Melissa Mashburn

Real Women. Real Life. Real Faith.

3 Reasons You Should Go On The Girls Get Away Cruise

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I’m going to do my ever loving best to give you THREE really great reasons why you should go on the Girls Get Away Cruise this October 3-7th, but I honestly don’t think you will even need all three because in this case I’m hoping I had you at hello! 🙂

You ready?

  1. Girls Get Away Cruise – There, I said it. Seriously…don’t YOU need a weekend away right about now? Leaving from Port Canaveral, FL and going to Nassau, Bahamas and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas where you’ll enjoy beaches, breezes and calypso music. That right there is pretty stinking awesome in and of itself…but there’s more!
  2. Hotel & Spa Included in Cruise Package – Not only is it a cruise, the get away package starts off with a free night at the Buena Vista Palace where you will stay on October 2 (the night before the cruise). See there, you can get your pampering started early and enjoy this incredible hotel & spa before even leaving the port.
  3. The Entertainment is going to be A-MA-ZING! No…really, it is? There’s going to be Jennifer Rothschild, who is an incredibly gifted Bible study teacher, Robin Jones Gunn, who wrote on of my favorite Christian Fiction series (Sister Chicks), Renee Swope from Proverbs 31 Ministries and author of her newest book “A Confident Heart” as well as Selah leading us in worship.
  4. Ok, ok — there’s really a 4th reason, think of it as a bonus! — I’m joining the team as one of the speakers! (Insert crazy screaming HERE!!!!) — No, it’s honestly true, take a look below!

Skitch

I’ve been leaking it slowly on Facebook for the last week and it has been killing me not to tell y’all, I mean, like I have bitten my tongue several times, but I waited because there was a little snafu on the website.

Somehow I ended up on the right website, yay, but in the wrong place, eek! If you look below I’m listed as part of the comedy angels.

I heard you. You literally just laughed out loud, didn’t you?

That’s ok. I did too. I mean, I AM funny and all, but I hardly think anyone would “pay” to see me make them laugh. So, I’ve been waiting for it to get moved to the right place, and in the waiting it occurred to me that I don’t have to wait until things are all “just so” to let it out, I need to just be me, keep it real, laugh about it and let it out. So, here goes!

Skitch (1)

See, I’m not pretending to be perfect or have it all together. Lord knows, I don’t, but thankfully I have a heavenly Father that loves me, like bunches and bunches, just as I am and I am so totally cool with that.

PLUS!!!! Not only am I completely humbled, honored and in awe that me (Dory-like, hot mess, me) would get the chance to be a part of something like this, but…I get to invite all my girlfriends, online and in person, to come along and join me!

DOUBLE BONUS — Anyone that is a “friend” of mine and uses the promo code “MEL” when they book will get an extra $100 off the Girls Get Away Cruise. (Come on, do the happy dance squeal with me…that’s pretty stinking awesome, right?)

In case you were wondering how you would get ready for a trip like this, check out this video!

http://youtu.be/Ug5-x-6klFY <- Husband Training

Now that you know that we could go on this cruise together and have one A-MA-ZING time, let me give you a link to the 4-1-1, everything you need to know, so you can join me (us) on this crazy adventure.

Girls Get Away Cruise

October 3-7th

FREE Night at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa (10/2)

Nassau & Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Jennifer Rothschild, Robin Jones Gunn, Renee Swope, Seleah, Amy Lively, ME, The Comedy Angels

Use Promo Code “MEL” for $100 off the cruise package

I just couldn’t wait to celebrate, squeal and share this incredible news with each of you! Thank you for being the kind of friends that see how much this means to me, put up with my craziness and love me just the way I am. You are the reason I love what I do so much!

Seeking JOY on this incredible Journey,

Melissa Mashburn

Real Women. Real Life. Real Faith.

Tonight is the last South Florida Praise & Coffee Night of 2012

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It’s TONIGHT!!!

11/8/12

7-9pm

 Fall is here…well, it’s as “fall” as it gets in South Florida and we’re getting together with our girlfriends for a night out to connect with each other, be encouraged by each other, and be inspired by what God is doing in our lives.

This South Florida Praise & Coffee Night will be unlike any that we have done before. We know that each of us has “stuff” going on in our lives and we want to take a minute to celebrate what God is doing in the middle of our “stuff” for the night.

Yes, we may be going through “stuff”, but God can use that for His glory. Come on out and celebrate with a few friends!

