What Hope Looks Like From Here

I'm moving!

2015-09-10T12:57:00.005-04:00

I'm so excited to announce that my new site, A View of Hope, is now open, and I will be writing all further blog posts from there. Be sure to hop on over and check it out! Also, if you were a follower here, you'll need to subscribe there to keep receiving blog content. I have big plans for the blog's future, and am excited to see how the Lord continues to use my little space in cyberspace. :)

Be sure to subscribe at the new site by email so you don't miss anything!

Thanks for reading and following, and I hope to see you on the other blog site soon!

Book review - FaithGirlz Bible

2015-08-05T17:46:00.003-04:00

I was thrilled when I recently saw a new Bible coming out for the tween girl age group, as my almost 10-year old has been wanting another Bible for awhile. This Bible, published by Zonderkids with extras compiled by Nancy Rue, is a great resource to help 8-12 year old girls to dig deeper into God's Word. This Bible is in the New International Version, and includes these extra features:

-book introductions (on the who, when, where, and what of each book)
-dream girl excerpts (letting girls use their imaginations to put themselves in the story)
-quizzes with Bible facts (to test girls' knowledge of Scripture)
-words to live by (to help girls memorize Scripture)
-event prompters (to help girls tell the stories in their own words)
-answers to Bible questions that girls may have while reading

One of the best and prettiest features of this Bible is that it is a hardback book with a magnetic strip closure to protect the pages. The cover is fun, colorful and attractive as well. My daughter has been reading a lot of the Lily series by Nancy Rue, so she was excited that Rue had contributed so much to this Bible to make it more interesting for tween girls. And as a mom desiring my daughter to grow in her walk with the Lord, I am excited to see how this Bible could be a great help.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review... Undone

2015-07-08T14:50:00.002-04:00

I recently read the book Undone: A Memoir, by Michele Cushatt. The subtitle intrigued me immediately... "a story of making peace with an unexpected life," because this is where I find my own self these days.

In the book, Cushatt shares her difficult journey through divorce, remarriage and the blending of a family, cancer, becoming an empty nester, and then foster care. Through many unexpected twists and turns, and even more unknowns, she uses humor and her faith in God to share her story of pain, loss, and heartache. Yet, because she allowed God to be the hero of her story through it all, her trials ultimately display beauty, adventure, and hope.

"Peace wasn't a feeling," she writes. "Peace has always been a person."

And one of my favorite parts... "Where is my faith? In myself, more often than not. Which is why an unexpected squall - every last one of them over the span of two years - unraveled me. A boat anchored to itself is not anchored at all."

I can so identify with many of these convicting thoughts, and for that reason, I appreciated Cushatt's raw honesty in this book so much. For that reason, I had a hard time putting this book down. I recommend this book to any other woman who is going through a difficult season in life and wants the encouragement that someone else can identify with her, or a woman who needs hope to know that better - but far from perfect, or without difficulties - days are ahead. Even though every woman's challenging circumstances are unique, the reminder that God truly works beauty through our mess can be just what many need to know to keep pressing on today.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book review - Small Talk: Learning from My Children About What Matters Most

2015-05-14T16:49:00.006-04:00

Amy Julia Becker’s book, Small Talk: Learning from My Children About What Matters Most, is a beautiful memoir of Becker’s life and the conversations, reflections and applications she’s taken from daily life as a mother of three young children. She takes her readers on her journey of parenting through the years as her family grew and the challenges that came with that growth, including parenting a special needs child. Topics of her reflection include waiting, gratitude, listening, kindness, forgiveness, marriage, and grace, along with so many more.

This is not a parenting guide, but an easy book for busy moms of younger aged children to pick up as they find free moments. It provides continual encouragement and reflection points to ponder long after reading. I was challenged by this book to slow down and reflect on my own life that threatens to move faster than I can keep up, and to record conversations, comments my kids make, and moments where God teaches me through them. Each child is so unique and offers ways to learn and to grow myself as they grow, if only I take the time to slow down and see them as the gift they are.

This quote summed it up nicely for me:

“I slow down. Not because I have suddenly become obedient out of a sense of guilt. But because I finally have my listening ears on – out of an eagerness to hear. And so I bend toward the still small voice of the Spirit, who has been whispering to me all along.”

As moms, our children can help us to really hear. But we just have to take the time to listen. I believe this book will help challenge moms everywhere to do this, and the results will be beautiful.

I have received a free copy of Small Talk: Learning from My Children About What Matters Most from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review - Hope for the Weary Mom

2015-03-24T14:11:00.000-04:00

You guys, I can't believe that I forgot to share about this incredibly encouraging book for moms that just hit bookstore shelves not long ago. Hope for the Weary Mom: Let God Meet You in the Mess, written by Stacey Thacker and Brooke McGlothlin, is an honest look at motherhood and the weary moments that can surround us as moms on this journey. Brooke and Stacey are honest and vulnerable about their own struggles and moments of frustration as moms, yet always bring readers back around to the hope that we have because of the Lord Jesus.

