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Featured“Unplanned” the Movie – I Finally Watched It…
As I’ve experienced a traumatic miscarriage, I hesitated. I convinced myself I couldn’t handle, avoiding it at all costs. But now I’ve watched it, and I’ll never be the same again. My Reaction To be honest, it wasn’t as bad as I had imagined, but I felt severely nauseous the entire time. I am so… Read more
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FeaturedThe Miscarriage Project is Published!!
For those of you who’ve been following my writing and publishing journey, of The Miscarriage Project, I have exciting news!! Finally Published! After a three-and-a-half-year long journey, The Miscarriage Project is finally published and to purchase, as of yesterday!! Behind the Cover Here is the official Cover Reveal for my special blog readers: It may… Read more
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Featured“The Miscarriage Project” Update!
I am proud to announce that The Miscarriage Project is in the second phase of publishing – design!! As the author, I can’t express to you how excited I am to share this publishing journey with you, but even more to get this book into your hands! The Book Ten parents share their miscarriage grief… Read more
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FeaturedPregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
No one likes to admit it, but this month is significant for many reasons. October Personally, I am not a Halloween celebrator. However, I think it is fitting to remember the death of our children during such a dark time in our culture’s celebrations. Officially, October 15th is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.… Read more
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Featured
My Mission of Love
My mission for this blog is to boldly proclaim the perfect love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through the lens of everyday life. BOLD & Beautiful “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy or boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is… Read more
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“Find More Money: Increase Your Income to Tackle Debt, Save Wisely, and Live Generously,” by Art Rainer
Find More Money: Increase Your Income to Tackle Debt, Save Wisely, and Live Generously, by Art Rainer, is a helpful tool for improving finances. The main focus of this book is to help people provide beyond their full-time jobs, especially when that isn’t enough to provide. Rainer calls it find a “gig”: “stewarding your talents,… Read more
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“Journey to the Cross: 40 Days to Prepare Your Heart for Easter,” by Mary Carver and the (in)courage community
Journey to the Cross: 40 Days to Prepare Your Heart for Easter, by Mary Carver and the (in)courage community, is an encouraging devotional. Content Focused on the 40 days of Lent, this devotional features Scriptures, short essays, encouraging stories, quotes, reflective questions and prayers. It even has room to write your reflections, etc. In addition,… Read more
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“90 Days with the God Who Speaks” by B&H Publishing Group
Content 90 Days with the God Who Speaks, by B&H Publishing Group, is a 90 day devotional for men and women of all ages. This particular devotional focuses on Christ throughout the Bible, through the storyline of Scripture and essential biblical doctrine. Interestingly, this devotional’s content is based on “The Gospel Project” curriculum. This is… Read more
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“Eat, Sleep, Save the World: Words of Encouragement for the Special Needs Parent” by Jamie Sumner
Content Eat, Sleep, Save the World: Words of Encouragement for the Special Needs Parent, by Jamie Sumner, is a noble book. This book is meant for special needs parents, and to help them work through their day-to-day struggles. Including sections of determination, hope, resilience, patience, laughter and thankfulness, the author asks the reader to reflect… Read more
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“A Mother’s Love: Celebrating Every Kind of Mom” Devotional
Content A Mother’s Love: Celebrating Every Kind of Mom, by Anna Rendell and the (in)courage community, is a great devotional for moms. It is conveniently broken up into sections for each stage of motherhood, using both personal and biblical examples of motherhood. This devotional even includes blank reflection sections, Bible verses and beautiful illustrations throughout.… Read more
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“The Great Farmapalooza” by Jill Roman Lord
Content The Great Farmapalooza by Jill Roman Lord, is a fun children’s board book. This book’s message is farm animals praising God and teaching animal noises you find on a farm. The story begins at sunrise, until sunset – which was clever for the author to incorporate. Several times in the book, the animals praise… Read more
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Motherhood – “I need a vacation!”
