Stacey Thacker's Blog, page 2

Exhaling: On Letting Fresh Out of Amazing Be Your Prayer Too

It all started as a prayer sitting smack dab in the middle of a laundry pile. I poured out my heart and Jesus, ever so faithful poured out his Word.

It only seemed fitting when I read a comment last week by a woman who said, “Fresh Out of Amazing” had become her prayer back to God as well. It made me think that maybe that is the best way to see it, since it has always been that in a way.

Fresh Out of Amazing is my come out of hiding story. It is about being broken in a million different ways and finding surrender as a beautiful invitation. It is raw, real, and at times even funny. I’ve had so many thoughts this past week with its official release. Most of the time I feel incredibly blessed and humbled that I am part of this journey with so many women. Other times, I wonder how I can walk into church and smile at people when they know what has been hiding in my heart. I’ve already had that conversation more than once when someone said, “Wow. You were honest.” I’d like to tell you my first thought is, “Yes, it is refreshing right?” But most of the time I want to crawl deep inside myself and die quickly.

But then I think of that prayer that started it all. How sitting there on August 25, 2011 Jesus saw where we’d be today. Not one, but three books later and still….he is not finished with it yet. My breaking point birthed a bigger story I couldn’t have foreseen if I had tried. Only God knew, then again only he does.

I just wanted to write this hopefully to encourage you. The grace God is inviting you to savor today is not limited. He doesn’t offer it once and tell to suck-it-up-buttercup. He pours out living water over and over again and bids you to come and drink your fill. And then he keeps pouring it out every morning.

Come. Drink. Don’t stop coming. Because he won’t stop pouring.

Let this be your prayer as well. 

“Lord, I’m fresh out of amazing…but you have said,

“The Words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

Lord send your life-giving word.”

And if you can only utter, “Lord, I’m fresh out of amazing…” he knows what to do with those 6 words as well.

xo,

Stacey

P.S. I’ve also written 5 Prayers for When You are Fresh Out of Amazing. They are free and delivered straight to your email inbox when you sign up over here.

To find out more about the book, you can go here.

Fresh Out of Amazing Launch Party!

I’m so glad you are here! Today is a celebration for all of us fresh out of amazing girls. I wish you were here in my kitchen with me. I promise you the coffee would be flowing and we’d be eating something yummy. I would not be here without you. This book (and 2 others) started right here on this blog. I feel like as the layers of my heart have peeled back, you have been the best kind of friends. You have cried with me, rejoiced, and more importantly prayed.

Thank you is small. But it comes from the best part of my heart! Know that I’m grateful for you.

Now! Let’s celebrate! 

If you weren’t here yesterday, be sure to drop by and get your free goodies right here. They include a beautiful book inspired lock screen to dress up your phone and a Spotify play list of some of my favorite songs! Click here for those!

Today I’m partnering with a couple of my favorite companies and you get a chance to win some really cool things!

Giveaway #1: Trades of Hope {5}

“So many women live in poverty, not because they lack abilities, but because they lack opportunity. We started Trades of Hope to give women that opportunity for a better life. Each woman has a story, and with Trades of Hope’s help, their story has changed from pain and struggle to a story of hope!

We work with the artisans themselves and organizations that are helping women in difficult circumstances. Some women have been rescued from sex slavery. Others are raising handicapped children alone. Some are in war torn countries and others have HIV/AIDS and leprosy. These women have never had the chances we’ve had, yet they are just like us in so many ways. They love their families and hope and dream of a better life for them. ” {from their website}

I knew I wanted to celebrate by giving back this week! I picked out one of my favorite Trades of Hope necklaces called “Eternal Seeds” made by women in Costa Rica. My friend Christy helped me order them and I can’t wait for 5 of you to get a chance to win one!

 I am crazy about the tassel!

Giveaway #2: Dayspring {1}

I love Dayspring. They make the best gifts and items for your home! Lately, I’ve been loving these adorable teacups for yummy things like coffee, tea (of course) or if you are one of my girls, a cup full of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. Dayspring was kind enough to donate a set of them for one you to win! Yay!

