Romans 1:1-17

Journal Prompt: Before his conversion, Paul was a man who many people feared. He persecuted Christians ruthlessly, dragging them from their homes and putting them in jail for their crime of believing. Read the beginning of a letter written by Paul after his conversion – Romans 1:1-17. Notate how Paul identifies himself. How do you identify yourself in Christ?  Provided by: SpotLIGHT316 

In you have been following me, you know that I am very early into my life with God. My expressions of opinions are by no means right or wrong. Our Pastor says that he is here to guide us but it is our responsibility to dig deeper and see for ourselves. So please make sure to read the scriptures yourself and feel free to add anything you like to the comment's sections. 

Paul identified himself as a servant of God. Paul says that he is to share with all not just certain types of people. I definitely agree that I am His servant. That everything we do should be for His will and not our own. Being human though means that not everything we do is perfect. We sin daily even moment by moment. Each time I go to the Lord in prayer I ask for forgiveness of my sins, because I guarantee that I have sinned since the last time I prayed. Servants are not perfect but we are to do His will and things that will bring others to him. We are to spread His word, His Love and His salvation by Grace. I can pray that I do this daily and with His will. 

Are you a servant to God? Do you try to do His will and not your own?

 

K

King

noun

1.a male sovereign or monarch; a man who holds by life tenure, and usually by hereditary right, the chief authority over a country and people.

2.( initial capital letter  ) God or Christ.

3.a person or thing preeminent in its class: a king of actors.

4.a playing card bearing a picture of a king.

5.Chess. the chief piece of each color, whose checkmating is the object of the game; moved one square at a time in any direction.

This was easy! As soon as I saw the letter I knew exactly what the word was and the scripture to go with it. 

1 Timothy 6:15 (NIV) ¹⁵ which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 

There is no doubt that God is King of Kings. He is MY King. He is YOUR King. Yes, YOU!  He is amazing! I am very excited about walking with God. Learning and Loving!

New Direction......

When I joined the blogging world, I did it out of fun. I thought that I would just throw some stuff out there and relax. I started with the 100 days of photos. It was fun. I was able to search through pictures and memories alike and really enjoyed it.

Then I was introduced to the ideas of reviews, giveaways and couponing (is that really a word?) through blogs. I dove in head first. I started reaching out to companies, entering giveaways and actually winning. I have met some wonderful fellow bloggers while doing this. But I suddenly didn't find it fun any more. There was no meaning to what I was posting and I was getting overwhelmed. Bring in the ABC prompt. This was back to fun again. I enjoy thinking about each letter and what it represents. There was still reviews to do and contest to post though and it just wasn't working for me. So I wasn't posting..... wasn't coming here on a consistent basis for anything...not even my ABC post. 

Then I can across another blog....SpotLIGHT316.....and I suddenly realized what was wrong. I was overwhelmed, it wasn't fun and it was because it wasn't the direction I was suppose to go. When I created my blog, almost exactly a year ago, my blog title just came to me....I had not turned my life over to God at that time even though I believed....yet there was my blog name. I truly believe that God was leading me and I didn't even realize it.

Since dedicating my life on July 1, 2012, my family and I have definitely gone in a better direction. It's a new year, a new me and well....a new direction with my blog. I hope that you will stay with me. Join me on my journey. With any luck ...... I can show you a side of me, the Love of God and the wonders of being a Christian.

Get Fit Giveaway!

    Sponsored by: Nutrisystem | Eat Smart | ProForm | BeachBody Co Hosted by: Mom Blog Society | Jackie's Reviews | Geeky Gamer Mom | She Informed | Country Stew | Confessions of a Messy Mama | Zoe's Printable Coupons | Fishful Thinking | The Deal Fanatic | Route 249 | SOS Mom | Swank Savings

Prizes:

Ab Glider

6 Month Nutrisystem

EatSmart Scale

Insanity Worked Package

The event dates: 12/27 12am EST- 1/6 11:59pm EST Open to World Wide

       

At Nutrisystem, we believe that your health and happiness matters most. That's why for more than 40 years, we've been helping millions of people make themselves a priority, and discover that they, too, can change their lives for the better. By providing real food you know and love, guidelines you can live and learn by, and balanced nutrition your body needs, we've created a program that makes losing weight work for you.  

