Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Book Review: BREAKNG BUSY: How to Find Peace & Purpose in a World of Crazy


Happy Release Day! :) Today's the day that BREAKING BUSY: HOW TO FIND PEACE & PURPOSE IN A WORLD OF CRAZY officially hits the bookshelves. I was blessed enough to be on the launch team, which means I received an advanced copy and got to read it before most of the rest of the world. :D

Alli Worthington has written a book that I will consider a RESOURCE more than a "good read"; it IS that, but it's so much more. Right now, I'm NOT in a season of BUSY very often - there are waves, like everyone has, but nothing like it has been.

Alli's book has so much useful information, however, that I still felt she was trying to help ME, individually, and not just the busy mommas and other twenty-and thirty-somethings. Each chapter of BREAKING BUSY ends with a section of "Action Steps", asking yourself questions and actually taking steps to help yourself with each section. There is even a link to her website, where you can find more information on the chapter's information.

The chapter on communication was my favorite. As an interpersonal communications person, it was refreshing to see someone break down interactions to some of the simplest components - allowing us to identify ourselves easily, and giving suggestions to overcome challenges each of us might have in communicating with others.

You might be in that BUSY season of your life, and thinking of adding another something to your plate is laughable - but I highly recommend you read Alli's book, BREAKING BUSY. It's broken into manageable segments, so you don't have to read a LOT to find something to chew on. And it's an easy read, interspersed with examples from her life that will have you laughing - and identifying, in my case... :D

This book is a YES, PLEASE! Do yourself a favor - click on the name of the book anywhere in this post, and pick up your copy today!

Monday, January 25, 2016

Quick and Easy Mason Jar Frittata

Happy Monday! Thanks for stumbling across my blog today! :)

Today I'm reviewing this review for Quick and Easy Mason Jar Frittatas from Target.com - who knew they had recipes?!?!

I made these a few months ago for our Bible study; I use that and my turn at hostessing Stampin' Up! parties to try out new recipes, since most of the ones I want to try aren't things we can eat around here. :D But these ARE something I can eat - and they earn a YES, PLEASE!!!

These frittatas are SUPER easy; I made them up the night before, and just cooked them off that morning. They were TASTY!!! Everyone oohed and aahhed over them - and who doesn't like something in a cute mason jar? :D I loved being able to make them ahead. Perfect for entertaining, OR for regular family!

These also reheated well enough that I could make up a batch and keep them in the fridge for a week's worth of breakfasts.

Let me know if you decide to try them! Have a wonderful day - BE BLESSED!!!

Monday, January 4, 2016

Book Review: CHOOSE JOY: FINDING HOPE AND PURPOSE WHEN LIFE HURTS

Good morning! I hope this post finds you well. :) Life has been different and busy, and I really am sorry for dropping off the face of the earth. :D

Today I want to tell you about this book; I am on the launch team, and the book goes on sale TOMORROW! You can find out a lot more on the book's website, including places it's available. Because I don't want you to miss this book.

Here's the "official" synopsis of the book:
Sara Frankl knew she had a terminal disease, but she didn't let it stop her from living. In the face of immeasurable pain, Sara chose joy--again and again. Her unforgettable message of hope and purpose lives on, even after her death, in her words.
CHOOSE JOY is a compilation of the lessons Sara learned while she was dying, written in her own words and sewn together by her close friend Mary Carver. It is a reminder to see the beauty in life, even when it looks nothing like you hoped or planned.
In a world full of tragedy, choosing joy is no small task--but, as Sara knew, the importance lies in the choosing. Once you learn to make that choice, every day, no matter what happens, joy will come.
This book has been a true life-changer for me. It helped me to have a couple of difficult discussions about my own health with loved ones, conversations that are they types I avoid at all costs. It has challenged me, made me examine my own heart and walk with Jesus, and helped me (by Sara's ability to put what she believes about healing into words) to have peace that what I believe may not be so whacked, after all. :)
 
 I've already told my mom she NEEDS to read this book; there are several people I know who may be getting a copy from me during the year. Life is not easy; just because we have Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior doesn't mean everything is going to be smooth sailing, or that we can have everything we WANT. That includes health and wealth - and I think we get in real trouble when we believe otherwise. (Disagree all you want, but I won't get into it any further! :D )

Sara's words will make you laugh and cry; Mary's way of knitting her blog writings together into a cohesive whole makes the book flow easily. Not only is it broken into chapters - SO many great topics! - but each chapter is also broken up, so if you only have time for a page or two at a time, you'll still be able to really chew on the meaning of what you've read.

I had never heard of Sara Frankl before joining this book team; what I've read makes me wish I had known her when she was alive. Her deep faith in Christ continues to point the way to Him through this book - and I look forward to spending eternity with her.

I can't pick my favorite part of the book! There's SO MUCH richness here. I will read it again and again throughout my life; I need the reminder to choose joy in the middle of pain, of trial, of hard times. And to hear it from someone who actually made the choice herself - there's a depth to that voice I can't explain.

I guess you'll just have to read for yourself!

(All images in this post were given to the launch team to use for promotion during the pre-launch efforts.)