Ah friends. It’s been hard to write lately. My brain feels empty of words while I still power through with more creative ideas than time or resources. Hopefully you’re all ok with one post a week for awhile, because I can’t promise to offer much more than that for awhile.
Moving on! Let’s get to some favorites, shall we? As always, some affiliate links are used because I’m a smart blogger and y’all are kind enough to click on them. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but if you choose to shop through them, I make a little bit of money to keep the lights on over here.
You might find it ironic to share Alli Worthington’s new book Breaking Busy as a favorite after last week’s “holy hustle” post, but Alli is one of the most encouraging, kind, funny, Jesus-loving women and her book makes me feel peaceful, not guilty. It’s helping me to figure out what to say “no” to so I can wisely hustle when I say “yes.” Her chapter on “finding your purpose in a world of striving” is speaking strongly to my type-A tendencies right now as I work to find that balance between passionately pursuing my purpose and striving. Her quote, “Walking in your God-given destiny is the best kind of life you can possibly live” is acting as a daily reminder to seek God’s agenda for my day before I start making my own to-do list.
The gals at Naptime Diaries have released their new 40 Days with Jesus Lent Devotional and it’s wonderful. If you’re looking for a way to slow down and savor the Lent season, their devotional will give you the guidance, inspiration – and breathing room – to do that. And you can get 15% off your order with code CRYSTAL15!
While I love the 21 day faith & fitness challenges I host on Facebook, I discovered this 12 Months to a Healthier Life Calendar on the Beachbody site and really like it. It’s a practical way to add just one change a month to your lifestyle to make some big changes by the end of the year. If jumping into drinking more water, daily workouts & a new nutrition plan all at the same time, this might be just what you need to get started!
I love designing shirts. It’s kind of funny how much I love it, since I have no graphic design training or apparel design knowledge. But I just play around until I come up with a design I love – like the new Take Heart shirt that is now available! A perfect Valentine’s Day gift or treat for yourself, it’s my reminder that I don’t have to fight all the battles – God has overcome the world, and I can find peace in that. Or the new “Strength” shirt – my reminder each day that I want to be “clothed in strength and dignity.”
My incredibly smart and wise friend Amy Lynn Andrews has this newsletter she sends out called The Useletter. Y’all. If you are a blogger or into social media or just love learning new things, you need to subscribe to it immediately. I’m constantly finding new apps, new tools, and new tips to use that make me a smarter & more effective blogger.
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Those are the favorites for now! I’m brainstorming a new faith & fitness challenge for February and would love to know how to best serve YOU. Will you head here and fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page and let me know what would entice you to join us? How can I invest in you during this next challenge to encourage you to invest in your health?
Designing clothing is SO fun! Especially graphic apparel because the opportunities are endless.
Besides coming to my house and dragging me out to exercise? 🙂 We farm and we work hard. I understand that it is not EXACTLY the same as exercising, but I often use it as an excuse to not work out. Teach me how to want to work out when I am exhausted from physical labor? xoxoxo
Haha! Maybe stretching would be in order after a hard day on the farm. My mom had horses when I was in high school. We would haul steel corral fences around by hand. My shoulders would ache for days after that!
Ali’s book sounds amazing. My theme for the year is “Choose Rest,” so I am definitely adding her to my reading list.