Words of Wisdom: A BOOK GIVEAWAY

Happy Monday!

What a better way to start the week with the opportunity to win one of my very favorite things? 

BOOKS!

I've teamed up with some of my favorite bloggers to bring you the WORDS OF WISDOM GIVEAWAY. 

Each of us will be giving a way a book that inspired us to be and do better. 

Friends, I'd like you to meet Lindsy, Ashley, Tiffany, and Wynne. 

I choose to give away a copy of 7 by Jen Hatmaker. 

I originally read it last spring and blogged about it here, and I liked it so much that I also just recently completed the new 7 Bible Study with a group of friends. In 7, Jen Hatmaker talks about our struggle with excess and takes us through an experiment she did to help cut back on the excess in seven different areas in her own life. 

Some of the lines that stuck out to me when I read it include: 

-Sometimes conviction is mistaken for guilt......

-"I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

-I spend more just on clothes in one year than the average Ethiopian family earns in almost five.

-I'm tired of calling the suffering "brothers and sisters" when I'd NEVER allow my biological siblings to suffer likewise.

-There is something so marvelous about women comfortable in their own skin.

-We get one shot at living to expand the kingdom, fighting for justice.

-We like our stuff. We need our things. Usually the things we think we need become the very things we need a break from.

Seriously, get excited. 

This book rocked my perspective, and I'm sure the others are the list are equally amazing. 

ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL WIN ALL FIVE BOOKS!

Once you enter to win here, head over to Wynne (The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson),Lindsy Radical by David Platt), Ashley (Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne), and Tiffany (Dangerous Surrender by Kay Warren)  blogs to enter the giveaways!

If you do recall, Radical is one of my all-time FAVORITE books. And in case you're looking for some more good reads, here's a list that might help. 

The giveaway ends Friday at midnight. 

Happy entering to you and you and you! 

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Secret Church 2013: Some Thoughts

God is so good. 

Last Friday night, I had the opportunity to attend Secret Church with my husband and my parents. 

Ever since I attended last year I have been looking forward to this night. 

Seriously. 

Secret Church is one of my favorite things EVER. 

I just love the idea of an intense, scripture filled study on such an important night in the life of Jesus. 

I love the glimpse it gives me into the lives of those who risk everything to worship our Maker. 

I love the idea of joining in prayer with 60,000 of my Christian brothers and sisters. 

Have you attended? 

Did you miss it? 

If you'd like to see what all the hoo-ra-ra is about, check out David Platt's website. You can watch all of Secret Church in small segments. 

What a great thing to do throughout the next month or so with your family! 

Headed out of town this weekend to watch this dear friend of mine get hitched. 

Want a front row seat to the cutest wedding ever? 

Follow me on instagram. I'll be posting throughout the weekend. 

Here's hoping it feels like spring where you are today. :) 

The Friends We Find Along the Way

So, there are a lot of things I love about blogging. 

I love getting new ideas, relating to others, and being inspired. 

But my favorite thing about blogging? 

The friendships that are formed. 

Blogging has helped me to see outside of my little circle of friends and connect with women from across our country, women who share my convictions, my heart, and even my quirky sense of humor. 

And I have met a girl who has truly become a close, close friend. 

Ladies, today I'd like to introduce you to Tobi. 

What started out as a random Instagram following, has since grown into a late night, facebook chatting friendship. 

And can I just say that this girl is awesome? 

Maybe incredible is a better word. 

And she gets me. 

And I get her. 

We are FRIENDS in the truest sense of the word. 

And though we haven't (YET) met in real life, it so doesn't matter. 

I know she's there-- getting my jokes, understanding my desire to serve, and ready to share her stories and her life with me. 

Sometimes it's easier to share things with someone you don't see regularly 

or won't risk running into at the store. 

In that sense, I like to think of Tobi as my free online any time therapist,

 and I know she feels free to do the same. 

I have no doubt that God allowed our paths to cross at this perfect season of our lives. 

And the fact that we haven't yet met in real life is just a minor detail in the big picture 

that is our growing friendship.

Not only is Tobi seriously one of the most talented people I know

 (take a peek at her facebook page and see for yourself), 

but she's also a soon-to-be mama. 

You see, Tobi and her precious husband Corey have been trying to adopt... for eight long years. 

Their story is full of heartache and disappoint, but God has given them hope. 

And they trust in Him. 

And sometime soon (I just KNOW it will be soon), they will bring home their long awaited, very loved daughter, 

IVEY. 

They just reached the one year waiting mark for Ivey, which Tobi wrote about here on her blog. 

I seriously can't wait to love on this baby girl. 

She and Hollyn will be friends; it's a given. 

I plan to send her hand-me-downs and encourage Tobi when Ivey refuses to sleep. 

It will be great. 

But first, she has to get home. 

So, Tobi and her husband are selling what HAS TO BE the cutest adoption t-shirt in history. 

Check them out and try to contain yourselves. 

Precious just barely touches the surface on this one. 

They're navy (which I just love) AND v-neck! Even better, right? 

I think you need one. 

They even offer a second design for the guys in your life. 

Check out their online shop here. 

And keep searching-- the world is full of awesome friends you simply haven't met yet. 

Dear....

Dear Hollyn, 

Last week you got a slinky stuck it your hair. Two words for you: NOT. COOL. 

Love, The Mom Who Doesn't Want to Have to Get the Scissors

Dear Hubby, 

We need to go on a date. 

Seriously. 

It's been way too long.....like since we went to Africa last July. 