Topics in this book include, but are not limited to, the following:

-personality types and the strengths and weaknesses that can come along with them
-loneliness and the part it can play in the life of a mom
-"mommy guilt"
-anger vs. love
-when life hurts
-weariness and how to get the help needed
-finding and clinging to hope for the long haul

This book was such an encouragement to me. Life right now, and motherhood, can seem so weary and tedious some days. The perspective of it being a marathon, and not a sprint, encouraged me to keep looking at the big picture and not simply what I see today. Furthermore, the challenge of turning weariness to worship reminded me of His beautiful grace that covers everything. All we have to do is keep surrendering ourselves, and our kids, to Him. He will give us His wisdom, guidance, and direction for each day of the journey.

If you are a mom, be sure to pick up a copy of this book. It will encourage your heart and give you strength for the days ahead.

When Crickets Chirp...

2015-02-24T11:27:00.002-05:00

If you are one of the few precious people who read this blog, you may have noticed that I’ve been quiet for awhile. Like… pretty much since before Christmas. Way too long. Maybe you've heard the crickets chirping here. :) Sure, I’ve done a few product reviews and those are always fun, but I really haven’t taken the time to express my own thoughts in awhile.

To be honest, I haven’t really known what to say. The Lord has had me in this “quiet season” right now. It’s a season of rediscovering what I know to be true about Him and yet discovering things about Him that I’ve never truly known before. It’s a season of reshaping my faith and shutting my mouth so that I can really hear His Word and His voice in new ways. And, it’s a season of stripping… of painful pruning and trust walks, when I can’t see where He’s taking me.

(a precious 5-year old version of Jesus coming back in the clouds)

This week marks two years since my sweet husband went to be with Jesus. Everyone prepared me that the second year post loss would be harder, and boy, were they right. I’ve been faced with some really difficult trials this year, and been up against some obstacles that I’ve never encountered before and could have never guessed were coming. Our circle of support has also grown smaller, but I was prepared for that too, thanks to wise words I’ve read from the lovely Kay Warren. The grief pops up in less expected ways that I'm not as prepared for. Through it all, I’ve had to continually learn more and more to let Jesus be my total sufficiency, and trust Him to provide all that we need in His perfect timing. That timing, of course, is far different from my own.

Yet, He has been so so faithful in gently guiding me on this journey and giving me a strength I could never conjure up on my own to endure whatever each day brings. He has humbled me greatly as I see more and more, that this life has nothing to do with me and everything to do with Him. He has challenged my faith through the lives of others who have walked this journey before me. He has brought broken dreams to the spotlight of my prayers and has given me the boldness to bravely approach Him with my shattered heart, entrusting Him again and again with those dreams. And when I do, He beautifully pours in me the hope, though some days bleak, to continue dreaming and trusting.

I want to see Him continue to work, and to accomplish those dreams He’s put in my heart. But for now, I believe it’s about being still and letting Him fight for me as I learn that in quietness and confidence is my strength. (Is. 30:15)

Pastor James MacDonald visited my church recently, and preached from James 1. When he spoke on James 1:3-4:

"...for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

He explained that steadfastness, patience, or whatever other word your Bible translation gives, is the Greek word “hupomena”… which means "to remain under." This is the true challenge of trials and hard seasons in our lives. Will we choose to remain under when all we want to do is to get out? To stop fighting it and endure for as long as is needed, learning what our Father wants us to from it? What a lesson learned that will help us through anything we will face in life! When we learn how to “remain under” well, it is a funnel through which all other ministry and life opportunities will grow.

This brought so much clarity to me and encouraged me, as I hope it does for you, that God is using the hard seasons to teach us so much. The process of learning how to remain under will not only help me now, but in whatever seasons that are ahead.

So for now, I choose to remain under even when it’s painful. And remaining under may mean more quiet. More seeking instead of speaking. I may be quiet for awhile longer. The crickets may keep chirping around here, but amidst the silence, a lot more can be learned than it often can in the noise.

I honestly don’t really know what’s ahead. I have big dreams and plans, even for this little blog, but they are all in God’s hands.

And I'm learning that there’s no one better to hold them.

Book review... The Fringe Hours

2015-02-19T12:06:00.002-05:00

Another book that I had the privilege of reviewing just released this week, and if you are anything like me and have a hard time finding time for yourself... you are going to want to run to the nearest bookstore or click over to the nearest website to buy this book!

