Slugs & Bugs

About the music:

After 5 years, Slugs & Bugs is releasing new music! Sunday Songs is a brand-new collection of songs filled with both classic Sunday songs of yesteryear and never-before-heard Sunday songs in the superfun, Slugs & Bugs style that folks have grown to love and trust. 

Classic songs include:

·         Father Abraham,

·         This Little Light of Mine,

·         The Wise Man Built His House Upon a Rock,

·         I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy,

·         He's Got the Whole World In His Hands, and more!

Plus, we're hoping to add to the pantheon of Sunday School classics with a few original songs of our own. After 2,000 years, Lydia, the seller of purple cloth finally gets her own song. And we retell the story of Joseph, son of Israel, through his Egyptian name, "Zaphenath' paneah." There's a gentle little "round" called "Believe, Follow, Believe," and a brand new worship song straight from the words of Psalm 95:6-7.

Long time fans will be happy to hear that ROBORT, Mr. Randall's robot intern, is back to his old shenanigans, and other surprise songs and guests add to the mix. (We can't spoil everything on the album - listen to find out!)

My thoughts:

I've listened to a variety of children's music through the years.  I was not familiar with Slugs & Bugs.  They have new music coming out!  On this CD you will hear some old favorites from your childhood Sunday School days.  My favorite of these was probably The Wise Man Built His House Upon a Rock. But how fun that there are NEW songs too!  The tunes are catchy, and young children will enjoy singing along.  

Have you ever heard a song about Lydia from the Bible? Well you can now on this CD!  When this song started playing, I thought "wait, what! Is the whole song about Lydia?"  I appreciate that children can learn about new Bible stories through the songs on this CD.  You should check it out.  It will be a fun addition to your music library to enjoy with your children!

You can go to this website to buy the CD or learn more!

 Would you like to hear a sample of one of the songs?  Here is one for you! 

#slugs&bugs #slugsandbugs #sundaysongs

I received a copy of this from the publisher and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Book: Live SoulFULL +GIVEAWAY

Product Description:
 IMMERSE YOURSELF IN LIFE-GIVING TRUTH THROUGH THE POWERFUL LANGUAGE OF MUSIC.
Live SoulFULL is a music-driven, gospel-centered, interactive Bible study that’s all about how God fulfills your deepest needs. It’s a fun, yet challenging way to help you build a strong, confident faith in knowing God as the Giver and Filler of life.

Each song and corresponding chapter work together to walk you through the Bible’s answers to some of life’s biggest questions.

Recorded by award-winning Nashville musicians, the music ranges from up-tempo, roll-the-
window-down grooves to passionate, heart-stirring ballads. As you listen, read, and learn, you will discover the fulfillment and joy that Jesus offers in the midst of everyday life.
 

Live SoulFULL Includes:

• 11 Chapter study book
• 13-song CD
• Download code for digital copy of album

My thoughts:
This is a unique Bible study!  I have done many different studies through the years, and this one was very unique in the format and that it had music. Each chapter is divided into "stages" which are an appropriate length to do during a quiet time.  So you'd be taking a few days to do one chapter. There is a different song for each chapter, and the songs fit beautifully with the message of the chapters.  I have found myself going back to listen to the songs again to hear the lyrics.

To have the songs go along with the readings is a GREAT feature in my opinion.  I hope there will be more studies like this in the future.

There is a giveaway for this book. Click on this link to go to the site to enter to win a copy.

This is a short YouTube video of one of the songs.



The website has lots more information for you!  Check it out.

I received a copy of this book from Frontgate reviewer program for my honest review.
Thank you.

Have a day of blessings! 
  Bethany

Monday Music!

I found the name of the song I mentioned in Thankful Thursday. I wanted to share it today.

Happy May! 💐🌼

Lately I have not listened to the radio because I usually listen to my audio books from the library. Last week when I was in my Mom's car I heard this song and had to email the radio station to ask the title. It's called "Count Them All." I hope it encourages all of you, whatever you are facing this week. I know some of you are going through some really difficult challenges. Whatever kind of week you are facing, know that God loves you. Take a minute to think about your blessings and to "Count Them All" today.



Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany

Seeds Family Worship New Album!

