Lost Mission- ENDED!

Lost Mission

A Novel by Athol Dickson
(Author of River Rising)

Sometimes, we just need a good adventure.

Athol Dickson is the master of a great adventure. He is also well-loved for his character development. Lost Mission is no exception.

In this wonderful story, you will come to understand the characters, learn their deepest secrets, and sympathize with them. One reader even said, "...If you look closely enough, you might just see a little bit of yourself in them!"

This book makes you constantly ask, "What would I do in that situation?".

Lost Mission is a riveting, unique, and exciting book. Dickson mixes sin, sorrow, shame, adventure, determination, friendship, and Faith in God in this amazing adventure.

Don't miss it!

About the book:

What haunting legacy awaits deep beneath the barrios and wealthy enclaves of Southern California?
A billionaire driven mad by grief. A pastor in love with the wrong woman. An illegal immigrant desperate to feed his family.
Only Lupe de la Garza can save them from the ancient evil lurking in a lost mission's ruins, but it will take an act of faith beyond all human power.

An idyllic Spanish mission collapses in the eighteenth century atop the supernatural evidence of a shocking crime. Twelve generations later the ground is opened up, the forgotten ruins are disturbed, and rich and poor alike confront the onslaught of resurging hell on earth. Caught up in the catastrophe are...

• · A humble shopkeeper compelled to leave her tiny village deep in Mexico to preach in America
• · A minister wracked with guilt for loving the wrong woman
  
• · An unimaginably wealthy man, blinded to the consequences of his grand plans
  
• · A devoted father and husband driven to a horrible discovery that changes everything

Will the evil that destroyed the Misión de Santa Dolores rise to overwhelm them? Or will they beat back the terrible desires that led to the mission's good Franciscan founder's standing in the midst of flames ignited by his enemies and friends alike more than two centuries ago?

From the high Sierra Madre mountains to the harsh Sonoran desert, from the privileged world of millionaire moguls to the impoverished immigrants who serve them, Athol Dickson once again weaves a gripping story of suspense that spans centuries and cultures to explore the abiding possibility of miracles.

About the author:

Athol Dickson is an award-winning author of several novels. His Christy Award-winning novel River Rising was name one of the "Top Ten Christian Novel of 2006" by Booklist magazine. He lives in California with his wife. Find out more about Athol and his books by visiting his website.

You can buy this great book HERE!

CONTEST:
You can be entered to win signed copies of Athol’s award winning books!!! Here's how:

1. Tweet 4 words that describe Athol Dickson’s #LostMission along with this link: http://tr.im/BPD1

Or

2. Athol Dickson’s redemptive tale #LostMission is a MUST read! Gripping story about mistakes and miracles! http://tr.im/BPD1

(To be clear – to be entered into the contest your tweet must have these 2 elements 1. Athol Dickson’s #LostMission 2. this link: http://tr.im/BPD1).

Contest ends November 5, 2009 at 6pm!

O2- Breathing New Life into Faith - ENDED!

O2- Breathing New Life into Faith
By Richard DahlstromO2 shows us a beautiful balancing act between INHALING- relaxing in God’s creation and EXHALING –taking care of our fellow man and our earth while enjoying the fellowship and beauty of it all. In today's crazy world, we all can use a reminder now and then that we just need to stop and BREATHE.

Book description:
Your physical body needs oxygen in order to survive. Inhale, exhale ... one leads naturally to the other. Inhale too long and you feel as if your lungs will burst. Exhale too long and you get light-headed. The same rhythm is essential in the life of faith. You inhale life-giving strength from God through things like prayer, study, solitude, and silence. You exhale generosity, hospitality, and service to the poor. If you try to do one without the other, you wont' last very long. This fresh perspective on the classic disciplines of the faith will empower you to process the oxygen of the Spirit. Discover how you can develop a balanced spirituality that reflects the life of Jesus and keeps your faith growing stronger.

A little bit about the Author, Richard Dahlstrom:
Richard Dahlstrom is Senior Pastor of Bethany Community Church in Seattle, WA, in the heart of the city, among university students, young professionals, families, the homeless, and the elderly. He is also a popular teacher in North America and Europe for the Capernwray Missionary Fellowship of Torchbearers. He holds a M.Div. from Talbot Theological Seminary. Find out more about Richard HERE.

You can buy the book HERE, watch a video about the book HERE, or read the first chapter HERE!
There is also a study guide! It can be found HERE!

