I Love Your Presence

I LOVE YOUR PRESENCE was recorded live at the Burn Bright: Worship and The Kingdom Of God conference, hosted by Vineyard Worship. Several hundred worship leaders and worshipers gathered in the Arizona desert to explore the nature of God’s kingdom through music and teaching with some of the Vineyard’s most gifted communicators and musicians. This inspiring collection of songs recorded live at the The Vineyard Church North Phoenix will immerse listeners in the powerful worship that was the highlight of the event. I LOVE YOUR PRESENCE reminds us to not just think of worship as singing songs, but also laying down our lives for Him. ~ press description

While listening to these songs, no matter how busy I was, they would draw me into His presence. The first few selections were pleasant background music as I was busy working on other things, but then track 5, "Love Of God", grabbed my attention as it slowly built up in intensity. It was followed by "One Thing Remains" which caused me to stop all I was doing to just soak in the music that turned into my own time of just worshiping God. All of the songs were good, but the other 2 stand-outs for me were "Isn't He_Amazing Grace" and the title track, "I Love Your Presence".  I certainly recommend this cd of worship songs.

Website: http://www.vineyardmusic.com/vm/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DiscoverVineyard

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/VineyardMusic

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-love-your-presence-live/id491711353

Giveaway: To win a free download of this latest by  Vineyard Music, simply leave a comment letting me know you want to be enter4ed in the drawing. Deadline to enter is Sat., Feb. 4, 2012 at 10pm CST.

"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."

Hope For AIDS Orphans

 This is a week that has many activities and remembrances of The Sanctity Of Life. While more areas of concentration are centered on the appalling fact of abortion, I also want to speak on the subject of the rights of those children who have been left orphaned due to AIDS. Many of these orphans  live in areas that are considered Third World countries. Their lives are already filled with hunger: They hunger for food to fill their empty bellies, they hunger for the spiritual truth that there is a God who loves them, and they hunger for the touch of a parent who loves them. Hope For AIDS Orphans is an outreach of Cross International, a Christian relief and development charity based in Florida. This ministry provides food, shelter, education, and meets medical needs to some of the poorest in dozens of countries.

I know that it is easy to get overwhelmed with all of the needs in the world, especially when you are struggling with meeting those within your own family, but there are more ways than one to help. Please check out the Hope For Aids Orphans website to see the 3 ways listed  that people can help Express Care, Share Their Story, and Give Hope. 

 For the fatherless receives compassion in You. - Hosea 14:3 
We are here to do serve others as we would serve Him. Even if you cannot make the difference the the lives of many, perhaps you can make the difference in the life of one child.

"Christ has no body on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ's compassion for the world is to look out; yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good; and yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now." ~Saint Teresa of Avila

 

 

Click here for Cross International on Facebook.

A Mile In His Shoes

Dean Cain and Luke Schroder star in A Mile In His Shoes, part of the Thomas Kinkade Presents series. From the director of Angels In The Outfield comes an inspiring story about a special boy with an amazing gift, and the coach who believed. Based on the novel The Legend Of Mickey Tussler by Frank Nappi, this is the story of Mickey Tussler (Schroder), a boy with Asperger Syndrome ( a form of autism), who is also a fantastic pitcher. When Arthur "Murph" Murphy (Cain) is out to visit a potential new recruit, his car goes into a ditch near the Tussler's farm. After observing his incredible pitching ability, he persuades Mickey's reluctant parents to let him join the team. This is a film that shows the power of faith, friendship, and determination to overcome obstacles.

This is a fairly good film for the entire family to watch. Some parts of it didn't ring quite true with me, but I think it was due to making it more of a family-friendly film. I read some reviews of the book and it was set in the 1940s and the father was abusive. The film is updated, and many of the darker aspects are glossed over. You suspect the father is abusive, but I think they went a bit too far in trying to give him a better image. It is another of those things that may have just been my mood at the time I viewed it. Of course, I think the film sounds more to my liking than the book would, esp for sharing with the kids. Some scenes are a bit intense, but more is inferred than shown. There is no foul language or sex, but there is a bit of violence. I would call this more "family" than "faith"-based, though. I remember seeing a Bible, but faith is not overly emphasized. Overall, though, I would recommend it as a film for your personal family library.

Website: http://www.watchgmctv.com/video/mile-his-shoes#biography

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Mile-In-His-Shoes/270101973014772?sk=wall

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev2T0BFetH4

 Dove Foundation Review:  http://www.dove.org/reviewmasterframe.asp

 “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.”

ALA MidWinter Meeting

For those who are in the Dallas,TX area, the American Library Association MidWinter Meeting is this week, January 20-24. The huge variety of exhibits, sessions, and events will be very advantageous for your library and your career. Learning new tools and getting tips from those in the know will be very beneficial. There is also the excitement of learning about new titles and meeting some fascinating authors! 


