Punderdome! Card Game for Pun-Lovers!

Description

From the daughter-father duo that created Brooklyn's beloved live pun competition comes Punderdome, the "Punderful card game [that] will replace Cards Against Humanity at your next party" (Mashable.com).

One part game, one part conversation starter, you don't need to be a pun master to master Punderdome: the goal is to make bad jokes and have fun along the way.

A player (the prompter for that round) draws two prompt cards from the deck, and then reads the prompts to the rest of the group, who have 90 seconds to create a single, groan-worthy pun that combines the two prompts.     

When time is up, pun makers share their puns with the prompter, who awards the prompt cards to the player whose pun he or she likes best. The winner then draws the next pair of prompt cards and the process repeats. Players win by obtaining 10 pairs of cards.

Every Game Set Comes With:

·         200 double-sided cards (100 White and 100 Green)

·         2 Mystery Envelopes with fill-in prize slips

·         2 80-page pads for drafting puns

·         1 instruction card and 1 pun example card

·         A stu-PUN-dous time for 3 or more players

My Review

Now that you know what the game is about I can tell you how fun it really is! My sisters and I aren't huge Pun Nerds but we use them from time to time. When I saw this I thought, "this might be fun!" When I got in the mail I quickly read the instructions... it's close to Apples to Apples but with PUN's! I love Apples to Apples, now I just need to work on my Pun's! I think this is a great game for friends and family! I can't wait to get my group of friends together for a game night and play Punderdome!

Have you played Punderdome? What's some of the funniest or worst Pun's you've had or come across?

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part Blogging for Books program.

Don't Hate the Blind

"But he who hates (detests, despises) his brother [in Christ] is in darkness and walking (living) in the dark; he is straying and does not perceive or know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes." ~1 John 2:11 (AMP)

Reading this verse gives me courage. I know, your probably thinking, "How do you draw courage from a verse like that?" Maybe to some of you it sounds like, "If my brother/sister/friend hates me, then their not a real christian. They're choosing to walk in the shadows of their hatred, not me." Some might see it as a confirmation of their not having done wrong, its the other persons fault. Rather than making it about the blind man, we turn it around to be about ourselves.

That's not what I read when I see this verse. When I see this verse, I hear God whispering to me, "She doesn't know what she's doing, don't abandon her." And the verse rings out.

"If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble." ~Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NLT)

See, we're not their salvation, but by not abandoning them we are given the opportunity to show them the light through Jesus Christ. We're not always able to be with them in person; sometimes it doesn't matter if we're standing right beside them. Their still walking blind. So, what do you do?

You pray them through!

Jesus is the one and only Salvation. The light that can shatter any, and all, darkness and open the eyes of the blind.

I believe God takes us out of the picture, to gaze at it from a distance, so we can focus solely on praying for them. Because there is something going on in their life that need your complete focus and attention and that require stepping away to see to that need.

If you have a friend, brother, sister, relative, that has pushed you away, don't turn your back on them. Because, they still need you even if they don't see it. Through prayer you are still with them, in Jesus. Fighting for them, shielding them, blessing them, loving them.

I'd like to pray over your friend or family today. Leave a comment below with a name(s) (doesn't have to be full name if you don't wish to) and I'll put them in my prayer journal. Maybe even make a special post in prayer just for them.

God bless in Jesus name, Amen!

Be Still: Part II

"BE CAREFUL! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are."  

―1 Peter 5:8-9 (NLT)

What a warning. It can't get any clearer than that!

So where were we? Oh yes, last time if you remember my family and I had all taken a bad case of food poisoning (all are well, though I'm more easily nauseated than before, but I pray that passes soon, too) and how even in the midst of physical pain or discomfort we can't forget who takes care of us. JESUS. Thank you, Lord! The Devil wasn't done with us quite yet. Like a wolf in sheep's clothing {Matthew 7:15}, he crept in and bared his teeth trying to tear us apart.

I was at the beginning of recovery when I saw firsthand just how low the Devil will go to knock you down. Using any means necessary including friends and family, whomever is closest to you. He doesn't care. This was a huge test of faith {1 Peter 1:7} and I believe we became stronger as a family because of it.