You can WIN a copy of O2 for yourself! There are three ways to enter:
1. Please tweet about this contest. Comment below when you do. You can tweet once a day! Please use the hashtag #O2, and tweet this: @raincitypastor Pub. Weekly voted Breathing New Life into Faith as top 10 book in 2008 check it out! http://tr.im/Au8q #02

2. Connect to this blog by clicking "Follow" with Google Connect in the right hand side bar, and comment below that you follow!

3. Please post information about this contest on your Facebook, and leave me the link below!
This contest will end on Friday, November 6th at 6pm. A winner will be chose randomly by www.random.org/integers.
Good luck!

Disclaimer: Thank you to LitFuse Publicity for donating the free copy of O2 for my review. I was not compensated monetarily for this review, or for any reviews or giveaways on my blog site. All reviews are provided after I receive a free or donated product from the publisher, manufacturer, or PR company. Reviews are written from an unbiased point of view. Only business relationships exist with those who provide products for review. The Author of Mingle Over Mocha is not responsible for your difference in opinion, happiness with this product, or your safety when using any products reviewed or given away on this site.

30 BEST GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!

Are you ready for the BEST GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS contest??? I know I am!
Check out this list of AWESOME gifts that will be reviewed and given away in November... and there are MORE coming!!!

Professional grade microscope (retail $150)
“Your Baby Can Read” program (retail $200)
Nalgene Bottles (retail $200)
SodaStream Soda Maker (retail $180)
Pawparazzi Pets Set (retail $99)
Monogrammed Mug and Keychain Set (retail $29)
Joey Jr Purse Organizer ($50)
Custom Jewelry ($29)
Prince Lionheart pottyPOD (retail $50)
Votre Vu cosmetics trial (retail $100)
NeoCube Magnetics (retail $30)
UberArc (retail $300)
Digital Picture Frame (retail $55)
ZhuZhu Pets Hamster set (retail $75)
Roku Video Player (retail $100)
Sundial jewelry (retail $69-199)
Custom Children’s Adirondack Chair (retail $100)
Kushies Magnetic Stackable Toys (retail $50)
Hourglass Coffee Maker (retail $70)
Chalkboard China (retail $110)
Skittertoy Car (retail $79)
Kajeet Cell Phone (retail $110)
“Hobo” Bag (retail $30)
… and MUCH more!!!

Be sure to come back each day between November 1-30!

Prince Lionheart Seat Protector Giveaway!! -ENDED!

You all know by now that I LOVE the Prince Lionheart company. They made the awesome wheely cow ride-on that I was fortunate enough to review recently, along with the stroller accessories, and the training potty that will be featured in my Christmas push!

They have done it again!

They recently sent me a seat protector to review!

Moms, you've all been there. You're in a hurry to get somewhere, and Murphy's Law hits. Your toddler spills their milk all over themselves and the car. If you're a mom, you are all too familiar with the smell of old milk in a closed-in space. ICK.

My poor leather seats in my van have seen it all.

But, they didn't have to! Prince Lionheart's two stage seat cover has protected my seats for a month now, and my leather looks brand new!!

It is two stages, because when your new baby is in a car seat carrier, he/she can't spill on the back of the chair. When they are in a toddler or booster seat however... well, that's a different story!

Here is a blurb from their website:
"Its high-density foam construction prevents depression damage that is caused by car seats. The bottom tray keeps all cars seats level and in proper position, and the kick plate protects upholstery from shoe scuffs. Works with all LATCH compatible car seat systems and fits all automobiles. Available in Black, Gray and Beige."


Is your car sitting in your driveway, screaming for you to win one of these???

If so, enter below!

To enter, please do any or all of the following:

1. Comment below, with your email address
2. Visit the Prince Lionheart site by clicking HERE, and leave a comment telling me what you love the most!
3. Subscribe to this blog (enter your email address in upper right corner), and comment that you do.
4. Follow this blog (in right hand column), and comment that you do.
5. Become a fan of this blog on Facebook by clicking HERE, and comment that you do.
6. Email this contest out to your friends, and copy me on it at vaagen@bellsouth.net
7. Follow me on Twitter (vaagen) and ReTweet this contest on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vaagen/status/4887747260. Comment below that you did.
8. Favorite this blog on Technorati by clicking HERE
The winner will be chosen by random drawing on http://www.random.org/integers/ on Saturday, October 24th at 6pm. Good luck!
Thank you to Prince Lionheart for donating the free seat cover for my review. I was not compensated monetarily for this review, or for any on my blog site. All reviews are provided after I receive a free/donated product from the publisher, manufacturer, or PR company. Reviews are written from an unbiased point of view. Opinions may differ. Only business relationships exist with those who provide products for review.