For everyone! Plus if you don’t win you can grab a teacup for just $5. They are having a secret sale for us! Just use the code: SIPAWAY when you check out. Go here to pick your favorite or get all three! 

Giveaway #3: Print + Gift Card {3}

When I asked my friend Becky to design a print based on the book I was so excited by what she sent me! This verse weaved its way into my heart as I wrote.  As you may recall this same print was a free “download” if you pre-ordered the book. For this giveaway I’m going to send you an actual print! Yay, and how about a $5 gift card to help you go buy Fresh Out of Amazing?

Giveaway Details: To be entered to win, just head over to my Instagram account @staceythacker or my Facebook Page @OfficialStaceyThacker and find the post about the giveaway. Nine winners will be chosen at random on Friday September 2 and notified via Instagram and Facebook. You must be a resident of the continental US to be eligible.

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If you don’t yet have a copy of Fresh Out of Amazing, you can go here to find out where you can purchase it. As they say, it is now AVAILABLE wherever books are sold.

If you do have a copy, why not take a picture and share it on Social Media! Be sure to use the #freshoutofamazing. I love seeing these pictures! Look how cute you are!

Now, go enter on Instagram or Facebook!  Celebrate!

xo,

Stacey

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t Miss These Free Resources!

Hey girl!

Fresh Out of Amazing officially releases on Thursday, September 1, 2016! I have some fun things planned for tomorrow’s celebration but today I wanted to give you a couple of things! Why? Well, because truthfully, I have always liked you!

(By the way you can get a copy of Fresh Out of Amazing *here, here, or here.)

Free Resource #1:

I know you have a phone with you right now. So why not dress it up with a free lock screen?

I have this very one on my phone. It is a verse that weaved its way into my heart and all throughout Fresh Out of Amazing. My sweet friend Becky from “To Choose Joy” designed it. Grab it here! 

 

Free Resource #2: 

I love music. I can’t write without it most days. The songs that were playing in my earbuds while writing Fresh Out of Amazing are now on a free Spotify Playlist for you.

You can find the link for it over here, too. I love these songs so much. Please don’t ask me to tell you my favorite.

Enjoy! And stop by tomorrow, too!

xo,

Stacey

(*affiliate link included)

My Prayer for all the Fresh Out of Amazing Girls

The news this week is a bit ironic. A tropical depression is swirling up in the Gulf of Mexico and headed this way. The rain bands have already started. If you are not familiar with this weather pattern it means one minute you will have blue skies and white puffy clouds in the next minute a torrential downpour will occur. It comes and goes in waves or rather circles of intensity as the storm gets closer.

The reason this is amusing is that my book releases this week and the first chapter details a hurricane I was facing both outside my window and inside my own heart. It was the first time I ever said out loud:

Lord, I feel like I need to be amazing. The trouble is, I’m fresh out of amazing. 

I wrote those words nearly five years ago. Little did I know we’d be here today, talking about a book you might be holding in your hand or thinking of buying. Back then, I thought I was the only one feeling that way. In fact, I tucked that phrase back down where it came from and mentioned it only a couple of times over the course of the next couple of years. Each time I did, God would lean in quietly and say, “Trust me with this. I have more here for your heart.”

And so he did. And so he still does. 

“I think somewhere deep inside I wished that hurricane would go ahead and blow right through and take me with it. At that point it wouldn’t have taken much more than a gentle breeze to knock me over. I felt like a pile of dry, brittle bones that could easily be blown in every direction. I think the question swirling around my heart as the wind whipped up a mess outside sounded a lot like this: Can a fresh-out-of-amazing girl live through this?

In the days that followed, God literally and figuratively calmed the storm. e hurricane was downgraded, my girls’ school event was canceled, and my husband returned home. Over the next three years God did an extraordinary hope-filled work in my life. But it was only the beginning.