We’ll be at Sawgrass Community Church, located at 17950 Griffin Road, SW Ranches, FL 33331

We would love to see you there!
~ Melissa ♥
Here’s a peek at Colie’s testimony;

Mark Your Calendars Now: South Florida Praise & Coffee Night 9/13/12

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Mark your calendars…it’s time for our South Florida Praise & Coffee Night.

The kids will be back in school, Labor day will have come and gone…and chances are you are gonna be ready for a night out just for you!

We have a special guest joining us for this event —Lisa Shaw, author of ‘You Are Beautiful In God’s Eyes‘, speaker, ministry leader…and more importantly, friend. 



We’ll also have incredible worship, yummy desserts and of course…lots of coffee & great conversation!

Save the date, get a babysitter, call a friend and make sure to join us on 
Thursday, September 13th from 7-9pm.


If you could RSVP to the event on Facebook, that would be great, that way we know how many cupcakes to have ready. 

It’s not required though, you can decide at any time to join us and just show up…we’d love to have you there!

If you aren’t in the South Florida area, then you are still in luck…we have Praise & Coffee Nights going on all over the world. Simply click here, Praise & Coffee Nights, to see if there is one in your neck of the woods. 

If there isn’t, then maybe you are just the right girl to get one started. Everything you need to know to get started is here, “How Anyone Can Start a Praise & Coffee Night“.

The South Florida Praise & Coffee Night is being held at Sawgrass Community Church, located at 17950 Griffin Road, SW Ranches, FL 33331.
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Mark Your Calendars Now: South Florida Praise & Coffee Night 9/13/12

By:


Mark your calendars…it’s time for our South Florida Praise & Coffee Night.

The kids will be back in school, Labor day will have come and gone…and chances are you are gonna be ready for a night out just for you!

We have a special guest joining us for this event —Lisa Shaw, author of ‘You Are Beautiful In God’s Eyes‘, speaker, ministry leader…and more importantly, friend. 



We’ll also have incredible worship, yummy desserts and of course…lots of coffee & great conversation!

Save the date, get a babysitter, call a friend and make sure to join us on 
Thursday, September 13th from 7-9pm.


If you could RSVP to the event on Facebook, that would be great, that way we know how many cupcakes to have ready. 

It’s not required though, you can decide at any time to join us and just show up…we’d love to have you there!

If you aren’t in the South Florida area, then you are still in luck…we have Praise & Coffee Nights going on all over the world. Simply click here, Praise & Coffee Nights, to see if there is one in your neck of the woods. 

If there isn’t, then maybe you are just the right girl to get one started. Everything you need to know to get started is here, “How Anyone Can Start a Praise & Coffee Night“.

The South Florida Praise & Coffee Night is being held at Sawgrass Community Church, located at 17950 Griffin Road, SW Ranches, FL 33331.
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Book Review ~ When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley

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When Sparrows Fall
By: Meg Moseley

From the Back of the Book:

Freedom. Safety. Love. Miranda vows to reclaim them–for herself, and for her children.

A widow and mother of six, Miranda Hanford leads a quiet, private life. When the pastor of her close-knit church announces his plans to move the entire congregation to another state, Miranda jumps at the opportunity to dissolve ties with Mason Chandler and his controlling brand of “shepherding.” But then Mason threatens to unearth secrets only he knows, and Miranda feels trapped, terrified she’ll be unable to protect her children.

Professor Jack Hanford is more than surprised when he gets a call from his estranged sister-in-law’s oldest son, Timothy, informing him that Miranda has taken a serious fall and he has been named legal guardian of her children while she recovers. Quickly charmed by Miranda’s children, Jack brings some much-needed life into the sheltered household. But his constant challenging of the family’s conservative lifestyle makes the recovering mother uneasy and defensive—despite Jack’s unnerving appeal.

As Jack tries to make sense of the mysterious Miranda and the secrets she holds so tightly, Mason’s pressure on her increases. With her emotions stirring and freedom calling, can Miranda find a way to unshackle her family without losing everything?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From Me:


I have to admit, I wasn’t sure that I would like this book at first. You see, being married to a Pastor I am always “sensitive” to how others perceive Pastors or the church. Believe me, I am not blind to the neglect, abuse and church hurt in the world…but being that we are both in full time ministry I was…let’s see, leery when I first picked it up. Meg beautifully touched on the points without ever making it the focal point of the story.

What I quickly learned was that the pages would be filled with intrigue, drama, tenderness, chivalry and so much more…all packed into one great story! The kind of love story that simply sweeps you off your feet…hopeless romantics everywhere will enjoy this book!