Five for Fighting! Review Only!

I had the great pleasure of reviewing the newest Five for Fighting album recently!

I LOVE this band, and I've literally never heard a song of theirs that I didn't fall in love with.

SLICE is no different! Each song on this album has it's own unique sound, and is incredibly well written! My kids all sing along already- and we've only had the album for a couple weeks!

Of all the songs on the album, if I had to pick my two favorites, they would be "Slice" and "Note to the Unknown Soldier." "Slice" is just an All-American, remember-when type of song. It's got an easy beat, and will stay in your head all day!

"Note to the Unknown Soldier" is a brilliantly written ballad that will have you in tears!!

Album Tracklisting:

1. Slice

2. Note To The Unknown Soldier

3. Tuesday

4. Chances -HERE is a video of John performing it on the Early Show

5. This Dance

6. Above The Timberline

7. Transfer

8. Hope

9. Story Of Your Life

10. Love Can't Change The Weather

11. Augie Nieto

You can follow John Ondrasik on Twitter HERE or connect to the Five for Fighting on Facebook HERE!

Thank you for One2One Network for including me in this review. I was sent the Slice CD free of charge. No other compensation was given for my review. The opinions expressed above are my own, and opinions may differ.

Brandi Carlile! Review Only!

I LOVE adding new music to my collection. I listen to muxic constantly, so I have a large collection to keep things interesting.

"Give Up the Ghost" was a perfect new addition-

Brandi Carlile's new album "Give Up The Ghost" is currently iTunes #1 best selling album and it was just released last Tuesday!

Track listing
(Track Number, Title, Writer(s), Length)

1. "Looking Out" Brandi Carlile 4:18
2. "Dying Day" Tim Hanseroth 3:33
3. "Pride and Joy" Carlile 4:20
4. "Dreams" Carlile, Phil Hanseroth, T. Hanseroth 3:31
5. "That Year" Carlile 3:35
6. "Caroline" Carlile, Hanseroth, Hanseroth 3:36
7. "Before It Breaks" Carlile, Hanseroth, Hanseroth 3:57
8. "I Will" Carlile 4:09
9. "If There Was No You" Carlile, P. Hanseroth 2:39
10. "Touching the Ground" T. Hanseroth 3:17
11. "Oh Dear" Carlile, P. Hanseroth 2:50
Total time: 40:45

Brandi Carlile has a thick, rich voice in a lower octave. I love voices with some substance to them, and Brandi's got it! There are some great beats on the album, some ballads, and a couple lovey songs. It's a great mix, and the songs are well-positioned on the album!

This is her tour schedule (many are sold out, so grab those tickets quickly!):

10/15
Santa Fe, NM
Lensic Performing Arts Center

10/16
Tucson, AZ
Rialto Theatre

10/17
Los Angeles, CA
The Wiltern

10/20
San Francisco, CA
The Fillmore
SOLD OUT
10/21
San Francisco, CA
The Fillmore

10/22
Portland, OR
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

10/23
Seattle, WA
Easy Street Records

10/24
Seattle, WA
The Paramount
SOLD OUT
02/21
Miami, FL
Cayamo: A Journey Through Song

Click here for more dates>>>

This album was given to me at no charge, for my review. There was NO other form of compensation given in exchange for my review. The opinions expressed above are my own, and opinions may differ.

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller - ENDED!

GIVEAWAY!!

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald “Blue Like Jazz” Miller is a thought-provoking look at what our lives could be like if we were to try to turn it into movie material. As Miller shares his experience with us, the result less than exciting for him. But his life begins to take shape as he goes through it step by step.

What would a conversation about your life be like… if you were talking with God?

This and many other questions will make you think… and just might change your life!

this link to see where Donald will appear on his book tour!

