New Seasons

New Year, New Seasons!

What an exciting year 2015 has been for the Hennis Family! We had an amazing year traveling to Haiti as a family to minister to the people there with Wright Baptist Church and Truth Evangelistic Ministries. Jenn traveled to Guatemala to minister with World Help, this was her first trip alone outside the states.

Also, as most of you know, this was Joe’s last year for his bachelor’s degree at The Baptist College of Florida. He graduated Cum Laude and finished his last semester with straight A's! Praise the Lord!



A New Season: Plans for 2016

Many of you have asked about trips that are planned for 2016. We have had some opportunities but have not felt the Lord calling us to those opportunities. Please continue to pray for us as we discern where and when He wants us to go this year.

As we are praying through new opportunities, Joe will start his Master’s Degree in January through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Jenn will also be starting The Ministry Wives Certificate as well!

Also this year, Joe is going to be taking a step back from work. Joe has been working as a bi-vocational pastor and at Sonny’s BBQ for years. However, we as a family have felt God wanting us to start ministering to families in our local church more than what we are already doing. This means that we will take a pay cut, but we have been praying and seeking the Lord with submitting to His directions. God has also blessed us with Jenn’s new career as a Real Estate Agent. Sonny’s has been great to us and we praise God for this place of employment that has given us the freedom to come and go while we served the Lord.

Thank you for being on this adventure with us!

We love you guys so much!

In His Love,
Joe, Jenn, and Kendall

P.S. We have met missionaries Ted and Carrie who are following God’s direction with CRU serving in China. This couple is amazing and we are excited to see what God is going to do in and through them. We ask that you pray for them and if God leads ask how you can support them!

Kendall Explains It All

Family and friends always ask us how Kendall does on mission trips. We thought it might be more fun if we answer this from her perspective instead of ours. We asked friends and family to send us their questions. Here goes!

1. What is your favorite part about going on mission trips? 

Kendall: Well, my favorite part about mission trips is playing with the kids. 

2. What is your least favorite part about going on mission trips?

Kendall: In Africa I didn't like most of the food. I don't like nshima or cabbage. 

3. Why do you think it's important to go?

Kendall: Because Jesus calls us. 

4. What do you look forward to doing?

Kendall: Hmmmm... Well, when I was in the airplane I was looking forward to learning what the kids do around there.

5. Did you like Africa or Haiti better?

Kendall: Both. In Africa, I liked hanging out with my friends. In Haiti, I liked playing games with the kids. 

6. How do you feel about seeing children your age living in impoverished conditions?

Kendall: What does impoverished mean? Well, I feel sad for them. 

7. What do you think about how children in other countries interact with each other and their family members? 

Kendall: In Haiti, the kids would fight over fruit and throw rocks at each other because they were hungry. I haven't seen that happen here. 

8. Do you ever need alone time?

Kendall: Yes, I would go inside and take breaks.

9. Do you like trying new foods?

Kendall: Yes!

10. What country would you like to go to next?

Kendall: Oh, that is a hard question! Let's see... West Virginia.

11. What was your favorite food that you tried in another country?

Kendall: In Haiti I liked the chicken and red beans with rice. 

12. What was your least favorite food that you tried in another country? 

Kendall:  Maheu. 

13. Is there anything that people do/cultural practices in other countries that you wish were part of American culture too?

Kendall: Eat their food. 

14. Would you like to learn other languages?

Kendall: I want to!

15. Which languages?

Kendall: All of them!

16. What are the most funny things that you have experienced in other countries? 

Kendall: Laventa, (in Haiti) was the teacher and you had to do what she said or she spanked you with a stick. However, I had no idea what she was saying. She tried to spank me a lot. I had to tell her pa touché! (Don't touch!)

17. What would you tell someone who is afraid to leave the U.S.?

Kendall: Well, I would say that I was scared to go to Africa and Haiti. I got over it by going to those places and learning that they weren't scary. 

18. What would you tell someone who is worried that they might get sick or hurt on a mission trip?

Kendall: I would tell them to pray about it. If they get sick they should pray to God that they feel better. Sometimes, there are doctors and medicine in other counties that would make them feel better. They could bring medicine with them if the airporters let them. 

