Brave. {A DistinctlyIvy Giveaway}

I've been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be brave.

Life has thrown some pretty tough things my way recently, and I've continually felt less than courageous in the face of their oppositions.

I've wondered if I really am "made of sterner stuff" or if I should just curl up in the fetal position and forget about trying to fight back.

But what if I were brave?

Bethel's song "You Make Me Brave" has been on repeat in my home lately.

"You make me brave. 

You have called me out beyond the shore into the waves.

You make me brave." 

If those words are true--and if he's already called me out onto the waves, and I'm already walking on water in his grace, then I AM brave. 

Because I need bravery. I need to be brave enough to jump headfirst into my own life. I need to fight back. I need to stand up and face my problems with strength and resolve, and a God right beside me who strengthens me and who upholds me and who emboldens me.

I am already brave. I just have to remember that I am. 

What better way to remind myself of my own bravery, than by wearing something that daily reminds me that I am brave?

The incredible store Distinctly Ivy made this stunning, personalized necklace for me. I haven't taken it off since I received it in the mail. It's a poignant reminder for me to live bravely in my own life. Every single day.

Distinctly Ivy is an Etsy shop that creates stunning, hand-stamped, one of a kind pieces of jewelry. Each piece is uniquely created by their incredible artists and shipped out in one business day. They are committed to creating a piece that you will love and cherish.

Their shipping is FAST, FAST, FAST! If you need a last minute gift that will still be thoughtful, unique and treasured than Distinctly Ivy is absolutely the right place for you.

And these necklaces are not only beautiful, but they are well made! More than a few times my kiddos have tugged on the necklace and my sweet Mia has even pulled herself up by it! DistinctlyIvy does quality, beautiful work without compromise.

I'm so excited to tell you that DistinctlyIvy wants to GIVE ONE OF YOU one of their personalized necklaces! I'm so happy to be teaming up with them for this incredible giveaway. They have a huge selection, not limited to bar necklaces-- so head over to their site and browse the selections! Comment and let me know what your favorite item is for 5 entries!

And if you decide you want to go ahead and buy a piece from their store (you won't be sorry!) please enjoy a 15% discount through the end of the month with the code CHRISTMASinJULY 

Best of luck! I hope you win :)

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One Thousand Gifts {GIVEAWAY}

If you read my last post then you know that I am currently reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.

And you also know that it's changing my life.

One Thousand Gifts is a book about thanksgiving. It's about writing down the gifts that God has given us--no matter how small or seemingly mundane. It's about taking each slipping moment and consecrating it. Ann encourages her readers to begin keeping a journal where they write one thousand gifts. As I've been writing this list myself, I've found beauty in the most normal instances. I've found beauty in a little girl chasing a butterfly. In the sound of gravel crunching beneath my feet. In the smell of a stone cellar reminding me of my girlhood. To consecrate the moments is to consecrate the life. And to walk in thanksgiving is to walk right into His presence. Thanksgiving has this way of taking our hearts and righting them. Thanksgiving puts things in perspective. Thanksgiving restores triumph to the defeated soul.

This book has helped me to recognize my need to be so much more thankful to God for the gifts in my life. This book has re-opened my eyes to a wonder that I somehow lost since childhood. The art of finding the splendor of each moment.





Shortly after I wrote my last post, Ann's publicist contacted me asking if I would be interested in giving away One Thousand Gifts to one of my readers! I am so excited for the opportunity to share this incredible book with one of you. Please, enter away... and share, share, share this giveaway with others!

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Giveaway: WIN a Pair of Sunglasses!

WIN SOME FREE SUNGLASSES!

Firmoo.com is teaming up with me to host another giveaway!!! This time, JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER SUN! it's a Sunglasses giveaway!!! 

Firmoo.com is an awesome online glasses company that sells hot trends for low prices! I was SO happy with the pair of prescription glasses they sent me, and I know their sunglasses WILL NOT disappoint! These styles are fresh but also classic.

Also if you're interested in PRESCRIPTION sunglasses, please note that these are also available through this giveaway!!!! Just follow this link:RX Sunglasses with easy directions for how to tint a pair of prescription glasses and turn them into your own prescription sunglasses!

Please follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway! Be sure to visit Firmoo.com and let me know which pair of sunglasses are your FAVORITE! Everyone who leaves a comment with their favorite pair, will be entitled to a 30% off coupon code to use towards their own pair of sunglasses once the giveaway has ended!!! 

Best of luck! 

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Glasses GIVEAWAY!

Now that you've read/watched my review of Firmoo.com glasses, are you ready to win your own pair? 

Firmoo.com is offering one of my readers a free pair of glasses from their site! Any pair you choose :) 

And don't worry, even if you don't win, you can still get a free pair (you'll just have to pay shipping and handling) by either clicking this link or by clicking the button on my sidebar that says "Get Free Glasses!"

Be sure to tell your friends about the giveaway using the handy rafflecopter widget below :)  a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Giveaway Win & Christmas Recap!

Christmas was amazing this year :) I loved spending the holiday with Bryan and our 2 girls. Loving each other and enjoying being together.

On Christmas day, my parents and my brother came over for Christmas dinner and we had such a wonderful time exchanging gifts, sharing a meal and laughing and talking. We definitely missed Bryan's family this year though as we couldn't swing a trip to Minnesota. :(

This Christmas we got so many packages in the mail! It was almost like every day in December was Christmas! The door bell would ring and we'd rush to the door to see what was left on our door step :) Such fun!

One of the packages on my door step was my prize from my first ever Blog world Giveaway win!!! I won a giveaway from Glory Accessories sponsored by Amanda at The Shepard Life ! I won a hair flower :) I was really excited to win this giveaway too because I've never really worn hair flowers, but I've always wanted to try ;) One of those things I wouldn't necessarily buy for myself, but was so happy to have won because now I can totally try out this fashion statement I've been dying to try!

I loved explaining Christmas to Peyton this year as well. Being 2 1/2, she's still limited, of course in what she can understand but she caught on to a lot of things. I loved hearing her talk about God and her love for Jesus!

We did Christmas early this year!!! Bryan woke me up early on December 14th and practically BEGGED me to let us do Christmas early :) He gave a lot of very convincing arguments... the most convincing one being that he had the day off and we had nothing planned so we could really just "hole up" and enjoy our day together as a family with no interruptions, family gatherings, phone calls or church services. We snuck downstairs, careful not to wake the girls, and started preparing for our Christmas day :) We made cinnamon rolls, hot chocolate and chose some Christmas music to play on the iPod. We set all the presents around the tree, and then snuck back upstairs to get the girls :) They were thrilled! They loved the special breakfast, and the presents made their eyes go wide!

The girls loved their presents and Bryan and I had a special time exchanging our gifts for one another too. Then, we thorougly enjoyed the whole rest of the day as a family :) After the girls went to bed, Bryan and had hot chocolate, watched a movie and enjoyed some time together.

My amazing Christmas present from my hubby was................. (DRUMROLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!) An iPad 2! I was so shocked and excited when I opened it! I really didn't think it was in our budget, but Bryan had made a couple extra sales at work without telling me :)  I LOVE IT and I'm having so much fun exploring it :) I'm so blessed to have such a thoughtful hubby!!!!

But at the end of the day... as exciting as presents and everything are, I'm so thankful for the TRULY important things this Christmas.  For my Savior KING who came to earth to born as a baby and grow up to DIE FOR MY SINS so that I can live forever in communion with THE ALMIGHTY GOD! For my health, my children, my husband, my home, my family, my friends and the beautiful world surrounding me. God is good.

I hope all of you had wonderful Christmases where you felt loved!!!!