To enter, please do any or all of the following:

1. Comment below, with your email address

2. Visit the A Million Miles site on Amazon, and let me know your thoughts!

3. Subscribe to this blog (enter your email address in upper right corner), and comment that you do.

4. Follow this blog (in right hand column), and comment that you do.

5. Become a fan of this blog on Facebook by clicking HERE, and comment that you do.

6. Email this contest out to your friends, and copy me on it at vaagen@bellsouth.net

7. Follow me on Twitter (vaagen) and ReTweet this contest on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vaagen/statuses/4694322348. Comment below that you did.

8. Favorite this blog on Technorati by clicking HERE

The winner will be chosen by random drawing on http://www.random.org/integers/ on Wednesday, October 14th at 6pm. Good luck!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for donating the free copy of "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" for my review.

I was not compensated monetarily for this review, or for any on my blog site. All reviews are provided after I receive a free/donated product from the publisher, manufacturer, or PR company. Reviews are written from an unbiased point of view. Only business relationships exist with those who provide products for review.

Fresh Start by Doug Fields (Review Only)

Fresh Start
God's Invitation to a Great Life
By Doug Fields

Thomas Nelson Books provided me with a copy of the book “Fresh Start” by Doug Fields for my review.

Fresh start by Doug Fields is a wonderful, often funny, book. By sharing new perspectives on single life, married life, and everything in between, Fresh Start gives clear guidelines to follow. That, coupled with scripture background to relieve the pressures of today’s world, Doug Fields will help to get us “unstuck.” Everyone can have a “FRESH START”.

The book description is as follows:

If you had the chance to change your life for the better, would you? All it takes is a decision.

Trapped by harmful habits, behaviors, and attitudes, we struggle to become the person God has created and called us to be. Saddleback Church teaching pastor Doug Fields says it’s never too late to get a fresh start. With personal stories and youthful writing, Doug challenges readers to recognize that they may say they want God in their lives, but they really don’t want to change. They are stuck. He says, "It’s not about trying harder, it’s about plugging into God’s transforming power and submitting your entire life to Christ. Age doesn’t matter; fresh starts are for everyone."

Topics include:

* Dealing with pride
* Defining success
* Living with guilt
* Struggling with conflicts
* Finding true friendships
* Overcoming discouragement
* Facing rejection
* Attacking anger

To purchase “Fresh Start,” click HERE

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Books for donating the free copy of "Fresh Start" for my review.

I was not compensated monetarily for this review, or for any on my blog site. All reviews are provided after I receive a free/donated product from the publisher, manufacturer, or PR company. Reviews are written from an unbiased point of view. Only business relationships exist with those who provide products for review.

Harry Connick, Jr CD (Review Only)!

Ahhhh, Harry. You've done it again.

When I'm looking for new music, I will generally enter a genre on my iPhone app, "Pandora Radio," and see what comes up. Lately, I've not been too thrilled with Pandora's choices for me.

If you're in the same situation- a little tired of the same old songs in your collection, look no further.

Harry Connick Jr's newest album, "Your Songs," is set for release on September 22nd.

What will you find in this album?

• Harry's timeless voice
• Soothing musical accompaniment
• Some jazz
• Well-preserved classics, with a unique spin
• A little something for all ages

Check out these amazing Tracks!

Album Tracklisting (Originally performed by):

1. All The Way (Frank Sinatra)
2. Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)
3. Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (Elvis Presley)
4. And I Love Her (The Beatles)
5. (They Long To Be) Close To You (The Carpenters)
6. Besame Mucho
7. The Way You Look Tonight
8. First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack)
9. Your Song (Elton John)
10. Some Enchanted Evening
11. And I Love You So (Don McLean)
12. Who Can I Turn To? (Tony Bennett)
13. Smile (Charlie Chaplin)
14. Mona Lisa (Nat King Cole)

Here is a fun "behind the scenes" look at the making of this album:

http://bit.ly/HCJrVideo

This CD is perfect for so many situations!

Romantic evenings, reading-a-book-by-the-fireplace night, calm drives, bath time... the list goes on and on! You'll want to put the release date on your calendar so you can pick up a copy of "Your Songs!"

Are you a big Harry Connick, Jr. fan? Check him out on these TV shows:

9/25 – Oprah “Live Friday”

9/28 – Today Show

9/29 – The View

9/30 – Imus in the Morning

9/30 – Letterman

10/1 – Today Show

Week of 10/5 – Rachael Ray

FTC Disclaimer:

Thank you to One2One Marketing for donating the free copy of "Your Songs" for my review.

