When I met recording artist Mela Kamin in Nashville earlier this year, and she handed me her CD, of course I was thrilled and I couldn’t wait to listen to it. This lady has talent, yes! And today on RE, she’s generously giving away 5 CDs to 5 winners! Thank you, Mela!
One of my favorite songs on her Summer in my Soul CD is These Hands … it makes me think of my own Mother, and how seriously she took raising her family. I’d only hope that I’ve been able to use my hands in the way that Mom did, in the way that she taught me. I’ve posted this picture of my kids and me before, but I love how it captures our hands – from newborn Abby’s – to Garrett’s, to Elliot’s and their Mama’s.
These Hands
Blessed are the hands of her
Comfort, guide and shield her young ones
Never let her be forgotten or deniedWith these hands, she feeds the children
With these hands, she makes the beds
With these hands, she wipes the teardrops
She’s the one that understands
It’s hard to feel important,
when your days are not your own
She’s the one who really rules the world
With these handsWomen, how divine your call
Angels guard your earthly mission
A cause that crosses every boundary and divideA world without a Mother’s hands is a
Place no soul could live
Every heart and every life is shaped
by what she givesLines upon her hands and face
Tell of your amazing grace
The ones who hold the future, plant the seeds today(Written by Mela Kamin, Carl Herrgesell & Dan Needham; copyright 2009 Mela Kamin / 4:10 Ministries)
Beautiful words, and what a calling we Mothers have on our lives!
WIN
I’d love to hear what kind of gift you’d want for Mother’s Day this year? Do you like quality time, surprises, eating out, music, clothing, chocolate, just being together …. Tell me what you like?
TWEET or Become a NEW Follower
Come back and tell me if you tweet this giveaway or become a new follower – for a second chance in the drawing.
COME BACK
I’ll announce the 5 winners on Wednesday, April 28th.
In the meantime, if you want to order this CD now, Mela would love to give you a discount – $5 off each order (one per person) – expires May 31, 2010 – code: MAY2010RE. And pass the word around about Mela’s beautiful music.
Hi, I'm Sandy. Five years ago I stocked up on beautiful glasses from the Dollar Store. As I started writing about dinner parties, I realized that this “icon” portrays a great message. It says that dinner parties are attainable, they are affordable, and that they can be beautiful even when on a budget. 
I love the two-page scrapbook layout my husband does for me every Mother’s Day after “secret” photo shoots with each of our children. (“Oh, you and Daddy have to run some errands, do you?”) This year, I have also hinted that I would love a copy of Shona Cole’s book, THE ARTISTIC MOTHER: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO FITTING CREATIVITY INTO YOUR BUSY LIFE. (Sorry, for all the caps; I haven’t mastered HTML tags in order to do italics!) Winning this CD would be a bonus:)
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I would love to get a necklace from Lisa Leonard.
Just listened to Mela’s music and it is awesome. Would LOVE to win one of her cd’s!! Here’s to hoping I’m one of the 5 you choose!
Thanks for the chance.
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Last year, Vance took the boys and I to Discovery Cove and I loved it. Loved swimming with my boys all day around all those fish and the park is amazing. However, I think the absolute best Mother’s Day gifts are those that aren’t real gifts. Until i started dating vance, i had no candid shots of me and the boys. ever. Their dad never took any of us, so i had very few documented memories. But when Vance came along, that changed. I have so many wonderful pictures that half the time i never realize he’s taken until he gets them printed. and that’s the best gift ever. to me anyway.
.-= sheri´s last blog ..This is Serious Business, Ma’am. =-.
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Following on Twitter now….She really is awesome!
.-= Mari Larkin´s last blog ..After Yard Sale Musings & Shrimp Recipe =-.
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Oh my- what a beautiful song! My husband and I have been spearheading the gift for his mom’s 60th bday and this would be the perfect verse/song to add with the card! Thanks for sharing, Sandy!!
.-= Tara G.´s last blog ..Motherhood Moments Inside the YH =-.
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I really love quality time with the whole family doing something special, but I also like when my hubby gets crafty with the kids and makes something for me. Provides lots of fun memories for them and I have keepsakes to remember their skills through the years.
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Anything my kids make me from their Sunday School classes (or at school) warms my heart. Mother’s Day is such a sweet day, honoring one of the most challenging, rewarding professions on the planet. I hope to not have to cook (lol) and just spend loads of time with the kids ALL DAY. That’s what it’s all about !!
.-= Amy @ Designing A Life I Love´s last blog ..Suburban Cottage imitates Pottery Barn =-.
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I would like to get a Limelight Hydrangea. My favorite!
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My 3 daughters each decorate a plate that I hang on the wall. It is fun to see how their ideas change from year to year. I would love to win the CD! Thank you.
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What a beautiful song. I am so glad you shared this with us, this is the first I heard of her. Sounds like a great CD and a great Mother’s Day present for my mom.
Thank you.
.-= Wendy´s last blog ..Thrifting in King of Prussia….. =-.