19. Can you talk to the children without any problem?

Kendall: Yes, sometimes they understand me. 

20. Is there anything else you would like to say?

Kendall: I don't like how they treat dogs in other countries, but they aren't pets like they are in America.

We're home from Ayiti...

That's what the Haitians call Haiti- Ayiti. I like it better the way they pronounce it!

WOW!! What a trip! We really enjoyed serving the Lord in Haiti! While there our team had the honor of working on a local area in the mountains of Tityanen. We painted a school building and office, worked on equipment in the facilities, built soccer goals, visited an orphanage and repaired bunk beds there, visited a voodoo village and prayed for the voodoo priest, shared the Jesus film in his village, loved on the kids, and built relationships. Joe also got to preach! He preached the main service on Sunday morning and Wednesday night. Written there it looks neat, but it shows no depth to what we actually did. 

God moved in a mighty way during this trip. Some came to know Christ and God was definitely lived out in our team's actions. During our time in Haiti, we were able to really develop relationships with the locals. Some of the team sponsors local kids so that they can go to school.

One of the things we want to encourage you with is a story from what we witnessed. One day while in Haiti, we were able to witness a garbage truck driving down the road with people chasing after the truck, jumping in it and scavenging for food and anything else they can use. This was hard to see but also a great reminder of making sure that we are being good stewards of what God has given us.



As God continues to lead our family to serve Him in the nations, we want to thank you for your prayers and financial support. We are serving Him wherever we are in order to make Him known. Salvation belongs to the Lord!!

If you would like to sit down and talk about the trip. Please contact us. We are putting together a DVD of the trip so you can witness some of what God was up to.

P.S. Jenn is headed to Guatamala in October with an organization that rescues babies from the mountains. Please be in prayer for her. She is still looking to meet her financial goal by the end of this month! If you want to get involved, please contact us!

P.P.S. She will be collecting these items to bring with her. If you would like to donate any of these, please contact us!

Ibuprofen / motrin / advil - tablets, capsules and chewables for children and drops for infants
Acetominophen / Tylenol - tablets, capsules and chewables for children and drops for infants
Antihistamines – Benadryl, Zyrtec, or Claritin for adults and children
Artificial tears
Elimite or Rid (for lice)
Loperamide / immodium (diarrhea)
Calcium Carbonate tabs such as Tums
Miralax (for constipation - good for kids and adults)
Colace / stool softeners
Verucca freeze (to treat warts)
Compound W or Dr. Scholl's salicylic acid pads (to treat warts)
Bacitracin antibiotic ointment (individual packets)
Clotrimizole or other anti-fungal cream / ointment
Hydrocortisone cream
Multi vitamins for:
Adults,
Prenatal,
Children 4 year old + (No Gummy vitamins as they melt in the heat) without iron if possible
Children 2 -3 without iron if possible
Infants


In His Love,

The Hennis Family

7 days until Haiti!

If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.
C.T. Studd

7 days from today we'll be headed to Haiti! To tell you that we are excited would be a gross understatement. As a family, we're so ready to be there and see what God is going to do! We've been doing a countdown everyday. Kendall loves it! As soon as she wakes up everyday she's ready to decorate our countdown paper! 

We're traveling to Titanyen, which is located in the mountains of Haiti. We will be serving the local people alongside Truth Evangelistic Ministries who have been in Haiti for fifteen years serving God faithfully. This trip will consist of building on to a school and fixing up local facilities. In addition to this construction, we will have the opportunity to visit in two voodoo villages, preach, teach, and work in the discipleship process.

While we are there Jenn and Kendall will wear skirts knee length or longer with shirts with sleeves and headbands. Joe will need to always wear pants and then for church a collared shirt. 

Prayer Requests

• Pray for the team to focus on His Power not their abilities.
• Pray for the people to be open to the Gospel.
• Pray that the people will see Christ in everything that is said and done.
• Pray for the Spirit to penetrate this area.
• Pray for the team to transition well into this area.

