Hearts at Home

A lot of exciting things have been happening at Hearts at Home. In case you don't know, I work for Hearts as their director of publishing. It is a FUN job, right up my alley.

This week, Jill's newest book (and the theme of our conferences this year) just released. The title is No More Perfect Moms. Don't you feel a little bit of relief just reading that?

We have been doing a lot of new things to promote this book over the last few months which has been keeping me busy (and is what I was alluding to in my previous post). Including a bit of fun-ness I want to share with you today! If you buy the book this week (and this week only), you will also receive over $100 worth of freebies including other e-books, mp3s and a chance to win a free registration (for you and a friend) at an upcoming conference! Interested? Head here to learn more and buy!

We have also created a 31-day e-challenge (you can sign up here if interested) AND created a short video series that compliments the book.

I have to share one of the videos, because, well there are a couple of cuties in it that you might recognize...




So that is what I have been helping with over the past few months. It has been a lot of work, and a lot of fun too.

And along the Hearts at Home lines, if you have ever been to conference before, this year has some new stuff coming your way so look out! Thursday night, Hearts will be hosting a pre-conference Expo. Anyone can come (whether you have registered for conference or not). It is a chance to shop, eat brownies, see a mini-workshop and win prizes. I believe the time is 6-8 at the Bone Student Center on ISU campus.

The conference is scheduled to go on March 15 and 16 and registrations are moving fast. We are hoping to sell out so if you haven't registered, now is the time! It is a great event, a highlight of the year!

And that's all I've got for now. If you have any questions, ask in the comments and I will respond!

Happy Monday everyone!!

a Glorious MOMent

I had successfully navigated one Kindergarten Valentine party, Littles in tow, with only a minimal amount of pouting. This was to be expected as nap time had been cut short for one and cut out altogether for the other. I could live with minimal pouting.

The final feat of the day involved collecting the three Big Kids from the daily schools-out chaos. I had one with me, although he wasn't sticking close. This bugged me.

I spotted the second at the door. One more kid to find and we could wind our way through the maze of elementary-sized students, cross the car pool line, load up the van and get home.

I kept corralling the ones I already had. Reminding them to stay close. Telling one to get out of the rock pile. Losing one, to find him again by the flag pole.

"Stay with me! As soon as she comes out we can go. It won't be long!"

Finally, out she came. It was time to go. Almost home free.

"Let's go, but stay with me," I commanded as we made our way through the crowd towards the car pool line.

Someone didn't listen, make that someones.

Off they ran without me followed by a teacher who was quick to reprimand, "Stay with your mom."

Almost instantaneously, another one stepped in a mud puddle and started to cry because he was wet. He refused to move one step further. He was in the middle of the car pool lane.

And for one brief, glorious second, we once again became "that family."

Harried mom, herding cats, I mean kids, across the car pool lane.


Speaking of MOMents... Today is the last day to take advantage of the early registration fee for Hearts at Home. Swing on by and register today! I would LOVE to see you there!!!

Have you experienced any miracles in your life?

Walking on water or feeding 5,000 with one child's meal. Making the blind see or raising the dead. These events scream miracle. Impossible for a mere human to pull off, there can only be one explanation...

This week as I prepare for Easter and think on the life of Christ, the miracles he orchestrated and the sacrifice he willingly made, I think about the miracle he did for me. The miracle he thrills at performing for whomever will ask.

He took my old, sin-stained heart and transformed it into something new and beautiful.

He saw value in me. He looked beyond my selfishness, the filthiness of my attempts at "righteousness" and pursued me anyway. And when I responded to his call and surrendered to his will, he transformed my heart into something new and made me holy.

And while my traitor self is still fighting to do wrong, my heart, my true self, transformed by Jesus longs for righteousness and the God who made me.

An impossible task for a mere human to complete; there can only be one explanation.

