I am going to be transparent here, I have a goal to one day be one incredible bible journaling expert. You know those really neat pages you find pinned all over Pinterest? Yup, I have a board saved for all of these most excellent ideas. In fact, I have a bible that I have successfully journal/drawn on 1 page. I invested in everything to do it. But...have failed in the "done it" portion.




You can learn more about Dana Tanamachi who is an American lettering artist, graphic designer and illustrator whose exquisite typography murals ignited the worldwide chalk-lettering trend. She has been commissioned by clients such as Instagram, Target, Google, Time Magazine, Nike and even West Elm.  Check her out HERE! To purchase the bible click HERE.


Do I have a surprise for you! 1 lucky reader will have a chance to win a copy of their very own. You too can have the gift of beauty (or give!) and feel inspired as you pour into the word. It's simple, you must be at least 18 years or older and a U.S. resident to win. Enter below.

This is a fun post to write as I get to do it alongside my oldest. Emily Grace is almost 11 and has a passion for reading. For this post I asked HER the questions. After all this book is geared towards her. Why not take it right out of the mouth of babes?

• When she first saw the book? It looked cool and creative.

• What the first thing that caught your eye? I would have to say Adam and Eve. It's fun how there are all kinds of colorful pictures.

• Tell me a little bit about the devotion? There, hmmm. The pictures say a lot about what is going on. And there is little captions on the sides that will say things like "God Trust you" "Think" "Remember" and "Question". It gets my mind to think about what is going on in the story.

• What was your favorite thing about this devotional? I think, how colorful it is. It's fun and there is a lot of people. They are all different in a way.

• What about the actual content of the book? The stories tell me a lot about the people. Like in Adam and Eve (the first chapter of it) they described how what God did to make Eve and it was very descriptive.

• If you could pick just 1 story (day) in the book that was your favorite, what would it be and why? I think my favorite is Day 13, "God Calls Samuel". Because it talks about a little kid and it shows that there ARE little kids in the bible and not just grown ups. I also like this one because it talks about how God is talking to him and so it's just very interesting how he does it. Because at first he doesn't believe, and then he believed after Eli told Samuel that it wasn't him it was God. Then the 2nd time God talked to him, Samuel had said "speak Lord, your servant is listening" then God started talking.

• Who would you recommend this book to? All kids in the world that love and care and are interested in devotions because this book is really unique in many ways. Because it has all of these stories, that are all described differently. It's kind of like a chapter book, but it's not.

• If you were to rate this book on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the best book ever, what would you rate it? 10 for the best devotion, ever.

Sweet southern charm that visually makes you think of bluebonnets and sweet tea. Sweet memories of dancing, love, 2 girls- orphaned twice and a sisterhood that struggles with loss and abandonment but learns to triumph and persevere through memories they hold onto so tight.

I love the drawl I hear as I read the words scrolled across the pages. I can smell and play out the scenes on the pages as if it were a movie playing in my mind. The bonds that hold us together so tight and the history that binds us.

I am so excited to have the chance to give one away to a lucky reader! You must be at least 18 years or older to enter and a U.S. or Canada resident. Simply enter below!
This may sound silly but being I am an Oregon girl, the mere mention of Oregon State University (GO BEAVS!) made me smile. This book is heartbreaking in its own right. It is poignantly written and plays into your heart like different genres of music. I am always one for a good curl up and read. Draw a bath, light a candle, grab a mason jar and sit back to enjoy. You won't regret it. This would be a great read for your book club or a gift for your best friend. Marci Henna will win you over for sure.
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Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: " Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising") Many thanks to Propeller Consulting LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post

I love a good wrap you up in my arms and give you a squeeze type of books. Make you feel good and bring a smile to your face type of book. This book has all the feelers and sweetness that will have you overflowing with joy from the moment your sweet love awakes till the second they lay their fuzzy heads down to count sheep.

The illustrations are beyond fantastic. Wide range of colors and specks of water or dirt to make it look realistic. The storyline was written with love and makes my mama heart BRIM over as I read it to my littles. IN FACT...they love this book so much I had to FIND it to write this very blog post! They hijacked it right away! The sweet part is my older two enjoy it as well. It is exactly what I would say to my babies!


