I Love You Just Because {review & giveaway}

“Three very different bear cubs liver together in one place,

Each chosen for these parents by God of love and grace.

And when the cubs ask why they’re loved, their parents often say,

‘We love you just because you are God’s gifts for whom we prayed.’”

“I Love You Just Because” by Donna Keith is a book about a bear family, but those opening lines reminded me of my own family. We are a family of five put together through adoption.

While I was reading the book to my 6-year-old son and then sitting by my 9-year-old girl when she read it, they each talked about which bear they are like in the story. I loved the sweet conversation about how God put us together to be a family. We talk about that regularly, but I love any book that prompts more of that.

ABOUT THE BOOK :: Through cute illustrations by Alison Edgson and rhyming text, “I Love You Just Because” will help little ones understand their parents' love for them doesn't have to be earned. With the same friendly bear family from Donna Keith's first two books — “I Love You All the Same” and “I Love You Even When” — the sweet story of this book will remind you that family members love each other ... just because.

This 20-page board book is for children 4 to 8 years old and was published by Thomas Nelson on June 7, 2016.

Learn more about this book and others on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Learn more about Donna Keith on Facebook.

GIVEAWAY :: One of you can win your own copy of “I Love You Just Because,” thanks to FlyBy Promotions. This giveaway is open through Sunday, Aug. 7 to U.S. and Canadian residents. Use the Rafflecopter widget for multiple ways to enter.

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My kids have a copy of this cute book that we reviewed and there’s a copy for one of you, thanks to FlyBy Promotions/Propeller Consulting. I received this book in exchange for a review, but these thoughts are our own.

Books to share with YOU!

There’s nothing like packing your entire house to realize you have too much stuff. And by “your” and “you,” I really mean “mine” and “me.” Too. Much. Stuff.

I spent a good portion of the weekend packing and purging and organizing. We even loaded up the mini van and car with boxes and delivered them to our new house. The actual big move is happening Saturday.

So this week is going to include more packing and purging and organizing and hauling. And there will afternoon breaks at the pool, if you were wondering. Probably some errands too.

But while we’ve been uncovering all sorts of treasures and memories in our house and Greg and I have told the kids stories they may or may not actually care about, I discovered we have some duplicate chapter books that I want to share with one of you – well, really, the young reader in your life.

Specifically, the chapters books I’m sharing are:


“Tuck Everlasting” by Natalie Babbitt (Grades 5-8)
“Wayside School is Falling Down” by Louis Sachar (Grades 3-7)
“Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” by Judy Blume (Grades 3-7)
“Pippi in the South Seas” by Astrid Lindgren (Grades 2-5)
Boxcar Children Mysteries #2 “Surprise Island” by Gertrude Chandler Warner (Grades 2-5)


Most of these are fairly classic children’s chapter books, but I put the suggested grade level next to them. Obviously, kids are across the board when it comes to reading, but as a point of reference my daughter who is going into fourth grade and reads well above grade level has read and enjoyed all of these in the past couple of years except “Tuck Everlasting,” which she and I are getting ready to read together.

(Meanwhile, I’ve been devouring some adult fiction. Lately I’ve read this one, this one, and this one. And I’m in the middle of this one. Besides afternoons at the pool, what is summer for? Oh, moving, right! Anyway, stay tuned because at the end of the month I’m sharing a whole list of what I’ve read this year!)

Back to the giveaway: use the Rafflecopter widget below for several ways to enter to win the stack of chapter books. The giveaway is open to only U.S. residents through next Monday. Then, from the comforts of my new house, I will choose a winner. Until then, happy reading.

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Reading & applying Bible together {a review & giveaway}

I had a complete meltdown this past weekend. I argued with my husband in front of my kids and then cried when we had a family pow wow to regroup. My husband prayed over us all and I cried some more. As much as I wish the ugliness didn’t happen, I hope my kids takeaway one truth: We all need Jesus.

Even Mom. Perhaps especially Mom.

And that’s why I love resources that help families focus on this truth. We live in a society that is saturating our kids’ minds (and our adult minds!) with so many things that don’t matter in the big picture. It takes intentional effort to come together and focus on what matters.

The new “ESV Family Devotional Bible” from Crossway helps do that. With devotionals sprinkled throughout the family-friendly Bible, there are topics and questions that are relevant to the truths that matter. It’s all set up in way that you could read the Bible together in a year. But even if you’re less organized about it, this Bible will spark conversations that are worth having.

That’s certainly a better way to remind your kids we all need Jesus – and it may even ward off any forthcoming meltdowns and arguments!

ABOUT THE BOOK :: The “ESV Family Devotional Bible” is designed to help families read and apply God’s Word together. This full-color edition features the complete ESV text interspersed with engaging illustrations and gospel-centered devotions related to key Bible stories — guiding families through the entirety of God’s Word over the course of a year. Each devotion also includes discussion questions and suggestions for additional reading.

This hardcover Bible with 1408 pages was published by Crossway (April 29, 2016). Learn more at Crossway’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

GIVEAWAY :: And there’s a copy for one of you! Use the Rafflecopter widget below for different ways to enter. The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents through Monday, May 23. A winner will be randomly selected the following day.

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More than radio hits {a Jeremy Camp CD review}

Jeremy Camp is the kind of artist I hear on the radio and sing along with, so I was glad to have a chance to hear his entire new album. “I Will Follow” has plenty of sing-a-long songs that are anthems to God’s promises.

“He Knows,” “Christ in Me” and “Same Power” are songs I recognized from the radio. “Finally Home” struck me with its upbeat sound and the way it encouraged me to look toward adventure that lasts forever. “We Are Dreamers” proclaims the redeeming power of Christ that indeed makes all things possible.

I’m glad now I don’t have to rely on the radio to hear Jeremy Camp. These songs are ones that will be played in my house and minivan in hopes my family and I will hold onto their messages.