Jenn will still be headed to Guatemala in October! Please be praying for this trip! She will be there from October 19th- October 25th. While there the team will care for malnourished children at the Operation Baby Rescue center, visit remote Guatemalan communities and perform medical clinics for the villagers and pass out shoes, work at St. Luke's Hospital and Kelly's House, interact with with orphans at the Hope of Life children's home in Zacapa, as well as visit the Feeding Center at a community based around a trash dump. She needs about $2,000 for this trip. This includes all in-country transportation, lodging, meals, international medical insurance, and airport fees.

Thank you for partnering with us in prayer and financial support! We live for His Glory!

In His Amazing Love, 
Joe, Jenn, and Kendall Hennis

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever! Amen!
Romans 11:36

Where hope lives...

18 countries + 1,000 jobs + 6,000 boxes + countless lives redeemed = one year of Fair Trade Friday

This August we're celebrating 1 year of Fair Trade Friday. A year of redeeming lives and consumerism.

Last year while I was in Africa, The Mercy House Kenya launched Fair Trade Friday as an avenue for women to empower women. I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I can't tell you how many times I had asked my best friend what more we could do. This was a new avenue to do that. Sometimes I keep my pieces and sometimes I give them away as a way to spread awareness. 

Maybe you've wondered, but isn't it just accessories? 

Well, sure. 

Fair Trade Friday stands for so much more than that though.

You're empowering women around the world. 

You're not giving them a handout. You're partnering with them. You're giving them the dignity of providing for their families. 

To us it's just accessories. More gorgeous necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and bags. 

To them it's so much more than that. It's the ability to live in a house, feed their children, drink clean water, or send their kids to school. You're bringing hope, redeeming lives, and redeeming consumerism.

"Probably one of the most profound moments was in a mud home in Kenya talking with a woman we were buying paper bead bracelets from a Fair Trade Friday box. She grabbed my hands and squeezed them tight. She looked me straight in the eyes and said, 'Tell the women in American that we need them to keep buying what we make. Tell them it is feeding my son and two daughters. Tell them not to forget us.' I will spend the rest of my life reminding these marginalized women they are not forgotten." - Kristen Welch

So, what can you do? 

You can sign up for a one time box.

Or get on the wait list for Fair Trade Friday.

Every box shares a story. 

Every box empowers women.

You can be a part of that!

Find out how here!

Updates from us!

Updates from The Hennis Family

We're really sorry it has taken so long! 

This summer has been crazy for us so far! It started off with Joe taking 7 classes at The Baptist College of Florida for the summer semester and not working at Sonny's for that time. Kendall and I headed off to Grand Isle, Louisiana for a mission trip with our church! Our group ministered to people from around the world. We shared the Gospel with people on the docks at night as they were fishing. Kendall handed out 8 tracts to kids and told them Jesus loves them!

After that week, Kendall and I flew back so I could take my class to become a realtor. It was an intensive week and I passed the class test with a 92 out of 100. The following Wednesday I took my state exam and passed that as well! Now, I'm on to the world of real estate! Our goal for my job is to be able to pay off our house while Joe finishes school so that we can get to the mission field! So if you need help or know someone else who is interested in buying, selling, renting, or investing in Brevard County let me know!
 

  

Kendall wanted to share that she turned 7 on July 9th!

We wanted to share you about our upcoming trips. Unfortunately, we had to resign form our trip to Ecuador. We were extremely disappointed that we would not be able to go, but we trusted that God had different plans. The reason we did not go is because the organization decided that they did not want our daughter to go. We had already had an agreement with the organization before this that she could go but it really does not matter. This is unfortunate but we gave our word to her that we would do a family trip a year or we would not go. We have made a commitment to God to go on one family trip a year. With that being said, we found out why God wanted us to stay. That week there were two important things that happened that I was able to be apart in. I had the honor to preach that week as well. So as always God's plans were perfect. 

