Just Show Up - Life Changing Advice

I have to share with you a powerful book that I just finished, Just Show Up by Kara Tippetts and Jill Lynn Buteyn.  Oh my goodness, it is such a touching and relevant read.  I do want to say that it is a hard read.  There is pain and sorrow yet it is coupled with beauty.  Just Show Up shares the journey and friendship of Kara Tippetts and Jill Buteyn.  Just six months into their newly formed friendship, Kara was diagnosed with cancer.  Jill had a choice to make - she could walk away or choose to walk with Kara through it all.  She chose the later.  Although, it was not an easy choice it was worth it in so many ways.  It was beautiful to read about this journey through the eyes of both women and to be reminded how powerful just being can really be.  I love the honesty and real life shared.  I pictured myself entering these women's homes and sitting beside them on their couch - it felt intimate.  I am sad to say that Kara lost her battle with cancer March 2015; yet through this book her story of resilience, strong faith and an amazing friendship lives on.  This is the true definition of community.

 I love this image.

I think about how many times I might have missed out on an opportunity or walked away when someone needed me because I over thought the situation or didn't see how I could make a difference.  This book inspires me to dig deeper into my own friendships and community - and to Just Show Up!
 
Disclosure: I am proud to be a Family Christian Blogger and Affiliate.  I was provided with my own copy of Just Show Up to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Gift Ideas That Feed the Soul & Family Christian Giveaway

*Thanks to Family Christian for sponsoring this post.  All opinions are my own.*

Christmas doesn't come from a store.  There are a lot of creative ways to communicate love through gift giving, but often it is helpful to be able to pick out a gift from the store shelf or online.

With Christmas quickly approaching you may be wondering what gifts to get for family and friends.  A few years ago I heard a great idea of what to buy for your kids.  You may be familiar with it: give them something they want, something they'll wear, something they need and something to read.  I actually really like this idea!  But I wanted to add something.  Give them something that feeds the soul!  So I put together a list of ideas that help feed the soul.  I had so much fun browsing and shopping at Family Christian and it wasn't hard to find ideas and inspiration.  You can always find great deals and you never forget the true reason for the season.

1. Bible (anyone)

Once our children really start reading, we invest in a high quality Bible for them.  We want them to have access to God's word and encourage them to read about God first hand.  A, B and C already have Bibles.  D's reading has really improved this year and we feel that she is ready for her first official Bible so she will be receiving this on Christmas!  For adults - If your loved ones enjoy drawing, doodling and learning scriptures I would also highly recommend a Journaling Bible.  I have really enjoyed Bible journaling this year.  Stocking Stuffer idea to match:  bookmark or journaling pens.

 The Bible we are giving D this year - engraved!

2.  Adult Coloring Books (this work for youth too)

These books have intricate detail and much more complex patterns than you will find in a classic preschool coloring book!  You have probably seen adult coloring books in many stores (they seem to be everywhere), but you may not know that Family Christian has a nice collection that include scripture.  As you use your crayons or colored pencils you can refresh and renew your mind while focusing on the presence of God, how awesome is that?  I picked up a few of these for A and B this Christmas.  Stocking Stuffer idea to match:  colors, colored pencils, or watercolors.

 Coloring Books

 I picked these up for the older girls.

A peek inside...

3.  Journals (anyone)

Journals are a great way to jot down notes, ideas, drawings, prayers, praises, etc.  I want to encourage my kids to lead a lifestyle of thanksgiving and praise.  I also want them to be prayer warriors.  Journals are a great tool to have to help cultivate those skills.  Family Christian has a plethora of journals to choose from, something for everyone.  I thought about saying these only work for those who have learned to write but I really think they work for much younger as well.  Even before they can write our kids love to draw.  Giving them their own book or place to do that can be truly special.  Stocking Stuffer idea to match:  a fun pen.

 Wall of journals

 Sadie Robertson Journals

Do everything in love journal

Fun Holiday Journal

4.  War Room (adults, older kids)

Right now you can pre-buy War Room (available December 22nd) at Family Christian.  You will also receive a free prayer journal with the current pre-buy deal.  This is the latest movie from the Kendrick brothers (the makers of Flywheel, Facing the Giants, Fireproof, Courageous).  I was able to see this movie and it was so good.  Not only was it extremely well made, it is thought provoking and it will change how you view prayer and how you pray.  I now have a prayer wall inspired from this movie.  Stocking Stuffer idea to match:  prayer journal, sticky prayers.