I truly enjoyed Meg Moseley’s debut novel and can not wait to see what other stories she has hidden in her heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Meg Moseley is a Californian at heart although she’s lived more than half her life in other states.

She formerly wrote human-interest columns for a suburban section of the Atlanta Journal- Constitution, and home schooled for over twenty years.

Meg enjoys books, travel, gardening, her three grown children, and motorcycle rides with her husband Jon. They make their home in
northern Georgia.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of the book free from Multnomah Books as part of their Blogger Review 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.”

Book Review ~ When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley

By:

When Sparrows Fall
By: Meg Moseley

From the Back of the Book:

Freedom. Safety. Love. Miranda vows to reclaim them–for herself, and for her children.

A widow and mother of six, Miranda Hanford leads a quiet, private life. When the pastor of her close-knit church announces his plans to move the entire congregation to another state, Miranda jumps at the opportunity to dissolve ties with Mason Chandler and his controlling brand of “shepherding.” But then Mason threatens to unearth secrets only he knows, and Miranda feels trapped, terrified she’ll be unable to protect her children.

Professor Jack Hanford is more than surprised when he gets a call from his estranged sister-in-law’s oldest son, Timothy, informing him that Miranda has taken a serious fall and he has been named legal guardian of her children while she recovers. Quickly charmed by Miranda’s children, Jack brings some much-needed life into the sheltered household. But his constant challenging of the family’s conservative lifestyle makes the recovering mother uneasy and defensive—despite Jack’s unnerving appeal.

As Jack tries to make sense of the mysterious Miranda and the secrets she holds so tightly, Mason’s pressure on her increases. With her emotions stirring and freedom calling, can Miranda find a way to unshackle her family without losing everything?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From Me:


I have to admit, I wasn’t sure that I would like this book at first. You see, being married to a Pastor I am always “sensitive” to how others perceive Pastors or the church. Believe me, I am not blind to the neglect, abuse and church hurt in the world…but being that we are both in full time ministry I was…let’s see, leery when I first picked it up. Meg beautifully touched on the points without ever making it the focal point of the story.

What I quickly learned was that the pages would be filled with intrigue, drama, tenderness, chivalry and so much more…all packed into one great story! The kind of love story that simply sweeps you off your feet…hopeless romantics everywhere will enjoy this book!

I truly enjoyed Meg Moseley’s debut novel and can not wait to see what other stories she has hidden in her heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Meg Moseley is a Californian at heart although she’s lived more than half her life in other states.

She formerly wrote human-interest columns for a suburban section of the Atlanta Journal- Constitution, and home schooled for over twenty years.

Meg enjoys books, travel, gardening, her three grown children, and motorcycle rides with her husband Jon. They make their home in
northern Georgia.

post signature

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of the book free from Multnomah Books as part of their Blogger Review 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.”

Book Review ~ Love on the Line, by Deeanne Gist

By:

Deeanne Gist

This was my very first time reading a book by Deeanne Gist and I have to tell you that it will not be the last time. I can not wait to get my hands on some of her other books…but first, let me tell you why I fell head over heels for “Love on the Line”.

It is absolutely beautifully written, the characters, their stories, the details surrounding them are so rich and deep that you begin to feel like you are sitting right there with them. You can hear them speak, see all the little details of their appearance and at times even smell what it must have been like for the character at that very moment. Deeanne has an incredible gift of gently guiding the reader to come right in to the pages of the book with her.

The story takes you on a journey with the characters that when the last thirty pages are in sight you want to slow down so that the story doesn’t end. On the journey you dig in for not just a typical love story but an adventure of whit, wisdom, faith, and good old fashioned fun.

I’m heading over to Deeanne Gist’s website right now to see what book I am going to add to my collection next.

See what others are saying about “Love on the Line”.

From the back of the book:
Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man’s world … which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.

Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He’s a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman is the last thing he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line.

Deeanne Gist–known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee–has rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very original, very fun historical & contemporary romances. Add to this three RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you’ve got one recipe for success.

She has a very active online community on her website at IWantHerBook.com and at Facebook.com/Deesfriends.

Deeanne is thrilled to introduce Georgie and Luke to the word in her latest novel. To celebrate Deeanne’s publisher, Bethany House, is hosting the Love on the Line iPad2 giveaway and an Author Chat on Facebook! Enter today and follow the link below to RSVP for Deeanne’s rip-roarin’ Facebook Party!

