Category Archives: Healing
The Artist’s Daughter by Alexandra Kuykendall
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Revell (April 15, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800722051
ISBN-13: 978-0800722050
Price: $13.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
It takes a lifetime to know what–and who–defines you.
When Alexandra Kuykendall became a mother, she knew she had to go back to the beginning. To that hot July afternoon in Barcelona when she met her father for the first time. The only daughter of a single, world-traveling mother and an absent artist father, Alexandra embarks on a soul-searching trip into the past to make sense of the layers of her life–both the memories she experienced and the ones she wished for.
The Artist’s Daughter will take you on a journey of discovery through childhood, marriage, and motherhood. Through short vignettes full of both wonder and heartache, Alexandra seeks answers to three life-defining questions: Am I lovable? Am I loved? Am I loving? If you long to better understand the path your life has taken, where it is heading, and who is guiding you, this revealing and refreshing story will push you toward those answers as it changes your heart.
Review
I guess I should call myself a book reviewer of memoirs, since I seem to predominantly read them. The Artist’s Daughter does not disappoint.
Alexandra Kuykendall pens her story with such uniqueness and authenticity. I saw my reflection in many of the pages. I identified with her struggle for identity. Many of the questions she poses, I have asked myself. Reading her memoir, gave me permission to look deep within the recesses of my heart and evaluate if I am still harboring hurts, resentment and frustrations of unfulfilled expectations that were not met in my life.
Her journey parallels mine in many ways. I especially loved reading the truthfulness of her relationship with her father, her marriage and her experiences of motherhood. I appreciated the fact that she did not sugar coat or make it seem that all was perfect. I find many Christians hide behind a veneer of image and show, instead of keeping it real.
Alexandra Kuykendall doesn’t do this, she is honest as she exposes truth, even if it was messy. I appreciated the fact that she was vulnerable in telling her story with abandon.
There is something to admire and respect about her memoir. Her struggles as a woman, a wife, a mother, a friend, a daughter, etc… I told her this in a private message and I will say it again here… Well done.
This is a beautiful memoir I highly recommend to women, whether single or married, with or without children.
In conclusion, I would like to thank Revell Publishers for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to review.
Alexandra Kuykendall is on staff at MOPS International (Mothers of Preschoolers) where she encourages mothers of young children to keep growing as they take on their new mothering identity. She is a regular contributor and consulting editor to MomSense magazine, Connections magazine, and the MOPS blog. A frequent speaker for MOPS, Alexandra has been featured on Good Morning America. As the mother of four young children, she continues to refine her mothering identity. She lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, Derek, and their daughters.
North of Hope by Shannon Huffman Polson
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (April 9, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310328764
ISBN-13: 978-0310328766
Price: $16.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
After her parents are killed in a rare grizzly attack, the author is forced into a wilderness of grief. Turning to loves she learned from her father, Polson explores the perilous terrain of grief through music, the natural world, and her faith. Her travels take her from the suburbs of Seattle to the concert hall where she sings Mozart’s Requiem, and ultimately into the wilderness of Alaska’s remote Arctic and of her heart.
This deeply moving narrative is shot through with the human search for meaning in the face of tragedy. Polson’s deep appreciation for the untamed and remote wilderness of the Alaskan Arctic moves her story effortlessly between adventure, natural history, and sacred pilgrimage, as much an internal journey as a literal one. Readers who appreciate music or adventure narratives and the natural world or who are looking for new ways to understand loss will find guidance, solace, and a companionable voice in this extraordinary debut.
Review
What could I possibly add to the wonderful description of this beautifully written book? My words are small and won’t adequately convey my true sentiments. My review will not do justice and encompass the beauty of this memoir, North of Hope.
Shannon Huffman Polson is a virtuoso. She is one of my heros. She writes with such brilliance, as she weaves her story of loss and hope. She takes you on her pilgrimage through the Alaskan Artic in search for answers. Her experiences will leave you breathless, in wonder and awe.
I love memoirs like this one, written with such depth, thoughtfulness and creativity. Besides which, Shannon Huffman Polson is an extraordinary writer.
