Overcomer (& a Giveaway!)

I've been a fan of the Kendrick Brother movies since the beginning. In our home if we come across any of their movies on TV (Fireproof, War Room, Courageous, Facing the Giants) we always stop and watch them, no matter what part of the movie it is in. We truly love them because of the incredible message in each one- a message that clearly points the viewer to Jesus. I was so excited to hear that they have a new movie releasing this Friday August 23rd, Overcomer!

Overcomer is the story of high school basketball coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team's state championship dreams are crushed. When the largest manufacturing plant in town suddenly shuts down and hundreds of families begin moving away, John must come to grips with the challenges facing his family and his team. Urged by the school’s principal to fill-in and coach a sport he doesn’t know or like, John is frustrated and questioning his worth… until he crosses paths with a student struggling with her own journey.

The message of Overcomer is one that will leave you filled with hope, inspired to dream and asks the question: what do you allow to define you?  What a fabulous movie to watch at the beginning of a new school year with your kids!

The Overcomer website also includes tons of great resources including a Family Guide, Team Devotional Guide, and a Parent Guide.

Interested in winning two tickets to go see Overcomer? 

Join me over on Instagram where I'm giving away two tickets! 

“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 on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. No Canadian winners please, Fandango does not reach to our Canadian friends.

Journal + Devotional = Awesome 365 Devotional Journals

I love journals and I love devotional books. 

I love writing down my thoughts and I love going back through old journals 

to see what I was thinking and praying about at different seasons of my life. 

It is often through journals that I am able to see God's plans 

and hand-prints on difficult times in my life. 

I think journals are little scrapbooks of our lives- that often live on beyond us. 

I have three or four devotional books and start every single day reading at least one. 

They help me to focus on what truly is important and to think about 

what God is calling me to do that day. 

So when you put together a devotional book that includes space for journaling? 

That is perfection! 

Below are three GORGEOUS 365 devotional journals perfect for 2019. 

I love all three of them and am having a hard time deciding on my favorite. 

(Not done shopping? They would make a fabulous Christmas or Happy New Year gift!)

All three have beautiful covers but the true beauty is on the words inside!

Each of the dated pages has a short devotional and then a lined space below

 to write your thoughts or prayers.

They are the perfect way to start a day focusing 

on what is truly important- Jesus!

Peace Begins With Me

Description: We pray for peace. We beg for it from others. We make speeches about it. But in the end, the only peace most of us can control is that little portion we display for the world to see. If we are at peace, the chaos around us seems to calm down. Our peace affects others. And the giver of peace awaits to give us the gift that can change our world. It begins with a prayer. It begins with me.

What I Love About It:

• The blue and green cover with gold foil accent is so pretty, serene and calming! 
• Each page has a devotional and Bible passage to read
• There are lines after each devotion to write your thoughts or prayers (I love lines!)
• It has a lay-flat binding so it's easy to write on either side of the journal
• The devotions in this journal are focused on peace and finding peace in our lives and in our hearts. It's visually calming and not busy at all.
• The journal has a ribbon to mark your spot
• Each day ends with a prayer
• It has a pretty green closure band so you can keep it in your purse or bag without worrying the pages will get wrinkled

Who Should You Buy This For?: This devotional journal would be perfect for anyone you know who needs a little more peace in their life.

Where can you purchase it?

• Amazon (affiliate link) 
• Barnes & Noble

The Earth is the Lord's and Everything In It

Description: From the small whisper of a snowflake to the large circumference of a baobab tree, all of nature is the creative expression of God. When we embrace His creative nature by taking the time to stop, notice, and connect, our hearts are encouraged and souls refreshed. Respond to the devotions, add your own creative writing, or keep track of prayers on the journaling lines.

What I Love About It:

• The peacock artwork on the cover is gorgeous! I would definitely have picked it up in a store- it's truly beautiful!
• Each page has a devotional and Bible passage to read
• There are lines after each devotion to write your thoughts or prayers (I love lines!)
• It has a lay-flat binding so it's easy to write on either side of the journal
• The devotionals in this journal seem very sweet and almost old-fashioned. They focus on nature and how it's all created by God.
• The journal has a ribbon to mark your spot
• Each day ends with a prayer
• It has a pretty turquoise closure band so you can keep it in your purse or bag without worrying the pages will get wrinkled

Who Should You Buy This For?: This devotional journal would be perfect for those who love being outdoors in nature. 

