Stacey Thacker's Blog, page 6

What I Wore

Hello Wednesday! Welcome friends! I spent a good part of the weekend recovering and resting after I wrecked my back. You might have seen this on my Instagram account:

I am feeling much better and yet somehow as old as the hills. I wish I could report that I hurt my back doing something epic, but I probably need to blame my purse which is pretty embarrassing. We should probably talk about that later.

This is what I wore when I was not in bed binge watching The Paradise on Netflix. Thank you Nester Smith for telling me about it. 

Left: Top (StitchFix), Jeans (Cabi), Shoes (Target)

Favorite: This shirt just makes me happy. I wear it all the time!

Left Center: Cardigan (Banana Rep Factory Oulet), Shirt (Loft), Jeans (American Eagle), Shoes (Target)

Favorite: That green cardigan. Which I sometimes wear with the top in the first picture!

Right Center: Top (StitchFix), Jeans (American Eagle), Shoes (Target)

Favorite: The back of this top which is the cutest navy polka-dots just like the pocket. But it is really hard to take a photo of the back of your shirt.

Right: Cardigan (Nordstrom Rack), Top (Nordstrom Rack), Jeans (American Eagle), Shoes (Loft)

Favorite: The color of this top is a dreamy reddish coral color. I think it looks so nice on most people. It is a little fancy for my everyday, but today we had a doctor visit and I thought a little fancy was a good idea!

****

So as you can see, it has not cooled off in Central Florida. Nope not all. But I’m managing. I’ll be here this week, trying like crazy to sit more than I stand because of my old lady “injury”. I will also try to get dressed everyday and find something to wear that is a step above my cut off shorts!

Have a super week!

xo,

Stacey

 

What I Wore

You know, I have heard it is fall, somewhere. Not here, though. Today it was in the 90’s and I’m a little upset about it. Don’t get me wrong, the sun was beautiful today and if I had to time to head to the beach I would be fine with it. But people, it is November. I have all the plans to wear my cardigans and my boots and live in the moment. But it can’t be so when it is this warm. I’ll probably be ok. But just to be sure, don’t tell me how beautiful the leaves are at your place and how you wore your blanket scarf this week. I really can’t take it.

Here is what I wore while trying to remain cool:

Left: Jacket (Stitch Fix), Tank top (Loft), Skirt (Target), Necklace (Kory Lane Designs).

I wore this to church this week. The reason I could wear the jacket because my church is freezing. Also, the tank top helped make it possible too. It is also 100% true that on the way home I had to take the jacket off because it was so hot! Still, I love this denim jacket, you might have heard me say that once or twice before! Also my friend Lori makes these necklaces. I adore them. Here is a better picture. This is my second one (there is a story to that I will tell you later) and I love how it has almost a camo effect. (You can order one from Lori on Facebook).

Center: Vest (Anthro), Tank top (Loft), Jeans (American Eagle), Shoes (Target):

I wore this to take the girls Trick or Treating. It was a gorgeous night so no complaining about that from me. I remember when I was little growing up in Indiana we had to wear coats over our costumes and that was not the same. My littles were a cat and a fox. No coats needed! I know I look like I was dressed up as an explorer, but really I was just plain old me.

Right: Flannel Shirt (Target), Tank (Old Navy), Shorts (Lucky Brand but I cut them off):

This is how we wear flannel in Florida. I want to apologize for the no shoes I know that may be bothersome to you. But the truth is I wore flip flops which is pretty scandalous with the flannel shirt I know. And when I took this picture they were downstairs by the door.

Thanks for stopping by today. I love What I Wore Wednesday so much. It is the longest running series on my blog of all time.

So it is a thing.

You make it better.

Hope you have a great day my friend!

xo,

Stacey

P.S. If you are interested in Stitch Fix – just hit the button on the side bar!

Best Day Ever (For a Writer)

So today I hit “send” on the Fresh Out of Amazing manuscript! And in so many ways it felt like this:

 

But also, it felt super scary as well. Friends, this book writing business has been a blessing. I am so very grateful. I think going into this project I assumed that most of my stories had already taken place. But, God is his perfect merciful wisdom gave me the chance to write raw and honest this summer. I feel like I’ve run a marathon of words.

“If God has called you to something you will need friends to help you be brave and do it.” – Shauna Niequist

Thank you for helping me be brave! I absolutely owe you the biggest cup of coffee ever! Seriously, I could not have done it without you!

