Melissa Mashburn

Real Women. Real Life. Real Faith.

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Bible Readeez Review

April 15, 2014 By: Melissa

BibleReadeezCover

My Thoughts About the CD/DVD:

In all my years serving  in Kids Ministry I’m pretty sure that I’ve never seen anything like the Bible Readeez DVD. There is so much fun packed into every song on this CD/DVD. What an incredibly creative way to get kids into the Word of God– in a way they already love, through music and video.

As the Kids Ministry Director at my church I am always on the look out for new ways to bring kids and their families things they can enjoy together at church and in their homes. I love that the songs and videos are perfectly balanced to be engaging for kids while also staying true to Scripture. Parents will love that this is something that their preschool and elementary age children enjoy as well as being something they can listen to enjoy together as a family.

About the Bible Readeez:

It’s the Bible’s Greatest Hits: Word-for-word texts of beloved Scripture passages – ideal for memorization – set in gorgeous new melodies by renowned children’s songwriter Michael Rachap. Classic inspiration like Psalm 23, The Beatitudes, St. Paul’s Epistle on Love, Psalm 100, The Lord’s Prayer and many more come vividly to life in this first-of-its-kind DVD/CD set. Each of these powerful songs is presented in a video with Readeez’ ingenious SyllableSync technique. So kids gain critical reading skills while they internalize the timeless messages. Bonus content includes clear spoken-word readings of the texts (audio and video). From children’s publishing innovator The Readeez Company, this new collection is destined to become a must-have for every family’s media library.

Have a look at the contents:

bible-readeez-contents3jpg

 

You can purchase a copy here: http://www.readeez.com/bible-readeez

Here’s a preview video: http://youtu.be/PSl7Dp-zzCE

About the Readeez Creator:

readeez-michael-rachap

Michael Rachap: An alumnus of Boston’s Berklee College of Music, here he studied songwriting and music production, Michael created Readeez in 2005 as a way to entertain and educate his young daughter. Rachap, a lifelong musician and composer, plays piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, melodica and other instruments. He also does all of the video animation. Prior to starting The Readeez Company, Rachap worked as an advertising copywriter, including four years as Associate Creative Director at DDB New York. He now lives in Atlanta with his wife and daughter.

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.”

Book Review: Daily Reflections on the Names of God, by Ava Pennington

April 9, 2014 By: Melissa

Daily Reflections on the Names of God - lo-res

My Thoughts About the Book:

I am a huge fan of daily devotionals, you may already know that. Some of my favorites are ones that I read for years and years — like Jesus Calling, My Utmost for His Highest, At the Feet of Jesus…and now one of my new favorites is “Daily Reflections on the Names of God”.

Ava Pennington has packed in the meat and potatoes on each day in a way that doesn’t overwhelm you but simply reaches in and digs a little deeper. Knowing the names of God and allowing those names to draw you closer to Him while also uncovering some new insights and nuggets that you may have never noticed before.

With little symbols on the top of each page they guide you to look at each name or attribute of God in the devotional that day by looking “up”, looking “in” or looking “out”. Each day is ready for you to sit and soak in while allowing you to lean in to who God really is. This devotional is sure to be one that I read over and over again for many years.

On a personal note, I just have to mention that not only is this devotional rich with goodness, grace and mercy…but so is the author, Ava Pennington. She sent me this book almost two years ago and through various rabbit trails and delays I am just not posting the review and I’m doing so not because I “have to” but because as a woman in ministry and as a writer/speaker myself I could not let this sweet little gem of a book go by unnoticed, nor could I let the incredible author go unnoticed as well. Thank you thank you thank you Ava for your grace. You are a true gem! ~ Melissa

About the book:

Perfect. Almighty. The One Who Sees. Jealous. Forgiver.

Every name of God revealed in the Bible shows us something about his character and his ways. As the facets of a diamond combine to reflect its brilliance, the names and attributes of God combine to reveal the transcendence of his nature and the glory of his ways.

Daily Reflections on the Names of God offers readers a wonderful opportunity to spend time each day getting to know God more intimately. At the end of a year, they’ll be able to say they know him better than they did a year ago.

This insightful guide to the names of God provides 366 life-changing, personal devotions for new Christians and longtime believers. As readers explore 122 names and attributes of God, they will discover something special about who God is, who they are, and how they relate to others. Includes a Scripture and name index for easy navigation to favorite verses.

