Trista Laborn's Blog

I say this a lot, “In the meantime” I reasearched this word and in french and latin, the root word meantime is “middle.” I’ve been in different types of “middle” situations. When my husband and I was trying to get pregnant with our last child and the first time I got pregnant of us trying, I had a miscarriage. It took a minute for me to heal and I wanted to try again because I had a desire in my heart to have another child. So we tried again and When I became pregnant, my husband went on deployment. My desire was not only have another child but for my husband to be there to share in moment of the birth of our last child.

During this “in the meantime” middle, I prayed and asked God for him to make a way for my husband to be there for our daughter’s birth. God did it. There was another “in the meantime” of my husband and I getting a house to own, it was YEARS before we we’re able to buy our first home, we have now been in for over 4+ years.

All those times I’ve been “in the meantime” I’ve learned is both tough and a blessing. It’s a time where you draw near to God like never before and it is also a time where you exercise your faith in Him and His promises He gave to you.

If you are in need of encouragement, during your “In the meantime” or middle place? Here is a book you can get to help you along the way. The In-Between Place By Kat Armstrong

Book Description:

Jesus’ journey to the woman at the well in Samaria offers insights and hope for women today to make peace with the past, find hope in the present, and step into the future. (John 4).

God wants us to move toward the goodness He has planned for us. But what do we do when challenges stop our forward momentum? What’s the next step when we fall into a pit of despair with the determination knocked right out of us?

On his way from Judea to Galilee, Jesus traveled through Samaria, a broken place everyone knew to avoid. In Samaria he stopped in Shechem, where evil had gained such a foothold of power that it eventually reigned. Yet the place once condemned as somewhere no one wanted to visit—let alone hang out in for a while—was the location of one Samaritan woman’s most hope-filled encounter with the Savior.

The In-Between Place offers deeply important insights to anyone who feels stuck and can’t see a way forward. It is for the person who feels that if she looks left, her face will be scraped by an immovable boulder, and if she looks right, she’ll see nothing but hard to handle. It’s for the person who feels lost and is not sure she is worth the effort to be found, for the person who feels overlooked and unfulfilled. Because sometimes Jesus saves our greatest spiritual breakthroughs for our in-between places.

Prepare to be transformed as you read this remarkable biblical story with new eyes. Like the woman at the well, you will:

Draw closer to the savior eager to meet you where you areMake peace with even the most painful parts of your pastOvercome feelings of inadequacy and insecurityRealize how every step of your journey has a purposeDiscern the next step at home, at church, or in the workplace andStep confidently into your future without having it all together.Giveaway

If you are staring down confuion, uncertainty, or even despair, you’re not alone, and you’re not without hope. The in-between place reminds you that Jesus is making his way to you now. He can still change your story.

Enter here to win a copy for your self. Many of use are living in the in-between places, in between sickness and health, divorce and lasting love, job frustration and fulfillment. Author Kat Armstrong joins us in our struggle and then introduces us to the cast-aside, misunderstoon samaritian woman from John 4, a woman who found herelf living in between the life she thought she would have and the one she ended up with.

For more information about the book and the author, Join on social media below, is where you can find her and more.

IG: @katarmstrong1

FB: @katarmstrongauthor

TW: @katarmstrong1

This year has been a crazy one for everyone around the world. This Christmas I want to make this year EXTRA special and positive for the family. Bring in the games!

Laser X Evolution



About Laser X Evolution

Laser X Evolution is sold exclusively at Walmart, is a new addition to the Laser X family, and works with all previous Laser X products!  

Laser X is the #1 Home Laser Tag System on the PLANET! Laser X Evolution is like having a laser tag arena in your own backyard! Blast opponents up to 300′ away – inside or out, in darkness or bright sunlight. Choose from more than 20 team colors to light up your blaster!

Blaster beams go through windows and strategically bounce off walls and mirrors to hit opponents, while quick-slide reload keeps the action going.

