Books from the Nightstand!

Devotionals have been a significant part of my daily routine since I was around eight years old. I would spend my nights journaling and reading devotionals, a habit I maintained until I turned 28, when my husband changed the timing of my devotionals. This time became dedicated to our conversations. Over the past two years, I've been working to find the best time for my intentional journaling. Now, I’ve settled into doing it at the beginning of my day. The key takeaway for me has been finding the right fit for this practice within my daily schedule. It's essential for me to dedicate time each day to reflect on Becca and discover what truly supports her. When I neglect this in my daily routine, I start to lose touch with the essence of who I truly am, which affects my ability to share from the well that nurtures me.

I spent from February 2014 until June 2021 single. I write this aspect because I found times that were so lonely to be in, but instead of watching ends on ends of television, I picked up devotionals, self-help books, leadership books, and my exercise routine. I took this time to really learn to love Becca and who she becomes. 

I've created this blog to share the devotionals that have profoundly influenced me throughout the years. While there are countless devotionals available, the ones listed here represent just a small selection. Each has touched me at various times for unique reasons. I encourage you to choose the one that resonates with you the most. Please leave a comment below with your thoughts on the devotionals you have discovered.

The book "She’s Still There" by Chrystal Evans Hurst has profoundly impacted my life. I have read it and delved into its themes about three times over the last six years, and it has truly helped me reconnect with myself during my faith journey. Each reading has unveiled new insights and reflections, uncovering layers of wisdom that resonate differently at various stages of my life. Chrystal Evans Hurst's genuine voice and relatable narratives create a comforting presence, as if she is walking beside, you on your path of rediscovery. The book's focus on embracing one's unique journey and the significance of self-compassion has been especially meaningful. It advocates for a gentle yet determined pursuit of personal growth, reminding readers that it is never too late to reclaim their story and strive for the life they envision. Through exercises, prayers, and thought-provoking questions, "She’s Still There" offers a structure for introspection and spiritual renewal. It encourages you to pause, reflect, and ultimately take actionable steps toward becoming the person you were always meant to be. In this way, it transcends the role of a mere book; it becomes a beacon of hope and a guide for those eager to align their lives with their deepest values and beliefs.

Lysa TerKeurst has written several impactful books that have influenced me significantly over the years. I began with "Good Boundaries and Goodbyes," along with its accompanying workbook and video series, which illuminated the biblical importance of establishing boundaries in our lives. Next, I read "It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way," which examines how life may not always unfold as we anticipate, yet those unexpected moments are still vital to our journey. This insight emphasizes how we interpret situations that stray from our expectations. Then, I explored "What Happens When a Woman Says Yes to God," which reflects on the transformative journey of aligning ourselves with God’s will by letting go of our own desires and embracing His plans. Lastly, I engaged with "Forgiving What You Can’t Forget," a crucial exploration of how unforgiveness can affect our lives and obstruct our ability to recognize the joy around us. This book offers valuable strategies for navigating these challenges. I highly recommend utilizing the journal and workbook to aid in processing each element of the journey toward forgiveness, as they are essential for making full use of the tools provided.

Have you ever felt like you're trapped in a burning building in life? I've grappled with the contrast between my past ideals of perfection and my expectations for the next five years, especially during what I envisioned as the “honeymoon” phase of marriage. It has been a constant struggle to envision what lies ahead. Over the last two years, I've faced significant hurdles while navigating my identity through numerous transitions: leaving a beloved career, getting married, relocating, experiencing a miscarriage, losing both grandmothers, witnessing changes in friendships, and launching Stacked Intent. During this challenging period, I turned to books and journaling, which have offered tremendous support, and has throughout my whole life. While I know that books may not resonate with everyone, they have served as an invaluable resource for me during times of uncertainty. These readings have helped articulate my internal experiences. One particularly impactful book was Relentless Joy by Rachel Joy Baribeau; she spoke at an event I attended right in the midst of my struggles. Picking up her book was incredibly helpful as it guided me in seeking the “joystarter” for each and every day. It encouraged me to persist and work through my challenges, as I discovered my authentic self along the way. By enduring tough times, we can uncover the love we have for ourselves at our core. This journey is essential for learning self-love, as we cannot rely on others to fulfill that need for us. I encourage you to take a moment to read this book and reflect on who your three ride-or-die supporters are.

