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I’m so excited about today’s post because it’s written by a man I respect so much, Dr. Tony Evans. He’s a respected pastor, leader and father. He not only talks the talk, but he lives out what he preaches in his life and in his community. And today I have the chance to give away a copy of his new book, Raising Kingdom Kids.

Here are some thoughts from Dr. Evans:

“Raising Kingdom Kids requires time and effort. But there is one thing you can be certain of, the end results are well worth it.

One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to help your child along the path to discovering his or her spiritual gifts, passions, and vision. God has a divinely ordained destiny for your child that merges these things together to enable him or her to live out all they were created to be.

In Psalm 33:11 the Bible tells us, “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation.”

Not only that but He has a plan that is specific to your child. Jeremiah 29:11 it says, “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”

God is a God of both purpose and plans and He has both a purpose and a plan for your child. They are here for a reason. The tragedy is if they never discover what that purpose is.

As a child my oldest son Anthony was fascinated with animals and wanted to be a veterinarian. Even when he reached the age of college, he had plans to go to school to study to be a vet. As Anthony was growing up, it was our job as his parents to help him along this path of exploration so that he could discover if this was truly God’s call on his life. I’ll never forget the time that Anthony announced to us that he wanted to buy a donkey! Now, we don’t have a huge backyard – and we live in the city. But, regardless, we took the effort to go to different animal farms with Anthony to explore this concept of bringing home a donkey. I even went so far as knocking on our neighbor’s doors to ask if they would mind if we had a donkey in our yard.

Needless to say, we didn’t end up getting the donkey! But my point is that sometimes you may need to go to great lengths to give your child the option of discovering their gifts. We didn’t get the donkey, but we did get a number of different animals over the years – as well as provided Anthony with the availability to ride horses and be with animals at family camps or elsewhere – so that he could learn whether or not this was his area of gifting and interests.

As you continue on your parenting journey, remember that God’s plan for your child’s life is a good plan filled with both a purpose and with hope. At times you may feel that you have a better plan for your child, or you have different dreams for them – perhaps to be successful as a doctor, lawyer or accountant and so you steer them in those directions rather than truly humbling yourself before the Lord to discover His plan for them. Yet trying to improve on God’s plan for your child is like trying to improve on a Picasso with a sharpie. You’re going to mess up a masterpiece!

God wants you to view your child through His eyes. He wants you to view their futures through His plans because He is all-wise, and He knows the best way for them to live fulfilled and abundant lives.”

You can find out more about his book, watch the book trailer, and even read the first chapter on the Raising Kingdom Kids website.

For a chance to win a copy here’s what you need to do:

1. Leave a comment on this post. One comment per person please. Duplicates will be deleted.

2. I’ll leave comments open until this Friday, October 3 at noon and then choose a winner at random using Random.org.

3. I’ll email the winner to get your shipping address and we’ll get your book in the mail.

That’s it.

Good luck!

Seriously.

I wasn’t even going to post today because I may have mentioned I have a book that is technically due on Wednesday of this week and that means I’m a tad stressed. But even book deadline stress doesn’t compare to the stress I felt during the Aggie game on Saturday.

We went over to watch it at Gulley’s house because that’s my favorite game-watching destination since no one there judges me for my over enthusiasm and, in fact, embraces it. And I had a pit in my stomach because I just knew this wasn’t going to be an easy game. Truth be told, I felt like there was a good chance we were going to lose and Kirk Herbstreit didn’t help matters when he picked the Hogs on Gameday. I like to always believe in Herbstreit and this left me feeling torn between my love for him and his football acumen and wanting to declare that he had no idea what he was talking about.

On a side note, Gameday did a feature this week on SEC coaches’ wives and it may be one of my favorite things ever. If this was a weekly show, I’d watch it.

Anyway, the game got off to a great start. The Aggies scored quickly and easily. Perfect. But then the Razorbacks did the same and it all just seemed to fall apart. I mean when the opposing team’s punter scores a touchdown you’ve pretty much hit the bottom of the proverbial football barrel.