Advanced sensors on the blaster allow an interactive voice “coach” to offer tips and tricks throughout the game. All Laser X gear works together. Games can include unlimited players. The cost is $29.97, Ages 6+. Requires 6 “AAA” batteries (not included).

My kids loved the laser X evolution. They loved how bright the toys were at night. Especially when my husband got home from work and we played with Dad and the whole family loved the workout and playing with each other trying to get each other out.

I recommend this toy for the whole family even past christmas. You can click the walmart link and that link will tell you more about the product. Enjoy! Happy Holidays!

The holidays are here and there is something special about a personalized Journal you can give as a gift. A personalized journal is a way to make someone feel special.

Disclamier: I recieved this Journal for review purposes only. All opinions are 100% my own.

About Christian Journal direct:

Creates personalized journals with the recipient’s name written into scripture on every page!  There are over 300 cover designs to choose from with designs for women, men, and children.  Great for personal use or as a gift!

These journals are great to use for:

Scripture memorizationDaily Devotionsermon notesgrocery liststo-do listsRecipesFitness GoalsRoutinesAnd so much more!

With the way the year 2020 is going, You can keep track of the things you are grateful/Thankful for instead of any negative things that are happening in the world.

Disclamier: I recieved this Journal for review purposes only. All opinions are 100% my own.

I have different Journals for specific goals. I have one for Fitness, one for devotion one for sermons, and many more. I wrote a post about successful Journaling. I give you 10 tips to get started with Journaling.

From the website:

“Our Journals feature a bible verse at the bottom of every page with the recipetes name inserted into every scripture making God’s word unqiuely personal. The men’s, women’s and youth journals all feature specially selected and typefaces to enrich your journaling experience.”

My personalized Journal!



*Journal Giveaway!*

Interested in getting a Journal?! Then head over to this link and enter to win your own personalized Journal gift or for someone else.

Enjoy the Holidays from my family to yours.

I LOVE faith based products that will help me in my everyday walk with God. That is exactly what the mission is about at Butterflybox. To help women stay centered on Jesus and grow their faith, while giving back to the cause of christ.

More about the subscription company:

Life is busy, and it can be hard to find the time each day to connect with Christ. Butterfly Box is here to help! We thoughtfully curate a themed box each month to help reclaim those quiet moments with God, build your intimacy with Christ, and live out your faith in the world around you! 

Each month’s box is designed to illustrate a biblical theme and encourage spiritual growth.5 to 6 items such as jewelry, artwork, books, decor, personal pampering items, faith sharing cards, and other specialty itemsAll items are carefully chosen and undergo a rigorous selection processProducts are faith-based or support small Christian businesses.



What’s in each box:

(From the website) Each month, we curate a different themed box full of 4-6 hand-selected top quality items:

Inspiring books, devotionals, or Journals designed to keep you in God’s word and growing in your faith.



Christian Jewelry worn to reminf you of what’s important wherever you go…. Jesus and your faith!



Scripture decor to display at home, in the office and even in your car to bring scripture to the forefront of your mind all day long.



Theme related gifts to help illustrate importnant biblical themes that your box is centered around.



Self-care items (Soaps, lotion, candles) because everyone can use a little pampering







September’s Box

September box theme is “Women of Prayer”

A praying woman is a warrior. Every time you pray something happens, it defeats the enemy, it draws you closer to God and His plans for you and it creates a hedge of protection around you and your family. The bible commands us to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

What’s inside:



The power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian



Be still and know Journal



Butterfly prayer bracelet



Vanilla White & Sweet peppermint tea drops



Weekly prayer strategy

Looking for more encouragement? Use the code: WELCOME10 for 10% your sibscritption box.

Enter to win 6 months of Butterfly box subscription. Click here. Check out the video below to get an inside look at September Butterfly box.

New year, that means new planners right?! Well, in 2020 everyone knows plans go out the window. Here are eight tips to help you get the most of your planner and year.

