A few weeks ago on my personal Facebook page, I asked the question, “What are some of the ways you ‘escape’ from the craziness of summer days? What helps you clear your head and straighten out your thoughts? A long shower, long walk, good book, early bedtime, date night… truly, what helps you?”

I received many answers from anything by myself, to a walk outside, dinner with a friend, dressing up even if it’s just to stay home to laughing or putting the kids to bed later so they will (hopefully) sleep in. I really enjoyed this little interaction with my on-line community and it gave me an idea…

Being a mom is hard work. Our job often goes unnoticed when done well and obviously missed when not. We spend most of our days behind the scenes, wiping tears, counters and well, we’ll leave it there. And honestly, that’s ok. We’re not looking to be noticed.

But I do want to “notice” you. I want hug your neck and say “Way To Go! Keep it Up! You Matter and are loved!

Home is the most important place on earth. It’s where we teach our kids, where they learn how to follow Jesus, how to make good choices, and what happens when they don’t. We as moms are irreplaceable. God chose us on purpose to mother our children.

I often think how different my life, my house would be without my children. It doesn’t take too long to swell with thankfulness of the gifts God has given us in our children. But sometimes nothing helps me realize that like a good long nap or a dinner out with a friend. Breaks are good…especially in the summer time!

So that’s what this is about. Moms (of any age), I want to treat you to a few minutes of peace and quiet at a spa near you. You can get a pedicure, manicure, haircut, whatever delights you with a $30 gift certificate, plus I’m throwing in Casting Crowns CD Come to the Well for you to listen to on the way there. I will draw two names and there’s the option of a spa in Lindale or in Emory.

Yes, so picture you walking out the door of your home alone and walking into a room filled with the sweetest fragrance coupled with 30 minutes of peace and relaxation. I hope it’s something that will refresh your soul!

So here’s how to get your name in the hat: You can do as many of these as you want/can. The hat closes on Monday, July 27^th and the winner will be announced on the Wednesday July 29th blog post.

• Like my Facebook page
• Sign up to receive emails straight to your inbox (you’ll also receive a free Ebook for this)
• Leave a comment on a recent post (from May-July)
• Share a post through social media: email (copy me on so I’ll know), FB, Twitter or Pinterest (just tag me to let me know!)

If you want your name in the hat TWICE, here’s your job: read my post What I Want to Do When I Grow Up and Why Your Story is Part of It and send me your story of how you’ve been Transformed by Truth. Details at the bottom of the post.

To those who aren’t moms or aren’t local – I plan to hold more giveaways targeted to marriage, homeschooling and growing in truth in general, with gifts that don’t depend on where you live, so if you can’t participate in this one, stay tuned!

God Bless!