2014:My Books

If you read my last post, you know I am geared up and ready for a fresh start this year! With that comes new inspiration, new beginnings and a new outlook.

My book choices to begin my 2014 are compiled of some old, new and redos. Follow along with me this year as I begin this new chapter (pun totally intended), and make my way through words/plans/verses of inspiration.

Let's start at the top:

1 | The Day Designer by Whitney English
I've never met Whitney, (maybe someday!) but I know that someone who can create this type of tool for creative entruprenures, like myself, has a heart of gold. I began working in this last fall after receiving it with an Amber Housley Inspired Session. I have to say… it is amazing. It doesn't just help my plan my day's but it drags out all of my unspoken goals. You know, the ones deep down in your heart. It also is really pretty, and that never hurts. It continues to challenge me… really a planner?.. yes really!… and assist me in my productivity and personal journey.

2 | My NIV Bible
This was a gift from my momma when I was in high school. It's cute, pink and tiny, but full of so much love and truth. I hope to rustle those pages a little more this year.

3 | Love Does by Bob Goff
I can't tell you how long I have wanted to read this. I see quotes and posts about this book all the time, and it just fills me to the brim with joy every time. This year I am diving head first into it with an open heart and mind.

4 | Life Application Study Bible Devo
My bible study friends and I have been making our way through this devotional for quite some time. I love the short summaries and reference to scripture. We all agree that it is teaching us A LOT more than we anticipated, and we are loving that!

5 | You Are Already Amazing by Holley Gerth
As a follow up from "You Were Made for a God-Sized Dream", I started this book in October. Needless to say I haven't finished it. I keep setting it down and going back to it, but I am determined to finish it this year. If you have ever read a Holley Gerth book, you know how gifted she is. If not, then you darn right better! (is that even a phrase?)  Anyway, She is so encouraging and her perspective is one I hope to adopt through my experiences. Her "God-Sized Dream" book is a game changer! Check that one out too!

What are some of your favorite books of inspiration, or tools for the new year?

New Year Resolutions

2013 has been my most eventful year to date. So many things have happened!! It has been a year of goal setting, dream chasing, faith building, healing, forgiveness, and so much more. Although those things were often incredibly challenging, I am so grateful.

 I was thinking today about the story God gives us to tell. My story this year has contained a lot wonderful things that I've shared with you, but also a lot of hurt and pain that I have (for the most part) kept quiet. As I remember the difficult moments, I am remembering my state of surrender. At times it felt like failure, like I was giving up, but It happens to be nothing of the sort. My open, worn and broken heart has transformed and is more ready for God's love than it has ever been before. How amazing is it that God can turn the ugliest moments and the ugliest cries into beautiful moments of love, grace and redemption?! I am so blown away by that. I have "believed" in God all my life, but have never experienced this level of his love.  

This has changed my views on the "New Years resolution" completely. Usually I am listing off the typical : lose weight, save more money, eat better... Blah blah. Well in theory those are great goals to have and are positive and achievable. But this year is going to be about my core.  

Ever heard of KISS? Keep It Simple Stupid. 

This year I focus on two words. So my words for 2014 are LESS and MORE. 

Less stress, More prayer.

Less control, More faith.

Less stuff, More meaning.

Less greed, More thanks.

Less negativity, more love. 

... To name a few. 

What words will you focus on in 2014? What can I pray for you as you begin the new year?