Finding Your Voice: What Every Woman Needs to Live Her God-Given Passions Out Loud, by Natalie Grant.
Ok, so I have always loved Natalie Grant. Her voice is like getting a glimpse of what Heaven will sound like when the angels sing. She is, hands down, amazing. So when I found out that she was writing a book, I was excited and knew I wanted to read her book.
She is a wife, mother, singer and author. Of course, juggling all of that makes her a superwoman! But she also ministers and speaks at conferences. I haven't attending a conference of hers yet, but I have listened to snippets of them and they're powerful, anointed and encouraging. So I knew her book would be too.
In, Finding Your Voice, Natalie takes us on a journey and blueprint on how to follow God, find our God-given potential, how to reach that potential and how to find the anointing on our lives. She shares with us how to realize what our passions are, how to place them in God's hands and find covering from our churches, and people over us, and how to know we are in the right place. She gives a great analogy of how we need to be good with who God has created us to be. Beyonce wouldn't sound great trying to rap like Lecrae, would she? Well, she is content with being who she is and pursues her purpose in that.
Natalie talks about how to pursue our purpose and how to not try to make our voice sound like anyone else's. There is a gift God has given us in just being who He created US to be.
I was given this book for free by BookLookBloggers in exchange for my honest review.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Saturday, October 29, 2016
How it Feels To Vote
So, if you've read any of my blogs you might know that I was raised in a religious sect that was quite controlling and didn't condone voting. Well, at least that was my impression. I've been told some people voted, but I don't think that was their typical stance and most of them kept it private if they did it, lest they risk the wrath of the leaders.
While that might be a bit of an exaggeration, I can't be too sure, since they treated different people with the same circumstances differently. Quite confusing, to be honest.
But here I am, half way through my 29th, year and I am no longer associated with those people and I could vote. I could've voted four years ago when we faced an election, but I still wasn't totally sure of who I was or what I believed. It's taken some time for me to lose all the "right and wrong" things I'd learned there.
When I found out that our options were so...what shall I say? Bleak? I battled within myself on who I would vote for. I did a bit of research and struggled through satire news reports and other things that confused me even further on different candidates. I read about Jill Stein. I read about Bernie Sanders when he was in the running. I read about Evan McMullin. I read about Hillary. I heard a LOT about Trump. Lol. For reals though! This election has my head spinning and I had to sit down and pray a lot about who I should pick.
My husband and family loaded up in the car and we drove to the early voting polls and since my husband is not a citizen (don't get your panties in a wad...he's here legally, on a green card, from England), he stayed in the car with our four kids while I got my ID and waltzed into the voting station.
It was nice and dark in there. They had a few smiling ladies and men sitting there, ready to take my ID.
I kept biting my lip to keep from crying. I felt like I was finally apart of something; like I had a voice. Like I could share what I wanted for my country.
The man handed me back my ID and I almost skipped over to the voting station. I stood there and a couple of tears formed in my eyes. I didn't want to look ridiculous, so I quickly wiped my eyes and put the voter card into the machine. It began.
The names swarmed before me. I was surprised to see that the presidential selections weren't the first ones on the ballot. I searched for their names. I didn't vote straight ticket. Probably never will. That's me. I do my research and try to vote for who I feel will lead my country, my state, my city, my schools, etc, correctly and best.
I selected my votes and pressed, "Review Ballot." I reviewed. Everything was correct. Nope, it didn't change!!! No crazy stories for you if that's what you were looking for. It all seemed correct and I was happy about that.
I pressed "Cast Ballot." And I was done. I took the voter card out of the machine and gave it back to the man helping everyone and got my, "I voted" sticker. You can't know how happy I felt to have done my civic duty. I felt free and happy. I felt I'd done the right thing. I felt amazing.
That's how it felt, for me, to vote.
Sorry if this blog seems a little ridiculous or crazy, but I had to document how I felt getting to vote.
Now, to pray for our country and the turmoil it is about to face. God help us, everyone!
While that might be a bit of an exaggeration, I can't be too sure, since they treated different people with the same circumstances differently. Quite confusing, to be honest.
But here I am, half way through my 29th, year and I am no longer associated with those people and I could vote. I could've voted four years ago when we faced an election, but I still wasn't totally sure of who I was or what I believed. It's taken some time for me to lose all the "right and wrong" things I'd learned there.