A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death...Anyone, of course, who has not welcomed this invisible but clearly present God, the Spirit of Christ, won't know what we are talking about. But for you who welcome him, in whom he dwells...if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he'll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus...When God lives and breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life.

(Rom. 8:2-3, 9-11 The Message)

Praising God for the miraculous work he does in those who follow him everyday!

Happy Easter everyone!

***Head on over to Jill Savage's blog today to read more stories of the miracles God has performed in her life and others. Click on the "click here" at the bottom of her blog post to see other blogger's links.***

Lesson in Love

Through the ups and downs of everyday life over the last few months, I have been convicted, nudged, and taught about love. I've been learning that love is so much more than an emotion. It is so much deeper than a feeling. Love is a choice.

Sometimes the emotions burn along with the choice to love, but not always.

Loving is so much harder when the emotions aren't there to back it up. But I think when we love anyway, it becomes much more real, or mature, and many times the feelings follow the action.

In a recent Hearts-to-Go enewsletter (to get this free resource delivered to your e-box once a month go here and submit your e-mail address!), Jill Savage talked about this concept. It reflected a lot of what I've been learning, so I asked if I could share it with you.

Jill writes:

Immature love is a noun. A thing we long for. A feeling. An expectation of what someone will do for us.

Mature love is a verb. An action we take. A decision. A choice to do something for someone else.

Unfortunately too many of us have yet to mature in our love, and our relationships bear the scars of that fact. But it's never too late to grow up. If we want our love to last a lifetime, we can't afford to keep believing that love is a noun. The feeling of love is short-lived. We have to transition to understanding that long-lasting love is really a verb.

But what does this English lesson of nouns and verbs have to do with real relationships? How do we take this concept and apply it to real life? Maybe these scenarios can help paint the picture.

Love as a noun spent all last week wondering what your spouse was going to do for you for Valentine's Day. Love as a verb spent all last week preparing your expression of love for your spouse.

Love as a noun feels despair when you no longer feel "in love" with the person you are married to. Love as a verb understands the ebb and flow of feelings. It focuses more on expressing love than feeling love.

Love as a noun demands its own way. Love as a verb works to understand differences and is open to new ways of doing things.

Love as a noun finds faults in others. Love as a verb gives grace and forgiveness.

Love as a noun expects others to serve them. Love as a verb serves freely.

Love as a noun expects to always feel warm and fuzzy and "in love." Love as a verb realizes that often we have to choose to love even when we don't feel like it.

Over the last few months I have been realizing that I am lousy at love. I've chosen to focus on love as a noun with my husband and kids more times than I'd care to recount by reacting to them with immaturity and selfishness instead of acting out love as a verb.

I am a work in progress.

I'm so thankful for my Savior who patiently teaches me these lessons. He shows me how to love through his example and encourages that I can love better because He first loved me.

May your Valentine's Day be filled with that kind of love today!

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Hurry! One Day Left!!

If you haven't registered to attend Hearts at Home's National Conference (March 11 and 12), you have one day left to take advantage of early registration. After tomorrow, the price jumps up $20 and lunch is not included.

Trust me, you will be so glad you did!!

Go here for more information.

Hearts at Home is Coming... Will you be there?

Mom, do you know how valuable you are?

Do you want to be inspired and encouraged?

Are you in need of refreshment or rejuvenation?

Do you want to laugh?


A Hearts at Home conference gives moms the unique opportunity to pause along their mothering journey to refresh, refocus, and renew themselves. The 2010 National Conference, Mom’s the Word, is being held at the Bone Student Center of Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois on March 12-13.


See what others are saying about a Hearts at Home conference:


“I attended the conference this year for the first time. I enjoyed it immensely. I was lifted up, instructed, convicted, encouraged, and brought to tears, sometimes all at the same time.”