ABOUT THE ARTIST :: Jeremy Camp has 12 years of accolades and accomplishments as a songwriter and recording artist, including four million albums sold, four RIAA Gold albums, a multi-platinum DVD, three American Music Award nominations and a GRAMMY nomination. He’s been a part of more than 25 tours (headlining 18 of those) in the U.S. and has performed in more than 32 countries. Jeremy describes himself as “a minister who happens to play music as a way to minister.”

ABOUT THE ALBUM :: “I Will Follow” is Camp’s eighth studio album and was released last year from Capitol CMG. The deluxe album includes 16 songs – 11 of which come on the regular album and five bonus songs, including two acoustic ones.

Learn more at Jeremy Camp’s website. If you buy the CD from Amazon, you get free mp3 version of the songs too. Last I looked, “I Will Follow” was also available for free streaming through Amazon Prime.

GIVEAWAY :: So, technically, I’m supposed to say: AND I HAVE A COPY TO GIVE ONE OF YOU! But I’m going to say: AND I HAVE TWO COPIES TO GIVEAWAY! So two of you will win! Hooray! In all honestly, one of the copies has been unwrapped because I put the CD in the laptop to transfer the songs to my iTunes library and then returned to the CD to the case and haven’t opened it again. So it’s like new, just unwrapped. But we’re friends, so that’s okay, and that means I get to give away TWO COPIES.

Use the Rafflecopter below for multiple entries. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents through Thursday, May 19. I’ll randomly choose the winners next Friday, May 20.

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Thanks to Capitol CMG for providing me with the two copies of this CD. This review is my own thoughts.

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Hello, Summer. Goodbye, Mosquitoes.

I’m ready for summer. I know, I know, we’ve hardly had spring. But, let’s just be honest, I’m a summer girl. I like the days at the pool and the lake. I crave soft serve ice cream and snow cones. Dinner time and bed time get pushed back because the days are long and we love to be outside.

And this summer we’re moving! To the country! (And by “country” I mean 10 minutes from the heart of our small town on 33 acres. It’s like the best of both worlds, really.)

We’re excited to explore and make memories at our new home. We have plans for bonfires and camp outs. I’ve been thinking about what the inside will look like and how many people can gather on the deck.

But I may have to deal with pests, like mosquitoes. There is a creek that runs near our house and depending on the amount of rain, there could be some spots on the land that hold water.

As much as I love summer, I don’t love mosquitoes. 

(Or mice or snakes or bees … but we’re talking about mosquitoes today!)

But, let’s be honest, I don’t really know much about mosquitoes. That’s where Orkin’s Buzzer Beater blog app comes in. There’s a quiz to find out if you’re prepared for mosquito season.

(Um, I pretty much failed. But I did learn bug spray wears off quickly so I’ll need to reapply it often when we're outside for a long time and scented lotions and soaps attract mosquitoes.)

The app also includes videos such as “How to Deal With Mosquitoes” and “Do Mosquitoes Prefer Adults over Children” as well as the rest of Orkin’s How-To video series with up-to-date knowledge on dealing with pesky home invaders. You can also download Orkin’s yearly “Mosquito Cities” list and find out if your city made it! (Although that’s not exactly a list on which you want to see your city!)


Now, here’s the fun part, I’m giving away an Orkin Summer Scientist Bug Catching Kit! The kit includes two Bug Catcher Craft Kits, two bug nets, two bug jars, two Magic Color Scratch Little Garden Critters, and glow-in-the-dark creepy crawlers.


Use the Rafflecopter below for the multiple ways to enter. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents through Thursday, April 28. (The prize will be sent via FedEx or USPS, so no P.O. Boxes please.) A winner will be randomly selected Friday, April 29.

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In exchange for a blog post about Orkin’s Buzzer Beater app, I’m receiving a bug kit I know my boy will love and offering the second in a giveaway for one of you from Orkin, thanks to the Tether Group! The thoughts here are my own.

Each household is only eligible to win Summer Scientist Bug Catching Kit via blog reviews and giveaways. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again.

Subscribe to get new posts and/or a monthly newsletter with content not available on the blog in your inbox. When you subscribe, I'll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable.

Shazam! Some songs technology helped me discover

I’ve been known to jot down lyrics to a new-to-me song I want to look up later, especially while watching TV shows or movies. Now with technology, I just click on the Shazam app, which “listens” and then tells me what song it is.

Okay, I realize I sound way behind the times starting this post like this is a new technology. BUT I’ve just been appreciating it lately and thought it would be a good time to share.

I probably sound old admitting I recently rewatched “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and the sequel. {Um, I just noticed you can buy them as a double feature!} I owned the soundtrack to the first at some point and am tempted to dig through a box of memories to find it. It’s really good, y’all.

Anyway, back to Shazam. I’m going to share the last 13 songs I Shazam-ed. Why 13, you ask? Well, that happens to be how many are on my list since the beginning of the year.

1. “No Longer Slaves” by Bethel Music :: Since Shazaming this, I've heard it a lot, but I love it anyway. 
2. “Crazy Faith” by John Waller :: This was in “War Room.” Yes, I also Shazam during inspirational movies, apparently. 
3. “Diamonds” by Hawk Nelson :: This song has led to good conversations in the minivan with the kids. 
4. “Possibility Days” by Counting Crows :: I knew this was Adam Duritz and company when I heard it on “Hawaii Five-0,” but I hadn't heard it before. 
5. “Bulletproof Picasso” by Train :: This one is also thanks to “Hawaii Five-0,” but I recognized the band. 
6. “How Marvelous” by Daniel Renstrom :: I'm guessing this was from the radio, and it must not have had the info available. 
7. “It Is Well” by Lauren Daigle :: I love her and this song some the combination is good for my soul. 
8. “Everything Comes Alive” by We Are Messengers :: Again with the radio, I assume. 
9. “Good Good Father” by Zealand Worship :: Sorry, Chris Tomlin, I like this version better.
10. “If We’re Honest” by Francesca Battistelli :: I'm pretty sure my oldest daughter asked me about this song. 
11. “When I’m With You” by Citizen Way :: I saw them in concert this winter and I like so many of their songs but I don't always recognize the band. 
12. “No One’s Aware” by Jack Savoretti :: This is from the “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2” soundtrack.
13. “Rock & Roll” by Eric Hutchinson :: More from the sequel to the sisterhood soundtrack.

