It's been a hard day

What do hard days look like for you? For me, it's usually kids fighting, me snapping, to-do lists being ignored. It's being too busy, or not busy enough. It's everything and nothing and ALL.THE.THINGS. But it usually comes down to one thing. My attitude, my perspective, my response. (see even when I don't want it to be all about me, it is)


And on one of those particularly hard days, this book showed up in my mailbox... What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days by Holley Gerth.


And I wanted to just ignore the dish pile in the sink, ignore the kids and the dear husband, ignore the laundry that was washed four days ago and still isn't folded, and lock myself in my room with Holley's encouraging words, my gratitude journal, and the Psalms, and not come out for a week.


Well it didn't happen quite like that, but it was close. I've been spending lots of my quiet time in the Psalms these days, so I was delighted to crack open this book and find that each devotional was based on a Psalm. I love the way she describes the Psalms, "The book of Psalms is like a table covered with God's goodness." It's true, and He has set the table for me... and His goodness can satisfy, will satisfy, does satisfy.

And after a day of stuffing myself with unhealthy, unnecessary foods and reading these words in the introduction, "We need to find a way to quiet the hunger pains in our hearts." I knew that this was going to reach my heart. Holley gives us 52 encouraging truths... and man, there are some good ones in there!

God wants to lift you up when life lets you down
God says you're a delight, not a disappointment
God doesn't want you to try so hard
God is your protector
God will ease your anxiety
God's ways are best for you
God will use you to help others

and so many more that spoke to my heart before I even began reading the devotional. Each truth is paired with a verse from Psalms, along with a reading of 3 Psalms a day (or week, or however you choose to break it up).

We all have hard days and sometimes on the hard days, it is difficult to remember truth, to focus on truth, to meditate on what is true, and right, and pure. But a few days in the Psalms, along with these encouraging words that Holley shares with us, and your perspective can change, just like mine does! Psalms is my lifeline and this devotional book has added a strand of strength to that lifeline!

Pick one up today!  

PS... she's doing a little book club on her website right now... Check it out, go like her facebook page and sign up for the updates! You won't be disappointed!

(also, I attempted Amazon affiliate links, so if you purchase the book through the links on this page, I get a percentage or something like that... I really don't know how it all works) :) thanks

Falling in Love with my Kitchen again

I love the kitchen. It wasn't always that way. When I got married, my family joked that I needed a cookbook just to boil water... and truth be told we ate a lot of hamburger helper that first year (we also worked opposite shifts, so meals weren't really worth the effort.

Then I improved thanks to Taste of Home subscriptions and other great cookbooks. But I still made every effort to follow recipes to a T... I'm a big rule follower and that spilled over into recipes, measurements and ingredients.

Then, enter the internet... and allrecipes.com and my recipe "box" grew exponentially. I began to love cooking and had a few go-to meals that I perfected! Over time I could even make the meal without the recipe in front of me and I even learned to tweak recipes for my own liking. *Gasp*

Then I had a baby and I wasn't working full time any more, so I actually had more time for experimenting in the kitchen. I found great satisfaction in a meal well done. And then I had three more kids, one right after another, and time in the kitchen was limited. And when I did take time in the kitchen, these little toddlers didn't seem to appreciate my effort... and sometimes hubby worked later than scheduled and the meal "perfect" at 5:30 was cold, slimy, or otherwise no good anymore.

Sad to say, my meal planning, trying new recipes, taking pride in my kitchen efforts ... dwindled and I lost my spirit for food (Not that I didn't eat, believe me, I LOVE FOOD) but I started picking the easy stuff, the prepared stuff, the horrible-for-you stuff.


Enter Bread and Wine via the (in)courage Bloom book club

I'm not saying  Bread and Wine changed all this for me. I had started to make improvements before I picked up this book. I have been meal planning a little better since my sister-in-law made me the awesome meal planner for my fridge. I have been working on increasing the fruits and veggies we eat and other healthier options. But it was mostly because of duty--it's what I SHOULD be doing.

But when I picked up Bread and Wine, it breathed life into my soul and gave me a craving for the soul part of cooking again. I got giddy when planning out a few new recipes. And grocery shopping was almost fun again as I searched for never-before-purchased items!  And then I tried the recipes, and OH MY WORD, I started drooling! :)

 I loved the Sweet Potato Fries with Sriracha Dipping Sauce... even though I had never heard of sriracha before I picked up this book!

and the Maple Balsamic Pork Tenderloin made me feel so sophisticated (although I over cooked it... and the glaze became thicker than Molasses and hardened on my plate. I'll do better next time).

and making your own Basic Vinaigrette... WHY didn't I try this sooner?!?! It beats store bought by a mile!!

and the Dark Chocolate Mousse... soo simple, soo rich, soo perfect with raspberries!!

