the growly books: begin

This little bear has had quite the impact on me!

My girls love adventures, explorations, and all things mysteriously exciting! Admittedly, those words haven’t been on our to-do lists lately. In fact, the girls were watching some of our old YouTube videos last night — our past adventures — and told me how much they miss our adventures.

Ahhh, my mommy heart!

But reading about this little bear, C.J., and his vividly beautiful adventures, has sparked something in this weary momma’s heart! Watch out girls … I feel an adventure coming on!!

Here’s a bit of what author’s Phil and Erin Urlich, have to say about their own adventure:

“It’s been a long journey, and what The Growly Books have become is much different than what we imagined starting out. Through the process of waiting, we feel like we have captured something that really comes from our hearts. It has become a much richer story than where we began.”

About the Book:

For centuries the bears of Haven have lived quiet lives, high in the mountains at the edge of the great Precipice. That all changes for a young cub named Growly when he receives a mysterious message. With just his backpack and glider, Growly sets out on a desperate journey to find his grandfather’s long lost friend . . . and to find a way back home. Begin is the first book in The Growly Books series. Written for the 8-12 year old reading level, Begin is also a captivating read aloud for younger children and will appeal to anyone who appreciates stories of adventure and friendship.

How To Get A Copy:

The print book is available on Amazon or the Growly Books website. If you purchase from the Growly website, there are some fun freebies included in your purchase!

The Kindle Edition is available on Amazon.

A special package including the book and a signed print by illustrator Annie Barnett is also be available from the Growly Books website.

Be Small Studios has prints available in their shop as well.

Posted in resources, review

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to walk or stay :: book club – week 6

I’ve already mentioned how Lara’s book, To Walk or Stay has had a huge impact on me {like everyone should read it!}, and today I’m honored to host this week’s book club discussion!

I started writing out a post for today, when I felt God lay it on my heart to speak directly to you through video. It’s a longie … but I pray you’ll take time to hear my heart.

And after you watch the video, I’d love to further our discussion in the comments! Discussion questions listed below.

{if you’re reading in an RSS feed, click here to view video}

“Leaving would mean I miss a blessing.”

Tell us in the comments, how do these thoughts on divorce challenge and/or encourage you?

As I mentioned in the video, I’m choosing to be obedient to God’s calling for me in my marriage. What choices can you personally make to reflect God’s design in your own marriage?

It’s all about love! Marriage — even in the most difficult seasons — is about choosing to love. I am a walking testimony to God’s love overflowing through me, allowing me to love someone who hurt me. Which aspect of love reveals your place of greatest challenge, and why?

If you haven’t read To Walk or Stay and this post has peaked your curiosity … hop over and grab a copy now!

Weekly discussion hosts!

April 18 – Chapter 1 :: Lara Williams at “To Overflowing”

April 25 – Chapter 2 :: Crystal Stine

May 2 – Chapter 3 :: Katie Orr at “Hello Mornings”

May 9 – Chapter 4 :: Kayse Pratt

May 16 – Chapter 5 :: Michele-Lyn Ault at “A Life Surrendered”

May 23 – Chapter 6 :: Tracie Stier-Johnson

May 30 – Chapter 7 :: Francie Winslow at “Up, In, and Out”

June 6 – Chapter 8 :: Joyce Moy

June 13 – Chapter 9 :: Erika Dawson

June 20 – Chapter 10 :: Stacey Thacker at “29 Lincoln Avenue”

Posted in marriage, resources, series

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dear weary mom

Dear Weary Mom,

I don’t remember exactly how it happened, all I remember is how quickly it happened. That, and the sheer panic, terror, and fear that followed.

SMASH!

I’d slammed on my gas pedal instead of the brake. Right into the back of my daughter’s car.

Shaking, I jumped out of my car and ran over to her. She was sobbing asking why I did it. On the verge of sobs myself, I yelled told her I didn’t do it on purpose!

We pulled over to look at the damage and get a grasp on what just happened. We held each other and cried. She asked why she just couldn’t get a break? I countered with, “Why can’t our family just get a break?” Life seems to be throwing us one train-wreck after another.

Soul-crushing wreck, after soul-crushing wreck.

Can anyone relate? Do any of you wonder when you’ll just catch a break?

I am plumb worn out. Physically. Emotionally. I feel like I’ve had all I can take, and I don’t want anymore.

I’m even walking the dangerous line of thinking, “I deserve to have a break!”

And then guilt sets in.

I should be praying more. I should be better at giving it to God — you know, “Let Go and Let God?”

I know what I should be doing. But it’s the doing that has me stuck.

I love God with all my heart and I know I wouldn’t be standing without Him as my guide and strength. I believe this with every fiber my being. I know God loves me. I know my friends and family love me. My faith is unshakeable. It truly is.