Jessica Turner's new book, The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You, was the best book I've reviewed in awhile. In this practical and liberating book, Jessica Turner empowers women to take back pockets of time they already have in their day in order to practice self-care and do the things they love. Jessica uses her own experiences and those of women across the country to teach readers how to balance their many responsibilities while still making it a priority to invest in themselves. She also addresses barriers to this lifestyle, such as comparison and guilt, and demonstrates how eliminating these feelings and making changes to one's schedule will make the reader a better wife, mother, and friend.

I love how the reason for the creation of this book came from Jessica's heart and struggle to create more time for herself. As a working mom of three, she understands the desires of women to juggle so many things well. She also knows how often we can push our own needs and dreams aside to do so much for everyone else in our lives, and gives so many practical tips on how to care for others and still care for ourselves as well.

My favorite part of this book was the way it was set up so interactively, with space given for personal reflection and application. There are small motivational "take aways" at the end of each chapter too, to apply what has been read.

The Fringe Hours would be a great individual read or an excellent choice for a group study. And if you don't have a local group to go through it with and want to be part of one online, it's not to late to check out the (in)Courage's Bloom book club that is about to journey through this book.

To learn more about the book and access extra resources, go here.

More book reviews... and a giveaway!

2015-02-10T13:54:00.004-05:00

Giveaway has ended... the winner is Andrea!

Yikes, it's been over a month since I've blogged! I've been a horrible blogger lately, I know. Sigh. It's just been one of those difficult seasons... but I still have big dreams in mind for this little blog and am excited to be back more regularly soon, Lord willing. I have missed writing!

I have been reading though, and today, I have two books to share with you that I recently read to review. The first is a fiction book called At Home in Last Chance. This is the third book in a three part series by Cathleen Armstrong, and tells a beautiful story of the power of love and forgiveness.

Kaitlyn, the main character, has come back home to try and build a bond with the 7-year old daughter she abandoned and left her brother to raise just six months earlier. Through a series of difficulties and hard times, Kaitlyn has realized her need to be near her daughter and rebuild her life back in her hometown. That doesn't prove to be easy, however, as trust has been broken and relationships need to be restored and rebuilt. Through her mistakes, pain, and growth, her heart learns to trust both her God and the others that He has put in her life. Her friends and family also learn to love her in needed ways that help her grow and heal.

This story will encourage you and leave you pondering the ways that you have also changed through hurt and loss, and the growth of character that will come along as a result. I highly recommend this book as a light and encouraging read.

The second book I recently read was Mothering From Scratch, by Melinda Means and Kathy Helgemo. Mothering From Scratch was very recently published. It offers a great perspective especially to younger moms who are just starting out on this journey, by two seasoned mom authors who share nuggets of truth and wisdom from their own journeys. They present important information to consider such as personality types, scheduling, and priorities. Furthermore, they present it all with the perspective that every mother is unique, so their methods and journeys should be as well. The advice to stop comparing and start being the mother that God made you to be is a message that will encourage many women who read this book.

My favorite part of this encouragement was the reminder that our dreams as women do not "spoil", just because we are not able to make those dreams happen right now. If we are focusing on what is most important in this season, which is raising our children in a godly way, we will have another season ahead when we can make dreams come alive for ourselves personally. With motherhood feeling so all encompassing at times, I needed that reminder, and I'm sure others do too.

I am grateful for the authors' honesty with their own stories of successes and failures along the way, so all of us moms coming along behind them can learn to be the best moms possible. Do you or someone you know need the encouragement found in this book? I'm giving a copy away of Mothering From Scratch!

Just leave a comment on this post before 11:59 p.m. Thursday night, and I'll draw a winner on Friday!

Get your Shazzy on!

2015-01-08T11:15:00.000-05:00

When I was at the Allume conference back in October, I had the privilege of meeting some of the great folks at Shazzy Fitness, a fun Christian hip-hop dance and fitness program.

I was so excited to bring home one of the workout dvds to do some fun and wholesome fitness with my kiddos!

We have the A Time to Dance video, and had a lot of fun trying to figure out the moves and dance together. With Christian hip hop music as the formation of the workout, I never had to worry that the lyrics were inappropriate for my children. There are two workouts included on the dvd, as well as a bonus workout, an intro from the trainers, and more explanation on some of the moves. We had a great time laughing and exercising together, for sure!

Aside from the Christian foundation and music, what I also appreciated about this program was the personal approach from the instructors. When I met some of them at Allume, I was so impressed with how friendly they were, wanting to establish relationships with people instead of just push their products. You will see this same kind of approach shown on the video, through their personal introductions and stories. I am confident that if I contacted them with questions, I'd be sure to hear back with a personal reply, and I greatly appreciate that.

