why 31 Days to Clean makes a Great gift

Flashback time. Back to when the leaves were golds and reds.

Remember in October when I was blessed to attend the Relevant Blogging Conference at the last minute? That conference that led me from my home in Minnesota, on three airplanes, and three states, to a hotel in Pennsylvania? Well, let me tell you, it was by the blessing of the Lord and the generosity of friends and lovely, lovely sponsors. One of them?

Sarah Mae. Of Relevant.

You might have notice on my sidebar a very cute little graphic for her fantab-ulous (that's my new word) e-book 31 Days to Clean. I love love love this book. Why? It because it speaks directly to me, the gal who is running from perfectionism, and puts my heart back into the appropriate places for being a wife, and a mom, and someone who runs a household. Even more, this sweet book doesn't push me away from the Martha necessities of life, but rather helps me, helps us, find balance in those tasks. Amazing.

Now, I'm telling you that I really do believe this book would make a lovely gift. And I'm serious. Because I'm that person that loves to get things in order in January -- tidied, and organized, and planned, and well, perfect. But, I've learned that unless my heart is in the right place that all of that above mentioned cleaning will be just for me. In vain. And I'll still end up discontent. So, this is exactly the kind of book that one must read before the new year.

So, Sarah Mae, thank you. And that's a big Midwestern, I'm from Minnesooota, type thank you. If you were here I'd give you another hug. I can guarantee you, I'll be back to Relevant. I mean, how could I not? The friendships that percolated there are life blessings and I thank you for being a part in the process that got me there. For that, I thank you deeply, my friend.

Now, all of my bloggy friends, grab your copy of her book 31 Days to Clean, get some coffee (and some of that wonderful creamer that we talk about all the time on my facebook page), and settle in for some serious blessings in reading. Oh yeah, and a cleaner home and a much more peaceful heart. :)

Let me know if you get the book -- I'd love to work through it with you. And here's the deal (please let others know as well!)

TODAY, MONDAY DECEMBER 5 ONLY,

 use the code FindingJoy and get Sarah Mae's book, 

31 Days to Clean

 for 50% off. 

Now, you can REALLY do some Christmas shopping. :) 

Click the pic below to be redirected.
Normal price is only $4.99 
which is an AMAZING deal! 

 And I'm serious about working through it with you. 

affiliate disclosure: this post contains an affiliate links. If you click on and purchase I will receive an affiliate commission for recommending this product. Please know that I only recommend products that I love. Federal Trade Commission 16CFR Part 255

my miscellany sunday. with some updates.

I thought I'd do something new this week and write my miscellany monday post on sunday. I've always been  kind of rebellious, I guess. ;)

1 - the shoulder. Again, thank you for the prayers, and the cheers, and the "you can do its" and kind comments. This shoulder journey has been exactly that -- a journey. In the morning, like now, I feel pretty good. By the end of the day,  my arm is exhausted and simple motions are difficult. But, it's progress -- each time I drive, or start a load of laundry, or cook dinner (even though it's much slower) is a step forward. Sometimes I'd like to be like Elijah and really let those emotions show! Ha haha.

2 - the coffee run. Yesterday, I went to get my $2 latte from our local Caribou Coffee. Now, I live near an outlet mall and at Christmas time my Caribou gets overrun with all those shoppers. So I sat in line waiting to order for a good 15 minutes. Which is when I snapped that picture with my cell phone below.

3 - the coffee drive-thru move. Drivethru is out the left window, right? My arm cannot move well to the left and out so in order to pay and receive that $2 cup of delicious hot coffee I had to improvise. Meet the coffee-move: start sitting facing ahead. Greet the 18yo drivethru gal in the $10 over the top Christmas sweater with all the glitz (she told me the price -- at a consignment shop). Remove money. Be confident as you go into the full body turn and rotate to hand her your money. Smile and nod as she looks at you wondering why on earth you didn't just hand the money out the way most people do.  Be bold in your move. Receive your coffee and slowly rotate entire body back into normal driving position. And yes, always make sure your vehicle is in park.