Fun fact about the author, she wrote one of my favorite books from my childhood called "The Face on the Milk Carton"! Yep, Caroline B. Cooney!! HOW awesome to read a book to my kids from a brilliant author of MY childhood!

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Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: " Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising") Many thanks to Propeller Consulting LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post

Sometimes you just need to know you are not alone. We are all dealing behind closed doors with something, but when you have a child who is dealing and you are coping the only way you know how...it is refreshing to hear similar stories. It makes you feel a sense of normalcy.

When I was asked to read The Life We Never Expected  I just KNEW it was going to be THAT book for me. No, we don't deal with the same sort of "special needs". But knowing the feelings I have are pretty dang similar to other moms out there lightens my brain a bit.

My son's battle with Anxiety and Depression is overwhelming. We have days that are fantastic, and most days he is on hyper overload. I am constantly reminding him to calm his body. Quiet his voice. Or I am having to calm his emotional outbursts. If someone is sick, his anxiety goes into overdrive and the OCD comes out. He has to shower, have his clothes washed, change his clothes and then we typically need to give him an anxiety med so he doesn't work himself into an anxiety attack where he will eventually make himself sick. Like...literally. It is awful to experience and some days the coping mechanisms we have learned through therapy don't even help. We were on a really good path and his brain got comfortable and so now we start again. It takes a whole lotta coffee and prayer!

I feel God beside me as I cope. I hear Him whispering thoughts into my head when I try to find a resolution to the issue at hand. Take movies for example, they are too loud. This was never an issue until the anxiety reared its ugly head. The sound will build up anxiety within him and it starts with needing to go to the bathroom. Then, his head hurts. He doesn't feel good. His hands go over his ears and you can pretty much kiss watching the movie peacefully goodbye. I remember watching him one movie...my heart ached. But I was clear minded and then it hit me. Tie a sweater around his head to help block the sound.


Until we locate noise-cancelling headphones, I praise God for His whispers. Until we find a way to keep the anxiety at bay, and we are always working towards that goal. I turn to God. And I turn to other parents with whom I can commiserate with...even if it's through the pages of a book!

I am giving one book away! You must be 18 years of age or older and a U.S. or Canada resident. I pray you find comfort when reading its pages.

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Shame. Guilt. We all feel it, live it or have it. To say we don't would be a lie. Unfortunately our our guilt and shame came ingrained into us so many years ago. In the garden with Adam and Eve we reaped their misfortune. But we were also redeemed by the most incredible King. The King who wipes our slates clean. He makes us whole again. Lifts us out of the darkest and deepest depths and brings us a good ol' slap in the face dose of reality.

In reading the book Un-Ashamed by Heather Davis Nelson she says that Joy is a hallmark of one who is free from shame. In place of this shame Jesus brings us honor, beauty, joy, comfort, justice, favor and freedom. <---- mind blown right?!

I think too often we hide behind the screen of a "perfect self". This day in age so many of us are afraid to let down our guard for fear that others might see how imperfect they truly are. When you scroll through your Facebook feeds you only hear the sugar coated versions of others. Seldomly do you hear real, nitty gritty, raw or truth. Should people be negative all the time? Heck no! Negativity is a real stinkpot. It smells worse than Livy's diapers. But wouldn't it be nice to hear that you are not the only mom who went the entire day with her pants on INSIDE OUT?! {true story!}

I feel guilt when I realize I haven't done something that I think I should have done. Or I feel shame when I snap at my kids a wee bit too harshly when really it is not them it is ME. But you know what? Forgiveness happens when you are willing to let it it in. It sucks. But it is reality and we are all guilty of it!

Who here is ready to live a life that is real. Showing your true self. Putting every effort into placing your best foot forward? You HAVE to read this book! Seriously it was very well written and thought provoking! And I am thrilled to bits to give one lucky reader a copy! You must be at least 18 years or older and a U.S. or Canada resident. Enter below!