I would share with you the full story of what happened. Honestly, I believe it would be a great testimony if you knew all the details, but I've prayed long about this and I feel right now it would only cause more harm as well as humiliate and shame the party this story is about. Though I hope they are ashamed of their behavior, I also pray they turn away and learn from it and do better. That is the power of Mercy and Forgiveness. Turning the other cheek {Luke 6:29}. Praying for them when you feel it so hard to pray for them. That is what makes us strong in faith and in God's love. Maybe one day I will share the story with you and you can see the full grace and presence of God in the situation. It truly made me cry. I could feel God with us and in me that week.

I still struggled with the emotional pain inside though. I couldn't believe what had happened and at the same time I was thinking "I'm not surprised, this is exactly how the Devil plays ball." Though it only works if the people listen to his whispers and lies and especially acts upon them. One of the verses that kept popping out to me, repeatedly though was:

"Don't sin by letting anger gain control over you. Think about it over night and remain silent."  

―Psalm 4:4 (NLT)

That's exactly what Satan wanted that night. He wanted us to lash out at each other, burn bridges and focus on everything except Christ Jesus! But I did the opposite. I turned to Jesus and he showed me the true enemy. Instead of letting the flame that had been ignited turn into an all consuming fire, we doused it with prayer. Over the phone, my family and I prayed over them right then and right there. Through tears of heartache and pain, we prayed for those who hurt us and set out to hurt us and were preparing for, been waiting and staging, a fight.

“If they are wrong they need your prayers all the more; and if they are your enemies, then you are under orders to pray for them. That is one of the rules common to the whole house.” 

 ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

I know my dad struggled most, but I couldn't have been prouder of him for showing so much strength. Trusting in God to fight this battle. That's where I found this verse such a source of strength to me. I need only to stay calm, the Lord will fight for me...{Exodus 14:14} There is a different version of this verse, one that made me laugh when I read it cause it's so straightforward. Like a kick in the rear when you didn't know you needed it. 

" God will fight the battle for you. 

And you? You keep your mouths shut!”

―Exodus 14:14 (The Message)

I think that gets the point across, don't you? Oh how the Lord can find ways to lift your spirits. 

Third Lesson: Stay calm and pray! God will take care of it. You don't need to lift a finger just be silent. I couldn't have heard Him say it any clearer than that that week. And, so I did, as did my family. 

The rest of the week seemed long, but it moved quickly. I couldn't sleep yet I was so tired. My sister and I spent the rest of the week in our fort. She watched over me a lot because she knew how much I was hurting, thus hurting for me as well. So, I just want to give a shout out to my little sister! You bring more light into my world. Jesus made you beautiful and I'm so glad he blessed me with you instead of that brother I so desperately wanted before you were born. I LOVE YOU!

I'm still not finished telling you about that week, I still have a few more days to tell you about, but you will have to wait for Be Still: Part III. The final part. Don't be shy, you are always welcome here. Have a cookie and some milk. My other sister just brought some chocolate chip cookies home from work and they are just waiting for me to bring them out of their hiding place!

GOD BLESS

(Be Still: Part I)

Unconditional: The Movie

Product Description 

Samantha Crawford (Lynn Collins, John Carter) is living a storybook life. That is, until her husband is killed in a senseless act of violence, causing her to lose her faith and her will to live. But will a death-defying encounter with two children---and a reunion with her childhood best friend, Joe Bradford (Michael Ealy, Common Law)---bring things into proper perspective again? Unconditional is inspired by true events. 

Dove approved (12+). Rated PG-13.

My Review

I had this movie on my Netflix watch list for months! I was looking through the Spiritual and Faith and it looked good. Little did I know just how good it would be! In past, watching a Christian movie meant you had to expect the low budget mediocrity cinema (I mean that lovingly). But over the last couple years I've seen great changes and I just have this to say about Unconditional. It's even better than Courageous (and I LOVE that movie). The actors are amazing the story telling was phenomenal and the cinematography astounding. If I had just passed by this on the TV I would have thought it was a high-end theater made movie (this did appear in select theaters in the US).