4 - the e-book. Tomorrow I'll be talking about 31Days to Clean, the ebook by Sarah Mae. She was one of my sponsors, those last minute wonderful sponsors, that helped me to get to the Relevant Conference in late October. As days pass I become even more grateful for the opportunity that I was given to attend. So, tomorrow I'll talk a bit about her ebook (which I've read and is wonderful) and will be offering you a 50% off code. And, yes, it would be an excellent gift. :)



5 - the feed, google friend connect, and facebook. I've been hearing rumors that google friend connect (that little widget on the sidebar) will be going away in March. Now, I believe the goal is to get everyone to use google plus, but I don't know, and I believe it might only be for non-bloggerblogs.  So, here's my first little suggestion -- if you're a subscriber via gfc you might want to consider subscribing to the email (it comes once a day, around noon), grabbing the rss feed, or joining my facebook page. All of the options are on the sidebar. Facebook, by the way is super fun,and of course, there are questions about coffee.:)

6 - the baking. I'm going to start making Christmas cookies this week. If you remember from last year, this is a huge tradition in our family. However, now this year, they'll all be gluten free. I remember when Samuel was first diagnosed with Celiac Disease thinking that I'd just make some gluten free and some gluten full (that's our code word for stuff with gluten). Well, in the last 10 months as we've adopted an almost completely gluten free household I can't imagine doing it the half and half way. Plus, he's two, and I hate (yes, I'm using that word) the moments when I have to tell him he can't have something because it has gluten in it.

7 - the cookies. I'll be sharing them with you. Pictures and all. And, thank you for all the gluten free cookie suggestions on facebook and twitter (see, I told you it's fun over there). Now, if I could just find flour that was less expensive. And oh yes, please do tell me what your favorite Christmas cookie/treat is -- I'd love to know!

8 - back to the arm. I think the biggest frustration for me is the arm fatigue/weakness. I've been typing this for about 15minutes and already my arm is extremely tired. They told me this was to be expected - they removed one of the 2tendons that holds the bicep in place (which is why I have that popeye type arm) and as a side effect are muscle fatigue. I know, it's only been 13days, but oh my, I just want some strength back in that left arm!  It's better than it was when this pic was taken -- on post op day4 (that's why there's no makeup and I'm sporting hair that is a bit messy....hee hee hee)

9 - presents. I haven't bought one. Just had to put that out there.

10 - some more of our Truth in the Tinsel crafts. Just had to share. Because they are so cute. And my kids are learning so much about Christmas and Advent and the birth of Jesus. It's a beautiful way to set the tone, and align the posture of their hearts to reflect the true and real meaning of Christmas. Any of you doing it? If you're interested in getting it here's the link -->> Truth in the Tinsel

And that's it! Hope you enjoyed my Sunday miscellany. And, yes, of course, I'm still putting the monday button up. And I'll link up with my sweet and dear and awesome friend Carissa tomorrow. Who knows? Maybe I'll be the first link-up. Wouldn't that be cool. Who am I kidding...I'll probably be sleeping. :)


{affiliate disclosure: this post contains several affiliate links. If you click on and purchase I will receive an affiliate commission for recommending these products. Please know that I only recommend products that I love. Federal Trade Commission 16CFR Part 255}

I discovered

While I was away at Relevant there were certain things that I discovered about my heart -- some serious, some silly, but all new, all me. So of, course, I knew I had to share them with you. Y'all. {There were quite a few people with some sweet Southern Drawls so I thought I'd try to integrate that into my Minnesotan inflection influenced writing.} Donchaknow y'all?

1 - I actually enjoy flying. Let me repeat it. I actually enjoy flying. And I have no idea where that came from. As my trips out to Harrisburg were ticked off the tally with each one I began to realize how much I love the moments when that plane leaves the ground and soars into the air. I even love the turns as that big, heavy, plane banks. Crazy. Oh yes, and then there's the pop {or soda for the non-Midwestern readers}. How could someone not love pop poured for you at 30,000 feet? The ginger ale was amazing. :)

2 - I don't mind taxi rides. Due to the high volume of snow in the region the flight schedules were all messed up. I hit my gate in Harrisburg on time, only to hear pleas from the desk for passengers who might have been willing to give up their ticket and be rebooked in return for a $400 voucher/credit. After the first cry, I thought that I might just check it out -- since I'm going to a big hub airport anyways. Totally qualified. The deal was that the airline would put me on a taxi to Philadelphia where they rebooked me on a flight home to Minneapolis. I arrived home 2 hours later than planned with a new ticket in my pocket.

3 - I'm glad I didn't have to pay that taxi bill. When I was dropped off at Gate B it was already close to $250.