Some exciting new is that we will be going to Haiti in September! Yesterday we got our tickets for our trip so we're really excited! We will be traveling into Port-au-Prince and then drive an hour and a half north of the capital to Titanyen. This area was once the prime dumping grounds for bodies from the earthquake. An estimated thirty thousand people are buried in this remote area. The organization for this trip is Truth Evangelistic Ministries, they have operated in this country for the last thirteen years and have continued to develop the area of Titanyen. We will be building a structure in a local community that will help the organization and the people do life together. In addition to this, we have the opportunity to share the Gospel, have discipleship meetings, and nighttime events. We will be gone from September 5 - Septermber 12. Our team purpose is to show the love and compassion of our Lord to the people of Haiti.

In October, Jenn will still be going to Guatemala with World Help. World Help is a faith-based humanitarian organization serving the physical and spiritual needs of people in impoverished communities around the world. She will be there from October 19th- October 25th. While there the team will care for malnourished children at the Operation Baby Rescue center, visit remote Guatemalan communities and perform medical clinics for the villagers and pass out shoes, work at St. Luke's Hospital and Kelly's House, interact with with orphans at the Hope of Life children's home in Zacapa, as well as visit the Feeding Center at a community based around a trash dump. She will need about $2,000 for this trip. This includes all in-country transportation, lodging, meals, international medical insurance, and airport fees.

The ways to take part in these trips is to pray and when we ask pray, nothing is going to be accomplished in our own strength, we need the Power and Voice of God. Another way to partner is if God lays it on your heart after praying is to donate. All donations are tax exempt and taken through Crosswalk Community Church. Their address is 77 N. Carpenter Rd. Titusville, FL 32796. Please put Hennis Family Mission Trips in the memo line.

If God leads you to give could you send us an email that you did so for our records? We would REALLY appreciate it! We thank you for your time and consideration and look forward to hearing from you!

In His Love,
Joe, Jenn, and Kendall
 

Shelfie: The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren

Book Description

Mortified after her semester abroad is cut short, Amelia Christiansen returns to Deep Haven, certain she isn’t brave enough for the adventures she’s dreamed of. The last thing she expects is for the man who broke her heart to cross the Atlantic and beg forgiveness.

Heir to a European hotel dynasty, Roark St. John has trekked from one exotic locale to another, haunted by tragedy and the expectations that accompany his last name. Amelia is the first woman to give him a reason to stop running. He’ll do anything for a second chance—even contend with Amelia’s old flame, who is intent on sending Roark packing.

While one surprise after another leaves Amelia reeling, Roark’s continued presence only highlights the questions pursuing her. Like him, is she running from the life God has called her to? Could finding her new place mean leaving home behind?

About the Author

Growing up in Minneapolis and attending the U of MN, I learned to love city life, although I'm a woodsy girl at heart. Or maybe I'm an adventurer -- having lived and traveled all over the world, including Siberia Russia as a missionary for eight years. Probably that's why my characters can't sit still, and seem to get into one scrape after another -- they're too much like me! I love God, my family, my country, my church, and feel privileged every day to be able to write stories, that I hope inspire and entertain!

Book Review 

I loved this book! I wish I had read the other books in this series before this one for more information on the characters. I wish the storyline had been a little more developed. I finished feeling like I had missed something. I will be finding the other books in this series and reading them and then rereading this one! I love Christian fiction and this one is a favorite!

Kendall-isms #3

Kendall: I speak bear. Aren't you impressed?

Kendall: Do you love my outfit? You know how I know I look good in it? I looked down.

{Kendall gets up from a nap and gives me a huge hug!}
Kendall: My hair feels cool after I slobber in it.

Kendall: Today was the best day ever! It wasn't the worst day, because that day would be a disaster. Today wasn't though!

Kendall: Guess what Mom? 
Me: I don't know K, what?
Kendall: Sometimes, I fart when I run.

Kendall: Mom, I had a terrible accident while I was twirling. I broke my ankle on the door knob.
Me: How?
Kendall: {Showing me her elbow} See?

Kendall: Mom, I'm pretending I'm a secret agent! Did you see those bad guys in the parking lot? They're killing flat tires with their swords!

Kendall: Mom, guess where I am? 
I tell her where she is. 
Kendall: How do you always know where I am?!
Me: Moms have super powers. 
Kendall: I don't believe that's true.

{Earlier that night I had looked at Kendall's tonsils.}
Kendall: Mom, I looked in the mirror, but I couldn't see my tentacles.