I really enjoyed this memoir and was sad when it ended. I hope she writes more books.
I highly recommend North of Hope, it is brilliant. One of the best memoirs I have read in a long time.
Shannon Polson lives and writes in the Pacific Northwest. She was a contributing writer to More Than 85Broads, and her work has appeared in Seattle and Alaska Magazines, Cirque Journal, Adventure Magazine, and Trachodon, among others. Polson graduated with a B.A. from Duke University in English Literature, an M.B.A. from the Tuck School at Dartmouth, and an M.F.A. from Seattle Pacific University. She served eight years as an attack helicopter pilot in the Army and worked five years in corporate marketing and management roles before turning to writing full time. Polson serves on the board of the Alaska Wilderness League and sings with the critically acclaimed Seattle Pro Musica. She has looked for adventure and challenge anywhere she can find it, scuba diving, sky diving and climbing around the world, including ascents of Denali and Kilimanjaro, and completing two Ironman triathlons. She and her family enjoy backpacking, any kind of skiing, paddling, and spending as much time outdoors as they can in the Western states and Alaska. In September 2009, Polson was awarded the Trailblazer Woman of Valor award from Washington State Senator Maria Cantwell.
Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher by Chad Norris
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Chosen Books (March 15, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800795407
ISBN-13: 978-0800795405
Price: $12.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
Baptist Preacher Takes the “Weird” Out of the Supernatural.
Demonstrating humor, candor, and personal vulnerability, this Southern Baptist preacher offers an entertaining, non-religious look at the Holy Spirit. He shares transparently, recounting his own history of depression and panic attacks until Jesus rescued him and showed him how to do the works of the Father. As Norris explains, “I had no paradigm for that.” Then he challenges readers to engage with the supernatural.
Even though Jesus said we will do even greater things than he did, we don’t. Norris’s engaging narrative style lowers readers’ defenses and opens their minds to the idea that these “greater things” are more attainable than they think. Because we are loved more than we imagine, says Norris, we are more capable of doing the Father’s works than we have ever considered.
Review
I have been sitting on this review for over a week now. There is so much on my heart, I don’t even know where to start. I talk a little bit about it on this blog post.
To say that reading Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher turned my world upside down is a complete understatement. My mind is still spinning.
When I had selected this book to review, I had a secret agenda to discredit it. However, I couldn’t find anything to discredit; not the book nor the author, Chad Norris.
Whom, I had the sincere privilege of speaking to via Skype, not one time, but twice. I really had to see for myself if this guy was for real. Sure enough, he is.
Not only is he the real deal, but he’s also authentic, genuine, down to earth, funny and a nice guy. I want to be his friend now.
I just have one thing to say about Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher, you all need to get your hands on it and read it. There isn’t a book out there quite like it.
If you have any doubts, are skeptical or cynical like me when it comes to the supernatural, well then, this book is for you. There is nothing over the top or sensational about this book at all. This is by far the best book I’ve read on the subject.
Chad Norris openly and transparently shares how he went from a baptist preacher who doesn’t believe in signs and wonders, to a believer. He writes about his life and he does so with depth, sincerity and a sense of humor too.
I really enjoyed reading this book and learned a lot. Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher provoked, challenged and changed me. I highly recommend it.
In conclusion, I want to thank Chad Norris for his kindness and gracious hospitality via Skype. I also want to thank Chosen Book for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to review.
Chad Norris currently serves on the staff of City Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina, as the Director of Life Transformation. He loves the art of storytelling, and his ministry includes speaking to students and adults in a variety of settings. He has an MDiv from Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, and he cofounded Wayfarer Ministries in 2000. Chad has co-written numerous Bible studies and coauthored six books. He and his family live in Greenville, South Carolina. You can follow him on Twitter.
I Want To Believe
Do you believe in miracles? When you read the Bible, what goes through your mind? When you read about Heaven or Hell, do you believe it?
Well, I have a confession to make… I really don’t believe what I read, which is probably why I don’t feel compelled to read the Bible. But I want to believe.