{Side technology note: Did you know you can stream music for FREE with Amazon Prime? Some of these songs are available there, so following the links!}

Do you use Shazam? If so, what are the last few (or 13 …) songs on your list?

And, hey, it’s Monday, so let’s have some fun with this. If you share in the comments your last Shazams, or at least the last new-to-you songs you’ve discovered some other way, you’ll be entered to win a mix CD from me. 

Let’s be honest – I’m sounding older by the moment. I know there are all kinds of ways to make playlists online to share, but who doesn’t like real mail and a mix CD to listen to while you’re driving around? {Tweet that.} Hey, at least I’m not going to send you a mix tap – because then I’d be really, really old.

So, use the Rafflecopter below for other ways to enter and be sure to log your comment below as an entry to officially count. I’ll choose a winner on Monday, March 21. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

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This post was inspired by my blogging friend Mary Carver. That's just one of her Shazam-related posts. She's got a couple others here and here.  

Want more insights?Subscribe to get new posts and/or a monthly newsletter with content not available on the blog in your inbox. When you subscribe, I'll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable.

"Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, or follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin'.

It was a {Facebook} party!

I had a Facebook party last night, but the beauty of social media is if you missed it, the posts are still there. So, better later than never, come join me on my Facebook page ... and enter some giveaways while you're there. Or I'm linking to all the giveaways here in once place to make your life easier.

"Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts" 

by Sara Frankl & Mary Carver AND a $10 Amazon card

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"You're Loved No Matter What" by Holley Gerth

"Chasing God" by Angie Smith

"Bread & Wine" by Shauna Niequist

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Sweet Birdie Blessings' Spirit of Adoption necklace

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Slugs & Bugs' Sing the Bible Vol. 2

Jesus Culture's Let It Echo

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Trades of Hope bracelet

Infinity Scarf

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Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Salvation's Tide is Rising {a music review}

While listening to “Salvation’s Tide is Rising,” Passion’s newest worship album, I was reminded our faith is active. Yes, there’s often a moment we choose to believe for the first time. But faith is made up of many decisions to choose Jesus over and over again.

Each time I listen to the album, I come away with a different favorite song, although “Remember” – the third track featuring Brett Younker – keeps striking me.

“Down in the valley, when waters rise

I'm still believing

Hope is alive

All through the struggle and darkest day

I'll remember the empty grave …”

{From “Remember”}

Faith is active – even when we don’t know what tomorrow holds. As Christians, we choose Jesus regardless of the circumstances. “I Turn to Christ” – the sixth track that features Matt Redman – is a beautiful reminder of this.

“And I turn, I turn to Christ alone

I surrender all, I surrender and I live, I live for You alone

All my heart and soul I surrender

Whatever may come my way

Whatever tomorrow holds

Let the glory of who You are stay in my soul”

{From “I Turn to Christ”}

Here’s a list of all the songs included on “Salvation’s Tide is Rising” –

1. Salvation’s Tide – Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill
2. My Victory – Passion featuring Crowder
3. Remember – Passion featuring Brett Younker
4. God and God Alone – Passion featuring Chris Tomlin
5. Simple Pursuit – Passion featuring Melodie Malone
6. I Turn to Christ – Passion featuring Matt Redman
7. Your Grace Amazes Me – Passion featuring Christy Nockels
8. All We Sinners – Passion featuring Crowder
9. Surrender – Passion featuring Jimi Cravity
10. Good Good Father – Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill

ABOUT THE ALBUM :: This brand new Passion album contains new studio recordings from best-selling artists Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, and Kristian Stanfill. It features new songs written specifically for Passion 2016. “Salvation’s Tide is Rising” releases Jan 29 from the Passion Conference and sixstepsrecords/Capitol CMG.

Learn more on iTunes, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

ABOUT PASSION :: The Passion Movement and the messages of founder Louis Giglio have marked the lives of millions of people around the globe, calling people everywhere to live for the glory of God. From its inception, the movement of Passion has birthed new anthems of worship, influencing countless churches and helping to define the current worship climate and establish artists Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill and others. Louie Giglio is the pastor and founder of Passion City Church in Atlanta.

Since the first album release in 1998, Passion albums have sold over 1.3 million units while introducing the church to worship songs like “Our God,” “Holy Is The Lord,” “How Great Is Our God,” and “God Of This City.” Passion is coming off its best charting radio success in five years with the single “Even So Come.”

GIVEAWAY :: One of you will receive a physical CD! Y’all, it hasn’t even released yet and you could have one coming right to your mailbox! Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. The giveaway is open through Thursday, Jan. 21 to U.S. and Canadian residents.

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I received a free download of this album from sixstepsrecords/Capitol CMG, thanks to FlyBy Promotions, in exchange for this review. The opinions are my own. FlyBy/Propeller Consulting is also providing the giveaway prize. If you have won a prize from FlyBy/Propeller in the last 30 days or you have won this same prize from another blog, you are not eligible to win.

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

On saying "I'm happy for you ..." and meaning it {a review & giveaway}

I don’t have a Pinterest account for several reasons, one of which is it makes me hold too tightly to unrealistic expectations. I love social media and the way it connects people. But it’s easy to browse through Facebook posts, Instagram snapshots, and pins and start comparing my own insides – my dreams, my thoughts, my plans, my expectations – to someone else’s outside – their family photos, their vacation spots, their home décor, and their fairytale.

I know everything that happens in my head, but I’m only seeing a glimpse of what’s actually happening in their lives. I’ve stayed on social media because the good totally outweighs the bad for me, but while reading “I’m Happy For You (Sort Of … Not Really)” by Kay Wills Wyma I found myself wanting to approach my News Feed – and life – in a different way.

I want to say “I’m happy for you …” and mean it more often. {Tweet that.} I want to trade comparison for compassion.

“‘I’m happy for you’ (if you mean it) breathes life into tense and uncomfortable situations. Being preoccupied with how we measure up personally leads to either pride or humiliation, whereas choosing to focus on and congratulate the other person lifts us both up.”