Kendall: Mom, look at this! What does it do? 
Me: It's a tape deck. It plays tapes. 
Kendall: What is a tape?

Kendall: Will in the morning be tomorrow?

Kendall: Mom, I don't want you to get old! Then you won't be able to go on any more adventures with me!

Kendall: You know why you always have to be the queen? Because you're tall and a mom. Plus you're smaller than Daddy.

Kendall: Mom, I need toilet paper! Don't come in here though! It smells like plants! 
Me: Girl, that does not smell like plants!

{Joe went fishing today and got really sun burned.} 
Kendall: Wow Dad! You look hot! 
Daddy: That's inappropriate!

minted.

Hey friends! Have you ever heard of minted.? Minted is a marketplace of independent artists and designers from all over the US. They create beautiful products for you to customize and turn it into something that you love!

They have art prints and decor. You can pick your piece, color, size, and frame. Like this African Drum picture. You know I love Africa so this piece is a favorite!

They do stationery and events, planners, gifts, and party decor! They just recently added wedding invitations as well! I wish I had known about them when I was getting married. I printed mine out on my printer at home. These are gorgeous! I would of loved being able to design them from home!

Now, if you know me-- you know that I love pictures! One of my favorite things I have found on their website are these holiday booklette cards that show travel highlights. We're thinking about sending them out at the end of the year! How cute are they?

This weekend you can get 15% off all wedding and kids' birthday party products using the code MEMORIAL15. It ends on Tuesday (5/26/15) so you'll have to act fast and have fun doing it!

This post is sponsored by minted.com. As always, thoughts and opinions are 100% my own!

Jennis

Fair Trade Friday: box #8

Happy Fair Trade Friday Friends! You know already that it is one of my favorite days of the month. I love getting mail and mail that empowers women around the world is even BETTER! 

Your box employed approximately 4 women this month. 

This gorgeous bag is the Trendy Reversible Tote Bag from 3 Cords in Haiti! 3 Cords is a social enterprise founded in September 2010 to train, employ, and empower Haitian men and women.  Our mission is to provide opportunities for physically handicapped  women and men, and to show them that they are both beautiful and valuable.  We do this by training our employees as artisans in a loving, community oriented environment. 

The name 3 Cords comes from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: 

“Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.  But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of 3 strands is not easily broken.”

We chose this verse to represent us because we believe strongly in the power of community.  An added bonus is that the name “3 Cords” goes along with our main product line – a braided cord headband!

This is the Wooden Wrap Bracelet from Freedom Firm through Ruhamah Designs. Freedom Firm works in India to Rescue minors who have been sold into the commercial sex trade, Restoration of their identities, and seek Justice against those who perpetrate these crimes.

This is a crochet jar or lid opener from The Refugee Project in Houston, Texas. All the items are handmade by refugee women of Burma, Bhutan and Nepal who have been relocated to Houston, Texas by the United Nations for religious and ethnic persecution. By purchasing an item, you are empowering women by helping them meet some of their basic needs.

If you haven't tried Fair Trade Friday yet-- what are you waiting for? 

wheels on the bike

For Christmas my girl got a beautiful new bike from her grandparents. She absolutely loves her bike. For a six year old it translates into new freedoms with new opportunities. 

Like becoming an expert at jumping off her bike right before it crashes to the ground. "I'm okay Mom! I'm okay! I just jumped off." I didn't know I was raising Evel Knievel. I should have seen this coming though. We always say Kendall should of been born with a helmet. The kid has no fear. 

Or scouting for onlookers to view her bike riding triumphs. "Did you see those boys Mom? I know they saw me riding my bike. You know they thought I looked cool!" I am getting glimpses of what she's going to be like later. I'm not ready for that yet. If she could wait until I'm like 50 maybe my heart can take it then, ya know?

Today, the thing that brought her the most joy was putting a Barbie bike on her handle bars so she could ride around with Elsa. I feel like I might have needed a degree to get the bike on said handle bars. 

