Time for more books!

 

Look at me, blogging twice in 6 months! And, it's more book reviews coming at cha! 

These two books were pretty great. First up, Holy Noticing: The Bible, Your Brain, and the Mindful Space Between Moments  by Charles Stone.  This book actually took me a while to get through. Not that it was so terrible, but there is so much to unpack that I wanted to go slow through it. The bible instructs us to be mindful and meditate on God's word. This book dives into that, and into the science of it. Neuroscience is so fascinating, and to see what they are just now discovering, and comparing that to what's written in the bible, thousands of years ago, it's simply amazing. I'd recommend this book to anyone who is interested in in seeing science prove what the bible says about hacking our brains. 

Next up is The 4 Habits of Joy-Filled Marriages: How 15 Minutes a Day Will Help You Stay in Love by Marcus Warner and Chris M. Coursey

I love a good marriage book. If we're not actively working on our marriage and relationship, then it's stagnant. So I knew I had to read this one. Who doesn't need more joy in their life & marriage?   Marcus and Chris also get into neuroscience of keeping joy regular and problems small. It's another brain/relationship hack! They also throw in some short exercises, which is fabulous. You get to immediately try out what you just learned. It's a short book, a quick read for the reluctant spouse, but meaty enough to actually improve your "Joy Gap" if you put a little effort into it. I'd recommend this book to all married couples, even engaged couples! 

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

A bundle SO big!

OK, I'm going to get real with y'all... I use to think all these marriage builders, marriage makeovers, etc. were kinda cheesy. And if I thought that, then my man-of-very-few-words husband would definitely think it! So, we never did them. And- like any marriage- events, work, health problems, get in the way. One day you wake up, not as close to your spouse as you use to or want to be.  How do you fix it? Well, if you're me, and a Research Master, you research it until it's dead, and more dead, like never even a chance of it pulling a zombie to come back and get ya, type of research dead. 

When I found The Dating Diva's website, my cheesy factor meter was tapping out. But- I wanted to feel that closeness with my Mr, so we gave a couple of things a shot. Like the 52 Dates photo album. And y'all, once you say- "Yes, it's cheesy, and yes, we have to do it, " it's pretty okay! The activities and dates we've tried put you in the mindset of focusing on each other, giving an opportunity for communication, and just let's you have fun with your spouse. When's the last time you had FUN? Silly, pointless, no to-do list kinda fun?  Yep, I thought so. It'd had been a while for us, too.

Fast forward to today, where I found out that The Dating Divas have pulled together this Marriage Bundle..... can't you hear them? the angels... HALLLLEEELLLUUUJAH! Printables, marriage courses, ebooks, the works! And just a little tip, when The Dating Divas put out a product/bundle launch, they normally do cheapest first and as the days tick by, price goes up! They also are only offering this bundle for a few days, so GOOOOOOOO!

How cool is this? So many things, all in one spot! Not to mention, one of my favorite blogger pals, Charlene, wrote something for this bundle! EK! So proud of her!

I'm not going to try to sell you on this, because that isn't what this blog is all about.  It's about being real, and truly wanting to share my life. Even all the stinky, cobweby parts. And it happens! Life happens! If you intentionally put your marriage & spouse first, then you're back on the right track, my friend.  This site has helped me & my Mr. connect better than we have in a year. 

If you give this a try, and I pray that you do, leave a comment below or email me, telling me how it goes!

Posts on this blog may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I might get a tiny percentage of the purchase price, but it doesn't cost you a thing. All opinions are my own.

That Bookworm Life

Blogging for books- We Stood Upon Stars by Roger W. Thompson

This book couldn't have come at a better time! I'm currently fascinated by the whole tiny home /sell everything & travel around movement, and this book has so much travel in it that I can't get enough! Very descriptive scenes, showing how all events and days in your life mold and form who a person turns out to be. This was my first time reading Roger Thompson, but it won't be my last. 

Tyndale- The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers

OK, it's safe to officially declare Francine Rivers my favorite Christian author! I was first introduced to her through her mega popular book, Redeeming Love, and was immediately hooked! Her character portraits are so detailed, you really feel like you get to know them personally. And this latest book- Masterpiece, is one that I've been looking forward to for a year. It did not disappoint! The characters were relatable, a few twists & turns, but, as always, her message that God loves you shines throughout the book.  I devoured this book in 4 days, and I am debating whether to do a re-read immediately or wait a few weeks! Please get your hands on this book asap! 

MPnewsroom- How To Overcome Worry by Dr. Winfred Neely

Worry is something I do incredibly well. So when any book comes across, I gobble it up. I love how Dr. Neely not only helps you identify what is concern verses worry, but he tells you how to handle the worry situation. He also backs up everything he says with scripture, which is something that makes me feel at ease knowing that the author's beliefs line up with mine. Only God can provide you with that soul soothing peace, and Dr. Neely's book guides you through the steps to achieve that.

No More Perfect Marriages by Mark & Jill Savage

It is my belief that if you are not actively working to improve your marriage, you will get stagnant and then start drifting away from your spouse. So, I try to find many books on the subject. What I love about this book is that you don't feel pressure and shame over your marriage not being absolutely perfect. We are human, we make mistakes, and the Savages convey a plan to improve your marriage while not being ashamed.  I would suggest this book for every married couple! 