I was not compensated monetarily for this review, or for any on my blog site. All reviews are provided after I recieve a free/donated product from the publisher, manufacturer, or PR company. Reviews are written from an unbiased point of view. Only business relationships exist with those who provide products for review.

SIRJJ Organics- SPF10 Day Moisturizer - ENDED

SIRJJ Organics!…. Review #5

As I mentioned in my previous AcaiBerry Reviews, I have been on a bit of a health kick lately, and this week, I will be posting some of the items that have helped me feel healthier, more refreshed, rejuvenated, and more energized this week! Be sure to check back daily, as you can enter each contest multiple times!
In my quest for better health, I came across SIRJJ Organics. SIRJJ is pronounced like the word "Surge." The company was named for the founder's children - Samuel, Isaac, Rachel and James Johnson. How cute is that???

Today, I am reviewing the Fifth and last of FIVE SIRJJ Organics Products!

If you would love to take a first step into healthier living, or if you always have used all natural cleansing products, SIRJJ is for you!
You will find daily reviews on the following products this week (from the AcaiBerry by Wisdom series!):

• AcaiBerry Cleansing Cream (My review: Click HERE)
• AcaiBerry Facial Scrub (My review: Click HERE)
• AcaiBerry Antioxidant Cooling Toner (My review: Click HERE)
• AcaiBerry Rehydration Cream (My review: Click HERE)
• AcaiBerry by Wisdom SPF 10 Day Cream (current review)

Recap of SIRJJ product review in general:

Let me first say this- I am allergic to EVERYTHING. I always have to test skin care products on my arm to see if I will break out, before buying new items. I was slightly worried that I would swell up like a pufferfish after trying these organic products. But I was very pleasantly surprised when the AcaiBerry products went on smooth, without irritation. I literally woke up the next morning with smoother skin! Please see my AcaiBerry Cleansing Cream review HERE.

The SPF 10 Day Cream is amazing! It is PERFECT for going on light and airy, so it works well under my make-up, and never makes my face look oily! But I have noticed a real difference in the softness of my skin, since I have used it. I have had absolutely no breakouts, either. I am not break-out prone, but some hydration creams push me over the edge and can cause them. I have used this daily since my sample came, and I am extremely happy with the results.

This is the ingredient list for the AcaiBerry SPF 10 Day Cream (notice, you can pronounce it all!):

• Aloe Leaf Juice - Certified Organic
• Apricot Kernel Oil - Certified Organic Expeller Pressed/Unrefined
• Plum Kernel Oil - Expeller Pressed/Unrefined
• Meadowfoam Seed Oil - Expeller Pressed/Refined
• Rosehip Seed Oil - Certified Organic Cold Pressed/Unrefined
• Pumpkin Seed Oil - Certified Organic Cold Pressed/Unrefined
• Zinc Oxide
• Mango Butter - Expeller Pressed/Unrefined
• Neem Seed Oil - Cold Pressed/Unrefined
• AcaiBerry - Certified Organic Freeze Dried
• Emulsifying Wax NF
• Gentle Preservative Blend: Potassium Sorbate USP Food Grade, Citric Acid (Fruit Sugars)

The packaging for the all natural cleansers is not flashy, just like the product. It is earth-friendly, and functional.

I believe SIRJJ has done an amazing job of finding high-quality ingredients and materials that perform well. There is no bulk, no waste, and no over-kill in their products or their packaging.I am officially the latest fan of SIRJJ Organics!

Would you love to own a similar SIRJJ product of your own? Read the rules below and leave your comment, then come back daily to leave more comments on the reviews I will be posting for SIRJJ all the way through Saturday! The contests will all end on Friday, October 2nd at 6pm.

To enter, please do any or all of the following:
1. Comment below, with your email address
2. Visit the SIRJJ Organics site by clicking HERE, and leave a comment telling me what you love the most!
3. Subscribe to this blog (enter your email address in upper right corner), and comment that you do.
4. Follow this blog (in right hand column), and comment that you do.
5. Become a fan of this blog on Facebook by clicking HERE, and comment that you do.
6. Follow me on Twitter (vaagen) and ReTweet this contest on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vaagen/statuses/4170559338 Comment below that you did.
7. Favorite this blog on Technorati by clicking HERE
The winner will be chosen by random drawing on http://www.random.org/integers/ on Monday, October 5th at 6pm. Good luck!