Of course, I have to do a bit of shameless plugging for some of my Facebook friends & they all are  Zondervan authors. Click on the date for a link to all authors scheduled to appear.

Fri. Jan 20: Bodie & Brock Thoene (6:30pm-7:30pm)  Beyond The Farthest Star
Sat. Jan 21: DiAnn Mills ~The Chase (11-Noon), Camy Tang ~Protection For Hire (1-2pm), Vannetta Chapman ~ A Perfect Square and Melanie Dickerson ~The Merchant's Daughter (3-4pm).
Sun. Jan 22: Heather Burch ~ Halflings (3-4pm)
Mon. Jan 23:


Here is the ALA MidWinter main link: http://www.alamidwinter.org/

A quick link to many of the resources to be found in Dallas is http://www.alamidwinter.org/resources-attendees. You should be able to find links to important things to know...like MAPS!! (I have been lost in Dallas. Not fun.)
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And, since this is my blog, you know I have to remind everyone to......

Like BTFS on Facebook 

BRING IT to YOUR Metro area.

Follow at Beyondmovie on Twitter

In the meantime....BUY THE BOOK!!!!!!!

I Am Second

I Am Second tells a summary of the lives of 20 different people who hit bottom before reaching out to God...some for the first time and others  returning to Him. Some of the people highlighted in this may be well known to you, and others are unknown, but at least one will have a story that you can relate to in some way. Even if your story is different, the message is still reiterated to all that God will never leave you and is waiting for you to come to Him. Authors Doug Bender and Dave Sterrett have put together a compact book that is filled with stories of darkness, rejection, pain, and emptiness, but end with the hope found in Jesus when you choose to place Him first in your life and yourself (& all other things) second.

Watch the video for more about the book:

I was familiar with the series of videos I have watched, so I was looking forward to getting the book. I enjoyed the book, but would have liked for it to have been thicker. Although it was a short read, there are stories told that I will read again. There were several people interviewed whom I had never heard of, and some whose lives have touched mine in one way or another. I know that one of the families involved is currently going through another tragedy and I am amazed with the way they are ministering to others in their own time of need. Reading their background story here fills me with even more admiration...and absolute awe of the God they (& I) serve. To see all of these people explain, "I was here, but when I put God first, I was able to climb out of the rut." shows how simple it is to give your own testimony.  There are no claims that life is now free of sorrow, but there is an emphasis on the hope we find in Christ.

There are too many of the videos for me to choose just one, so here is a link to their YouTube channel, along with several other I AM SECOND pages you will want to check out for yourself.
I Am Second Youtube Channel
I Am Second Website
I Am Second Facebook
I Am Second Twitter

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com ( http://BookSneeze.com ) book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I Am Second © 2012 by e3 Partners Ministry, Original package design © 2011 Thomas Nelson, Inc.

How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take To Change A Person?

There are nearly 300 references to light in the Bible, and Rhonda Rhea uses many of these to point the reader to the light of Jesus Christ. How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take To Change A Person?: Bright Ideas For A Delightful Transformation is a wonderful read for the darker days of Winter. Rhonda's delightful sense of humor as she shares both personal stories and enlightening Scripture brings many rays of hope and encouragement. By pointing the way to Christ, the true Light-Bearer, we learn to how He can transform our lives. In turn, by letting Christ shine in us, we make help to make a difference in the lives of others.

The book is divided into 5 different sections, and has a total of 25 chapters. Small group discussion questions are also included at the end of the book. By reading and studying this with others, it will also shed more light on ways to apply this to your life and be transformed. All living things need LIGHT if they are going to GROW!! This is a very good book and I believe it will brighten your week to spend some time reading it.

I received an ARC courtesy of the publisher & NetGalley. I was not required to give a good review, and all opinions are my own.

THE LORD'S PRAYER

 The Lord's Prayer (A Conversation With The LORD)

Characters: 

Voice of God 

Petitioner 

A person praying the Lord's prayer in their daily ritual gets more than they bargained for.

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Our Father Who Art In Heaven.

Yes?

Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.

But -- you called ME!

Called you? No, I didn't call you. I'm praying.

Our Father who art in Heaven.

There -- you did it again!

Did what?

Called ME. You said, "Our Father who art in Heaven" Well, here I am. What's
on your mind?

But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers
for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind
of like fulfilling a duty.

Well, all right. Go on.

Okay, Hallowed be thy name . .

Hold it right there. What do you mean by that?

By what?

By "Hallowed be thy name"?

It means, it means... good grief, I don't know what it means.
How in the world should I know? It's just a part of the prayer.
By the way, what does it mean?