Try different types of planners

There are MANY types of planners. You can use the Bullet Journaling, Technology (Google Calender), Faith Based Planners, such as Spiritual seeds planner.

Spiritual Seeds Planner is a planning tool designed to help Christians prioritize living a fruit-filled life, guided by the Holy Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, and Self-Control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

The planner uses a gardening theme concentrating on four garden plots – Friends/Family, Self, Community, Vocation/Work. Each month focuses on one Fruit, detailing actions to plant + cultivate + grow.  

Actions are planned daily for the highest yield. Cute garden-themed stickers provide visuals for tracking growth. Unlike any other planner, Spiritual Seeds Planner prioritizes and plans Spiritual growth over daily “to do” lists and activities focusing on growth rather than achievement. 

Writing my Birthday in my planner!



Have fun with your planner

Use fun colors and stickers, if you like to draw, make it fun with little funny characters on days you are doing something fun.

Search planner inspiration

Use differrent hastags on social media (Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or Twitter, even YouTube) to search out planner inspirations, such as: #Faithplanner, #spreadtheseeds, #plannerlayout, #weeklyplanner, #spiritualseedsplanner and more.

Write down and set goals

You can write your goals for each category: (Physical health) Walk, (Mental health) Prayer, (Spiritual health) Read a chapter everyday for a month, etc.

Write down important dates ahead of time

Doctor appointments, Birthdays, Wedding Anniversary, New workout programs, Bill due dates, dinner ideas, etc.

Make “planning your planner” a routine

I like planners that can fit inside my purse because for me its easy access. For you it can be at your night stand next to your bed because you like to look at night or even before your day has started.

Go into planner planning with an open mind

Your planner doesn’t have to be perfect, know that things happen and plans change. Thank you 2020. Part of that is a change in mindset, you are creating new habits, you can even brain dump in your planner, loads of opportunities.

Pick out a planner that works for you



Plan out what exactly will you be using your planner for? Work, Spiritual, Home, Business, etc.Do you like small planners or big planners?Don’t go for the popular planners, try one that is best for you.

As I stated above the Spiritual Seeds Planner is a planning tool designed to help Christians prioritize living a fruit filled life, guided by the Holy Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness and Self-Control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

What makes this planner different:

·       Puts God in charge

·       Inspired, led and powered by the Holy Spirit

·       Based on Scripture

·       Impacts all areas of life

·       Improves relationships

·       Fills life with an abundance of Spiritual Fruit – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control

Interested in getting your own planner? You can purchase here: https://spiritualseedsplanner.com/ and get 20% off using the code: FRUITOFSPIRIT.

Giveaway: You can also enter to win your own planner here: https://www.blessedfreebies.com/spiritual-seeds-planner.html

Last-Minute Tips

You can start looking for new planners during the fall season in September

Even during the holidays you can get great deals off planners such as: Black Friday, Holidays, CyberMonday, etc.

When your birthday or holidays come around let family members know which planner you would like, they make great gifts.

I LOVE journaling, it’s part of my creativity I get to express. I am not a professional by any means, these 10 tips I’m about to share are lessons and tips I’ve learned along the way. I’ve actually been Journaling for more than 20+ years since Highschool and just now realized that writing was therapeutic for me. Back then it was just something I did without hesitation. Journaling is something I actually love to do and most of the time, create an experience from it. Here are 10 tips to help you be successful at Journaling:

There are no rules to Journaling

When you think of Journaling what do you think of? Writing every single day? Perfect punctuation? perfect grammar? What if I told you there are no rules. My first piece of advice in journaling is to brain dump. Sometimes it can be intimidating at first, but when you start, it can be so freeing. You can write in third person if you choose, you can write to someone that was special to you that has passed away, you can even write in short had. Journaling is therapeutic, meaning it helps you to relax. If writing doesn’t relax you, you can even draw, color, the possibilities are endless.