That alone makes you want to watch it, am I right? Well, don't let that be all. This movie is truly inspirational and spiritually uplifting. Seeing God's love pour out of Joe and to the children was enough to make me cry. And watching Samantha go through the trails she faced of losing her husband and then trying to find his killer and regaining her faith in God's unconditional love in the end. Well let's just say you will need some tissues for this movie. Tears of joy from the wonder of His mighty love are a very powerful thing.


One of my favorite parts and what I am so glad I can buy, is the book Firebird Samantha illustrates in the movie. It's a children's book but it's for all ages. It’s about a bird finding the light, God, behind the clouds. That no matter what trials and dark times we face, the light never vanishes. I don't own this book yet, but I am buying it when my first child is born one day.

I mentioned this movie on my Instagram and a fellow brother in Christ saw my post and watched it that very night. Here's what he had to say:

"I loved it! Thank you so much. It was so inspiring. I really needed that today because the enemy is laying it on thick against me and my faith in God. Thank you!" 

When someone feels better or his or her spirits are lifted even just a little bit higher, mine are lifted too. It breaks through the clouds and I see the sun even brighter.

I gave the movie and book each a 5 out of 5 stars!

Click the pictures for direct links to each product on Christianbooks.com

Love Letter

In spirit of Valentines week here is a little writing I did last year. You should love everyone 365/24/7 there's nothing wrong with getting excited over Valentines. Even if you don't have a significant other, make it about your family and friends! Love doesn't stop at a boyfriend/girlfriend! Tell someone you love them today! And don't forget who is the lover of your soul, Jesus. He will love you more than any love could dream of, and we all dream. So don't let any of those lonely feelings steel your joy this week, this month, this year! Make it a joyous one and praise Jesus for being in your life and you being in his. God bless you!

Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris

My own little notes

I've always wanted to read Joshua Harris's books from the first time I laid eyes on his book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" almost ten years ago. It truly intrigued me, I wanted to hear this guys story and what he had to say. But alas, the years went by and I never got around to getting the book. But one day my sister dragged us all into Goodwill (clothes shopping, lol). They had a book section and while my eyes scanned the shelves of scattered book my eyes fell on the name Joshua H. (the rest covered with a sticker). I immediately picked it up and nearly squealed for joy! I'd found a Joshua Harris book and for only $1! It was God's little Christmas present to me that year. I couldn't wait to go home and start reading it, and so I did. 
Valentines is coming up soon and even though it's not a real holiday we all like to let those of whom we love know it (again) or maybe your thinking you wished you were in a relationship. Well then this is the book for you and all your friends. I've already shared this book with my friends who have shared it with some of their friends (and potential interests). Now without further ado, I quick overview of what the book is about and then my thoughts and opinions of it in my review. 

Description 

Purpose Driven Romance 

The last thing singles want is more rules. But if you’re looking for an intentional, God-pleasing game plan for finding a future spouse, Joshua Harris delivers an appealing one. A compelling new foreword, an all-new “8 Great Courtship Conversations” section, and updated material throughout makes this five-year revision of the original Boy Meets Girl a must-have! Harris illustrates how biblical courtship—a healthy, joyous alternative to recreational dating—worked for him and his wife. Boy Meets Girl presents an inspiring, practical example for readers wanting to pursue the possibility of marriage with someone they may be serious about. 

My Review

In Joshua's Harris's Boy Meets Girl I couldn't have found a better book explaining courtship and in such an inspiring way. Before you start reading chapter one there's a little courtship quiz on the back of the book. The very first question was: Is courting more holy than dating? Joshua answered: what matters most is not the terms we use, but that our lives glorify God. You must read chapter 2 for the full explanation, you will love it. Which he talks about the difference between dating for recreation and dating for a purpose. He explains and talks as if you were sitting right in front of him. Not pushing his thoughts on you what so ever, but making you think more deeply on the matter of relationships and what you truly want out of them. 

That's only one chapter, I'd love to go through every chapter with you all (maybe I will one day!). For instance, chapter 4 is one of my favorites. "Tell me how, tell me who, tell me when!" Showing through a story of a friend of his that even though we think we have all our ducks in a row, God may see a few ducks needing some rearranging. And that we need to be patient and follow according to God's timing. Patience is tough!

