Happy 2024, a+g fam! If we’re being honest, I’m still wrapping my head around the new year. Time seems to go by more and more quickly, and this past year was no exception!
You may have noticed that there was no December newsletter, and that’s because…well, I was too busy enjoying the holidays! I’ve been trying to be more mindful about putting my phone down, pushing work aside, and being present with my family. We had the best December, and I hope that you did, too!
Now that it’s January and officially a new year, I’m back on track. Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was last week on January 9-you can see that post here. Scroll down for the rest of this month’s newsletter, and if you’re not already subscribed and want these posts to come directly to your inbox, you can do so here.
I hope this year is the best yet!
As we start a new year and leave the holiday season behind us, I know I’m not alone in saying I’m trying to declutter and clean and reset. I love the holidays, but PHEW do I also love a fresh start! Please remember that you don’t “need” anything anyone shares online! It’s so easy to swipe up and click links-and this year I’m trying to be more mindful about what I purchase online. With that disclaimer behind us, here’s the top three things y’all loved this past month:
ammo+grace: the devotional. This month the most purchased item I shared was my devotional! Oh my goodness! It always makes my heart so happy to see yall with your copies of ammo+grace: the devotional. I am always praying over it and hope it’s a blessing to each and every one of you!
Waterproof Notebooks. I shared these little waterproof notebooks as a stocking stuffer idea, and it seems like y’all liked them as much as my officer did!
Weighted heating pad. This weighted heating pad made the monthly list for the second time-it’s just that good!
Here’s the top 3 posts y’all engaged with the most this past month! If you’re not already following along on Instagram, make sure to hop on board! My username is @ammoandgrace.
In November I started a partnership with a first responder fine jewelry collection! Two Hearts One Badge was created by a family owned jewlery store especially for our thin line families. I have this ring and have worn it basically nonstop since I got it! It’s the perfect addition to my everyday jewelry (all of my other jewelry like my wedding rings and charm necklace are white gold and diamonds, so that’s what I got!) and shows the perfect amount of support for my officer. There’s also pendants and fire family pieces at all different price points, starting at under $200. At y’all’s request they also just launched sheriff stars! You can use my code COTE to have a portion of your sale donated to Tunnels to Towers! The last day to order for Valentine’s Day delivery is February 7. Drop a hint to your first responder by sharing the link of your favorite piece!
This month’s “shortcut supper” is another easy recipe to throw together when you’re just trying to get food in the table-French bread pizzas!
The goal behind “shortcut suppers” is to have meal ideas that require minimal cooking, come together in a snap, and are made up of a few staples you can easily keep in your home at all times. These “recipes” are not so much recipes as they are ideas. And by the way, I’m always on the lookout for new ones-so if you have a great easy shortcut supper, please DM it to me on Instagram or email me at ammoandgrace@hotmail.com! Okay, now let’s get to it! You’ll need:
French bread (or frozen Texas toast, homemade baguettes, ciabatta rolls, or any other sturdy bread. You can also use canned crescent rolls and roll up all of the toppings!)
Pizza sauce (you can also used canned tomatoes, Alfredo sauce, garlic butter, or whatever else you have on hand)
Shredded cheese (traditionally mozzarella, but really any cheese you have handy works-I’ve even peeled string cheese to “shred” it and used that!)
Toppings (pepperoni, chicken, sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms-whatever your family likes on pizza. If you want to get fancy, add some garlic powder. If you want to make it even simpler, stop at the cheese!)
Assemble your pizzas by slicing the bread and topping with sauce, cheese, seasonings, and whatever else you want on it. Broil in the oven until warmed through and the cheese is nice and bubbly! We like Caesar salad with our pizza nights, but you could add any frozen or canned veggie you have-or call it good with just the pizzas.
This month I’m highlighting a book of prayers by one of my favorite blue authors-Adam Davis! He and Lt Col Dave Grossman wrote Bulletproof Marriage and On Spiritual Combat together as well as this one, Prayers & Promises for First Responders. This book is not law enforcement specific-it’s perfect for all first responders and military members. It contains dozens of devotionals categorized by “theme” like protection, forgiveness, courage, and comfort. Each devotional has a prayer, scripture, and a question to marinate on and answer. It’s a beautiful imitation leather book that is the perfect size to keep on your bedside table or in your LEO’s patrol car. You can find the book here.
This month’s devotional is a preshift prayer from my ebook, The Praying Police Wife. I wrote this ebook of prayers for LEOWs last year, and you can find it here! The first 50 people can use code NEWSLETTER for 50% off, making it just $5!
God, thank You for my officer. Thank You for the way You have created them-so courageous and selfless-and for the intimate and specific way You have knit them together. Keep them safe today as they go to work. Guard their body, mind, and heart, and keep them safe from all evils, both spiritually and of the world. Guide their steps and their path. Give them wisdom, courage, discernment, and patience. Let them be confident in the decisions they have to make. Let them touch lives, even briefly, and have Your spirit be evident through them. Give them a peace that only You can provide as they wade through our dark and broken world. Remind them of the good, however small, and of Your goodness, which is everlasting and supersedes the evil of our world. Let them see that their work is noticed, needed, and appreciated. Cover them, Lord, and let Your army of angels march always by their side. Let your presence be tangible, keep them safe, and bring them home to me. Amen.