Have you ever felt like your journey hasn’t unfolded as you expected? As I built Stacked Intent, I picked up her book and tuned into her podcast, reflecting on my notes from nearly two years ago. This experience prompted me to delve deeper into discovering my authentic self. Jenna Kutcher's "How Are You, Really?" continually reminded me to confront the truth about my experiences and how I was navigating the changes. It's essential to examine the information and intuition we need to embrace as we explore our true selves. We must grant ourselves permission to be the gatekeepers of what enters our relationships and lives, which may lead to changes that foster beautiful growth. Remember, there are always people supporting your wildest dreams, often in ways you least expect.

"Untangle Your Emotions" by Jennie Allen is an outstanding read. The accompanying workbook delves into the underlying script of each emotion we experience, exploring why it is essential to understand and embrace them. This one really helped me to address what happens when we ignore our emotions and how they do not help us finding our authentic self.

"Atomic Habits" by James Clear illuminates the concept of becoming one percent better each day as you strive to enhance your best self. It encourages you to envision the person you aspire to be and to focus on cultivating small habits that align with that vision. Ultimately, we hold the responsibility for our mindsets and for establishing habits until they become second nature. This one just helped me personally as I was working in my relationship with myself for creating a shift in new habits as a newly married one.

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey was one of the books I read that I truly didn’t want to put down until I finished it because I wanted to see what happened next. The changes that we face do not mean we are at the end of our road, but it might just be a greenlight of what to do next. This can be that our balance was thrown off for us to find our footing on who we are at our core. This may indicate to look at where you are and see what you in need in a situation. This all is there to help you find the greenlights to say go in your life.

"Unexpecting" by Rachel Lewis was one of the most challenging books I've read, yet it was essential for me to understand the grief I was experiencing. Due to my Crohn’s disease, I became aware of the subtle changes in my body, which led me to realize that I was approximately 5-6 weeks pregnant before facing a miscarriage. Discovering my pregnancy shortly before the miscarriage occurred just days later was significant. It truly matters, and it's crucial to take a moment to pause and grieve. Surround yourself with the right people who can create a safe space for you to express your feelings and validate your experiences, as a miscarriage can profoundly affect you. This supportive circle acts like a group of elephants, protecting the vulnerable mother and child. These individuals can hold space for you during moments that feel overwhelming, even when you struggle to find the words to say. Initially, I found it hard to grasp how difficult this would be for me. I didn’t allow myself the space to mourn Baby M because I convinced myself that I would be fine and that it wouldn't hurt me. That was a lie I told myself; I needed to break down and heal. Over the past two years, I have hosted and attended baby showers, feeling genuinely happy for those couples while grappling with my own sadness over never progressing past the early weeks with Baby M. It felt like I was digging through a blizzard, snow falling right on top of me as I tried to envision our family with children while navigating the reality of my loss. My sadness consumed me, yet this book helped plant the seeds for healing from my miscarriage in ways I hadn't anticipated. It took me another year to reflect fully on what this experience meant for me and my relationships. Searching for answers amid grief can be challenging, but it is an important part of the healing process, placing you in a vulnerable position. One of the most difficult questions I face is, "So, when are you having children?" At this point, it’s not a choice; it’s in God's timing, and He knows what I truly need. While people often mean well, their inquiries can be concerning. It’s vital to be in tune with yourself so you can acknowledge and support the struggles of others in your life.

"Permission to Dream" by Christine Caine was a book I chose for some light reading during my trip to Greece, intending to use it for my morning reflection and journaling sessions. I expected a light-hearted discussion about dreams, but it turned out to be quite the opposite! Each chapter delves into challenging situations, showcasing how individuals managed to overcome hardships and pursue their dreams. This perspective is incredibly valuable for reflecting on tough times and encouraging the continuation of our dreams. This one really helped me in my journey to resetting the authentic Becca who loves to find the joyous moments in every single day.

"Own Your Everyday" by Jorden Lee Dooley encourages readers to delve deeper than surface appearances to discover their true selves. I believe this is crucial for uncovering your authentic identity. It emphasizes viewing your tasks as manageable steps toward self-discovery.

Over the past two years, I've delved into various books as I worked to share the most authentic version of myself and to help people within my business share versions of their authentic self. My reading mainly focuses on non-fiction, including topics like leadership, business, self-improvement, and devotionals. These readings have been instrumental in expanding my mindset and enhancing my development. It's essential to take ownership of your identity and aspirations. While daily life can be challenging, it doesn't mean you should passively accept the chaos surrounding you.