You know when you stumble onto one of those books that you can’t put down, one of those books you read in one sitting, one of those books that before you finish you have already crafted a list, either mental or physical, of people you are going to share them with, one of those books that leaves you thinking for weeks, one of those books that you quote so much that you start to get on your own nerves.

I’ve read two of those books lately.

The first is Resurrection Year by Sheridan Voysey. {But it’s not out yet, so go pre-order it and I’ll tell you more about it closer to it’s release.}

The second is Freefall to Fly by Rebekah Lyons. {Y’all it is so good. }

Freefall to Fly for every woman who has felt alone, afraid, and unworthy.

It’s for every woman who has struggled to get out of bed in the morning.

And it’s for every woman who has ever asked….

Is there something more?

Why am I here?

Or…

Does my life matter?

With candor, depth, strength and stunning beauty, Rebekah shares her “dark night of the soul in the city that never sleeps” and all who read her words will be better for it.

I know, I am. Her words helped me understand surrender, her words gave me permission, and her words affirmed my search.

And I have some good news…

Thanks to Rebekah’s team, I get to give away a copy of Freefall to Fly {Y’all it’s so good.}! Simply leave a comment below on why you want to read this book and I will select a winner on Friday. 

If you don’t want to wait, you should check this amazing promotions Rebekah’s team has set up. EVERYONE who purchases Freefall to Fly will receive three awesome gifts:  An original chalk art print by chalk artist, Dana Tanamachi, a $5 TOMS gift card, and a Freefall to Fly digital soundtrack. ANYONE who subscribes to Rebekah’s blog will have: a prelude and 1st chapter of Freefall to Fly delivered to their inbox.

A couple of months ago, I blogged about Lysa TerKeurst’s book Unglued.

Oh, I’ve been unglued.

I am not proud to admit it, but it’s true.

I’ve been unglued. I’ve been unhinged. And I’ve been unable to keep my crazy under wraps.

There was the time in middle school when two teenage boys were bullying a friend and me, that I slammed my fist down on a glass tabletop to get my point across {we will not be messed with} but all they heard was the sound of table shattering. Click here to read the rest of the post. 

I shared about how important of a resource this is for women, like me, who lose it every now and again. That’s why I am so excited that this book now has a new companion piece, the Unglued Devotional: 60 Days of Imperfect Progress (Can we talk about how wonderful that subtitle is? Sign me up for that!). The devotional includes a daily opening scripture, thought for the day, devotion, and closing prayer. It’s an accessible way to start positively processing your emotions (Sign me up for that!).

I’m starting it now.  I can’t wait to see what all I learn. Holler if you want to join me on this journey of “imperfect progress.”

Tell me your favorite devotional of all-time below and you will be entered to win the following from Lysa and the Proverbs 31 team: 

Unglued, Unglued Devotional, Set of 4 Unglued key tags, Highlighter, Journal, $5 Starbucks gift card

I will select winner on Sunday, February 3, when I get back from Bangladesh. 

Last week I had the pleasure of sitting down with two of my favorite people, Trisha and Justin Davis, to talk about their new book, Beyond Ordinary: When a Good Marriage Isn’t Good Enough. The Davises have taught me so much through their friendship, their ministry and their book about living a life that is beyond ordinary. A life full of forgiveness, grace, truth, and healthy boundaries. I am so excited that their book will magnify their message, their influence. We all have a lot to learn from them!

In the video below, I ask them to give a brief synopsis of the beginning of their ministry, to tell us how their book actually applies to a broader audience than one might think, and to share how those in a ‘happy’ marriage might take some proactive steps to strengthen their relationship. Please watch and share.

Oh, and don’t forget to…

Buy their book.

Read their blog.

Join their community on Facebook.

Follow Justin and Trish on Twitter.

In the spirit of improving your marriage, what is your favorite piece of marriage advice? 

I have a growing stack of books on my bookshelf. It is getting so out of control that it is stressing me out and causing me to avoid reading all together. (I know that makes no sense, but sometimes I don’t make sense.) I continue to buy books that friends recommend, get freebies in the mail, and pick up titles that look interesting at work. All of which add to my problem. My book problem. Seriously, I have all these books in my queue right now. (Don’t judge me.)

One Thousand Gifts (Ann Voskamp) – This one I have started (and sometimes starting is half the battle). So far I have been stunned by Ann’s insight, honesty, and way with words.

The Next Christians (Gabe Lyons) I am fascinated by the conversations about what is next for Christianity. Fascinated.

Margin (Richard A. Swenson, M.D.) I bought this book two years ago. Still haven’t found enough space to read it. And over the last couple of weeks I have heard 3 people recommend it. (Sometimes God’s nudging is not very subtle.)

Bonhoeffer (Eric Metaxas) I’m a little scared by the shear size of this tome but I have heard NOTHING but good things about this New York Times bestseller.

From Head to Foot (Annie Downs) I heart Annie Downs. Not sure I know anyone with as much exuberance and WOO (well, maybe Bianca, but it is a close call). I can’t wait to hear she has to say about offering your whole self to the Lord. Plus, I so admire the story of Annie’s persistence in bringing her dream to reality.

Advertising Headlines that Make You Rich (David Garfinkel) Michael Hyatt suggested this one. And what kind of idiot doesn’t read the books her boss suggests? Pretty sure that once I finish it I will have to go back and rename this blog post.

When You Reach Me (Rebecca Stead) Reading this with some girls at work. It’s the only fiction on my list and it’s actually written for young adults, which will suit me just fine.

Radical (David Platt) Just ordered this one today, because everyone is talking about it and frankly I am sick of not being able to add value the conversation.

Curious. What is on your bookshelf right now?

Today I am participating in Jon Acuff’s ginormous guest post tour.

Don’t know who Jon Acuff is?

You should. He is hilarious. He is smart. He is a Christian. And he makes fun of Christians. Come on, let’s face it…we, as Christians, are funny.

Jon’s debut book  Stuff Christians Like released on April 1. You need to go buy a copy. Don’t believe me? Well, read his blog and follow him on twitter and you’ll quickly be convinced.

And without further adeu…

The “Is that contestant on American Idol a Christian?” Scorecard

102. When they get kicked off and have to sing their final song they end it with an altar call = +2 points

To add up your score with over a 130 other ideas on this scorecard, visit stuffchristianslike.net.

This summer has been A COMPLETE WHIRLWIND. I have been traveling non-stop and loving every minute of it. But I am worn out. And my life and my house are in disarray.  (Seriously can’t remember the last time I changed my sheets. I think it was sometime last week but I’m not quite sure.)

With all this traveling, another thing that has been neglected is my blog. So this is a quick play-by-play with some of my favorite photos, of course. (more…)