“I loved it. I feel so full of information. I need to sit and read my notes and just process it. It was really encouraging to hear all the speakers and be with all of those moms. Thanks so much! “

“This past weekend was awesome and life changing. This was my first Hearts at Home Conference and I am telling everyone about it. “

“I want to thank you all for keeping these conferences going each year and for making them so refreshing for women at various stages in their parenting.”


Hearts at Home wants all mothers to know how valuable they are! Check out this video for a small dose of encouragement from Nicole Johnson and be sure to join us March 12th-13th for more!

Featured guests include Nicole Johnson, author & motivational speaker, a favorite at Women of Faith, Jill Savage, author, international speaker, CEO & founder of Hearts at Home, and Christy Nockles, Dove Award nominee & formerly of Watermark.

Visit www.hearts-at-home.org for more information.

Growing Grateful Kids

Today I'd like to welcome author and speaker Susie Larson. Susie's new book Growing Grateful Kids has just released and I've invited her to share a little bit about this great resource.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

My husband and I have been married 25 years and have three grown sons (all in their early twenties). Our oldest son Jake works on the business side of the Christian music industry. Our middle son Luke is married to his beautiful wife Kristen; he works full time at a bank and part time as a worship pastor. Our youngest son Jordan is studying to become a surgical nurse. My husband Kevin is a commercial construction manager by day and manages my ministry by night (and weekends). Bless his heart.  I am an author, speaker, and an on-call radio host for Christian talk radio. Together, Kevin and I serve as advocates for justice on behalf of modern day slaves and human trafficking victims.

Tell us about your new book, Growing Grateful Kids: Teaching Them to Appreciate an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Places.

Even when economic times are tight, our children enjoy an abundance of material possessions. Yet, amidst all this wealth, discontentment and competition seem to be on the rise. Instead of teaching children virtues such as gratefulness and patience, many parents are bending over backwards to get their children the latest and greatest item - or feeling guilty when they can't. In spite of the currents of materialism and entitlement that flow so strong, it is possible to raise children who are simply grateful. Though teaching perspective and gratitude to our children is critical, it is not difficult.

Why did you want to write this book?

To be completely honest, I never wanted to write a book on parenting. I wanted to protect my kids’ privacy and give them time and space to become the men God wants them to be. But in the last few years, I have been especially burdened with the level of selfishness, entitlement and disrespect I see among children today. Furthermore, moms seem more stressed than ever. When I asked my sons their thoughts on writing this book, without pausing they all said, “Do it, mom; that book needs to be written!” I think I wrote a book that not only equips young moms to raise humble, grateful world-changers, but also one that nourishes the soul of the reader and encourages her personally.

Throughout the book you remind the reader that we cannot impart what we do not possess. Can you explain?

If we never deal with our own fears, insecurities, and hang ups, but we try to teach our children to believe in their divine value, over time, our words will not ring true to them. First God wants to do His work in us before He does it through us. They say that lessons are more often caught than taught. If we parent from a place of conviction and real freedom, our children will be affected by what we teach them.

One of your chapters is titled, “Take Time to Play.” How does taking time to play teach our kids to be grateful?

To me, taking time to play says a lot about the level of faith we possess.

If our children hear us confess that we love and serve a BIG God and yet they see us striving and straining through life, they will come to believe that more is on our shoulders than on God’s. If we can trust God enough to step away from our busy-important lives, to make a fort in the basement, or play a game with our children – even in the most desperate of economic situations – we will give our children a sense of much needed security and that all is well in their world.

What do you want readers to take away from this book?

To answer this question (I hope you don’t mind), I would like to share an endorsement from one of my sample readers. She expressed my deepest desire for my reader:

“Growing Grateful Kids is such a great source of conviction, encouragement, and inspiration to spur me on to finishing this parenting race well and not sputter out along the way. This book compels me to submit my own character to the refining of the Holy Spirit that I may be equipped to impart those lessons onto my children. Thank you, Susie, for taking the time, for submitting in obedience, and writing this down for a generation in desperate need of this kind of parenting book!” –Gail Miller

This is a Hearts at Home book. What is Hearts at Home?