Take the pressure off yourself about writing

You don’t have to write every day. You can write when you are motivated to do so when you are inspired by something, there is no end to when you want to write. Journaling can be anything you make of it. You can write song lyrics that spoke to you, write a quote from a book, or a poem, write down scripture, you can write down anything God has put on your heart, you can draw anything that inspires you. Post or print out pictures that inspire you or even write down prayers from the bible or make one on your own. Again, the possibilities are endless

Make it fun

Don’t get the black & white composition notebook (unless you want to) but my point is to start with a journal that looks pretty to you, with flowers, glitter, butterflies, etc. Anything that makes it fun for you. You can also get pretty colorful pens, stickers, markers, or stamps, if you want to have a special pen set aside just for journaling, do it. You can also go on Instagram and use the hashtags: #Journal, #Journaling, #Journalingcommunity, you will find TONS of different ideas that will help you get inspired to start your own Journaling Journey (Say that 10x fast!).

Decide whether you want to write in a digital journal or use pen & paper

It’s like choosing between an audiobook, Kindle, or the actual book. Nowadays there are so many options to do so many things that it can be difficult to choose from. Here are some ideas to help you choose. You can use something as basic as the Google docs, the notes app that automatically comes on your phone, or even a Journal app called: Reflection.app. This app is a guided journal that asks you different questions and you can start writing by answering those questions, You can even add pictures and search out past entries to help you reflect back on past memories.

If you like just plain pen and paper, what kind of Journal paper do you want to write on? Bullet Journaling, A blank page journal, or just lined paper journal. Once you choose that, you can choose whether you want a spiral notebook or a bound notebook. My advice… try them all and see which ones work best for you.

Set the mood

Create an experience when writing in your journal. Currently, I’m writing this blog post while my kids are doing their homework, sometimes there will be noise, like the kids chewing, making jokes, they spilled something, making messes on the table. I’m still able to write and get my thoughts down, but when I write in my journal, I have to have a quiet space and know that the kids are ok and the house is clean. I know, it sounds weird but my mind is less distracted when things around me are organized. The best time for me to write is late at night and early in the morning before the sun is up and the house is quiet, with a scented candle, tea, and a quiet space.

Decide what you will be using the Journal for

You can use your journal as a lifestyle, meaning you bring your journal with you everywhere you go, like a planner, and when you are inspired or motivated by something you write it down. You can use your journal as a gratitude/blessings/thankful journal. Write down your dreams/goals/visions for your fitness journey, family goals, or, business/project.

Date & title your journal entries

I can’t tell you how important it is to write down dates and sometimes even title your journal entries because you may want to reference back to a specific event that happened, it would be easy to find. Even when you date the entry, I like to put the day of the week. I’ve seen people even write down the time, to me that doesn’t do anything for me but you can try it out for your own personal records.

Go back and read your entries

Going back and reading past entries and show growth and even things you haven’t noticed about yourself that will help in your growth process. Reflecting back to past memories is also fun, and not just the bad memories but anything that was inspirational to you at the time.

Pick the time of day when you want to write

I mentioned in the previous paragraphs that I like to write both morning and late in the evening but that doesn’t mean that I write both of those times. Somedays I may write early in the morning before my kids get up or late at night when they go to bed or sometimes I do both. It just has to do with what is going on that day and what inspired me.

You can start at anytime. EnJoy!

There is no perfect time to start. You don’t have to start in the beginning of January. You can start now. When you get your journal, you don’t even have to start on the first page, you can start of the secound page and go from there. Again, the possibilities are endless. Have fun with this process.

If you are interested in October 1st I am starting a group called: Journal Reflections. If you want to start writing in your journal and get inspired by other people, Join me, and let’s get inspired together. Being part of a group and having accountability would not only be fun but it’s motivating and inspiring. Below is a free printable that I will be using in the group. It is a scripture writing promises from the book of John. This will help you in your walk with God and jumpstart your Journal writing Journey. Let’s get started.

God’s Promises from the book of John-Print your copy HERE.