4 - I'm hoping to use that ticket to go to the 2:1 Conference this spring. That's my goal. My lovely, sweet, kind, and generous roomie Cheryl at Relevant is putting this altogether. She'll do great, and it will be amazing and encouraging. 

5 - Places in the country other than Minnesota can get snow. And a lot of it. It was crazy to see the puffy white flakes floating down around my Pennsylvania hotel. And it was even more cute to see all the gals from Florida and Texas outside throwing snowballs at each other.

6 - I want Samuel healed from Celiac Disease. I really want that for him. This weekend it became so apparent to me how my heart aches for him and his journey, and how much it desires for that little body of his to have victory over that auto immune disease. I really honestly and completely hate it. I do love that my friends were there supporting me as those tears of grief poured from my weary eyes in a conference room crowded with women.

7 - I discovered just how much God desires for me to be authentic. Sometimes the authentic life means being silly, being me, and joking about how much I learned to love flying. Honestly, that's a testimony to the power of prayer. Here I was, a bit terrified about flying, and then I felt like I was to let go -- to trust -- and instead I'm giving this amazing gift of loving flying. Then there are other time where living authentically means admitting that there are things in life that really hurt. Celiac Disease hurts my heart. But, even in those raw places of my heart I will still praise my Lord and give Him all the glory. You see, God is good. In all. In the flying places and the Celiac places. He is good.

Off to make coffee. At home. It's good to be home.

linking up with my sweet friend carissa. So thankful for her miscellany monday freedoms.

today

I'm leaving for the Relevant Blogging Conference in fifteen minutes. My heart is racing, and I'm nervous. But above all, I am grateful. Anytime the nerves attempt to take over I remind myself of this gift to go, of my sponsors generosity {Ashley Pichea and Sarah Mae}, the generous gifts of others, and of my family's encouragement and support. Thanks for your prayers and "you can do it comments" this week.  I'm grateful for you as well.

I've prepped the house, folded all the laundry {I know, can you believe that?} and signed autographs on the back of my business cards for the kids. I've finished my powerpoint and talk for the Replenish Conference.

I think I'm ready. Or, at least as ready as one could be.

And these guys? Boy, am I going to miss them. But, I'll be back real soon -- and my prayer is that I return a better wife and mother with a heart even more focused on the Lord.

Oh, and by the way, Friday Favorite Things will be up tomorrow. I wrote that post as well -- and I love it -- it's one of my favorite ones ever. Hope you'll join in.

Blessings on your Thursday.

Rachel

Meet Ashley. You'll be blessed. Just like me.

It's funny how life is this intricate tapestry of woven events. Sometimes we just see the back and it looks like a tangled mess of threads weaving in and out - almost appearing random. Then every once in a while we're given a glimpse of the beautiful picture that our lives actually are - and those once random looking threads are only part of a greater designed plan.

You see, when I found out there was a ticket for me to go to Relevant I prayed for the Lord's direction and His will. I put it out there that I'd need a sponsor and help to go. Ashley Pichea, author of numerous ebooks as well as the 3in30 Challenge {how cool is that?} offered to help support me. I was blown away and blessed by her kindness.

Here's the secret: I've read her blog and twitter feed for months and have admired her work and determination. I remember clicking over to her site 3in30 and feeling inspired by her practical way to make proactive change in one's life. I interacted with her on twitter and was consistently blessed by her uplifting comments and encouragement. She inspired me.

She still does.

image source: 31daystopray.com

When she emailed me asking me to share with you about her e-book 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse {which is part of her 31 Days of Prayer ministry} I was, as I wrote about, blown away. I had been praying about strengthening my own marriage, and had come to the point in my life where I realized that part of that was going to be me - me praying, me letting go, me forgiving, me encouraging - but that me was through prayer and surrender to the Father. Then her email comes in. Convicting. A thread in the tapestry of my life that I wanted to tighten.

This e-book was something I was praying for already. And the Lord answered it through Ashley.

Friends, I'm going to be reading 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse. When I return from Relevant I am planning on beginning, and I can hardly wait. Marriage is a gift, a blessing, and I am determined to recommit my marriage to the Lord.

If you would like to read her e-book 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse you can purchase it for only $4.99. It's available as a PDF download, on Kindle or Nook. I'd love to chat with you as you work your way through the book. You can join the conversation on twitter by using the hashtag #31DBBS

Click HERE to order.