Have you ever noticed how questions tend to boomerang back into our lives if we don’t answer them soul-deep the first time? Recently, this nagging question—Can a fresh-out-of-amazing girl live through this?—came back around. God knows just the right time to have us revisit a lesson we need to learn in the worst way.” excerpt from Fresh Out of Amazing

I know it might sound funny, but just like the weather is on repeat, so is the question, “Can a fresh-out-of-amazing girl live through this?” I’m returning to words God wrote on my heart because I need to breathe them deep once again. I need a fresh work from him today as much as I did 5 years ago.

I don’t ever stop needing his mercy in my life. In fact, I think I need it more.

If you are feeling undone and done all at the same time, these words are for you. Maybe you are overwhelmed with all the things and what you really want is a friend to take you by the hand and tell you she understands. And if, you think your mess is just too much for anyone, especially Jesus, know I get it, I really do.

I wanted you to know that I’m praying for you. But, I’m also praying for me, too.

Dear Lord,

You tell us in  your word, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

Today, I am praying this for the heart of your daughter. May she draw near to you and receive new mercy and grace in her fresh out of amazing place. Lord we know your heart is bent toward us with mercy.  And as living water is poured out, so is your mercy every day. Let this be a reminder of the invitation she have to draw near every moment.

May she bring you her burdens and busyness.

May she lay down her shattered dreams.

May she honestly admit she is wooed by the curse of comparison.

May she pour out the lies her heart has been believing.

And may she cry with holy release the bitter tears her grieving heart has been storing up.

I know she wants to run and hide but my greatest prayer is that she will want to know the heart of the one who can give her heart exactly what it needs. Lord, may she step boldly to your throne with fearless confidence and hear you say, “Come. Be near the throne of grace. Be near me.”

And as she does, may she hear you singing a song of mercy over her heart:

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

And when she is ready, may she join you in that mercy song.

Amen.

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xo,

Stacey

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fresh Out of Amazing Week is Here

This week is the week we have been talking about for two years friends. I could not have done it without you every step of the way.

Fresh Out of Amazing hits stores officially on Thursday September 1. I have so many thoughts and feelings going on in my heart today, but truly the first is gratitude.

Thank you for being part of this.

Today, I’m sharing over at my friend Lisa Whittle’s blog about being Burdened and Busy. I met Lisa a couple of years ago at a blogging conference. She is dear friends with my friend Angie and as it turns out we write and publish with the same publisher, Harvest House. She is absolutely one of my favorite people. She was kind enough to endorse the book, too.

 

Humbled to be on her blog! Join me over there…

xo,

Stacey

For more on the book, go here.

What I Wore (Summer Round Up)

I am in complete denial that summer is drawing to a close.  I could let my kids sleep late and slowly make our way to the pool forever. We didn’t do anything big this summer, but we did enjoy our lazy days. Maybe I enjoyed them most of all.

I have been keeping up with What I Wore over on Instagram. Today I wanted to do a quick summer roundup. If you want to keep up on a weekly basis join me over there. It is my favorite!

 

 

Left:  Friday T-shirt (Fairtrade Friday), Jeans (Yes I made them from Lucky Brand Jeans), Shoes (Kohls)

Left Center: Shirt (Loft), Jeans (American Eagle), Shoes (Target), Cuff (Farmgirl Paints)

Right Center: Dress (StitchFix), Sweater (Loft), Shoes (Target)

Right: Shirt (American Eagle), Shorts (Loft), Shoes (Target)

This new dress is going to be favorite but I will probably wear it sparingly because stripes are memorable right? Oh but it has pocketes…yes it does!

 

 

Left:  Top (Old Navy), Jeans (American Eagle Skinny Jeans), Cuff (Farmgirl Paints), Necklace (Fairtrade Friday), Shoes (PayLess)

Center: Top (Nordstrom Rack), Jeans (same), Shoes (Target), Cuff (Farmgirl Paints), Necklace (Lisa Leonard)

Right: Top (Stitch Fix), Jeans (same), Cuff (all 3 of mine are shone in this series – Farmgirl), Jeans (same), Shoes (Same)

Summer finds me mostly in tank tops and jeans. I know it is hot, but I don’t wear shorts all that much. Love this new swing top from Old Navy. I bought it this summer and they have other colors too!

