Congratulations to our Ecomom GC Winner!

Winner has been notified and confirmed! Thank you all for entering!

Congratulations to the Two Winners!

 

Congratulations Ladies!  They were drawn via Random Number Generator to win a set of Cloth Wipes via Comfybuns!  Winners have been confirmed via email!  Thank you all for entering! 

Testimony Thursdays

Have you ever thought about "What it is in a Review..."

• That gets a person to purchase what you review?
• To believe your words and testimony?
• To trust your judgement?

And then it hit me.  Too frequently I wonder if people know who I am just by looking at me or talking with me. 

• What do I do that makes a person stop and think about what kind of person I am?
• Do people take me as one who believes in God and trusts in Jesus as her Savior?
• Do they know that I am A forgiven person freed from the shackles of sin?
• Or That I read the Bible and follow its truths?
• And That I am saved by grace and not works?
• That I believe God is Sovereign, in control over all that goes on?
• Lastly, is there a difference in the way I live that really really makes a difference?

Testimony Thursdays:

Testimony Thursdays was born through theses questions I have so many times thought about.  I want my life and this blog to reflect what I am going through in life.  As well as be a testimony to what God is doing in my life.  I will share verses and prayers answered.  I will share what is going on in my life as a believer in God.  I want you all to witness what He is doing in my life. 

I have sins in my life that I am not too proud of.  I am ashamed of.  I know that if I were to live with the guilt of sin for the rest of my life, that I would probably be trying to rid myself of the guilt I felt inside.  Instead of me having to try to get rid of the sin myself, Jesus Christ the Son of God took all my sins to the death on the cross. 

So many times I have felt, even now as a forgiven person, that I wanted to get rid of sin myself.  I don't know if you have ever felt that.  But Jesus took that sin and the guilt upon himself.  So that we did not have to feel that way or live life carrying the burden of guilt.  He died on that cross instead of us.  He wanted us to be able to live in Heaven and have forgiveness and love instead of pain and sin and guilt.  I have tried to run away from things in my past, and tried to get rid of the sin myself but ya tough luck on that one.  I have tried doing good works, but found myself wrestling with the reasons behind doing the good works, ultimately selfishness.

The Bible says in Romans 4:

For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.  For what does the Scripture say?  Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.  Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.  And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered: blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count as sin. 

I Find myself Forgiven and Free:

  I find myself thankful and grateful to God for loving me so much that He gave His only Son to die on that cross.  It is truly amazing love and forgiveness.  I look at my daughter and it pains me deeply to imagine her giving her life up so that others may live.  Those who live might not even realize she died that they may live.  Or there might be some that don't even deserve to live. 

The Bible says in Romans 5:

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.  For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would even dare to die--but God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 

 I find myself wanting to live out life pleasing to Him:

  I want to "do" things now.  I want others to know that life is still hard, but you have God's grace, love, and hope there for you.  Knowing that life is not out of control, but In God's Control really helps me to keep on living in hope.  There are bad days where I doubt Him, but I find things in life and circumstances that confirm that He is real and true and there for me.

Hope/Silver Lining

Hope.  My hope is in Christ Jesus:

There is nothing good in me.  I am not always righteous or right.  I am faulty, but the Holy God sees me as forgiven and whole (not faulty or imperfect).  His Son did what I could not do--live out the 10 Commandments, Live out a Perfect, Sinless life.  Jesus Christ took the rap for all the wrong we all did.  The punishment for sin is death.  He died.  Yet, He had the power to rise again.  This is my testimony, Jesus Christ paid for my sins.  I am nothing without Him.  He is Lord. Praise God for all He has done!  

For you are my hope, O LORD God: you are my trust from my youth. 
Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength fails. 
I will go in the strength of the LORD God: I will make mention of your righteousness even of yours only.  Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed your strength unto this generation and your power to every one that is to come.  Psalm 71:5,9,16,18

Praying for our Husbands

I'm sorry, I have not been writing regular blog posts about our family life as of late.
I have been going through a lot of things---well our family is just going through a hard time.
I have been spending more time just trying to keep things together at home between my husband and me. 