Thank you, Ashley, for sponsoring me. My words will never be adequate enough to express the level of gratitude that I have for your generous support. Thank you for being part of my life's story. I'm blessed.

thoughts on planes, airports, and marriage

1} Last Monday if someone would have told me that I was going to Relevant I would have laughed and thought it to be impossible.  I know, I know, nothing is impossible for God. I'm witnessing it right now.

2} I do need to calm my nerves down. I think I must be operating at ultra-high-anxiety mode right now. I have to intentionally still my self -- I keep praying and asking the Lord to replace any anxiety with His peace.

3} Then of course, there's that flying thing again. If you recall from when I went to Hilton Head Island this summer that I wrote about how this girl, that's me, doesn't really care for flying. Well, due to the last minute nature of this amazing trip and opportunity, I am now flying the oddest and fullest flight possible. With many plane changes. Let's see -- on the way out? There will be three flights. Three take-offs, three landings. Not that I'm counting.

4} Then, and this is a prayer request, the time between plane changes on my first leg out {in Milwaukee, Wisconsin} is a grand total of 29 minutes. Yes, 29. Twenty-nine. Two tens plus nine ones. Thirty take away one. That's it. Thankfully, I've already studied the map of that airport and have discovered that all of the Delta flights are on the same concourse and that there aren't that many gates. But, anyways, if you'd pray that I make my connections I'd be extremely grateful.

That would be the Milwaukee Airport Map. Yes, I've been studying it.

5} And now, we get to plane size. Since I'm skipping across the country to Harrisburg I don't get the luxury of a larger plane. Nope. I'm on those regional sized planes. The ones where you can feel everything. Please add that to your prayer requests - peace for me on those teeny planes.

6} I had to do it this way. The other options were switching airlines on the way out and that would have entailed extra baggage fees. $25 a pop per airline. I originally wasn't going to bring a bag. And then I remembered -- conference with women. I'll need stuff. Well, really and honestly, my dear husband refused to let me just go with a carry-on because he was afraid I'd hurt my shoulder worse and then suffer the whole time I'm out there. I love him and am blessed by him.

7} God works in powerful and direct ways. I've been praying a great deal about marriage and strengthening our marriage and more. Well, tomorrow I'm going to introduce you to one of my sponsors, Ashley Pichea, who has written marvelous e-books and has a great blog. As part of my sponsorship I'm honored  to promote to you, and to the many amazing women at Relevant, her new e-book regarding marriage. It's called -31 Days to Build a Better Spouse {you can visit it at 31daystopray.com } And it's on the power of prayer. God knew. He knew my heart and knew beforehand how much I need to read this ebook. It's humbling. i"m excited to share more with you and to journey through her book.

Oh yes, and one last thing, anyone know anywhere where I could get business cards made fast? I've tried to price them online and they cost over $100 to get them made and shipped in time. Any options that you all know of?

Linking up with Carissa. Who will be going with me next year to Relevant. We're already planning it. :)

keep up your courage.

I'm going to Relevant11.

This all came together so fast -- it was through the generosity of others and the prayers of many. But, I'm going. And honestly, truth is -- I'm a bit scared. Last night I went to bed {after this all got put together} and sobbed and sobbed and sobbed. I'm not even sure where the tears originated, but they kept on coming.

This is out of my comfort zone. I know I've written about it before, but I keep hearing the words keep up your courage from the book The Courage of Sarah Noble run through my head. If she can do it, that ten year old girl, then certainly I can push myself and be bold.

Truth is -- I know I'm to go. I know that the Lord needs to stretch some things in me, and that there are some things that I need to let go of. I've been holding onto these hurts and sadness for so long -- celiac disease, financial issues, health -- and all they've done is fester. I knew it last night when I went to bed. It was fear, but it was also acknowledgement of the need to surrender to God. To not cling so tightly to my earthly agenda and to begin to once again live in stronger faith and trust. To step out of the boat, not look back, and live courageously.

Keep up your courage.

I keep telling myself that -- as I think about switching planes {twice} to get there. Or arriving late {it was the only flight that I could afford and the only times that would work for our family.} Or walking into that room feeling vulnerable. It's of letting go of my selfish part  -- the part of me that would love to get some new nice things to wear, or have extra cash to spend, or come all polished and put-together. But, I can't. And I know I'm to just come. As I am. Just me.

So today, I have a very grateful and thankful heart mixed with a very nervous  and overwhelmed and blessed and excited and hopeful heart.

Keep up your courage.