You can purchase a copy here: Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional 

About the Author:

© 2010 Martin Alan Grivjack Photography Martin Alan Grivjack PhotographyAva Pennington is thoroughly enjoying her second career as an author, teacher, and speaker.

Originally from New York City, she left a twenty-year corporate career as a Human Resources executive. But don’t call her retired! She now teaches a weekly, interdenominational Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class of 180+ women from September through May.

Her newest book, Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional, is published by Revell and endorsed by Kay Arthur, founder of Precepts International.

Ava also writes for organizations such as Focus on the Family, Christianity Today, and Haven Ministries. She has been published in 24 anthologies, including seventeen Chicken Soup for the Soul books.

She has also co-authored two children’s picture books, Do You Love Me More? and Will I See You Today?

Her training includes an Adult Bible Studies Certificate from Moody Bible Institute and an MBA in Executive Management from St. John’s University.  If you’re looking for a speaker, she delights in challenging audiences with relevant, enjoyable presentations.

Please visit www.AvaWrites.com for more information.

 

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.”

Release: One Word 365

March 25, 2014 By: Melissa

OneWord2014HiRes

 Release…

Doesn’t it just NEED an ellipses after it?

Oh, if you only knew how much I’ve wrestled with this #OneWord365. I’ve actually had it picked out and ready to go since mid-January, but to be quite honest I’ve simply struggled to share my word and the reasons behind it.

Should be easy enough, right? But, it’s the gut honest truth that scares the hibbie jibbies out of me. You know, that jump and see what happens kinda thing. Yeah, that’s pretty much this one for me.

For the last 4 years I’ve jumped on board with the One Word 365 (click the link to find out how you can get involved too–it’s not too late) that the brilliant and witty Alece Ronzino (known online as Grit and Glory) started back in 2009. It’s so much more than picking a word and running with it, well, at least it is for me.

I spend a day walking, talking and wrestling with God with what my #OneWord365 focus should be for that year. I have a piece of paper beside my desk and throughout the day I write down various words that come to my heart. 

Here is my list from this year;

OneWord2014NoteSheet

As you can see, there are a lot of “words” on that list, but at some point throughout the day I wrote “RELEASE” and underlined it. It was right then and there that I knew that this is my word for 2014.

Here’s what I found out about the word RELEASE from Dictionary.com:

re·lease

verb (used with object), re·leased, re·leas·ing.

1. to free from confinement, bondage, obligation, pain, etc.; let go
2. to free from anything that restrains, fastens, etc.
3. to allow to be known, issued, done, or exhibited
4. Law. to give up, relinquish, or surrender (a right, claim, etc.).
noun

That’s great and all, but for me RELEASE means so much more…

  1. Releasing my kids to be adults, they are now 18 and 20 and hardly need their mom in every single decision in their lives, but after raising them for 18 and 20 years it is oh so hard for this mama to RELEASE the reigns a little bit. (Yes Lord, I know you are working with me on this.)
  2. Releasing my marriage to be better than ever before, our entire married life has been “with kids” (I became pregnant a little over a month after getting married almost 21 years ago) — it’s time to start a new adventure with my wonderful, godly husband.
  3. Releasing the stress, worry and anxiety that comes along with having a child (ok, ok…he’s an adult now) with serious medical issues and trusting that God has a plan for these things in his life and ministry.
  4. Releasing my idea of where I should be in my career as a writer/speaker and resting in His perfect timing.
  5. Releasing myself from the need to “control” things and giving them over to God to do them in His way and in His time.
  6. Releasing the pressure to be “Patty Perfect Pastor’s Wife” and just be the me God created me to be…flaws and all.

It’s been a couple of months now and I’m still working through my #OneWord365, but I have no doubt at all that RELEASE it one of those that is going to be easier said than done and also it’s going to have to be covered, smothered and blanketed in prayers.I’d love it if you get a chance and feel led to join me in prayer…

  • For God to reveal Himself to me through my #OneWord365 – Release,
  • If you haven’t picked out a #OneWord365 for yourself, for God to show you what your One Word might be,
  • If you do have your word picked out, that your #OneWord365 would be the filter that makes this year your most insightful, inspiring and incredible year yet.

I can’t wait to hear from you…

  • What’s your #OneWord365?
  • What’s God showing you through your #OneWord365?

Don’t forget to go over to visit the #OneWord365 website to find more people just like you and hear their #OneWord365 stories too!

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Seeking JOY on the Journey,

Melissa

Visual Verse: Psalm 119:24

November 6, 2013 By: Melissa

Psalm118.24textgram

 This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

I love, love, love that this very is so definitive in boldly declaring that

this IS the day…

and we WILL rejoice.