We are often so weighed down by comparison, anxiety, and fear that the idea that grace could look amazing on them feels unbelievable. Being weighed down with chaos, with everything that is going on, like the coronavirus, fear of the unknown, anxiety, insert what weights you down. But all around us are flashes of grace, shining examples of God’s love.

It turns out earning our way is simply not included in the fabric of grace. Instead, grace is woven with a gift after gift from God. It’s about Him, who He is, and what He has done, not us, and who we are or aren’t. It’s about trusting in Jesus our true source of grace and reflecting His love to the world.

Amy Seiffert, the author of “Grace looks amazing on you (100 days of reflecting God’s love), says it’s the everyday moments that Jesus shines through:

Making time for a friend even when your to-do list is pages long; Apologizing to your neighbor when you don’t want to admit you are wrong.Opening the Bible when your soul feels hollow and empty.I recently experience someone who paid for my tea latte, on my way to work, after just yelling at my kids for not doing their chores.Waking up on an ordinary Monday and being content with where God has placed you? Grace is guiding your steps.

Making the choice to accept God’s limitless love no matter what and reflecting it back to the world around you—friend, that’s when His grace looks amazing on you.

A perfect gift to affirm and encourage any woman, Grace Looks Amazing on You is a timeless Christian message packed with personal stories and reflection, Scripture, and deep biblical truth. This 100-day devotional will help you change your perspective so you can confidently radiate the grace of Christ.

Insight: “God’s grace looks like promises fulfilled even in the face of unbelief”

Simplifying our Soul

This has been a new concept I’ve been walking for some years now and that includes everything from the inside out. At the end of the day after so much chaos, Jesus boils it down to the essentials and simplifies what we should seek after:

Matthew 22:37-40 (MSG)– “Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence. This is the most important, the first on ANY list. But there is a second to set alongside it: Love others as well as you love yourself. These two commands are pegs, everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.”

It doesn’t have to complex. Jesus didn’t come to make things harder. He came to set us free. And that looks amazing on us.

“Grace looks amazing on you” devotional GIVEAWAY!

You can download a FREE copy of the devotional chapter HERE. You can also get your own copy by filling out the form HERE and enter to win a copy of Grace looks amazing on you (100 days of reflecting God’s love).

Simplfying your soul section is a small inset of a chapter in the devotional called: Chaos and Clutter. I shared a little of that devotional but You can get your own copy and read the rest of the chapter and read more personal stories, reflections, Scripture, and Biblical truth to help you go deeper into God’s Word and confidently radiate the grace of Christ. 

The bible is filled with so much knowledge, stories, and hope, that it can be overwhelming when you’re going through situations while living in the hurt and pain and waiting for it to end. Why study the bible? When your hurting and in pain, looking for an answer to the pain of the situation, who or where can you turn to during those times? The Bible. Need encouragement? The Bible. A good romance story? The Bible. And everything in between. The scripture says in Hebrews 4:12 – ” For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double edge sword, Penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” This [Continue Reading...]

I’ve always thought the Sabbath was a “rest day” for all Christians. A day set aside for God after working hard all six days and then you rest on the 7th day, just like in Genesis 2:2-3 “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” this is my understanding. I recently had the opportunity to get more of an understanding about the Sabbath from reading the book: “Take the day off, receiving God’s gift of rest.” By: Robert Morris. In this book, he gives examples of [Continue Reading...]

The holidays are quickly approaching and I’m so excited to share with you guys, an AMAZING opportunity, to purchase meaningful gifts for that special person in your life. I was blessed with the opportunity to Collaborate with an amazing company that is Absolutely beautiful. About Holly Lane Christian Jewelry Let, me tell you, about Holly Lane. First of all, as stated on the website: “The woman behind Holly Lane is not named “Holly”. Though she is called “Holly” often, she’s actually the designer and Holly Lane founder, Tiffany Scott. Holly Lane is the name of the street where Tiffany and her family lived when she founded the business.” Her line of sterling silver Christian jewelry is intentionally designed to create opportunities to share Christ with others and to be worn [Continue Reading...]