Liebster Award

Yesterday, I was browsing around on one of the Facebook Pages I am a member of, and Dara of She Seams So Crafty, had been nominated by a fellow blogger for the Liebster Award and was seeking to Pay it Forward. If you've been in the blogging world for awhile, you probably already know what this award is. I'm a baby in the blogging world- just under one month- so I wasn't sure exactly what it was, but I did some research and decided to put my name in the hat to be nominated- and I made the list!

What I learned was this: the Liebster Award is basically a chain letter for bloggers. It in an online award that is given to bloggers by other bloggers. It helps those who have less than 200 followers on any social media platform a network boost and puts them in the spotlight by another blogger just like me and you who are just starting out.

To acept the award, there are just a few very simple things we must do:

Sounded like lots of fun to me- plus, I get to display the award on my blog for everyone to see! So, without further ado....

First of all, let me take a few moments to thank Dara of She Seams So Crafty for nominating me for the Liebster award. Thank you so much Dara!

Dara is an amazing blogger and young mom to three beautiful children. She is married to the love of her life and God has blessed her with being able to stay home with her children and run a cloth diaper store online from her home. Check out her blog- she's got lots of fun things such as craft ideas, giveaways, and even reviews. Thanks again Dara for nominating me for this award!

Now, to answer Dara's 11 questions about me:

1) Why did you decide to start blogging?

I've considered starting a blog for a year or so...but just couldn't get it to work out. A few months ago, a company that I do freelance writing for asked me if I would be interested in writing reviews on their blog. The way it would work would be she'd send me over offers for products and if I was interested in it, I'd contact the company, get the product, and write the review. So, I've been doing that for several months, but still wanted to start my own blog. So, after much prayer- and a Cursillo retreat- God finally opened the door for Grace and Beauty. My plans were to think it over and launch on January 1- but the Monday after my retreat, I woke up- and the name and purpose of the blog were crystal clear...and if there's one thing I've learned in my life- you don't put God off.

2) What inspires you to write?

Encouraging things inspire me to write. The whole purpose of my blog is to be an encouragement to Christian women, no matter what walk of life they're in. I believe that this world makes it very hard sometimes for us as Christians to keep our heads up. Satan is running rampant in our world and doing everything he can to tear us down and tear our families apart. Hopefully, Grace and Beauty will be a light in the darkness to let women know that you're not alone- we are all in this together.

3) Is blogging a hobby or a job?

Honestly, it's a calling. God called me to do this. If it brings in an income, that would be great. However, if it does not, simply being an encouragement and light to other women is more than enough. I just want to be a light in the darkness.

4) What are your goals for your blogs?

My goals for my blog is that it will be an encouragement to Christian women in all walks of life- something to let them know that they're not alone. As Christians, we are all sisters, and we can all support and love one another through whatever life throws our way.

5) Tell me about your family!

I met my husband online in the Summer of 2011. We started out as friends- he was in the middle of some very difficult personal things and just needed a friend to lean on. Over time, we began to fall in love and in June 2013, we said "I do." Not only did I say "I do" to him- I also said "I do" to his three wonderful boys. They are now 13, 12, and 6- and I am proud to say that I am their bonus mom.

6) What do you do besides blog? Work? Stay at home?

I am a freelance writer, working mainly on sites like Elance, Freelancer, and others. I have four Scripture study type books that I have written and have for sale on Amazon in both Kindle version and paperback. I have some ideas for a couple of others that I am planning on having out by January 2015. I am hoping I can get some in the local bookstores.

7) What are your passions?

I am pretty passionate about crafting. I love making beaded jewelry and doing monogramming and hoping to one day officially turn that into a booming business.

8) How often do you blog?

So far, I have to admit, I have not been very good at blogging- but my goals are beginning to fall into place. I'd like to try to blog at least once per day- more if the day calls for it. The #thankfulchallenge has gotten me to where I'm writing at least one post per day for the month of November. I think if I can keep participating in challenges, I'll be able to get a post a day in.

9) How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging off and on for about a year and a half- maybe longer. I know when I started writing my Scripture Study books, I planned on writing about my journey with that, but then that kinda fell apart. Then, when I got married, my goal was to write about my journey as a bonus mom- but since we don't have physical custody, there really wasn't a whole lot going on there. So- again, I dropped the ball. Then, during the summer, I was offered the chance to start doing product reviews for 50 Things to Know Life/Mom Reviews and Giveaways. That caused me to get bit by the blogging bug and I desired to start my own, but didn't know where or how to start- then, in October 2014, God opened my eyes and the ball started rolling.

10) What are some goals you have for your blog?

Basically, I just want to reach out with encouragement for Christian women. As I've said, Satan wants to destroy us and our families- but he can only do that if we let him. As Christian sisters, we need to stand together. That's what Grace and Beauty is about. Some days, I wake up and God specifically says, "You need to say this today...." Other days, it's not as clear. No matter what though, I want to be a light in the darkness.

11) What's the most difficult thing you have found about blogging?