From Baker Books- Called to Create by Jordan Raynor

This book was exactly what I needed, a good motivator! I had neglected my art for years, while trying to deal with being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. It takes over your whole life! But, while reading this book, I began to look at my art with fresh eyes. It's a gift from God, the ability to create something from nothing, and it didn't hit me until this book! I loved all of the different stories in here. It really gives you a lot of inspiration to get back to your gift! I would recommend it for all creatives out there.

* I received these books free in exchange for my honest opinion.*
*Jessica is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.  This means that by clicking on & purchasing through the links provided, I get a small percentage of the sale at no cost to you!*


What are you reading lately? I love a good book recommendation! Leave them below!

Well, well, well...

Hey Y'all! I know, you're wondering, "Who's this chick?" It's been way too long! This won't be a long update post, or empty promises about posting more. Honestly- I don't think about this blog daily. What it is is a little update on life & what I want to do with this blog from here on out.

This blog was my baby for so long! In the midst of life changes like buying our first home, becoming a foster home, having our first foster children here for 6 months until they moved on. More health setbacks. Tough realizations about how much our lives have changed from when we met to now dealing with my health issues stopping us from being who we were. Lots & lots of changes! This blog was shoved not only on the back burner, but in the back of the deepest closet, like basement closet that only sees the light of day once a year type of shoving! For that, I'm sorry! 

This blog was my outlet. My little space in the world to share what craft projects I was trying, what recipes I loved. I posted 5 times a week, and once all the other life things started piling on top of me, I couldn't keep up. Something had to give, and the blog was it.

So, what do I want this blog to be now? What will you see from here on out? Well, more of my life, more personal things. The Mr. and I are transitioning into & finally dealing with many things, and the blog will reflect that. Some of what you will see is:

• Trying to become Vegan- more whole foods, plant based to see if it will help with my health issues. (Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, Arthritis, Severe Migraines 8 times a month, etc.)

• On that note, you'll see more about how we are coming to terms with the health issues. What's helping me at the moment, how we are trying to plan a more fulfilling life while dealing with the issues.

• More crafting updates on my creative journey. How I try to carve out time to paint & draw more than I have been. Also, the journey from an idea of a product I want to offer in my shop, through creating it & finally posting it. 

• I am toying with the idea of recording short YouTube videos, studio vlogs, painting time-lapses, tutorials, etc. I'm thinking that videos will be easier than long blog posts. What do you think?

• More on my faith, how I have to cling to Jesus more and more to stay joyful during this life with health problems.

• More book reviews, especially ones that really make me think or change things about my life.

Lots of new things going on in my life, and I still want to share it with you! I have accepted that I won't be able to post 5 times a week like before, but I still love the blogging community and want this space to continue!

What are you looking forward to the most? Comment below! 

And don't forget- I update the most on my Instagram, so don't forget to follow me there to see what I'm up to!

Him vs. Her

I wish I could find the post of who did this survey, so I could link back to them!  When I saw this, I knew we had to participate! It's fun to see on the screen, just how much we are different. Polar opposites, but it works!   

  Shoes
    Him: Anything sturdy in the winter, and open in the summer
    Her: Right now I prefer tall boots to drudge through the snow and slush.

    

    
    Drink/Beverage
    Him: Monsters
    Her: Coffee, tea and water.
    
    
    Ice Cream Flavor
    Him: Mint Chocolate Chip
    Her: Vanilla with Caramel drizzled on top.
   

 

    
    Color
    Him: The turquoise blue of Hawaii water
    Her: Shades of Green
    
    
    Candy
    Him: Not a big candy fan, but liquorice or anything from Albanese
    Her: Reese's cups. Peanut butter and chocolate are my weakness!

    
    
    Music
    Him: 90's and 2k rock
    Her: Contemporary Christian, & Zydeco
    
    
    Go to outfit
    Him: Jeans & t-shirt (Ha! wife answered this for me...)
    Her: Maxi dresses with cardigan

    

    
    Restaurant
    Him: Love a good diner - haven't really found one here yet
    Her: any good sushi place
    
    
    Movie
    Him: LOTR/Avengers/Braveheart
    Her: Pride and Prejudice

    

    
    Food
    Him: Steak
    Her: Sushi!
    
    
    Item You Can't Live Without
    Him: Don't have anything like this - maybe a book?
    Her: Lip balm.

    
    
    TV Show
    Him: Love Firefly - probably the only show I could re-watch multiple times
    Her: Currently, it is Southern Charm. I know it's bad reality TV, but I just can't look away!
    
    
    Wake up time (M-F)
    Him: 9:30am
    Her: 6:20am 
    
    
    Way to relax
    Him: Playing video games 
    Her: reading or crocheting
    

    
    Vacation Spot
    Him: EVERYWHERE! still have many locations around the world we will see! However, a yearly family trip to a lake in Wisconsin is always a great time.
    Her: I have to get to water! Either by the sea or a large lake
    
    
    Holiday
    Him: Thanksgiving because of the food!
    Her: Christmas

    
    
    Sports
    Him: Playing: Softball or Basketball  Watching: Football  Going to the game: Baseball
    Her: Yoga, Try it. It's a sport! 

I'd love to hear your answers!