"Rough Patches" in Life

My husband and I have been married for 3 years as of July 12, and right now, I am just going through a hard time not being able to really connect with my husband through conversation!  I remember as a newly wed the importance of "communication" in a marriage. I still hear the voices of many mature married couples saying to me how important communication is in a relationship.  I want so many things to click in our marriage right now....and I feel so outnumbered by the so many "misunderstandings" due to a lack of communication.  Every couple I think goes through these rough patches in life. 

If and Only

He is in a new job right now, and not in the best of places--from what I can tell one of the "lowest" positions.  The job is rough on him physically, the money is alright, better than before though. I am so glad that he got this job, I am very thankful.

Before he landed this job.  I had a few thoughts about how great life would be if only he landed this job.    I had thought if only God got him this job.....

• that he would have more time for his family
• that he would spend more time reading and praying
• that he would be more involved in friends and family
• that we would be more happier
• that we would feel more secure financially

 Can I tell you that he still worries about us?  That financially I still do not feel stable?  That I do not think we feel any happier in comparison before he got the job and after--it is pretty much the same.  He is still pretty tired to really spend time with us.  Things are still the same even though circumstances have changed. 

I had thought that if only he got a job in this business that he would rejoice and praise God and learn to trust God.  I had thought that his faith in Christ would grow.  That he would spend more time in the Bible.  Not much has changed since he got this job.  It seems that this job would allow him to slow down and not worry and spend more time with us at home, but I am learning that Circumstances do not change our Attitudes or a Heart condition.  I think we as humans can always find something to worry about or feel like we need to "get somewhere or something" in order for our lives to feel fulfilled or satisfied or even somewhat perfect.

Trusting God's Sovereignty;

 I find myself more hurt, more lost, and much more angry inside if I always hang on to "If Only" scenarios.  Honestly for the last month or two, I have kept chewing on the "If only I did not get married" thought.  I grew angry at my life, at my husband, at myself, and angry at God.  I found myself doubting and regretting marriage.  I kept wishing things to be different!  For my husband to be different.  For life to be different.

And then, I looked at the gift of a child God had given me.  My thoughts about If Only stop.  No, I cannot regret our daughter being born.  Neither can I regret being married anymore.  The truth in Psalm 139 proclaims how God formed her within me, and she is a gift from God Himself.  She was made for a purpose--just as I am and you are, and every single person in the world is.  Things do not just happen.  God does not just lose control and "accidentally" allows someone to get married.  He is in control.  He is sovereign.  He reigns.  He allows things to happen, and for his glory.  All things work together for good.  God still has a purpose for my life.  He still has a purpose for my husband.  I must choose to allow Him to work in my life.  I must surrender my life and acknowledge that he is the potter and I am just clay in his hands.  He will make me into a vessel of his choosing, for His purpose.  I can choose to yield to Him.  I can choose to have him have his way in my life.  I must quit trying to tell God "If Only" ___________ then I would _____________. 

Getting the Beam Out of My Eye--and Being Forgiving towards (my) our Husbands

I lost myself, you guys.  I grieved for what could have been.  I grew bitter at why I could not have been a missionary living somewhere exotic or harsh where I was sure that my faith in Christ would grow much more.  I imagined myself to be married to a missionary whose faith in Christ and love spurred my faith and love in Christ too.  I thought this is where I'd be the most happiest.

In looking back, I see now that I am blaming my husband for my unhappiness and for my lack of spiritual growth.   Here are some of my thoughts:   

  I want my husband to want God.  I want him to be the head over our home.  I want him to be the spiritual leader.  I feel like its lacking big time.