When we went down by two scores I felt like it was a lost cause. This is because I lived (barely) through both the Mike Sherman and Dennis Franchione coaching eras at Texas A&M. Comeback and grit weren’t really hallmarks of those teams. I even texted Sophie and said, “We’re going to lose.” This is nothing new for me. I tend to go through the seven stages of grief during at least three or four different games every football season.

But then we scored and were only down by one touchdown. At that point I stood up behind Gulley’s couch and begin to pace and occasionally even did a little prancing shuffle step because NERVOUS ENERGY. And then our defense held and then we tied it up and, clearly, I wasn’t going to be able to sit down again or even move from my position behind the couch until the game was over because I had singlehandedly changed the Aggies mojo with my prancing shuffle step.

When Malcolm Kennedy scored for the Aggies on the first play of overtime we all jumped up and down and screamed like idiots. Gulley’s husband had to get up and walk out of the room just to burn off some energy. And then when our defense held them and we won the game, we went nuts. Like we might have scared the neighbors and maybe anyone in a three mile radius. Caroline said afterwards, “Mom, it kind of scares me when you and Gulley scream like that.” Which is when Jackson told us that when he and Gulley were at Chick-Fil-A picking up a tray of nuggets before the game, Gulley screamed so loud when the Chick-Fil-A girl knocked on her car window that Jackson was startled to the point that he dropped his phone.

I guess what I’m saying is we get a little keyed up on gamedays. In fact, after the game ended I was only capable of texting in ALL CAPS and P had to tell me even hours later that I wasn’t using my inside voice.

And, listen, I’m a realist. We just barely won this game and we really shouldn’t have based on the first three quarters. And we have a bunch of tough games ahead of us, starting with Mississippi State this Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. and that means I have plenty of stomach aches and prancing shuffle steps ahead of me. Which is why I called Gulley and told her to get her brunch on because we’ll be at her house at 10:30 Saturday morning to do the whole thing over again.

I don’t know if we’ll win, but I know for sure that college football season is my favorite time of the whole year.

First things first, the winner of The Canvas Boutique giveaway is Commenter #188 named Rachel. I’ve notified her by email.

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But even if you’re not Rachel (and 631 of you aren’t), you can still get 15% off any custom canvas order through October 6 when you use the code BIGMAMA15 at checkout. Here’s their website if you want to check it out. Just click here.

Well we’re not even out of September and Caroline missed her first day of school due to illness yesterday. I blame the pollen. For two weeks I’ve listened as she’s sniffled and coughed and sneezed and declared it to be allergies because, well, it’s allergies. We are all suffering from them around here.

But it’s all fun and games until it becomes a sinus infection. Which is how we ended up at the doctor’s office yesterday and spent most of the day in our pajamas. I don’t feel as bad as she does, but I felt like I needed to stay in my pajamas too as a sign of solidarity.

The good news is I had plenty of time to find some cute things this week. Maybe one day I’ll even have time to go shop in a real live store and try things on like I used to do in the olden days.

1. old navy plaid flannel shirt

How many plaid shirts am I going to show this fall? I don’t know. Somewhere between A LOT and TOO MANY.

2. gap split neck baseball tee

The baseball tees come in several colors and are on sale for $16.99 right now. The reviews say they’re kind of thin, but I can live with that for $16.99. Especially when I think how cute they’d be under a puffer vest when the weather cools off.

3. gamine cable poncho

I’m dealing with a poncho obsession right now. Originally I thought I wanted a camel colored one, but I’m really liking this ivory. It would be so versatile.

4. old navy drop waist dress

I realize a drop waist dress might be too precious for some of you, but I think it has the potential to be really cute with black leggings and tall boots. Maybe with a denim jacket for good measure.

5. campus chill scarf

I love this plaid scarf and it also comes in orange and blue if you’re interested.

6. old navy jersey dress

These jersey dresses have gotten great reviews and I think they could be super versatile. You could wear one with a scarf and a denim jacket. Or on its own with some great accessories. You could opt for boots or flats. The possibilities are endless. It’s available in several solid colors in addition to the stripes.

7. wherever you please hoodie

This is the kind of thing that calls out to me in the fall. Especially when I’ve spent the day in pajamas and think about long winter afternoons and wanting to be cozy.

8. kut from the cloth stretch corduroy skinny pants

These have great reviews and come in a bunch of colors. Perfect for fall and winter with all your favorite sweaters and jackets.