The only thing that I wish was different about these videos is the speed of the workouts. If you are uncoordinated like me, or have small children following along, it would be nice to see the workouts done first at half the speed, then pick up the pace and be done at regular speed. These move FAST! But as long as you keep your body moving and putting in effort, you still will be sweating and burning calories in the end, even if you can't keep up with the moves as well as you wish you could.

So, go check out my new friends at Shazzy Fitness today, and pick up a copy of one of the workouts to have fun with in your own home. The dvd I have, A Time to Dance, is for sale right now too for a limited time! Don't miss out, and have fun gettin' your Shazzy on! :)

Book Review - The Financially Confident Woman

2015-01-06T11:30:00.001-05:00

Whew. I can't believe it's been almost a month since I've blogged! Obviously, the holidays are a busy time of the year, as well as a difficult time of the year for our family now. Plus, my kids have been off school and I haven't had much time to be on the computer with them in tow. So instead, I've had a lot of time to just let my thoughts and ideas whirl around. As a result, I've now got some great goals as 2015 begins, and some exciting things coming soon on this blog! Stay tuned for that...

In the meantime, I've got some review posts coming up to share with you. The first one is on a very informative book called The Financially Confident Woman, by Mary Hunt.

This book was originally published in 1996, but has been updated and recently republished. Mary Hunt has a successful website and a daily newspaper column, and has included many of her tips for being a good financial steward in this informative and helpful book. Topics in this book include a practical plan for giving, saving, budgeting, and staying out of debt, as well as tips for spending wisely, planning for emergencies, and learning about how investments work. There are many practical tips for spending less and saving more, and there is a six week action plan included to take immediate steps in changing the reader's financial future when the book has been completed.

Hunt states, "This is not a book about how to get more money. It's about how to become financially confident by learning how to manage what you already have." Women, in particular, can sometimes leave the work of securing their financial future to their husbands, and it is important that women also know how to use finances wisely. Hunt has seen the need for this and responded to it in a big way that I believe, offers a thorough answer to many modern women's questions. This is a not a book about blending finances together in marriage and making that work, but about an overall financial awareness.

I know that I benefited from reading this book and learned more about the way I should steward the money God has given me. I believe many women would be blessed by this book and I would encourage any women, but particularly singles, to read it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, The Financially Confident Woman, from Revell Publishing, in exchange for my honest views.

Dayspring Letterpress Blocks giveaway!

2014-12-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Update: This giveaway is now closed, and according to random.org results... the winner is Desiree!!!! Congratulations and have fun picking your Letterpress block set! :)

I am so excited to be sharing about something I love today, and giving you all the chance to love it as well! (In)courage and Dayspring have partnered together to create a beautiful product called Letterpress Blocks! Check out how stunning they are!

They have made it easy for you to choose from their already made word sets, or build your own custom set! With the hardware provided, you can also choose to either hang the blocks or just stand them up and display them in your home. The hardware also allows you to attach the letters together, or leave them apart if you wish.

I had the opportunity to choose a couple of sets for our home, and I knew right away what I wanted. My first set was built with the word "grace".

It goes perfectly in our family room with my Red Letter Words canvas behind it that features some of the lyrics to the song "Amazing Grace." It is very important to me that, as we spend time together in our family room, we never forget that we are where we are only because of the Lord's richly lavished grace on us. (And yes, we are a book loving family!) :)

The other set I chose goes with my master bedroom nautical "hope as an anchor" theme that comes from Hebrews 6:19. I knew I'd have to find a place for the word "hope" in there, for sure!

So now it's your turn! You have the opportunity to win a $50 gift certificate to spend on your own Letterpress blocks! These make a perfect Christmas gift as well.

Head over to the Letterpress website and check it out, then come back here and post a comment with which word you would like to create for your own home. You can also post an additional comment letting me know if you are a follower of this blog or if you subscribe by email. Comments can be posted until Wednesday night, December 10. On Thursday, December 11, I'll be announcing the random winner!

Thanks for reading and entering!

31 Days of Hope - Day 31

2014-12-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

“Let my prayer be counted as incense before You,

and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!”

Psalm 141:2

And there it is… the final verse in this series of 31 verses from the Psalms that inspire hope. And it is about sacrifice, which isn’t always the most fun topic to discuss. Sacrifice often hurts. It usually costs us something. It is worship with a price tag on it, offering to God what hurts to give up to Him.

It may be tearfully acknowledging that you would rather be married, but are choosing to be alright with being single if that’s what His plan is for you. It may be the painful giving over of your dreams to be a mother if no children is what He deems best, because the fertility issues are at the forefront of your thoughts right now. It may be just telling Him that you are willing to do what He wants you to do today, even when you would rather keep your own agenda.