Where can you purchase it?

• Amazon (affiliate link)
• Barnes & Noble

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Description: When life gets busy, it’s easy to forget to spend time with God. This 365-day devotional journal offers encouraging meditations to help you spend a few moments turning your eyes on Jesus before your hectic day begins. After short devotions and Scripture for each day of the year, you will also find light journaling lines and ample space to record your thoughts, hopes, and prayers—just what you need to start each and every day with the reminder that God is always by your side.

What I Love About It:

• The floral cover is so pretty! I would definitely have picked it up in a store- it's truly beautiful!
• Each page has a devotional and instead of a Bible verse there is a song lyric written out at the beginning and a scripture reference at the end (not written out)
• There are lines after each devotion to write your thoughts or prayers (I love lines!)
• It has a lay-flat binding so it's easy to write on either side of the journal
• The devotionals in this journal are my favorite of the three and are all over faith. 
• The journal has a ribbon to mark your spot
• Each day ends with a prayer
• It has a pretty blue closure band so you can keep it in your purse or bag without worrying the pages will get wrinkled

Who Should You Buy This For?: This devotional journal would be perfect for anyone who loves worshiping the Lord through music.


Where can you purchase it?

• Amazon (affiliate link)
• Barnes & Noble

Notice: Sweet Blessings was contacted by FlyBy Promotions to write this review. All three Devotionals were given to me by the Ellie Claire Gift and Paper Expressions company to review for my readers. All opinions are my own.

Ellie Claire produces beautifully crafted journals, devotionals, and other creative gift and paper expressions. These remarkable products are sold in such national accounts as Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Cracker Barrel, Walmart, Sams, Costco, and LifeWay Stores. At the heart of Ellie Claire is a passion to share the unchanging truth of God’s love in irresistibly creative new ways, infusing into our gifts and books a fresh expression of faith.

Indivisible

I love movies. 

And Christian movies, based on a true story and 

in the theater are my absolute favorite kind of movie! 

And one comes out tomorrow, Indivisible, that is FABULOUS!

INDIVISIBLE is the extraordinary true story of Army Chaplain Darren Turner and his wife Heather, whose lives are fully devoted to serving God, family, and country. But when war etches deep battle scars—both overseas and on the home front—the Turners’ rock-solid marriage is shaken to its core.

Carrying burdens the other can’t comprehend, they must decide if they’re willing to face one more battle: the fight to save their marriage. From the director of The Grace Card and the studio that brought you Fireproof and War Room comes INDIVISIBLE, the story of one marriage … one family … under God. Starring Sarah Drew, Justin Bruening, Jason George, Tia Mowry, and Madeline Carroll, INDIVISIBLE opens in theaters October 26. 

My husband and I were so excited to get to see this movie prior to it's opening. 

Not being a military family, it's so very hard to imagine the sacrifices that military families 

make and how difficult it must be being separated and then reconnecting when they return.

This movie did an amazing job of showing those sacrifices and my heart truly ached for this family. Indivisible is an amazing story of love and redemption 

and brokenness and the power of forgiveness. 

If you love Jesus and America and family- you MUST go see this movie! 

26.

I Can Only Imagine

I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me is one of my all-time favorite songs. 

The first time I remember hearing it was at the funeral 

for the two children of my dear friend Susan.

I have loved it ever since and think of Josh and Jennifer 

each and every single time I hear it. 

When I heard that they were coming out with a movie about 

the making of the song I was so very excited! 

The movie stars Michael Finley, Madeline Carroll, Trace Adkins, Priscilla Shirer, 

Cloris Leachman, and Dennis Quaid and hits theaters 3/16/18 and I can not wait!

Here's a synopsis of the movie: 

It’s the song that brings ultimate hope to so many … often in the midst of life’s most challenging moments. Amazingly, the song was written in mere minutes by MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard. In reality, those lyrics took a lifetime to craft. 

Although he found faith at a young age, life wasn’t easy for Bart. He leaned into an active imagination and his love of music as escapes from a troubled home life. As he grew older, Bart turned to football in hopes of somehow connecting with his abusive father. But a career-ending injury—combined with the vision of a teacher who saw unlimited potential—set Bart on a musical pathway. 