A shout out to all you mamas (and dads) out there. Our job as parents is incredibly hard! Today was a Nightmare! Today, for example, my kids would not stop nagging, whining, and screaming over EVERY LITTLE THING! My brain literally feels like it is frying as the days goes on. As a mom, staying… Read more
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The Saddest Month of the Year – October
First of all, I don’t hate October, what it represents just hurts my heart. My dad has an October birthday, so I have to enjoy it a little bit, lol. Halloween At the end of this month is Halloween, the holiday when evil, Satan, and godlessness is celebrated. As a Christian, I cannot support this… Read more
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Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness
As the author of The Miscarriage Project, I’ve been thinking long and hard about October. October, for those of you who aren’t aware, is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, and October 15th is the remembrance day as well. Even though it’s been almost four and a half years since my miscarriage, dwelling on the… Read more
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50% OFF SALE!!!
As the author, I am offering 50% OFF The Miscarriage Project books, as a tribute to Miscarriage & Infant Loss Awareness Month, coming up in October. When you order from my site, thehavenblogger.com, you get a SIGNED copy (or MANY copies) for 50% off!!! ORDER AT: thehavenblogger.com
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The BIG News is Here!!
For those of you who’ve normally kept up with my blog, must have noticed I haven’t written all summer. This is why: 1. We’ve Moved! Towards the beginning of this year, I felt God was preparing my family and I for a big change. I had no inclination of what type of change this could… Read more
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Response to Riots – George Floyd Death
If everyone’s lives matter, why are innocent people being punished? Black lives matter, so do every other race. Hatred does not justify violence, it just fuels the fire 🔥. Peace and education on how to treat others more fairly can help put out the fire instead. When companies are paying people to cause chaos and… Read more
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“Where is Wisdom?” by Scott James
Where is Wisdom by Scott James, is a great book for elementary aged kids. Content If you would like a book to teach your kids about the wisdom of God, this is the book for your family. With poetic descriptions, inspired by the chapter Job 28, and incredible illustrations, this is a winner. Video: Where… Read more
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A BIG Ask: A Chance to Share Your Story!
For those of you who are God-led and willing to do so, I have a BIG favor to ask of you. This is not mandatory, nor is it demanded. This is not a whimsical request or an impersonal one. This request has a purpose. This request will change lives. A New Kind of Project Many… Read more
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“Mercy for Today: A Daily Prayer from Psalm 51” by Jonathan Parnell
Mercy for Today: A Daily Prayer from Psalm 51, by Jonathan Parnell, is a great dive into Psalm 51! Content Parnell’s focus in on the mercy of God, and seeking God in daily prayer. He talks about Psalm 51 being written by King David, when the prophet Nathan confronted David about his adultery and murder.… Read more
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“Adorning the Dark” by Andrew Peterson
I loved reading Adorning the Dark, by Andrew Peterson! Content As a fellow author, I loved Peterson’s descriptions of his creative work and his process. Also, I liked how he incorporated the Christian perspective. As a Christian writer, it is hard to find colleagues with writing integrity and class. Review – Outstanding! I would read… Read more
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“Letters to My Students” by Jason K. Allen
Letters to My Students, by Jason K. Allen, is meant to equip pastors and missionaries for their ministries. Content As President of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Allen has more than enough expertise to back up his points from the book. Allen focuses the most on expository preaching, which isn’t bad in of itself, but as… Read more
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“I Still Believe” Movie, 2020
After watching I Still Believe tonight, I am in awe of the power of God, yet again! I Still Believe This movie is based on the true story of famous Christian singer, Jeremy Camp; of his rise to fame and his beautiful love story of him and his first wife. My heart both hurts and… Read more
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Video: Tips for Parents During COVID-19 and Beyond
Click on the link below to view video: http://www.facebook.com/thehavenblog/videos/557189248259605/
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The Miscarriage Project: An Author’s Inside Story
Click on the link below to view the video: http://www.facebook.com/thehavenblog/videos/682298942540194/
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“The Way to the Savior: A Family Easter Devotional” by Jeff and Abbey Land
The Way to the Savior: A Family Easter Devotional by Jeff and Abbey Land, is fun and meaningful for the whole family! Content This devotional includes 40 family devotions, to be read the 40 days of Lent, leading up to Easter. It also includes prayers, discussion questions, journaling pages to fill in with Easter memories,… Read more
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“Big and Little Activity Devotional” by Rachel Swanson
Big and Little Activity Devotional by Rachel Swanson, is a great book for all ages! Content Not only are there activities for kids and adults, the book is laid out so that the child and adult can do the same activity at the same time (and age appropriate to each one). The book literally folds… Read more
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“Little Words Matter JUMBO Coloring Book” by B&H Publishing Group