When I found out that our options were so...what shall I say? Bleak? I battled within myself on who I would vote for. I did a bit of research and struggled through satire news reports and other things that confused me even further on different candidates. I read about Jill Stein. I read about Bernie Sanders when he was in the running. I read about Evan McMullin. I read about Hillary. I heard a LOT about Trump. Lol. For reals though! This election has my head spinning and I had to sit down and pray a lot about who I should pick.
My husband and family loaded up in the car and we drove to the early voting polls and since my husband is not a citizen (don't get your panties in a wad...he's here legally, on a green card, from England), he stayed in the car with our four kids while I got my ID and waltzed into the voting station.
It was nice and dark in there. They had a few smiling ladies and men sitting there, ready to take my ID.
I kept biting my lip to keep from crying. I felt like I was finally apart of something; like I had a voice. Like I could share what I wanted for my country.
The man handed me back my ID and I almost skipped over to the voting station. I stood there and a couple of tears formed in my eyes. I didn't want to look ridiculous, so I quickly wiped my eyes and put the voter card into the machine. It began.
The names swarmed before me. I was surprised to see that the presidential selections weren't the first ones on the ballot. I searched for their names. I didn't vote straight ticket. Probably never will. That's me. I do my research and try to vote for who I feel will lead my country, my state, my city, my schools, etc, correctly and best.
I selected my votes and pressed, "Review Ballot." I reviewed. Everything was correct. Nope, it didn't change!!! No crazy stories for you if that's what you were looking for. It all seemed correct and I was happy about that.
I pressed "Cast Ballot." And I was done. I took the voter card out of the machine and gave it back to the man helping everyone and got my, "I voted" sticker. You can't know how happy I felt to have done my civic duty. I felt free and happy. I felt I'd done the right thing. I felt amazing.
That's how it felt, for me, to vote.
Sorry if this blog seems a little ridiculous or crazy, but I had to document how I felt getting to vote.
Now, to pray for our country and the turmoil it is about to face. God help us, everyone!
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
NIV Coloring Bible Book Review
So as you all know, I periodically do book reviews, and I am here, doing another! This one is for the NIV Coloring Bible.
This Bible is AMAZING. Seriously. If you love to color and do things with scripture, then this Bible is for you. I find that coloring is relaxing and helps me recover from a long day with my kids and this Bible is perfection in one word.
The pages are nice and thin, just like any regular Bible. The layout is easy to read. The pages that have coloring spots on them are laid out nicely and easy.
It has a beautiful cover and is sturdy. It should last years and years, if it's well taken care of. I think the only thing I would personally change about it is that I would like to see it in a leather version. I love leather.
I am writing this review because I received this NIV Coloring Bible from BookLookBloggers in exchange for my honest review.
This Bible is AMAZING. Seriously. If you love to color and do things with scripture, then this Bible is for you. I find that coloring is relaxing and helps me recover from a long day with my kids and this Bible is perfection in one word.
The pages are nice and thin, just like any regular Bible. The layout is easy to read. The pages that have coloring spots on them are laid out nicely and easy.
It has a beautiful cover and is sturdy. It should last years and years, if it's well taken care of. I think the only thing I would personally change about it is that I would like to see it in a leather version. I love leather.
I am writing this review because I received this NIV Coloring Bible from BookLookBloggers in exchange for my honest review.
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Dear Trump
Dear Trump,
I am writing this open letter to you, in my blog, knowing that you probably will never see this. But if you do, I really want to say something.
I know you don't know me, but I want to tell you a little something about myself.
I am a woman. I am beautiful. I am wonderful. I am gorgeous. I am treasured. I am cherished. I am lovely. I am powerful. I am amazing. Do you know why? Because I am a daughter of The King. Do you know who The King is? His name is Jesus.
Jesus came to earth about 2000 years ago. He walked this earth with all of us humans. He healed the sick. He raised the dead. Then, He died for me. He died on a cross, a horrible, gruesome, painful, bloody death for me and every other person on this planet, including you. He believes everyone, including women, are worth dying for! Women are worth dying for. But do you know what is cool, too, about The King? He said that His people would do even greater things than He did while He was on earth. That's right. That means men, women and children. That means anyone who follows Him. That includes women, just in case you missed that part.