 

Left: Cardigan (Banana Rep Factory Outlet), Top (Loft), Shorts (Khols), Shoes (Target),

Center: Blouse (Nordtrom Rack), Pants (Straight black cut – Kohls), Shoes (Kohls)

Right: Hoodie (Evys Tree), Top (Old Navy), Jeans (American Eagle), Shoes (Target), Necklace (Fairtrade Friday)

So I did buy a new pari of denim shorts and I love these because they have some stretch. Also the black pants are new. I’ve been looking for a pair with straight legs to wear. Loving this!

Links: *Stitchfix (affiliate link)  Fairtrade Friday  Farmgirl Paints American Eagle Nordstrom Rack Old Navy

 

Hope you have had a great summer! My blog is going to be updated soon(I know some of the links aren’t working except for on Mobile)  and I have a new book coming out (yay!). You can find out about that over here.

xo,

stacey

If I Ever Get to Be a Fine Writer

Have you ever started something and then wondered what in the world you were thinking? It reminds me of the scene in the movie Tangled when the main character decides to bravely step out of her comfortable towered room into the unknown for the first time in her life. As she takes her leap of faith she joyously exclaims, “Best day ever!” However, in the next scene she is a weepy hot mess lamenting her decision and branding herself a failure. She tumbles from heights of happiness to the depths of despair, back and forth over and over again.

I’ll admit it. Writing a book  that lays wide-open my heart has me experiencing all the feelings a girl can feel. I have bravely stepped out of my own comfortable towered room into the unknown. On one hand I am ridiculously excited because I love the idea of you putting down my book and inspiring you to pick up the Book that truly matters. This is my greatest hope. I’ve said it before, and it bears repeating, “The one book I want you to read more than mine is God’s Word.” My passion for God’s Word has only grown as I’ve placed myself at his feet and said time and time again, “What do you want your girls to know about your book, Lord?” He has been faithful. I have been moved to tears more than once at his nearness and direction.

At other times, I find myself face down on my bed questioning my calling. I wonder what in the world I’m doing trying to pen words about holy things. I have quit so many times in my head. I’ve assured myself my editor would be grateful if I just sent the contract back and said, “Truly, you have the wrong girl.” Surely they would receive my regrets with relief. Surely.

Have you ever felt that way? What did you do about it?

Apparently author Flannery O’Conner struggled with going back and forth in her head as well. She was in college when she wrote these word in her prayer journal. I was so moved by it.  It is such a sweet and timely reminder. The important thing for each of us to remember this is God’s story, not ours. As we place ourselves in his hands, he fills the pages of our lives with enough holy words that overflow into the lives of others if we let them.

“But the invitation for us is to simply write Jesus across every heart we encounter. When we do that people will not say, “She is amazing.” They will say, “Wow. Her God is good.” Fresh Out of Amazing, Chapter 9. 

Oh sweet friend. Let him fill your heart and then write Jesus across every other one you encounter. And let’s just give him all the glory. May we not steal any for ourselves or our own platforms.

Jesus, pick up your pen. Write on my heart.

Today and always.

xo,

Stacey

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*Post contains one tiny affiliate link. If you click through and make a purchase I get a compensation at no extra cost to you. Thank you .

He Weeps With Us

There is always a risk in writing when you emotions are raw and unchecked. Sometimes it is a train wreck. Other times beauty arises from ash heaps. I’m trusting God with my words in this moment because as a writer, I think better when words are flying.

I grew up in the midwest. I’m a small town girl by birth. Nearly fourteen years ago we moved to the City Beautiful and made it our home. Three of our four babies were born here. We shop at Publix and we run and get frozen yogurt on hot summer nights just miles from where today, helicopters are circling. We saw them on the way home from church. “What is that all about one of my teenagers asked?” I reminded her of what our pastor said this morning and she said, “Oh right.” It wasn’t that she wasn’t paying attention. Maybe it is the gift of youth when you hear something in the news but don’t realize the seriousness of it all. I envied her a bit in that moment.