So far, the most difficult thing I have found about blogging is trying to grow my audience. I've never been one to "toot my own horn" so to speak- but I know that if I don't TELL people about my blog, they'll never find it- right?

Now, in my research about this award, some information I found said that in addition to answering the questions, I needed to post 11 random facts about myself. Other information made no mention of that- so anyway, here are my 11 random facts:

1) I'm married to a wonderful man (He's my cowboy & I'm his angel)
2) I'm a bonus mom to three wonderful boys
3) My husband and I are trying to conceive
4) I am Catholic
5) I love animals
6) I have a (very hyper) Chiweenie named Bella Rose
7) I love country music
8) I love going for long walks (listening to my music)
9) I am new to the world of blogging
10) I love going to Chill Frozen Yogurt with my husband
11) I love inspirational, Christian-based movies

And my nominees are:

1) Avery @ AK Reviews
2) Marsha @ The Belly Rules
3) Erin @ Lil' Paper Crumbs
4) Jamie @ Seaside Beauty Box
5) Angela @ The Unclutter Angel
6) Laurie @ Eye for Elegance
7) Jeanae @ Just Jeanae
8) Patty @ "Fun Little Pieces" of Life
9) Trish @ Fitting in Frugal
10) Annette @ Consider This...
11) Amy @ Growing Together 



Congrats to you all! To accept, you must answer the 11 questions I have provided below. Once you have done this, please let me know so that I can read your answers. You can tag me on Facebook or simply comment below with the link and I'll stop by and read them.

Make sure that you link back to the person who nominated you to thank them and then choose 11 other bloggers who have less than 200 followers on any social media platform and give them 11 questions to answer. Let them know you have nominated them and give them the link to your post so that they have instructions on how to accept. Also, if you're feeling up to it- include 11 random facts about yourself that you'd like to share with your readers- that part is optional, some instructions said to include them and some did not.

1) Tell me a little about yourself and your family.
2) What is your favorite thing about blogging?
3) What is the biggest challenge you find in blogging?
4) What is your favorite holiday and why?
5) What makes you truly happy?
6) What is your biggest pet peeve?
7) Where did the name for your blog come from?
8) Why do you blog?
9) What is your favorite movie and why?
10) Do you read often- and what do you read?
11) How often do you blog? Do you wish you could write more often?

I've had fun writing this post and I look forward to reading the posts from my wonderful nominees! Have some fun getting to know your fellow bloggers and remember, there's absolutely nothing wrong with showing a little love! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you'll consider subscribing!

With Love,

Krista

Month of Thankfulness: Day #1- 5

Well, darn- here it is November 5, 2014....and I totally FORGOT to start the Month of Thankfulness postings! Now, I gotta play catch-up!

So, here it goes: Five things I am thankful for (one for each day up to today):

1) I am thankful for my husband. We started out as friends and a beautiful marriage has grown out of it. I never knew that it was possible to fall in love more deeply with someone every single day, but I see now that it is.

2) I am thankful for my bonus sons- sure, sometimes they make me want to pull my hair out, but I love them with all my heart and I am thankful that I don't have to deal with some of the horror stories I hear from other people in similar situations! 

3) I am thankful for the mother of my two oldest bonus sons- without her support, I know that things would not be as smooth as they are. She is an amazing woman and we are all very lucky to have her in our lives. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers, as they are going through a difficult time right now. 

4) I am thankful for my relationship with Jesus Christ. I was raised in a Christian home and my mother always made sure that we were in church nearly every time the doors were open: Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, and when we had a revival going on- EVERY night! 

Which brings me to #5- today's #thankfulchallenge entry: 

5) I am thankful for my mom. She and I don't always get along and I know that I could definitely be a better daughter- I fall far short in so many ways. Still, I love her with all my heart and I'm happy to call her my mom. 

Now- I have caught up and will get on track with the #thankfulchallenge for the rest of the month! 

With Love, 

Krista 

Books by Me....

Some of you out there are already aware that I've written a few Scripture study-type books. Others of you may not. Here is a list of the four books I've written:

1) And These Three Remain (Scriptural Study on Faith, Hope, & Love)

2) Fruits of the Spirit (Scriptural Study on the Fruits of the Spirit)

3) Seven Deadly Sins
4) Seven Heavenly Virtues

 


#3 & #4 were written as companion books- Scriptural Study on the Seven Deadly Sins and the Seven Heavenly Virtues.

Now, I am not a Bible Scholar and I definitely don't know all there is to know about the Scriptures. However, I do know that God called me to write these.

If you'd be interested in ordering one or all four of these books for yourself or for Christmas presents, please let me know! They are available on Amazon.com- or if you order them directly from me, I can give you a bit of a discount (plus, if you order them from me, I can autograph them for you- though that means it'll take a little longer for you to get them).

I hope you all are having a wonderful day!! I look forward to getting to know all of my readers as time goes on!

With Love,

Krista

Live Life by the EASY GO principle

Last Thursday night (10/30/14), I attended an event at my Church called "Our World Needs Catholic Heroes: Live Your Faith Like You Live Your Sport." The speakers at this event were: Tom Peterson, President and Founder of Catholics Come Home and Coach Joey Jones, Head Football Coach at South Alabama.