When I hear that people want to excuse what you said about women in the bus that day, it just honestly makes me feel icky inside. It embarrasses me and it makes me feel like you think that women are just objects, trophies to be held up as something a man conquered or won. It isn't normal locker-room talk. It isn't something men and boys should think is ok to joke about. Women are never to be treated badly, or spoken badly about. It isn't "don't get raped." It's "don't rape." Men need to learn the difference. Joking about how women can be grabbed in private places is wrong, immoral and downright disgusting. No one should think that is funny, ok, or the macho thing to do.
I have two little girls. They're beautiful. I am raising them to believe that they're beautiful, wonderful, powerful, world changing daughters of God. I am raising them to know that they own their bodies, and they need to respect their bodies. I am raising them to never let a boy take advantage of them, or to let a man abuse his power over them.
I know you say you're a changed man and that you would never say anything like that again. But would you? I'm honestly not sure I believe that. You have belittled women the entire time you've been running for president.
If you become president, please don't ever speak about a woman with such words pouring from your mouth. Please respect us. You have a beautiful wife. You have daughters. Hold every woman with the same respect and honor in your heart, mind, soul and words as you would them. Hold yourself to the standard you want every other man and boy held to concerning how they think, or speak, or touch your wife and daughters. Give an example of how a man is truly supposed to be.
From a mother to a potential president, I ask you to please, please, please tread carefully. The ice is shattered and you're sinking already. I'm not sure there is a recovery from this, but if you do recover and win this presidency, please go forward with a true heart change and be respectful to all humanity. They all deserve it whether you like them or not.
Thank you!
A Beautiful Woman, Wife, Mother and Daughter
I am writing this open letter to you, in my blog, knowing that you probably will never see this. But if you do, I really want to say something.
I know you don't know me, but I want to tell you a little something about myself.
I am a woman. I am beautiful. I am wonderful. I am gorgeous. I am treasured. I am cherished. I am lovely. I am powerful. I am amazing. Do you know why? Because I am a daughter of The King. Do you know who The King is? His name is Jesus.
Jesus came to earth about 2000 years ago. He walked this earth with all of us humans. He healed the sick. He raised the dead. Then, He died for me. He died on a cross, a horrible, gruesome, painful, bloody death for me and every other person on this planet, including you. He believes everyone, including women, are worth dying for! Women are worth dying for. But do you know what is cool, too, about The King? He said that His people would do even greater things than He did while He was on earth. That's right. That means men, women and children. That means anyone who follows Him. That includes women, just in case you missed that part.
When I hear that people want to excuse what you said about women in the bus that day, it just honestly makes me feel icky inside. It embarrasses me and it makes me feel like you think that women are just objects, trophies to be held up as something a man conquered or won. It isn't normal locker-room talk. It isn't something men and boys should think is ok to joke about. Women are never to be treated badly, or spoken badly about. It isn't "don't get raped." It's "don't rape." Men need to learn the difference. Joking about how women can be grabbed in private places is wrong, immoral and downright disgusting. No one should think that is funny, ok, or the macho thing to do.
I have two little girls. They're beautiful. I am raising them to believe that they're beautiful, wonderful, powerful, world changing daughters of God. I am raising them to know that they own their bodies, and they need to respect their bodies. I am raising them to never let a boy take advantage of them, or to let a man abuse his power over them.
I know you say you're a changed man and that you would never say anything like that again. But would you? I'm honestly not sure I believe that. You have belittled women the entire time you've been running for president.
If you become president, please don't ever speak about a woman with such words pouring from your mouth. Please respect us. You have a beautiful wife. You have daughters. Hold every woman with the same respect and honor in your heart, mind, soul and words as you would them. Hold yourself to the standard you want every other man and boy held to concerning how they think, or speak, or touch your wife and daughters. Give an example of how a man is truly supposed to be.
From a mother to a potential president, I ask you to please, please, please tread carefully. The ice is shattered and you're sinking already. I'm not sure there is a recovery from this, but if you do recover and win this presidency, please go forward with a true heart change and be respectful to all humanity. They all deserve it whether you like them or not.
Thank you!
A Beautiful Woman, Wife, Mother and Daughter
Friday, October 7, 2016
Love Unending and Becky Thompson
Finding time for you and your husband once kids come along can be challenging. Sometimes we get lost in the every day, mundane, crazy, "oh my goodness, I forgot to send a check with my kid to school" days and our marriage gets pushed to the side.
Have you ever felt like that? I know I have. I have four kids, all under the wonderful age of six. It gets all crazy in my household and to be honest, I believe it was about 4 or 5 months ago that I had my first date night in over two years. Yep. I said it. Two very long years. It wasn't because we didn't want to, life just happened. Putting my marriage first has always been something I've known is important, but I realized recently, before I even knew about Love Unending, that my marriage was slowly loosing it's spice. That isn't good!