“Fresh Out of Amazing is my come out of hiding story. I don’t want to conceal my wounds anymore.

I’m inviting the light of the Gospel of Jesus into this place once and for all.

I’m praying this message lights the way for others so they can come out of hiding too.

I am finally at a place in my life where I want to shout from the rooftops,

“If you see anything in me that looks like a hint of amazing it is all Jesus. From beginning to end he is the only one who is amazing.”

Coming Soon!

xo,

Stacey

 

What I Wore at Raising Generations Today

Hey friends! Happy What I Wore Day!  I’m back (mostly) from the Raising Generations Today conference in Rochester, NY. It was a great time with super sweet moms from the Northeast! Also, it was gorgeous and I wore my boots so I love fall.

Here is what else I wore with the boots!

(Hello hotel pictures and lighting)

Left: Shirt (Target), Tank (Old Navy), Leggings (Loft), Boots (gifted)

I wore this for travel day 1! I grabbed this fun plaid shirt at Target. Because moms are awesome and love Target I saw at least two other moms at the conference with the same shirt.

Left Center: Cardigan (Target), Shirt (Loft), Jeans (American Eagle), Boots (same)

I wore this on the first day of the conference. I went to lunch with my friends Becky and Crystal. We ate at a Greek place on the Eerie Canal. It was perfection.

Right Center: Cardigan (Target), Shirt (Loft), Jeans (American Eagle), Necklace (Fair Trade Friday/Rahab’s Rope), Boots (same)

I wore this on Friday when I spoke. The necklace is my #favorite!

You had to see a close up!

Right: Cardigan (Target), T-shirt (Heartwork Tees), Jeans (American Eagle), Boots (same)

I should probably say I love a boyfriend cardi – both of these are the same just different colors. You can find them anytime at Target for less than $20. Also, my t-shirt was inspired by Hope for the Weary Mom by my friend Sarah! How awesome is that?

It was so fun to dress for REAL fall this weekend. Now I’m back in Central Florida and I’m trying to remember what all the pretty leaves looked like and missing my boots.

Have a wonderful week!

xo,

Stacey

 

Raising Generations Today Conference Update

I’m sitting at the airport waiting. My flight was supposed to leave Rochester, NY tomorrow. But, I changed it to today. I really felt strongly I needed to get home to my family. See, my girl, the one struggling so much is starting a new treatment this week. I wanted to get home a little quicker than originally planned. So, I made the flight change. Home is where I wanted to be.

 

But then my new flight was delayed. And delayed again. I will be sitting here for at least 6 extra hours waiting to get home. I know that is small compared to all the hard really big stuff going on in the world. Still, I’m close to tears. Like crying ugly and messy in an airport with a family that has a cat in a carrier and kids dying to get to Disney World for a magical vacation.

It is probably because I’m tired and completely poured out after a blessed weekend with the sweetest moms. I really love being with moms. I know I was supposed to speak a small word of encouragement to them, but in the end they were the ones that blessed me.

I spoke twice on “The Marathon of Motherhood.”

“Mothering is a marathon. We don’t need it to get easier, though our flesh cries out for that to be true. I don’t want to give you false hope, I want to give you timeless truth to take you the extra mile.”

We talked about how we as moms can persevere on the tough days. Like when you are sitting in airports trying to get home to our family kind of days. Like when you don’t have answer to the plan God has for your life or the lives of your kids. And for the days you would just rather stay in bed an pull the covers over your head.

God has a plan.

God sets the pace.

God is our provision.

“But unless a mother finds bread for herself, she will not have anything to give others.”

We cried. I’m sure that doesn’t surprise you. We laughed and we worshipped.

That girl right there is Ellie Holcomb. She sang her heart out on Thursday night. You know some artists sound better on their recordings? Not so with Ellie. She is twice as good live. Also, she is funny and loves Jesus and His Word. Clearly she loves His Word. When I was writing Hope for the Weary Mom, I listened to her songs over and over again. They spoke to me and I wrote. So hearing her this weekend was such a blessing.

“Roll away this stone

Roll away this sorrow

And take away this pain

That I’ve been holding on to, yeah

‘Cause I want to be

Like the birds all singing in the trees

Oh, Lord, I want to be free

Read more: Ellie Holcomb – I Want To Be Free Lyrics | MetroLyrics

As if all of this wasn’t enough, I had a chance to be with some of my favorite people. Moms I knew and others I just met.