My heart is heavy. I can’t bring myself to  turn on the news. I have only been able to do a quick scan of social media channels because these streets, these people, this city is in fact my own. I know enough of reports to tell you that if I entered full into the details I would cry for days.

It probably won’t surprise you to hear that I don’t go to clubs. I wasn’t out at 10:30 pm at a concert on Friday night or at a bar early Sunday morning. I was home trying to get my girls to sleep and planning what we were going to wear to church. I am a mom. And this snapshot of a story wrecked me completely:

 

The look of a mom waiting for news of her son. Washed out. Wide-open stare. Do you know why? Because there are no words a mom can utter when she doesn’t know what is happing to her child. And it doesn’t matter one bit if he 30 or 5. He is her boy.

Hot tears fill my eyes because as a mama I have wrestled at the bedside of my child. I have asked God to intervene. I have sat washed out and wide-eyed myself. I’ve begged God to fix it, and had to make peace with the fact that sometimes he simply does not. 

I don’t have any deep theological answers. But I know this.

“When Jerusalem came into view, He looked intently at the city and began to weep.” Luke 19:41

This same Jesus weeps with us too. 

He not only weeps with us, he lingers with the broken.

So today, with raw emotions and words that really can’t seem to land too well, I’m going to do what my pastor called our congregation to do. I’m going to pray. I’m going to love my city and the people in it.

Because that is what Jesus is doing.

xo,

Stacey

#loveOrlando

#prayforOrlando

 

What I Wore Instagram Roundup

Happy Wednesday! I know what you are thinking. Where has What I Wore been hiding? I promise you I am getting dressed every single day and usually I snap a picture. But life lately has been on the crazy side of busy and I have found a beautiful and *simple* way to share What I Wore over on Instagram. By the way, do you follow me over there? Please do, it is my favorite place on Social Media! (go ahead over there and click follow).

My plan for now is to post weekly on Insta for #whatIwore each Wednesday. Here on ye old blog, I will do an Instagram roundup from time to time. I think that is a happy mix of goodness. Can I tell you a secret? What I Wore has been such a huge and unexpected blessing to me. I love interacting with you about something as simple as my cardigans. I love that it gives me a chance to talk without writing. Does that make sense? At the same time it has benefited my writing tremendously by helping me learn my particular voice as a writer.  Who knew?

So here is what I’ve been wearing!

Left: Shirt (Nordstrom Rack), Lace camie (Grace and Lace), Jeans (American Eagle), Shoes (Kohls), Cuff (Farmgirl Paints, Necklace (Fairtrade Friday)

I wore this to speak in at a spring brunch for moms and mentors at my church. I admit I tried on like 10 outfits before landing on this one. I think the lace popping out and cute leopard print shoes are my fave!

Center: Shirt (Stitch Fix), Sweater (Maurcies), Jeans (same), Shoes (Target), Cuff (same)

So this sweater is new for my birthday. Love it. It has a hood which makes it super fun. And it is on the thin side so perfect for Florida air conditioning.

Right: Hoodie (Evy’s Tree), Tank (Lucky Brand), Jeans (same), Shoes (same)

I love red with this hoodie. Evy’s Tree just released the same style in black and blush. I was strong…I did not order either new color but boy did I want to! I love this one.

Left: Sweater (Maurices), Shirt (Maurices), Jeans (American Eagle), Shoes (Target)

Left Center: Jacket (Stitch Fix), Shirt (Loft),Jeans (same),Shoes (same)

Right Center: Jacket (Stitch Fix), Shirt (Nordstrom Rack – see above post), Skirt (Target)

Right: Shirt (Stitch Fix), Shorts (cut offs by me a pair of Lucky Brand Boyfriend Jeans), Shoes (Target)

This week I discovered I had a $75 Stitch Fix credit on my account! Yippee! So I ordered my next fix for June. I can’t wait! So many of these pieces above are my favorite pieces from Stitch Fix. Do you know Stitch Fix? It is a service where they shop for you and send it all to your house. You fill in a profile and they do the rest. You get to keep whatever you want (and pay for it) plus a $20 styling fee. If you “shop” the fee is part of what you buy so no extra cost to you. It is really like Christmas when you get a box just for you! Love it! Click here to find out more and when you order your first fix I get a tiny credit at no extra cost to you! Thanks!