Our family has enjoyed the music of Seeds Family Worship for several years now.  I've written about them in the past on the blog.   Each CD contains songs to teach you verses from God's Word. I love that the songs are word for word out of the Bible.

They have a brand new CD out.  It's called "When You Lie Down  Lullabies and Scripture Songs."

I have loved listening to this CD.  Several of the verses are familiar to me from past memorization, but it is nice to hear them as new songs.  This is a wonderful CD to have playing because it has such a calming effect.  I love it!

This is a wonderful CD. Get a copy for yourself or to give as a gift.

Visit Seeds Family Worship at their website or on Facebook.

Thank you to Seeds for sending me a copy of this CD for my review.

Have a day of blessings!
  

Free CD download!

One thing I have always felt was important was memorizing Scripture. I remember as a little girl having memory verses to recite in Sunday School.  I want to pass this on to our children.  With our oldest son, even before he was school age I would write out verses on sentence strips for him to practice.  I can still hear him saying those in his sweet little voice.

I was so blessed to be introduced to Seeds Family Worship years ago.  We've bought several CDs since then.  The CDs are straight word for word from the Bible.  And it makes it so easy to memorize the verses as you sing the songs.  I've been encouraged by listening to these with my family.  Another great thing is that when you order a CD from them, they send you two CDs so you can keep one for yourself and give one away.  Great idea, huh?

You can get a FREE download of Seeds of Courage CD from the Seeds Family Worship website.  It is super easy to get, just visit their website.  I am not sure how long this lasts so get it while you can. You will be blessed!

Also, I wanted to point out the blog they have on their website. Each week they post a new lesson to do centered around one of the verses from a CD. Our family has been doing these for a Wednesday night family lesson during the school year.  There is a write up for both younger kids and older ones so it's easy to use the ideas in any family.  Check out the blog here.

Go now to their website! Share this with a friend too.  Here is their Facebook page too.

Have a day of blessings!
 

CD: "The Glorious Unfolding" Steven Curtis Chapman

I cannot tell you how much we love "The Glorious Unfolding" CD.  It was such a blessing to see SCC in person back in September and hear him sing some of these songs.  I listen to this CD over and over.  It seems each one of the songs has a personal meaning for me.  I highly recommend this CD for you; it will make a great Christmas gift! 

One of my favorite songs is called Take Another Step.  Here is a video where SCC talks about this song. 

Here is the song. 



I can't tell you how well this song fits how I have felt the past 7 months. From everything going great when we found out I was pregnant to everything turning dark.  Now every day has been taking another step, one day at a time, not sure why this happened but trusting God when it doesn't make sense to our minds.       

Have a day of blessings!

CD: God of Every Story--Laura Story

We enjoyed hearing Laura Story at the "Glorious Unfolding" tour.  I have loved her popular song "Blessings" and was excited to hear her new songs.  God of Every Story is a wonderful CD.  All of the songs are great!  I highly recommend this CD for you, and it would make a great stocking stuffer this year. 

I have listened to this CD repeatedly since we bought it.  I don't think I could pick just one song that is my favorite because I have several! I love how all the songs fit together so well.

I have chosen one of my favorites to share here with you today.  It is called "I Can Just Be Me."  This is a link also about this particular song.  And here is another link where you can hear about some of the other songs.



Have a day of blessings!

CD: A Way to See in the Dark -- Jason Gray

This is my second Tuesday to share a CD review with you.  This one we purchased for ourselves at the Glorious Unfolding concert we attended in September! 

Are you familiar with Jason Gray?  I recognized the name from the radio, but I wasn't positive which songs he sang when I saw that he was going to be part of the "Glorious Unfolding" tour.  When he sang though. I recognized his songs right away!  He shared a wonderful testimony of how God can use our weaknesses for His glory.  I really appreciated what he shared so openly and honestly. 

I have several favorites on this CD but here is one of them.  It is called "Nothing Is Wasted."  I like the reminder that things in our lives that we see as mistakes or that cause us pain can be used by God for His glory. 



If you have not listened to Jason Gray I encourage you to try out his music.  He has a new album coming out March 2014. 

Have a day of blessings!

