Hey Y'all

Welcome back to my little corner of the internet. 

Thank you for your patience, emails, and check-ins on social media. It really did my heart good. 

I took about nine months off of writing anything at all and almost two years off of writing anything of real substance beside book reviews. A lot has happened for our family in the last 18 months so let me give you the cliff-notes version:  

• we PCSed (moved for all you non-military) from San Diego to Philadelphia, 
• my husband started a masters degree & sports medicine residency, 
• I had a miscarriage, 
• 2019 ended,
• we fostered a working dog, 
• I found out I was expecting again, 
• the pandemic started, 
• my husband started K9 Farr Fitness,
• the world seemed to shut down, 
• our daughter Emily was born,
• we got our new dog MJ,
• 2020 ended,
• my husband started studying for board exams,
• today we hit the one year mark of choosing to staying-at-home because of the virus

Of course any one of those things is challenging but to have all of them happen in 18 months? 

It has been a bit of a whirlwind. 

We have had marriage struggles, health scares, political unrest, social unrest, but most of all? 

Most of all we have had Jesus and I am so incredibly grateful. The last two years forced growth from me as a child of God, mother and wife that wouldn't have happened otherwise. 

Some of you may have noticed that things look a little bit different around my blog and social media lately. I have dropped the Forgiven Former Feminist moniker. 

I realized that while the name was catchy, it wasn't Christ-like and it didn't give me the scope to write about all the things I want to. I felt like everything had to be geared towards feminism and that left out things that I am really passionate about like: 

• homeschooling
• books
• time management
• pornography and sexual integrity
• Army life
• body image
• fitness
• home management 

...and frankly anything else that comes to mind. So, I have essentially re-branded to just my name across social media and here on the blog. I plan to write about anything and everything that I am thinking. Some things may really resonate with you while other things don't. That is totally fine, part of being an adult is learning how to get along with people you disagree with.  

So on that note, I am going to sign off for today. 

I can't wait to share more with y'all soon!

Wife to Wife Wednesday: Getting Mentorship

Good morning! Welcome to Wife to Wife Wednesday, the day that we discuss any and all issues relating to marriage. 

Today I want to encourage you to look for a Titus 2 Woman to help you in your walk with Christ and as a godly wife.  However, if you are a military spouse (like me) this can sometimes be VERY difficult. With TDYs, deployments, and overseas moves, it isn't always easy to meet with godly Christian women. 

So what can you do? 

Blog Hops can be a great place to find godly Christian women that are actively moving the ball down the field for Christ.

Books are a great resource to find inspiration and helpful tips in your Christian walk. 

Christian Facebook groups can help you connect with people all across the world from all stages of life. 

Just a reminder, if you want to learn from wiser women, you have to be ready to put yourself out there a little bit! DO that by commenting on their posts, post questions of your own, and ask for advice. Even if you are on the other side of the world, Christian community is available. You just have to know where to find it!

Title Tuesday: 52 Books in 2018

Welcome to  Title Tuesday, my favorite day of the week! This day is dedicated to book suggestions and reviews. I write this portion of my blog because I am a big believer in the motivational speaker Charlie Jones' quote which says, "You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” I try to meet as many new people as possible and to read everything I can. This is my way of sharing that information with you. If you are interested in understanding my rating system for books you can read my Book Review Explanation here and What I Believe here. If you want to check out what I am currently reading or what I want to read next, friend me on Goodreads!


As many of you know, I read a LOT. I always try to set a reading goal for the new year. My general rule of thumb is that I have to read five personal development/self improvement/spiritual life books per one fiction book. This week on Title Tuesday I wanted to share what my goals for reading are this year.


First, before I share my goals for this year, lets talk about how I did for last goals. Last year I read 32 books total. I did fall short of my goal. When we PCSed (that means moved for all you non Army people) to San Diego the movers packed my satchel inside one of the boxes. It took us two weeks to get our boxes back and then it took me two weeks to unpack all the boxes and find said satchel. This resulted in me falling behind. Then when I was in my first trimester during my pregnancy with Kenna I was miserably sick. I think I read four books each month and that was it.

This year my goal is to read 52 books! That comes out to one book a week. I know it is a big commitment especially with Kenna being due in just three months, but I am pretty sure that I can do it! I will be posting up my review of each book that I read on Title Tuesday each week and of course I will be updating my Goodreads religiously so be sure to friend me on Goodreads so we can share book recommendations. 

What are your reading goals for 2018?  

THANK YOU!

With the year 2017 coming to an end, I want to take a minute to stop and say thank you. 

Thank you to my faithful readers that keep commenting, asking questions, and interacting with me on  facebook, twitter, and goodreads. Because of your interest, The Forgiven Former Feminist was listed as one of the  Top 100 Christian Wife Blogs and one of the Top 100 Military Wife Blogs & Websites! 

Thank you to my mentors Mrs. S. and L. Thank you for standing beside me as I learn to walk with Christ and keep Him as the focus of my life. Thank you for constantly pushing me to ask questions, seek forgiveness, and pray harder. 

