When I met started attending Pastor Mark Batterson's church in 2006, it had two locations and I don't believe he had yet written a single book. Fast forward to 2018 and he is an accomplished author of many popular books, a sought after speaker and incredible Christian leader across the country. Many readers are already aware of why I prayed for the pastor of National Community Church -- my home church for nearly 10 years when I lived in Washington, DC -- to write the foreword for my book, "Leaving Cloud 9." The moment I was asked to think about who might be a good person to write the foreword, his name was the one and only that came to mind. NCC and Mark's leadership played an invaluable and divine role in our lives -- and … [Read more...]

I started my blog, The Sweet Life, in 2011 after becoming a big fan of other people's blogs. The first one I loved was Eat, Live, Run -- and I actually still love watching Jenna on Instagram stories today. Reading her blog made me realize I could write one too and so it began. It has been a lot of fun over the years. I've made some really cool friends -- like Ashley and Theodora -- and worked with some awesome brands. My favorite opportunity the blog brought me was a 2-year relationship with Reebok where I was able to attend the CrossFit Games as media via Fitfluential. To be honest, blogging is really what drew me to CrossFit after reading on other people's blogs -- namely Tina's -- how much people loved it. Going to the CrossFit … [Read more...]

"Someone else's opinion of you is none of your business." I've heard this quote from a few different places so I don't know where it originates from, but it doesn't matter. I have been leaning on it for several years and specifically, the past few weeks. I'm well aware how the Internet brings out the worst in people. I've been on Twitter far longer than most people -- hello 2008. And I've been writing online for years, but never paid much attention to the comments section of articles (mostly trolls!). Save for a few brutal gut punches over the years, I've dealt very little with criticism of my writing or myself in general. Amazon and Goodreads reviews of my first book are another ball game. People who leave these reviews are not … [Read more...]

It's high time I did a new book review post, friends! I've been blessed with the ability to read fast and amid distraction, which is why somehow I'm still getting a lot of books done despite having a new baby, a book release and a full-time job. What can I say? I love books! I've done a ton of book reviews, many of which can be found in this link if you need more! And also...I wrote a book! So check it out if you are looking for an inspiring memoir :) Here is a new list I've read recently and hope it will help you make your next selection! 1. Lilac Girls There is an endless supply of World War II novels and for good reason. So many of them are based on incredible, true stories that need to be written. Lilac Girls is no exception! … [Read more...]