Joshua Harris even touches on other topics as the relationships progress. In chapter 9: True Love Doesn't Just Wait (How to be passionately in love and sexually pure). Sharing with the reader one of his own experiences with temptation with his fiance and the conversation he had with the Holy Spirit. 

"Who are you kidding? 

I shifted slightly, shut my eyes and tried to ignore the voice.

Your not fooling anyone, it said again. 

Still I didn't answer. Maybe he would go away. Give up. 

Shannon and I had gotten engaged two months earlier. We'd come to visit her mother, Mitzi, at her Ocean City beach house. It was a well deserved break from wedding planning and work. Didn't my conscience need a  break too? 

This is ridiculous Josh, he said again, undeterred. You know this is wrong.   

It had been my idea for Shannon and I to take an afternoon nap in the outdoor hammock. 

"I will not live my life by other people's standards," I told my conscience. "I feel at peace about doing this." 

(This is one of my absolute favorite parts.)

"If you feel such peace about it, why are you arguing with me?"

Hallelujah! I clapped by hands to Jesus for that one, Really, I did! Even though sitting in a hammock doesn't sound like a problem, God said otherwise. In being so close, that physical closeness, to his wife-to-be he was lusting after her but even though she was engaged to him she still was not yet his. I commended him for doing the right thing, it made me so proud. I hope when I have kids, sons I pray but for the girls too, they will grow up to listen to God and do the right thing, Especially when it comes to their relationships with the opposite sex. 

As I kept reading, I realized how much the courtship ways were already instilled upon my heart by God. Most of what Joshua talked about were things I had only, honestly, dreamed about. I didn't know that anyone did those things anymore or if it was something possible to do nowadays. He covered so many questions I hadn't thought about. Like how to:

• Set a clear course for romance
• Getting closer without compromising (like using your lips to communicate rather than kissing lol)
• Finding a support system and community
• Dealing with past sexual sins (of yours or your potential spouse)

I wished there was more to read! The more I read the more I became inspired. Each of his stories made me laugh and cry tears of joy and examine my heart. Though I've never been in a relationship, I know now when the time comes and God does bring that special man into my life, I want to do it right. Not Joshua Harris's way, or courtship vs. dating way, but God's way. A way that will glorify him and make him proud, which will ultimately make me happy and my relationship that much stronger.

Boy Meets Girl is about dating with a purpose and romance chaperoned by wisdom given by God and through his word. So pick up this book and listen to the guy who "kissed dating goodbye" and say hello to courtship!

I'd appreciate it so much if you would rate my review! Don't worry, putting in your email will not invite more emails from this site, it's only used to verify that your not a robot ;) And feel free to leave a comment if you wish as well! :D

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Kudo's To You?

I was reading "The Women of Christmas" by Liz Curtis Higgs (wonderful, inspiring author) today. In it she asked the reader to look up Proverbs 31:10-31 and choose verses that best describe how a godly woman (in biblical times) lived out her faith in the day-to-day, every day living. Quite a few verses made me think of women like my mom or women like my two great grandmothers that my dad is always telling me about.

"She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day's work for servant girls." Proverbs 31: 13

I'm always listening about how my two great grandmothers were in the kitchen, cooking meals for their family, making sure no one went without food. But it was always a labor of love and one of many ways they honored their Lord and savior.

The verse that stood out to me the most though was the very last two.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised." -- Proverbs 31:30 

I was just talking about that verse (though I couldn't remember it at the time) with my sister; talking about how charm can be deceiving. It's like putting on a cloak to either hide truths or deceive and distract others with vibrant colors. Like the good Lord says "Beauty doesn't last." So once its faded what do we want to be left standing with? I want to be left standing with the Lord our God.