Hearts at Home is an organization that encourages, educates, and equips women in the profession of motherhood. Hearts at Home encourages moms through annual conferences, our extensive website (www.hearts-at-home.org), a free bi-weekly electronic newsletter, a radio program, and an entire line of books designed to meet the needs of moms all over the world!


Any closing thoughts?

I am very excited about the message in this book. It is my prayer that every one who reads it will be nourished, encouraged, and equipped to parent from a place of fullness, conviction, and confidence. Raising grateful, confident kids will be one of the most heroic, important things you do in your lifetime. God’s blessings to you!

Living with Less

Today I'd like to welcome Jill and Mark Savage. Jill and Mark's newest book Living with Less so your Family has More just released and I've invited them to share a little bit about this great resource!


Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

We have been married for 27 years…17 of them happily. After finding ourselves in a marriage counselor’s office around year 8 or so, we realized that we really didn’t know how to be married. We worked hard to turn things around and now we like to share that hope with other couples.

We have five children ranging from 13 to 25. Our oldest three are married. Anne (25) and her husband, Matt, live in Zion, IL, and are expecting our first grandchild in April. (We are very excited!) Evan (22) and his wife, Julie, have been married a year and a half and they live just a few miles from us. Erica (19) married her husband Kendall last September. They live in Augusta, GA, and wherever else the Army takes them.

We have two teenagers still at home. Kolya just turned 16. He’s learning to drive and we’ve nearly worn a hole in the carpet on the floor in the passenger seat trying to find that non-existent brake pedal. Kolya is the newest member of the Savage family. We adopted him at the age of nine from Russia.

Austin is 13 and in the 8th grade. He wants us to make sure and tell the world that this “living with less” life is a real bummer because he’s the ONLY kid in 8th grade who doesn’t have a cell phone.

Tell us about your newest book Living With Less So Your Family Has More?

The world screams the message that bigger is always better, but we have found that is not often true. When it comes to raising a family, less materially can actually result in more relationally. Children don’t need the best houses, the best lessons, the best cars, or the best clothes. What they really need is the best home life and the best family relationships we can give them.

Why did you want to write this book?

We didn’t start out with the “less is more” mindset. We started as a double income family wanting to have the “best” of everything. Then Mark decided to pursue ministry. We went from the “high life” to the “frugal life” very quickly as we moved to another state for him to go to Bible College full-time.

That experience introduced us to the concept that less is more. We definitely had less money, but we had more time. We had less stress and more peace. We had less activities and more fun.

Since that experience, we’ve continued to live primarily on one income for the past twenty years. We’ve had to battle cultural peer pressure and make different decisions for our family than many other families in our neighborhood have made. But we’ve never felt that we were materially depriving ourselves or our kids…instead we’ve focused on what we’ve actually been able to provide for them emotionally and relationally.

What do you hope your readers will gain from this book?

We hope the reader is encouraged to evaluate how they are living their life, spending their money, and thinking about family matters. Our goal is to introduce families to the “less is more” concept and then equip them with the attitudes and actions to actually make that happen.

For families that are already committed to less is more, we hope to bolster their resolve and help them stay focused on the long-term goal of providing relationally for their kids.

In today’s economy, there are many families being forced to live with less. We want to help them see the opportunity they have with this unexpected downsizing they’ve been forced to do.

And for those who have just been a little discontent with their life and saying things like, “I’m tired of the rat race of life,” or “Is there more to life than drive-thru meals for dinner?” we hope to help them see other choices they have and how they can lead their family in a different direction.

What unique elements will the reader find in Living With Less So Your Family Has More?

For couples who want to read the book together, we’ve included discussion questions at the end of every chapter. This helps move the readers to discussion and eventually actions. Even a single parent can use the discussion questions for personal evaluation.

