in worship and invited the church to document the sound that is uniquely MIAMI VINEYARD LIVE."
Now, who wants this to add this CD to their collection? All you have to do is fill out the easy Rafflecopter entry form. The only mandatory entry is for you to leave me a comment telling who your favorite Christian artist is.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I just finished reading The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie, released this month. She is not a Christian fiction author that I have read before. But, I can tell you, I will be looking for her books to read in the future, especially since the book above is promised to have a series, a three book series! It totally left me in suspense.
A suspense of Christian historical romance and mystery.
What more could I want in a book?
Oh yeah, book #2 in the Forgotten Castles series, Forgiven Duke, which is promised Summer 2012!
Here is more about Jamie Carie:
"When she was six, Jamie’s parents met Jesus and soon after started a church. It changed everything. Road trips with her dad—to and from Bible studies across Indiana—were filled with talks of things beyond earth’s bounds – creation and the fall, God and Jesus and the rapture, the earthly walk compared to the spiritual walk, and how we are born for more than what we can see or touch.
The highlight of those nights was stopping at a truck stop in the middle of the night where her dad would spend a little of the offering basket on two slices of pie and a couple of Cokes. Nothing ever felt so special as a middle of the night slice of pie with her dad. And nothing could stop the writing pouring out of her.
As Jamie’s relationship with God grew, she discovered her heart was filled with songs and poetry. During high school she wrote lyrics for her brother’s band. (And she sang them too!) After college, Jamie married, had two sons and decided to stay home with them. While she homeschooled she wrote skits, poems, plays and short stories for school and church.
When her eldest son turned five she dove into the world of novels. She’d read romance novels for years, but couldn’t relate to the flawless, saintly heroines in Christian romance novels. So she decided to write her own.
Snow Angel was born on a frosty night in an old farmhouse in Fishers, Indiana, where the cold floor gave plenty of motivation for the snow scene. Jamie loves to write late at night when the house is quiet and the darkness seems alive. Elizabeth and Noah had been playacting in herhead for a long time, so the story went fast.
Ten years later Snow Angel was published and won the ForeWord magazine Romance Book of the Year winner, was a National “Best Books 2007” Awards winner, and a 2008 RITA Awards® Best First Book finalist. It was the beginning of her dream career.
Jamie and her husband Tony have been married for twenty-one years and live in Indianapolis with their three sons and a giant of a dog named Leo.
If she could only say one thing to her readers it would be, “Live the dreams God has destined you for!”
I am not going to tell you any more about the book, but show you this trailer. I scanned the QR code on the back of the book and this trailer came up before I read the book. I couldn't wait to read it. All books should have a trailer.
Now, which one of my readers would like their very own copy of this book to add to their personal library? All I ask is that you leave a comment telling me who your favorite Christian fiction author is. The other entries are optional.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Braden is preparing for his 5th Grade writing test. In doing so he has been practice writing a few essays. I ran across the following and decided that it needed to be posted here at The 4-Crow's, after all this blog is about living, laughing, LEARNING, and loving from our nest.
(I am not going to correct any grammatical, punctuation, or other errors. Please remember he is in 5th grade. It is so hard when he is doing these assignments, not to correct everything and make it my own words with my own grammatical corrections, but I know he has to learn. I am rather proud that I might not be the only writer in my family- fingers crossed that he will be the one to figure out how to make the big bucks, who knows, maybe it will be writing or even shooting HOOPS!)
Hoops
by Braden
My first time to learn something was when I was 8. I just learned to shoot baskets, in Basketball. And while I was shooting I became better and better at it.
Even if I missed I'd put it back up. And sometimes for training I shot Free Throws, played Knockout, played horse, and even around the world. I know that stuff was easy stuff because mostly you shoot closer towards the basket.
But not for me because I'm good at 3-Pointers. But Here's a lesson the closer you get the better you make it. And also what I learned was to dribble.
When I started dribbling was probably when, I guess out in the driveway. I mean usually you learn when your in your Basketball practice. But the main thing is don't start crossing or under your legs until someone teaches you.
But the important way to play Basketball is play with courage or talents. And I'm not saying as talent as in watching NBA player's be showoffs. but the most Important things of things be yourself.
