Weekly Reads and a Giveaway!

This week I have been reading (actually devouring) The Passionate Mom.  I applied to be on the delivery team of the book, not knowing anything about the content of the book, other than it was a book for moms.  I know that I need all the help I can get in my journey as a mom so I take everything I can get my hands on! It has been so fun to help share excitement about this book because it has already helped me so much!

The book The Passionate Mom is a fabulous book for any mom in any stage of her journey as a mom.  I wish I had been able to read it when I began my journey as a mom, although it has already been a help to where I am now.  The book is based on the book of Nehemiah.  Susan Merrill says our passion as moms is what will help us find a plan for our role as a mom.  She takes 10 P's from the book of Nehemiah to help us in our journey.  The 10 P's: Perception, Pondering, Passion, Praying, Patience, Preparation, Purpose, Planning, Problem Solving, and Perseverance really encompass the characteristics we need to be leaders in our home in the same way that Nehemiah was a leader for the Jewish people at the time.  Some of these characteristics come more naturally to us than others.  She gives us ideas and encouragement to succeed in all of them.  

I don't know about y'all, but I get discouraged as a mom.  And sometimes it doesn't take much.  I struggle with doubt, worry, frustration, impatience.  One of the things I loved most about this book is that Susan doesn't act as if she has it all together.  She confesses things she has done wrong, or ways she wishes she had done differently.  I never felt like she was talking at me, but rather talking with me.  I have read books that made me feel guilty instead of encouraging me.  This book does not do that at all.  I have been inspired, encouraged, challenged and excited to go on and move forward in my role as a mom.  I also want all of my mom friends to read this book.  It is seriously that good!

The Passionate Mom Book from Family First on Vimeo.

The exciting news is that Thomas Nelson Publishing wants to share this book with you!  Please leave a comment below and tell me one thing you wish you knew before you became a mom to be entered to win.  I can't wait to hear what you have to say!

Music Monday - Alive

Yesterday was a wonderful Easter day.  Our worship was great, the time with family was great and even the food was great.  But, none of that can even compare to the reason we were celebrating.  Our Lord and Savior is alive.  Not just on Easter, but every day!

This song touches me so much.  It is from The Story, a musical experience of the Bible.  This song is sung by Natalie Grant, and is from the viewpoint of Mary Magdalene.  It wasn't until recently that I understood what a big deal it was that Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene after the resurrection.  Mary was obviously a woman, which in that day meant she held no importance.  Women were second class citizens, and their testimony wasn't even allowed in a court of law.  They weren't seen in public very much, and they could not divorce their husbands.  Jesus, however, esteemed women.  He valued them.  Time and time again he spoke to them and about them lovingly.  He forgave them and acknowledged them.  So when he appeared to Mary first at the tomb, it was an important detail that is often overlooked.  He valued Mary Magdalene, a woman he delivered from seven demons, so very much, that he appeared to her before any of his disciples.  So to listen to this song about how Mary knew how much Jesus loved her even though he is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is overwhelming.

When I began practicing the song, I had to take a few times and just get choked up and teary as I was singing.  I prayed that wouldn't happen to me while I was in church, but that everyone would hear through me the amazing story of Jesus' love for all of us.

I didn't cry and I hope that they got His message through me.  

Music Monday - Good Friday edition

Last night we had a Maundy Thursday service at church. It was beautiful and amazing.  It is usually my favorite service of the year, next to Easter.  We spent time remembering the last hours of Jesus' life.  We  shared Communion together remembering how Jesus shared it with his disciples.  I loved everything about the service.  

And while it is so important to remember what Jesus did for us, like our pastor reminded us last night, the story isn't over.  It is hanging undone, like a dissonant chord in music.  It needs to be resolved.  And it will.  On Sunday.  We know it's coming.  The people alive with Jesus didn't, and what agony and sadness they must have felt.  I think it's easier for us to understand his death because we know He rose again.  But if we had lived with Him, Good Friday wouldn't have been good at all.

This song has been a favorite of mine for a while.  I love it any time of the year, as it speaks to our "Fridays" in life, but it is really perfect for today.  

It's Friday, but Sunday is coming!  

Hallelujah!

Weekly Reads

I am almost finished with this book.  It is a book I wish I could have read several years ago in the midst of mothering an infant and a toddler.  Sarah Mae's honesty about real life as a mom combined with Sally's wisdom, reassurance and encouragement make this book such a perfect resource for moms of all ages and stages in their journey of motherhood.  Sarah Mae often talks in the book about "leaning in to Jesus".  Isn't that such a picture?  It has stuck with me so much this past week.  So often we hear "lean on Jesus", but leaning in to Jesus is much more comforting to me.  Kind of like snuggling.  Snuggle up to Him.  Let Him reassure and give you strength.  Although my children are not toddlers or infants any more, this book has given me more food for thought and encouragement to keep going in my journey as a mom trying to be intentional in my parenting and my relationships with my children.  Mothering is an eternal job that we may not see the complete end of the story to until we are in heaven.