Our God Comes

For the next several Tuesdays I will be sharing my reviews of some CDs with  you.  Here is the first one!  

 

 

About the CD: Antioch Live, the worship band for Antioch Community Church in Waco, Texas, has signed with the new record label Clear Day Worship. As the music arm of Clear Day Media Group based in Waco, Texas, Clear Day Worship and Antioch Live debuted the new album OUR GOD COMES at the World Mandate Conference September 20 and the CD hit #2 on iTunes.

Clear Day Media Group creates products to help people see God clearly and impact the world through Christ-centered content.

The full track listing for OUR GOD COMES is as follows:     1.      Come     2.      God And King     3.      Wonderful Counselor     4.      God Who Saves     5.      How Much More     6.      I Will Raise     7.      …Response     8.      Light Me Up     9.      Awaken Us   10.     One Hundred Three   11.     …Return   12.     Savior Forever   13.     …Selah   14.     Our God Comes

 

My thoughts:
I enjoyed listening to the songs on this CD.  I had it playing as I was doing some housework and enjoyed the encouraging lyrics.  I have never heard of Antioch and have enjoyed these new songs. 

I am not sure yet which song is my favorite.  There were several that had lyrics I really liked.  I liked the sound and lyrics to Savior Forever. 

I thought the songs were well done and if you enjoy new praise songs you should check out this CD. 

This CD was sent to me by B & B Media Group for my honest review.  Thank you.
Have a day of blessings!

Review: "Rejoice" CD

One day on Facebook I saw a post from BookSneeze about a CD available for review called Rejoice by Women of Faith. 

Some of these songs were familiar while others were new to me.  One I particularly liked was called "Greatness of our God."  I love that it ends with "Great Is Thy Faithfulness."  I look forward to listening to this again and again; it's already on my iPod.

There are 10 wonderful songs on this CD.  If you enjoy listening to music in your home or while you drive, this is a great choice.  It would also make a nice gift.

From Thomas Nelson:
  REJOICE captures the unbridled joy, awestruck adoration, and reverent worship audiences experience over the course of a two-day Women of Faith event.

Includes:
1.Beautiful Redeemer
2.So Good
3.Forever Reign
4.Come As You Are
5.Hosanna
6.Our God
7.Glory To God
8.You Brought the Sunshine
9.Greatness of Our God
10.Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Let us rejoice and be glad today! Psalm 118:24

Have a day of blessings!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Flashback Friday: Music

This week for Flashback Friday we are talking about music! Fun topic! Linda just keeps coming up with great ones for us to think about and remember.

My Flashback:
I have enjoyed music for as long as I remember. Our family had a record player also where we would play certain songs. I always thought it was fun to try to put the needle on the record at the correct spot.

I always had a lot of cassette tapes. Many of them were kids sing along types. I had a stereo in my room and would listen to the local Christian radio station. I liked when they gave away prizes!

Songs I remember from middle school are Garth Brooks ones like "The Dance." The school hosted a skate/dance regularly. We'd skate half the time and dance the other half.

One summer we went to Six Flags and I got to go to the Steven Curtis Chapman concert. I've seen him in concert several times since then as well as Michael W. Smith and Casting Crowns.

Have a day of blessings!

"Wonderful Merciful Savior" by Selah

Today's song is "Wonderful Merciful Savior" by Selah. I hope this encourages you today.



Have a day of blessings!

Music Giveaway! (and Laced With Grace!)

I recently found out about Seeds Family Worship music through a blog I read (Bring the Rain). I listened to one of their CD's through their site and fell in love with the songs!

Things I like so far about this music:

• This music is great really for the whole family. I love having it on in the background as I'm typing or online.
• Each song is a Bible verse. The songs are verses straight out of the Bible. We all know how easily songs get stuck in our heads. What better thing to have repeating in our minds and hearts than Bible verses!
• I like how you can hear children singing along on these songs.
• The Bible reference is giving for the songs in the song.