Do you ever pick up a book and think to yourself...wait did I write this? Flipping it over to make sure your picture isn't on the back?! Seriously I related on so many levels with Jen Wilkin. Her words were sarcastic, funny and poignant. She starts out her book by telling us how she would have punched you in the face 5 years ago, had you told her she would sit down and write a book for Christian woman. I let out a snort and giggle as I took another bite of my donut {doesn't everyone eat donuts and read books?!}

I think the thing I loved the most is it wasn't a "religious thumping" book. You know the ones, you nod off while you start to read a page. You wake up and almost dread reading on. NOT because you don't want to learn more about God. But because the words that were written on the pages were not resonating within you. They weren't relatable.

I long to learn more about God. I lean on the longing to draw closer to Him. Truly just as the title reads, there really is None Like Him. I love how Jen breaks down 10 attributes of God. She draws you deeper in such an inciteful and longing sort of way. I couldn't wait to get to the end of the chapter so I could scribble my notes in my journal and process the words I just read.


Thank you Jen for writing your words down. You have no idea how desperate I was to read them. I didn't realize how a book could impact my now. And I am so grateful to be able to see some stuff in a new perspective. I have learned more in depth of the characteristics of MY God. And I am glad you listened, when He told you to speak. (speak, write...same difference!)


Now who here wants a copy of their very own? One to earmark. Highlight, scribble and draw in? Here is your chance! Simply go to the giveaway box below and follow the instructions. Easy peasy! Winner will be chosen by random on Saturday May 14th. You must be at least 18 years or older and a U.S or Canadian resident to enter.

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Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: " Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising") Many thanks to Propeller Consulting LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Let's face it. We all have an inner green meanie (as my family calls it). You know the one that when a friend, neighbor or Facebook friend has something really incredible happen for them. They have amazing talent and can decorate like a crazy foo'. Their husbands work send them on exotic trips all over the world, all while their children are perfect in every way. Never fight. Never disobey and travel easily. UM. That is NOT reality and we have to stop it. NOW!

Kay Wills Wyma sent me her newest book called "I'm Happy for You {SORT OF...Not Really}" first off she is a creative genius. I love my fellow blog sista' and she even sent me chocolate with the book. She knew the way to my heart! Her book nailed it on the head. We have ALL been there. You feel like what you have to offer is so much less than Miss Perfect who has the most incredible life and yours just stinks. STOP THAT!

As Kay says in the book...it's simple. Change a few letters in the word "Comparison" and you get the word "Compassion". <----- mind blown. Right? We are all victims of comparison. We are all convicted of passionately GIVING comparison. It is embedded inside of us. You might not even know you are doing it. "Oh look at that, I wonder where she got that? I bet she has a rich husband." as you stare at the person in the line of the grocery store. We do it without thinking. But we need to stop that.
Kay said, "The urge to maintain appearances chains us to performance and leads us away from contentment. Freedom comes when we each focus on doing our best rather than being the best."



We are in this together. You are not alone. There is nothing worse than people walking up and stating their opinions on you. Am I right? Let's learn to uplift and not project. You all rock as individuals. Let's do that together!

I love her book! She gives unique tips and stories to help you. I needed it! I needed to wash away the green meanie within and be content and happy with my present! How about you? Are you ready? Well you can win a copy for yourself!

You must be 18 years or older to enter. Also live in the U.S. or Canada only. Enter below! a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Ever feel utterly captivated by a book? Like you are so mesmerized you literally cannot put it down? This is how Captive {the untold story of the Atlanta hostage hero} was for me. Imagine my delight when I found out there is a movie made by Paramount about it as well!



I think the thing that got me the most was how completely different the character in the book is from most people's reality. From her husband, her daughter, her habits, lifestyle and then to on top of it be taken captive in her own home. But she then spiritually leads her capturer into turning himself in to the authorities. A man that killed multiple people and had also threatened to do so to her as well.

The book had me engaged the entire time. It was very well written and it painted a great picture that I could visually see in my head as well. I love that in the center of the book it shows actual pictures of Ashley Smith as well as Brian Nichols {the man that took her hostage for 7 hours}



Ashley was in the depths of despair. She was looking for a way out of her horrible habits and was trying desperately to create a life for herself so she could then in return make a life for her daughter as well. It is amazing to me how God works within each one of us. He knew she needed this very moment to "snap out of it". To take her life into her own hands and to come clean. Nothing had worked before this moment. It was like a switch had been flipped within her. What happened over the course of 7 hours was miraculous. And to think a book many of us have read {The Purpose Driven Life} gave her the tools she needed. God prevailed.