Oh, such sweetness in that verse. I pray it refreshes your soul today!

Please feel free to download this graphic to enjoy as well…on your phone, tablet, computer or even pin it on your pinterest page.

Either way it’s yours to enjoy! This is one of my favorite verses to say just as I wake up each day. I love the promise, the excitement, the boldness and the JOY in it and hope you do too!

Seeking JOY on the Journey,

Melissa

Visual Verse: Deuteronomy 31:8

August 28, 2013 By: Melissa

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Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT

Wherever you are, wherever you go, do not be afraid because you never go at it alone. I love this sweet reminder and hope you do to.

Please feel free to download this graphic to enjoy as well…on your phone, tablet, computer or even pin it on your pinterest page.

Either way it’s yours to enjoy! Tuck this promise away to memory too, this is a great one to cling to.

Seeking JOY on the Journey,

Melissa

Visual Verse: Jeremiah 33:3

August 14, 2013 By: Melissa

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One of my favorite verses and a great reminder that He is always there ready to talk whenever we call out to Him.

‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

Please feel free to enjoy this graphic as a reminder …download it to your phone, computer, tablet or even pin it, either way, it’s as much for you as it is for me.

Seeking JOY on the Journey,

Melissa

Book Review: The Gospel-Centered Woman, by Wendy Alsup

August 5, 2013 By: Melissa

TheGospelCenteredWoman

My Thoughts About The Gospel-Centered Woman:

This topic is always a delicate topic of conversation, especially within the church. As a Pastor’s Wife and Ministry Leader in the church I knew that this book was one that I wanted to dig into. I couldn’t wait to see where Wendy was going to go with this book and not really knowing anything about her or where she stand theologically I knew that it might be a chance, but it was one that I was willing to take.

Let me just say that this book did not disappoint. Packed full of Biblical wisdom and grounded in the Word Wendy tackled how we are “Created in God’s Image” in section #1, “Redeemed to Reflect God Once More” in section #2, and “Wisdom in the Tension” in section #3. Each and every section always went back to the gospel and was a precious gift to me as I read through it.

Each chapter has a page at the end for your own personal reflections. It is a great way to process through what you’ve just read as well as putting it into your own words with what stood out to you and what truths you can dig into right then. Love that! There’s also discussion questions at the back of the book if you chose to do this as a book group or study…which I highly recommend.

Right in the beginning of the book she sets the tone and says, “It is the gospel alone that equips us to bridge the gap between God’s good plan for His daughters and the fallen reality in which we all live.” As she wraps up the book she says, “Stand strong, alternately planting your feet while bracing against the storms of life and moving one foot forward in those moments the wind dies down, always believing confidently that your sovereign Father will keep His promises to you.” What a great way to start and end this important book.

About The Gospel-Centered Woman:

Understanding Biblical Womanhood through the Lens of the Gospel

Many Christian books written to women claim to present God’s good instructions for their lives. Some expound on the value of marriage and children. Many extol the virtues of the Proverbs 31 wife. A good number teach the value of love, submission, and respect in Christian marriages. Though this book deals with these topics, The Gospel-Centered Womanaddresses women from an entirely different perspective. The most important part of the Bible’s instructions to women center around the gospel. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection brought about a seismic shift in our understanding of Scripture. After His resurrection, His disciples understood words written thousands of years before with a clarity they never had previously. The good news of Christ illuminates all other Scripture, including instructions to women.

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/jgKJd

Meet Wendy:

TheGospelCenteredWomanAuthor

Wendy Alsup is a wife, mom and college math teacher who loves ministering to women. “I feel I’ve almost always been in ministry, from the earliest years of my life helping my dad with his bus ministry at a small Baptist church in South Carolina,” explains Alsup. As an adult, her ministry work has included working in Christian camps and Christian schools in the U.S. and Korea and leading the women’s ministry at a large church in her current home city, Seattle. Her heart is most centered in the informal counseling and discipleship of women.

Alsup has published three books: Practical Theology for Women: How Knowing God Makes a Difference in our Daily Lives, By His Wounds You are Healed: How the Message of Ephesians Transforms a Woman’s Identity, and the new release, The Gospel-Centered Woman: Understanding Biblical Womanhood through the Lens of the Gospel.