{Kay Wyma on page 24}

In “I’m Happy for You (Sort Of … Not Really),” Wyma shares real-life stories that made me chuckle – because I get them – and inspired me to think about my reactions and expectations. The pages are full of practical advice and encouragement to find contentment in a world that presses us to compare, although I admittedly skimmed over some sections that weren’t relevant to my life or personality.

I remember when I longed to be a mom. Pregnancy announcements would send me into tears – and that was before I even had a Facebook account.

I remember when I decided I wanted to publish our family’s adoption story, which is also part of my faith story, and the internet was full with so many new books and projects that made me wonder if mine mattered.

I remember when I thought I needed to care about every cause I saw posted on Facebook, making me wonder where I could best serve.

But God’s been doing a work to teach me he’s created me with the gifts and interests I have. It doesn’t matter I don’t like to bake. I have my priorities and preferences – and those aren’t always going to look like my friends’ choices.

God is doing a work here – in me – and that doesn’t always translate in a snapshot on Instagram. Even so, I want to celebrate what God is doing here – and what He’s doing elsewhere. I want to live with compassion and let go of comparison.

“Being able to say ‘I’m happy for you’ is not merely about celebrating someone else but about escaping the prison of dissatisfaction built by the bars of self-centered thinking. As we deliberately pursue compassion rather than comparison, we find our lives enlarged. Contentment isn’t something yet to be found out there; it’s right here with us, ready to be enjoyed.”

{Kay Wyma on page 206}

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ABOUT THE BOOK :: In her relatable style, Kay Wyma confronts the comparison epidemic raging in our homes, our neighborhoods, and our social-media feeds, offering remedies along the way. “I’m Happy For You (Sort Of … Not Really)” explores the troubling effects of living in an excessively competitive culture — and reveals simple yet effective ways to escape the comparison trap. Paperback, 240 pages. Published by WaterBrook Press (May 5, 2015).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :: Kay Wills Wyma is a blogger, mother of five, and the author of “Cleaning House” through which she has appeared on “The TODAY Show,” CNN, “The New York Times,” Focus on the Family, and more. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, she held positions at the White House, the Staubach Company, and Bank of America. Kay lives in the Dallas area with her husband, Jon, and their family. Keep up with her at on her website, Facebook, or Twitter.

GIVEAWAY :: Use the Rafflecopter below to enter to win a copy of this book, thanks to FlyBy Promotions / Propeller Consulting. The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents through Monday, Dec. 7. A winner will be selected randomly.

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Many thanks to Propeller Consulting / FlyBy Promotions for providing a copy of this book for me to review in exchange for a review and another copy for one of you! If you have won a prize from Propeller / FlyBy in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

His View :: ESV Men's Devotional Bible

In full disclosure, sometimes buying gifts for my husband is hard. This fact frustrates me because he’s my favorite human and gift giving is my love language. (Well, one of them, you know, depending on the circumstances.) With that said, I actually already have his Christmas present for this year and I’m determined to keep it a secret.

Maybe you’re like me and have a hard time finding a gift for your man. If that’s the case, Greg is here to share his thoughts on the new "ESV Men’s Devotional Bible." AND read on because we’re giving one a way. Maybe you could gift it to that hard-to-buy-for man in your life.

(And, no, the free copy of this Bible we received from FlyBy Promotions/Propeller Consulting in exchange for this review is NOT his Christmas gift.)
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"ESV Men's Devotional Bible" offers a convenient daily devotion for men who want to have a consistent quiet time. The devotions are broken into 365 days with a short commentary on the scripture reading. I really enjoyed the insights of the various authors who contributed. The devotions are tailored to be relevant to men in our generation, and address many of the challenges which American men face. The authors provide solid insight into Biblical application on issues ranging from pornography to our identity as children of God, and practically every topic in between.

For anyone new to Bible study, there are some helpful summaries at the beginning of each book that orient the reader to the place, time and context of the Scripture. These are good reminders even for people who have read the Bible through many times, and provide firm ground for the new believer.

Normally I prefer the NIV translation, but I liked reading this ESV Bible, which will be a good resource for my own study. If you are a man who would like to read through the Bible in a year, this would be a good place to start. I am glad to have this Bible to add to my library, and look forward to reading through this Bible in the years to come.

ABOUT THE BOOK :: With 365 theologically rich and gospel-centered devotions drawn directly from the Bible, this all-new resource was created under the editorial oversight of Dr. Sam Storms with contributions from more than fifty Christian leaders. Introductions orient men to each book of the Bible, exploring its unique contribution to a man's walk with God.

Hard cover. Published by Crossway (Oct. 30, 2015). Retails for $34.99, although it’s been cheaper on Amazon.

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER :: The purpose of Crossway has been, from its founding as a not-for-profit ministry in 1938, to publish gospel-centered, Bible-centered content that will honor our Savior and serve his Church. They seek to help people understand the massive implications of the gospel and the truth of God's Word, for all of life, for all eternity, and for the glory of God.

Follow Crossway on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

GIVEAWAY :: And there's a copy for one of you! Use the Rafflecopter widget below for entries. The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents. A winner will be randomly selected on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

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Many thanks to Propeller Consulting/FlyBy Promotions for providing Greg with a copy of this Bible to review as well as the additional Bible for one of you! If you have won a prize from Propeller/FlyBy in the last 30 days or have won this same book from another blog, you’re not eligible to win.

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

a beautiful exchange {guest post & giveaway}

One of my favorite things about the internet is connecting with people who share interests. And y'all know adoption is a favorite topic around here. Megan Nilsen sent me a copy of her book, which is an adoption story, but, really, it's a story of saying yes to God. I've enjoyed reading it — often with my own latest adoption story in my arms. 

I'm excited to welcome Megan to my online home so she can share a piece of her story. And stay with us until the end because she's going to share her book with TWO OF YOU! 

Before starting the adoption process, we decided to interview families we knew who had adopted.

