Christmas Under the Stars - Lauren Daigle

 

Christmas With Lauren Daigle!

 Are you ready for the Christmas season to be in full swing? ! know that I am ready for the music, movies, and specials that celebrate and bring joy! Coming up on December 6th, a don't miss holiday special is Christmas Under The Stars–featuring GRAMMY, Billboard Music and Dove-award winning artist Lauren Daigle! You will love this collection of Christmas classics, plus music from her BEHOLD Christmas CD.

Trust me on this one! I have already seen it and have no doubt that all Lauren Daigle fans will love it as much as I did. Christmas favorites are spiced with a jazzy flavor as Lauren pays homage to her New Orleans roots. She also shares a few Christmas memories that may have you wanting to share some special moments with your own family and friends. 

So, gather with your household for a night of wonderful music, snacks, memories, and family fun! REMEMBER, you can watch free on Sunday, December 6 at 9 p.m. ET | 6 p.m. PT on BYUtv. You can also stream the program for free on the BYUtv app anytime after the premiere.

WAIT! There Is More! This IS the season of giving, right? Not only are you being given a new Lauren Daigle Christmas Special to watch FREE... but one blessed person will also receive a Lauren Daigle BEHOLD: A Christmas Collection cd!! Contest ends on December 9th, 2020. To enter, type in #ChristmasL3 and tell me either your favorite song from the Christmas Under the Stars special OR your favorite Christmas carol. Post in comments on this blog post or comments under a blog share.

Speaking of sharing, please share about this special on your own social media or one-on-one with people.

The George Washington Carver Effect

 

What would your reaction be if you were going about your daily tasks and the Lord gave you a prophetic word about the United States? In 2008 that's exactly what happened to a soon to be author named Rhett Barbaree as he was contemplating how to write a novel which would include the well-known historical figure, George Washington Carver.Follow this fascinating story where Rhett and others share a number of prophetic revelations that will not only bring you up to speed about The Great Awakening and God's economic plans for America, but help you understand what specific role each of us are called to play. Once you do, I'm sure you will agree, this is the most exciting time to be alive on planet earth.

 

My Review: In June 2017, I was offered a chance to review Rhett Barbaree's novel, Thank God for Boll Weevils, and immediately became a huge fan. Read My Review here. We connected via Facebook, and he had told me a couple of times that God was still speaking to him about this story but in a different way, and said he would make sure I was aware when more was published. So I was excited when I heard the book was being released.

Wow! I am still soaking in all that I read in The George Washington Carver Effect: Much More Than Peanuts! I won't get into details since this is a book you will want to own, but it is one that fills me with excited hope. Some of the areas he explains are vital for The Great Awakening to happen are some that I had pushed aside on a personal level, but I now see it with fresh eyes.

George Washington Carver was a strong believer and prayer, and we can see how God used him to make a tremendous difference that impacted millions. Now is the time for more of us to be on our knees in prayer and obedience to God. "If you start the fire, I will send the wind." (pg 13) If we start the spark and fire up our resolve to obey the Lord (not mankind), He will fan the flames and ignite a renewed spiritual awakening in our country and beyond.

I highly recommend this book! A bonus is that the novel, Thank God for Boll Weevils, is included within the book. You will definitely get your money's worth! The fictionalized story is fascinating, informational, and a good. read. The additional factual part at the beginning is a clear call to action in a world that currently seems to be falling apart at a rapid pace. Order your copy now!

Amazon

The George Washington Carver Effect Facebook Page.

CSB Holy Land Illustrated Bible

 

Visit the Holy Lands without Ever Leaving Home! The CSB Holy Land Illustrated Bible is a visually immersive Bible reading experience featuring over 1,200 images, maps, and illustrations to provide greater insight and understanding of the people, places, and events of scripture. Book-specific introductions provide the setting and circumstances of writing for each book, and every image includes a descriptive caption to help better understand what is pictured.

Features include:

• 1,200+ images, maps, and illustrations
• 275 full-length commentary articles
• 40+ “Digging Deeper” call-outs

 

 

 

MY REVIEW: Are you a serious student of the Bible, looking for details and descriptions that aren't found in your average Bible? Then, the CSB Holy Land Illustrated Bible (Holman Bible Publishers) is the Bible you need! Not only is there the entirety of holy scripture, but there are numerous articles, photos, and maps to provide a depth of enlightenment and understanding of what was happening, where, and who was involved. Dedicated scholars have poured their knowledge into a single volume that is a treasure trove of information. Check out the Table of Contents here. 

 

And, you can't forget the maps! They have fascinated me since my first Bible I received as a 6 year old, and I am happy to see them in this Bible. There is also an extensive concordance to aid you in searching for specific scripture. Naturally, the introduction to each book is a major asset in discovering the author, audience, time frame, and any other relevant info.

There are a few downsides, though. The book is literally heavy. Weighing in at nearly 4 pounds, I cannot carry it in one hand without fear of dropping it. The print is readable, but I would have preferred it to be just a bit larger. And there are no margins for notes that I like to make when studying. However... those additions would make this Bible even heavier. Keep in mind, I am older, so I am speaking only of my personal preferences. The info and photos outweigh the cons. Plus, I love how the CBS Holy Land Illustrated Bible lies flat while open. That makes it easier to read and to write notes in a notebook, or my computer, without worrying over losing my place. I definitely recommend this Bible!