You know it's not wrong to want this for someone.  But where I went sour was the fact that I blamed him for my unhappiness.  Depended upon him for my spiritual growth.  Also, the fact that I want and expect this out of my husband and not myself is ridiculous.  I need to get the beam out of my own eye and right the things in my own life.

 A Wife's Prayer

  There was a woman, a wife, who saw her husband needing help, direction.  She prayed for her husband.  She asked God to guide him and to keep him as well as to give her the wisdom to be who she needed to be for her husband. She prayed for her husband and marriage.
 She did not think "what if we did not get married."  She prayed, "God, you put us together for a reason."  She did not give into any bitter thinkings.   She just simply submitted her marriage, her husband, and herself to God.  Her prayer was so simple, yet so powerful to me.  I was just blown away at the answer to my problems and frustrations in life.  God wants me to pray and come to Him with everything, including marriage.   (I was watching a Christian movie called What If.)


God has me in the right place right now.  I know he does.  God is sovereign over my life. He can change our marriage. He can help my husband and I get back on the right path again.

I don't know...right now I am hanging on by faith....and praying for my husband.  I am not perfect.  I have my sins and my fault in fights we have.  But I know that Praying for our Husbands is huge.  Prayer is powerful, ladies.  God is at the other end  of prayer. 

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;"  I Peter 3:1

Disclaimer: I am just writing what I am learning right now.  I know that I am lacking a lot of  Scripture verses and references. But am basing a lot of things I write on verses.  I hope to put in more verses as I find them.  Just troublesome times and this is something in marriage that I am going through and just needed to pen it down.  This is the path that God is just showing to me little by little.  I hope it encourages you.  and I would love to get any help or advice and verses.  Thanks

God...you held me in your arms during the hard times as a child.

You remember the tears I've cried looking up at the night sky.

You were there.

You held my hand

Caught those tears.

Growing up was not as easy as I thought it'd be.

I thought that things would get easier.  

Life is just as hard.

But you give me joys every day.

You still hold my hand at night,

and are there to still tuck this grown woman into bed.

My tears still come down, but God...

you still hold me just as before.

You still know my heart...just as before.

God, you are my comfort....my friend...my God...and my first love.

God, I'm sorry I've wandered so much in my life.

Thank you for being the Father I need...who will love me 

not matter what I've done.

God...tonight....the pain is deep, the hurt inside me fresh.

You are here still.

Holding my hand

Catching these tears.

New Announcement! {Comfybuns Customs}

Thank you to Jessica from Comfybuns Customs for sponsoring the Cloth Wipes Giveaway!  After a few emails she has generously given us the chance to give away 2 Sets of Her "Test Drive" Cloth Wipes! Not just one, but TWO sets!

  So TWO Winners will be chosen, I am so excited for the chance!

How about showing some love by giving her a "Thank You" shout out on her Wall! Comfybuns Customs has fabulous flannel wipes!  Enter in to the Giveaway for your chance at winning a set of wipes: Enter Comfybuns Customs Giveaway Here

 

Winners have been Drawn!

Winners have been emailed and are just awaiting confirmation!  They have two days to respond to the notification email or else another winner will be drawn!  Thank you all for entering!

Photo Courtesy of  Timo Elliot Photographer of the Eiffel Fireworks

Opinion Outpost and Swagbucks: My Experiences and Review of Both

There are many ways to earn money on the internet and the two ways that I have been successful at earning money without going crazy is through Swagbucks and Opinion Outpost. 

Opinion Outpost:

What is Opinion Outpost?

Opinion Outpost is a research panel. It is a community of individuals who agree to share their views and opinions by answering survey questions from leading marketing research companies all over the world, as well as many Fortune 500 companies. It is a fun way to learn about and influence the products and services you use every day. As a “Thank You” for your participation Opinion Outpost offers Opinion Points, which can be redeemed for cash. -Opinion Outpost

My Thoughts and Review of Opinion Outpost:

One of my favorite ways to earn money that I'm finding is through using Opinion Outpost.  I get frustrated at different Survey Panels I have joined in the past, because I do not get enough surveys that I qualify for or I spend a long time answering questions and find out in the end that I do not qualify.