I can only imagine, read, watch, listen and pray daily for our military troops and their families. I do not have a close family member currently deployed. My niece's fiance will soon be going to Afghanistan, and I have a cousin who will be going to England. I have had lots of family members who have been in active military duty and would do it again if asked. They have never regretted their decision to serve our country. You may even remember atThanksgiving this past year when we had my friend/Kaybrie's ballet teacher and her girls over for Thanksgiving dinner. Her husband Charlie was due home anytime from Iraq, but kept getting delayed. I am proud to say that I have also taught my children to respect and pray for those who serve and protect us and those who stand by them daily, their families.
When asked to review the new Cooper and Me book, written for children by Monique and Alexa Peters, I was so excited. It was another opportunity for me to share with my children about the life of those in the Military. Here is an overview of the book.
"Meet Trooper, Cooper’s best friend, and learn how he was adopted by Gracie and Joe and their parents, who both serve in the military. Find out how this family stays close despite being separated.
A must-read during patriotic holidays and for anyone with friends and family in the military, this book helps children know, that even when loved ones aren’t with us, they still love us and think about us. This book, along with all the other books in the Cooper and Me series, includes these interactive features:
• A Special Memory Creation
• Life Lesson
• Connections
• Learning Together
In addition to a fun adventure, each Cooper and Me story teaches an important Life Lesson and features interactive materials at the back of the book to drive the message home. Included are activities that help children name and process their own feelings about what they’ve read."
If I haven't said it before, I love these books. I love the use phonics, rhyme and the illustrations. Cooper is so adorable. My daughter loves him also, these books are a wonderful addition to our library.
Here are a few additional places to go and learn more about these books:
Now, which one of The 4-Crow's readers would like a copy of this book to add to their own library? All you have to do is fill out the easy Rafflecopter entry form below!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Today I am showing you my crafty side for love and giving!
I tell you about Secret Cupid at my nest, a craft that we will be making at Braden's Valentine Party, and show you once again the candy cane lollipops that I made for Kaybrie's birthday party and will be making more for Valentine's Day!
Our littlest Crow turned FIVE yesterday! Oh my how time flies!
Fiveyears ago our family was made complete- a beautiful 7lb 8oz, brown eyed, brown curly haired princess was given to us by God to love and raise. She gave us a little scare in the beginning when she didn't cry, but once they made her she has let her voice be known ever since!
We love you Kaybrie Jayne Crow!
We pray that this year is Fabulous just like you!
I just had to share her latest pictures that were taken at school- aren't they the sweetest?
She saw an infomercial on TV the Saturday before her party- she had to have cake pops!
Thankfully I have a friend who has a George Foreman like cake ball/pop maker! Thank you Sarah B.
The BEST Birthday present in the WORLD...an American Girl Doll!
Meet Kayleigh
(this might just be THE name, its last for two days now)
Yes, I think she had a pretty Fabulous 5th Birthday and we look forward to all the changes that this next year bring to us...only six more months until Kindergarten!
Do you remember voting for me on Facebook for the "New Chick" T-Shirt for Happy First?
Well, your votes were counted and I WON!!! Yay!
Here is the winning design!
CuTe, huh?
Did you happen to see me on the news this past Friday morning?
Pretty good for live TV, right? Well I thought so.
Thank you all so much for your votes. I am so excited to help Turn Tulsa Pink through March 31, 2012 with a portion of the proceeds of this shirt. Oh, and if you buy onlineright now its free shipping! How cool is that?
Debbie at Happy First has given me two shirts to give away. One for my readers here at The 4-Crow's and the other for my readers at The RHOK (giveaway starts Wednesday, Feb 1).
Wow, you get two opportunities to win!
Double Cool!
(The size I have to give away at both places is a Large, I grabbed the largest that the shirt comes in. If the winner needs a smaller size, I can get it for you.)
Now, who wants to be a "Super Chick" in this awesome shirt? All you have to do is a few clicks of the easy Rafflecopter form.
With my family flying in and out of our nest a minimum of 3x per day, meal times together are a challenge! We rarely get to sit as a family, and time for making a meal is usually spent on homework or other household chores. Anything I can find to make meal time easy and stress free is a huge blessing. Bertolli®has done just that. Bertolli® sent us a coupon for a bag from their Meal Soup line for the Weeknight Meal Special Challenge. I chose the Roasted Chicken & Rotini Pasta Soup for our meal. It was filling and satisfying. We had an incredible meal in just three simple steps.
