I'm a redeemed child of God and the momma to four vivacious daughters. I'm passionate about finding hidden blessings in the trials of life, living it out in an honest and open way, while encouraging those around me to believe in better.

20 Mar

to walk or stay :: a book review {and giveaway}

Sooooo … a friend of mine wrote a book. A very good, very important, everyone must read it kind-of-book!

Lara’s words have always inspired me, both to be a better writer and to be a better Christ-follower. She’s real. Authentic. And knows her the Word of God like no other.

God’s given her a story to share — a heart story — one that comes from the depths of her personal valley and despair.

Although the basis of Lara’s story is the infidelity of her husband and how, with God’s help, she stayed, To Walk or Stay is a faith-filled story in “trusting God through shattered hopes and suffocating fears.”

I knew from reading Lara’s blog, she’d walked through a season of infidelity and betrayal by her husband. And when she released a book titled To Walk or Stay, I assumed she’d be disclosing some details of that season of her life.

Details? Countless.

Countless details on the goodness, faithfulness, and beauty of our Lord God when we listen to Him, press into Him, lean on Him, and trust Him with our everything.

As I was reading through the pages, I couldn’t help but think, “Every married woman I know should read this book!”

And then I thought, “Anyone walking through a valley-low should read this book!”

And then, “Anyone afraid to completely trust in God should read this book!”

And now? Just read it!

I’ve highlighted and marked up just about every page. And I plan to read it again … it’s that good. And necessary!

Let me share just a few of the life-changing words I’ve read:

You and I don’t have the power to pierce hearts and transform lives. It’s not our calling. But we can submit to God’s “change” within us. Introduction

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I chose to stay in our marriage in spite of how I felt. Page 18

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When I processed the pain with the Lover of my soul, I experienced a joy that this world couldn’t steal. Through the valley of brokenness I learned that true blessing rises as I bind to my God regardless of circumstance. Page 21

***

God spoke a promise of restoration, but I still battled strong emotions. Page 25

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He allows every single valley in the life of His children out of love. Page 31

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When thoughts of his weaknesses arose, instead of tearing him down, I learned to break away to a quiet place and pray for him. Page 43

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As I prayed for him, my vision changed. I saw him with God’s eyes rather than my own. Page 43

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We always have the choice to pray for those who’ve hurt us rather than tear them down. It’s what Jesus did. Page 43

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Revival in our world begins with revival in our homes. And revival in our homes begins with revival in our individual hearts and minds. Page 46

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As we meditate on God’s Word rather than our volatile feelings, hope arises. As we choose to ponder the Truth of His character rather than our fleeting circumstance, peace falls. He gives us this one life, these few days. May we not waste them with futile thinking! AMEN! Page 47 {exclamation marks and AMEN are mine}

***

In spite of feelings, and regardless of what may seem like a hopeless situation, the Lord may challenge you to stay committed in your heart, regardless of the unlove of your spouse. He may dare you to stay because He may want to do something wildly miraculous in your home. Page 86 {I’d be remiss if I didn’t add another AMEN! here}

I believe To Walk or Stay will change marriages, lives, hearts, and relationships with our Creator. And I believe in it so strongly, I’m giving away two copies {details to follow}.

Friends, as Lara said … God give us these valleys out of love. And when we trust Him with our brokenness, He meets us in a way we never imagined. It’s then, that God can use our brokenness — our stories — for His glory. God will use Lara’s story in the lives of many, which ultimately points back to Him and brings Him glory.

I’m overwhelmed at the beauty found in His promises.

But wait there’s more!!

I’m excited to also announce details about an upcoming To Walk or Stay Book Club!

Lara did an amazing job including small group discussion points after each chapter, and also includes a “Digging Deeper” section.

The questions and talking points definitely cause one to dig deep. Some of them are even ouchie-deep, but much needed!

The Book Club discussion starts April 18, and will take place on a different blog each week. On May 23, you’ll find the discussion on Chapter 6 right here!

I hope you’ll join us … this study and book are going to bless many!

Giveaway details:

{what}
Two winners will receive one copy of To Walk or Stay!

