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

My 2019 Book goals

One of my goals for 2019 is to read more books.  I feel such joy when I read. Not only am I learning new things, or diving into a new story that unfolds in front of my eyes, I'm de-stressing. And this year, it's allllllll about de-stressing, simplifying, just getting rid of clutter in every area of my life. Reading takes me out of my own head, where thoughts and worries fly around like a swarm of bees. Reading puts me in a different world, or different mindset. And it's always a faithful, trusty friend. 

For 2019, my goal is 40 books. That's 3-4 books a month. OK, maybe that's too lofty of a goal, but we'll shoot for it anyway!  What that means for you is, more book reviews, or maybe just a list of books that I think you should give a try! If you're not a book type of person... well, I guess you could just skip right on over these posts. :) 

OK, today I have a couple of books that I read over the holidays. 

Redeeming How We Talk: Discover how communication fuels our growth, shapes out relationships, and changes our lives. by Ken Wytsma and A. J. Swoboda

 This book grabbed me from the first glance of the title.  Over the years, I'm slowly learning the weight of words, even your own internal dialogue.  Words are impactful.  They can lift someone up or bring them to their knees. And this book helps deal with that. Not to mention how it seems that everyone communicates electronically now. No one knows how to have a good conversation anymore! I love how the authors of this book dig out scripture to back up what they're saying: Words have power, and we need to re-learn how to use them to glorify God.  This is a book that I'll keep re-reading throughout the years. 

He is Enough, Living in the Fullness of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu

  Y'all, this book really hit home for me right now. There's always that little voice saying, "If this were this way, then I could do this..."  and it's simply not true! But how do we get out of that mindset? By focusing on Jesus. He is so much more than just "Enough."  This is a 6 week study on Colossians, and it focuses on Jesus, how sovereign He is. It's easy to forget that in the day to day garbage we all wade through. This study would be fantastic for anyone in any stage in life. I love how she has 2 paths, a snack on the go for when you have just a little bit of time, or a meaty option for when you can dig deep. The 6 weeks is another thing I like. Long enough to get you to re-train your brain, but short enough that it doesn't seem to require a huge chuck out of you. Love it! 

Praying God's Will for Your Life: A Prayerful Walk to Spiritual Well Being

By Stormie Omartian

Stormie Omartain is one of the few authors that I seek out regularly.  Her popular books- "The Power of a Praying..." can apply to anyone in any stage in life. This book is no different. More times than not, we all get to a point where we question our life path. And this book will teach you how to pray for God's will for your life, how to change your heart attitude, how to have an intimate relationship with God, solid foundation in God’s truth, and commitment to obedience.  If you're seeking answers, or feeling stuck in your walk with Christ, this book would be excellent for you! 

That's all for today! I'll have more books I've read lately in next week's post. What are you reading lately? Comment below! 

And I use Goodreads to keep up with my reviews, what I've read, what I want to read. You can find the link to my Goodreads profile at the top of the page- "Bookshelf". 

**I received these books complimentary from publishers, in exchange for my HONEST review. All opinions are my own.**

Do you have a deadly friendship?

Mary DeMuth has blown me away, again.  My first encounter with her was when she spoke at my church. And then I bought her book- Jesus Everyday, which blew me away. I'm sure you've all heard the saying, "Pray to God like you're talking to a friend." I've always had an issue with that. I didn't know how, and if I should- He is the Almighty, does he really want me to gab on & on like I do with my friends? Yes, yes He does. In reading Jesus Everyday, I was able to experience how Mary prays, and became comfortable with the thought of that type of praying. I love it now!

So, today, Mary released The Seven Deadly Friendships- How to Heal When Painful Relationships Eat Away at Your Joy. And y'all, read this & you'll see why I say Mary blew me away, again! We all have the friendships where you give more than you get. Or the one where someone twists every single thing back to them so that they are the main attraction, always. Whatever your issues, Mary touches on a great many of them. And she speaks about how to handle them biblically. It doesn't have to be something we rehash over & over in our minds, bugging us to death. Through this book, I've been able to identify what is wrong in the friendship, and biblically process and deal with the relationship. Sometimes, it's best to roll up your sleeves and get through it, even when it's ugly, and sometimes it's just time to cut it out of your life. Mary walks readers through all of this in this wonderful book. By the time you're finished reading and dealing with your problem relationships, you walk away with  it off your shoulders, really being okay about whatever the outcome. I highly recommend this book to anyone!