A couple of weeks ago I received an email from Michelle with Seeds. She'd found my blog through Hearts at Home, wondered if I'd heard of Seeds and if I'd like a sample. I received the sample last week and we all have enjoyed playing it in the car. Seeds is "dedicated to planting the seeds of God's Word in the hearts of families. We do this through our NIV Scripture songs." (from Michelle)

Now for the download! If you'd like a free download of one of the seeds songs, all you have to do is click here. You can get a free song called "Do Not Fear" (Isaiah 41:10).

Also, if you would like to purchase some music you can get 20% off the purchase of CD's (not including Clearance CD's) using the code RAINDROPSRAINBOWS at the Seeds Music Store (http://www.seedsmusicstore.com/).

Oh and I forgot....to help you plant seeds in the lives of others, each CD is packaged with two of the exact same CD. You keep one and give one away, which I think is a great idea.

A CD from Seeds would make a great gift for your own children or nieces, nephews, or grandchildren. They are affordable, plus you can get 20% off now.

Listen and don't forget your free download!

Have a day of blessings!


I am also at Laced With Grace today for a devotional called Orangutans, Elephants, and Crocodiles

SCC's new release

Steven Curtis Chapman's new album "Beauty Will Rise" was released on Tuesday, November 3. I'd heard one of the songs ("Heaven Is the Face") previously on the Internet and was looking forward to hearing the rest.

As I expected, this is another wonderful album from SCC. These songs are clearly written from the heart of a Daddy's struggle after losing his little girl. Most of you probably know their daughter, Maria, was killed in a tragic accident May 21, 2008.

I've seen SCC in concert twice since then. I clearly remember one thing he said as he spoke about that day. At the time of the accident he wasn't sure he'd ever be able to sing again. He had to ask himself if he really believes the words to the songs he's been writing and singing all these years. He came to the conclusion that yes, he does believe and they aren't just words to him. In the songs in this album he clearly has questions but you can also see his hope and his faith that he will see Maria again.

I feel like these new songs will bless many who are walking through their own difficulties. The questions and doubts are real but the faith is God is real too. At this time I can't really choose a "favorite" song to share from the album. The lyrics of several of them touched my heart. I will share these in future posts though.

Have a day of blessings!

Song: "More Beautiful You" by Jonny Diaz

This morning as I was washing dishes I turned on KLOVE. The morning show was talking to new artist Jonny Diaz, and he played his hit song "More Beautiful You." Here are the lyrics. I wanted to share it here today in case you haven't heard it.

This is a message that teen girls and women in general need to hear. This song is the opposite of what we hear everyday from every show or commercial we watch or magazine we read. This is what YOU need to hear today. YOU are beautiful. God created you and loves you just as you are. He put you here for a "purpose that only you could do." Stop listening to the lies that you aren't good enough or you don't look right. You are beautiful.
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"I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Psalm 139:14

Chis Tomlin

Chris Tomlin has a new CD out now called "Hello Love." I purchased it with a pre-buy sale at Lifeway and we picked it up today when we were out. I really enjoyed the songs. I've been hearing "Jesus Messiah" on KLOVE. The others were wonderful as well.

Check it out!

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"Always be in a state of expectancy, and see that you leave room for God to come in as He likes." Oswald Chambers

SCC concert!

We had the wonderful opportunity to attend a concert with Steven Curtis Chapman. I'd seen him in concert before when I was in high school. We saw him do a show at Six Flags one summer. I've been following the blogs about his family closely since the tragic loss of his daughter Maria on May 21. Last night's concert was a benefit for the Mid Cities Pregnancy Center. (I plan to talk more about this in another post later next week.) I read on one of the blogs that SCC would begin his concerts again starting last weekend and found one in Texas so I ordered tickets back in June.

We arrived at our hotel only to find out it was the wrong hotel! I didn't really pay attention to the address; I just knew it was close to the location of the concert. My husband assumed I had booked the same hotel where we usually stay when we're in the Metroplex, and I didn't know it wasn't the same hotel by the address online! We went to check in and the clerk told us we had the wrong hotel! The right hotel was a few miles up the road (and a much nicer facility actually than our regular hotel).