I hear Jesus’ voice echoing in the recesses of my mind, asking me the same question, “Who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:29)
I’m still trying to figure this out.
I have traveled far and wide seeking truth. I shudder at the realization of how much money I’ve spent searching for God. I could have paid for a college education and owned two condos by now. No joke.
Sadly, I’m still at square one. If I’m honest, I lack faith and belief. True story.
I believe it is by God’s design I review Christian books. Because recently, I’m being challenged to the core by a book I’m reading and reviewing.
I’m sure you are curious… it’s called Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher by Chad Norris. Have you heard of the book or the author? No? Well, me either… until now.
It was simple… Chosen Books sent me an email asking me which book I wanted to review and I chose this one. However, I didn’t know as a result of reading this book, it would turn my world and heart upside down.
Secretly, I had an underlying agenda in selecting this book and it was to discredit it. I wanted to write off the author as crazy, nuts, off the wall, etc…
However, by the time I hit page 40, I needed to speak to this man! There was such a drive in me to speak with him.
Thankfully, when I did reach him, he was very gracious. He didn’t think I was a lunatic from New York City. He agreed to speak to me through Skype a few nights ago.
Chad Norris isn’t nuts, off the wall or crazy… he is one of the most down to earth, nice, laid back dudes I ever met. He is NORMAL!
I can’t discredit him or his book at all.
Now what?
Well… I was left with looking at myself… where I’m really at with all of this stuff.
Folks, I love Jesus, but I lack faith and do not believe in miracles. I’m cynical, I doubt and question everything in the Bible and otherwise. When I read the Bible I disbelieve the miracles in there too. I gloss over the stories like they are fairy tales or fables.
I realized somewhere, somehow I determined it was all a bunch of make believe. The realization of this is brutally shocking to me, I don’t even know what to do with myself.
I admit, it’s a scary place to be.
So here I am, on the day before Resurrection Day, crying out to God… Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. (Mark 9:24).
Do you struggle with reading the Bible and believing in miracles, signs and wonders? Do you believe miracles are for today? Have you experienced a miracle in your life? Have you seen someone get healed miraculously? Have you seen blind eyes and deaf ears open? The dead raised?
Learning To Love by Heidi Baker; Rolland Baker
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Chosen Books (February 15, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800795520
ISBN-13: 978-0800795528
Price: $13.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
Missionary Leaders Reveal Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses from Africa
Continuing where their book Expecting Miracles left off, this narrative draws from the last five years of the life of Iris Ministries. Woven alongside fascinating narrative from Mozambique is teaching from Heidi and Rolland that communicates the distilled wisdom about the heart of the Gospel from all their years of serving the poor.
More than any of their previous books, this one has the most to say about what Rolland and Heidi have learned about love–whether in Africa or wherever home might be: finding intimacy with Jesus, concentrating on the humble and lowly, being willing to suffer for love’s sake, finding God’s supply of utterly needed miracles, and walking in the unquenchable joy of the Lord. Every reader will find incredible challenge and refreshment in these pages.
Review
I remember Heidi Baker visiting Times Square Church back in 1995. It was a 3:00pm service and she preached a touching message entitled, “Who will go?”.
I was a baby Christian. I had just started attending Times Square Church back then. The strangest thing started happening to me. To my surprise, I began to weep.
She did an altar call and I was propelled to go. I went and fell on my knees sobbing my heart out. I wasn’t familiar with the move of the Holy Spirit or anything like that. So everything was completely brand new, coming from an open and sincere heart.
I remember that day like if it was yesterday. I never forgot Heidi Baker, Mozambique or that altar call. There were only a few of us at the altar answering the call. I honestly thought I would wind up in Africa one day, but I didn’t.
It was refreshing reading Learning To Love and seeing all that the Lord has done in Mozambique years later.
Heidi and Rolland Baker share wonderful and encouraging testimonies of their work through Iris Ministries.
Granted, I personally struggle with the whole miracle element; the blind seeing, the deaf hearing and the dead rising. However, I respect the work that God is doing through the Baker’s in Mozambique.
I enjoyed reading the different stories throughout Learning To Love. The book is inspirational and I recommend it.