As I watch her riding her bike around with the little Barbie bike and her anchor tights I know for sure these will be the easy days. The days when kissing her boo-boos still works, Barbie bikes make me "the best mom ever", or playing secret agents in the neighborhood while the neighbors look on confused. 

It's going by so fast. This motherhood thing is ever evolving. I feel like once I master one stage and have gained the wisdom it procures; she has moved on to a new stage and we start all over again. Who keeps wiping off the game board? 

As she continues to grow she's only going to get more freedoms and opportunities. Time keeps rolling on kinda like the wheels on her bike. I'm not sure what's to come. I hope it will be more about Jesus and less about drama. Until then, I'm just going to try to enjoy the days while I still know the answers to her questions and have the solutions to her problems. Like, "What is a tape?".  If you don't know the answer to that question you won't find it here. I've decided to only explain that once, because it makes me feel old. Mmmkay? 

Brave

People always tell us we're so brave for going to the field, bringing our daughter, eating the food, and for doing the hard things.

I never knew that bravery felt a lot like terrified.

I mean, I wonder what this bravery thing is that people talk about.

Right?

Most of the time, I'm just scared. Sometimes, terrified. Crazy right? That this girl who is crazy in love with Jesus would be scared sometimes a lot.

But you know what?

I think maybe that's what this whole walking by faith thing is all about.

Being terrified of what you can see and think, but knowing and trusting that His plans are better.

They are.

The world won't tell you that.

Your heart will deceive you.

People will let you down.

There will be pain and suffering.

So what do you do?

You keep walking blindly with Him as your guide.

You keep putting one foot in front of the other to what He has called you to do allowing the architect of your life to guide you.

Going in blind, but going anyway.

That's what makes you brave.

Hey May!

We are really excited to share with you that Kendall is officially allowed to go to Ecuador with us in June! We can't wait for the trip and what the Lord will have for us there! 

Jenn and Kendall will also be heading out to Louisiana at the beginning of June for a mission trip. The trip emphasis will be to learn and do evangelism in Grande Isle, LA. Grande Isle is a primary fishing spot for Louisiana. After hurricanes and the BP oil spill, the population of Grande Isle has diminished to only 1,000 people. Most weekends, there are close to 10,000 people coming for vacation and fishing with some weekends coming close to 20,000 people. There is also a camp for children living on the Island Tuesday to Friday which is run by summer missionaries. We will have the opportunity to work with them. They will be gone June 2-9.

Please join us in prayer for Grande Isle, Ecuador, and Guatemala! We still need to raise $3,000 for Ecuador and Guatemala. The ways to take part in these trips is to pray and when we ask pray, nothing is going to be accomplished in our own strength, we need the Power and Voice of God. Another way to partner is if God lays it on your heart after praying is to donate. All donations are tax exempt and taken through Crosswalk Community Church. Their address is 77 N. Carpenter Rd. Titusville, Fl 32796. Please put Hennis Family Mission Trips in the memo line. If God leads you to give could you send us an email that you did so for our records? We would REALLY appreciate it! We thank you for your time and consideration and look forward to hearing from you!

In His Love, 
Joe, Jenn, and Kendall Hennis

Shelfie: The Waiting by Cathy LaGrow

Book Description

In 1928, 16-year-old Minka was on a picnic in the woods when she was assaulted and raped. And suddenly this innocent farm girl—who still thought the stork brought babies—was pregnant. The baby was secretly born, named Betty Jane, and placed for adoption.For decades, Minka wrote letters trying to get news of her daughter. She kept loving and praying for her even though she never dared believe they would meet again. Until nearly eighty years later when Minka whispered her secret, impossible prayer for the first time: Lord, I’d like to see Betty Jane before I die. I promise I won’t bother her or interrupt her life. I just want to lay eyes on her. Unbeknownst to Minka, that very same day, a judge was releasing the sealed adoption records to her 77-year-old daughter. And soon, Minka’s phone would ring.Written by Cathy LaGrow (Minka’s granddaughter), The Waiting brings three generations of this most unusual family together over the course of a century to tell a story of faith that triumphs, forgiveness that sets us free, and love that never forgets. An unforgettable true story of enduring love and the power of prayer.