Just last week I tried the Goat Cheese Biscuits, and was disappointed to find that all my freezer jam was still ... frozen! So I just ate them plain--still delightful! Just a perfect tang with a lot of salt, that will taste DELICIOUS with jam! I'm hoping that they reheat well, so that I can try them with jam in the morning! The strawberry jam is defrosting now!! (edit to add: they tasted okay reheated, but nobody else in my family raved about them, so I will have to have company before I make them again)

I have all the ingredients for Blueberry Crisp and the flourless brownies and the Enchiladas... so there will definitely be some more cooking going on around here!!

What I loved about this book is that it is so much more than food and recipes! I learned so much, just from the first few chapters and I haven't stopped learning and underlining (and tweeting) the good stuff!!

I have mostly been trying these recipes out on my husband and kids, but I am looking forward to inviting people into my home again and embracing life around the table.

Community Conversation: What is one of your go-to entertaining recipes? What is your favorite cookbook or food website?

PS. you can pick this book up at Amazon or Dayspring... and probably your local bookstore! (attempt at affiliate links present)

We appreciate things more when we have to wait

It's been a while since I've done a "book review," but this one releases tomorrow and I want you to know about it. I pre-ordered it from Amazon last week, the hard copy is arriving sometime today... probably before I get this post written, typed and posted.


The In-Between: Embracing the Tension between Now
and the Next Big Thing

When I pre-ordered it, I also got digital copies and an audio file as part of the deal--AWESOME. So I did a little reading over the weekend and last night, and while I'm not done with the book yet, if it had been the hard copy my pen would have run out of ink by now with all the marking up I've done! It's great stuff!!

I am always in a hurry, always rushing my kids, hating to be late but not scheduling any cushion time... Acting like I'm going to miss out on something if I don't get it all done. Problem is, I am missing out on things!

I am missing out on opportunities to teach my kids things in the moment.
I am missing out on opportunities to savor their littleness.
I am missing out on opportunities to read to them.
I am missing out on opportunities to hear God's still small voice.
I am missing out on what God has for me right here, right now!

I don't even know what "The next big thing" is, which I have talked about often in my God-sized Dreams posts. But I am always thinking that things will be better when...

One of those major waiting periods in my life was when I lived in a 2 bedroom trailer... not such a big deal when it was just me and my husband, but as God began to add children to our family, I got tired of waiting for "the next big HOME."  I blogged about it once...

Before: 2 bedroom trailer, very little yard

After: 3 bedrooms, finished basement, 2 car garage....

just a portion of our yard and a glimpse of the view!

I think back to what I might have missed in my anxiousness to get out of the trailer and into a larger home.  There was a coziness that came in the trailer--I just saw it as overcrowded. God was teaching me in those moments to trust Him, that He saw the big picture, that He was molding me, teaching me, pruning some of the rough edges off. And now, I thank God every day for this home, this yard! I wonder if he had rushed the giving of this home if I would appreciate it as much.

Even now that I am in a much more spacious place, with a much more spacious yard, He is still teaching me to wait on Him in so many ways. I had FOUR kids in 4 1/2 years... Having children was the one thing I didn't have to wait for. :) But I began to wish away their toddler years, their neediness, their noise, etc.  And now, NOW, my youngest starts Kindergarten this year (how did that happen?).  Every day, I have to make a choice to embrace my now. Sometimes I do it right, sometimes I don't. But it's not a one-time do it and then you don't have to worry about it. All of life is a process, but as Jeff Goins says, 

"Maybe God is less concerned with what I’m doing
and more concerned with who I’m becoming"

Here are just a few things I'm learning...

"Every time we wait is an opportunity to slow down and be present in an increasingly noisy world. to listen to the voices we sometimes lose in the static."  For me, those voices are my kids and my husband, the life, the world God has given me right here, right now... What is it for you?

One of my favorite quotes (so far) is "God can use you anywhere," my friend the schoolteacher told me. I didn't believe it. I believed God had a plan that could be seriously messed up if I didn't pay attention."  Why do I think I'm so important that I could mess up God's plan? So thankful He can use me anywhere, I just need to be willing!

Oh and so many more, but I will stop so you can just go buy the book yourself! This book speaks right to my heart and my life, but it can apply to anyone in the waiting stages of life... and truth is, everyone is waiting for something!

Community Conversation: What in life are you waiting for? Have you or are you going to buy this book? I'd love to discuss it with you more!

Embracing Beauty

So, I finally drew the winner to the giveaway of last week's post on Embracing Beauty... My readership and subsequent giveaway entries are still small enough that I can just write all the names on slips of papers and draw them out of a cup...  So the winner of the Embracing Beauty ebook by Trina Holden is....