In conclusion, I want to thank Chosen Books for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to review.
Heidi and Rolland Baker, founders of Iris Ministries, served as missionaries in Indonesia and Hong Kong before following God’s call in 1995 to Mozambique. In the face of overwhelming need, the Bakers now watch God provide miraculously for well over 10,000 children every day through their ministry, and many more through the Iris network of more than 15,000 churches, Bible schools, primary schools, and remote outreach programs. They live in Mozambique, Africa.
The One Who Had Been
Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. Mark 5:15
I read the above scripture and meditated on the words, “the one who had been”.
The one who had been demon-possessed and had a legion, was sitting with Jesus in his right mind.
Glory!
Only someone who has been delivered can jump up and praise Him.
Yes, I was delivered from much.
I willingly walked into the devil’s camp and did some things I’m not proud of.
I look back and see the hand of God and His mercy allowing me to do so, because He wanted me to know Him and His power.
I’m not into the hokey pokey magic, fortune telling, divination, name it and claim it Christianity. I speak against all that new age spiritualism.
God taught me a lot through my spiritual experiences, in crossing the threshold.
The spiritual realm is real. Spiritual warfare is real. What you see isn’t all there is.
If you are truly living as a Christian, whether you like it or not, you are in a war.
This morning while walking to work I was listening to the Daily Audio Bible which is my practice. Brian Hardin read the above verse from the gospel of Mark.
As I was listening, the Lord opened my eyes to see the spiritual realm for a moment. I saw various people in bondage to the devil. One disheveled woman was yelling on the top of her lungs, another man was talking to a wall, another man was cursing and speaking profanities at everyone around him.
For whatever reason, these manifestations where surrounding me and for a minute, I wanted to be like the apostles of old and start laying hands on people and praying for their deliverance. Then I caught myself …
What stopped me? Fear, disbelief and lack of faith.
Yes, I understand some people are mentally ill, but not all people are mentally ill, some people are actually demon possessed.
I started to think about Jesus and the scriptures. I felt a surge rise up from within me, my heart began accelerating, I felt boundless energy. I really wanted to take God at His Word. But then, fear got in the way… I thought, what will people think of me if I stopped and prayed for these people? People who are looked down upon and called crazy.
But God doesn’t think they are crazy, Jesus loves and died for them.
My heart longs to see people set free by the power and blood of Jesus.
Jesus isn’t some historical figure left in some book for us to read.
Jesus is alive, He is real and He has the power to set people free. I truly believe this with all my heart.
I see people every day who are in bondage. I want to speak the oracles of God and allow the Holy Spirit to open their eyes to Jesus. So they too can be set free and not live entangled by the lies and torment.
Jesus isn’t called the Prince of Peace for nothing. He died on the cross for us, so that we can have abundant life, a life of freedom and not bondage. He wants everyone to be set free, to experience His love, peace and joy.
Jesus holds the key to your deliverance today. Will you believe?
What would happen if we actually took Jesus at His Word?
Yes, I guess some people would think we were a bit extreme and radical even. But, what if we stepped out and prayed for others who are being tormented and living in bondage?
Imagine if we prayed and they were instantly set free? Wow! Wouldn’t that be amazing to witness? I would LOVE it!
Jesus never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. He willingly was crucified on a cross for our salvation, deliverance and freedom.
What kind of love is that? It’s unfathomable! Glory be to God in the highest!
What are your thoughts on this? Do you believe Jesus can deliver people today?
First Steps Out by Christy McFerren
Paperback: 172 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (October 31, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1480160342
ISBN-13: 978-1480160347
Price: $9.99
Purchase: Amazon
Description
After walking together through her twenty-three year journey to overcome homosexuality, Christy McFerren and her parents, Mike and Sharon Honea, are speaking up to offer hope to families in a sometimes painful and seemingly hopeless place.
Sharing the stories, pain, joy, and wisdom gained from their personal and family struggles, they hope to become a resource for families that wasn’t available to them during their journey.