Whatever it is, it’s usually difficult. And that’s why hands lifted in surrender, and words spoken in a submissive prayer before the Lord, can be a most beautiful gift to Him. Voicing them – truly speaking out loud that we choose His will before our own – is a beautiful thing to our Father. Like a sweet smelling incense, our words rise to Him and are counted by Him as beautiful. This is what the Psalmist prays for.

This is what I pray for, and that I hope you’ll pray for on this journey you are walking. Maybe hope still seems hard to find right now. But your words… your prayers… they can bring a spark of it. Maybe you don’t know what else to do. But you don’t have to. That’s really enough for now. Just speaking out your willingness, even when it’s tough, brings beauty… and hope.

He has not forgotten you. He sees your pain, and He knows your heart. He knows what a hard road you may be on, and how you are doing your best to just get through each day.

With your arms raised and your heart bowed, let’s keep walking.

For this walk, though it may be hard, is beautiful, because your Savior walks it with you.

And because He is the Author of hope, you will never fully lose hope with Him walking by your side.

31 Days of Hope - Day 30

2014-12-04T12:21:00.001-05:00

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

Psalm 139:14

The other night I was brushing my youngest son’s teeth and I started looking at his little nose. Random, I know. But it is pretty cute. And it made me start thinking about all that had to happen for his nose to form, while he was being fashioned in my womb. There are the little curves and split between nostrils and perfectly shaped little holes in his nostrils. They are tiny, but they make up an important part of our facial features.

I know it’s so easy to let life suck the joy and the praise out of us. This life can be so hard, and its issues overwhelming. And believe me, I don’t usually enjoy someone telling me of how much I have to be thankful for when I’m feeling discouraged. I want to answer back, “I know all that, and I am grateful for all of that – but things are still just hard!” And there’s a huge reality to that that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Sometimes we have a community that holds us up and helps us through just by listening and being present instead of trying to fix things. That's wonderful, when it happens. But other times, we have to find ways to help ourselves plow through the difficult. And I’ve found that taking a good look at our bodies can do this.

Yes, our bodies. Not in a vain way. Not in a critical way. But in a way that reminds us of the amazing way we were created. Think about it. Your heart keeps beating through the good and the hard days, while you are sleeping and while you are awake. You take involuntary breaths, and swallow when it’s necessary. You heal when you bruise or bleed, and your hair and skin knows when to shed dead cells and grow new ones. And you don't have to choose to do anything to make any of that happen!

You, my friend, are a masterpiece, and it’s not because of anything you have done. Instead, it’s due to a brilliant design that can only mean an amazing Designer. So when your world looks grey and you can’t find much to be thankful for, just look down at your own skin.

Your body can be a constant reminder that you have hope, and reason to praise. Because you are an amazing creation.

Know that. Claim that. And then let that give you hope in your amazing Creator today.

31 Days of Hope - Day 29

2014-11-20T11:20:00.001-05:00

“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I hope;

my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning…”

Psalm 130:5-6

The job of a watchman was an important one when this verse was written. With a huge amount of business involving crops, watchmen were placed in towers to protect fields from malicious animals or thieves. Watchmen were also placed on city walls to spy for any enemies trying to enter, prepared to send out an alarm at any instant.

What a lonely and tiresome job that must have been throughout the night hours. If you let your eyes close in heaviness for just an instant, the fate of the city could end in ruin. And an attack? Your fault. This is not a job I would have ever longed to have, and if I did have to work it, I can imagine I would be counting down the moments until morning light broke through the darkness.

In the same way, the Psalmist declares that He waits and longs for God even more than the watchman waits for morning. For the Father to show up and break through with His eternal light that scatters the darkness. For Him to do what He best… the miraculous.

I’m longing for the same today. Sometimes the darkness seems so vast and so dark that it’s easy to lose hope. But morning is coming, and it might even be breaking through right now in places we would never expect. The darkest place is where the light shines brightest, after all. Keep looking for the light and keep waiting for Him. But most of all, let’s keep longing for God Himself, even more than we long for His wonders.

For He is the wonder. His Word, the beauty.

And He’s promised to invade our lives with hope through His wonder and beauty if we simply let Him.

31 Days of Hope - Day 28

2014-11-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

“Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”

Psalm 121:4

As a mom, I’ve spent many nights laying next to a child of mine who is having a hard time relaxing or falling asleep. I lay nearby stroking his or her hair or back, speaking calming words or prayers over them while inwardly praying that they would give in to sleep that I know they desperately need.

I feel such a protection in reading this verse that it’s one I come back to over and over again. I think it’s because I have this mental picture of our Heavenly Father doing something similar over us.

When I’m laying next to my child and focusing on soothing and comforting them, I usually don’t fall asleep myself because I’m focused on meeting their current needs. But I’ll have to admit that there have been times when I’ve been so exhausted that I may have even fallen asleep before my sweet son or daughter did! (oops...)