Coach Joey Jones had some pretty profound words that really touched my heart and I felt God was calling me to share them with you. So, with his permission, I am sharing his EASY GO principle, along with how God spoke to my heart through each one.

E- Effort- We're told that we should give 100%, but it's quite difficult to give 100% all the time to everything. However, it's important that we put forth as much effort as possible in all that we do. As wives and/or mothers, it can be exhausting giving all of ourselves all the time- but God has called us to give our best.

A- Attitude- Most of what we achieve is due to our attitude. Have a great attitude in all that you do- trust me, people are watching you. You probably already know it, but your husband and your children feed off of you- it's true what they say- "If mama ain't happy, ain't NOBODY happy." So, let's make sure that the attitudes we project are positive- even if you're boiling inside. I completely understand, it's much easier said than done- but it's at least worth the effort.

S-System- You should know the system and be an expert at what you do. God made you and gave you the abilities you have. I know that God called me to write this blog. I had been thinking about it, but nothing was working out- no matter where I turned. After my Cursillo weekend, it all fell into place- I woke up with a title and a mission. I'm still learning the system.....

Y- You- Know where you fit in to the system. Understand that God has you where you are for a reason- you may not know the exact details of that reason, but know that He does and He will use you for His glory and honor.


G- God- Make God a priority in your life each and every day. My husband and I take some time every night before we go to sleep to read a devotional passage, the Psalm from the daily Mass, and now that we have both been to a Cursillo, we say the night prayers together.

O- Opportunity- Seize the opportunity to reach out to someone while you still have the chance. If God is telling you to do something- just do it.

With Love,

Krista

You Are Beautiful!

Picture is attributed to @ReneeSwope of A Confident Heart.

Hey ladies, God wants me to tell you something today. Did you know that you're beautiful? Yes, you- with the hair all disheveled without a drop of makeup on, still in your bathrobe. God says you"re beautiful.

He DID make you after all- and God doesn't make junk.

So, next time you're looking in the mirror and that devil pops up and tells you that you're not beautiful and there are things that you really need to change- you just tell him to go away!

You, my darlings, belong to the Almighty King- who was and is and is to come. He made us just the way we are- and He wouldn't have it any different.

With Love,

Krista

Reflections....

You know how they always say that "time flies when you're having fun"? Well, that's certainly been true of my life the past year.

July 20, my husband and I celebrated our one year anniversary. Then, on October 19, we celebrated the one year anniversary of the day we got our wedding blessed in the Catholic Church. I can't believe it's already been a year.

I can't help think of the Brad Paisley song, "Then" when I look back on my life with my husband- even before he became my husband. We started out as friends: no intentions- just friends. Then, the more we talked and hung out, love began to grow. Then, we started dating, and love grew even more. 

I am truly amazed at the love that God has put in our heart for each other- it grows every single day. Now, are we perfect? No- no one is perfect but the Holy Trinity. However, we are perfect for each other.

With Love,
Krista 

We're Raising Money for Down Syndrome Awareness with Johnsonville & PearUp

Recently, I was asked to do a sponsored post though PearUp and Johnsonville. I was asked to create a fundraising campaign for the group/charity of my choice. For those of you who know me, it's no wonder I chose to raise money for Down Syndrome Awareness.

Read my post here

For those of you that don't know me, I chose to raise money for this cause because it's one that is near and dear to my heart. See, my youngest bonus son has Down Syndrome. While we have been very blessed so far to encounter people who love him back, not everyone has that. Every Sunday, at church, we have a coffee/donut social. When he is visiting us, he will eat his donut, run around with the other kids, and then when we're ready to leave, he has to go around and hug EVERYONE. It's very sweet- and shocks many of them- but they hug him back, and are very touched by his love and compassion.

This is one of my favorite pictures of him- we took it this summer when he was visiting with us.

I remember one time when I was younger, my mother & I were shopping in the Disney store in Mobile- those of you familiar with the area know how long the Disney store has been gone. There was this precious little girl who had Down Syndrome in there with her mother. She was probably 2-3 years old. She reached out for my mom, who willingly took her (with the permission of her mom, of course) and was talking to her and loving her. The baby girl's mom was almost in tears- "Thank you. No one ever does that- they usually just push her away." That experience stuck with me even until now.

Also, when I was in high school, I would volunteer during the summer at Camp Adventure/Camp SMILE. Of course, those children had Down Syndrome, Autism, CP, and more. One year, the little boy I was charged with had Down Syndrome and while he was challenging to work with the first few days- I think he was homesick- he settled down and accepted me, and started loving on me.

I encourage all of you to please read my post from 50 Things to Know- and then go to PearUp and support this cause- you don't have to make a cash donation- simply complete a few tasks: join the group, go to the sponsor's page (in this case Johnsonville), share us with friends, and promote us on Facebook. Johnsonville donates the cash- up to $13 per person.

Read the post here

With Love,
Krista