More than a guide for families, however, their story is also offered to the Church at large as a starting place for learning how to open their doors and their arms to people who struggle with homosexuality, same-sex attraction, and related issues. Christy and her parents share a vision for a Church who can offer hope and truth, maintaining a firm foundation of traditional biblical interpretation while employing grace and wisdom in revolutionary ways – the very ways that empowered her freedom.
Christy’s message to those who face same-sex attraction is, “It’s OK to Fight.” Her message to the Church is, “Let’s have strong enough faith in God’s divine grace that we can give people permission to be in process.” You can join a supportive community of revolutionary thinkers on this topic at firststepsout.com.
Review
I first met Christy McFerren on Twitter and then started reading her articles on Prodigal Magazine. When she asked me to review her book, First Steps Out, I was definitely interested.
I value Christy’s transparency and courage. She shares her journey about being a Christian, growing up in the Church and struggling with same sex attraction.
I believe this could happen to any one of us. It could have happened to me. As a matter of fact, I was propositioned by many women through my life as a Christian. The temptation to cross over was always available. I can only say it was by the grace of God that I didn’t since I am a curious person by nature.
I personally have close friends who are part of the LBGT community. I was involved in acting and singing for years and many of my friends are gay. I’m also very close to a family member who is a transvestite.
I am vehemently opposed to Christian’s bashing homosexuals. I always say, the sin of homosexuality as the Bible describes, is no worse than committing adultery, fornication, gluttony, lying, stealing, or being religious and judgmental. I honestly do not understand how any Christian can point a righteous finger and judge anyone, much less those who are attracted to the same sex.
This is why I love First Steps Out because Christy understands what it’s like to be judged. She was hurt by those around her while she was struggling. She was given over to her same sex attraction for a time, but by God’s grace and with her parents love, prayers and support, she no longer is.
Today she is free, happy and married to the man of her dreams. What an amazing testimony!
First Steps Out was written for family or friends in the Christian community who has a son, daughter, sibling, cousin or friend who is struggling with not wanting to be in a homosexual relationship. Christy McFerren lovingly offers advice, information and biblical wisdom on how to approach family members properly, effectively and most of all, lovingly.
This book is an excellent, helpful and informative resource for the Church at large. I truly believe every Christian should read First Steps Out. I highly recommend it.
Christy McFerren is a writer, blogger and speaker on the topics of faith and culture. Her blog, Living a Thoughtful Revolution (christymcferren.com), is focused on exploring what it means to thoughtfully live out the answers Jesus gave us to the questions culture is asking. She is also a featured content writer for Prodigal Magazine where she writes stories at the intersection of Church and Culture. In addition to writing and speaking, Christy and her husband Dan run a brand development firm called Thoughtful Revolution. They offer web design and development, brand identity, content authoring and marketing services with a special focus on writers and authors. You can find out more about their services at thoughtfulrevolution.com. Christy and Dan live in Austin, TX.
When You’ve Lost Your Dream
There was a time in my life where I couldn’t hear, see or sense God. I would pray and it was as if the heavens were brass.
I thought my life would turn out one way and here I was, recovering from the aftermath of a difficult pregnancy, overweight, post partum, sleep deprived because my son was colic and unhappy.
I can’t tell you how hard life was for me back then. I would look around at my friends who were happy and pursuing their dreams.
But I wasn’t. I was stuck in a new reality that I did not want.
I kept asking God where He was. He didn’t seem like He was with me at all. I felt isolated and alone.
When we are in a difficult season of life, we think it will last forever.
My friends did their best to try and encourage me by saying, God is not over with me yet and He had a great plan for my life.
While I whispered under my breath, yeah right. I couldn’t see it. I felt as if God abandoned me.
I was miserable.
Instead of getting better, I got bitter. I was angry and I was envious of others who were living their lives the way I wished I could.
I honestly did not believe I would ever dream again.
I am happy to report I am dreaming again. I’m dreaming God’s dream for me before I came to earth.
You are probably wondering how long it took to get to this point. The answer is a decade. It was only up until recently I was able to dream again.