After unloading we changed and went to eat. From our hotel room window I could see Don Pablo's in the next shopping center. We went over there and it was shut down to our surprise! We chose Olive Garden instead. Keep in mind it is 4 o'clock in the afternoon. We were told we'd have to wait 5 or 10 minutes. I was laughing inside at this situation. I couldn't see behind the scenes to see what the hold-up would possibly be; however, I was really getting tickled watching these three ladies try to seat the guests. There was one family waiting in front of us and then after they were seated another couple came in who apparently had already put their name on the list. Our meal was delicious and we made it down to the church for the concert at five. We didn't know what kind of traffic we'd come into on a Friday afternoon so we figured we'd get there and be early.

There was already quite a few vehicles at the parking lot. We got out and started walking towards the building. I figured we could at least find a shade tree. The doors were unlocked though so we went in and got in line! There were three or four entrances that were blocked off but lines were forming at each. We got in a line and waited. I stopped in one line first but then JMP saw another line that was shorter so we went to that door. We were near the front of the line. When it was time to go in at 6, we made our way down to the front of the auditorium. We were on the end of row 6! I was excited because in my dream of how it would happen we were up in the balcony far from the stage.

The concert started a little after 7. It was only SCC (his band wasn't with him) so it was a very personal concert. He played his guitar and a keyboard and talked a lot. I can't describe how amazing it was to be there and hear his stories. He started with the song "Blessed Be Your Name" and said he didn't know if he'd ever be able to sing a concert without singing that song. It was the song, more of a cry he said, that came to mind on the afternoon of May 21. It touched my heart to hear him speak of the hope his family has. He mentioned that word over and over through everything he said. He clearly has been though a devastating loss yet he is looking to God for his strength each day. He shared the encouragement he's found in Psalm 138.

I was excited that he sang two of my most favorite songs: "I Will Be Here" and "One Heartbeat at a Time."

Afterwards we talked about how genuine and sincere he is in all the things he said and his music. It was such a blessing to be able to go! We were both blessed to hear him speak from his heart about the hope he has. One thing he said he's learned through the tragedy is how all of the meanings of all his songs have changed so much to mean so much more to him now after what his family has been through.

Here are 2 pictures. It was hard to take a picture with the lighting. Having the camera on night shot made the picture blurry and if I put it on a different mode, it came out too dark!

Continue to lift up this family in your prayers as they approach the two month mark since the accident.
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"The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands." Psalm 138:8

Book # 13 Someday

I finished another book today! It was one of those that I couldn't put down and had to finish. It is the third in Karen Kingsbury's Sunrise series called Someday. (I see from my book list that I finished the other two back in February.) I won't go into too many details here so I won't give away anything for those readers who haven't read it yet.

Something that did touch my heart though was the idea of praising God. Singing is an important part of life for the Baxter family members. One of the characters realized that when she was praising God she was freed from the battles she was going through.

It is always a blessing to us if we will take our hearts off our problems and bring our focus on the greatness of our God through praise. Do you often have praise on your lips or a song in your heart? What songs of praise do you sing?

Some songs that come to find for me include: How Great Thou Art, Thank You, I Need You More, and How Great is Our God.
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"Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts." Psalm 105:2

CD recommendation

For quite some time I've heard songs on the radio by Chris Tomlin. JMP gave me my first CD "See the Morning" for Valentine's Day. My favorite song on it is Amazing Grace, which you can hear on this page. Today he gave me another CD "Arriving" for my birthday. My favorite song on it is How Great Is Our God.

Both CDs are full of wonderful songs. I'd definitely recommend either one or both to add to your collection if you don't already have them.

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"In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sonsthrough Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will---to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely gives us in the One he loves." Ephesians 1:4-6

CD: "This Moment"

I got the new Steven Curtis Chapman CD "This Moment" yesterday. He's always been one of my very favorites. We got an ad recently from Lifeway that you could pre-buy the CD for 9.99 so we did that last week and picked it up yesterday. You can hear some of the songs on here. I really like the "Cinderella" song, I always have liked growing up, parent/child type songs.

My favorite song on the CD though is called "One Heartbeat at a Time." When I was listening on the way home, it made me cry. I just thought it was beautiful. You can listen to it yourself here (Click on the side where it says Listen to the Demo) and then see the lyrics too if you'd like.

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And to go along with the song, one of my favorite sayings :)

"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove.....but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child." -- Author Unknown