Do you have a deadly friendship? How do you deal with them?

*I received this book free in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Winners!

From Blogging for Books- Whisper  by Mark Batterson

Y'all- GO GET THIS BOOK!  I feel like there is still so much I need to learn about God. And a major thing I'm learning & working on is listening to Him. How do we listen? Is it audible? Is it through other people? Through the bible? There was so many questions and not enough answers for me. And then this book came along and blew me away! I loved how he backed it all up with scripture, but also with "Real world" things. It's hard to describe how much this book has changed how I listen to God, without getting into a long post, so do yourself a favor and go get this book!

From Bethany House- Courageous Women of the Bible by LaTan Roland Murphy


 It is hard enough to be a woman in this day and age, but I can only imagine how difficult it would've been for the ladies of Jesus' time and earlier. This book helped me to visualize the time period and circumstances of the women of the bible, and how hard it was for them.  The courage they showed took major guts! Everyone would like to think that they would do the same if they were in the same situation and circumstances, but if it came down to it- I probably would have a hard time doing what these ladies did! This book is a good reminder of how courageous we must be to follow after Jesus. 

From Moody publishers- Lies Women Believe: And the Truth that Sets Them Free book and study guide by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

This book and study were just what I needed at the moment I needed them.  A great way to get yourself out of the lies from the enemy, to fight back, to show him we will not let him have strongholds in our minds! I only wish I would've read and went through the study earlier in life so I could've demolished the lies from the enemy sooner. I highly recommend this book and study for everyone at any time.

The Finishing School by Val Worner

This is a book I purchased on my own & I love it! I did get behind in the book club that Val Marie Paper is putting on now, but it doesn't matter! The chapters are  pretty self-contained so I just jumped in where they were.  Val is a lady after my own bookworm heart. It's so great to know that someone else has issues with reading so many self-help/self-improvement books and doesn't know how to put all of the good tips into action! I bought the ebook but now I wish I would've bought the paperback so I could highlight that baby all up! What's even better is that she has the worksheets to the book for free on her website! HELLLOOO!! So amazing! 


* I received most of 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!*

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!

So.....

Don't you just love these free lock screens from Well-Watered Women Co ? 

... I have completely neglected my little corner of the blogosphere for the past 6 months. Forgive me! We've been a foster home for 6 months now.  And let me tell you- foster care is no joke!  I pinky promise to sit down soon to write out a charming blog post about our experiences so far, the good as well as the not so great... but still having to protect the kid's privacy... which requires more brainpower than all the chaos & lack of sleep provides me with on any given day!

  If you are a parent, and you have tips on how to get the kids to get in gear in the mornings so we're NOT scrabbling for the bus everyday... PLEASE comment below or shoot me an email! I'd loveeeeee to hear strategies that actually work! 

 But- I do update more on instagram, if you're not following me there, go follow! Let me add in some snapshots of the past couple of months for ya. 

Corn mazin' with the Littles.

A post shared by The Artsy Cajun (@theartsycajun) on Sep 9, 2017 at 12:52pm PDT

Pumpkin spice swirl bread ✔️. Pumpkin butter slathered on ✔️. New Hello pumpkin mug from @pretty_collected ✔️. I officially declare that Fall and all things pumpkin has started! 💃

A post shared by The Artsy Cajun (@theartsycajun) on Sep 2, 2017 at 10:22am PDT

#yogafaithcreatespace challenge- Day 15- Linen & Laundry Spaces. It feels SOOO much better in there doing yucky laundry! @yogafaith 's caption- " These two areas can become junk areas that catch all. The best way to clear the linen closet or space is to remove everything, then place only the items you use and need, keeping nothing else. Make it appealing with fun containers or baskets. Sort sizes so you quit wasting time having to search for sheets that match. Repeat in the laundry room/space. Finish your spaces with a spritz of essential oil mixed with water, keep on hand, anything citrus is recommended." 👍

A post shared by The Artsy Cajun (@theartsycajun) on Aug 31, 2017 at 11:50am PDT

Quick sketch, Main Street, Galena

A post shared by The Artsy Cajun (@theartsycajun) on Aug 15, 2017 at 10:42am PDT

A little bible study in nature. 💗

A post shared by The Artsy Cajun (@theartsycajun) on Jul 30, 2017 at 12:59pm PDT

Harry Potter day was so fun! I know two little Ravenclaw kids who will sleep good tonight!