Little Words Matter JUMBO Coloring Book by B&H Publishing Group, is a good coloring book for kids. Content Not only does it include simple pages, teaching your child the ABC’s, counting, and colors, it includes the song “Jesus Loves Me” and a prayer of thanksgiving. I like the integration of God and of His creation,… Read more
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‘The Quiet, Crazy Easter Day” by Jill Roman Lord
The Quiet Crazy Easter Day by Jill Roman Lord, is a great picture book for any family celebrating Easter! Content As a mom and an author, I love how this book is both developmentally appropriate for children. All the way through the story, the author emphasizes the verbs and sounds the animals do or make.… Read more
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Peace, Joy, and Jesus
As a writer, I have been thinking of so much I could say. As a mom, I’ve been overwhelmed, and not sure how down deep and personal to be. As A Citizen… As most of you are well aware, this nation-wide, and pretty much world-wide quarantine is less than ideal. No one could have anticipated… Read more
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The Society of Extraordinary Raccoon Society by Randall Goodgame
The Society of Extraordinary Raccoon Society by Randall Goodgame, is a great first book in a meaningful children’s book series. Content Goodgame presents a group of Christians as a raccoon society. This is quite creative, because raccoons are known for their scavenger and thieving qualities, mirroring our human sin nature. This first book’s focus is… Read more
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March 2020 – Updates and Exciting News!
To my regular readers and faithful audience, thank you so much for your prayers and support! It means more than you know! Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Review! Last month, I entered the Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews and Awards Contest. I won’t know until September about the awards part of the contest, but I did receive a… Read more
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“What’s So Wonderful About Webster?” by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick
What’s So Wonderful About Webster?, by Stephen and Alex Kendrick, is a children’s book with a powerful message. Content Webster, a fourth-grader, and his class have field day coming up. He is so nervous, because he doesn’t know what event or race he is good at. Webster struggles with fear, insecurities, and jealousy of others’… Read more
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“Recovered” by Robby Gallaty
Recovered, by Robby Gallaty, is a captivating read, no doubt about it! From class clown, to drug addict and dealer, to pastor, Robby’s story is sure to wow and inspire readers at the same time. Pastor David Platt, who wrote the forward for the book, is also part of Gallaty’s salvation story. Content Recovered is… Read more
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Resetting Expectations
A Birthday Party Story Picture this. Your daughter has a birthday party coming up. Their 3rd birthday, and you want to make it as special as possible. To prepare, you plan a month in advance for this birthday party. You even ask your birthday girl what she wants for the cupcakes and decorations. Things are… Read more
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Habit Reflections
I have been doing a study lately, called “Habits” by Life Church, on the YouVersion Bible app. Habits Devotional Though it is a short, well written devotional, it is so convicting! A sword of the Spirit piercing right through my heart. Yes, I did choose to read this on purpose, because I know I needed… Read more
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Habit of Disobedience vs. True Purpose
This may be an odd title for a post, but it is on my heart to share with you today. How many times has God asked us to do something or tell someone something, we don’t follow through? Lately, I have been feeling stuck. I have been praying and praying for direction, what to focus… Read more
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ONLY FOR THE LADIES: PMS
Yes, this post is just for the ladies, so if you’re not a lady, click out now. Thanks! PMS Guess what time of the month it is? Not quite that, but the grr factor has begun. You guessed it, the dreaded PMS – yes not everyone has this, but something changes in me every month,… Read more
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Call to Action: Use Your Voice
My Voice So I realized something today. I haven’t been using my voice. I have been letting my insecurities and doubts and fears keep me from sharing my heart and letting my voice be heard; not letting my light shine, for the good of others. Anyone else struggle the same way? You have so much… Read more
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Reimagine Retirement by C. J. Cagle
Content Reimagine Retirement, by C.J. Cagle is a great read. For those who are retired and those planning to retire, don’t miss this encouraging, yet informative resource. Stewardship Cagle focuses on the stewardship principle, but has the Gospel at the center. God created work and rest, not going on vacation all of the time, during… Read more
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“The Complicated Heart” by Sarah Mae
Content The Complicated Heart, by Sarah Mae, is a raw, well-written autobiography, describing her journey to forgiving her alcoholic mother. DISCLAIMER! In the prologue, the author does warn about the graphic content in the book and is not for children. She recommends to self-examine yourself and your emotional health, to handle the triggers and weight… Read more
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“Epic Devotions” by Aaron Armstrong
Epic Devotions by Aaron Armstrong, is a great kids devotional, in connection with The Gospel Project for Kids curriculum. Content Each devotion includes a Bible passage to read, encouraging kids to read the Bible. Also included, are a quoted verse, the event description to establish context, foreshadowing to Christ’s coming and the Gospel, and a… Read more
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“Living in The Haven” Announcement!
