I first came to know Courtney DeFeo when I got a set of her scripture ABC cards probably 8 years ago. Which by the way, my children STILL love and I imagine I will have Will Holden using them in a couple of years. Courtney is a blogger, a speaker, a writer and an encourager of people to "light them up" (or do good works). She is a bundle of energy with a heart as big as the state of Texas that she lives in. She is the mom of two little girls and formerly worked for the Christian Chicken Corporate office (chick-fil-A). She is also an Auburn Tiger - but I forgive her. ha! She is the author of the book, "In This House We Will Giggle" which you need a copy of.
I've had the chance to spend some time with her in person and she was just as delightful as I imagined. I admire her so much and you will too.
1. What is your favorite Food?
Mexican - I could have chips, guac and cheese dip for all the meals. Every day. It’s so neat that God moved me to Texas last year. He loves me.
2. What is your very favorite piece of clothing right now? (FASHION)
My honest reaction? I am loving none of my clothes because they are a little snug right now - but I am loving my jewels! My favorite new bracelet is this circle bracelet by Karama Collection. They are a fair trade company that has the BEST line. It makes any tshirt/jeans combo cute and any dress even more fun.
3. Tell us about your Family?
I have a really funny husband named Ron - we met at my first job out of Auburn. We have two girls (Ella, 9 and Larson, 7). We love to dance and sing and snuggle. We love Disney, friends, family and traveling. We love to light up our community with random acts of kindness. We are originally from Atlanta - but have lived in Orlando and now Colleyville, TX.
4. What is the most important quality in your Friends? OR tell us something that a Friend has done for you that you can't forget.
I love thoughtfulness. When a friend remembers it’s a big day or a little inside joke to just texting a prayer - it’s just the moment that your friend remembers something unique about you and reaches out. I love thoughtful folks that care about the big and the small and show up in thoughtful ways. For me, it’s not the quantity - it’s quality. My friends don’t keep score. We go months without talking and then we are just there. One phone call or visit away. We are old enough to realize life is busy and precious.
5. What's something you have learned recently in your Faith journey? And/or share your favorite scripture right now and why or your favorite Bible Study or book you have read recently.
I am realizing right now - how little I know about God. He has brought me so far and is with me every day. However, I have this craving to learn from Him through His word. I have been inspired through so many amazing sermons and leaders for which I am eternally grateful. I am feeling God just draw me near. Just us. Just me and my Bible. Just more time with Him speaking to me and showing me about His life and His wonder and His awe. He’s always been there. My Bible has always been there. I’m moving from “have to” into a season of “want to.” Craving more. It think I’ve been too insecure to try learning and studying on my own with any consistency. I’ve relied on others to interpret for too long.
6. What is your biggest Fear?
Well - where does one start? I don’t know that I have a lifetime biggest fear. Right now? I am fearing of letting my kids down. I have so many ministry ideas and passions - that can get me busy and distracted so like most moms I am constantly fighting the pressure to be present and attentive to the very best gifts on earth. My own family. Time and life is fleeting and I never want to take them for granted.
7. What are some of your Favorite things right now?
I am loving my new Surrender Cross! This video of their story will just warm your heart and you’ll see why I love it. I love the First 5 app. I am obsessed with the book Uninvited - game changer for all women. And for you Kelly - I feel like I should say that I love Sonic. I really do. In my new city, it’s like ON THE CORNER by the school which is dangerous. Remember when I texted you with my cup? Like we were having a carpool moment with that ice? So good.
8. What has been your biggest Failure?
I have had a lot of failures - but I will reach out to my tender friends out there. I am a super sensitive and tender person which I believe is a gift from God. He allows me to see needs that others don’t. He allows my heart to break in a way - that moves me to action. I love how He has wired me to go after it in life - to see others more often than myself. However, that same exact strength is a weakness. It can become a failure of mine when I take things too personally. When I don’t give friends the benefit of the doubt. When I overreact. When I am too emotional. When I use my words to hurt. That tender heart can get crushed by things that aren’t even about me. That is why Uninvited has been such a gift to my heart this year. I believe my most embarrassing failures can root back to a combo of my pride and being too emotional/sensitive. However, you know what happens with trials? God uses them to grow our character. I’m stronger today at 40 - then I have ever been in my life. No moment has been wasted.
9. What do you do for Fun?
I am not going to lie. TJMaxx and Home Goods brings me a lot of joy until the credit card bill arrives. I enjoy reading. I love hanging with friends and traveling with my family. And I’m toying with an adult dance class (ballet/tap/jazz - not like pole dancing :) and/or a photography class. So far, not signed up - but dreaming about those classes.
10. Tell me about what animals you have? (Furry things)
No way. I am not a fan of furry things. Don’t write me off. I just sneeze and feel scared. I can handle poop and vomit from children, heights, starting small businesses - but animals make me freeze.
11. What is your favorite FILM? (movie)
One favorite? That’s impossible. I can give you a few from Girls Just Want to Have Fun to Sound of Music to Mary Poppins
12. What is one Fact we might not know about you?
I used to teach country line dancing to senior citizens in high school. Anyone know the tush push out there?
Thank you Courtney for being on my blog today!!!!! It was such an honor!