       

• Measuring Functions: % Body Fat, % Total Body Water, % Muscle Mass and Bone Mass
• Proprietary Automatic User Identification Technology; Stores personal data for up to 8 users
• EatSmart "Step-On" Technology - Get instant readings with no tapping to turn on!
• Large 3.5" Blue LCD display with white backlight - Easy to read.
• Auto Calibrated; Auto Power-Off; Runs on 4 AAA batteries (included); 100% EatSmart Satisfaction Guarantee

   

• Burn 2x the Calories Per Minute
• 2-in-1 Easy Abs Plus Workout DVD
• 3-Minute Abs Workout DVD
• Amazing Abs Digital Eating Guide
• Vertical and Rotational Lock

         

      This might just be the hardest fitness program ever put on DVD. Your personal trainer Shaun T will push you past your limits with 10 INSANITY workout discs packed with plyometric drills on top of nonstop intervals of strength, power, resistance, and ab and core training moves. No equipment or weights needed. Just the will to get the hardest body you’ve ever had.   For your chance to win the Get Fit New Years Resolution Giveaway Simply enter via the Rafflecopter below. GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Everyday Matters Bible for Women

God's miraculous words in a special edition. When the Bible first arrived, it was the first thing I noticed, the cover. In all fairness, God's message can come in any wrapping and still be beautiful of course. The cover is a nice and uplifting surprise. I spent many days looking through the pages, reading God's words. It is an honor to be apart of the CWA Review Crew and receive this to share my thoughts and feelings with these Christian women and others alike.

My current bible is women's bible too but it is the NIV translation where as Everyday Matters Bible is NLT. This did not stop by desire to want to review this version.  I have prayed on several occasions asking God for guidance as I know many have. Do you know what the answer always is...read your bible more. I don't believe that we can read enough everyday to fully grasp what we have the Faith and ability to do.

The pages are a little thin for me as you can see through them to the other side. I definitely wouldn't turn away from it because of this as most bible's have thinner pages. But it was a constant reminder to be more careful as I read through it. This bible is laid out to help anyone go deeper into their study of God. It has a every useful layout with question and answer and scriptures to help in your everyday journey.

I have not been lucky enough to see this while out and about shopping but I know it can be purchased through Amazon in hardback and on your kindle. Myself, I have a Nook through Barnes and Noble so I had to go check there as well ~ with both available :) They also have a facebook page to connect with them on as well as twitter.

You can not go wrong if you are looking to start or re-engage in your studies with Him. It makes a beautiful gift as well. When someone you care about isn't having the easiest time, you can help them turn to God and  hopefully uplift them when they need it most.

**Disclaimer:  I’m a part of the CWA Review Crew and I received a copy of this Bible in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.

FixMe Stick frustrations......

I recently heard about a a great product idea called FixMeStick.  I contacted the company and offered to do a review. Couldn't wait to get it in the mail.

I had heard great things about it and couldn't wait to see what it could do for my laptop....and maybe even the really old computer that is in my son's room. The possibilities seemed excellent.

I received the stick and read directions.  They were super simple. Plug it in to your usb port. That was it. Said that it would ask you to restart the computer and go from there.  Ok. I can do that. I love computers but am certainly not a guru.

I followed the instructions......it got stuck during the updating process.... Ok. Things happen so no worries. I restarted the computer. And decided that I would try again later. The instructions that come up on the screen indicated that it can take several hours and I didn't want to lose my computer for that long.

The next day before I went to work...I tried again. Plugged it in to let it do it's thing. Yeah Right. I came home from work only for the computer screen to tell me that the FixMeStick must have been bumped and it did not complete. UGH! Seriously!

Ok...I can handle.......In the mean time, Sam, the companies representative that sent me the product contacted me. He asked me how it was going and if I had a chance to use the product. I explained that yes I had but was having some problems with it. He was very polite and gave me some options.  He indicated that sometimes, a small percentage, has trouble with connecting to certain usb ports and asked that I try it again by using a different.  Ok....I can do that.