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Oops- I forgot to write would I’d like. I usually receive sweet cards and flowers, but in all sincerity, I’d like some extra snuggle time with my kids with them maneuvering to get close to me on the sofa!
.-= Tara G.´s last blog ..Motherhood Moments Inside the YH =-.
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I’m not a Mommy yet, it is the deepest desire of my heart. His timing, not mine.
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My favorite Mother’s Day “gift” is my children always plan the lunch. Last year it was a wonderful picnic at a local State Park. I love their creativity in planning. Thanks for offering a give away!
deb
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I would like an afternoon alone. I would go thrifting, stop at a bookstore, stop for a glass of wine with my new book and then hit a girl movie. I crave alone time.
Or a kitchenaid mixer.
.-= Janice´s last blog ..Time to make the donuts =-.
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This year, my mother is far away.We are in PA , she is in CO. I have already purchased her a gorgeous necklace from The Vintage Pearl. And I have crocheted her a couple of coffee cozies for her daily trip to Starbucks with my daddy. Won’t make up for not being able to physically hug her on mother’s day, but I am sure she will like her gifts!
.-= Liz´s last blog ..It Still Doesn’t Work! =-.
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I immediately thought, a necklace from Lisa Leonard or The Vintage Pearl. And then I read what others wrote and some had already wrote the same thing! Nothing so sweet as to wear your children’s names on a necklace placed over your heart. I would wear it every day!
.-= linda t´s last blog ..vintage gingham aprons =-.
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Just tweeted about your giveaway!
http://twitter.com/flowerindogwood
.-= Liz´s last blog ..It Still Doesn’t Work! =-.
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Spending the day planting in my garden or working on our backyard landscaping would be an incredible gift for Mother’s Day…WITH my family. This Mother’s Day my husband and I are leaving for a trip to Boston…that’s a good gift also!
.-= Patti Smith´s last blog ..Golf Anyone? =-.
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I would love a new sewing kit, since I just started sewing and quality time with my family! Thanks!
.-= Rhonda´s last blog ..Michael Rocks…He Is a Good Provider =-.
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This year for Mother’s Day I want to do something different and special. I am having my mom come over for a special lunch. I want to show her how much I appreciate her and I think I can do better than flowers this year!
.-= Nicol´s last blog ..My Bucket List =-.
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What beautiful words. Reminds me of my mom too!
I told my girls that I’d really like a gift card to Home Goods or somewhere to buy plants for my yard or porch.
.-= Kirstin´s last blog ..Entertaining Friends without Limits =-.
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I would love for my three children to all be involved in a church. One is deeply involved, one is semi-involved, and one does not go at all. A perfect gift would be to know that they all know Jesus as their Savior and are working to increase his Kingdom. That’s all I want.
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my perfect Mother’s day is just being surrounded by my family. Maybe a simple homemade gift from my girls and a yummy meal shared together. And time to enjoy the outdoors with a walk or bike ride together. Just a simple, enjoyable day together.
Kathy k. =)
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Show Us Your Life – How you met your husband =-.
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I’m blessed to have a fantastic family who makes me feel appreciated a lot. But I still have a BIG WISH ITEM for Mother’s Day! I’d LOVE LOVE LOVE fantastic family photos by a talented local photog ( http://www.jenhuntphotography.com/). And I’d want HUGE prints of the best few to hang in my living room! Maybe over a new buffet or something. OOPS! That’s another item on the list. Oh, and while I’m dreaming… could I look 10 pounds lighter in those photos??? LOL LOVE your blog, btw!
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i’ve never heard of mela but the lyrics to the song are so beautiful & i would love to have the CD.
i’m thankful that one of my sons & daughters-in-love are having everyone to their house for mother’s day.
only one of my sons & his wife & son go to the same church we do. my 2 daughters & our other son & their spouses & children do not. so what i’d really like is for all of us to go to church together as a family on mother’s day.
thanks for having another great giveaway!
.-= randee´s last blog ..life IS good =-.
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I love just being together as a family. Planning a fun outing iceskating, picnic or simply sitting in the front of the house watching all the kids play together. I love when one of my girls just picks a flower from the yard and gives it to me. I don’t need anything from the stores from them. I cherish their artwork and simple thoughts.
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Extra time! (Is that possible?)
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I love spending the day with my kids. I also love the homemade cards and gifts they give me. This year I would love to get a pedicure- I am feeling the need for a little pampering!
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For this Mother’s Day, and every one hereafter, I would wish for each one of my children to come to repentance and faith toward God. For what does it profit me if I gain the whole world but my children are not saved?
.-= FarmgirlCyn (Cindy)´s last blog ..By THIS all will know… =-.
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Oh, to be able to spend the day with ALL my children and my grandchildren! They live so far away and I miss them.
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I just enjoy being with both my kids on Mother’s Day. I know that it is not going to happen this year, but I will be visiting my mom. I don’t have to have the gift, I just love the opportunity to love on my kids now that they are grown. Jackie
.-= Jackie´s last blog ..So Long Insecurity! =-.