With the adorable Crystal Stine

With the founder of RGT – Mother of 10 and grandma of 1, September McCarthy

I hit the roommate jackpot people. I roomed with Clare Smith. She is delightful and brought me morning coffee.

And these moms said some really great things that fed my heart:

“Mom. What you do is Holy ground. Satan will show up to mess with you” @lisajobaker

“Remember, my kid’s feelings are not the boss of me.” @lisajobaker

“Pinterest is fine but the Bible is better.” @ellieholcomb

“God is always pruning for greater faithfulness. ” @claresmith__

“Walk toward truth.” @Sarah

“The enemy wants us to believe we are barren. That is a direct attack on who you are called to be. You are not barren. You are blessed.”@HolleyGerth

“Sometimes His deepest mercy is wrapped up in His hardest test.” @katebattistelli

“Not getting what you desperately wanted can open doors to more than you ever imagined.” @katebattistelli

I realized something while I was at the conference this weekend. We need Jesus, moms. We were created to need him. That is not defeat. But also, we need each other. We need other moms, too. We need women who speak God’s Word over us. We need to be hugged when we are waiting to use the bathroom. We need to be seen. We need to share sips of coffee over ice cream sundaes. We need to tell each other we need Jesus. We need to say when we see God shining through another mom. We need to tell each other, “I see you. You are doing a good job.”  I know I need that.

Last year when I got home from Raising Generations, my dad passed away. It was sudden and grief got a foothold on me quickly. I didn’t have much of a chance to sit with the truths I gleaned from the conference. So maybe, just maybe that is why God has given me 6 hours in this crazy airport to write and think and process.

This is what I’m thinking about and probably will be for the next two hours as I wait to fly home to my people:

“The marathon of motherhood takes mental toughness to keep running. I’m going to be honest with you. This is not easy. I’m finding the more God works in my life, the more I press into him and places that “rub” off what doesn’t look like him, the more it hurts. I have not arrived. But, I’m catching glimpses of who God wants me to be. And I really do want to be that girl.”

I will also probably be sitting here crying. Because of course.

Looking forward,

Stacey

P.S. Sign up for 3 free devotionals from the NEW “Hope for the Weary Mom Devotional” here.

Big “Hope” News!

I can’t wait to tell you about this one minute longer!

We have a brand new book to add to the Hope for the Weary Mom family!

Brooke and I dreamed of a book that would point moms right to Jesus—our source of hope. Something they could read in the morning or during naptime or while they were in the car line at school.

A way for God’s truth to intersect the daily reality of a weary mom’s life…

Something they could read every day or reference during seasons that were particularly hard.

This is that book.

The Hope for the Weary Mom 40-day Devotional releases January 1, 2016, but you can get a sneak peak inside right now!

We have chosen three of our favorite devotionals from the book to send you via email and it is free! Just sign up right here. 

Friends, I love this book so very much. We wrote it last summer during a time in my life when I needed hope in worst way. As I wrote, I wept and healed. Every time I skim the pages of this book, tears just well up. God used his Word in my life greatly as I wrote it. I pray he does the same for you as your read it!

This book is straight from our weary mom hearts to yours.

You can find out more about the book here including links to pre-order it!

With Hope,

Stacey

P.S. FYI this is not the same book from February! This is brand new!

Sign up to get 3 days worth of devotions for free here.

 

Favorites Right There

The past fifteen weeks of book writing has left me more than melancholy. I realize my writing here has been a bit too. There is something about this message of Fresh Out of Amazing that leaves me all vulnerable and weepy. It has been necessary I think to write from an honest place. But, sometimes you need to just take a deep breath, exhale, and have a few minutes of light. We need to discuss really important things like Netflix, eating faux ice cream from the container, and how I wanted to buy 6 copies of People magazine because of how adorable Carrie Underwood is. So let’s get to that:

(post contains *affiliate links)

What I’m Watching on Netflix:

Chip and Joanna: Fixer Upper has been of my favorites since it started on HGTV. But there is one tiny problem. We don’t have HGTV at our house. So when I travel to conferences or go to my mom’s house I sit for days watching all the Fixer Upper episodes I can find. So when I found out Fixer Upper was coming to Netflix, finally there was great rejoicing.

I totally grabbed this image off of Joanna’s Instagram. Because how cute are they?