A post shared by The Artsy Cajun (@theartsycajun) on Jul 29, 2017 at 4:35pm PDT

I have lost control of the garden! I repeat... I have lost all control of the garden! it's taken a life of its own! Pumpkin is being a bully but even the tomatoes have gone bonkers. Square foot gardening 👎 send help. 🤣

A post shared by The Artsy Cajun (@theartsycajun) on Jul 20, 2017 at 7:08pm PDT

It's still one of my favorite pieces. 😍

A post shared by The Artsy Cajun (@theartsycajun) on Jul 25, 2017 at 11:10am PDT

It's that time again...

Many book reviews!!! I know, I've been away learning how to be a foster parent- trial by fire & have neglected the blog. I'm still learning- trial by sometimes BIG fire and until we get the swing of things, it'll be hit & miss with the blog posting.  Today, it's a hit!  I have tons of book reviews for you & some of these were life changing, right when I needed to cling onto my faith the most!

From Bethany House:  Alive in the Spirit by A.W. Tozer
  I've noticed I'm a sucker when it comes to Tozer books. His writing always comes with a bite. It's quick, to the point, no frills or sugar coating, which I need most of the time! This book was no different. I feel like the Holy Spirit is often overlooked.  When I noticed I was overlooking Him, I made a point to try to learn as much as possible about Him, how to relate, how to worship & basically how to talk to Him. This book supplied me with all of the answers I was looking for! I just wish I would've read it when I first began to take my walk with the Lord seriously.

From Blogging for Books- Enjoy by Trillia Newbell
  Mrs. Newbell knows how to stop you dead in your tracks & enjoy your life! I loved her writing style, more relaxed than preachy. The art work on the cover looks so real I actually thought it was a photo! This book is fantastic for the upcoming Summer season, making you look forward for those slow & steady days instead of the rat race days. It would be perfect for any adult!

From Book Look Bloggers- Devotions for Easter by Stacy J. Edwards
  I'm so far behind on these reviews it's ridiculous! Look, this one was from BEFORE EASTER! Ah, well... live happens!  This book was so beautiful, the writing AND gorgeous flower photos throughout! I love devotionals that lead up to something, and Easter- the most important Christian holiday (in my opinion) doesn't get a lot of the devotional hype as others, like Christmas. So, I was so excited to review this book. And it didn't disappoint me! Loved the simple, sweet, daily messages as well as the gorgeous floral photos! This would be a fantastic gift for anyone who celebrates Easter.

From Tyndale Publishers- 60 Days of Happiness by Randy Alcorn
  60 Days of Happiness really set my world on fire! I feel like, as a society, everyone is frantically searching for happiness. I want to scream it from the rooftops that I was one of you! Some days, I still am.  But, you'll only find that kind of happiness that you're looking for- from Jesus. And this book helps break it down for you. It's a slow approach type of helping book, not a flip-your-world-upside-down-in-30-seconds type of book.  And I love that the cover is a happy yellow color :)

          

From Moody Publishers-  Prayer, How to be Filled with the Holy Spirit, both by A.W. Tozer
  Again, Mr. Tozer is becoming one of my favorite authors! As I mentioned before, I feel like the Holy Spirit gets neglected from most people because the focus is mostly on God the Father & God the Son. So, I'm actively searching for all the info I can absorb on the Holy Spirit. This book (How to be Filled with the Holy Spirit)  shed so much light on Him! It's one of the books that you just know it'll be on your bookshelf for the rest of your life. Tozer gives insights that I know I would not have put together on my own, and I love that!