Readers will find this book a practical guide to changing your attitude and your actions to live a successful “less is more” life. They’ll find our writing style to be a warm, casual, honest discussion where we not only share our victories but our mistakes along the way. We are an average couple living successfully on an average income who want to help others to see the possibilities before them.

This is a Hearts at Home book. What is Hearts at Home?

Hearts at Home is an organization that encourages, educates, and equips women in the profession of motherhood. Hearts at Home encourages moms through annual conferences, our extensive website (www.hearts-at-home.org), a free electronic newsletter, a radio program, and an entire line of books designed to meet the needs of moms all over the world!

Any closing thoughts?

It’s healthy for parents to occasionally pause and evaluate their vision for their family and the choices they are making. We hope this resource will help them do that together and that it will lead them to live a life of little regret.

Compassion makes a Difference.

If you are going to be at Hearts at Home's National Conference this March, you are in for a treat. It is going to be a great conference on so many levels.

There is one speaker I am especially excited about. Her name is Michelle Tolentino and she was once a sponsored child. Her testimony is moving, inspirational, and one more reminder that by choosing to sponsor a child with Compassion International, you can partner with God to directly impact a life.

If you aren't going to be at Hearts at Home this year, good news, you can still hear Michelle's testimony on the video below!

Giving Thanks for Hearts at Home

When I attended my first Hearts at Home conference, I never dreamed it would change my life. I thought maybe I would learn something that might help me be a better mom. I even thought I might leave encouraged. And if neither of those things happened, I felt pretty sure that I would have a fun "girlfriend" day with my sister and friends.

The conference met all my expectations, and gave me a small headache to boot (information overload!). It also made me want to come back. Seven years and 3 kids later, I haven't missed one.

Looking back over the years, who I was then and who I am now, Hearts at Home has made an impression. The speakers I listened to and the books I was introduced to have made their mark on me, changing me little by little. Making me a better mom and a better wife.

I have learned practical tidbits like praying over laundry and what colors look best on me. I have been reminded to let God write my story and been warned against comparison. I have taken to heart the reminder that God gave me the kids I have for a reason, he wanted me to be their mom.

These lessons may not seem profound. More of them should probably stand out after seven years of attending. But even if I could not share one lesson after all these years, I can tell you that at the end of every conference, I left feeling affirmed as a woman, loved by God, and motivated, even empowered to be a better mom.

So today, I am giving thanks for an organization called Hearts at Home that God has used powerfully in my life. I'm attempting to unwrap some of the lessons learned, and looking forward to attending again this March and for many years to come!

If you are interested in learning more, their national conference is March 12 and 13th. You can go here to find out more!

A Contest You can Win!

I am excited to share a fun opportunity with you!

To celebrate the release of Hearts at Home’s newest book: Living With Less So Your Family Has More, by Jill and Mark Savage, the Hearts at Home blog is launching the Living with Less Contest.

Email Hearts at Home a story or money-saving tip that gives a peek into your daily experiences representing the humor, richness, or spiritual aspects of what it’s like to live with less.

Better yet, blog readers will benefit as many of the money-saving entries will be posted on the Heart’s blog throughout the month of February!

For contest details go here!

Meeting Yesenia - the movie

Many of you know, I had the opportunity to travel to El Salvador two years ago with Compassion International and Hearts at Home. On that trip I met Yesenia, a girl we have sponsored for over 10 years.

Even now, two years later I still can't believe I went.

If you'd like to read what I blogged about in El Salvador, you can go here.

Or, you can watch my Compassion video below!

Either way, if you don't already sponsor a child, please consider doing so today. If you already sponsor a child, write your child today. Your words have an amazing impact. That child is more than a picture, he or she is a living, breathing person struggling to overcome insurmountable odds and your words can and do make a difference.

Merry Christmas from Hearts at Home!