I plugged it in for a third time. I went to work...again not wanting to lose my computer that long but wanting to get it fixed......not cause MORE problems. In the mean time, my husband expressed some concern over a product that you have to plug into the computer and then connect to the internet as all computers have lots of information on them.  I assured him that I had seen several reviews and most of them were fellow bloggers.  I must have saw a squirrel. Back on task. I came home from work....only to find it stuck once again on the update process.....I have still had not had any luck with it all.

I take it out...restart my computer.  I log on to Chrome as it has been my browser for ....well I don't know how long.  It will not go to a website.  It won't even pull up my homepage....you have got to be kidding!

I tried multiple times to get Chrome to work. I tried running a virus scan. I tried to delete Chrome and reinstall it....no luck at all. So I switch to IE as it is the only other one on my computer. I am not a fan of IE and I don't really know much about it. So I went looking for another browser to see how it was and if I would like it. I found Firefox and downloaded it. Just to have a back up.

The next day hubby and I were talking and he asked me to go to a website to look up some information. I pulled up IE...and I can't log in. I can't log in to any site that I am registered with. OMH! (aka Oh My Heavens) ARE YOU KIDDING!?

I pulled up FireFox......FF to the rescue! I have been using it ever since :) Woohoo! Oops...squirrel.

The representative had sent me an email asking how it was going.....here was my response.......

Good afternoon,

Honestly, No. And my computer is running very slow now and my Chrome browser suddenly crashed. Deleting it and reinstalling it didn't fix the problem. And none of my login's work on IE. Like logging into bill pay sites and such. Nothing personal obviously, but not a happy camper :(

Hoping you can help,

Now....He has been very helpful and polite throughout the whole thing.  I was not expecting the response I got......

Hey Melissa,

I'm sorry to hear that, but I can guarantee you that the FixMeStick is not responsible for what's going on with your computer. The FixMeStick only changes your had drive at the quarantine phase. My best suggestion is Googling around or getting a technical friend to help you.
Regards,

Samy

I haven't heard from him since.....That was on November 26th.  I am highly disappointed and very frustrated. I understand what he had to say about it not effecting my computer but why I am suddenly having problems?? And why did you disappear after I said that?? Definitely don't recommend the product.

 

Awakening Mineral Skin Care Giveaway

Awakening Mineral Skin Care Giveaway Dec 13-17, 2012

Bringing A Holiday To You

Hosted by Celebrate Woman Today Sponsored by Awakening Mineral Skin Care

Awakening products can make unique Christmas gifts for yourself or others! What a great way to start out the new year but with an all natural skin care routine!!

 Skin care is an important investment into our daily lives. With a massive barrage of chemicals each person consumes and being exposed to for the duration of her entire life is ridiculously HUGE and UNNECESSARY. What could change for you and for me is an intentional choice of going with all-naturally accepted ingredients within each skin care product we buy. Check the Ingredients list. Read All the components of what will be massaged into your precious skin that protects your entire body and all of its systems from the environmental damage.  

When in doubt, put the product aside, research it online, ask the questions that need to be asked in order for you to feel comfortable with further purchase and then enjoyment of the product. Educate yourself as a consumer. Don't put the blame on companies! Though they are responsible for the quality of their products, many of them are very content with the situation of a "silent" consumer. By "silent" I mean a consumer who doesn't question their product's integrity. Only with the voice of massive and powerful consumer can we make changes in what gets on our plates as food and what is being lathered into our skin as cosmetics.  

The Awakening company has a product line that consists of creams and lotions with minerals from the Dead Sea and an array of herbs and essential oils. They pride themselves on the fact that no Mineral oil can be found in their products. Way to go! We would like to offer our intelligent audience 4 gift sets that consist of three products for Hands, Feet, and for skin with Sun exposure.

 

Win This Amazing Ensemble of Awakening Mineral Skin Care, $50 Value 4 Winners 

Each set of the Awakening Gift Set will include: • Awakening Hands – With a pearl-size application, you'll experience a true awakening of your skin! Contains zero mineral oils. Just minerals and herbs. • Awakening Feet – Naturally controls odors and kills fungal bacteria. And Arnica Montana helps reduce bruising and ache in your feet. • Awakening Sun – Use to protect your face, hands and any open to the sun body parts with this beautifully and naturally scented lotion. Coco, lavender, vanilla, rosemary and lemon would only add to the awakening experience of this unique sun lotion.  