Wanna hear something awesome? One of you get to win the book! Trust me when I say, you won't be able to put it down! It is SO good!! Here is what you need to do:

* Enter using the Rafflecopter
* Open to U.S. & Canada residents only
* Must be at least 18 years of age to win
* Winner will be drawn on the 20th

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"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Well this picture MAY just be a spoiler alert...cutest book ever! My soon-to-be two year old can't get enough. She loved poking her fingers through the holes as we turned the pages and the rhyming made her giggle with glee. The drawings are bright, fun and capture you and truly I cannot say enough good things about this book!

The authors intent is to write a "personal letter to your child" as if it were from God. It takes you through the park, the playground, fields and even the beach. "I love you, My child! What more can I say? To Me, you are perfect in every way!"


I am excited because not only are you able to WIN this book for a child you love...but for the month of January, every book from Ideals Books with the word "love" in the title will be 20% off! Be sure to search "LOVE2015" for a complete list of books.


To enter you must be a U.S. or Canada resident...winner will be drawn on Monday January 12th, 2015.

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"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

I want my kids to experience the world around them. I want them to take the time to smell the roses, roll in the mud, splash in the puddles and catch snowflakes on their tongues. I refuse to take distractions with us to the store to "keep them busy". Instead, I want them to feel how heavy a bag of flour is. If it drops on the floor...clean up on isle 2 will come across the speakers and I will urge them to help clean it up. This Summer we will drink from the hoses more, we will lay out in the backyard and look up at the stars and we will take drives with the windows down feeling the breeze between our fingertips.
My children need to learn from me. They need to have conversations and learn that making mistakes is OK. I want them to know that I am there for them. I want to kiss their boo boo's. Scoop them up and laugh with them. They need to know that they are more important than all the distractions. I loved this book. I think it shows insight into my own life. I have been trying to put down the cell phone more. Be present and be there.

But...now your turn to read and take notes! YOU get a chance to win a copy of Growing up Social! You must be a U.S. or Canada resident to win. Winner will be drawn on Friday November 21st.
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"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

First off, Kara...I pray you forgive me for hijacking your photo! I felt my readers needed to "meet" you! Kara Tippetts is a child of God. She is a wife to the love of her life, Jason. A man she met shortly after she fell in deep with Jesus. He is her rugged-backpacking-"Colorado"-man. She is also the mama to 4 blessings. Oh. And she is fighting the evil C word. You can meet her on Instagram, follow her on Twitter and you really should go stalk her blog.

When I was asked to read and review Kara's book. I knew it was going to hit home. In fact, I will be honest. My dearest friend tried to talk me out of it. She even offered to read/review for me. She was worried about my heart with all that is going on in my life medically. I felt like God was drawing my heart to Kara though. On the surface our similarities are one in the same...except that Kara. She is fighting for her life. While she fights she finds her strength and her peace in the love of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Her faith never waivers and she is teaching her children to live and love with grace and integrity. She is showing the world how precious our moments are. And that through it all...we cannot do this journey alone. We must remain in focus on on our heavenly father.


I struggle to find words to even be able to properly touch on Kara's book The Hardest Peace. Her book left me speechless, in the most positive way possible. In her struggles, she is still taking the time to draw others to Jesus and therefore living out our greatest purpose on this earth. She is finding heaven on earth. I really do not want to give away too much, as you should read for yourself. Instead, Kara...if your reading this. Here is a song a friend sent me as I maneuver and it has been my anthem. I pray you find strength in it. God bless you and I believe in miracles.


Now for a giveaway...seriously. You will WANT to read this book. I am super excited to get to share one with you. You must be a US or Canada resident to enter. Giveaway will be on October 22nd.


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"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

These days reading is a thing I do with my children. It's not something I get the everyday chance to do. Typically by the time I climb into my bed I am so exhausted from herding cats - Ahem, I mean kids - all day the last thing I want to do is open a book.