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it is so hard for to say. i am not really a gift person. i guess i like getting them but i never know what to tell people to get me. on mothers day my fave things are to go out to eat with my family (Outback, pretty much every year!) and just hanging out with my hubby and kids. and the last couple years we have added my mother-in-law and niece and nephew because we are lving with them.
this year i am getting a cricut for mothers day because i just ordered it for myself! cn’t wait!
.-= tzigane´s last blog ..Messes Little Monkies Make =-.
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I feel a little sad when I think about this…that Mother’s Day is about getting stuff (I’m speaking of myself). I end up getting flowers to fill my window boxes which bring the family joy the entire summer and fall. We usually spend the day together…sometimes I wish for some ME time but I feel pretty selfish about asking for that. I’d also love to have a necklace from The Vintage Pearl….I wish I wouldn’t want things- as memories and activities together are so much more meaningful than things.
.-= Astrid´s last blog ..Random Tidbits on Life =-.
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I’d love breakfast in bed and a homemade card. Simple, but perfect!
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Perty by Thirty Week 55 =-.
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i tweeted!
twitter.com/tmonda
.-= tzigane´s last blog ..Messes Little Monkies Make =-.
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We love Mela!! We are so happy to find her here at your site!!
~kristin and chris ann
.-= LoveFeast Table´s last blog ..Fancy Friday Lemon Zest =-.
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I can attest to Mela’s beauty inside and out. Social media brought us together. She is a gift. I will be together with almost all of my six daughters on Mother’s day this year…..that will be a true gift. I have to take each moment with them when I can. Time with them is what I love the best on Mother’s Day.
.-= Barara Collins´s last blog ..Home is…..When I wear an Apron =-.
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I would like to ride bikes by the beach with my sweet girls in the bike trailer!
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For Mother’s Day I would love to sleep in then have breakfast in bed with my husband and son. Not much but absolutely heavenly to me! <3
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I would love a girls day out – just some shopping and a pedicure would be fabulous!
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Would love to have some time to be alone – read, pray, meditate. I’d also love the spoiling of a special breakfast or lunch. I think these things would be best on Saturday, since Sunday’s focus is on worship and family time. I think a great Saturday with a special breakfast, time to dream, a bit of thrifting, some flowers planted for me.
Mostly, i just really want to be appreciated.
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This year for Mother’s Day I would LOVE my boys to put in garden time and house-cleaning time. For the younger one that seems a bit unfair, he’s living at home and helps out already but the older one is gone and a few hours from him is like hiring a professional. He’s awesome and so hard-working so… that’s what I’ve asked for. Combine that with my birthday being the week before, I could end up with half a day…I hope…
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So thankful, Sandy that you’ve introduced me to your readers here. And, I’m touched that the song would speak to others. Motherhood is the greatest calling and my first ministry is here at home with my three kids. I love hearing what other busy Moms would like – I’m in the “more time, more snuggles” camp too. We just keep getting busier – I never want to lose sight of how important the time we spend with our kids is (to them and to us). Bless your Mother’s Day!
.-= Mela Kamin´s last blog ..What do teenagers know? =-.
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I love anything for our flower garden! These kind of “gifts” just keep on giving throughout the year and the next year(s). We really enjoy the blessing together (even if it was given as a Mom’s Day gift.)
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Last year for Mother’s Day I had all my grown sons over for the day. They helped with gardening and then we all had a big meal together. I knew in my heart that it would be the last Mother’s Day that we would all be together for a long time. You see, my son Josh joined the Air Force and left shortly after that for Basic Training. This Mother’s Day he is overseas in Germany but he still calls me and we chat on Facebook almost daily. My wish for Mother’s Day, and for my son Chris’ upcoming wedding next month would be to have Josh home with us to share in his twin brother’s special day and to just get to hold and hug each one of my 3 precious sons and soon to be daughter in law and share laughter, love and a good meal with them and my dear husband. That would be the most wonderful gift! I hope that all the ladies who read this realize that it is not about “things” that make Mother’s Day special, it’s about the relationships that you have with each one of your precious children that God blesses you with. Hug your children tight and make sure you tell and show them how much you love them every chance you get. Even “grown” children need to hear and feel it!
Blessings,
Debbie
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Well, I am five months pregnant, so this is truely my first mother’s day as a soon-to-be mommy. It’s because of my pregnancy (and its accompanying hip pain) that I developed an interest in yoga and learned about Brooke Boon and Holy Yoga. I just received my prenatal video and, let me tell you, it is a HUGE blessing to me. It was on the video that I learned about Mela. If I had to chose a specific gift that I’d like to get on this very special first-time mother’s day, I think it would be Stormie Omartian’s The Power of a Praying Parent.
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I would love to have a nice picnic on the beach with my husband and 6 children…just to spend this day together and celebrate being a mother with my kids would be awesome…my husband has missed the past few because he was deployed and now he is retired so I am looking forward to making breakfast for them and enjoying the day
) may you have a blessed day as well
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