Left: Tank (Maurices), Jeans (American Eagle),Shoes (Target), Necklace (Fairtrade Friday),Cuff (Farmgirl)

This tank is so fun. I got it for my birthday from my mom! (aww!) She took me shopping and I found this and fell in love.

Center: Top (Loft), Jeans (same), Shoes (same), Necklace (Foreverly), Cuff (same)

I grabbed this top from Loft a few months ago. I almost didn’t because of ($$) but I am so glad I did. I wear it tons and love its simplicity.

Right: Top (Loft), Jeans (American Eagle),Shoes (same)

I know this is basically the same look as #2, but can you tell I really love this for summer? I usually go sleeveless and add a cardigan. Just so easy!

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I really do hope you will join me over on Instagram! It is the most fun. My blog is going through a re-do soon. So, I appreciate your patience as that happens!

xo,

Stacey

Links:

Stitch Fix

FarmGirl Paints – Cuffs

Evy’s Tree – Josie Tunic

Grace and Lace

Fairtrade Friday Club

 

What Are You Reading?

 

(post contains affiliate links)

I have a passion for words. As I’ve written tens of thousands of them in the past two years to put in books, I’ve noticed my love of reading has only increased. What has surprised me though, is that lately I have been on a fiction binge. I still read non-fiction of course, but mostly I’m reading story. I’m actually loving it!

I would love to hear from you, what are you reading? What book have you devoured? Has your heart been pierced by a story or challenged by truth? Let’s chat about that. Meanwhile, here are a few of my personal favorites of late:

The Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers:  (Christian Fiction) This series is twenty years old. I know I’m dreadfully behind the times, but I discovered it through my Library Kindle Book loan program. Did you know you can borrow books for your Kindle reader for free? And no late fees? Joy! I loved it so much I bought the first two in the series. I read both books in about a week. I even broke my rule of not reading the last page of the second book, because I had to know how it turned out. This story answers the questions, “How do you endure hardship with grace? Can you be a light in the darkness when everyone around you rejects the Truth?” I have reread them over and over. Can’t stop. Won’t stop. So good! (Also how much do we love Francine Rivers? Redeeming Love is also a favorite.)

 

The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen: (Regency Romance/Christian) Julie and I are both represented by the same literary agency, and when I saw her book won an award I grabbed a copy. If you like Jane Austen type of books, you will like her writing style. This is my favorite. It has an element of mystery, a charming lead character, and a handsome local curate. A great summer read if you want to kick back on the beach.

 

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare: (History read aloud for my girls): Set in Connecticut in 1687 this book features Kit, a 16 year old girl who is accused of befriending a local old woman who is considered a witch. Eventually, Kit has to take a stand of her own and face others who are convinced she is a witch as well. I had previously wondered if this book was appropriate for my girls and I have to say it is one of my favorite all time read aloud books we have used. I loved it so much, and so did my girls.

 

To Live is Christ by Beth Moore: (Christian Living): I had this book on my Kindle for about a year or so. A blog reader told me she was reading it and loved it so I decided to finally dive in. I love this look at the life of Paul. Beth fills in so much of his Jewish background with things I had not considered.  I’m not quite finished, but I love it so far!

 

Fervent by Priscilla Shirer: (Christian Living/Prayer): I have talked about this book already, so I wont’ go into too much detail. But, let me just say it has been such a jolt to my prayer life. And really, don’t we all need that from time to time?

 

I would love to hear from you what you are reading? Maybe we can come up with a fun summer reading plan! So, now it is your turn!

xo,

Stacey