My parents have been married for like 35 years or something like that. They've told me over and over again that marriages go through stages. Sometimes you feel all ooey-gooey and other times, you aren't as close. They've told me over and over again that marriage takes a lot of work. That you have to constantly make time for each other and to communicate.
While my husband and I have taken time to talk and pray together, actually listening, hearing, talking, praying for each other, and making little, and big, changes for each other just hasn't happened. So along came Scissortail Silk, and Becky Thompson. Scissortail Silk is a page on Facebook that I somehow came to know and love, and it has been a life changer! Becky is real as real can get. She's down to earth, honest and in my opinion, a marriage expert. She's amazing. So, when I first discovered her, I had just finished reading her book, "Hope Unfolding." That was a life changer, and something I will share about later. But then she announced she was writing a marriage book called, "Love Unending" and was asking for launch members for her book. I asked to join and got accepted. I am so blessed to be apart of this team and to help Becky get this book known to the whole world.
Being a member on the launch team, I was blessed with an Advanced Reader Copy gifted to me (and other launch members) to read and go through before it is released. I am on Day Six so far and LOVING IT.
Now, I have thumbed through it all and scanned it, because I'm someone who likes to know the ending before starting the entire thing. (Yeah, I'm one of those people! LOL). I might liken it to the book, "The Love Dare" except it's totally for women who want to find the fire and spice for their marriages while dealing with motherhood. It is just for mothers! Who wouldn't want something designed and written just for them?
So, here's the deal. Why don't you go preorder yourself a copy here Love Unending Preorder Link and it will be shipped out in January when it is released on January 3rd, 2017. Please! Go get yourself a copy. It's sooooo worth it. Trust me when I say you won't be sorry.
And of course, please go check her Facebook page(s) out here Scissortail Silk and Midnight Mom Devotional . Follow her for some wonderful encouragement and some "get real" moments.
Lots of love to all of you!
Courtney
Have you ever felt like that? I know I have. I have four kids, all under the wonderful age of six. It gets all crazy in my household and to be honest, I believe it was about 4 or 5 months ago that I had my first date night in over two years. Yep. I said it. Two very long years. It wasn't because we didn't want to, life just happened. Putting my marriage first has always been something I've known is important, but I realized recently, before I even knew about Love Unending, that my marriage was slowly loosing it's spice. That isn't good!
My parents have been married for like 35 years or something like that. They've told me over and over again that marriages go through stages. Sometimes you feel all ooey-gooey and other times, you aren't as close. They've told me over and over again that marriage takes a lot of work. That you have to constantly make time for each other and to communicate.
While my husband and I have taken time to talk and pray together, actually listening, hearing, talking, praying for each other, and making little, and big, changes for each other just hasn't happened. So along came Scissortail Silk, and Becky Thompson. Scissortail Silk is a page on Facebook that I somehow came to know and love, and it has been a life changer! Becky is real as real can get. She's down to earth, honest and in my opinion, a marriage expert. She's amazing. So, when I first discovered her, I had just finished reading her book, "Hope Unfolding." That was a life changer, and something I will share about later. But then she announced she was writing a marriage book called, "Love Unending" and was asking for launch members for her book. I asked to join and got accepted. I am so blessed to be apart of this team and to help Becky get this book known to the whole world.
Being a member on the launch team, I was blessed with an Advanced Reader Copy gifted to me (and other launch members) to read and go through before it is released. I am on Day Six so far and LOVING IT.
Now, I have thumbed through it all and scanned it, because I'm someone who likes to know the ending before starting the entire thing. (Yeah, I'm one of those people! LOL). I might liken it to the book, "The Love Dare" except it's totally for women who want to find the fire and spice for their marriages while dealing with motherhood. It is just for mothers! Who wouldn't want something designed and written just for them?
So, here's the deal. Why don't you go preorder yourself a copy here Love Unending Preorder Link and it will be shipped out in January when it is released on January 3rd, 2017. Please! Go get yourself a copy. It's sooooo worth it. Trust me when I say you won't be sorry.
And of course, please go check her Facebook page(s) out here Scissortail Silk and Midnight Mom Devotional . Follow her for some wonderful encouragement and some "get real" moments.
Lots of love to all of you!
Courtney
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