Mirrors cover by Andrew Ripp

Almost a year ago I wrote about how much I love Andrew Ripp’s music.  This was recently revived with his latest album, Won’t Let Go, and again when he covered Justin Timberlake’s “Mirrors”.

Check out the very cool video he made:

Tuesday Music: Joshua Radin – Wax Wings

I am loving Joshua Radin‘s new CD, Wax Wings.  It was just release on iTunes today and it’s been playing on my iPod nonstop.  A few months ago I highlighted Joshua for Tuesday Music, and thought that this new CD deserved another mention.

Here’s a few of my favorite tracks:

May 2013 Photo A Day Challenge

Here’s the May Photo A Day Challenge from Fat Mum Slim!

What I’m Reading This Month: May 2013

Here are the books that I’m reading this month.  Want to know what I thought of the books I read last month? Check out my blog post here.

 I saw Brene Brown’s TED Talk a couple of years ago (see video below) and was inspired.  I’m looking forward to reading this book – heard lots of great things about it.

I saw Jon Acuff speak at Catalyst 2011 and was inspired.  Looking forward to be challenged by this book, which just made the New York Times Bestseller list!  Jon also has iPhone wallpaper and other goodies on his website.

This is our book club selection for this month.  It’s quite thick, so I’d better start it soon.  Wish me luck!

Here’s Brene Brown’s TED Talk about  human connection and our ability to empathize, belong, love.  VERY powerful and inspiring!

Tuesday Music: Matthew Mayfield

I stumbled upon Matthew Mayfield‘s music about a year ago, and he has been playing on my iPod nonstop.  I love his style of rock/pop and his delivery.

Matthew has a side project called Matthew Mayfield and the Blue Cut Robbery, which has a more rock feel to it.  I totally love it:) One of their songs, Letter of Love, is on the #SongsforWest compilation album that is available on Noisetrade.  All of the tips go to West, Texas relief and the music on it is nothing short of fabulous.

He’s currently doing a Pledge Music campaign, and the proceeds go to International Justice Mission (IJM), which is totally awesome. 20 days left in this campaign and an opportunity to get some really great music!

Fire Escape, the first song of Matthew’s that I fell in love with:

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

 

Join me for one of my favorite organizations, Next Step Ministries, first fundraiser!  All proceeds go to Sparrow House, a Christ-centered, long term transitional home that mentors sexually exploited women to help them experience healing and a healthy lifestyle.

The event starts at 6:30 pm on Friday, May 3rd at Highland Mennonite Brethren Church in Calgary and will feature the play “His Eye Is On The Sparrow”, a musical drama that will explore God’s heart for those who are forgotten… Invisible preformed by Millar Bible College.  Due to the sensitive nature of the content, may not be suitable for younger audience.

There will also be a silent auction and an opportunity to support this unique organization.

Tickets are $15 and available online via Eventbrite.  For more information check the Facebook event page.

my charity:water birthday campaign!

Hey there,

My birthday is almost here. I’m turning the big 3-3.  I’m not usually excited about getting older, but this year I’m really thankful to have lived another happy, healthy year. I recently learned that millions of kids around the world don’t live to see their fifth birthday because they don’t have access to clean, safe drinking water. We can help change that.

I’m asking for my age in dollars from everyone I know. Every penny of the money raised will directly fund clean water projects in developing countries. Even better, charity: water will show us exactly which projects we funded once they’ve been fully completed (which takes about 18 months). That means we’ll know the locations and names of the communities we helped.

Help me reach my goal of $2,000.  In order to help reach this goal, here are some incentives:

• Donate $5 and get a shout out on Twitter. Be sure to include your handle in the comment section
• Donate $33 and I’ll bake you cookies. Will ship anywhere!
• Donate $100 and I’ll take you out for coffee – providing you live in the Calgary area.
• Donate $200 or more and I’ll cook you dinner – again, providing you live in the Calgary area.

 

Please donate to my birthday campaign at mycharitywater.org/mel!  Thanks so much for your support!

Love,
Mel

What I’m Reading This Month: April 2013

Here are the books that I’m reading this month:

I was moved to read this book after hearing Pete Wilson’s sermon at Crosspoint Church inspired by this book.

UPDATE: LOVED this book! Jud Wilhite is an amazing writer.  I was very inspired by this book.  I also liked how he changed my perspective about how I think that God sees me.  Highly recommended

I’m looking forward to seeing how this book will challenge and inspire me.

UPDATE: LOVED this book.  It totally challenged and inspired me.  I originally got it from the library, but loved it so much that I bought a copy of it for myself.

I’ve been a fan of Judah Smith’s since I heard him speak at Catalyst in 2011.  Can’t wait to read this book!

UPDATE: I read this book on a 2 hour flight.  I couldn’t put it down – there were so many gold nuggets.  I’ll probably reread it.

This book was our book club selection for this month.  Looks like a real page turner!

UPDATE: This book was delayed from Amazon for a couple of weeks, so I only had 2 days to read it before we met for book club.  I finished it – it was good, but I felt the ending was lacking.

April 2013 Photo A Day Challenge

Here it is kiddies: the latest photo a day challenge from Fat Mum Slim!

Tuesday Music: Imagine Dragons

Okay, I know I’m a little late to the Imagine Dragons party, but I am so on board!  I love their sound and can’t get enough of their music.  Check them out!

They’re also playing a show at the BMO Centre in Calgary on May 24 – check Ticketmaster to see if tickets are still available!