Yet, there are times lately I just can’t seem to get out from underneath the weary and hopeless state I find myself in.

If you’ve ever felt this kind of hopelessness, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

“I’m tired. I’m worn. My heart is heavy. From the work it takes to keep on breathing. My soul feels crushed by the weight of this world. I know I need to lift my eyes up.

But I’m too weak.

And life just won’t let up.”

I’m pretty sure I haven’t seen Tenth Avenue North following me around over the last few months! How then, I wonder, did they write a song just for me … and countless others who are struggling right now?

Friends, on this link, Mike shares some beautiful thoughts. If you have the time to watch, I’d really encourage you to do so.

I absolutely and completely agree with Mike, “it’s rarely the easy and comfortable times that God’s doing something good.”

He changes us in the mess of life. “Our God is a God who brings beauty out of pain.”

{if you’re reading from an RSS feed, click here to view video}

Worn
:: Tenth Avenue North ::

I’m tired, I’m worn
My heart is heavy
From the work it takes
To keep on breathing
I’ve made mistakes
I’ve let my hope fail
My soul feels crushed
By the weight of this world
And I know that You can give me rest
So I cry out with all that I have left

{chorus}
Let me see redemption win
Let me know the struggle ends
That You can mend a heart that’s frail and torn

I wanna know a song can rise
From the ashes of a broken life
And all that’s dead inside can be reborn
‘Cause I’m worn

I know I need
To lift my eyes up
But I’m too weak
Life just won’t let up
And I know that You can give me rest
So I cry out with all that I have left

{chorus}

My prayers are wearing thin
I’m worn
Even before the day begins
I’m worn
I’ve lost my will to fight
I’m worn
So Heaven come and flood my eyes

{chorus}

Yes, all that’s dead inside will be reborn
Though, I’m worn
I’m worn

And so.

Dear Weary Mom,

Won’t you join me in clinging to the God of all hope? The God who restores. The God who refreshes our weary souls and tired momma feet?

Oh how He loves us my weary friend! He hurts when we hurt. He prays for us:

But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. Luke 22:32 {NIV}

He knows we’ll be sifted — He knows when we’re being sifted. And He’s praying for us. That our faith may not fail. That we don’t lose hope.

And catch this, the verse says WHEN you have turned back … It doesn’t say IF you turn back.

In all of our weariness, God has not left us. He’s right beside us, hurting with us. And loving us.

He knows there are times we’ll be weak. And He’s promised to be our strength in those weary times.

One thing I know for sure? God doesn’t break His promises.

So as I tuck my weary bones into bed tonight, I will thank Him once again for getting me through the day. Sometimes, that’s all I can muster, just get through the day. My hope? It lies in His promise that I will rise, I will conquer, and I will turn back to strengthen my weary mommy friends.

From one tired momma to another … but always with hope,

Tracie

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I mentioned yesterday, and I’ll mention again today — Hope for the Weary Mom has a new blog and lots of encouragement, hope, and love in store for you! You’re not alone weary mom. We’re all in this together! Click over and be filled!

Posted in faith, music, parenting, weary mom

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team hope!

When I was asked to join this team of beautiful — and weary — mommas, I had to pray long and hard!

Hope? Always!

Weary? Absolutely!

Mom? For the last 18 years!

But me encourage other mommas through their weary mess when I don’t have a handle on my own?!? Oh Lord, help me!

Given the current state of my bone-wrenching weariness, I most certainly don’t think myself qualified to encourage a momma fly, let alone an actual human with real babies to care for!

But the invitation from Brooke and Stacey clearly stated they wanted mommas who would be:

~ real
~ focused on God’s Word
~ and will encourage other moms

Two out of three isn’t too bad, is it? That whole “encouraging” thing is the one I was hung up on. But as I prayed about it, God encouraged me that if I were transparent in my current state of messiness … I would most certainly encourage other moms who are also in a state of messiness.

And so I humbly replied, “Yes! I would be honored to be a part of Team Hope.”

Friends, this beautiful team of women have a passion for, not only encouraging other moms through the weariness of motherhood — but they’re also passionate about sharing the hope found in trusting God through these weary days, weeks, months, and years.

The new Hope for the Weary Mom blog was born from a passion Brooke and Stacey had as they wrote, Hope for the Weary Mom: Where God Meets You in Your Mess. If you’re a momma and you haven’t read their book … you should. Just sayin’.

I’d love if you stopped back tomorrow as I share a letter that goes something like this:

Dear Weary Mom,

I’m tired. I’m worn. My heart is heavy.

#####

I realize it doesn’t sound much like I’m doing that “encouraging thing” — but I promise there’s hope. God always brings hope. I’m not sure of much else these days, but a God of hope? Of that I’m sure!

 

Posted in weary mom

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bundle of the week :: beauty & fashion

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Posted in resources

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