You're Already Amazing - {Book Review}

It’s been quite awhile since our failed adoption in October, and I’ve been at such a crossroads regarding things to say here in the blog world.  Several months of discouragement, and wonderfulness, and frustration, and encouragement, and above all else, being drawn closer to God and continually refined in the process, have left my mind swirling, but not quite organized enough to relay things on the blog…yet.  However, in the meantime, I’ve been given the opportunity by the fabulous folks at Revell Publishing and (in)courage, to review Holley Gerth’s new book, 
You’re Already Amazing: Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be.  

Image courtesy of dayspring.com

Pretty timely, huh?

This book is exactly what the author envisions it to be:  a heart-to-heart message from a trusted friend.  Her writing is God-inspired, truthful, and best of all, so encouraging!  Holley not only offers great truths from the Bible about who God has created us to be, but also (my favorite) gives practical ways to seek Him in discovering who exactly that is.  It’s an interactive book that you can write all over as you discover these truths.  It’s no “self-help” book--which is awesome...it’s a “dig deep and really discover who God created, loves, and wants to use for His kingdom” book.  Helping us to discover what our God-given strengths are, and what skills can be utilized with those strengths.  God wants to use us, and He's the One who gave us these strengths and skills!  I love Holley's example on page 32:

“While strengths stay consistent throughout our lives, the skills that display them vary depending on the season we’re in and the specific assignment God has given us…while what we do may change, the reason we do it stays the same. ‘Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God’ (1 Corinthians 10:31).” 

What an awesome challenge and encouraging motivation at the same time!  We can use things for which God has given us desires and ability (in other words, things we actually enjoy and are good at!), in order to further His kingdom and bring Him glory.

If you’re wanting to discover your God-given purposes in this life, you definitely want to check out Holley’s book. She gets right into the meat of things, making the bold claim that “you’re already amazing” (on the back cover, she hits it straight on, saying we don’t have to do more, be more, have more). But she’s also realistic in understanding that we’re probably not going to just take that bold statement and run with it. We’re women. We don’t always feel amazing, so we’ll question it. And through Holley’s book, God speaks to all of those questions, insecurities, and doubts.  Then takes it further by pushing the reader to discover where we go from here, walking in God’s truth the whole way.  Not intended to be a fluffy “feel-good” narcissistic idea, but truly grasping what it means to be created and loved by our incredible God. Love it.

This will definitely be a book that I recommend and pass on to friends…it’s a great read and will both challenge and encourage you.  And even better, DaySpring offers a line of fun goodies that match in their Heart-to-Heart-with-Holley collection! 


You can also get in on the newest Bloom book club discussion beginning next week on March 26^th, as they are reading this very book!  I’ll definitely be participating in that. You should join me!

Pssssst . . . . I was given this product free to review, and all opinions stated in this here blog are my own J

Blessed and Loved...

 

Blessed and Loved.  Who doesn't like those feelings?  I think we're happiest when we remember and acknowledge just how blessed we are, and also when we feel loved by those around us.  I was honored to receive this Blessed and Loved collection from the fabulous folks at DaySpring to review here on my blog (and I figured it's about time I hop back on this blog-wagon).

This set is absolutely gorgeous and would make such a great gift!  It even comes with a gift wrap bag that includes tissue!  Could it be easier than that?!  I am "gift-wrapping-challenged" so this is perfect.

Image courtesy of dayspring.com

Image courtesy of dayspring.com

For your friends that might enjoy a little daily pick-me-up, there is a wonderful perpetual calendar. I've always been a fan of calendars (I get it from my sweet Grandma Marilyn), and the simple, modern colors and pattern on this one make it quite lovely.  Each day holds an inspirational quote or scripture, and it is now a part of my morning routine to flip the page and read the day's nugget of encouragement.

Image courtesy of dayspring.com

Of course, while enjoying that encouragement, I am sipping coffee or tea from this adorable 8 oz. mug!  It's so petite and cute, and even comes with its own cover which can be used as a coaster.  I feel so dainty when using this beautiful mug.

Image courtesy of dayspring.com

As much as I love the other pieces of this collection, my favorite piece has to be the journal.  Each lined page contains a scripture verse (LOVE this!). This would make such a great prayer journal.  Don't you love going back through prayer journals and seeing how God has answered prayers (sometimes even after we've long forgotten about them?).

Quick, go check out some of the other reviews on the inspired deals page.  This is such a fun way to learn about new dayspring products while seeing them in action!  This month featured four different collections, all of which would make great gifts for your loved ones!  And when they each include matching gift wrap...the work is all done for us!

Pssssst . . . . DaySpring gave me this product free to review, and all opinions stated in this here blog are my own J

Do You Love to Read??? {And A Giveaway!}

This is actually my 100th Blog Post, and I see it quite fitting that it is associated with a GIVEAWAY!!!

I was given the opportunity to review a new DaySpring product...their fabulous recordable storybooks!  You've seen those Hallmark commercials on TV, right?  Where the kiddo is getting ready for bed and they sit and giggle while they hear their Grandparents read them a story...making that story come to life, even when they can't be there with them in person?  Love the concept.  Makes my heart all warm and fuzzy as I think about our (God-willing) future children.  BUT I love these even more, because they take it a step further...they share the love of Christ! There is so much power in spoken word, and I believe God works so strongly in the lives of children.  These books are awesome.

DaySpring has four Recordable storybooks available, and I know they are all wonderful.  The one I received was Bedtime Prayers and Promises and I just love it!

Since we have so much family out of state, these books will be such a blessing to our children.  I can't wait to get some foster (and/or adopted and/or biological) kiddos into our home so we can share these books with them and teach them about our great big, awesome God who LOVES them!

And now for the best part...DaySpring is also hosting a giveaway on their website...you could have a chance to win one of these fabulous books!  Go here and enter...all you have do to is leave a comment on their blog post.  There are so many ways you can enjoy these books...whether or not you have kids.  You can record the story and then donate the book to your church nursery.  You could have your kids record the story and send it to a soldier fighting overseas.  What are your ideas? Do share!  And don't forget to enter DaySpring's GIVEAWAY before October 31st!  They even have information on how you can participate in a future product review as well!

Pssst . . . . here's the link to the giveaway in case the above quicklinks didn't work:  http://www.incourage.me/2011/10/recordable-storybooks-how-to-weave-the-love-of-christ-into-a-child-and-a-giveaway.html
Pssssst . . . . DaySpring gave me this product free to review, and all opinions stated in this here blog are my own    J