Thank you to my boys, William and Henry. I know not every child loves having theology texts read out loud, but you guys put up with it fabulously. Thank you for reminding me to take truck breaks and for the many dance parties.

Finally, thank you to my husband Brian for always being willing to listen to me think out loud and process through my thoughts before I write them down. Thank you for putting up with my stacks of books, bags of pens, and jars of highlighters. Thank you for always making the coffee and putting it in my favorite mugs. Thank you for listening to my questions, helping me find answers, and walking alongside me. I love you!

I can't wait to see what next year has in store!  

Homemaking Ministry Photo Challenge: Day 31

Today is the very last day of the #HomemakingMinistries photo challenge! My photo of something that I accomplished is a picture of the first time that I completed a body weight back-squat! This was pre-children, when we were still stationed at Fort Hood. We were just hardly dipping our toes into having a Christian Garage Gym Ministry and we were learning SO much. I can't wait to get back to heavy lifting once our newest addition is born!

I am participating in the #HomemakingMinistries Homemaking Photo-A-Day challenge. 

Want to join me? 

Use the hashtag #HomemakingMinistries 

and tag The Forgiven Former Feminist on Facebook or Twitter! 

Homemaking Ministry Photo Challenge: Day 30

So I have to say that I cheated a little bit for the photo #30 of the #HomemakingMinistries photo challenge. This is a stock photo that I pulled off of a Google search for "camping". One of the things that I plan to do for the month of November is get our first family camping trip going. My husband LOVES hiking and backpacking. He used to go often before he started his career with the Army. I am hopeful that it will go well. 

Side note: Any special recommendations on how to go camping with a 2 year old, a 1 year old, and a 5 month pregnant mom? 

I am participating in the #HomemakingMinistries Homemaking Photo-A-Day challenge. 

Want to join me? 

Use the hashtag #HomemakingMinistries 

and tag The Forgiven Former Feminist on Facebook or Twitter! 

Homemaking Ministry Photo Challenge: Day 29

Today is day #29 of the #HomemakingMinistries photo challenge. Can you believe that the month of October is almost over? I can't believe that the holiday season of 2017 is about to start! Anyways, today I am supposed to share something I have on y wall. I decided to share a photo of my mantle above the fireplace. I am just loving how it is coming together! 

I am participating in the #HomemakingMinistries Homemaking Photo-A-Day challenge. 

Want to join me? 

Use the hashtag #HomemakingMinistries 

and tag The Forgiven Former Feminist on Facebook or Twitter! 

Homemaking Ministry Photo Challenge: Day 28

My favorite way to meal plan is an easy answer for day 28 of the #HomemakingMinistries photo challenge. I got this little pad of paper on Amazon. There is a box for dinner for each day of the week, a box to write in all of your breakfasts, lunches, and grab bags.  It is quick, easy, and magnetic so it sticks to your fridge! It is really easy to build your grocery shopping list off of this plan. 

I am participating in the #HomemakingMinistries Homemaking Photo-A-Day challenge. 

Want to join me? 

Use the hashtag #HomemakingMinistries 

and tag The Forgiven Former Feminist on Facebook or Twitter! 

Homemaking Ministry Photo Challenge: Day 27

Today we are supposed to share about our kids or our husbands for day #27 of the #HomemakingMinistries photo challenge. I decided to share a picture of my boys because I haven't shared much about them during this photo challenge. These are my wonderful boys, William and Henry. They are fabulous, energetic, and persistent. They never fail to amaze me and I thank God every day that He entrusted them to my care. 

I am participating in the #HomemakingMinistries Homemaking Photo-A-Day challenge. 

Want to join me? 

Use the hashtag #HomemakingMinistries 

and tag The Forgiven Former Feminist on Facebook or Twitter! 

Homemaking Ministry Photo Challenge: Day 26

Welcome to day #26 of the #HomemakingMinistries photo challenge! 

Today we are supposed to share a photo of our favorite Bible verse. Right now, I feel like God is really teaching me about wisdom and knowing Him. I created this sketch a few weeks after we moved to San Diego because God really placed it on m heart. 

It is now one of my favorite parts of our home! 

I am participating in the #HomemakingMinistries Homemaking Photo-A-Day challenge. 

Want to join me? 

Use the hashtag #HomemakingMinistries 

and tag The Forgiven Former Feminist on Facebook or Twitter! 

Homemaking Ministry Photo Challenge: Day 25

I love sharing what I am thankful for which makes #25 of the #HomemakingMinistries photo challenge super easy. I am so very thankful for my husband and how much he LOVES our boys. It doesn't matter how tired he is or what the Army asked of him that day, he ALWAYS makes time for them. 

I am participating in the #HomemakingMinistries Homemaking Photo-A-Day challenge. 

Want to join me? 

Use the hashtag #HomemakingMinistries 

and tag The Forgiven Former Feminist on Facebook or Twitter! 

