I’ve been in love with reading for as long as I can remember. I am so so super thankful for a Mama who encouraged me to read. Growing up, every night my Mama and I would shut the TV off early (some nights at 8 pm) and go to bed and read. Some of my fav memories are snowy Sunday afternoons, curled up under a blanket reading. I would be in my chair and she would be in hers. I didn’t want to play video games, or spend hours of my life watching TV; I just wanted to get lost in a book.  But it’s more than that, there is a connection between words and me. My mama says it’s because I’m wordy 🙂 It’s one of the reasons I enjoy blogging. And I feel completely blessed that part of that blogging is doing book reviews.

I took this book on vacation with us, and dove into it straight away. I was excited to learn more about this family who’d already endeared themselves to me through their television series and their display of faith. I wasn’t disappointed. The one unique, refreshing, and comforting quality that recurred throughout the book was the raw honesty and transparency. Jep and Jessica are very candid, holding nothing back, while they share. Written in first person, alternating chapters, I love how this book flows. It’s like sitting in on a conversation. I absolutely loved this book!  You can read my full review HERE.

I’ve been stalking this sweet girl since our scrapbooking days. when Scarlette was born, I followed Kayla’s blog. So every chance she had to post, I was there reading the update. I prayed for this tiny soul back then. I prayed for Kayla’s Mama heart, knowing it was hurting. You can read my full review HERE.

I was so ridiculously excited to be chosen as part of the book launch team for this book! As I began reading the book, I was blown away by how much I could relate. I wish I could put into words how this book spoke directly to my heart. I absolutely couldn’t put it down, I felt as if I was reading my own story.  You can find the full review HERE.

My husband works for the state plowing in the winter, so my littles and I spend a lot of evenings and weekends at home, snowed in.  Those are my favorite days to snuggle up under a cushie blanket and just read the day away.  Normally it was just me reading but my daughter has found her own love for reading in the past year!  I see lots of reading days in our future, yay!

Rachel Platten – Fight Song

This song, oh this song.  So many different ways I connect to it.  There have been so many days where I had to fight to take back myself…whether it be on one of my sick days or my battle with weight loss.  This song makes me want to continue the fight.

Sidewalk Prophets – Keep Making Me

I absolutely love this song.  It makes me want to throw my hands in the air and let the tears roll down my face.  The words are so powerful…Make me empty so I can be filled ‘Cause I’m still holding Onto my will. And I’m completed when you are with me. Make me empty.  Isn’t that what we all should strive for, less of us and more of Him.

Alan Jackson – Standing on the Promises

This song holds such a oh-so-special place in my heart.  When I was a little girl taking piano lessons, this was one of the first hymns I learned.  While I was playing, my Dad would sing along.  He taught me how to pull the harmony out and pick out those notes.  I remember my neighbor saying how they enjoyed sitting on their swing listening to me play and us sing this song.  Even now, when there is a Sunday we sing this song, my heart does a little leap.  And you can bet I belt out those harmonies. 

The Kingsboys – The Son Hath Made Me Free

While other teenage girls were crushing on NKOTB and Backstreet Boys, this girl was crushing hard on the Kingsboys.  Goodness.  Teenage Christian boys that can harmonize.  I had every single one of their albums and still bust them out when I’m home alone {everyone else in my house isn’t a fan} so I can sing at the top of my lungs.  I’m still a sucker for amazing harmonies.

The Gaithers – Daddy Sang Bass

This is another song special to me because of my Daddy.  One of the first records I can remember us having was Statler Brothers hymns.  This was one of the songs on that poor record I wore out.  I adored this song and listening to my Dad sing it.  I’m blessed to have a husband that can sing the best bass around.  And sometimes if I turn this song on, I can talk him into singing it with me.