The only problem I see is that HGTV only sent 13 episodes to Netlfix. We have watched them all several times and before long will be talking about all the families like they know us. My girls are also huge fans. They do not fuss when I change the show they are watching (Usually Good Luck Charlie) over to Fixer Upper. Yes, I do that frequently because mothers need to mess with their kids from time to time.

My favorite comment from my kids: “Mom, what is wrong with Chip?” (after the episode in the thrift store where he put on the tool belt.)

Me: “Nothing. Isn’t he great?”

I know you have probably been watching Fixer Upper in real time and can probably quote all the key lines from all the seasons. But having the first 13 episodes is like Christmas over here. “Thank you HGTV. Thank you Netflix. Send more episodes please. Signed, Me.”

When Calls The Heart:

I stumbled across this show this summer when I was in the early days of writing “Fresh Out of Amazing.” I watched the entire first season in two days. I promptly watched them all again with my girls.

Here are a few reasons why I can’t stop watching it:

All the Little House on The Prairie feelings: It must be the Michael Landon, Jr effect but it brings me right back to my childhood.
Lori Laughlin is flawless. My girls think she is the most beautiful person. They might have said, “Except for you mom.” But I may just be adding that part.
I can watch WITH my kids. Come to think of it, both Fixer Upper and this show make Friday night a bit more enjoyable.
Seriously, Jack Wagner. How can we not love the 1980’s.
Daniel Lissing is from Australia and I keep watching to catch him drop into his accent.
Erin Krakow is adorable. And also her hair.

Netflix, again with only one season almost killed me. But I found the season 2 pass on Amazon Prime. I watched all of Season 2 as well this summer. Multiple times. I may also read 3 books based on the series. So, my television watching has encouraged my literature pursuits and this is a good thing.

Books I’ve Speed Read:

When I am in a writing season I devour fiction books. I don’t know why, because other times of the year I don’t read much fiction. There must be something about story that helps me write. Also, when I read fiction I feel like my mind stops trying to create and breathes a bit. Here is a list of books I read recently:

The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton – this book took me 7 years to get through. Well written, but slow for me.
In the Company of Others by Jan Karon – Delightful Father Tim is my favorite. Loved with big smooshy hearts, this but struggled with translating the  local dialect.
When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke – Original book the series is based on. Very different from the series, but a sweet read.
When Courage Calls by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan – A newer book in the book series because of the television show. I liked it ok.
Where Trust Lies by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan – Book 2 in newer series. Not my favorite. But I need to find out if they got married.
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers – I read this years ago and returned to it this summer. I reread it in 2 days. Stunning.
An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser – I saw this on a “Best of” list and read it on my Kindle from my library which is awesome.
The Guardian Duke – Jamie Carie – This is an exciting book (part 1 of a series). My only complaint is the leads don’t meet until the last page.

 

What I Can’t Stop Eating (and who cares):

 

I have no idea what is in this “Cookie Shake” but it tastes like real ice cream and is only 150 calories for the entire pint. Also the Maple Vanilla is to die for. Trust me. You will love it. And I’m giving you permission to not share this with your kids. Grown up stuff for sure.

 

That is all for now. Thanks for wading into the shallow end of the pool with me today. Sometimes we need to do that. What are you loving and devouring lately?

Happy Weekend.

xo,

Stacey

P.S. More on Carrie Underwood on People Magazine later. I will grab that when I travel next week.

*Disclosure: Some links in this email are affiliate links meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may get a commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support in this way!

 

What To Wear at Raising Generations Today

One of the benefits of doing What I Wore Wednesday is having pictures of go-to outfits. This helps out tremendously when I need to plan What TO Wear. Next week, I’m headed to Rochester, NY to attend and speak at Raising Generations Today, a conference for moms. I am speaking at two different sessions on Friday but will need to pick out clothes for the whole weekend. Also, it will be cold. I mean for this Florida girl lows in the forties and highs in the sixties is extreme. So of course I’m planning on sleeping in my boots.

So help me pick out something (or a version of something) to wear next week!

 

Option 1: Jean jacket with white shirt. (Left)

I have mad love for this Stitch Fix jean jacket. It has the perfect fit WITH stretch. This works well for me when I speak because I tend to talk with my hands (OK my whole body). In the picture above I wore leggings which made me feel way self-conscious. So, I would probably switch this out to jeans.

Option 2: Black Jacket with t-shirt (Left Center)

This jacket is super soft and I love the fact that the sleeves can be pushed up. I might use a graphic t-shirt with this instead of a white shirt. But this is super cute with fun flats.