Amy Tilson

And now a little bit about the book from my perspective!

She drew me in with the first chapter and Scripture about beauty and God making us for beauty... amazing!

"He created us in His image, as both a reflection of His beauty, and a celebration of His love for beautiful things. To Him you are His crowning achievement in a world full of beauty."

Why didn't I think of that? Just look at the seasons and God's artwork in each one! He loves beauty. He created us beautiful. He created us for beauty!!

Embrace it!!

There is so much goodness in this book and I'm looking forward to "Finding my Style" and a "Personal Color Scheme." I have already seen it developing since I read the book!  and I willingly got rid of some clothes that I know I will never wear. They were crowding my closet making it difficult to find the clothes I do love!

I also enjoyed the chapter on thrifting, which is why I asked her to cover that topic in her guest post last week.

and if you follow me on Instragram (I'm an addict) here are some of my thrifting finds...

for me...

for the kids!

and me with a scarf tie that Trina demonstrates in the extras!


You must buy the book and check it out!!

Community Conversation: Do you know your personal color scheme? What is your favorite color to wear? What color would you NEVER wear?

Untitled: a book review

I've read a few books, reviewed a few books, volunteered to help promote new books during their release book and I seem to fail every time... yet another area in which I need grace...

So when I was given the opportunity to read a copy of Untitled: Thoughts on the Creative Process - Revised & Expanded I hesitated. Creative Process... I could use some help in that area, but right now? in the month of December? right at Christmas time?  I shouldn't agree to review it. but I could really use it... so I tweeted and they responded and I got a copy via email and opened it right away and was just sucked in!!!


SO much goodness.  Then I stopped and realized that just reading it wasn't going to help me, so I went back to work on the reflections and exercises that Blaine Hogan gives in the book. And he has a blog that I'm looking forward to delving in....

I am no where near far enough in the book to give an accurate review, but so far... I am loving it!!  and I think if you are in any creative process... book writing, painting, photography, starting a new business, crafting, etc. I think you will love this book!

Go check it out!!

Everything

Hello, friends! Just a quick post because I don't want you to miss this!!  I've been working though a new book, Everything, written by Mary DeMuth, set for release in October!  She is having a pre-order campaign in which you can get free stuff if you order now  (NOW being Wednesday and Thursday)! And if you are anything like me, you like free stuff! So be sure to check it out!

I'm still reading it, so a full review will be  forthcoming, but just to let you know why I asked to be on the Launch team and get a pre-release copy is this... I'm a people pleaser, often more worried about what people think about what I say and do, instead of what Jesus thinks. And that my friend, is NOT living life with  Jesus as my Everything! I know in my head that Jesus has so much more to offer me than my friends and family (everything, in fact), but I'm still learning it in my heart and applying it in my daily life... Won't you join me on this journey to make Jesus our Everything?

This promo video is great, but my favorite is the man who says "I'm supposed to say that Jesus is my everything, but what I have to say is Jesus is becoming my everything." Because that is right where I am these days!

Also, be sure to  check out this Pinterest board! It is filled with impacting quotes from the book!

Remember, to cash in on all the freebies, you must preorder it today or tomorrow. Visit Mary DeMuth's page for all the details!

Mother Letters

So, I received this book about 2 weeks ago... and I fell in love from the beginning. These women... these mothers, they spin art with their words and make me fall in love with being a mom again. They weep with you through the hard stuff, rejoice in the victories, and laugh with you over the messes.  They speak right to my heart. 

So I wanted to share a few of my favorites with you... and then I want to strongly encourage you to go buy a copy for yourself! You won't regret it... and the proceeds from the book support a wonderful cause... The Mercy House!

10 (of many) lines I highlighted in Mother Letters

1. "I bet nobody else loses their temper eight times before school starts." Mary Carver  

 Yes, Mary, someone else does... and it's me! And I'm thrilled to know that I am not alone! :)

2. "The laundry basket that is never empty--my basket is piled so full that you can't see the basket." Jessica Turner

I want to take a picture of my laundry basket right now and add it to the post, but that would take to long... but seriously, you can NOT see the basket, towels, shirts, etc hanging all over the edge!

3. "parenting with intention requires intention." Robin Dance 

Seriously, I know this in my head... but intention requires discipline and motivation and planning and consistency!!! And that is sooo hard! But I will keep working at it, thanks to the encouragement of other moms!

4. "I am learning that being a mother isn't about being perfect, but it is about trusting your instincts and making confident decisions." Heather Manifold

yeah, I'm not so good at letting go of perfection, or being confident in my decisions, but I am slowly learning that although I'm not perfect, I am the perfect mom for these kids... God and I are working together on this thing.

