I have been a fan of the TV show "Fixer Upper" for a couple years now. It inspires me in how I set up and care for my own home. My favorite part, thouI have been a fan of the TV show "Fixer Upper" for a couple years now. It inspires me in how I set up and care for my own home. My favorite part, though, is the way Chip and Joanna Gaines positively portray marriage and family life. They are real, kind, respectful, and encouraging. They are constantly building each other up.
I received their book, "The Magnolia Story" for Mother's Day, and I read it on the airplane on a trip back to my hometown. Parts of it were laugh-out-loud funny, and parts of it were very inspiring. They have worked hard, and at times, they ended up in some very tough spots. They persevered, and they stuck together.
My favorite part was Joanna's words in the chapter Surviving or Thriving. I felt as if this chapter was written just for me with where I am in life right now. I have been in survival mode for far too long, and this book has helped me realize that it's time to start thriving again.
This was a quick read, and I enjoyed how both of their unique voices were captured on each page. It was very conversational, like I was sitting across the kitchen table from them....more
I finished "Fly a Little Higher" by Laura Sobiech yesterday. And I loved every page. This is a beautifully poignant book by a mother who journeys withI finished "Fly a Little Higher" by Laura Sobiech yesterday. And I loved every page. This is a beautifully poignant book by a mother who journeys with her son Zach, as he lives life to the fullest while enduring terminal cancer. It is a powerful message of redemptive suffering, surrender, trust and hope. She prayerfully gives her son back to God and asks Him to transform her sorrow into something good. The answer to her prayer is amazing, as Zach's life and his hope-filled message continue to influence millions across the world. This book is thought-provoking and gently challenges you to live life to the fullest....more
"Pope Awesome and Other Stories" is an honest, funny, beautiful book. As a mother of six, I definitely could related to the author. From her nervousne"Pope Awesome and Other Stories" is an honest, funny, beautiful book. As a mother of six, I definitely could related to the author. From her nervousness about having more than two children to the rude comments (Are these all yours?) at the grocery store, I felt in good company with Mrs. Donaldson. I laughed out loud at her wonderful sense of humor and the little anecdotes that made up this book. I also was in awe of the author's quest for God and her openness to the fullness of truth. Her conversion was inspiring, causing the reader to ponder, "How can I go deeper in my own faith life?" All-in-all this was a very well-written book, thoroughly enjoyable and very heart warming....more