Homemaking Ministry Photo Challenge: Day 24

Today for day #24 of the #HomemakingMinistries photo challenge I am supposed to show you a picture of my favorite snack. Due to being in the middle of my second trimester with my third baby, my favorite snack seems to change daily. Currently I am obsessed with dill pickles, but if you ask me tomorrow that may change!  

I am participating in the #HomemakingMinistries Homemaking Photo-A-Day challenge. 

Want to join me? 

Use the hashtag #HomemakingMinistries 

and tag The Forgiven Former Feminist on Facebook or Twitter! 

Homemaking Ministry Photo Challenge: Day 23

Welcome to day #23 of the #HomemakingMinistries photo challenge! Here is my absolute favorite cleaner at the moment. 90% of the other cleaners that I usually use make my morning sickness pretty serious, but a friend recommended this one and I really like it! 

I am participating in the #HomemakingMinistries Homemaking Photo-A-Day challenge. 

Want to join me? 

Use the hashtag #HomemakingMinistries 

and tag The Forgiven Former Feminist on Facebook or Twitter! 

Homemaking Ministry Photo Challenge: Day 21

Day #21 of the #HomemakingMinistries photo challenge is to share something that you are never without. I was actually just talking with my husband about this the other day. Because my husband is military I am often alone with my kids. We were realizing the other day that I haven't had a night away from children since we started having children. That means that it has been almost 3 years since I had a break of longer than 2 hours without my kids! (I guess technically I spent two nights away from William, but I was recovering from having Henry so I don't think I'd count that!) Either way, wherever I go you can bet that my partners in crime are with me!

I am participating in the #HomemakingMinistries Homemaking Photo-A-Day challenge. 

Want to join me? 

Use the hashtag #HomemakingMinistries 

and tag The Forgiven Former Feminist on Facebook or Twitter! 

Homemaking Ministry Photo Challenge: Day 20

We are on day #20 of the #HomemakingMinistries photo challenge! Today I am supposed to share with you my Bible reading. I am currently reading in Job. I find that in times of uncertainty, pain, or trials the book of Job can really help you put your issues into perspective. What do you think?

I am participating in the #HomemakingMinistries Homemaking Photo-A-Day challenge. 

Want to join me? 

Use the hashtag #HomemakingMinistries 

and tag The Forgiven Former Feminist on Facebook or Twitter! 

Homemaking Ministry Photo Challenge: Day 19

Welcome to day #19 of the #HomemakingMinistries photo challenge! Today I am supposed to share a photo of my freshly made bed. I will confess the bed was made this morning and I am writing this in the afternoon so the bed isn't "freshly made" but we are going to take it anyways.

I am participating in the #HomemakingMinistries Homemaking Photo-A-Day challenge. 

Want to join me? 

Use the hashtag #HomemakingMinistries 

and tag The Forgiven Former Feminist on Facebook or Twitter! 

Homemaking Ministry Photo Challenge: Day 18

So today is day #18 of the #HomemakingMinistries photo challenge. The challenge list says that it is supposed to be #ThrowbackThursday but it is only Wednesday... I am going to roll with it and post my throwback anyways. This was the very first picture Brian and I ever took together. This picture was taken after two years of dating and about a week before we got engaged. The one thing that I really regret is that we only have THREE pictures from the entire time before we were married! I try to be better about it now, but if I could go back and do one thing really differently that would probably be it!   

I am participating in the #HomemakingMinistries Homemaking Photo-A-Day challenge. 

Want to join me? 

Use the hashtag #HomemakingMinistries 

and tag The Forgiven Former Feminist on Facebook or Twitter! 

Homemaking Ministry Photo Challenge: Day 17

Today is day #17 in the the #HomemakingMinistries photo challenge which means it is time to share with you my favorite thing about fall! So for me it is 100% the colors. I just love the rich hues. I think I would decorate like this all year round if it was socially acceptable. 

I am participating in the #HomemakingMinistries Homemaking Photo-A-Day challenge. 

Want to join me? 

Use the hashtag #HomemakingMinistries 

and tag The Forgiven Former Feminist on Facebook or Twitter! 

Homemaking Ministry Photo Challenge: Day 16

Today is day #16 in the the #HomemakingMinistries photo challenge which means it is time to share with you what is on my desk right now! I set books to the side that I really want to read. Then I get more books to review or someone recommends a new book... that is how this stack ALWAYS happens. I don't think this stack has ever had less than 8 books in it. 

I am participating in the #HomemakingMinistries Homemaking Photo-A-Day challenge. 

Want to join me? 

Use the hashtag #HomemakingMinistries 

and tag The Forgiven Former Feminist on Facebook or Twitter! 

Homemaking Ministry Photo Challenge: Day 15

Day #15 of the #HomemakingMinistries photo challenge is one goal for this month. 

My big goal in the next couple of weeks is to assess, categorize, and organize our children's books! I really want to find a good system so I can take stock of what all we have and which subjects need more attention. 

I am participating in the #HomemakingMinistries Homemaking Photo-A-Day challenge. 

Want to join me? 

Use the hashtag #HomemakingMinistries 

and tag The Forgiven Former Feminist on Facebook or Twitter!