5. "Revel in the snuggles after dark that provide the chance to hear the softly spoken thoughts from the bottoms of their souls. Breath them in deeply." Kari Clark

Sometimes I just want to punch out the time clock when it's their bedtime... but sometimes they need just one more hug from mom... one more reassurance that all is well... one more story they need to tell. And on a rare occasion, I get it right!

6. "Yet I find myself the mother to four little ones who, to my amazement, continually forgive me." Rachel McAdams

Yes, Yes, Yes... a child's continual ability to forgive... even for the same thing over and over is amazing to me!  Where do we let go of that and hang on to wrongs done to us? My kids are a wonderful example of forgiveness to me... just not always to each other! :)

7. "Isaiah 40:11 promises us, 'He tends his flock like a shepherd; he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."  "The God of the universe, The Master Creator,... whispers, 'Mom, I know it's hard, But I will lead you. And I will lead you gently'." Shannon Lowe

Oh, some days it's so good to know that He is carrying me... and carrying my little ones... and gently leading me, each step of the way!! Thank you, Jesus!

8. "Enjoy every single moment. The good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the inspiring, the not-so-glamorous moments. And thank God through it all."  Meghan Matt

I am learning to thank God through it all... maybe not in the middle of the ugly moments, but to look back and appreciate their part in the tapestry of our lives.

9. "instead of making 'to-do' lists we should make 'people to love' lists. Nearly everything we do affects someone." Brooke Bruderer

Oh, this is good advice! Who cares if my laundry gets folded... if I have failed to LOVE my kids!!

10. "When we serve and love our children, we also serve and love our God. The trials of motherhood are not only opportunities to train our children, but they are opportunities to grow in the Lord as well." Amber Oliver

Every day, I have to remind myself that I am not reading books to my kids, folding laundry for my family, scrubbing toilets for the company, making meals for my husband... I am doing these things FOR God and to God.


Oh, there is so much more than just these ten points... I had to limit myself, so I can link up to Top Ten Tuesday! :)  This book was such a joy to read... and it includes some great mom-submitted photos that will make you laugh and cry... :)



So, go check it out... you don't want to miss it!
Happy Belated Mother's Day to all the great moms out there!!

Book list 2012

Well, isn't that an eye-catching title... doesn't it just make you wanna keep reading?  Well,  maybe when I'm done with this post I will come up with something more exciting!  But stick with me anyway, here is a list of books I want to read this year... some I have started and never finished, some I have read and need to re-read, and some I haven't even picked up. But all are books that I want to read THIS year! and because it is Tuesday, this list will be a "Top Ten"



1. Grace-Based Parenting  I have a hard copy of this book and a kindle edition. I am mostly reading in the kindle edition right now because it's convenient! I really want to live out God's Grace in my life, so that my kids can see and understand God's Grace in their lives!


2. One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are I have already read through this book once and am starting it for the second time. I am also counting my 1000 gifts again this year, because really they are INFINITE!!


3. 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse This is my main January book. One chapter a day to pray for my husband. check it out on twitter at #31DBBS



4. Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman's Guide to Finding Contentment  Oh, how I struggle with an anxious heart. I have been so convicted and encouraged by what I have read so far and am looking forward to finishing this book and living calm and contented!



5. Blogger Behave: Make your blog benefit your life, so you can love both!  Bought this ebook on a whim with the hopes of bettering my blog and my life! :)  I got as far as the blog mission statement section and got stuck! I really need to work on the mission statement of my blog!



6. Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life This year my One Word is GRACE. I don't own this book yet, but I really, really, really want it! and I so want to live grace this year!


7. Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living  I want to live organized, I want to live simple... I want to live intentional!  The funny thing is, I THINK I own this book, but I can't find it anywhere...


8. Make It Fast, Cook It Slow  I love my crockpot and I love her blog! It's my go to when I am searching for a crockpot recipe!  I would love to own her book... both of them!! :)


More Make It Fast, Cook It Slow: 200 Brand-New, Budget-Friendly, Slow-Cooker Recipes


9. Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus Once again, this year is all about grace for me. I don't own this book either, but I am hoping to own it by the end of the year... maybe after I finish the other books on grace!


10. The Reluctant Entertainer: Every Woman's Guide to Simple and Gracious Hospitality I have this book, and I've skimmed it some, but this year I want to really read it and start applying what I read!



So there you have it, my list!  What's on your reading list that I should consider??!?!

ps. I played around with Amazon Affiliates, so this post contains affiliate links. If you wanna help feed and clothe my kids, feel free to purchase these books through these links!