Well, I have really really enjoyed Opinion Outpost because it screens me by answering a couple of short questions out who qualifies for the survey even before engaging me into the actual survey.  I love it.  I do not spend a long time in the survey either, and have been successful in completing enough surveys that I am getting ready to cash out a 20.00 check!  I find that it is far more rewarding than Swagbucks (though I do use Swagbucks on a daily basis.)

The pay out is pretty good, and I think that the points for each survey is reasonable and doable and above all FAIR.  I have been doing Opinion Outpost casually for about two months and already have 18.50 getting ready for cash out!  I love using Opinion Outpost because I do not have to wait around waiting for qualifying for a survey, it seems I have a couple of new ones a day, and each survey is about 10 to 30 points which equlivates to $1.00-$3.00.  I like how easy it is to get points. 

10 Opinion Points = $1.00 and you must accumulate a minimum of 50 Opinion Points ($5.00) before redeeming. When you redeem Opinion Points we send a check to the address on the panel member's account.

Swagbucks.  

What is Swagbucks?

Swagbucks is a site that is mainly a search engine.  People are awarded for using their site through the means of Swagbucks (their point system).  At random times Swagbucks will be awarded for different searches a person does.  Other ways to earn Swagbucks are through surveys, tasks, games and by searching for "Swag Codes" that are special codes that can be redeemed for Several Swagbucks.  There are many ways to earn Swagbucks which make it a very popular to join up and become a member.  These Swagbucks can be redeemed on their Swag Store site.  Gift Cards, Wall Paper, Hats, and all sorts of other prizes can be redeemed through the use of Swagbucks. 


My Thoughts and Review of Swagbucks: 

Now, to review Swagbucks, I like using the site, but I have to say that I have to put more effort into getting points and turning them into cash and gift cards.  You do have a chance to win big for they have an Hourly Winner posted up on their website....1000 Swagbucks!  But I have been using it for a couple of months now and I still have yet to win the big grand!  :)


I like it but do find it frustrating when you have to do so much work to gain a small amount of points that do not quickly accumulate.  The number of points or "Swagbucks" for a $5 Amazon Gift Card is 450.

So I can slowly rack up points through searches and other daily activities.  I like being able to use this way of earning money more of "on the side" work.  As of today I have redeemed $15.00 worth of Gift Cards through Amazon Gift Cards and Pay Pal Gift Cards.

My Final Thoughts on Opinion Outpost VS. Swagbucks: 

Even though I like Swagbucks and trust that I can get my Gift Card at the end it is slow going, but again FUN sometimes completing tasks and playing games to earn points.

But if you are looking for something that you have more control over in earning money over the internet, I recommend Opinion Outpost because the points per survey has a better "Exchange Rate".  Between the two I like Opinion Outpost the best.  

Disclaimer:  I just wanted to let you know, as my readers, how I feel about these ways to earn online and redeem points for prizes or cash!  I was at a lost, and now after using both programs, just wanted to share what I know and feel about it!  I am a user of both Swagbucks and Opinion Outpost, and am using it till this day.  I am not paid to write this post.  I decided to write this on my own and share it with you all.  Thanks for following and I hope that you find fun ways to earn online!  Do not hesitate to ask me any questions you might have, but also feel free to click on my referrals link that link up to the actual website to learn more about the program.  For Both sites there is no fees involved or any strings attached.  I have done a bit of research and found them to be credible.  Learn more about it by checking them out!

If you are interested in joining up with Swagbucks click my referral link:  http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/sophieandmomma
If you want to join up with Opinion Outpost please join up with me here on my referral link: http://OpinionOutpost.com/join/9163222

Ecomom Products Review {Gift Certificate Giveaway}

 www.ecomom.com

Ecomom is an online store only featuring a lot of healthy, eco-friendly, organic, and baby-safe products. Ecomom is one of the first online stores that I started shopping when looking for cloth diaper products.  I am pretty sure that it is one of the most popular "Eco-friendly" online shops!

