Amanda Bacon - Shiny Things: Mothering on Purpose in a World of Distractions

From Both of Us

Thanks to

Hope and Kathleen who helped us refine this message and fueled our passion, and who believed this Masterpiece Mom thing was bigger than a book and more like ministry.

Emily P. Freeman who believed in us before we were even sure we believed in ourselves and challenged us to cultivate the art within.

Our awesome Fedd Agency peeps You gals are the reason moms can pick up this book and learn to set their distractions aside. Words cannot describe our thanks. And Whitney, quite simply, youre an all-star!

All our She Speaks friends and beloved Hope*writers family Youve been there from the very beginning, and we are so grateful for you. Janee, Andrea, Teri Lynne, Lisa-Jo, and the Chatters especiallythank you.

The whole team at Harvest House thank you for taking a chance on us first-time authors and for being the kindest, most encouraging publishing house around.

From Amanda

Jeremy I couldnt possibly list all the ways youve made this project a reality. Thank you for the grace and time youve extended to me. We make the best team, and Im so thankful to be on this road with you. 143.

All the Bacon bits: Drew, Gavin, Morgan, Jackson, Annie, Gabi, Levi, and Emmy your hugs and encouragement and how you let me sit and write in the middle of our chaos is the best! You guys make me smile.

My parents and familyDad and Marla Kay, Mom and Darrel, David and Anita Bacon , what more could a girl say? Its not every day someone receives the gift of three amazing sets of parents. You have been cheering for me since the moment we met. Thank you. Sean and Jen, the coolest big brother and sisters ome of these stories are your stories too. I love you.

Supportive friends Carly, Shannon, Jessica x 2, Shelley, Julie, and the dear people of WBC and Southbrook your faithful friendship and love for our family moves me.

Amber you have taught me what it means to sacrifice for a friend in need. I will always be grateful for you and the life you lived. I miss you like crazy. Heaven is brighter because youre there.

Lysa, Leah, Kimberly, and the whole gang at Proverbs 31 Ministries working with and learning from you is one of my favorite parts of life.

The One who holds all things together, Jesus my thanks will go on forever.

From Anne-Renee

Andrew Thank you for supporting my crazy dreams despite my occasional forgetfulness in making dinner and all those late nights and weekends spent wrestling with words. You are my rock and my greatest love outside of Jesus. XOXOXXX!

Kailee and Jamison You are the best cheerleaders anyone could ever have. Thank you for sharing your hearts, your smiles, and laughter with me. I cant wait to see what God has up His sleeve for you two! If you hear a loud whistle, know its your proud mama cheering from the sidelines.

My folks, Gary and Rebecca You believed in my calling even before I was born, and have prayed me through the best and hardest of seasons. Your love and support means the world!

The numerous friends, family, and prayer warriors behind this project: Jane, Kristen, Alayna, Sarah, Andrea, Hal, Portia, Damion, Melots, Walkers, the Stewart clan, the Alaska fam, SE and SOT crew, the original MOPS gals, our P31 peeps, WBC family of faith, and the Vancouver, Washington Bible study friends who meet at Shirleys house Your prayers and encouragement laid a firm foundation for this book. Couldnt have done it without you!

My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ You are my all in all.

You cant go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.

U NKNOWN

We made it.

The stories, experiences, and thoughts throughout this book hold our laughter and tears as well as our imperfect attempts to make the Word of God come alive for you, our dear reader. We appreciate the time youve dedicated to reading these pages, understanding that you could have been doing so many other things with the hours youve poured in here. Thank you for entrusting us with your time. Seriously. Just know that each word has been wrestled with, agonized over, and prayed through for you. Truly, this book is a labor of love from our laptops to your hands and hearts.

That said, we would love to hear what this book has stirred up in you. Maybe the distractions youre in the process of slaying or changes youd like to make in the everyday. Tag us using the #shinythingsbook hashtag on social media or feel free to email us at info@themasterpiecemom.com.

We would also like to invite you to become part of The Masterpiece Mom community. We are a group of moms committed to praying for one another and dedicated to the art of embracing and spreading hope. Practically speaking, this means encouraging one another in the amazing task and gift of motherhood, however that looks, with unique roads and vastly different everyday lives. Yes, we are a spicy-fun combination of moms, desiring to love our families well and mother to the best of our abilities. Our goal is for each member to draw closer to the Lord in this community, and for every mom to know to the soles of her exhausted mama feet that she is not alone. Wed love for you to join us.

Thanks again for inviting us in. Were cheering for you!

From the two of us with love,

Amanda and Anne-Renee

The Masterpiece Mom

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I,_____________________, desire to do my best in pursuing God and seeking His best for my family. I recognize the threat distraction poses in my life, and I want to choose the most important things. Today I will make faith a priority and make love my go-to response.

I commit to being a present, focused, and undistracted mom with an undivided heart.

I will work to identify the ways Im distracted by all the shiny things.

I will resist the pull to be interrupted by what is not a priority, and I will choose to stay focused on what is a priority.

I will seek truth from Gods Word, the Bible, and stop searching for acceptance and approval on social media.

I will refuse to get caught up in comparing myself with the women around me, and I will celebrate the incredible and brave moms I see.

I will do my best to concentrate on the people and callings God has put in front of me, even if that means turning off the TV, turning away from a good book, or putting my laptop across the room.

I will strive to put my phone down more often and look into the eyes of my people, because it matters to me, to them, and to the future of our family.

I purpose to live a life far from the lure of shiny things with a steady heart turned Godward in all I do, fixing my eyes on Jesus and all He has for me to do right now.

I resolve to love God and love my people well, giving them the best of my efforts and the bulk of my time.

Ultimately, I will aim to see Gods unique framework for my life and fulfill my role in His story, for His glory.

And when I fail, which Im bound to do, I will stand and try again, because living the undistracted life is worth it!

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Amanda

All that glitters is not gold.

W ILLIAM S HAKESPEARE

I stood outside our double-wide trailer, wearing my homemade turquoise leggings complete with stirrups. They were shimmery, fabulous, and all I ever wanted to wear.

I was seven years old, and I thought I was the absolute coolest as I strutted to the front of the garage where the bug zapper swung from a hook. Id park myself there, watching bug after unsuspecting bug fall to its doom with a hiss and sizzle. I shook my head in amazement that bugs would allow themselves to be lured by the light. Didnt they know theyd be zapped? Hadnt the warning to steer clear of the glow been passed down through the insect generations?