9. reversible faux leather tote

I featured this a few weeks ago, but then I saw it in person at DotMom and it’s even better than pictured. I’m partial to this gold/cognac combo but it comes in several color options and is only $48.

10. hooded cardigan

I was all excited about the new Scandal clothing collection at The Limited until I actually saw it and then I felt sad and underwhelmed. I mean, there are some pretty jackets but they are super pricey and I just don’t know that they’ll work that well for a person who isn’t Olivia Pope. Maybe I’m wrong about this. It’s been known to happen.

But I think the saddest thing was they left out a super soft sweater type garment like the ones Olivia Pope wears when she’s in her apartment drinking an enormous glass of wine after a long day of Scandal-stopping. That would have been the thing I’d be most tempted to buy.

That’s it for today.

Have a great Friday.

Here are just a few things that are making me happy this week:

1. The cadet who protected Reveille on Saturday.

Love it. Especially that Reveille never even moves or flinches. It’s like she knows he’s got it covered.

2. Speaking events with Sophie.

You can read all about it on her blog today. Just click here.

Yes. This is a thing. We are super excited about it and thought you might want to know if you’re going to be anywhere near Charlotte, NC or West Monroe, LA this November.

3. Surprise party with Kristen Wiig

I referenced this skit as I was working on my book yesterday and had to stop and watch it just to get tickled all over again.

4. The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

I started this book on the flight to Nashville last week and finished it on the way home. My sister had recommended it along with many of you and it didn’t disappoint. It held my full attention from beginning to end and I could hardly put it down.

5. The dove P grilled last night.

Several of you asked what we were going to do with the dove that Caroline shot last Friday evening. We eat it. We cut the breast off the bone, fill two jalapeño halves with cream cheese, wrap it in bacon and throw it on the grill. It’s one of my favorite meals ever.

Caroline was super proud that she helped with this meal from beginning to end.

6. philosophy amazing grace lotion

I hesitated to buy this lotion because it’s a little pricey, but it’s been well worth it. I love the smell and it does seem to have a firming effect. Plus it’s a huge bottle that’s lasted me for almost six months.

7. Trader Joe’s sea salt and turbinado sugar chocolate almonds

I’m slightly addicted to these right now. And by slightly addicted, I mean I can’t quit eating them by the handful every time I walk in the kitchen.

8. Fall T.V. shows

Hooray for new T.V.! I haven’t really had time to watch anything except The Mindy Project because PRIORITIES, but I’ve set the DVR to record Parenthood, Scandal, and The Blacklist. Along with new shows like Madame Secretary and How to Get Away With Murder.

That’s all I can think of right now. What about you? What’s making you happy this week?

Remember last week when I said I might not be posting as much over the next few weeks?

I obviously had no idea what I was talking about.

Although I’m still giving myself that option in lieu of a nervous breakdown.

However, I’m super excited about today’s post because it’s an incredible giveaway courtesy of The Canvas Boutique. Nicole makes the best custom canvases for any occasion or theme you can dream up and today one of you has the chance to win your very own personalized 24 X 36 canvas.

Here’s an example of one she made for my dear friend and college roommate:

How cute is that?

You can pick your colors, your background, everything you want it to say and she will work with you to come up with a design you love. To see more of her canvases, you can visit The Canvas Boutique site or The Canvas Boutique Facebook page.

Best of all, The Canvas Boutique is offering 15% off all canvases for my blog readers from now until October 6th. You just need to use the code BIGMAMA15 when you check out.

Here’s how you enter for a chance to win the custom 24 X 36 canvas:

1. Leave a comment here. You can tell us what you might put on it if you have an idea already. Also, you must live in the continental U.S. to be eligible to win.

2. Go like The Canvas Boutique Facebook page. (Unless you’re not on Facebook. But if you are, then you should like their page because you’ll be the first to know about any sales, specials, etc.)

3. One entry per person please. Duplicates will be deleted.

4. I will leave comments open until this Thursday, September 25th. I’ll then choose a winner at random using Random.org.

5. I’ll notify the winner by email and also post it on my Fashion Friday post.

That’s it. Good luck and have fun thinking about what you’d want on your canvas.