Chasing a dream while running from broken relationships with father and Shannon, his childhood sweetheart, Bart hits the road on an old, decrepit tour bus with his new band MercyMe—named for his grandmother’s favorite expression. With the guidance of a grizzled music-industry insider, the band begins a journey none of them could ever have imagined.

You can find out more about the movie at the I Can Only Imagine website HERE. 

 You can find a full list of theaters, show times, and tickets HERE. 

ESV Illuminated Bible {& a Giveaway!}

I love Bibles and have quite a few but y'all this one- may now be my favorite.

The ESV Illuminated Bible- is absolutely gorgeous and truly beautiful!
It's honestly the most beautiful Bible I have ever seen!
It is breathtaking! 

It places the full ESV text alongside over 500 elegantly hand-lettered gold ink illustrations by renowned artist Dana Tanamachi. It is printed on thick cream-colored paper and the Bible's single-column text setting and wide margins provide generous space for additional notes, prayers, and designs—inviting readers to creatively engage with and reflect on the beauty of God's Word.

The Bible includes: 

• 9-point, Lexicon 
• Black letter text 
• 2-color printing 
• 64 full-page, custom book opener illustrations 
• 50 full-page verse illustrations 
• 250+ hand-lettered margin verses 
• 100+ other illustrations throughout 
• Illustrated by Dana Tanamachi, whose work has been featured by Google, The Wall Street Journal, Random House, USPS, and Target 
• Thick, cream-colored paper 
• Wide margins 
• Single-column, paragraph format 
• Smyth-sewn binding 
• Packaging: Permanent Slipcase

It is simply beautiful. 

Even the case it's in is gorgeous!

This would make an amazing Christmas gift. 

You can purchase the book on Amazon HERE 

and learn more about the bible on the Illuminated Bible website 

www.illuminatedbible.org including how it was made and about the ESV.

Leave a comment below telling me who you would give this to if you won
and you'll be entered to win your very own copy of this gorgeous bible!
Make sure your name is listed and be sure to check back
 on Thanksgiving night when I'll pick a winner and post it!

“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 on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Kutless- Alpha/Omega

Kutless is one of those Christian groups that has been around for quite awhile but that I still love as much now as I did when I first started listening to them many years ago! 

They sing both rock AND worship music which is rare in the Christian music industry. 

Their new album, Alpha and Omega is fantastic! 

This album is a collection of rock and worship songs of both original and 

cover tracks that are true to who the band has been for the last 17 years. 

wanted to create a project that would engage the Christian 

community and have the greatest impact and boy did they ever!

 The songs are true to who the band is at their core - rock AND worship. 

ALPHA / OMEGA features a new version of “Strong Tower” 

 (which is one of my all time favorite praise and worship songs!) 

as well as the debut radio single “King of My Heart.” 

You can purchase this awesome album 

(it would make a GREAT Christmas gift)

at lots of retailers, all which are linked  HERE.

.  

Adored: 365-day Devotional {Giveaway!}

If you have a teenage girl in your life I have the PERFECT gift idea for you!

Adored: 365 Devotions for Young Women 

is a precious book written specifically for teenage girls ages 13 and up. 

It helps young women tackle the many issues they face daily while being 

reminded how precious to God and how greatly they are loved by Him! 

Each day features a Bible verse and a short devotion. 

Each devotion is on a topic that is perfect for teenagers: 

bullying, social media, friendships, dating, etc. 

There's even journaling space for reflection and real-world applications. 

This book is full of messages that girls of all ages need to be reminded of every single day. 

Messages like: 

You can purchase a copy HERE

and even get a free 7 day download HERE if you want to check it out first. 

This book would make a fabulous Christmas present! 

GIVEAWAY: 

I'm so excited to be able to giveaway a copy of this precious book. 

To leave a comment telling me who you'd give it to if you won. 

Be sure you aren't anonymous and 

be sure to check back on Nov. 12th when I will pick and post the winner. 

“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 on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Jeremy Camp: The Answer {Giveaway}

I've been a Jeremy Camp fan for many years- 

one of my favorite songs of all time is his song There Will Be a Day. 

Jeremy is a three time American Music Award nominee and 

he releases a FABULOUS new album titled The Answer tomorrow!