I am supposed to serve and praise Him. Living my life honoring Him even in my day-to-day activities. If I go looking for people to praise my work and expect, demand, to be given a "job well done" as if it’s owed me then am I really seeking to give Him glory and honor? I don't want to be self-servant; it will never satisfy or curb the hunger deep in my soul. We all want to be told we've done a good job, kudos for our hard work.  But God says:

"Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise." Proverbs 31:31

That is what struck my heart most. "Let her deeds" -- her actions, her performances, her attitude and her works, her life and faith -- "publicly declare her praise." Not a word from her/my own lips, but by our good deeds does God say “well done.” That really speaks to me. We don’t need thanks from other people to fill our cup. We can find it by giving him the thanks we think we deserve. He’s the one who deserves it. And get this too. “He will reward us; we don't have to go searching for it.” God wants our actions to speak for us and then He will commend us "a job well done." We may not get it when we want it or think we should get it. But maybe that's the whole point: to stop expecting like we're owed something so we can appreciate the good things God gives us for doing good work in his name. Never taking the credit for it.

I want to be that kind of woman and have that kind of devotion. Cause no one else compares to Him and his approval of me.

Thankfulness

I think today is a good day to learn a little something on being Thankful. What better way then to watch "VeggieTales: Madame Blueberry!"

Pull up a chair or a mic (sing-a-long!) and enjoy the show!

Click Here to watch from Hulu.com

Living Attitude of Gratitude!

I hope y'all are ready for a November! I know I am! Good food, family and friends getting ready for the holidays, crisp air and falling leaves! I'm getting excited just talking about it!

Hopefully you will enjoy this next post, maybe even get a little kick out of it. 

Friday night about two weeks ago, I walked into the bedroom getting ready to watch the new episode of Legend of Korra don't know you! But when my sister and I turned on the TV Spongebob Squarepants theme song begins to play.

OH NO!

Korra would have to wait 30 more minutes. Sad.

Wait, don't go anywhere yet, there's more! Thank you. Comfy? Good.

As we we're waiting Squidward appears at his window (he is a really nosey neighbor!) to find spongebob cleaning and singing! Of course, Squidward being his neighborly self asks:

"Spongebob, whhyyy are you doing such a thing?"

And Spongebob replies (I love this):

"I’m just displaying for all to see, an attitude of gratitude."

"You've been wallowing in filth all morning, what could you possibly be grateful for?"

(cue song!)

"Oh, I've got a whole new attitude, a lifetime subscription to do gratitude, friend you've got to change your platitude, living attitude of gratitude!
I’m grateful for the life I am living who knows how long I'll have it, I’m thankful for all I've been given, we make appreciation a habit
there’s no time like the present day to have a present come your way
so now I think that you will see there’s nothing more you need."

I don't think he could have sang it any better than that! I truly loved what he said about displaying for all to see. It reminded me of how we're supposed to be examples to the eyes and ears around us. Part of me wants to just shout it out. "I'm going to show an attitude of gratitude for all to see!"

Not to be boastful, but just show to that you can be happy by just being thankful.

God wants us to be joyful all the time (1 Thes 5: 16) , but how can we when our hearts are crowded with complaints. Now, I'm no saint. I have my bad days and then I get easily annoyed by even the smallest of things. Left feeling discontent, I complain. It happens to us all, right? Bad day at work, a dispute with a friend or family, or just woke up on the wrong side of the bed.

God's been changing my heart though. Recently, I've discovered complaining makes me sick now! No, literally, it twists my insides in all kinds of knots. Even listening to people around me complaining I start thinking to myself "Can't you do anything else?" Oops, that was a complaint too, huh? That wasn't even a verbal complaint so who cares... right?

Actually, God heard it as did my heart, which is for Him.

Each time I complain I'm not being thankful for all that He has done for me. Who would've thought.

I used to think--sometimes I still fight with this thought, especially when I'm in a mood--

"Why do I have to be thankful for everything when I'm having this problem right now?"

or

"I am thankful, why do I have to keep saying it?"

But that's not right. As Christians, we're called to live in peace  and ALWAYS be thankful. (Col 3:15-18) Even when we're praising and worshiping Him, we're to sing with thankful hearts.

Like Spongebob said there's no day like today to have the gift of peace come your way by having the attitude of gratitude and letting that light shine on the rest of the world! Cause there is nothing better than the peace of the Almighty in our hearts and sharing that with the people around you.