Perhaps many of you did the same. After all, we figured these families had walked the road already and may have some wisdom to share. Boy did they! Adoptive families are some of the absolute coolest.

Nearly without fail, every conversation we had could be boiled down to one main theme. Time and again we heard these words ...

“Adoption is the hardest thing we’ve ever done, but it’s absolutely the best.”

And each time, I would walk away from the conversation or hang up the phone and think, “Really? Is that what we want? Hard?? I mean, we totally want to follow God’s call ... Yes, we want the best! But do we really want the possible hard that comes with it? It all seems so — risky.”

For a long time, the idea remained just that. An idea.

The notion of adoption comfortably took a back seat as the daily regimen of school choir concerts, dance recitals and soccer games filled our days with our older two. The idea sifted through my mind every so often like sand in an hourglass. My mental to-do/prayer list (they often overlap) read as follows:

* Don’t forget to buy milk.
* Figure out the name of that cool paint color from the Pottery Barn catalog.
* Please be with Uncle So-and-So who is battling cancer.
* Email the teacher to ask about the field trip tomorrow.
* Also, God — if you’re calling us to adopt, just remember our hearts are “open.” And if
you do want us to adopt, could you please write it in the sky or something? That
would be helpful. Thanks.

God didn’t exactly write it in the sky, but he wrote the call on our hearts. As they days ticked by, we couldn’t get the drum beat of these thoughts out of our head. Like a catchy lyric turning over and over in my mind, this idea of adoption, that it might possibly be for us, kept knocking at the door of our hearts and wouldn’t abate.

Four years have passed now since we brought our two youngest home from Ethiopia at the tender ages of eight and five. And I am among the ranks of those saying those exact words to others — Adoption has been by far the hardest thing, but it unequivocally the best.

Lest you be deceived into thinking this story had a fairy-tale ending, I can assure you the transition home was nothing short of “other-worldly” for the lot of us. Grief loomed large over our home for quite a while, manifesting in all sorts of tantrums and tears. And not only from the kids! I must confess, my own heart wrestled to embrace the new family dynamics as well.

In the months that followed, I began a journey of my own — a journey that has rearranged everything I thought I knew about life and love. So much so, I often wondered if life would ever return to “normal.”

Thankfully, God exchanged my short-sighted plan for a new, exponentially more beautiful normal — one drafted by His own hand.

Sometimes I imagine attachment in adoption like a tree. A tree that needs time and tender care to sprout and grow. A tree that brings with it the gift of new life. This “adoption” tree has ushered me into perspectives of the Kingdom I don’t think I would have experienced otherwise. The fruit it bears brings us more joy, growth and continuous beauty than we ever dreamed possible.

God’s tender love and mercy drew us to this tree. To eat of its fruit opens our eyes to a bit of heaven on earth. While this journey of adoption has brought me to the end of myself, it has also ushered me to the foot of the cross.

That is a gift for which I am forever grateful. It truly is, a beautiful exchange!
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Megan Nilsen is the mother of four children — two biological, two adopted, and by all accounts the most beautiful kids in the world (at least according to their unbiased mother). She is married to her college sweetheart. Together, they believe the local church is the hope of the world. When she’s not coordinating crazy carpool schedules, she rejuvenates as part of the teaching team for her church’s weekly Bible study. Megan passionately pursues writing as a way to process God’s ever-active work in the world. She gets the biggest rush out of connecting with people and swapping stories of the heart. She and her family live in Colorado. You can find her blogging about it all with two of her dearest friends at www.writinginpencil.com.
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And now for the giveaway! Use the Rafflecopter widget below for multiple ways to enter to win one of the two copies of "A Beautiful Exchange." The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents. Two winners will be randomly selected on Wednesday, Nov. 25.

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An InLinkz Link-up

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

OPEN HEAVEN / River Wild {a review & giveaway}

I like different kinds of music for different moments in life. I have my favorite road trip songs and know which songs will help improve my mood. There are songs that take me back to moments I want to remember and the ones that remind of my people I love.

Hillsong’s newest worship album “OPEN HEAVEN / River Wild” released last month. For me, it’s good music to play while I’m working on other things. I had it playing on my laptop when I was writing blog posts, scheduling social media, and responding to emails recently. I liked it for that because truth filled the silences but I wasn’t distracted from what I was doing.

I enjoy live music, so that’s another reason I enjoyed this worship album, which the Hillsong Worship and UNITED teams recorded in July at the Hillsong Conference in Sydney, Australia. It’s the 24th annual live worship album by Hillsong.

The opening track – “O Praise The Name” – may be my favorite.

“… O praise the Name of the Lord our God / O praise His Name forevermore / For endless days we will sing Your praise / Oh Lord, oh Lord our God / He shall return in robes of white / The blazing sun shall pierce the night / And I will rise among the saints / My gaze transfixed on Jesus’ face …”

I also really like track 10, “In God We Trust.” It’s an anthem packed with promises about the One in whom we believe and praising who He is and what’s he doing.

“… Now in God we trust / In His Name we hope I know / God will not be shaken / God is here with us / He’s already won I know / God will not be shaken / You’ll finish what You’ve begun / Forever strong in Your love / Your Name is sure / And You will fight for us / Our hope forever secure / In You alone …”

GIVEAWAY :: Capitol Christian Music Group sent me two copies of this CD – one to review and one for you. But the songs are imported to my iTunes account, so I’m going to giveaway both copies! Admittedly, one has been opened and put in my laptop (once!), but it’s like new and can be enjoyed by someone else.

Use the Rafflecopter below for multiple entries. TWO WINNERS will be randomly chosen on Friday, Nov. 20. {And if you don’t win or just can’t wait, you can order the album on iTunes or Amazon.}

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Capital Christian Music Group gave me a CD to review and another one to giveaway, but these opinions are my own. This post also contains Amazon affiliate links.

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Strong and Kind {review & giveaway}

I’ve long said I want to raise independent kids who love Jesus.

And that’s true.

Sort of.

I want to raise kids who love Jesus. But I don’t want them to be so independent they miss the point of following Jesus – to glorify God – and fail to notice others around him. This is what I thought about as I read “Strong and Kind” by Korie Robertson.