The beauty of the promise found in this verse is that our Father would never do this with us. It is outside of His perfect nature to need rest the way we humans do. The all-sufficient all-Sovereign One never grows tired or weary. He never falls asleep while listening to us. He doesn’t need to rest, so He can protect us while we are resting.

When we know we have Someone watching over us at all times, we can leave our anxiety with Him and rest knowing He’s always on guard watching over us. We are always safe and held under the watch care of El Roi, the God who Sees.

Because of that, when He calls us to rest, we can freely and safely follow.

Book Review... Best Party Book Ever!

2014-11-18T19:30:00.000-05:00

I recently had the chance to review The Best Party Book Ever, from the editors of FaithGirlz! and Girls' Life magazine. Or should I say, I tried to take the time to review it, but my 9-year old daughter kept snatching it from me. She absolutely loved this book and will be referencing it quite often in the future, I think.

With all sorts of creative ideas for themed parties, seasonal parties, or "just because" parties, this is the best party idea book I've seen for girls. The illustrations are stunning, yet always portray modesty and beautiful, well designed art. Along with ideas for games, recipes, decorations, and crafts, this book also focuses on the work that goes into the party, giving girls ideas on being a good hostess, finding their party style, and even dealing with friendship issues that may come up and party "blunders" they may have to deal with. I particularly loved this part of the book, as this helps girls realize that there is more to a party than the actual events and gives them insight into these sometimes delicate issues that can occur within friendships and during parties. Also included in the book are checklists and tips to guide readers.

I'm so glad I stumbled on this book and was able to review it, and like I said before, I know it's one we will reference repeatedly in the future. I highly recommend it for moms of upper elementary/preteen girls.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

31 Days of Hope - Day 27

2014-11-18T12:52:00.003-05:00

"I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in Your words."

Psalm 119:147

Rising before dawn? I don’t know about you, but that’s quite a task for this usually tired mama. I normally cherish the short amount of sleep I get these days, grasping for any extra moments and viewing them as sacred gifts. But I also crave my time with Jesus in the morning. If I miss it, there’s a huge difference in my attitude that day. Ask my kids. They’ll be honest with you. :)

That's because I need Him. Desperately. Without Him I’m a total mess. And without Him I lose hope, because my hope comes from His Word. And that Word must be flowing in and out of me in order for it to take root and remain there throughout the rest of the day. Otherwise I quickly forget it, and I succumb to the crazy of life. I let the cares of this world take over my thoughts for the rest of the day.

So I wake up early – even if it’s not always before dawn, and I'm not fully awake yet. And I cry out to Him.

For help.

For strength.

For His Word to fall over me like rain and bathe me in the rhythm of His grace before I turn to face all the cares of that day.

And He always meets me there, and offers hope that renews.

31 Days of Hope - Day 26

2014-11-12T08:15:00.002-05:00

"This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24

It's a popular verse you've probably heard. If you were raised in church, you probably even know the fun song that goes along with it. You may be singing it in your head right now. Or you may even be haunted by it a little as you remember the way you were "helped" out of bed in the morning as a kid, with your mother singing it cheerfully over you as you pulled the covers back over your head and begged for more sleep. It's such a happy little tune.

But what about when life doesn't look so happy? Does this verse apply then too? I, for one, think even more so.

You see, it's easy to rejoice and be glad when life is going pretty well for us. We can look at the day we've been given and walk with a little spring in our step and a smile on our faces because things are good.

But when they aren't? When it's a struggle to even get out of bed in the morning or get behind the wheel of the car to head out of the driveway, knowing the difficulties that await? Well, that's when we need the reminder that even this day is God ordained.

Because He created this day, He knows what it holds for us. He's aware of the difficult situations we will face in it. He sees, and He guides. And His sovereign presence gives us a reason to rejoice when pretty much none of the circumstances around us may seem to call for rejoicing and gladness.

It's a perspective shift from circumstances to Creator. Furthermore, it's often a constant choice to rejoice when our present season of life doesn't seem to call for much rejoicing.

But it's a choice that is so very worth it.

31 Days of Hope - Day 25

2014-11-11T09:48:00.001-05:00

“Because he loves Me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him,

for he acknowledges My name."

Psalm 91:14

God's promises... our source of hope. When trouble swarms all around us, we have an anchor to keep our feet steady as we walk through unknowns. He first gives us the wonder of Himself, and then He overwhelms our hearts with the beauty of His unfailing promises.

And so, with great assurance, we can cling tightly to His words. We will be protected. We will be rescued. Maybe not in the way we think we should, but in the way He, as our loving Father, deems best.

Rescued through the storm, not always rescued from it.

Protected in His grasp, not always protected from experiencing hardship.