 The prayer journal I received when I pre-bought War Room.

A look inside the prayer journal.

5.  Wall Scripture/Wall Art (enjoyed by all)

David and I love the Word.  We recently had a conversation about how we would like to see more scriptures on the walls of our homes.  Scripture is powerful and Family Christian has so many wonderful options for scripture decor.  You can also find lots of inspiring phrases and artwork as well.  Stocking Stuffer idea to match:  scripture magnet or encouragement note cards.

 I fell in love with this wall art at my Family Christian store.

6.  Buck Denver Asks...Why Do We Call It Christmas? (everyone)

If you are familiar with the What's In The Bible series then you will already know about Buck Denver.  This video is such a fun and informative way to explain Christmas to both kids and adults.  I reviewed this movie last year so you can read more about What's In The Bible Why Do We Call It Christmas?.  We watch this family favorite every December.  Stocking Stuffer idea to match:  What's In The Bible Coloring Book or Christmas ornament.

 WITB Why Do We Call It Christmas?

I hope you find these ideas helpful and inspirational as you finish up your seasonal shopping this year.  I also want to add that most of these suggestions really work year round so keep them in mind for birthdays and other gift giving opportunities as well.

Ready for a giveaway?  One of you will win a $25 certificate to Family Christian!  Just enter the giveaway below and good luck!

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Diary of a Jackwagon Book Review & Giveaway

 My new book!

Have you heard of Tim Hawkins?  I really hope you have because he is absolutely hilarious.  I think David and I have watched just about all of his material on YouTube.  Just in case you aren't familiar, Tim Hawkins is an amazing, Christian comedian that happens to have a few epic songs like Chick-fil-A.

 We finally were able to see Tim Hawkins live in March earlier this year.

I just finished reading Diary of a Jackwagon by none other than Tim Hawkins himself.  This is his first book.  It is full of laughter and life.  This book contains a lot of Tim's comedy material, but I want you to know that it never gets old.  He has material on marriage, parenting, homeschooling, the Christian life and so much more.  It was nice to get to know more about Tim and his life by reading his book.  I highly recommend Diary of a Jackwagon as it is sure to keep you from sweating the small stuff in life and it's so funny! 

Ready for a Giveaway?  One of you will win your very own copy of Diary of a Jackwagon thanks to Family Christian.  Just enter below and good luck!

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Disclosure: I am proud to be a Family Christian Blogger and Affiliate.  I was provided with my own copy of Diary of a Jackwagon to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

The Happy Christian & Giveaway

You guys know I love to read!  I have been in my bookclub for over 9 years now and I sometimes wonder how many books I have read through my club and blogging.  I know it's a lot!  I just finished reading The Happy Christian (Ten Ways to be a Joyful Believer in a Gloomy World) by David Murray.  This book is broken down into ten chapters along with an introduction and conclusion.  The chapter topics are Happy Facts, Happy Media, Happy Salvation, Happy Church, Happy Future, Happy World, Happy Praise, Happy Giving, Happy Work, and Happy Differences - you see the theme, HAPPY!

 E and I enjoying the birds.

It is amazing to realize how much of an impact negative thoughts, feelings, actions, words, relationships, etc. have in our lives.  And just as amazing in reverse, how much of an impact positive (happy) thoughts, feelings, actions, words, relationships have in our lives.  As believers we have the ultimate weapon to combat lies and negativity in our lives, we have the Bible - full of wisdom and truth.  I am still learning how to carry my sword and I have complete faith and confidence that I will get there.  I love that this book leads me in the right direction.

Our small group (weekly Bible group) is made up of families from various local churches.  I have really enjoyed this aspect of our group.  In his book, Murray talks about the advantage of Biblical diversity and how every encounter with diversity doesn't have to be a threat or negative experience.  I liked this perspective.

More About This Book
In The Happy Christian, professor and pastor David Murray blends the best of modern science and psychology with the timeless truths of Scripture to create a solid, credible guide to positivity. The author of the acclaimed Christians Get Depressed Too, Murray exposes modern negativity’s insidious roots and presents ten perspective-changing ways to remain optimistic in a world that keeps trying to drag us down.