Awakening all natural products have been featured in many Holiday Gift guides! Don't miss out on the chance to get your own products or something to share!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

For Rules and Disclosures of this giveaway, please see Rafflecopter form: Terms And Conditions. Open to US only, 18+ only. MY BLOG is not responsible for prize shipment.

J

 

Jesus. Enough Said

Movie Night Giveaway!

Sponsors: Netflix | Route 249 | Mom Blog Society | Jackie's Reviews | Geeky Gamer Mom | Tinkle Monkey | Country Stew | She Informed | S.O.S Mom | Inside My Head | Mom Does Reviews | As Mom Sees It | Giveaway Maven | Reel Mama

 

What a great way to spend the cold winter nights but curled up on the couch watching movies! OR getting caught up on your favorite shows!

December 9th 12:01 am EST-17th 12:59 pm EST

Netflix revolutionizes the way people watch TV shows and movies

With more than 30 million streaming members in the United States, Canada, Latin America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Nordics, Netflix, Inc. is the world's leading internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV programs.

For one low monthly price, Netflix members can instantly watch movies and TV programs streamed over the internet to PCs, Macs and TVs. Among the large and expanding base of devices streaming from Netflix are the Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Sony PS3 consoles; an array of Blu-ray disc players, internet-connected TVs, home theatre systems, digital video recorders and internet video players; Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, as well as Apple TV and Google TV.

In all, over 800 devices that stream from Netflix are available.

For additional information, visit www.netflix.com. Follow Netflix on Facebook and Twitter.    

LG 32CS460 32-INCH Let your TV do the adjustments for you. Intelligent Sensor automatically optimizes the picture to the lighting and color conditions in the room for a more enjoyable viewing experience.  Wouldn't that be awesome!

 POPCORNNOPOLIS Six regular-sized of our most incredible gourmet flavors jostle for position, nearly bursting out of their cones in their eagerness to overwhelm those unsuspecting taste buds. Creamy Our wildly popular Zebra® Chocolate, Luscious Pecan Caramel, Classic Caramel Corn, Cheddar Cheese, Kettle Corn and Cinnamon Bun.  

One lucky winner will be selected to win all three prizes. Simply enter via the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win. GOOD LUCK! 1 Winner USA ONLY 
 

1 year Netflix subscription

6pk Popcornnopolis Gourment Popcorn

LG 32" Flat Screen TV

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wii U Event!

Choice Your U Event

Hosted by Mom Powered Media

Big thank you to our supporting co-hosts: Just Davey and Me, Giveaway Bandit, A Medic's World, Raking In The Savings, Mommy Bear Media, Capri's Coupons, Monica's Rants, Raves & Reviews and CountingtoTen

~ Introducing the Wii U ~

Wii U is the next great gaming console from Nintendo and it redefines how you will play next. With its innovative new Wii U GamePad controller, it will not only introduce entirely new ways to play games, it will also transform how you connect with friends and enjoy entertainment.

Play Games

• Discover new ways to play together with the innovative Wii U GamePad controller
• Enjoy brand new games from your favorite gaming franchises
• Experience up to full 1080p HD for the first-time ever on a Nintendo gaming console
• Play almost all of your favorite Wii games & accessories on the Wii U console

Connect & Share

• Interact with friends, family, and people around the world via Miiverse*
• Download add-on content, full games, classic games, and applications from the Nintendo eShop*
• Communicate in real time with the video chat feature*
• Make and share Mii? characters* *Broadband Internet access required for online features. For more info, go to support.nintendo.com

Transform Entertainment

• Search your TV, cable, video-on-demand and DVR content from one convenient place
• Control your TV with the Wii U GamePad as a remote control
• Browse the Internet on the Wii U GamePad and share your activity on the TV screen
• Find, watch, and enhance your video entertainment

Wii U GamePad Controller

• Connects Wirelessly with both the console and the TV
• Built-in touch screen
• Motion Control
• Buttons and control sticks built right in

What are they going to come out with next!

One lucky reader will receive a Wii U Console with Wii U GamePad Controller!

Giveaway ends December 30th at 11:59pm, open to worldwide {residents outside of the US will receive a $300 Amazon Gift Card}, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!