Everyone loves a good sale, Right? We'll let me tell you about a great one:

It’s a Hearts at Home
Black Friday after Black Friday Sale Dec. 7-11

Did you sleep in on Black Friday? Did you drag yourself out of bed, but still miss out on some awesome deals because you were standing in line too long at one store? Do you still have shopping to do, but dread the crowds, traffic, and cost? Let Hearts at Home help!

Their Black Friday sale has been extended to the week of December 7-11. Shop in the convenience of your own home and receive an unprecedented 25% off all of Hearts books and merchandise. They have great gifts for everyone in your family.

Find gifts for friends, teachers, bible study leaders, bus drivers, and everyone else on your list. You may even find something for yourself. This is a great time to stock up on all those Hearts at Home books you’ve been wanting to read.

Let your family know how much you would love a Hearts at Home gift certificate so you can use it for your Hearts at Home conference registration and/or Mom’s Night Out tickets.

Go to Heartshoppe.com, choose your gifts, and enter code “HEARTGIFT” upon checkout. You will receive 25% off your total purchase (before tax and shipping).

I also want to fill you in on a couple of other great opportunities!

Be sure to check out Jill Savage's blog this month (she is the founder and CEO of Hearts at Home). She is doing one giveaway A DAY through Christmas.

And, if you stop by the Hearts at Home blog December 8 - 11, you will have an opportunity to win a Heart's at Home prayer journal. The prayer journal is a brand new resource from Hearts at Home.

Merry Christmas from Hearts at Home!

The Hearts at Home Blog

One of the things I love about blogging is the exchange of ideas that takes place; after all, what mom can't use a new idea every now and then!

If you are interested in a blog that brings a group of mommy bloggers all to one place, stop by and visit the Hearts at Home blog.

Hearts at Home's contributing bloggers write about motherhood, each with a unique perspective, reflecting on the spiritual, emotional and downright funny aspects of motherhood. Their group of bloggers range from professional speakers to authors to stay-at-home moms, all who share a passion for the profession of motherhood.

The Hearts at Home blog covers a variety of topics, such as practical mom tips, recipes, book reviews, and advice for tackling tough mommy issues.

Take a peek at this great resource and connect with real moms sharing real stories today!

A New Resource from Hearts at Home

Motherhood is a valid profession.

It is that belief that inspired Jill Savage and a group of women to plan the first Hearts at Home conference 16 years ago. Today these conferences are a place where moms can go to find the encouragement and education they need to do this mothering thing right!

The problem is, not everyone can attend a Hearts at Home conference, so Hearts at Home University was created!

Hearts at Home University is a new resource designed to encourage and equip you in your journey as a parent! These live web casts, affordably priced at $15 each, allow you to tap into continuing education as a mom on a regular basis right from the comfort of your own computer.

The topics that will be covered over the Spring and Summer Semester include:

“Is There Really Sex after Kids” with Jill Savage
“She’s Gonna Blow” with Julie Barnhill
“Redefining Romance” with Mark and Jill Savage
“Keeping Your Ducks in a Relative Row” with Karen Ehman

For information on dates and times, or to register go here.

Real Moms...Real Jesus

Hearts at Home recently released Real Moms...Real Jesus by Jill Savage. I am so excited about this book And to celebrate its release I am going to give away one copy! To enter the drawing simply leave a comment! You have until Friday (March 27th) at noon to enter.


Today I’d like to welcome author and speaker, Jill Savage. Jill’s recent book Real Moms…Real Jesus, just released, and I wanted to ask her about her real mom moments..

Jill, tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
Mark and I have been married 25 years and we have five children. Anne is 24 and married to our wonderful son-in-love, Matt. Evan is 21 and married to our beautiful daughter-in-love, Julie. Erica is 18 and a college student at Heartland Community College. Kolya is 15 and in the 8th grade. We adopted Kolya at the age of 9 from Russia---the God story about his adoption is included in the Real Moms…Real Jesus book. And Austin is 12 and in the 7th grade.