Pour contents of bag into a sauce pan and add 1 cup of water.
Bring to a boil on high heat, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat and cover, simmer for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
That's it. Easy Peasy! I had dinner ready in 18 minutes, start to finish- that included making grilled cheese and setting the dinner table! My kids wondered if I were getting sick when they got to drink out of the "good" glassware! LOL!
Just the bag of soup, a saucepan, and a cup of water! EASY!
Look at all those vegetables!
Table ready- except for napkins!
Daddy Crow's plate...the soup paired with grilled cheese, yep that's how we rolled this meal for Daddy and the kids!
Awww...This is a priceless photo! (yes, my head was bowed also)
I didn't get to have a grilled cheese. I paired my soup up with a salad! My favorite way to eat soup! Yum!
Look the soup is gone before the sandwich. Winner!!!!
My family loved the soup. I was very impressed personally. As one who is counting calories right now and looking at nutrition labels on everything I loved that this particular meal boast 20g of protein and 4g of fiber per serving with 290 calories. One bag serves two, so I didn't get the complete serving, but it was plenty for me. The Bertolli® Meal Soup's are found in your grocer's freezer section. You can also visit this link to find a grocer near you who carries this product.
Here is more information on the soups from Bertolli®:
· Bertolli® Frozen Meal Soups are hearty and fresh-tasting with vegetables, meats, pasta and herbs individually flash frozen at the peak of freshness.
· Bertolli® Frozen Meal Soups are available in the frozen aisle, and can be prepared on your stove top in minutes.
· With robust flavors and rich textures, newBertolli® Frozen Meal Soups are available in four varieties: Chicken Minestrone, Roasted Chicken & Rotini Pasta, Tomato Florentine & Tortellini with Chicken, and Tuscan-Style Beef with Vegetables.
Be sure to like Bertolli® on Facebook and follow them on Twitter! If you try out this soup, let me know how you like it!
My family loves music, especially Christian music. I am pretty sure I have told my readers this before and probably will again and again! We got the opportunity to review the above CD via digital download and loved it as well.
From the website: "We believe that the Vineyard continues to have a unique voice and quality in the broader Church's experience of worship. We believe that the songs, words and expression of our worship are different because they are informed and infused with Vineyard core values -- intimacy, accessibility and authenticity. Our music is not written from within a vacuum; it comes from the trenches of local Vineyard church ministry as they seek to experience engaging the Kingdom of God in their local communities. Our founder, John Wimber, said that our worship leaders should be ministers first and musicians second. We still believe this is a vital emphasis for us. We make it our aim to instill this servant's heart deep into our Vineyard worship community."
Vineyard Music is not a music company, rather a non-profit worship ministry. They just want to help the local church experience God rather than be profit driven. Powerful, huh?
Who would like to have a digital copy of this album? One of our readers will be blessed with their very own copy. All you have to do is fill out the easy Rafflecopter form below.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services
mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I
only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:
"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Sunday is our family day. After church we have lunch, then we try to either play a game, catch a game or watch a show or movie. This past Sunday we opted to to "help" Moma Crow out and review a family movie. We popped two batches of popcorn, settled in the living room dressed in our pj's and enjoyed family time with a movie that spoke to all of us. As parents the movie taught us to never doubt the abilities of our children and never hold them back because of our fears for them. Our children learned that they should not take any gifts they are given lightly. That God blesses each and everyone of His children with immeasurable gifts and talents.
The movie "A Mile in His Shoes" is from the director of "Angels In the Outfield". It is an inspiring story about a special boy with Asperger's sydrome with an amazing gift, and the coach who believed. Dean Cain and Luke Schroder star in the gmc movie based on the book "The Legend of Mickey Tussler".
I love that this movie carries the Dove Foundation- family approved seal and that Thomas Kinkade presented the movie along with his beautiful eye for creation. We need MORE movies like this!!!
Which one of our reader's would like to own their very own copy of this DVD? All you have to do is go to the EASY Rafflecopter form below and enter! A few extra entries can be earned. Giveaway ends 12:01 AM January 25, 2011.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