I was sent Wherever the River Runs - by Kelly Minter. In her book she sets out on a journey down the amazon on a boat called Discovery. Kelly's heart is felt through her words as she takes us down a river teeming with piranhas, caimans, machete-swingin' mama's and jungle pastors. She takes you so deep your gonna have to pick your jaw up off the floor.

I loved every moment of this book. I laughed out loud. I cried and I felt happy for what I have.



You have the opportunity to win a book of your own! The contest is open to U.S. and Canada residents only. I can't wait to hear what you think!

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 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”}

You know what is amazing? Having a friend whom you absolutely adore ask if you could review a book they have written. Not just any book, but their very first one! At first I had the inner panic attack of "what if I don't like it?" "what would I say?!" In this case, I shed tears. I nodded my head as I swiped through the pages {I read it on my iTouch!}. I even took notes. When I put it down at the end I was like...wow. My friend. She wrote this!


Where do I even begin?

First off, I have had this book in my hands for about 3 weeks now. I was supposed to have written a review for her 2 weeks ago. I got half way through the book and my life as a wife, mommy and small business owner spun me around. I read more than half of the book within 45 minutes. That is HOW good it is! I haven't finished a book in probably 3-4 years. I am not exaggerating! I felt really bad that I hadn't written this post and tonight I sat back and reread some pages and then finished the book in its entirety. But you know what? I think it was a God thing. Not an "Aleisha you have slacked on your obligations" but instead was "there is a reason I am finishing it at this very moment" thing.

You see this book is teaching you to turn to God for comfort when your feeling downtrodden. I am paraphrasing a favorite quote from the book: Just because were Christian, doesn't mean we have to put on a happy face and pretend that nothings wrong in difficult situations. I have always lived by this motto, as I feel like God uses our low points to bring rainbows to others skies. If we were only showing how "perfect" our lives are to others no one could see us at face value. Instead others would start to resent us. How can we use our trials to help others if we do not share with others?

Another quote from the book was "God is only a prayer away." Jaw dropped, mouth open. Can I get an AMEN SISTA?! This was an AH HA moment for me.

If you have followed me a while then you know the ordeal I overcame a little over a year ago. 12 hours after my c-section with Olivia Joy I suffered extreme blood loss. The type where they don't have time to rush you to an operating room so they instead start working on you in your recovery room. Paul described it as a scene from a horror movie. Through the hours they worked on me, I prayed every moment that I opened my eyes. I wouldn't let them take Livy from my arms as I wanted my focus to remain on WHY I was here. WHY I was pleading with God to stick by my side and help me to raise my new addition, and the 3 more that were excitedly waiting for us at home. I have never felt more close to God than I did in those moments. I felt his presence upon me. If you are a non-believer this may sound weird, or your thinking "That was the drugs talking." God was helping me to not have fear and to trust in HIM. Just like where I opened up the book tonight it says "God has a plan, even if we don't wanna hear it (or see it)." Do I think God planned this? Absolutely. You know why? The bible tells us that he has every moment of our lives planned out for us. This moment drew me closer to God, closer to my husband, closer to my children and even more closer with my family and friends. I have a completely different outlook on life than I did before.

The last few days I have been struggling. Last week I started having severe cramping (TOTAL TMI!) to the point I would rate it a 6-7 on a scale of 10. My biggest fear is a post hemorrhage happening. As I have friends that have had it. There was nothing added into the mix other than pain and emotions. The pain strummed up the feelings I have had from the year before. I think God delayed my reading of the end of this book for this very reason. When I opened up to the spot I left off of...I was reminded by his Grace. I need to move forward. Do not be like Lot's wife and look back.

I would give this book a 15 out of 10 stars! I loved it. From the stories that were shared, the bible versus that accompanied each passage and the practical steps and questions for you to ponder. This book makes me extremely excited for whatever Kelly writes in the future!

You can order your very own copy HERE. I really hope you do! Have a blessed day!

I figured it has been awhile since I shared a review on a favorite book of ours! And since its a cold, blustery, hair in your face kind of day we will be heading to the donut shop (priorities I tell ya!) and then to the library so we can hunker in beneath blankets sprawled out on bean bag chairs and just relax! I truly love days like this! We received this book from my Mother in Law as a gift a few years back and honestly has been a hit from the moment we opened it! Its called