{how}
~ leave a comment {any ol’ comment. winners picked via random.org}
~ tweet the giveaway {but come back & leave a comment}
~ facebook the giveaway {but come back & leave a comment}
~ blog the giveaway {but come back and leave a comment}

{when}
Now through Friday, March 22 – midnight {EST}

Posted in giveaway, marriage, resources

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19 Feb

and the bride wore white :: review & giveaway

Join me over at the MODsquad blog today where I’m reviewing {and giving away} an invaluable parenting resource … you won’t want to miss it!

Posted in giveaway, guest post, modsquad, parenting, resources

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12 Feb

(in)couraged to mend :: introduction

The women at (in)courage believe strongly in community and are constantly seeking out ways to connect women and bring us the community we desire.

That said, I’m thrilled to announce the second session of the (in)couragers community is starting today and I get to be a part of it again!

Last session I was blessed to be paired with Jacque as we walked through Lysa TerKeurst’s book, Unglued. Jacque and I will be hosting a Bible study again, but this go round we’re excited to have Denise join us!

I met both Jacque and Denise at the SheSpeaks conference last July and love that the three of us are together as (in)couragers! As you get to know them over the next couple of months, I have no doubt you’ll love them as much as I do. Their words are beautiful and their hearts for God inspiring!

About Us

We are women who have seen and walked through broken places. And because of those valleys we’ve seen God’s redemptive power, love, mercy, and grace move through our lives. We’ve experienced healing, freedom, and forgiveness and want you to experience it too.

We’d love to have you join us in discovering the glory God intended for each and every one of us as we dive into the hope He has for us and into relationship with each other!

And to do just that, this session we’ve chosen to study Angie Smith’s, Mended – pieces of a life made whole. We have no doubt it’s going to (in)courage you!

Take a look for yourself:

{if you’re reading via email or RSS feed, please click here for video}

If you have pieces of your life you’d like to see made whole, we’d be honored to have you join us each week. And please know, we understand y’all are busy women. There’s no pressure here … you can participate at whatever level you have time for. We promise!

Denise, Jacque, and I will be taking turns each Thursday posting on our blogs with reflections based on the following reading schedule:

February 21 – Introduction :: Jacque
February 28 – Chapters 1-4 :: Denise
March 7 – Chapters 5-8 :: Tracie
March 14– Chapters 9-12 :: Denise
March 21 – Chapters 13-16 :: Jacque
March 28 – Chapters 17-19 :: Tracie
April 4 – Chapters 20-22 :: Jacque
April 11– Chapters 23-25 :: Denise
April 18 – Chapters 26-28 :: Tracie
April 25 – Chapters 29-31 :: Tracie, Denise, and Jacque

Connecting with the (in)couraged to Mend community is easy:

Read Mended along with us
Join us each week for our summary post {schedule above}
We’ll be hosting a link-up each Thursday. If you have a blog, we’d love to have you write a summary and link-up with us!
Join our Facebook community – (in)couraged to Mend
If you’re on Twitter or Instagram, use the hashtag #bemended
You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram @tmstier, @jacque_watkins, and @denisejhughes

But wait!! That’s not all! We’re hosting a giveaway over at Jacque’s place!! Here’s a peek of what we’re giving away … but hop over there for all the details!

I’m looking forward to connecting with y’all and making some new friends in the process!

Are you in a season of brokenness?

If so,

How could you benefit from this study?

don’t want to miss anything?
sign up to get each post sent right to your inbox!

Posted in (in) courage, bible study, encouragement, giveaway, overcoming, resources

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6 Feb

31 days of forgiveness – released!!

IT’S TIME!! IT’S TIME!! IT’S TIME!!

As I mentioned the other day, writing this book has been a labor of love. A complete and utter labor of love.

Anyone who knows me, knows my story, and reads this book, will know the labor of love and gamut of emotions put into each word.

I’m amazed as I sit back and read through these pages and think, “Who wrote this?!”

Then I hear a gentle reminder, “Remember when you invited me in each time you sat at the keyboard?”