I for one want this. I need this. His protection and rescuing are the key to earthly survival. But in turn, I'm reminded that I have a responsibility too. I must love Him. And I must acknowledge His name. I can't hold back anything. He must be first in my heart, and loving Him above all else, my priority. His name must flow from my lips in acknowledgment that all that I have and all that I am is from Him.

It's not without a cost. But the rewards of His deliverance and protection are far greater than anything I could ever sacrifice. His love is richer. His name is higher.

He is grander.

And He is enough.

31 Days of Hope - Day 24

2014-11-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

"Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage."

Psalm 84:5

We are getting toward the end of this 31 day series, so there have obviously been a few things repeated as we've continued to focus on this theme of hope. One is that this world is hard. Anyone who has lived here for more than a few years will probably be able to agree to that. Another is that hope is found in looking beyond this world.

Beyond what we can see to what is unseen.

Beyond our circumstances to the One who controls the master plan.

When our hearts are set on pilgrimage, we recognize that we are on a journey. This world we currently live in is not our home, but just a stop on the way.

So we live each day focused on what awaits, with our perspective fixed on the eternal instead of the temporal. And we live with supernatural strength given to us to endure the trials and hardships of this world that we are currently passing through.

Living this way makes us blessed. And I, for one, want to live under the blessing of my Father. So I choose to keep my gaze heavenward.

Remember you are just passing through, fellow pilgrim. There are far better things ahead. Hang in there, dear sojourner.

The journey can be long and hard, but it will be worth it.

31 Days of Hope - Day 23

2014-11-06T09:39:00.000-05:00

"So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked."

Psalm 73:16-17

It's an age old question, asked by most of us in difficult times... Where are You, God? Don't You see this tragedy? Don't You care?

And if You do see, then why don't You do something about it?

I've asked those questions myself in the midst of tragedy, during times that make no sense at the time and still don't make sense today. They probably never will. The older I get, the more I come to the realization that some of our questions will never be answered here on this earth.

And yet... we have hope. When we come into God's presence, our earthly problems that seem so huge fall to the dust, as we come to grips with His glorious grandeur. As we reflect on Him, the things of earth do grow strangely dim. The need for answers diminishes, and the need for more of Him and His presence becomes so much greater.

Today, if you are one of the ones asking some of those questions above, know you are not alone. Deep down in most of our hearts, there's a wrestling for answers. For justice. We hide it sometimes, but it's still there... because He has made us with the desire for a world we aren't in yet, where peace prevails and wars and evil cease.

So for now, while our bodies live in this world, let's plant our hearts in His presence.

For it is only there that we will experience peace.

31 Days of Hope - Day 22

2014-11-04T07:57:00.003-05:00

"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens."

Psalm 68:19

This past spring, the kids and I read through the children's version of Pilgrim's Progress. Though the words were made simpler for children to comprehend, they were still powerful, as were the illustrations. I vividly remember the picture of Christian,, the main character, trudging with a huge burden on his back. Then, the picture illustrating his freedom once his burden was lifted at the cross.

Though I believe the burden lifting in this book was meant to represent salvation, the image reminds me of how I often feel on a daily basis. Like I have all this excess weight to carry around with me. There are all of these troubles... worries... fearful thoughts... needs I have... that I carry around with me. I let them bog me down, unable to fully enjoy life and the joys I am also given to enjoy during the course of the day. Been there? Done that?

We all carry burdens, and we are all invited to lay these burdens down, whatever they are, and let our Heavenly Father carry them for us.

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." -Psalm 55:22

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." -1 Peter 5:7

And when we do that, this verse brings us to praise! We don't have to struggle with them on our own any more. We can experience joy, not because our troubles are gone, but because they are in safe strong hands. The hands that hold the world are holding your heart, and your burdens.

We praise You, Jesus. You are good, and we can rest knowing You are carrying our burdens each day.

31 Days of Hope - Day 21

2014-11-03T08:22:00.000-05:00

"Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge."

Psalm 62:8

The visual image of pouring something has become more of a reality to me now that I'm a mother living in a warm climate. When my kids go outside to play, they come in totally parched. "Mom, I'm so thirsty!" they all cry. And so I pour. And pour. And pour. Water cannot be consumed fast enough as the water level continues to go down and the pitcher continues to be used to pour water out into depleted cups.

I love this word "pour" when it comes to our relationship with our Father. If He is our refuge, we are in a safe place with His loving strong arms around us. If we are choosing to trust Him at all times, then I think the pouring out of our hearts will naturally be a result. The gushing out of our words that we may not feel comfortable saying to anyone else. The deluge of secret thoughts that noone else knows.

We know our hearts are safe with Him, so we tell Him everything. We cry out. We complain to Him. We share our hopes and dreams. We seek His guidance for the future. We praise Him for His faithfulness in the past.