I love the variety of mom-approved items she has, and I know they have some really great sales.  I  have ordered about $60 worth of products from their store, and have no regrets shopping with them!  One of the things I do wait for are daily deal sales and discount codes that get the price reasonably low. When I was contacted to do a review for Ecomom I was so excited!  We were sent a few things to try out that are available now at Ecomom.

Charlie's Soap.

 This is my first time using Charlie's Soap, and I am pretty surprised at how well my cloth diapers came out.   For about a tablespoon of powder detergent I was able to do a full load of cloth diapers.  That was pretty neat that so little a detergent was able to work on all those diapers.  I was impressed.  When we started using the diapers washed in Charlie's Soap, I did not have any problems with any ammonia smells.  So I believe that Charlie's soap is great for working on any ammonia problems.  As for any buildup over time---I do not know I was only sent enough to test out one load of cloth diapers.  Stains.  Now I did have a bit of an issue with stains.  I still had some stains remain on some of my white cloth wipes and a onesie.  The Charlie's soap was not so effective when it came to stains I feel, but was great for taking care of ammonia problems! 

Our Thoughts on Charlie's Soap

 From what we have experienced, I know that Charlie's soap works on ammonia.  This is something that is most important to me in laundry soap.  As for any skin reactions on baby:  We did not experience any skin reactions as far as this one load goes.  I am pretty happy at how it works with our cloth diapers on getting it clean!  I am really liking how it turned out-- Charlie's Soap was a nice change in our laundry routine!  The only thing that I noticed was that there were some stains that still remained on a few of my onsies and cloth diapers.  (I threw in a onsie that had a stain to test out how well it took out stains).

Would I personally buy Charlie's Soap?  

Yes I would~ at a great price of $12 for 80 loads sure this is a reasonable price and works great with cloth diapers to my opinion.

----------------------------------

SkinKind Products for Men

Another item we were sent to try out was SkinKind Face Scrub and Essential Moisture for men.  Wow, this is an amazing sample we were sent!  I am jealous of this skin care product for men! SkinKind is a really neat company because it has taken upon itself in providing a product that is both Environmentally Kind as well as free from harsh and toxic chemicals.  Not to mention their products address the unique features of men's skin.  Find out more about the Differences of Men's Skin!

Our Thoughts (My Husband's):  

I think the Micofine Face Scrub works great.  It has grittiness to it that really feels great when you're working it on to your face.  It's a great scrub and I have not had anything like it.  It feels good and yeah, my face does feel cleaner after using it.  The Essential Moisture after I use the face scrub feels nice and cool.  It does not have a sticky feeling to it.  The smell of it is ok, it kind of reminds me of Shea butter.  I like SkinKind, and the price is a bit too pricey but if I do not have to use the Face scrub everyday I think that it will go farther.  Would be a great gift, and if my wife did get it for me I'd use this stuff. Ecomom has great products, and this among other SkinKind products are available at www.ecomom.com

Giveaway!  One winner will win a $15 Gift Certificate to be used at Ecomom Online store!

Giveaway Ends July 23, 2011; Midnight PST

{Enter Giveaway Here}

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If you are coming back to do the form again because of completing an extra task just fill out the form again, and count up the entries for the task you did! Thanks!**

 Giveaway will end July 23, 2011, Midnight PST.  Winner will be drawn via random.org.  Winner will be notified via email and be given 48 hours to respond to the notification email.  A new winner will be drawn if the first person drawn does not respond within 48 hours.  Must use form to enter.  Giveaway prize is fulfilled by Ecomom.  Disclosure: I was given sample size products in order to use for the review, and reviews were written by me and views expressed are our own. 