It means Honored, Holy, Wonderful.

Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant
before. Thanks.

Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.

Do you really mean that?

Sure, why not?

What are you doing about it?

Doing? Why, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you
got control, of everything down here like you have up there. We're kinda in
a mess down here you know.

Yes, I know; but, have I got control of you?

Well, I go to church.

That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper?
You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you
spend your money -- all on yourself.
And what about the kind of books you read?

Now hold on just a minute! Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of
the rest of those people at church!

Excuse ME. I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to
happen, it will have to start with the ones
who are praying for it. Like you -- for example.

Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I
could probably name some others.

So could I.

I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to
cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free.

Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together -- You and ME. I'm
proud of You.

Look, Lord, if you don't mind, I need to finish up here.
This is taking a lot longer than it usually does.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

You need to cut out the bread. You're overweight as it is.

Hey, wait a minute! What is this? Here I was doing my religious duty, and
all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups.

Praying is a dangerous thing. You just might get what you ask for.
Remember, you called ME -- and here I am. It's too late to stop now.

Keep praying. ( ...pause... ) Well, go on.

I'm scared to.

Scared? Of what?

I know what you'll say.

Try ME.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

What about Ann?

See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why, Lord, she's told lies
about me, spread stories. She never paid back the money she owes me. I've
sworn to get even with her!

But -- your prayer -- What about your prayer?

I didn't -- mean it.

Well, at least you're honest. But, it's quite a load carrying around all
that bitterness and resentment isn't it?

Yes, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her. Boy, have I got
some plans for her. She'll wish she had never been born.

No, you won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet.
You know how unhappy you are -- Well, I can change that.

You can? How?

Forgive Ann. Then, I'll forgive you; And the hate and the sin, will be
Ann's problem -- not yours. You will have settled the problem as far as
you are concerned.

Oh, you know, you're right. You always are. And more than I want revenge, I
want to be right with You . . (sigh).

All right,  all right .  I forgive her.

There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?

Hmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all! In fact, I feel pretty great! You
know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight.
I haven't been getting much rest, you know.

Yeah, I know.

But, you're not through with your prayer are you? Go on.

Oh, all right.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place
where you can be tempted.

What do you mean by that?

You know what I mean.

Yeah. I know. Okay.

Go ahead. Finish your prayer.

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory forever. Amen.

Do you know what would bring me glory -- What would really make me happy?

No, but I'd like to know. I want to please you now. I've really made a
mess of things. I want to truly follow you. I can see now how great that
would be. So, tell me...
How do I make you happy?

YOU just did.

 ***************************************************************************************

© Andy Lund 1999 All rights reserved
This play may be performed free of charge, on the condition that copies are not sold for profit in any medium, nor any entrance fee charged.
In exchange for free performance, the author would appreciate being notified of when and for what purpose the play is performed.
He may be contacted at: andy@familylund.freeserve.co.uk

After seeing this prayer on Facebook, I wanted to find the author (well, other that THE Author!), and discovered it was from a script. I also came upon other great short scripts at The Christian Walk.

Trost vs Jestus: Who do U "like"?

There is a friendly competition going on at Trost Moving Pictures between Tracy Trost, the President and Founder of Trost Moving Pictures and the Producer of Marketing and Distribution, Joe Jestus. There is a PRIZE to be won!!!! However, I will let you click on the link to get the details: http://trostmovingpictures.com/2012/01/tracy-vs-joe-on-facebook/

Head on over and LIKE either  Tracy
or

   Joe!! Can't decide? Like them both!! :)

Also, check out their films and TMPics at the links listed below:

http://www.AChristmasSnow.com
http://www.facebook.com/aChristmasSnow
http://www.TheLampMovie.com
http://www.facebook.com/TheLampMovie
http://www.FindMeTheMovie.com
http://www.facebook.com/FindMeTheMovie
http://www.TrostMovingPictures.com
http://www.twitter.com/TMPstudios
http://www.facebook.com/TMPics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tmpic/sets/

Join in the fun and the competition!!

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I have no to prize to give, but you are welcome to like ME!!  Why? Just because I am nice and I am telling you how you can win something, plus, I'm giving YOU a chance to give back. LOL!!  

Christian Women In Media Association Regional Event

Christian Women in Media is an organization consisting of women who work in media outlets including television, radio, Internet/web, publishing/authors, and music/artists, with the goal of providing networking and connection opportunities through live events, online social networks and professional activities.

