These Are a Few of My Favorite Things
Take a look at the people, books, and resources I draw inspiration from. Maybe some of my favorite things will become yours too.
*All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. I receive no compensation from any people, companies or causes I endorse.
Writers & Ministries
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Jess Connolly
I just love the passion Jess has for helping women find their worth in Christ. She is an awesome advocate for positive body image. Check out her books, podcast and blog.
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Shauna Niequist
Shauna finds joy in connecting with people through food and hospitality, just like me. Her books, “Present Over Perfect” and “Bread and Wine” are my favorites.
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Jan Hatmaker
I’ve been a fan of Jen’s writing since her earlier days, and it’s in those early books of hers I still draw inspiration from. Jen’s writing style is sharp, witty and full of conviction. She finds her purpose in being a mom, friend and hostess. Like me, she connects with her readers through humor and authenticity.
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Alongside Ministry Wives: Empowering Ministry Wives
This ministry exists to encourage, equip and support pastors and ministers wives. They provide rich discussion and community, combatting the isolation that often comes with full-time ministry. I’m honored to partner with them in meeting such a vast and deep need. If you’re a pastor’s wife, I hope you’ll be blessed by the free resources Alongside has to offer.
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(In) Courage
(In) Courage is a beautiful community of women that seeks to encourage, empower and connect. Through their website, podcast, social media, Bible studies, and devotionals you’ll find everything you need to thrive.
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Shannan Martin
Shannan’s writing style is both poetic and impactful. Her passion for hospitality and loving thy neighbor seeps through in all she writes. Her book, The Ministry of Ordinary Places, is what first drew me to her ministry and she’s been inspiring me ever since.
Motherhood
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Raising Grateful Kids In An Entitled World
This book radically changed my parenting tactics. The value of hard work and humility is often lost on the next generation. These “old school” parents share biblically sound, intentional wisdom for raising your kids against the grain of the world.
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Hands Free Mama
Phone addiction is real, and our kids are watching every time our eyes are on our screens instead of on them. I’m so grateful for the convicting messages of this book and the tangible boundaries it helped me put in place so that I could be more present with my family.
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Lies Girls Believe
My daughter and I read through this book together (I read the Mom’s Guide companion), and I’ve recommended it to every mom of girls I know. We can help our girls combat the lies of the world and defend themselves against negative self-talk. Rooted in biblical truth and full of unique conversation starters, this book changed my relationship with my daughter for the better.
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Raising Emotionally Strong Boys
This book was full of “aha” moments for me. I appreciated the biblical foundation, tangible application, and the understanding that not all boys are alike. The wisdom of this book has given me a greater understanding for my son and all his very big feelings, and given me tools to help him grow, mature and learn who God’s designed him to be.
Hospitality
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Magnolia Table
I’m a big fan of Joanna Gaines and the empire she’s built in Waco, Texas. I’ve seen it firsthand and it’s impressive. I’ve also tasted the food, which is what led me to purchase both volumes of the Magnolia Table cookbooks. The recipes raise the bar for comfort food. My kids always ask, “Is this a Joanna recipe?” when I make something new, because they know to expect delicious things if it is. My son also wrote about Joanna Gaines for a “Who’s My Favorite Person” assignment in kindergarten which I’m still recovering from.
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The I Heart Naptime Cook
Remember the movie “Julie & Julia” about the woman who fearlessly cooked her way through Julia Child’s cookbook? If I ever took on that kind of challenge, this would be my cookbook of choice. I do not exaggerate when I say every recipe I’ve made from this book by Jamielyn Nye has been a home run. Every. Single. One. Bonus, they’re all family friendly and can be made in an hour. This has become my go-to gift for birthdays, baby showers, you name it. Grab one for you and one for your favorite person. You’ll both thank me.
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Giada De Laurentiis, Chef
I own every single one of Giada’s cookbooks. Her recipes are so fantastically fresh, combining traditional Italian with light Californian ingredients. Her food is so simple to make and always has the feel of a fancy meal, without the complicated steps! I especially love her frequent use of fresh lemon, olives and PASTA!
https://www.giadadelaurentiis.com/
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Mud Pie Home Kitchenware
I have a wide collection of this fantastic servingware. I love the timeless white glazed ceramic, but even more, I love the fun, pun-filled additions on every piece. I get so many compliments from guests who join us for a meal! Mud Pie brings a little laughter and lightheartedness into my kitchen every day. Check out their full line of drinkware, serving dishes and bakeware, and bring a smile to your dinner table!
https://www.mud-pie.com/Home-Kitchen---Cooking/
Godly Living
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Famous in Heaven & at Home: A Character Study of the Proverbs 31 Woman
If you’re a woman and you’ve read through Proverbs 31 you’ve probably felt overwhelmed. It sets the bar for us pretty high. But in this book Michelle Myers assures us that it is “a character description of the woman God has called you to be, NOT a to-do list.” This daily study is hands down the most encouraging yet most convicting book I’ve ever read. Famous in Heaven & at Home walks you through Proverbs 31 verse by verse and pulls from it all the history and insight possible. Every part of the described “wife of noble character” is relevant today, and this book will prove it.
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H.E.A.L: Healthy Eating Abundant Living
I never knew how much the Bible had to say about food and physical health until I dove into this study. I’ve walked through the pages of this book on my own twice. I’ve lead three separate groups of women through the study as well. Every time I’ve been challenged and changed. God has designed us with everything we need to live a healthy, fulfilling life. When we listen to our body’s internal cues we will understand we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
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Comparison Trap
This study gets right to the heart of our struggle with comparison. We are meant to celebrate one another and build one another up, and instead we size each other up. We can be confident in exactly who God made us to be. There is space for all of us. Insecurity breeds competition which breeds envy. There is no love in comparison.
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Good Enough: 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection
A daily companion for those of us struggling to maintain balance and extend ourselves grace in the day-to-day. This book is meant to be chewed in small bites, allowing space to savor and breathe in between. Every word reassures us that we are good, and that’s enough.
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Redeeming Your Phone Time
This workbook devotional has drastically changed my phone habits. It's both relevant and realistic, and sets us up for success in redeeming the time we so easily waste on our screens. There is a way to honor God with our phones, but our habits first need to change. I encourage you to check your average screen time on your phone, then go buy this book.