So for those of you who are raising babies, don’t know what your dreams are, feel really discouraged and inadequate, this is for you:
God has a plan for your life. He hasn’t given up on you. He hasn’t forgotten you. He hasn’t abandoned you. He loves you passionately. You are in a season right now. It won’t last forever. He is growing you in the process. Keep your eyes on Him, no matter what and He will see you through. You will dream again.
Have you stopped dreaming? Do you think God has forgotten you?
Love Finds You In Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Summerside Press (January 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1609365690
ISBN-13: 978-1609365691
Price: $12.99
Purchase: Amazon | BN | CBD
Description
Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams—a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But Ginny needs advice from the one person who will look out for her best interests—her former fiancé, Brett Miller. She travels to the remote town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, where the town’s colorful characters and stunning scenery provide respite from LA’s pressures.
In Glacier Bay, Ginny discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between Clay, an early missionary to Alaska Territory, and Ellie, the woman who traveled there to be his children’s governess. When Ginny is reunited with Brett in Glacier Bay, will she discover—as Ellie did—that healing and love are sometimes found in the most unexpected places?
Review
I have a confession to make. I hardly ever read love stories. I don’t even listen to love songs either. I typically would not choose this genre to read or review. But, I love the authors and decided why not.
I’m so glad I did because I would have really missed out. I was completely blown away by Love Finds You In Glacier Bay. Yes, it’s fiction and yes, it’s a love story. Yet, it’s also so much more than that.
I laughed, I cried, I mean, really crying. I was on the bus reading it and tears were streaming down my face. I just couldn’t help it.
This story is beautiful, enriching, fascinating, deep, life transforming, redeeming and victorious. The characters were so real and as I read, I could envision each one and feel what they felt too.
I was hooked by the first page, without exaggeration. I did not want to put this book down and I certainly did not want it to end.
I know this will sound peculiar, but I even sensed the presence of God when I read this book.
Love Finds You In Glacier Bay, Alaska was healing for me. This story spoke truth to my heart, mind and spirit.
I highly recommend this book. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Tricia Goyer (triciagoyer.com) is the award-winning author of more than thirty novels. She and her husband have six children and live in Arkansas.
Ocieanna Fleiss (ocieana.com) is a published author and editor. She lives with her husband and their four children in the Seattle area. This is the authors’ third book together.
100 Pound Loser by Jessica Heights
Print Length: 36 pages
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B009UKX7HY
Price: $4.99
Purchase: Amazon
Description
Witty and candid, 100 Pound Loser is a motivational weight loss tool written by a mother of four whose jaw-dropping 100 pound weight loss story and practical advice will inspire, encourage, and motivate readers to conquer their weight loss goals and appreciate their bodies, regardless of the numbers on the scale.
Review
I remember the first time I saw and heard Jessica speak, it was at the Allume conference. I clearly recognized her uniqueness.
She is beautiful, dynamic and hilarious. I can see her getting far in life as she is talented, gifted and different. I also believe she is an amazing role model for young women and mothers.
When I came across her book, I was immediately interested in reading it. I am thankful for the opportunity to read about Jessica’s journey toward weight loss.
I completely relate to her story because I too struggle with my weight. I have a sordid history with the scale going up and down throughout my life. There is a lot of shame connected with being overweight.
I found reading 100 Pound Loser very helpful. Jessica shares how she lost 100 pounds after giving birth to four children. She shares pointers on how one can begin their weight loss journey. I believe what she shares is a realistic method and attainable approach to losing weight.
I am glad I read this book, because I am now motivated to make changes and healthier choices.
As Jessica puts so well, it’s about being better stewards of our bodies and health.
If you are struggling with your weight or health, I recommend you read this book.
Jessica Heights is a Renaissance woman with many facets and a convoluted story. She is the author and founder of Muthering Heights and Other Senseless Sensibility (mutheringheights.com), where she lives her own story — wandering her heart chambers and reveling in the glorious minutiae of life as a woman, a wife, a mother, and an opponent of fibromyalgia. She is the co-host and co-founder Allume (allume.com), the first Christian women’s blogging and social media conference. In addition, she blogs for Operation Christmas Child and enjoys speaking engagements of all kinds.