Strong and kind are the characteristics she wants her kids to exhibit. She discusses these and other admirable traits in the book. And I’m revising my statement.

I want to raise kids are compassionate and joyful – and love Jesus, of course.

In her book, Korie reminded me that while being intentional with a couple traits is a good parenting plan, ultimately raising someone who follows Jesus means there will be evidence of many traits that tend to overlap anyway.

I appreciated Korie’s family-first approach to living in community and using that environment to shape who children become. She spends the first part of the book sharing about the importance of good character with many personal examples. The second section is devoted to identifying the character traits you want to see in your children. Finally, the third part offers advice on how to parent kids of character.

“Strong and Kind” isn’t a how-to book, but it is a resource with much encouragement, Biblical foundation, and real-life stories.
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ABOUT THE BOOK :: In her new book “Strong and Kind: And Other Important Character Traits Your Child Needs to Succeed,” Korie Robertson argues that developing good character in our children is the single most important thing we can do to help ensure they lead happy, healthy adult lives.

Robertson explores key traits and what they truly look like in action, asks readers to select the two traits that they hope to see most in their children, and shares hands-on ways for nurturing strength of character. Written with her mother Chrys Howard and featuring stories and wisdom from husband Willie, “Strong and Kind” cuts through the contemporary cacophony of parenting manuals to rediscover, unfold, and embrace the enduring wisdom that has guided the best parents for centuries.

Hardcover; 240 pages; published by Harper Collins Christian Publishing (Oct. 27, 2015). Learn more about the book's website.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :: Korie Robertson, wife of Duck Commander CEO Willie Robertson and star of A&E's beloved series “Duck Dynasty,” is a mother of five a New York Times bestselling author of several books. She is also an in-demand public speaker, Duck Commander executive, founder of boutique Duck and Dressing, and philanthropist, who remains active with a variety of organizations that focus on children, adoption, and foster care. Korie lives with her family in West Monroe, Louisiana.

Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

GIVEAWAY :: And I have a copy for one of you! PLUS an exclusive workbook that’s not sold anywhere. Use the Rafflecopter widget below for various ways to enter to win. This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents. A winner will be randomly chosen Wednesday, Nov. 4.

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Many thanks to Propeller Consulting/FlyBy Promotions for providing me with a copy of this book to review as well as the additional book and workbook for one of you! If you have won a prize from Propeller/FlyBy in the last 30 days or have won this same book from another blog, you’re not eligible to win.

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

The Biggest Story {Review & Giveaway}

At first glance, “The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden” reminded me of “The Jesus Storybook Bible,” another family favorite. Both books have beautiful illustrations and share how the Bible is one continuous, true story.

“The Biggest Story” targets children ages 5-11 years old. Younger kids will probably want someone older to read the book with them. At least that’s what happened at my house. My 8-year-old daughter read this book to my 5-year-old son and then Cate read it more on her own. I asked her what the book taught her about the Bible and she said, “It showed me how all the stories go together.”

That’s exactly right.

We tend to teach children about Bible stories as if they’re individual characters. Adam and Eve started with this. Moses led some people. God asked Jonah to go somewhere else. And then there are these disciples. And Paul has a dramatic conversion. But the people and places of the Bible are intertwined in what truly is The Biggest Story. It’s a story with a beginning, an ending, and so much hope.

“The Snake Crusher is coming back again to wipe away all the bad guys and wipe away every tear. He’s coming to make a new beginning and to finish what he started. He’s coming to give us the home we once had and might have forgotten that we lost. So keep waiting for him. Keep believing in him. Keep trusting that the story isn’t over yet. God’s promises never fail and the Promised One never disappoints.”

{From “The Biggest Story,” page 123}

This book is beautiful and true. It tells the most important story I want my kids to understand. I’ve read it without my kids around and I’m guessing I will many more times – which speaks volumes for a children’s book.

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ABOUT THE BOOK :: In “The Biggest Story,” Kevin DeYoung – a best-selling author and father of six – leads kids and parents alike on an exciting journey through the Bible, connecting the dots from the garden of Eden to Christ's death on the cross to the new heave and new earth. With powerful illustrations by award-winning artist Don Clark, this imaginative retelling of the Bible's core message – how the Snake Crusher brings us back to the garden – will draw children into the biblical story, teaching them that God's promises are even bigger and better than we think. Hardcover; 132 pages; published by Crossway on Aug. 31, 2015. Learn more about it at the book’s official website or buy it at Amazon.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :: Kevin DeYoung is senior pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan. He blogs at the Gospel Coalition and has authored or coauthored numerous well-known books, including “Just Do Something,” “The Hole in Our Holiness,” “Crazy Busy,” and “Taking God At His Word.” He lives with his wife and their six children in Central Michigan.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR :: Don Clark is an artist and the cofounder of Invisible Creature, a widely respected and award-winning design studio in Seattle that has worked with clients such as Target, Nike, LEGO, and WIRED magazine. He lives with his wife and their three children, four goats, 12 chickens, and one crazy dog on a farm just outside the city limits.

GIVEAWAY :: Open to U.S. and Canadian residents, just leave a comment below – tell me why you want to win, share with whom you’d like to read this book, or just say hi. I’m also always accepting book suggestions for my kids and myself, so feel free to toss some of those my way. A winner will be randomly chosen Tuesday, Sept 15.

Update! Congratulations to the winner of this giveaway - Wendy Wilson! Whoo-hoo! The book is coming your way, friend!
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Propeller Consulting/FlyBy Promotions gave me a free copy of this book in exchange for a review and is providing the winner of the giveaway with a copy as well. If you have won a prize from Propeller/FlyBy in the last 30 days or won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win. 

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

{Review & Giveaway} Simply Tuesday

I read “Simply Tuesday: Small-Moment Living in a Fast-Moving World” by Emily Freeman quicker than I should have because the book was so in sync with what my mind and soul are experiencing but struggling to put into words. I marked paragraphs about child-like faith, everyday faith, smallness being great in the kingdom of God, and love. I thought about purpose and where God has me.

