It's been awhile. I have been out of sorts with adjustments and birthdays and in full on selfishness of spending time with my kids. But when I was asked to read the new book by Max Davis called 'When Jesus was a Green Eyed Brunette' somethin' about the name y'all...jumped right out at me! Did you know having green eyes is more rare? I had a gentleman at a gathering stop me one time and say "You have the most stunning green eyes!" I looked at him, put my hand on his shoulder and said, "Boy if I weren't married I would have kissed you! No one ever notices I have green eyes!"


The thing is...we pass by Jesus every day. But most of us just walk on by. Not even realizing or taking the time to glance up from our smartphones and look to see the person within. God utilizes individuals on the regular to step into your life and speak to your soul. We were all formed in HIS likeness. In HIS image. Therefore we are to reflect that of Jesus. I love how my buddy Max (yup, sorry Max...you didn't know that but we are TOTALLY on a first name basis now!) said, "Jesus is an actual living being. He is God. We don't have to work at making ourselves holy. We could never do that. Our job is to get out of the way and let Him live through us. Authentic Christianity is all about a relationship. A relationship with Jesus that transforms a person."
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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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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.”

I picked up the book 'Nourished A search for health, happiness, and a full night's sleep' because of the name really. I mean, could a book start out anymore perfect? I cannot tell you the last time I have had a full nights sleep. And unfortunately I feel as though its like bigfoot. Heard of but rarely seen {if at all, see what I did there?! Huh, huh?! COME ON. You know I am right!}


Rachel is a lot like me in the book and in all honesty Becky is a whole lot like my mom! We are complete and utter opposites striving for the same path. The same solid foundation that fills our cup and makes us feel revitalized. Rejuvenated. Whole.


When reading this book you will laugh. You will nod your head and mutter at the pages. Truly it is though they tapped into my own in home reality T.V. show...except my reality T.V. show isn't making the big bucks and have a built in laugh machine. Maybe I should install one to lighten the mood a bit? They tackle the top 10 stressors for women (here are just a few!):

Cluttered Surroundings (can I get an AMEN)
Time-starved Marriages (no comment)
Crowded Schedules (I need to reread this section...don't even ask to see my calendar!)
Exhaustion of Parenting (and now we know why my barista's know me by the sound of my voice!)
Feeling like a Spiritual Slacker (let it go, girls!)
Negative Body Image (it starts way too young)

Any of these sounds like something YOU think about? The word nourish means- 1. Provide with the food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition. 2. Keep (a feeling or belief) in one's mind, typically for a long time. Rachel and Becky have come up with practical tips to design a nourished life that fits each one of your personalities. Yours, hers, my friends, your neighbor. We will learn to embrace "nourishing compromises" and never put happiness on hold again. 



OK loves, you excited?? One of you gets to win a copy of your very own! Bust out your highlighters, fold over them pages and go to town on embracing the "nourishing compromises". To enter you must be a U.S. or Canada resident. Winner will be drawn on Valentine's Day!

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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.”

Not sure if you remember but Kyle Idleman is my ALL TIME favorite devotional author. I have done 2 if his studies (my favorite was Not a Fan...truly. Self check!) so when Awaken Love - The Song came along written by him AND his wife Desirae you can guarantee I was all over it. The book goes through 6 weeks of divided up devotions. It is a book meant to help you grow in your relationship with your spouse and with God.


I just love how they used Song of Solomon throughout as ever since I was a child I would read and reread it over and over and over again. It is a love story written FOR us to memorize and incorporate into our own marriages. Let God take hold of your passion for your husband. Let your husband help you to take hold of your passion for GOD.


I am really excited for you to be able to get your hands on a copy yourself! ESPECIALLY if you have never read any of his books. I cannot recommend them enough. He speaks at a level that resonates in our generation. Must be a US or Canada resident to win. The movie came out September 26th and here is a preview for you...

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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.”