We LOVE The Sound of Music around here. Singing, dancing, beautiful scenery, adorable love story, courage, history, family- it is everything I love! In this particular scene, Maria dances around her bedroom with the Von Trapp children, teaching them to think of their favorite things whenever something is going on that they don't particularly enjoy (in this case, a thunderstorm).
Little problems = life lessons.
Little problems = life lessons.
Inspired by Maria, I thought it would be fun to list my new favorite things every once in a while. April, after all, is a month known for its thunderstorms. You probably won't gain any life lessons from my lists, but you never know! This post is going to be random, fun, and a little weird. Just like me! Make sure you read to the end to hear some fun news coming up, and I would love to hear some of your April favorites in the comments!
Smith's Minted Rose Balm
I picked this up at Sephora the last time I was out and about on the town (Mamas know that's pretty rare) and I fell in love! I am a big rose fan- anything rose- and the mint leaves your lips feeling a little tingly. The tin container feels vintage too, which goes with the whole rose thing. It is a little expensive for lip balm, but a fun investment for yourself or a great gift idea. I take it with me everywhere.
Hillsong's Movie: Let Hope Rise
Hillsong Worship, Hillsong United, Hillsong Live, I love it all! I have been a fan for years, so of course I really enjoyed seeing this movie. We just rented the DVD and watched it here at home. It tells the story of Hillsong Church and Hillsong United, but also features some of their most popular songs in concert.
There's one part of the movie that chokes me up every time. It shows people all over the world singing "Mighty to Save" in different languages and environments. Some of the people singing are funny, like a guy in a yellow suit who sings, "He is mighty to save" while doing some strange dance. Every time he sings, Reed laughs and says, "What's he doing?" and I usually laugh at Reed. A few seconds later, a woman in a third-world country sings while washing clothes by hand. Her voice is the most beautiful of all, and her son is watching her and playing the guitar in the background. It is a breathtaking moment in the show, and I tear up literally every single time I watch it. The movie is not sad, I'm just a crybaby! It truly conveys the message that God is changing lives everywhere, and it is a beautiful thought that someone across the world could be singing the same song I am because of God's work through Hillsong.
There's one part of the movie that chokes me up every time. It shows people all over the world singing "Mighty to Save" in different languages and environments. Some of the people singing are funny, like a guy in a yellow suit who sings, "He is mighty to save" while doing some strange dance. Every time he sings, Reed laughs and says, "What's he doing?" and I usually laugh at Reed. A few seconds later, a woman in a third-world country sings while washing clothes by hand. Her voice is the most beautiful of all, and her son is watching her and playing the guitar in the background. It is a breathtaking moment in the show, and I tear up literally every single time I watch it. The movie is not sad, I'm just a crybaby! It truly conveys the message that God is changing lives everywhere, and it is a beautiful thought that someone across the world could be singing the same song I am because of God's work through Hillsong.
International Delight Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer
Yes, I just transitioned from crying over the Hillsong movie to coffee creamer. I told you this would be random! This is my new favorite coffee creamer. I mean, it has a picture of Cold Stone ice cream on the front. What could go wrong? I seriously haven't bought another type of coffee creamer since the beginning of April. It is sweet, subtly flavored, and simple. It isn't too rich or too flavorful. Just perfect! I'll have to try it for the icing on my cinnamon rolls sometime. Hmmmm...
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day
I know that Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day products have been around for a while, but I just recently picked them up and tried them out. And.... I'm not going back. I am a Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day convert.
I have always been skeptical of natural cleaning products. I'm afraid that they aren't really doing their job. No more- these are an exception. Made with plant-derived ingredients and essential oils, these clean really well AND smell amazing! Plus, they are cruelty-free, something that I am just now becoming more aware of. They are now a staple in my home and have also become my go-to gift idea for friends and family.
I have always been skeptical of natural cleaning products. I'm afraid that they aren't really doing their job. No more- these are an exception. Made with plant-derived ingredients and essential oils, these clean really well AND smell amazing! Plus, they are cruelty-free, something that I am just now becoming more aware of. They are now a staple in my home and have also become my go-to gift idea for friends and family.
Zip It: The Keep it Shut 40-Day Challenge
My favorites list would be a fraud without a book. I have devoured Karen Ehman's 40-day devotional on the lips in fewer than 40 days. It shouldn't be a surprise confession that I have a little problem using my words wisely, considering that no one can tame the tongue (James 3:8). I recently felt a little nudge from the Holy Spirit to pursue some study in this area. This book not only challenged me to keep my mouth shut most of the time, but it also evaluated when it is necessary to speak up, and how to speak in certain situations. It is funny, simple, short, and very powerful. This is the first book I have ever read by Karen Ehman, a popular author and speaker with Proverbs 31 ministries. I was so impressed with Zip It! that I've already ordered her newest book, Listen, Love, Repeat. I promise I'll share my thoughts on that one, too. I certainly still have a LONG way to go with this mouth of mine, but I'll take "imperfect progress".
Thanks for checking out my first "Favorites" list! Be on the lookout for a giveaway coming up soon of some of these April favorites!