Option 3: Cute blouse and jeans (Right Center)

This is an outfit I have spoken in before. I like the navy blue color with a turquoise necklace. Also, the boots make me so happy.

Option 4: White blouse with cardigan (Right)

You know my affection for a cardigan. This outfit feels most like me. The necklace is new from my Fair Trade Friday box and I am definitely planning on bringing it with me. I think it would work with any of these outfits.

So what do you think? I will not be wearing a dress this week because I will freeze. Also, I know I will need other clothes for travel and the other 2 days of the conference. I’d love to hear what you pack when you get to slip out of town for a girls weekend and feel all grown up!

xo,

Stacey

 

Other things I’m bringing: 

 

This necklace my sweet friend Lori made.
The cuffs.
Blanket Scarf to wrap up in on the plane!

Lately

 

It is Monday. I should be all geared up for the week. But, really I’m sitting here contemplating another cup of coffee and trying to put words into sentences. Lately it seems like all the words are playing hide and seek.

Last week, I finished the front end work on Fresh Out of Amazing. The manuscript is officially due on November 1, and I’m nearly ready to send that baby to Harvest House. I’m so relieved and yet I’m a little sad too. I think about the writing process and I wonder if I was faithful to put the words down that God spoke to my heart. I kept asking, “Lord what do you want  your Fresh Out of Amazing daughters to read?” I suppose I’m not the best judge of what I write and at this point 55,000+ words complete we will just go with what is. Does this make any sense? Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love this book. It has changed me. I can’t wait for you to read it. But at the same time I think, maybe it is just me who will love it. I’ve done my level best to listen on the page and write what I’ve heard God speaking to my heart. I think that is all I can do, right?

This week, the Allume conference is happening and for the first time since it began, I won’t be there. I’m a little sad about the whole deal. But next week, I’m headed to Rochester, NY to speak to a lovely group of moms for Raising Generations. I knew in my heart I could not do both conferences so close together. It really was a choice between two good things. Isn’t that often the case? So, I’ll be stalking the social media feeds of all the writer girls this week in Greenville at Allume. Missing them dearly and working on my talk for RGT.

 

 

 

I’ve been working my way through this book thinking about the Tabernacle and Prayer and it is beautiful. I highly recommend it.

October always makes me miss 31 Days….remember this? God used it greatly in my life to grow me as a writer.

And then there is this quote by Oswald Chambers:

“It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God—But we do not.  We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life, and holy on the ordinary streets, among ordinary people—and this is not learned in five minutes.” My Utmost for His Highest , Oswald Chambers

It has me thinking about being holy in the ordinary and how it really takes a lifetime.

I hope you have a beautiful day filled with holy and ordinary moments.

I think I’ll get that third cup of coffee now.

xo,

Stacey

 

 

Worship in the Wilderness

I was chatting Wednesday night with a friend of mine during choir rehearsal about my lately. I told her, “There is not one area in my life that doesn’t feel discouraging or under attack from the enemy.” It reminded me of this C.S. Lewis Quote:

Every square inch claimed and counterclaimed and yet still I’m reminded of the place worship has in my life. While God is busy fighting the battle for me, my job is to trust and sing his praise. Not surprisingly, I wrote these exact words in chapter 10 of Fresh Out of Amazing a few weeks ago. **

Recently, I had the chance to hear from songwriter and worship leader Martha Munizzi. She said, “God always has something he does in the wilderness. He wants to pour something into you. But, it is not just about you. It is for others, too. Worship is frontline work. It is warfare and you are leading out to sing over others who are fighting battles too.”

Has it ever occurred to you that your song is not only meant for you? It is so easy to be focused on our own story when we are fresh out of amazing isn’t it? But, the truth is, should we allow him, God will use your song in the lives of others in the most powerful way. It will become your declaration of his goodness and your absolute trust in him. As you worship from a hard-pressed place, others will hear it, and they will be reminded, “God will provide. He will not abandon us. He is good.” And they will experience freedom through faith in the midst of their battles as well.

Are you in a hard-pressed place too sweet friend? I just want you to know I understand. I’m here, worshiping beside you. Our worship is warfare girls.  Let’s declare his goodness for our own hearts and those who may be within earshot of our song.

xo,

Stacey

**Fresh Out of Amazing the book is coming September 2016 from Harvest House Publishers stay tuned for more information in the days ahead. I just sent it in for the first round of edits!