My absolute favorite song on this album is Word of Life: 

I loved hearing Jeremy share about this song in this video

As much as I love that song there are so many other great ones too! 

 The Answer is a beautiful song that reminds us the 

HE is the answer to every question we face, 

He is the solution to all of our fears. 

HE alone is the answer. 

So many questions, the world is reaching
So many hurting, so many lost
With all this thriving, who can we lean on?
Creations crying, out from the dark

I know the answer, to every question
The one solution, to every fear
I know my helper, where it comes from
Jesus, He is the answer

He sees our sadness, He feels our sorrow
And in our weakness, He is strong
He holds the weight of, all of our failings
Greedy is our sin but greater the cross

I know the answer, to every question
The one solution, to every fear
I know my helper, where it comes from
Jesus, He is the answer

For every heart that's breaking
For every soul that's shaking
For every sickness, there's healing in Your hands
Let every heart awaken
To see it's You who saves us
You are my help and the rock on which I stand

You are the answer, to every question
The one solution, to every fear
You are my helper, where it comes from
Jesus, You are the answer
Oh Jesus, You are the answer

You are the answer
You are the answer
You are the answer

Another of my favorites from the album is the song Never Stopped Loving. 

It's a beautiful reminder that Jesus NEVER stops loving us. NEVER, 

You can follow Jeremy on Facebook, Twitter, or his website and

purchase the album on iTunes HERE or on Amazon HERE. 

I'm SO excited to be able to give away a copy of this fabulous CD.  

Just leave a comment with something you are thankful for below 

and I'll pick a winner tomorrow morning - October 6th!

WINNER: Jennifer Peterson

(Please email me - link in sidebar- with your address!)

“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 on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Matt Redman: Gracefully Broken CD {GIVEAWAY!}

Winner: Jennifer Talbot 
{Please email me ASAP with your address so I can have the CD sent to you!
I must have it in this week!}

I've long been a fan of Matt Redman and y'all his new album Glory Song

(that releases on Friday, Sept. 29th) is absolutely beautiful and AMAZING! 

One of the things I love about this album is that in it Matt unites 

with 120 local worship leaders and songwriters on group vocals and special collaborations with fellow GRAMMY® winner Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Kierra Sheard 

so it's full of different voices and types of songs. 

I love that some of the songs on this album incorporate old hymns like the 

song "One Day" that includes lyrics from "When We All Get to Heaven" 

and has a bit of a gospel feel to it. 

I love so many of the songs on this album that it's hard to pick a favorite 

but if I had to choose, Gracefully Broken (featuring Tasha Cobbs) is my favorite. 

It's beautiful and poignant and I've had it on repeat since I listened to the album. 

Take all I have in these hands
And multiply, God, all that I am
And find my heart on the altar again
Set me on fire, set me on fire
Oh, take all I have in these hands
And multiply, God, all that I am
And find my heart on the altar again
Set me on fire, set me on fire
Here I am, God
Arms wide open
Pouring out my life
Gracefully broken
My heart stands in awe of Your name
Your mighty love stands strong to the end
You will fulfill Your purpose for me
You won't forsake me, You will be with me
Here I am, God
Arms wide open
Pouring out my life
Gracefully broken
Pouring out my life again
Here I am, God
Arms wide open
Pouring out my life
Gracefully broken
Oh, gracefully

All to Jesus now
All to Jesus now
Holding nothing back
Holding nothing back
I surrender
I surrender
I surrender

My second favorite would be Greatest Hallelujah. 

GIVEAWAY

 I'm so excited to be able to giveaway a copy of this fabulous album! 

To enter just comment below (make sure you aren't anonymous) with your favorite hymn. 

Winner will be picked on Friday, Sept. 29th at 6pm and posted here. 

JENNIFER TALBOT- you are the WINNER!

“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 on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

The Garden by Kari Jobe {with a Giveaway!}

I'm a firm believer that God is a God of details and that there are no coincidences. 

And so that fact that the incredible, beautiful new CD by Kari Jobe, 

The Garden, arrived in my mailbox the night before 

I traveled to MD Anderson for my pre-op appointments for Melanoma surgery

was like a sweet little gift from our Lord. 

This CD is beautiful and was truly a balm to my weary soul
on that 2 hour drive to MD Anderson

{which is THE most amazing hospital in the world!}.