  Prayer by A.W. Tozer was also a fantastic book! I get tired of praying the same old things over & over. Tozer supplies the how to's as well as the whys , & what your prayer life should look like. I love that he supplies the biblical backup for his thoughts.

From Baker Books-  The Imperfect Disciple by Jared C. Wilson
  Okay, now this book is AWESOME! I'd never heard of Jared C. Wilson before, but any book that acknowledges no Christ follower is perfect and says so as one of the main points is a book I'm definitely going to read! Wilson delivers many arrows of truth straight to your heart in a funny style of writing that I love! He gives insight, backs it biblically, and it's one of the books that doesn't make me feel like a loser of a Christian because I don't have it all together! I love it! I would recommend this to every. single. last. Christian in the world. Read it! You can thank me later!

Whew, thanks for hanging in there with me! I was so far behind with the reviews!

I am hoping to get a couple of new Foster Home updates going here in the next week, but school will be out soon & only my God knows how much time I'll actually have free to blog.  If you'd like to stay more up to date, follow me on Instagram! It's the one social media outlet I keep up with almost daily.

Hope y'all have a great weekend!

**I received these books complimentary 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!*

For the Bad Pain Days...

 Lately, I've noticed a trend- bible journaling. At first, I saw the beautiful works of art on the pages of bibles and thought-- there is no way they can read the words now! Now that I have a chance to review one, I understand that it's not about being able to read the words, it's about celebrating the words & verses that touch us. Y'all, I'm so excited to try this whole bible journaling thing out!

  This bible- the NIV Journal the Word Bible from Zondervan is AWESOME! The delicate floral pattern is so cute, you don't need a bible cover! Pages are nice & thick, so I could even journal with watercolor and it wouldn't be too wavy after. This is the best for a gift, maybe someone in your life is sick, or will have lots of time to sit or lay after an accident, maybe they're like me and have a chronic illness that knocks them down almost daily. Whatever the reason, this is the nicest gift- encouraging someone with the Word while giving them some stress relief by journaling!

  I've noticed on the bad pain days that I tend to seek out bible verses that help me deal with everything that comes along with chronic illness. There are so many encouraging ones, but I just had to share my favorites.

  Have you tried bible journaling? Gimme all your tips for it! Comment below!

**This bible was complimentary in exchange for my HONEST opinion. **

When you're spiritually weak

 

  No matter how hard you try, sometimes you slip further from God. Life gets hectic, you miss your quiet time that day & promise yourself that you'll catch up tomorrow... sometimes you actually catch up, sometimes you slip further. This is when the enemy slips in & tells you.. look- you missed your time with God and nothing happened! You're fine to miss another, go ahead, you're too busy.

   Folks, when this happens to me, when I miss a day of quiet time, I'm crankier; my fuse gets shorter; my words become sharper.

  At first, I may not realize what's happening; but when I do I dive head first into prayers, begging forgiveness for my weaknesses. I know that I haven't been plugged into God and my spiritual batteries are weak, near powering down. Then, I get a bible in front of me- sometimes it's my humongous study bible, sometimes I'm out and about, so I pull up my bible app, just any form of His word needs to fill my eyes ASAP and fill me up!  I'm my best self when I pour everything out to God in the morning, and pray He fills me with the Holy Spirit, sticking closer to me than a mosquito in the South.

  Sometimes you are so spiritually weak that you need a kick start... like devotionals. And lately I've really enjoyed reading works by A.W. Tozer. His words cut through the fluff & hit your heart like a sledge hammer. When I had a chance to review a morning and evening devotional by Mr. Tozer, I jumped!

  These devotionals are pure gold. Mr. Tozer's words connect some dots that I would have NEVER connected before. Clear and precise messages for every day, backed by a verse from the bible, and sticks with you throughout the day? Yes, please!  I feel as if I've found the devotionals that I could read for years on end and never get tired of. I would recommend both morning and evening devotionals by A.W. Tozer for teen to adult.


And sometimes you need to write down verses on sticky notes, on chalkboards, on anything in eyesight to help you when you're spiritually weak. These are my particular favorites to combat Grouchy Jessy, the pretty flowers help my mood also!

** I received these devotionals complimentary in exchange for my HONEST opinion. **