Throughout the year there are dinners at the 5 main regional areas. The next event will be held January 12, 2012, at 6:30pm (7:15pm in LA)
________________________________________________________

Dallas / SouthWest
Tracey Mitchell (regional director)
Tracey Mitchell Ministries

 Come on out for this special evening featuring Keynote Speaker June Hunt and Music Artist Cheryl Boggs!Come early for the Media Seminar 4:30 to 5:30pm, hosted by Becky Baker on Enhancing Your Platform.
_________________________________________________________

 Nashville / SouthEast 
ROBIN BERTRAM (regional director)
Robin Bertram Ministries 

A special evening featuring Keynote Speaker Kim Bolton and guest artist, Rachael Mann.
 Come early for the Media Seminar
4:30 - 5:30pm | "Keys to Finishing Well as a Leader" with Nancy Reece
_________________________________________________________

New York / NorthEast 
SUELLEN ROBERTS (Founder and President, CWIMA)  

Another impressive line-up in New York City! Come on out for Keynote Speaker, CWIMA's Founder and President Suellen Roberts, Guest Artist Terri Small.Come early for the Bonus Media Seminar 5:30 - 6:30pm (new time!) Topic: Actors Workshop "The Industry 101" with Media Seminar Host BJ Gianni
 ____________________________________________________

Chicago/MidWest  
WENDIE PETT (regional co-director) 
 Visibly Fit™ program. 
 PAM ROSS (regional co-director) 
Kingdom Leadership Development, Inc

Join us for this special evening featuring Keynote Speaker Pamela Ross and RENEA TAYLOR, Guest Artist. Come early for the Media Seminar 4:30 - 5:30pm
 _______________________________________________________

Los Angeles/West Coast
 KATHLEEN COOKE (Regional Director)
Cooke Pictures

Come on out for this special evening featuring Keynote Speaker Cassie Byram.
Come early for the bonus media seminar at 6:30 on Breaking In! Get in the Door and Keep Making a Difference.
____________________________________________________
Register in advance for the event you plan to attend at http://www.cwima.org/events

Also sign up on Facebook on the Event at  https://www.facebook.com/events/294703967247308/

To LIKE CWIMA, click here.

BTFS Novel Reviews & Updates

 I guess that by now everyone knows that Beyond The Farthest Star is both a film and a book. Have I mentioned this before? LOL!! Yeah, I guess I do go more than a bit overboard in my excitement! But THIS IS THE YEAR IT WILL BE RELEASED!! ~happy dance~ Last night I even dreamed that I had written an absolutely outstanding article about BTFS that garnered attention everywhere! Sadly, I don't have that talent in reality, but I did want to share some updates on the book. Bodie and Brock Thoene have taken the mesmerizing, brilliant screenplay by Andrew Librizzi and turned it into a page-turning, intense, satisfying read. Don't just take my word for it. The eBook was released just before Christmas....and everyone agrees......

Some of the comments I have read:

With tight writing and a compelling story laced with angst and trimmed with faith, this is a great read. ~ Linda

I enjoyed every minute spent getting to know these realistic and well developed characters. This novel offers everything a reader could want heartbreak, suspense and romance. Dialogue, scenery and plot worked well with no dull parts. ~ Kathy 

Amazingly well crafted story that keeps your interest as it weaves through multilayered characters, secrets, betrayal and a thrilling but emotional outcome. What is so interesting about Beyond The Farthest Star, is that it is so rich with deep truths. ~ Lydell

Beyond the Farthest Star is a great read. I can`t wait for the movie to come out. It touches on a lot topics relevant today. A very moving book. ~ Anita

Really enjoyed it. Great job! ~ Tyler

The novel was very good. It definitely showed how grace can be missing in the places you expect to see it most, and how the One Beyond the Farthest Star can reveal himself to even those who seem most unable to see. I can't wait to see it on film. ~Jennifer

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IF you live in the Dallas, TX vicinity and are a fan of the Thoene's, I have GREAT NEWS:

The Thoenes will appear in the Zondervan/HarperCollins booth at the ALA (American Library Association) Midwinter convention from 6:30pm-7:30pm on January 20th!!  The 2012 Midwinter Meeting will take place in the Dallas Convention Center at 650 S. Griffin Street, Dallas, TX 75202, as well as several hotels near the Convention Center. Find out more details at http://www.alamidwinter.org/  or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/221581731235566/.
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Beyond The Farthest Star in paperback is due NEXT MONTH!! Producer/Actor Benjamin Dane recently showed off his prized early edition of the paperback...which has me sooooo envious! Yes, I did get to read an ARC eBook in November, courtesy of NetGalley and Zondervan, but....I am old-fashioned and prefer to hold a book in my hands!! I preordered MY copy weeks ago, so I don't have much longer to wait. Make sure you pre-order your paperback (or audio book) through one of the many fantastic outlets available or you can buy the ebook TODAY!! Happy Reading!!

UPDATE!!!!! My friend Gretta just posted a review AND she is sponsoring a GIVEAWAY!!!!!! Check it out at The Johns Family.