Sponsor Spotlight: Comfybuns Custom-Cloth Wipes {Giveaway}

 www.facebook.com/ComfybunsCustoms

 

My first step in cloth diapering was of course cloth diapers.  Now our family has taken the plunge into Cloth Wipes.  The verdict?  Not bad or hard at all.  There are some prepping and steps that you do have to do, but the pay off is worth it.  I am so thankful to Comfybuns for providing us our FIRST EVER Cloth wipes!  Thank you for breaking the ice with your flannel wipes!

Double Sided Flannel Wipes:

Our first set of wipes has come from none other than Comfybuns!  Comfybuns has double sided flannel wipes that come in different sizes.  The size that I am finding to like the best right now is the 7.5x4.5 wipe.  It fits in my hand, and is not too big for small jobs and is great for big jobs.  I do find that for really big messy jobs that I prefer her 8x8 size, but for the most part the 7.5x4.5   (5x7)  is enough cloth for me.  The thickness of the Double-sided wipe is also something to think about if getting flannel wipes.  I love that she always doubles her flannel.  The amount of wipe solution her flannel wipes absorbs is just the right amount--not too wet and not too dry.  I do not feel skimped out at all using flannel.  If you sit down to compare a disposable wipe vs. one of Comfybuns double-sided wipe you will notice the luxury of having a Comfybun!  

 Our Experience:

 Our wipes have a Savannah Print front with a rich dark chocolate flannel back to match.  These double sided wipes, are very wonderfully thick!  I am finding that when I go to prepare these wipes to be put in the warmer, they hold the right amount of wipes solution.  They hold enough solution that I can safely wipe away the mess without having too spill all over the place.  Ultimately, I am finding that it holds just enough solution that my wipe sitting in the warmer is not too dry or too wet.  
 The "Perfect" Wipe measures out 8x8, and it is "perfect" for big jobs and small ones!  She also does a more travel sized "Personal" wipe that measures out to be 7.5x4.5 (5x7) which you can see from all my pictures!  My Perfect Wipe just got used, and you can see down below! :)

These handmade wipes  are passionately sewed and stitched together with love by Jessica a WAHM and because she loves sewing--it shows up in her work.  For handmade wipes, they are very evenly shaped, and have a nice stitch to them.  After several trips in and out of the laundry room I am happy to say--NO fraying, NO loose threads and NO arduous curling up of the sides! We are Loving the durability of these wipes! 

Conclusion:

Since that fateful day of running out of our disposable wipes, I am a happy user of ComfyBuns Custom Cloth Wipes; and am loving that I have already saved money just by choosing to use cloth!  If you like what you see and are interested in getting connected with Jessica and getting some custom wipes, check out her on Facebook page to order to see her selection of fabrics and prints!

www.facebook.com/ComfybunsCustoms

 

  Here is just a summary of what Love about Comfybuns Cloth Wipes: 

• Very Soft after multiple washing and usage
•  Comes in a convenient, easy to use sizes
•  Love that it is thicker than my disposable wipes and was able to hold the perfect amount of wipes solution
• Very loveable and fun prints to choose from
• The Cost will not break the bank!

Want to Win a set of ComfyBuns?  

2 Winners will be picked!

  

{Enter Comfybuns Giveaway Here}

This giveaway will end on July 21, 2011 11:59pm PST.  TWO Winners will be drawn via Random.org and contacted via email.  Winner has 48 hours to respond to notification email, and fulfillment of prize by Comfybuns.  Must fill out form to enter.  Disclosure: The products were given to me for the purpose of this review, and have not in any way affected my thoughts and opinions of this review.  All opinions are from our own experiences and are 100% our own. 

Episencial Winner Announcement and a Great deal from Ecomom!

 

Hi Everyone!  Congratulations to Jessica Davis~ For being drawn at number 241~ through Random.org!

Thank you all for entering, and I hope that you also take advantage of this great deal from EcoMom If you haven't already! :)