More For Mom

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Shop More for Mom by clicking here

Shop More for Mom by clicking here

About two summers ago I attended a Christian women’s conference called She Speaks. It was the opportunity of a lifetime to get to hear from so many great authors, obtain new tools for writing, and to connect with new people. But the best part about She Speaks was getting to hear everyone’s why for attending the conference and watching these women cheer each other on to get there.

It was at She Speaks where I met Kristin Funston, and we both shared our dream for publishing a book. So when the opportunity to REVIEW her book presented itself I jumped all over it!

This past weekend Adam and I got away to the beach, just the two of us. It was my first time to ever leave Jane Taylor for longer than a couple of hours. I was a mix of emotions. Happy to be headed to the beach, but sad to be leaving my girl. So reading More for Mom couldn’t have been more perfect for my time away.

This book reminds you how to give yourself more. Not more in the sense of more time for yourself. More of Jesus. She teaches you how to “workout” your brain so that you can keep your thoughts focused on the Holy Spirit and what Jesus wants for us. She encourages you to dive into the word and learn more about Him. She helps you to love people, all people, but to do so wisely. She reminds you to keep dreaming.

Her book isn’t for just the mom who goes into the office, or the mom who stays at home, or the mom of little kids. This book is for all moms. It is an encouraging read that I highly recommend.

About the Author

With a passion for writing, Kristin Funston encourages women in a way that is relatable and practical, with a healthy dose of humor. She has a master’s degree in Communication Studies from New Mexico State University. She is a member and employee of Hope Presbyterian Church and works as the Marriage and Family Coordinator and a leader in the women’s ministry. She is also a regular contributor to multiple blogs including The Better Mom, City Moms Blog, TODAY Parenting, and Scary Mommy. Funston resides outside of Memphis, TN with her husband and three daughters.

Learn more at MoreforMomBook.com. She is also active on Facebook (KristinDFunston) and Instagram (@kfunston).

Thursday's Three: Books You Should Be Reading - Shauna Niequist

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What is Thursday's Three?  During my break I thought long and hard about different aspects I wanted to bring to you all throughout the week. I wanted a way to share certain things I am loving, from beauty, to recipes, to books (always sharing books). Originally, I thought to do a Friday's Five - classic blog post used by many favorites of mine (example of a blogger doing it right here ). But my sister suggested to be a little a different and do Thursday's Three. The majority of our phone conversations begin with "Did you see what so and so posted? Have you done Lauren Kay Sims ab workout today? Do you think I need these Pjs?". She knows whats out there, so I took her suggestion. Ok, onto today's three picks. 

I was first introduced to Shanua Neiqust by my friend Brandi. And since that first book, I have become hooked. She has a way of telling stories that beg you wanting more. They are the kind of books where you get a little sad as you see the last couple pages approaching because you don't want it to end. The way I refer to Shauna in conversation you would think I was actually a friend of hers. That we regularly talk on the phone, I've been to her home numerous times for dinner and we have created countless memories together. But truthfully, I am only her friend through the stories she has shared with me and millions of other. That's what makes her a good author.

Her books dive into the good stuff. The hard stuff. The stuff that makes you think. And picking just three was super challenging because I honestly loved them all. 

Cold Tangerines - When I was six months pregnant we headed off to Scottsdale for our baby moon, and I brought this book with me. It was the perfect book to read for the season of life that I was in. Cold Tangerines holds little stories about God, and how He is here, everyday. And how He is present in everything.  Shauna writes "God is waiting to be found everywhere, in the darkest corners of our lives, the dead ends and bad neighborhoods we wake up in, and in the simplest, lightest, most singular and luminous moments." It is a beautiful book. If you haven't read any of Shauna's books, I recommend this one first.

Bread & Wine - It is exactly as it reads. Pages full of stories of friends gathering together to eat good food, and drink good wine and recipes for you to try on your own. You feel like you are at the table with her as she describes the items on the menu and the experiences that came with the meal. She makes the food come alive through simple black and white text. This book makes you want to cook, host, and cry all at the same time. 

Present Over Perfect - When Shauna came out with this book it was the summer I attended She Speaks. She kicked off the event with a powerful message. Then she signed books for a handful of us. I was a total fan girl when I met her. Didn't even get my book signed because I was too excited to even ask. I very much hope she has erased our first encounter from her memory. But that is one of the reasons why this book is one of my top three. Present Over Perfect reminds you to focus in on what is important. To press pause, to admit your mistakes, to accept that you are not going to have it all together. Read this book when you need to learn to give yourself some grace. 

If you are not really the reading type, these books are also a great listen on audible. Shauna reads them herself and her voice is just as welcoming as her writing. Hope you enjoyed this week's Thursday's Three. To shop ALL of Shauna's books click the links below. To read more posts about Shauna click here and here. 

Made for This

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Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Dress: Lily Rain

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Dress: Lily Rain

This season, all I want to buy are long sleeve dresses. Seriously, I am addicted to this style. Particularly, this dress from Lilly Rain seems like it was made for this time of year. I love the pattern, the length, and the fact that it is so fun to twirl (insert cheesy grin). You know the feeling when you find that one special outfit that seems like it was made just for you? Well, this dress does it for me, and it’s the best feeling ever. 

The word “time” carries many different meanings. For me, it often carries a weight of worry. When I think of time, I never think of it being endless; instead, I think of it being paralyzing. What if I run out of time? Will I have enough time? What if I am not on time? These are questions that run though my head on a daily basis. I allow time to control me.
 
Lately, however, I’ve found comfort in the following verse from Ester: “Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created.” But, while that verse offers the promise of hope, it also offers the burden of fear – fear of not meeting the moment at the right time… Or, fear of missing that moment altogether.  
 
I am slowly (on some days, very slowly) learning not to focus as much on the time and to place more attention on the journey. We get so fixated on something happening at a certain time that we miss living in the present.  In The Broken Way, Ann Voskamp writes, “It takes courage to listen with our whole heart to the tick of God’s timing rather than march to the loud beat of our fears.”
 
I don’t want to be someone who misses living in the moment because I am consumed with fear. I want to trust in the movement of God’s hands through my life. And I want that for you, too. I want us to realize that we have been created for this moment and that we should not be consumed with what lies ahead. I want us to trust in His timing instead of our own. So, I hope you will join me today in saying goodbye to the worry of time. Focus on the journey now, and trust Him with the future.