GIVEAWAY: Lifeway Christian Resources and LEV3L Digital will send 1 hardcover CSB (Christian Standard Bible) Holy Land Illustration Bible ($49.99 retail value) to one reader of my blog. The rules are

• 2020 was a difficult year for many. Tell me one thing you are most thankful for this year?
• Use #HolyLandBibleL3 in your response. 

Contest ends on Thanksgiving Day (Nov 26, 2020) and the winner will be announced on Nov, 27, 2020.

Much gratitude to Lifeway Christian Resources and Lev3l Digital for supplying my review copy and the winner's copy at no cost to me.

SOCIAL LINKS:

• Website

• Translation Info

• Video

• Facebook

• Instagram

• Twitter

  PURCHASE
  

BtW Interview with Kevin Sorbo

 

A few weeks ago, I shared the ASK ANYTHING post for viewers to send in questions to filmmaker Brent Miller and narrator Kevin Sorbo. I recently posted the Brent Miller Jr. interview, but Kevin couldn't fit it into his overcrowded schedule at that time.

HOWEVER...in true Herculean fashion, actor Kevin Sorbo, narrator in BEFORE THE WRATH showed up just when needed. In this video, he goes through many of your questions, complete with shout outs and personal reflection. Please enjoy and share...

I really liked this fascinating documentary that explained the 2nd coming of Christ as demonstrated via a Galilean wedding. Be sure to pick up a copy or watch online!

BEFORE THE WRATH is AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY + DVD as well as DVD. You will want to own this fascinating film for your personal library and it would be an excellent gift for your church library.
BUY HERE

 
SOCIAL LINKS

• Website

• Trailer

• Facebook

• Instagram 

2020: A Few Thoughts

Has 2020 seemed turned upside down to you in many ways? It certainly has been different from most years. I have read numerous posts by people who think things will calm down "after the election" or "when 2020 is over." What if they don't? No matter who wins Tuesday (IF we actually have a clear winner), I actually expect the tension to get worse.

Fear & Hate have been the big "4 letter words" of 2020. Politics and a pandemic have created PANDEMONIUM (noun. wild uproar or unrestrained disorder; tumult or chaos. a place or scene of riotous uproar or utter chaos.) People have always taken sides, but I have never seen it to this extent. Everything is politicized. Everything is black and white with few willing to have a civil discussion. Your opinions, especially if they differ from the politically correct, can destroy your life.

I admit that I look at one political party and can't believe anyone would vote for the candidates running under that platform. It honestly saddens me when I think of all of the years when I voted for a person based on experience, education, and character. I believe I registered as an Independent; I know I always deliberately chose people from both major parties (& sometimes a minor party), and my choice was not someone based on race, gender, ethnicity, region, college [football], political affiliation or other factors... unless there was more than one person whom I felt was qualified. We have reached a point in the past 20 years, though, that finding anyone to enthusiastically endorse is difficult.

All that to say that the past 4 years, combined with the increased hatred in recent months, means a lot of people are going to be angrier than ever next week. People can't simply accept the loss, and move forward, seeking a harmonious compromise for what is best for our country. There are those who want to destroy this nation and will stop at nothing to do so. Others, of course, want a different America... not to destroy but because they believe their vision will help America. There are those with a global vision that I can't wrap my mind around. How are we to work together if we won't listen and actually HEAR without the words going through a preconceived filter. We call each other names without even knowing what the words mean and expect a blanket statement to cover an entire group... even when there is evidence that cancels the charges being made.

COVID-19 and masks are another hot topic. Fear vs Faith is how many have categorized it. Some want everyone in masks and keeping their distance from each other. I grieve for all who have lost a loved one due to complications of corona virus, but I am also not seeing logical results concerning those who test positive. I passionately hate wearing a mask, but am willing if I have symptoms, especially coughing or sneezing (even when I know they are due to allergies). But I am not going to wish death or destruction of business on people who disagree.

I don't understand the fear and hatred of people over a virus that has such a high survival rate. We don't treat other causes of death like this. In 2017 (apparently much of the data is collected every 3 years) there were 862,320 abortions in the United States alone. Most were probably avoidable AND it's more than triple the number of COVID-19 deaths in the US in 2020. The survival rate for those who test positive for COVID-19 is extremely high; the survival rate for those aborted is extremely low. I care about the lives of all who are impacted by both.

No matter what the future holds, my hope & faith remain strongly in Jesus Christ. 2020 has certainly not been my personal "WORST YEAR EVER!" I have experienced several years and events that devastated me. The one constant that helped me through the valleys and dark moments was the knowledge my God was with me each moment. I may not always understand & I had moments of anger at God... but He never left me.

A parent doesn't completely reject an angry child, although there normally are consequences. Sometimes God has to let us face the consequences of our actions, but that does not mean He left. This upcoming election is a spiritual battlefield. Remember, neither party nor any candidate is our savior. Not one person or party can destroy us either. I admit that I see hope from one side and destruction from the other, but God will lead us through. Remember, though, you do have an active role and voting for Biblical principles is only one step.

Trust God! Pray for our nation, our citizens, your loved ones... & yourself. Tell Jesus about your fear, your anger, your doubt, and even your struggle to believe there is HOPE.

SPOILER ALERT! I have read the end of the BIBLE... and Jesus gives us the final victory!

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7