“I don’t have it all together. But then again, if I did, I wouldn’t need the gospel. The Gospel-Centered Woman is written by and for women who don’t have it all together. Who struggle. Whose burdens in life sometimes feel overwhelming. This is not a guilt-inducing book. God forbid! It would be the height of hypocrisy if I wrote a book that made other women feel guilt because of some imagined pinnacle of Biblical womanhood I had achieved.”

Find out more about Wendy Alsup and The Gospel-Centered Woman at www.theologyforwomen.org. Readers can keep up with Alsup via the Practical Theology for Women Facebook page and follow her on Twitter (@WendyAlsup).

 

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.”

3 Reasons You Should Go On The Girls Get Away Cruise

June 18, 2013 By: Melissa

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.

Music Review ~ Jessa Anderson "Not Myself Anymore"

February 5, 2012 By: Melissa

Not Myself Anymore
By: Jessa Anderson

Real.
Raw.
Truth-filled lyrics.

I am so excited to share with you this debut album from
Jessa Anderson.

Her music cuts to the core of the human heart. It plays right to your soul. You find yourself humming along while swaying to the music…completely engrossed in the moment. I have played this CD over and over and over some more, I absolutely love it!


Her talent is ridiculous and her passion for the Lord shines right through the speakers and grabs hold of you. I can not wait to watch this young woman’s career take off as she seeks to serve Christ through her gifts.
Young and old will love her and her music!

I’ve posted a lyric video to her song “Fireflies”…I know you are going to love it too!

About Jessa:

The 20-something Michigan native currently can’t imagine doing anything else and desires nothing more than to be a part of the larger story God is telling through her music—honest, open narratives about faith, struggles and real life. “I just want people to be more open with each other and with themselves,” Jessa explains.

“Sometimes it’s embarrassing to say, ‘I’m dealing with something’ or ‘I’m struggling’ or ‘This happened to me.’ I want to be open about the things I’ve dealt with so I can say, ‘Look what God has done in my life.’ Because if He doesn’t need to save us from anything, who is He really?”

“We have a real life, and part of that is our relationship with God and praising Him, but other than that you’re taking your kids to school or you’re going to work or whatever you have to do that day.

So to focus only on that one little sliver in your songwriting feels like cheating people out of what really happens,” shares Anderson, who believes talking about real-life issues makes her music accessible to Christians and non-Christians alike.

“If all I say is ‘I love God,’ then [non-believers are] wondering, ‘OK, what if I don’t?’ I think everyone can relate on some level whether you have the same religious beliefs or not. Hopefully, I can connect with people and then share what God’s done in my life.”

post signature

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the preview CD free from Merge PR 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.”

Music Review ~ Jessa Anderson “Not Myself Anymore”

February 5, 2012 By: Melissa

Not Myself Anymore
By: Jessa Anderson

Real.
Raw.
Truth-filled lyrics.

I am so excited to share with you this debut album from
Jessa Anderson.

Her music cuts to the core of the human heart. It plays right to your soul. You find yourself humming along while swaying to the music…completely engrossed in the moment. I have played this CD over and over and over some more, I absolutely love it!


Her talent is ridiculous and her passion for the Lord shines right through the speakers and grabs hold of you. I can not wait to watch this young woman’s career take off as she seeks to serve Christ through her gifts.
Young and old will love her and her music!

I’ve posted a lyric video to her song “Fireflies”…I know you are going to love it too!

About Jessa:

The 20-something Michigan native currently can’t imagine doing anything else and desires nothing more than to be a part of the larger story God is telling through her music—honest, open narratives about faith, struggles and real life. “I just want people to be more open with each other and with themselves,” Jessa explains.

“Sometimes it’s embarrassing to say, ‘I’m dealing with something’ or ‘I’m struggling’ or ‘This happened to me.’ I want to be open about the things I’ve dealt with so I can say, ‘Look what God has done in my life.’ Because if He doesn’t need to save us from anything, who is He really?”

“We have a real life, and part of that is our relationship with God and praising Him, but other than that you’re taking your kids to school or you’re going to work or whatever you have to do that day.

So to focus only on that one little sliver in your songwriting feels like cheating people out of what really happens,” shares Anderson, who believes talking about real-life issues makes her music accessible to Christians and non-Christians alike.

“If all I say is ‘I love God,’ then [non-believers are] wondering, ‘OK, what if I don’t?’ I think everyone can relate on some level whether you have the same religious beliefs or not. Hopefully, I can connect with people and then share what God’s done in my life.”

post signature

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the preview CD free from Merge PR 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.”

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