One fortunate winner will receive:

* A Brand New iPad2
* An Autographed Hardback Copy of Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th. Winner will be announced at Deeanne’s Author Chat Facebook Party. Deeanne will be wrapping up the Love on the Line celebration by chatting with friends new and old! So grab your copy of Love on the Line (it’s okay if you don’t have one yet- you might could win one!) and join Deeanne on the evening of November 8th for a rip roaring book chat, a little trivia and lots of giveaways (books, and Amazon, iTunes & Starbucks gift certificates)!

Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends. Hope to see you on the 8th!

post signature

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book, Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist, free from Litfuse Publicity Group as part of their Blogger Review 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.”

Book Review ~ Love on the Line, by Deeanne Gist

By:

Deeanne Gist

This was my very first time reading a book by Deeanne Gist and I have to tell you that it will not be the last time. I can not wait to get my hands on some of her other books…but first, let me tell you why I fell head over heels for “Love on the Line”.

It is absolutely beautifully written, the characters, their stories, the details surrounding them are so rich and deep that you begin to feel like you are sitting right there with them. You can hear them speak, see all the little details of their appearance and at times even smell what it must have been like for the character at that very moment. Deeanne has an incredible gift of gently guiding the reader to come right in to the pages of the book with her.

The story takes you on a journey with the characters that when the last thirty pages are in sight you want to slow down so that the story doesn’t end. On the journey you dig in for not just a typical love story but an adventure of whit, wisdom, faith, and good old fashioned fun.

I’m heading over to Deeanne Gist’s website right now to see what book I am going to add to my collection next.

See what others are saying about “Love on the Line”.

From the back of the book:
Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man’s world … which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.

Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He’s a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman is the last thing he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line.

Deeanne Gist–known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee–has rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very original, very fun historical & contemporary romances. Add to this three RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you’ve got one recipe for success.

She has a very active online community on her website at IWantHerBook.com and at Facebook.com/Deesfriends.

Deeanne is thrilled to introduce Georgie and Luke to the word in her latest novel. To celebrate Deeanne’s publisher, Bethany House, is hosting the Love on the Line iPad2 giveaway and an Author Chat on Facebook! Enter today and follow the link below to RSVP for Deeanne’s rip-roarin’ Facebook Party!

One fortunate winner will receive:

* A Brand New iPad2
* An Autographed Hardback Copy of Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th. Winner will be announced at Deeanne’s Author Chat Facebook Party. Deeanne will be wrapping up the Love on the Line celebration by chatting with friends new and old! So grab your copy of Love on the Line (it’s okay if you don’t have one yet- you might could win one!) and join Deeanne on the evening of November 8th for a rip roaring book chat, a little trivia and lots of giveaways (books, and Amazon, iTunes & Starbucks gift certificates)!

Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends. Hope to see you on the 8th!

post signature

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book, Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist, free from Litfuse Publicity Group as part of their Blogger Review 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.”

South Florida Praise & Coffee Night, Coming Next Week, 9/29/11

By:

Thursday, September 29th
7-9pm
at
10076 Griffin Rd, Cooper City, FL
* Come hungry…Dinner, Dessert & Coffee is available for purchase from Blue Moon Diner.
Come out and join us for a night of Praise & Coffee as we 
“Connect, Encourage, and Inspire” the ladies of South Florida.
We have lots of great things planned that night;
* worship,
* friends,
* prizes/giveaways,
* info on Women of Faith conference 10/28-10-29,
* a word of encouragement and sharing,
* coffee (can be purchased at Blue Moon),
* dinner/dessert (can be purchased at Blue Moon).
You can RSVP on our event page on Facebook or leave a comment and let us know you are coming!
Mark your calendars now,
schedule your babysitter,
call a few friends,
then come on out and join us…
We can’t wait to see you there!
♥ Melissa ~ Mel’s World
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South Florida Praise & Coffee Night, Coming Next Week, 9/29/11

By:

Thursday, September 29th
7-9pm
at
10076 Griffin Rd, Cooper City, FL
* Come hungry…Dinner, Dessert & Coffee is available for purchase from Blue Moon Diner.
Come out and join us for a night of Praise & Coffee as we 
“Connect, Encourage, and Inspire” the ladies of South Florida.
We have lots of great things planned that night;
* worship,
* friends,
* prizes/giveaways,
* info on Women of Faith conference 10/28-10-29,
* a word of encouragement and sharing,
* coffee (can be purchased at Blue Moon),
* dinner/dessert (can be purchased at Blue Moon).
You can RSVP on our event page on Facebook or leave a comment and let us know you are coming!
Mark your calendars now,
schedule your babysitter,
call a few friends,
then come on out and join us…
We can’t wait to see you there!
♥ Melissa ~ Mel’s World
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