Emily’s words made me fall in love with Tuesdays – the most ordinary day of the week – and benches. I’ve long loved having my people around the table, sharing real life together, so the bench analogy for relationships makes sense to me. Jesus didn’t go around building his father’s kingdom by constructing massive cities; he built relationships with people sitting on benches and wells, meeting them in their ordinary life.

The pages of “Simply Tuesday” are filled with questions I’m in the process of answering and stories of everyday faith that encourage well. I remembered faith is lived out in our actions, how we spend our time, and wherever we go. I saw scriptures with fresh perspective and longed for smallness that only makes sense in God’s kingdom.

“In my search for smallness, I’m finding the kingdom of God one inch above the ground. It doesn’t look like I thought it would or think it should, but there it is, hiding under the piles of everyday life. God is where he always said he would be – in the whisper, in the shadows, in the seed. … Most of life happens, not in the brightness of in the darkness, but in the medium light of a regular day. … What if, instead of thinking we have to choose between our ordinary life and an extraordinary life, we began to realize they’re the same thing?” {From pages 16-17}

As I was reading, I texted friends quotes that made me think of them. I referenced sections in conversations with others. I stopped to pray and mark sections I know I’ll revisit. I quoted it on Facebook. Consider those things the recommendation for this book because it’s one you’ll want to tell others about.

“Small things don’t always turn into big things. But all things begin small, especially in the kingdom of God. Acorns become oak trees. Embryos become president. Life starts with a breath. Love starts with a hello. Tuesday reminds me to accept the beauty of smallness, hiddenness, and the secret work of Christ in the deepest part of who I am. I want to let him come out of me in any way he wants, no matter how it may seem to me – whether that be in one big way or in a million little ways.” {From page 239}

ABOUT THE BOOK :: “Simply Tuesday” officially releases today, appropriately. Published by Revell. 256 pages.

Here’s the description from the back cover: Is your soul being held hostage by hustle? If you've grown weary of do more and dream bigger, small-moment living is just what you need. Real life happens in the small moments we find on the most ordinary day of the week. Tuesday holds secrets we can't see in a hurry – secrets not just for our schedules but for our souls. In “Simply Tuesday,” Emily P. Freeman shows you how to embrace today's work, find contentment in the now, replace competition with connection, and learn to breathe in a breathless world. It's time to release our obsession with building a life, and believe in the life Christ is building within us – one simple Tuesday at a time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :: Emily Freeman is a writer, speaker and listener. She writes for DaySpring’s (in)courage website and has traveled as a writer with Compassion International to raise awareness for the needs of children in poverty around the world.

She attended Columbia International University to study the Bible and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she earned a degree in educational interpreting for the deaf.

Emily lives with her husband, John, in North Carolina with their three children and their crazy dog, Finn. Emily extends a daily invitation on her blog for women to create space for their souls to breathe. Come join the community of grace dwellers at her website. You can also follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and search #itssimplytuesday on social media to see people capturing ordinary moments that matter.

GIVEAWAY :: Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter the giveaway, which is open to U.S. and Canadian residents. A winner will be randomly chosen on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

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I received a free copy of “Simply Tuesday” from Icon Media Group in exchange for a review. The opinions here are my own as evident by all the many highlights and asterisks on the book’s pages. Icon Media Group is also providing an additional copy to whoever wins the giveaway.

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

{Review} This Is Not A Test by TobyMac

When I got an email about reviewing TobyMac’s new album, I said yes for my kids, especially my son. I like TobyMac well enough, although I admit I sometimes long for the days of dc Talk. But I love watching my kids dance while buckled in the car when TobyMac comes on the radio. I want my kids to like music that speaks truth into their lives. So, if that’s what TobyMac can do for my family, yes, send me some TobyMac.

We’ve been listening to “This Is Not a Test” while driving around town. Like with any new album, we had our instant favorites. My 8-year-old Cate loved “Lift You Up,” a song that features Ryan Stevenson. She said she likes the beat and lyrics: “We’ll lift you up ‘cause you ain’t never going to let us down.”

(We’ll be having a conversation about how ain’t isn’t a word soon, so no worries there.)

My 5-year-old Ben has a personality that TobyMac’s music fits, if you know what I mean. He’s high energy and always moving. He had trouble choosing a favorite but landed on “Backseat Driver,” which features artists Hollyn and Tru.

I really liked “Love Broke Thru” and “Fall.” They each affirmed truth God had already been teaching me. I like when songs do that. And, of course, we were happy to recognize “Beyond Me” from the radio.

“It was just another summer night. It had to be the last thing on my mind when love broke through. You found me in the darkness, wandering through the desert. I was a hopeless fool, now I’m hopefully devoted, my chains are broken – and it all began with you, when love broke through.”

{TobyMac in “Love Broke Thru”}

Okay, so, admittedly, I like that “Love Feels Like” features dc Talk. And you’d know this if you saw our car dancing as my kids and I listened to TobyMac’s new music.
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ABOUT THE ALBUM :: TobyMac’s sixth solo album, “This Is Not a Test” officially releases tomorrow (Aug. 7).

Here’s a listing of all the tracks on the deluxe version –

1. Like a Match
2. Backseat Driver feat. Hollyn, Tru
3. This Is Not a Test feat. Capital Kings
4. Lights Shine Bright feat. Hollyn
5. Til The Day I Die feat. NF
6. Feel It feat. Mr. TalkBox
7. Move (Keep Walkin’)
8. Love Broke Thru
9. Beyond Me
10. Love Feels Like feat. dc Talk
11. Undeniable
12. Lift You Up feat. Ryan Stevenson
13. Fall
14. Beyond Me (Phenomenon Remix By Soul Glow Activatur)
15. Like a Match (Garcia’s Remix)

ABOUT TOBYMAC :: Toby McKeehan – known professionally as TobyMac – is a husband, father, performer, songwriter, producer, and businessman. Growing up in the northern Virginia suburbs adjacent to Washington D.C. helped instill his love for rap music. While attending Liberty University during the mid 80s, Toby met Michael Tait and Kevin Max Smith and these three friends formed the Grammy-winning, platinum-selling group dc Talk. Toby began his solo career in 1999 and released his first solo album in 2001. Between then and now, he’s released four other solo studio albums and a live album.