Yes … indeed. These words … this book … and the heart behind it is Divinely written. I believe that with every fiber of my being!

<— This kid, Taylor Rio, my soon-to-be eighteen year old … wise beyond her years.

A living example of forgiveness and grace. It was one my most favorite things to do, to be able to dedicate this book to her … my first babygirl.

Taylor, you inspire me more than you might ever know. Stay strong my love and live in the plans your Savior has laid out for you.

WHO’S READY
FOR SOME FUN?!?

First up — the electronic version of 31 Days of Forgiveness is FREE for the next 72 hours!! Shout it from the rooftops and tell all your friends!

Secondly — for those of you, much like myself, who desire a hold-in-your-hands-to-mark-it-up-good book, I have just the thing! A paperback copy of 31 Days of Forgiveness!! It’s $7.99 and available on Amazon. I tell ya, it’s been so much fun holding this in my hands over the last week! And if you’re not ready to splurge on the $7.99 right now, take a look below … we’re offering many chances to win a paperback copy {along with some other fun things!!}

Sooo whoooo loves a giveaway?!?

I’ve been blessed with the most incredible launch team … thank you ladies from the bottom of my heart!! Many of these ladies will be hosting a giveaway over the next few days, which means you’ll have many opportunities to win! Each blog will be gifting the following items! One winner will receive all three of these lovelies! Woot-to-the-hoot!!

Following are links to the blog posts currently available, I’ll be updating this list as the team adds their posts:

Encouraging Sweetness
Elisa Pulliam
Along The Trail
Button Bird Designs
Jean Blogs
Mercy Is New
Cindy Clean Living
Hoovers West
A Heart Consumed
Jessica Lynette
Glass Peacock
Enjoying Each Moment
Girl of Grace
Constant in Chaos
Denise J. Hughes
Teri Lynne U
Beauty Out of Dust
Melissa’s Musings

Giveaway details:

{what}
One winner will receive all three items listed above!

{when}
Now through Friday, February 8 – midnight {EST}

{prizes from}
note pads – Day Spring
paperback copy of 31 Days of Forgiveness – me!
owl pillow – Button Bird Designs

ANOTHER WAY TO WIN!!

I’ll be hosting Instagram giveaways for the paperback version of 31 Days of Forgiveness throughout the day!! How will that work you ask?? I’ll post a photo of the book, and the first one to see it and comment WINS! If you’re not following me, my username is @tmstier.

GIVING BACK!!

All proceeds of 31 Days of Forgiveness will go directly to The Seed Company. Today, nearly one-third of the world’s language groups, representing 350 million people, are still waiting for God’s Word in a language they can understand clearly.

The Seed Company enables you to support local Bible translators as they make God’s message available in the language of their people.

IMPORTANT LINKS!!

31 Days of Forgiveness {through the eyes of grace}:
website
paperback
electronic version

SPREADING THE WORD!!

If you would like to be involved in generating word about 31 Days of Forgiveness — a much needed message in this world — here are some pre-worded tweets:
Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves. <— click to tweet
Are we required to forgive & forget? If we don’t forget, is it really forgiveness? <— click to tweet
Forgiveness is rooted in grace — giving someone something she doesn’t deserve. <— click to tweet
Forgiveness comes in stages … and there’s nothing wrong with that. <— click to tweet
But Jesus … filled with love & forgiveness, didn’t judge her guilty. <— click to tweet

SPECIAL THANK YOUS!!

My girls – for allowing me the time to write. for giving momma grace when she’s overwhelmed. for your never-ending supply of hugs and “I love you mom.”

My friends – thank you to each of you who gave me an encouraging word!

Sandra Peoples, Next Step Editing – you not only “fix” my mistakes, you teach me to be a better writer. {was that sentence okay?} :)

Erin Ulrich, Design By Insight – designer extraordinaire and the patience of a saint. I thank you, thank you, thank you!

My Jesus – for healing my hurts. for giving me strength, when in my human capacity I couldn’t bear to go on. for sacrificing Your life as the ultimate model of forgiveness. for showing me freedom and peace available in forgiveness.