Music

Whole Heart by Passion (CD Review & Giveaway)

February 19, 2018 by Suzie Waltner 1 Comment

When I don’t have my nose buried in a book, I like background noise. Most of the time, that’s provided by music. Whether sitting at my desk at work, driving around marking errands off my list, or immersed in chores around the house, music provides an ample soundtrack.

My favorite go-to music is praise and worship (yes, even while cleaning the house). There’s just something about it that automatically lifts me up, reminds me of where—and on Whom—my focus should rest no matter what my hands are doing.

Do you know who does praise and worship well? Passion. From the movement to the conferences to the music, the ultimate desire is intimacy with God.

A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White (Guest Post, Review & Giveaway)

January 14, 2018 by Suzie Waltner 3 Comments

About the Book

Title: A Song Unheard

Author: Roseanna M. White

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: January 2, 2018

Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.

Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he’s won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father’s work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.

But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn’t—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.

Click here to purchase your copy!

The Uncloaked Trilogy by J. Rodes (Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway)

January 12, 2018 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

About the Books

From Sellout to hero, by way of the den. Braxton Luther finds himself in the crossfire of a new order, and discovers apathy is a dangerous option.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Glory Song by Matt Redman (CD Review & Giveaway)

September 26, 2017 by Suzie Waltner 10 Comments

About the Album

Matt Redman teamed up with several of his worship-artist friends for this album, first releasing the track “Gracefully Broken (feat. Tasha Cobbs Leonard).” Tasha Cobbs Leonard also released her own version of this song on the same day! The album also features Kierra Sheard, Guvna B, Madison Cunningham, and Kim Walker-Smith.

Available everywhere 9/29/17. Order here (or click on the cover of the album to the left)

In My Opinion (Review)

I’ve been wanting to get my hands on new music for a couple of months now, so when the opportunity to review Matt Redman’s new album came up, I was thrilled for the opportunity.

This CD has traveled with me since it arrived in my mailbox last Friday. I put it in the CD player and listened to it when I was cleaning this weekend. It also found its way to my car on Sunday as I drove to and from church in the morning and to a small group meeting that afternoon. Now it’s back in the house as I’m going through paperwork.

Glory Song offers fans of praise and worship a fantastic mix of upbeat and more contemplative songs. Each one is an expression of awe and wonder at the holiness, the majesty, the gift of salvation and offers a Redman’s response through song.

With seventy minutes of music, with plenty of guests joining him, you’re sure to come away with a favorite. My personal one? “Gracefully Broken” featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard. I mean, the title is simply enough to sit and ponder for a while. Here’s the lyric video:

Those who have grown up in the church (those of us who remember using hymnals, anyway) already know some of the words in “One Day (When We All Get to Heaven)”. Yes, that portion in parenthesis is the hymn. When we all get to heaven/what a day of rejoicing that will be/When we all see Jesus/we’ll sing and shout the victory.

Bottom line? Matt Redman leaves listeners with new P&W music that are moving, heartfelt reminders of the love and sacrifice Christ willingly gave to a fallen world. It’s in our response that we thank Him for everything He’s gifted to us that we don’t deserve.

My Rating:

I’ll leave you with the story behind the song…and an opportunity to win a copy of Glory Song.

“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.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“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.

An Hour at a Family Christian Store

August 11, 2016 by Suzie Waltner 14 Comments

I’m of the opinion that it’s never too early to begin shopping for Christmas gifts. And when I hear about a great sale opportunity, I’ll happily drive a little out of my way to mark a few people off that gift list.

Today, I want to tell you about the sale that’s going on at Family Christian Stores through August 25. All books, music, and DVDs are Buy One, Get One 50% off. Don’t have a store near you? Don’t worry, the sale is also happening online.

When I was in my local Family Christian Store this past Saturday, I enjoyed the browsing experience. There is plenty of space in my store, a decent selection of gifts, music, and books (and again, if you don’t find what you want, you can always visit them online). There was also lots of clearance to look through (just a note here, the BOGO 50% in only on regular priced items so it doesn’t work with clearance). My cashier was friendly and he had a good chat about music and books as she was ringing up my purchases. I spent $60 while I was in the store, which is well-worth what I left with.

The Inspire Journaling Bible ($24.99)
Bible journaling has gained popularity over the past year and while the concept sounds great, as a person with absolutely zero artistic ability, I always thought it sounded like more work than Biblical study. But when I came across this journaling Bible, with some of the content already filled in for me, I decided I’d like to give it a try. Some of the pages have just a faint outline, some are blank for your own journaling, and some have the actual verses for you to fill in as you spend time in God’s Word.

Third Day and Natalie Grant Cds ($13.99 ea regular price but with the BOGO sale, the second was only $7.00). As music lovers, many of my family and friends are always happy with more.

And while I didn’t buy this one during my trip because I already have it, if you haven’t picked up Needtobreathe’s newest album, do it soon!! You won’t be disappointed.

Music: H A R D L O V E by NEEDTOBREATHE (available July 15)
Description: This sixth studio album from NEEDTOBREATE finds the group reflecting on the tumultuous seasons behind their recent albums, Rivers In the Wasteland and The Reckoning, and enjoying extraordinary success while experiencing personal conflict. “We were in a dark place when we made the last record, but to me this album is mostly a story of redemption,” Bear Rinehart said. H A R D L O V E delves into the world of electronic effects and instrumentation, resulting in a sublimely crafted and expansive sound that reflects the band’s unforgettable live show. Includes lead singles “Happiness” and “Money & Fame.”

What better way to offer someone encouragement than a daily reminder of Scripture. Take the time to be still and know God and all of the promises that entails in our lives. (plaque $12.99)

There are so many great things at Family Christian Stores, I could go on and on but I don’t have time for that and I doubt you do either. So, I’ll leave you with a little information about the organization (followed by a giveaway so don’t give up on me yet)

Family Christian is a Christian retailer, operating in 250 stores across the country. They are committed to helping you find, grow, share and celebrate your faith through a wide selection of Christian books, music, Bibles, DVDs, gifts and more.

When you shop with Family Christian, your purchases support their efforts to unite with ministries that are helping children and families in need around the world.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“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, 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.