Book Review

 If you don't know, I love true stories. Whether in conversation, books, or movies. This one was no exception. I couldn't put this book down! I loved reading about Minka's faith and perseverance through out her life and trials. She never gave up on finding her Betty Jane. As a mother of a little girl myself this book hit home. I loved how dedicated she was to praying for her sweet girl. As we all should be! It was beautifully written. I loved reading about the reunion of Minka and Ruth (Betty Jane) I could barely read my pages through all the tears. It is one of my new favorite books! 

Reader’s Note: I received this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for this honest review.

Shelfie: Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are by Shauna Niequist

Book Description

Part devotional, part cookbook, all Shauna! Focusing on food, faith, and Shauna's genuine, heartfelt voice, this devotional for women will be as comforting as a pan of homemade mac 'n' cheese on a cold winter's night.

Combining content from Bread and Wine, Cold Tangerines, and Bittersweet with takeaways, this devotional from Shauna Niequist speaks spiritual truths to women in easily digestible bites that are perfect any time of day.

A foodie, gourmet cook, and master entertainer, Shauna writes about the beautiful and broken moments of everyday life-friendship, family, faith, food, marriage, love, babies, books, celebration, heartache, and all the other things that shape us, delight us, and reveal to us the heart of God.

About the Author 

Shauna Niequist is the author of Bread & Wine, Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet. Shauna grew up in Barrington, Illinois, and then studied English and French literature at Westmont College in Santa Barbara. As an author and blogger, Shauna writes about the beautiful and broken moments of everyday life - friendship, family, faith, food, marriage, love, babies, books, celebration, heartache, and all the other things that shape us, delight us, and reveal to us the heart of God. Shauna is married to Aaron, who is a pianist and songwriter. Aaron is a worship leader at Willow Creek and is recording a project called A New Liturgy. Aaron and Shauna live outside Chicago with their sons, Henry and Mac.

Book Review

So, before we even dig into the devotional can I just tell you how much I love the design of this book? It's gorgeous! Striped canvas cover and navy page edges?  I'm not sure I've ever seen such a pretty book! I love picking it up everyday!

This book is a 365 day devotional as well as being filled with really yummy recipes through out. The one for Monica's Goat Cheese Toasts. Swoon. Every day starts off with a Bible verse, then a devo from her own life that applies to the verse, and then ends with a question about your life. Overall, I love it and not just for the design! I strive to get in more than five minutes of the Word everyday, but when I can't I'm thankful to have this book on my night stand. This would make a great gift for Mother's Day! 

Reader’s Note: I received this book from Bookloook Bloggers in exchange for this honest review.

Kendall-isms #2

Kendall: Gracie {our Great Dane}, you can't come outside to wash the car because you don't have your bathing suit on!

Kendall: I had a racy dream last night.
Joe: You better not have! 
Kendall: You know Dad, it was about people racing.

Kendall: You know how come I fell asleep? My eyes were blinking and my ears closed. I was tired.

Me: Kendall, you know who decides when you watch a movie again {meaning me}...
Kendall: Yeah, Dad.

Kendall: Mom, let's go swimming in that water fountain! 
Me: Fun to think about, not to do. We'd probably be arrested...
Kendall: Well, we could run when they come. I'm pretty sure I'd make it!

Me: Kendall, I'm so hungry I could eat you up!
Kendall: Don't eat me! Lets eat Grandma!
Me: We can't eat Grandma she doesn't have any meat on her bones.
Kendall: Yeah, cuz she's old.

Kendall: Mom, I totally look better than you!

Kendall: Mom, did you see that guy smoking? I held my breath when we walked past him, because I didn't want to get drunk.

Kendall: Mom, you're the boss because your hair is the curliest!

Kendall: I wish they made Lucky Charms with only marshmallows. 
Me: They do for special people. 
Kendall: Who says I'm not special?

Kendall: It's unbeliebable!

So this morning Kendall made blueberry muffins and I helped her. 
Me: Kendall, you did a great job! 
Kendall: Yeah, and my outfit is awesome! 

(We were watching Kendall's caterpillars make a cocoon.)
Kendall: Oh no! The caterpillars butt just fell off!!!!!