Tell us about your newest book Real Moms...Real Jesus?
Real Moms…Real Jesus is a book designed to help moms understand that when Jesus lived on this earth he was fully God, yet fully man. We don’t often think about the fact that he was a human being and he lived the full human experience: pain, hunger, fatigue, frustration, betrayal, disappointment. He experienced it all!

There’s one verse in the Bible about Jesus that simply says “large crowds followed him everywhere he went.” Well, isn’t that the life of a mom? Large crowds follow her to the bathroom. They follow her to the kitchen. To the grocery store. She’s in high demand! And when Jesus lived on this earth, He was in high demand, too.

Why did you want to write this book?
Most of us long for a friend who understands. Yes, we need girlfriends who understand what our life is like. But we also need to understand that we have a friend who understands in Jesus. Too many of us think of God as being distant and unable to relate to our daily struggles. But nothing could be further from the truth! He understands and he wants us to build our friendship with Him. He wants to not only be our Savior, but also our Friend.

What do you hope your readers will gain from this book?
I hope that readers will gain a new perspective about their relationship with Jesus. I also hope to weave God’s truth into the daily life of a mom.

What unique elements will the reader find in Real Moms…Real Jesus?
Each chapter looks at some character trait in Jesus’ life that can help us in our life as a mom. In between the chapters are interactive vignettes that provide brief, refreshing glimpses into our real, messy, busy lives.

There are also questions at the end of the chapter for further consideration and suggested Bible reading in the book of Matthew. If the reader chooses to pursue the suggested reading, she will have read the book of Matthew completely by the end of the book!

There is also a leader’s guide in the back of the book so it can be used in a group setting.

This is a Hearts at Home book. What is Hearts at Home?
Hearts at Home is an organization that encourages, educates, and equips women in the profession of motherhood. Hearts at Home encourages moms through annual conferences, our extensive website (www.hearts-at-home.org), a free bi-weekly electronic newsletter, a radio program, and an entire line of books designed to meet the needs of moms all over the world!


Any closing thoughts?
I am very excited about this book! I believe that if a mom can strengthen her relationship with Jesus Christ, she will feel more equipped to be the mom she wants to be. I’m also offering an online book discussion on my blog beginning Tuesday, April 7. If you’d like to join us, you can subscribe to my blog at www.jillsavage.org.

I’d love to hear a reader’s thoughts after they read the book, too! You can connect to me through my blog at www.jillsavage.org.

Thanks, Jill, for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your real mom, real Jesus moments with us.

You can purchase your own copy of Real Moms…Real Jesus by clicking here.

And be sure to check out Hearts at Home, their conferences for moms, and all their online resources here.

It's Almost Time!!!

Its almost time for one of my favorite events of the year!

If you are a mom and could use a healthy dose of encouragement, this event is for you.

On March 13 & 14 approx 6000 moms will be invading the ISU campus in Bloomington, IL for the annual

Hearts at Home Conference!!!

This year's theme is Real Moms, Real Lives, Real Stories and the keynotes are Dr. Kevin Leman and Jill Savage.

(By the way, it is a one-day conference held two days in a row, so if you can only make it for one day - perfect!)


The farther I've gotten into this motherhood journey, the more kids we've accumulated and the older they have gotten, the more I have needed this conference every year. The best part is, I never leave disappointed. Instead, I walk out feeling encouraged and inspired to be a better mom.

The workshops offered cover every age and stage of motherhood. There really is something for everyone at this conference. I hope you'll consider joining me there.

For more information, head to the Hearts at Home website.

If you have any questions, feel free to use the "e-mail me" link on the side of my blog or leave a comment. I hope to see you all there!

Did you know...

Did you know that Hearts at Home has a blog?

It is a great (almost) daily resource for moms. Throughout the month you will find:

1. Posts from our fabulous authors
2. Mom Tips
3. Book Reviews
4. Recipes
5. Mom Interviews
6. Encouragement from other moms
7. Monthly Giveaways!