Starting with dc Talk, and then going solo when the group disbanded, Toby still clings to such notions as hard work, persistence, patience, and the power of music, which he insists is still what keeps him going. “It’s the truth,” he says. “I still believe that a song can penetrate a heart. I believe God can use a song to open someone's mind and heart.”

Learn more online at his website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, iTunes, and YouTube.

GIVEAWAY :: Use the Rafflecopter widget below for multiple ways to enter this giveaway. A winner will be randomly chosen on Thursday, Aug. 13. This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents.

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Thanks to Propeller Consulting/FlyBy Promotions and Capitol CMG Label Group/ForeFront Records for providing me with an early digital version of this album to review. The opinions here are mine – and, well, my kids. Propeller/FlyBy will also send the winner of this giveaway an actual CD. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. 

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. 

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Finding hope in the unexpected {a review & giveaway}

My journey to motherhood didn’t look like Kayla Aimee’s journey. But both of us became mommas in unexpected ways. We both met God in what were dark seasons of becoming a mom and saw his faithfulness pour into our lives.

In “Anchored: Finding Hope in the Unexpected,” Kayla refers to who she was before and after giving birth to her daughter at 25 weeks. Scarlette may have weighed less than six sticks of butter but she was a fighter.

And that little life changed her momma.

I’ve never stepped foot in a NICU, but I lived through a hard season of infertility that rocked my emotions, my faith, and my marriage – and eventually led us to let God build our family through adoption. While they aren’t the same journeys to motherhood, they are ones that marked our faith journeys.

“Motherhood for me came with a stripping away of control and it has continued in that vein ever since.”

{Kayla Aimee in “Anchored,” page 167}

I too learned to find hope and peace in the unexpected. I had to learn to let go and trust what I couldn’t always see or understand.

Kayla shares her story beautifully and with truth and humor that will have you laughing one minute and crying before you finish the sentence. And while this story of a micro-preemie wasn’t one she expected or necessarily even wanted, it’s one she shares because in her darkness she found light that can only come from God.

I started reading “Anchored” on Mother’s Day while my kids rested and I sat on our back deck in the sunshine. Of course, I finished the book a few days later because even though I knew Scarlette lived – a fact I’m glad isn’t hidden because I’m not sure I could have made it through the pages wondering – I wanted to hear the rest of the story.

Kayla’s words are honest and refreshing as she shares how she sorted out her faith while her dreams seemed to crumble around her. She relates everyday moments of her life to the great big faith we’re all trying to grasp. She shares her prayers and her fears and her hopes – for her family, for her daughter, for her community, and for mommas elsewhere.

When she tells about praying like Hannah, how she prayed for this child and God answered her prayers, and then sees Scarlette in the incubator and so many moments are weaved together in a way that would change a momma’s faith.

“Every bit of want that had gone into those prayers was wrapped up here and now, swaddled in an incubator. It did not look anything like what I had asked for and yet it was everything I had hoped for. All of it was completely unexpected but as I gazed at her I knew that I would do it over for the privilege or loving her. All of the sudden I was Hannah again and all of motherhood was love and all of love was a prayer.”

{Kayla Aimee in “Anchored,” page 106}

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR :: Kayla Aimee is a writer, mother and slightly spirited southern girl who spends her days uncovering hope and humor in unexpected places. She makes her home and garden in northern Georgia with her husband Jeff and daughter Scarlette. Kayla shares stories of faith, family and her favorite things at www.kaylaaimee.com. Learn more about her at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

And here's excerpts of a Q&A with Kayla that the folks at Icon Media Group provided:

How did you keep it together when you felt like your world was falling apart?

I didn’t. Absolutely I fell apart with it. I think it surprises people to hear that because on the outside I looked like I had it together, I was stoic and did the hard things in order to keep myself together when I was at the hospital. Away from that space was different, full of fear and sorrow. But it was in allowing myself to fall apart that I discovered the truth in the Scripture that says that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. I learned that God’s grace really is sufficient and the only thing that was comforting was knowing that I could just lean into that and let it do what I could not.

2. How would you say humor and the ability to laugh at yourself have helped you through parenting? In your marriage?

I remember the first time that I laughed after Scarlette’s birth. I was weary from weeping with heartbreak when the nurse brought me nursing pads and they were wrapped in a bag that said DANGER! HAZARDOUS MATERIALS! I laughed so hard that it hurt my stitches and I remember that was the moment when I knew that I wasn’t lost to my grief. Finding the humor in the moments that are hard helps to shift my perspective. It keeps me from being too quick to anger and makes me appreciate the little things more.

Ecclesiastes says that there is a time to laugh and a time to cry and I think that the intersection of the two is a beautiful portrait of our humanity. Plus, it just brings me so much joy to live a life that is full of laughter and so I chase that, I try to seek out the hope and the humor because that just makes everything a little bit brighter.

3. What is the #1 thing God taught you through Scarlette’s birth experience?

I tend to want to control things or at the very least to know what is coming. Our experience with Scarlette’s birth and NICU stay really revealed to me that I had a tendency to layer my own plans over my prayers. When there was nothing I could do I learned what it meant to genuinely trust God. I think it was this specific time that sharpened my faith, when I was the angriest at the situation and when I least wanted to be faithful was when I found God faithful to me. Not because of a happy ending but because I felt the hope of Him staying steady in the chaos.

ABOUT THE BOOK :: Officially releasing July 1, “Anchored” is 208 pages and published by B&H Books. It’s available at Amazon or wherever else books are sold. Read more about it Kayla’s website.

GIVEAWAY :: And I’m giving away a copy of this book! Yay! Use the Rafflecopter below to enter to win. A winner will be randomly selected on Wednesday, July 1.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Icon Media Group provided my advanced reader's copy in exchange for a review and is providing the additional copy for the giveaway. These opinions are my own. 

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."