book review: "fifty shades of they" by ed young

Who are they? You're only as great as your relationships. Show me your friends and I will show you your future. There is immeasurable growth and success to be found when you're surrounded with the right "they."

Do you have the right they in your life? Fifty Shades of They gives you fifty simple, yet profound insights that will help any relationship thrive, from friendship to business partnerships to marriages. Based on biblical standards and the teaching of Ed Young, this book is written for anyone looking to give new life to their relationships.

Relationships are so important in our lives because they play such big roles in the decisions we make and don't make. I wanted to read this book because of the catchy title and then when I saw what it was about, I knew it was something I needed to read! This was an easy yet insightful read. The chapters are short, also making it easy but giving the opportunity to really let each "shade" sink in. And I like how the book seemed to get deeper the farther I read. I feel like I kept thinking during the last half of the book, "oh, I've never thought of that!" I like Shade Forty-Eight: Pray. "The right "they" will pray, and pray continually, because they want their relationship with God to grow and thrive. They will also continually pray for you, because they want our relationship with God to grow and thrive." I think about the friends I have in my life who I know will pray for me when I ask and those relationships are so special. This book also makes me look at my own life, challenging me to be the right kind of "they" for others. Ed makes so many great points all throughout the book. Shade twenty-six is about marriage. And really, the whole book is a good list of qualities to look for in a spouse! Someone who is committed, who prays, encourages you, doesn't keep secrets, is consistent, know how to laugh, etc. This is a book full of practical advice, making it clear on the kind of people you should surround yourself with. 

I received a copy of this book from Shelton Interactive for my honest review. 

expectations

I came across this verse this morning and the word expectation jumped out at me. I've begun to let me faith in believing for some things slack off as I've continued to pray and wait…and continued to pray and wait. But I need to change that. I need to expect God to answer my prayers because He hears us when we pray! I can't let how I feel or the waiting discourage me. I looked up the definition of expectation: a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future. I like that! I can be confident that God is working everything out; He's so faithful!

this is your time

Another printable! I love the story of Esther. I had forgotten I'd made a similar printable a few months ago but the more I play around with the different fonts and graphics, the more creative I feel I'm becoming:) For those who stumble across this post, I just want to take a moment to encourage you. You were made for this time. You were put here for a purpose and are not an accident. God loves you - oh so much - and has great plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11)! 

be brave

I'm working on some things and this printable is the first step towards something God's put in me. I've shared before about brave being my personal theme for this year and it's only fitting that I start with that word. I had thought I wanted to open an Etsy shop at some point but as I continue to make that decision, I wanted to make this printable to encourage others to be brave as well :)