In fact, in a little over a week, the Hearts blog will be giving away a Hearts at Home bracelet (hosted by Share His Story).

Help me spread the word and let other moms know about this great resource!

As a quick add on to yesterday's "listening in" post. I had the same little visitor last night. This time he came in to tell me "I want to sleep in my bed mom."

Thank you son. Thank you.

The Comparison Trap

Hearts at Home was this past weekend. I left the conference refreshed, encouraged, and wanting to be a better mom!

This year I got to attend Susie Larson's workshop,"Living the Promised Life" with my mom! Susie's words blessed and challenged me. "God is good. His promises are true and He will make a way for me."

One thought from the workshop especially challenged me. "The only thing comparison does is produce pride because we have more or discontentment and jealousy because we have less." There are so many times when I compare myself to others or make decisions based on what others may be thinking of me. I was reminded that I was created by God to be me. He loves me just the way I am. He has a plan for my life. He will make a way for me.

When I compare myself to others, when I wish I was more like someone else, I cheapen the work my Father did when he created me. When thoughts of comparison start to creep in, I am trying to cast them out with the thought, "I was created to be me. My Father does not make mistakes."

This line of thinking can be a little dangerous if I start to think too highly of myself. One of the songs Cheri Keaggy sang this weekend contained the line, "We love because He first loved us." Any good in me comes from Him and His work in my life. All glory goes to Him.

How about you? What do you do to combat the comparison trap? And, if you were at Hearts at Home what was your take away? How were you encouraged as a wife, mom and child of God?

I want to close this post with Zephaniah 3:17. (This verse was shared in two of my workshops!) I hope it blesses you and reminds you how loved you are by our Father.

"The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."

Highlights from ICRS

I just got back from a three day trip to Atlanta and ICRS (International Christian Retail Show). For those who don't know, I work at Hearts at Home as the Publishing Director. Jill Savage went to ICRS to promote her newest book, My Hearts at Home, and asked me to come along so I could get to know our Hearts authors better as well as our publisher Harvest House. It was a blast!

ICRS is where book retailers (like Berean) go to purchase their merchandise. As you walk the floor, you see author's signing books everywhere. To get a free book all you have to do is get in line! I was like a kid in a candy store. I brought home around 25 books, so if anyone needs something to read let me know, I'd love to share!

Besides the free books, here are a few of my highlights (in no particular order):

1. We had the opportunity to hear Brennan Manning speak (author of The Ragamuffin Gospel). His talk was packed full of thoughts on the "consistent, overgenerous" love and mercy of God. (If you haven't read the Ragamuffin Gospel, READ IT!)So many good things were shared, and the following quotes do it so little justice, but here are few soundbites!

"Francis of Assisi said of God, 'In loving me, you made me lovable.'"

"God says to us, 'I dare you to trust that I love you as you are and not as you should be because you will never be as you should be.'"

"The courage to accept acceptance is what we call Faith."

"Healing our image of God, heals our image of ourselves. In healing our image of the Father, Jesus heals us of fear of the Father and dislike of ourselves."

2. I met TED DEKKER (and got a signed copy of his next book). He is one of my favorite authors and I must admit, I was a little star struck! I actually called my brother-in-law Clint right after I met him (Clint is also a big fan), I just had to share with someone who would appreciate it!

3. We had lunch with the HAH authors. They are such a special group of ladies. It was an honor to spend some time with them. (Pictured are myself, Pam Farrel, Julie Barnhill, Mary DeMuth, Suzie Eller, Jill Savage, and Jenn Doucette) If you are interested in any of their books let me know!

All in all it was a great trip. I learned a lot and am very thankful for the experience. It ended on a little bit of a downer. Our flight home was delayed 3.5 hours and I didn't get home to my bed until 2 am. I am a little tired this morning, but glad to be home. Gotta go, I have ALOT of reading to do! :)