Letter from Bold & Beautiful Dear Devoted Readers, I have been contemplating the new year, and what writing goals I’d like to set for myself. Goal #1 As you already know, one of my goals is to publish two more books this year! Goal #2 Secondly, I would like to start a regular blog schedule,… Read more
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New Year, New Hope
Goodbye 2019! I don’t know about you, but I am glad 2019 is over! Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been all bad, but has been a huge struggle for me. This year, I published my first book (The Miscarriage Project), launched my new business brand, Bold and Beautiful. My husband graduated with his MA,… Read more
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On-the-Go Devotional: 200 Devotions for Teens by Leslie Hudson
Book Review On-the-Go Devotional: 200 Devotions for Teens, by Leslie Hudson, is a great book to get teens into God’s Word. Content No matter busy they are, these short, and to the point devotionals are organized in an appealing and user-friendly way. Each day is focused on a topic, and includes a verse of Scripture,… Read more
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The Long Walk Home by Matt Carter
Book Review The Long Walk Home: Discovering the Fullness of Life in the love of the Father, by Matt Carter, was a refreshing new perspective of the biblical account, the prodigal son. Content This analysis includes a good balance of biblical exegesis, anecdote, historical and cultural examples and weaves them together smoothly. In addition to… Read more
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The Society of Extraordinary Raccoon Society on Boasting by Randall Goodgame
Book Review The Society of Extraordinary Raccoon Society on Boasting, by Randall Goodgame, comes from one of my new favorite Christian, children’s books series! The title may seem quite strange, but the more I read these books, the more I fall in love with the characters and the messages. Content The illustrations are colorful, eye-catching,… Read more
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Which Shape Should I Be? by Pamela Kennedy
Book Review Which Shape Should I Be? by Pamela Kennedy, is a great kids book! Content Not only does it teach your child shapes, but also reinforces the idea that we are the shape, and the way God made us to be. The book includes colorful and fun illustrations. Recommendation I wish it would have… Read more
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New Every Morning by Phil Barfoot
Book Review New Every Morning, by Phil Barfoot, is a 365 day devotional, specifically focused on the aspect of worship. Content Each devotion is written by a different worship pastor, from across the country. While the devotionals are insightful and very interesting to read, the font was so small, it hurt my eyes, and I… Read more
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The Insanity of Sacrifice by Nik Ripken
Book Review The Insanity of Sacrifice, by Nik Ripken, was both challenging and inspiring. This 90-day devotional is uniquely written by experienced missionaries with persecution and sacrificial experience. Content I like how the author shares their journey to learn lessons of sacrifice and challenging the reader to consider the same principles. The devotions are just… Read more
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Book Release Party ~ Reflections
Hooray! My first ever book release party is in the books! Thank You First, I want to give a special thank you and shout out to Eric and Kristen Meeter, owners of Pressed Studio + Store in downtown Spencer. You both were an amazing couple to work with, and am so thankful for your wisdom,… Read more
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The Miscarriage Project is on tour!
For those of you who’ve been following my publishing journey, the book is out and we are having a party! First, I will be holding the Book Release Party at Pressed Store + Studio in Spencer, IA. I am so blessed to be partnering with them. There will be treats, giveaways, book signing, and special… Read more
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Challenge to Live by Faith
Too many times, we are running away in fear, when we have just the sword in our hand we need to claim victory over sin, death, and the Devil. Stand firm in your faith in Jesus Christ, and don’t look back. When looking at your life, how many unproductive things are in it that are… Read more
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The Promises of God Bible Storybook
Review The Promises of God Bible Storybook revolutionizes the concept of a children’s Bible. Content Not only does author, Jennifer Lyell, tell well-known biblical content and stories, but she also includes very important parts of Scripture not often included in children’s material. Additionally, this Bible Storybook differs from others on the market. It specifically focuses… Read more
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