Desperate has also reminded me to take practical and physical steps to ensure this journey goes as smoothly and effectively as possible. Mothering isn't solely spiritual, and if our physical bodies and environments are working against us, it only makes it harder on us.  I also am encouraged to help other moms, with real help, not just emotional and spiritual support.  It also makes me wish that older women and grandmothers would read this book and realize what a role they could have in mentoring and supporting younger mothers.  My heart really lies in helping other moms and encouraging each other during this journey.  It is hard and we need each other.  I intend to pass this book on several times as a start in this effort.

I also read this week: 

Both of these are quick, can't put them down, page turners.  I love suspense, and these books don't disappoint.  

I am most excited to start reading The Passionate Mom by Susan Merrill.  I was chosen to be a part of the advance team for this book.  I just downloaded it and can't wait to get into it tonight.  This book talks about how to use our passion as a mom to be the very best mom we can be.  I will be blogging about it and helping in giveaways I am sure with this so keep coming back!  

Weekly Reads

Ok, it's been a couple of weeks since I posted my weekly reads.  Just because I've been busy, not because I haven't been reading.  Since I last posted on this, I did finish What Women Fear by Angie Smith.  I can't say it enough - every woman should read this book.  Fear is one of my greatest struggles, and this spoke to me so strongly!  I know I'm not alone in this struggle though, so if you also struggle with fear, read this book!

I have since read:

 The Elm Creek Quilters Series is one of my favorite book series ever.  The books alternate between present day and historical fiction (my fave).  I think this is the 18th in the series, and I have read them all.   Even if you don't quilt, you will enjoy these books about friendship, learning, and the historical significance of quilting.  

 I have always loved Debbie Macomber's books.  I was fortunate enough to meet her when she did a book signing in Habersham a few years ago. (crazy that she came to Habersham, I know) I really love her Blossom Street books that center around a knitting store and the people who frequent it, but her Cedar Cove books are also good.  Her books are always clean, with a good message.  This one was the same.  A quick, easy read.

This book was really good.  I have read several of Melody Carlson's other books, and this was one I couldn't put down.  I didn't want to stop reading at night.  It is Christian fiction, but not overly so.  It takes place in Oregon, on the Siuslaw River.  It is an interesting story of family and friendship and how they overlap and compensate for each other at times.  I would highly recommend it.  

On another note, I began Crossfit this week.  I am so sore I hate to move.  I am really trying to get fit, and I'm pretty sure this will do it if I don't keel over first.  ;)  I told my trainer yesterday as she was telling me I had good form and looked good that it wasn't that I couldn't do exercise, I would just rather lay on the couch and read all day!  So pray that this will semi-cure me of that.  I am actually excited about the program - if I can move enough to go back.  

What have you been reading?  

Music Monday -Page CXVI

I can't remember how I found out about Page CXVI, but for those of you who love hymns, you will love them.  Their mission is to make hymns known and loved.  They have changed them up a bit, with a little retro vibe,  but they still contain the same rich lyrics that make hymns so beloved.  I know that many churches have quit singing hymns, but some of the lyrics are so powerful.  It breaks my heart that we might pass these by.  This hymn is one of my favorites, and the lyrics are amazing.  I think it is perfect for this time of Lent.  How Deep the Father's Love For Us. His love is so deep, and so perfect.  Listen and let the words sink in and wrap around you as you imagine our Father's deep, deep love.  

 Also, check out Page CXVI.  You will love them!

Still That Girl

Sometimes I am amazed at how many of my friends never listen to Christian music.  And I get it, kind of.  A lot of Christian music just isn't as good as mainstream pop and rock.  But Christian music has come a long way.  A loooooong way.   I am always trying to find new Christian artists that I enjoy and now think my kids will like also.  I want Aubrey to have Christian guy artists who he thinks are cool, and I want Mallory to have Christian ladies who are hip and fun and she thinks are cool too.  So it was in this journey that I found Britt Nicole.  I have liked several of her songs for a couple of years, but her Gold album is just that.  Gold.  Mallory and I love to listen to fun, happy songs like those of Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, etc., but there aren't many out there that are appropriate for us.  I was reminded of that last night seeing pictures of the performers at the Grammys.  Yikes!  That being said, Britt Nicole fits the bill.  It isn't often that I buy an entire album anymore.  I bought this entire album.  We love to listen to it together, and I love it when I'm home alone and can sing as loud as I like!  

This song hits home for me, as I am sure it will for many of you.  Growing up, we all had ideas of what our lives would be like.  Young and idealistic, we dreamed amazing dreams.  Sometimes life turns out like our dreams, but more often than not, it doesn't.  It doesn't mean our lives are bad, but there are definitely seasons that we didn't sign up for.  This song reminds us that we are still that girl who dreamed God sized dreams.  Right now I'm doing a study on the book of Luke and today we were challenged to dream God sized dreams.  What would they look like?  You're still that girl who can change the world.  It's what I want my Mallory to know.  No matter what happens, our God sized dreams can always come true if we believe and obey and stay close to our Savior.  So my sweet friends, your story's not over!  You're still that girl!