Even though hopelessness and negativity has invaded much of culture, including the church, Christians have resources to live differently. The Happy Christian invites readers to shed negativity and become counter cultural missionaries by demonstrating the positive power of the gospel in their lives.  Be sure to check out David Murray's blog.

I love the quote in the video below by Maurice Roberts, "This book is good medicine for sad saints."



Ready for a Giveaway?  Two readers will win their very own copies of The Happy Christian thanks to Family Christian.  Just enter below and good luck!

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Disclosure: I am proud to be a Family Christian Blogger and Affiliate.  I was provided with my own copy of The Happy Christian to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Bible Journaling Challenge and My Bible Journaling Pages

For the last month I have been taking part in a Bible Journaling Challenge.  Actually, I have enjoyed it so much I am continuing this journey.  I have had so much fun drawing and writing out God's word.  It makes me happy!  I wanted to share a few of my pages with you and invite you to start your own Bible Journaling Journey.

Check out my awesome Journaling Bible and Bible Journaling pen set that I picked up at Family Christian.

 I had a lot of fun with this page.

Here are a few of my favorite pages so far.

Starting at the beginning...

I loved adding more.

And here you can see I added a few more touches.

There really is no right or wrong way to Bible Journal.  I read the pages and see what sticks out to me or what I think God is saying and then I just start drawing and writing.  I love that no one's Journal Bible is going to be the same.

I haven't decided if I am going to keep this page simple or add more.

Now, I will walk you through a page.  My Bible Journaling pen set came with this awesome ruler that has the books of the Bible listed on the front.

I am about to journal Psalm 127:3-5.

I used the ruler to create lines.

Then I made the lines into arrows.

Here you see the finished arrows.

Then I added the words.

 And extra arrows - I wanted there to be six arrows as we have six children.

And that's pretty much all there is to it.  What do you think?  Have you ever Bible journaled?

Find Encouragement in Be The Best Mom You Can Be

My Wonderful Kids

Mother's Day is over but there is something that remains.  There is a bond and an underlying drumbeat that we as mothers are all trying to march to - we all want to be the best Mom that we can be!  At least I know I do.  Now we do not need to hop aboard the sinking ship of comparisons.  I think mothers are already too hard on themselves as it is and we don't need to look at the best qualities of everyone in the world and expect ourselves to have them all, no friends - this is about embracing our own strengths and differences and rising to the occasion. 

I have spent a lot of time with my kids in this rocking chair!

I have enjoyed reading Marina and Gregory Slayton's book, Be The Best Mom You Can Be: A Practical Guide to Raising Whole Children in a Broken Generation.  I love that this book is solid and encouraging.  I don't know about you but I don't think I need a book telling me what I am not doing - I want a book that is encouraging with helpful direction and advice.  Be The Best Mom You Can Be does just that.

You can read more about Be The Best Mom You Can Be and/or purchase it from Family Christian.

Disclosure: I am proud to be a Family Christian Blogger and Affiliate.  I was provided with my own copy of Be The Best Mom You Can Be to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Summer Reading with Family Christian

Disclosure: I am proud to be a Family Christian Blogger and Affiliate.  I was provided with a Family Christian certificate to facilitate a post about Family Christian's Summer Reading Program.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Have your kids been reading this summer?  My kids love reading and I love anything that encourages them to read.  We went to Family Christian last week and the kids each picked out a book to read or be read to them.

Headed to Family Christian

Summer Reading Program Shelf

Kids' Picks of the Month

The kids dove right in looking at books.

Baby F was the first to pick his book, Coat of Many Colors.

E almost picked this Berenstain Bears book.

She ultimately settled on My Princesses Learn to be Brave.

D looking at books.

D chose Princess Gabby Girl and the Sparkly Dress.

B chose The Prodigal Cat by Janette Oke.

C had a lot of fun reading while we were there.  He chose Diary of a Real Payne: True Story (Book 1).

A checking out the books.

A ended up getting a 4 book Soul Surfer series by Rick Bundschuh.
 

 The kids with all their books!  Thanks Rachel for awesome service.

Family Christian's Summer Reading Program is currently going on until August 27, 2015.  The Challenge for kids 12 years and younger:  read any six Christian books, answer a few questions about each title on Family Christian's book report form, bring all six completed forms to any Family Christian store and kids will receive a free $10 Savings Pass good toward any purchase of $10 or more!  How are you encouraging your kids to read this summer?