It's a continual outpouring of whatever is in our hearts - both the good and the bad, the ugly and the beautiful. He knows every part of them anyway. But He invites us to pour them out before the One who is all trustworthy and offers a safe refuge for us, as we journey through a turbulent world.

Whatever is going on in your heart today, you can pour it out to Him. He knows and sees it all anyway.

It's November.

2014-11-02T17:33:00.004-05:00

So... it's November. October just flew by with some travel and crazy mingled in with the blur. I tried to get all of my 31 posts done, but realized that if these were words I believe my Father gave me to share from my heart, then they couldn't always come on such a scheduled approach. Instead, they are on His time table. Then when I saw that one of my favorite bloggers, Emily, posted her need to continue her 31 day challenge into November, and her sister - the creator of the challenge, none the less - is doing the same... well, I'm totally fine with stretching it out now. :)

I hope to continue the last 11 posts in this series over the course of the next two weeks, so I hope you will check back here for them. In the meantime, my heart has been preparing to usher in the month of November, and with it, the realization that the holidays are just around the corner. For someone who has been through loss and is trying to keep plugging along through a lot of hard when most everyone around seems happy and festive, the holidays can be a time when you just want to run for the nearest exit and hole away in your comfy little home until they are over. Or, they can be a greater reason to focus on the hope we have as an anchor for our souls because of Jesus. His love. His sacrifice. His securing of a future that is bright and free of pain and loss.

There are two ways that I have found so far that are helping me tremendously with that, and I want to share them here in case you are also trying to choose joy throughout the next couple of months. You get that it can be easier said than done. But it can be done. Day by day. Sometimes moment by moment.

First, Ann Voskamp's "thankful tree,"

Our family has done this for a few years now, but we used to just find a pack of paper leaves somewhere (which has been a challenge some years!). I love how Ann's have verses of praise on them that can adorn your tree. We just got all of our leaves cut out and can't wait to get started with one thing we each are thankful for each day for the entire month of November. Go here to find them.

Second, Sara Hagerty, a new author that I seriously cannot get enough of right now, wrote an incredible book I just finished called Every Bitter Thing is Sweet. She introduces a practice of adoring God, where she finds something about His character to dwell on each day. I haven't been doing this for long, but already it has encouraged me so much to keep my eyes on Him more often and not on my circumstances. She has printables to help her readers with this reflection, and you will just love them! Go here to find them.

So... happy November, everyone. No matter what we are facing right now in life, may we look back at the end of the month in gratitude not only for what He has done for us, but what He has done in us.

Allume recap

2014-10-29T19:16:00.001-04:00

We interrupt this 31 Days challenge here on the blog to share about an amazing conference I had the opportunity to attend this past weekend. Allume is known as a Christian women's conference for writers and bloggers to come together and be refreshed and challenged in their craft. This year, it was held in the beautiful city of Greenville, SC. Although we didn't have much free time to explore the city, I made the most of it with a few new friends.

It was a little different of a conference than I expected it to be. Definitely less technical and less focused on specific details related to writing than I expected. Instead, there was a huge ministry focus, and this year, the theme was on hospitality. It was just beautiful. We were challenged by wonderful and well known Christian writers and speakers, and some new voices, to make our homes - both our literal ones and our online ones - be open doors to welcome and love on those who may stop by for a visit.

While I do realize I need technical help to create a better blog in days to come, I was greatly encouraged by this focus. There was no comparing of status there, even with widely published authors and brand new bloggers in the same room. Instead, the overall theme was that God is working in our lives every day, no matter what we are doing, or the accomplishments our names may or may not carry with them. It really doesn't matter. What matters instead is that we choose to be conduits of His love to the world around us, throughout all of the individual situations and circumstances we will face.

There were all sorts of service opportunities and ways to bless and help others. I was made aware of needs that I can fulfill and I'm excited about those opportunities that are to come.

And of course, the leaders of the conference were so generous with the number of books and goodies that we were given!

So yes, while Allume is known as a "writing conference," I now wouldn't be so quick to label it as such. It is for any woman who desires community, a sisterhood of women to partner together with, as we fulfill our individual callings to make some kind of difference in the world as the Lord works through us in unique ways.

I was so encouraged, because this season of my life is just a tad crazy. I can't realistically do things I would really like to do. Other things I try to do take me longer to fulfill than others - take the 31 Day writing challenge I won't be finishing by the end of October! God is just looking for our "yes." He will work out the details, perform miracles, and give us an amazing story to share through our voices, our pens, or our keyboards.

Thank you, Allume, for the refreshing encouragement to keep walking the road I've been assigned, and that my little "yes" counts in ways bigger than I can ever see.