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Happy Go Stuckey

Tethering Grace & Togetherness

Balancing It All (Review and Giveaway!)

September 30, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey 12 Comments

I grew up a child of the Full House generation. In a house of 6 other people, we didn’t get too much individual TV time– but I was usually afforded the 30 minute space of Full House– especially on the nights I could convince my next oldest brother to watch it with me. As you probably know, the show was clean, sweet and funny. It was a good way to grow up, and I still enjoy watching re-runs on TV today.

Fast forward to now, I am a mom of two and have appreciated the influence of Candace Cameron Bure (DJ TANNER!!) on the acting world. Candace has a way with Hollywood that few seem to be able to master, she is a great albeit selective actress and is forthcoming with her faith. Last season, her role on Dancing With the Stars was really fun to watch. She danced beautifully, was up front with her struggles and did not waver in her convictions and faith. The world needs more celebrities that are so certain of WHO they are as Candace is. A wife, mom, best-selling author and actress– she has long been acquainted with having a lot on her plate. Enter, her book–Balancing It All

When I was offered a review copy (and a giveaway copy!) from B&H Publishing Company, I jumped at the chance to read Candace’s book. What mom does not struggle with juggling priorities? I also looked forward to reading the perspective of someone who really has been extremely busy long before becoming a mother, and long before becoming a adult even. Who better to discuss balancing priorities than someone who had a full-time job before she even had a drivers license, right?

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What this book is not:

This book is not a pointed condemnation of busy-ness. On the contrary, Candace is one of the few authors I have read on the topic of balance, who has not suggested a bare-bones schedule approach to combatting business. She clearly and positively states that busyness does not have to equal chaos and frustration. She gives helpful suggestions on how to balance many different areas of life and does it all while telling her own story.

What I love about this book:

It’s personal. It’s conversational. It’s respectful of many different life stages. Candace is confident in who God has created her to be, and she doesn’t apologize for the opportunities she has been given. She is positive when discussing balance and though upbeat, she is quite open in sharing areas where she has made mistakes in the past. She invites the reader in to learn from both her mistakes and her successes. She shares how she came to know Christ and how she eventually began to grow in Him. Candace includes a very helpful chapter on how they parent their teenagers, and though I’m not yet to that stage- I hope to pick this book up again when I am.

The author’s transparency is a very attractive quality of this book. For someone whose life has largely been in the spotlight, she uses that position to share the things she has learned and to bring Glory to God.

I am so glad Candace Cameron Bure decided to join the conversation on Balance, Priorities, and Purpose. Her words are helpful and enjoyable to read. And it’s kind of really fun to read how “DJ Tanner” became who she is today. 🙂

 

B&H Publishers have offered a copy of Candace Cameron Bure’s Balancing It All for one of YOU! 

Just leave a comment answering this question to enter:

“What is one thing that helps you remain balanced in the midst of a busy schedule?” 

Giveaway closes in one week. Want to go ahead and scoop up a copy for yourself? Buy Balancing It All: My Story of Juggling Priorities and Purpose here.
Also, If you missed the WaterOak Design Co. Giveaway yesterday– go here to enter! 

*I received a review copy of Balancing It All in exchange for my honest review. Though I was happy to read and review this book, the opinions given are entirely my own. 

**The links to Amazon to purchase the book are affiliate links. 

Because of Hope.
31 Days of Writing Free in October

Comments

  1. Emily Thomas says

    September 30, 2014 at 11:56 am

    I had been curious about this book. Thanks for your thoughts! Spending time asking God to arrange my priorities helps me know what to not say “yes” to. I love to say yes but it’s not always a good idea. 🙂

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      September 30, 2014 at 12:24 pm

      Love that, asking Him to arrange your priorities. <3

      Reply
  2. Amanda says

    September 30, 2014 at 12:18 pm

    Self care. I thought this made me selfish but I learned the hard way that if I do not take care of myself, I cannot take care of others. Even simple things like going to the grocery store by myself once a week or waking up 30 minutes before everyone else to get my devo time in has helped tremendously.

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      September 30, 2014 at 12:24 pm

      Oh YES, me TOO. So true.

      Reply
  3. Tamara Blankinchip says

    September 30, 2014 at 1:58 pm

    Balance…..wow, I have not found the secret to it. The only thing I can do when I feel overwhelmed and chaotic is take a few minutes out, give Hannah a quiet activity, grab my Bible or devotional book (which somedays I am too busy to pick up, sadly) and spend a few moments “being still” and letting the Lord speak to me. Take a few minutes to calm my mind, heart and soul. Other than that, unfortunately I have difficulty “Balancing It All.” I have wanted to read this book but as of yet I haven’t bought it. Thank you for your review of it….I LOVE Candace too!

    Reply
  4. katherine Saine says

    September 30, 2014 at 2:32 pm

    To balance things in the midst of a busy week I write down all the items I want to accomplish and need to accomplish. I then highlight them according to urgency using red, green, and yellow. I then focus on the more urgent items and can relax about the little items until I have time for them.

    Reply
  5. Maclyn Gilley says

    September 30, 2014 at 2:54 pm

    I love the review! Can’t wait to read the book! Truthfully, I have to just put my faith and trust in God to help me stay balanced in my priorities in life. After becoming a wife and mother my life changed drastically with the added responsibilities and such. Some days I wonder how in the world I can do it all, then I remind myself that God will help me through it!

    Reply
  6. LizB says

    September 30, 2014 at 3:18 pm

    My mom told me when I am overwhelmed, focus on whatever the next thing is, accomplish that, and then move on to something else. Steady plodding is the name of the game.

    Reply
  7. LauraM says

    September 30, 2014 at 3:48 pm

    Definitely exercising. Usually running or a class at the gym during lunch 4-6 days a week. Not selfish but necessary to give me energy and keep me healthy, less illnesses, no medication = more time w family.

    Reply
  8. JanisP says

    September 30, 2014 at 3:58 pm

    Doing the task at hand and getting it done:) trying not to procrastinate and using my time wisely. At the same time making sure when my son asks me to play I always have time even if it is only a few minutes. 🙂 Love these other comments!

    Reply
  9. Jaime says

    October 2, 2014 at 2:43 pm

    Starting each morning in the word, with my journal and a cup of coffee!

    Reply
  10. happyascanb says

    October 3, 2014 at 6:51 am

    Balance…. Ahhh!! I find balance in quiet times, exercising, and planning. I’ve also been reading My Best Yes, which is helping me learn that saying no sometimes is perfectly acceptable and wise.

    Reply

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I'm Cynthia and I'm so glad you're here. I am an introvert with an extrovert's love of gathering people together. I love good books and capturing moments. Whether you visit me here or on my own front porch, I'll be the one holding the Iced Coffee for us both.

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