If I sell an organ and get some dolla dolla bills, will you take me to the movies? 

I'll wear something other than an old t-shirt.....

Love, The Wife Who Wants a Night Out

Dearest Darling Africa, 

I miss you. In fact, I MORE than miss you. I literally caught myself day-dreaming about red dirt and elephants and little babies grabbing at my long skirt. I NEED plans to come back to you very, very soon. You bring out the best in me. 

Love, The Girl Who LOVES You BIG TIME

Dear Little Baby Libby, 

Come back. I miss you. Where did you go? One day you were singing Old McDonald, and today you came home singing a version of 'Don'tcha Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like Me' that someone taught you at the lunch table today. I miss you wanting to spend every minute with just me and wearing whatever I pick out without bucking the system. I miss the days when you were little and squishy and just wanted your mama. While I love big girl Libby, can I just play with little bitty Libby for a day here and there? 

I'd be forever grateful. 

Love, The Mama Who Wants to Freeze Time

And Then I Cried

I miss Africa. 

There I said it. 

I miss it so much sometimes that it literally makes my stomach hurt. 

And this week, some of the people from the Noonday home office are in Uganda meeting with and working with our artisans there. 

And yesterday, when they shared this photo with the ambassadors, I cried. 

See that girl to the far left? 

That's me. 

Travis was telling our artisans in Uganda how their lives have made an impact on our lives. 

This couldn't be more true. 

I pray for them, I talk about them, I think about them, and I tell everyone I can about them. 

And while I love the pretty products they make, I love them so much more. 

They matter to Jesus. I love Jesus. Therefore, they matter to me too. 

So I guess you could say that I was kind of sort of in Uganda yesterday...at least from the waist up...

What are the chances that this will help make me less 'homesick' for Africa in the next few weeks? 

Slim to none? 

My thoughts exactly. 

*Thanks, Noonday home office, for sharing the first two pictures in this post with the ambassadors. They have truly spoken to this little heart of mine.*

Easter Tomb Cookies: Keeping the Focus

So, I've been running like a crazy person lately. Trying to do this and that and share the Noonday goodness with what feels like our WHOLE state (great for the ministry, hard on my car). I just wanted to stop by for a minute and share this Easter tradition with you. I'm reverting back to an old post today, so these pictures may look familiar. But although Libby has changed by two years, this idea of keeping Easter focused on Jesus has not.

 Here's what you do:

You’ll need: 

Bible, 1 c pecans, 1 tsp. vinegar, 3 egg whites, pinch of salt, 

1 c granulated sugar, 1 qt. or gal. size zipper bag, wooden spoon, tape

Before we started we preheated the oven to 300 and lined a cookie sheet with wax paper (it's important to preheat your oven now and not when you're halfway done).

First, have your helpers crush, smash, and beat the pecans and while they do it share with them that this is what the Roman soldiers did to Jesus’ body. Read John 19:1-3. Put the pecans aside until a little later in the story.

Note: This picture was taken prior to telling Libby what the beating of the pecans represented, hence the inappropriate joyous expression. ;)

Next it's time to add the vinegar. Before you add the vinegar to the mixing bowl let the children smell the vinegar (I even let Libby taste it- wish I'd captured THAT face on camera). Explain to them that this is what Jesus was offered to drink. Read Read John 19:28-30.

To the vinegar, add egg whites. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life, and the eggs represent new life.

Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each childs hand and let them taste it. Have them brush whatever is left into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sins. Read Luke 23:27.

Point out to your little ones that so far, the ingredients in this bowl aren't so appealing, just like our lives would be without Jesus in them.

Next, the story turns sweet. Add 1 cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.

Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 & John 3:1-3.

Fold in the broken nuts. Drop mixture by spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.

Place the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

GO TO BED. Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20.

The next morning…

open the oven and remove the cookies. Notice – the cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.

Libby LOVED this- I think it really helped her to wrap her mind around all that Jesus went through so that we may be free.

Have fun making Easter memories with your family. 

And wherever you are, I hope it feels like Spring has sprung. 

If We're Gonna Be Friends....

So I have some new followers lately. Welcome! Happy to have you. 

And now that we're 'friends', here are some things I think you might want to know....

-I'm loyal. To the core. I choose my friends carefully, and if you are in my inner circle I will do whatever I can for you. I will think of you and pray for you and help you. I will also be honest with you; I'm not afraid to say the hard stuff or to say I love you. 

-I'm random, sometimes to a fault. I love spur of the moments and unplanned adventures. Some of my fondest memories have come from unexpected, spur of the moment ideas.

-I'm not afraid for people to not like me. In fact, I think it's to be expected. I try to live my life to please God, not the world. It's only natural that the world would not always agree with me. 

-I'm not easily embarrassed or intimidated. I'm okay with looking like a total idiot. I also don't mind being the bad guy when the time calls for it. 

-I think I do a good job of loving unconditionally. 

If my friend is hurting, I'm hurting. 

If my friend if happy, I'm happy. 

-I really try to live based on the idea of treating others the way we want to be treated. 

-I am the friend who will remember the little stuff. 

I believe in birthdays and touch base texts in the middle of the night. 

I mean it when I say I will drop anything for a friend in need.

I think that's how it should be. 

-I fully believe it's better to receive and mean it when I say I'd rather give five gifts than get even one. 

Speaking of friends, one of my closest is really hurting right now. 

Would you please pray for her and her family? 

I'd truly, truly appreciate it. 

Here's hoping your week is full of sunshine and rainbows.