Recommendations

  • Book: “Horse Shy” by Bonnie Bryant

    Our girls even though they are twins are very different both in their personalities and interests.  Although there are a couple areas of interest they overlap……their love for books and their love for animals.  They both LOVE horses and get really excited any time they have an opportunity to ride, pet, feed, or even be around horses.

    Recently I just finished reading the second book of The Saddle Club horse series to the girls Horse Shy by Bonnie Bryant.  They were always eager for me to read the next chapter of the book, if I had extra time they would request that I read another chapter.  The cover of our book is the older edition but the story is the same.

    This is the second book in the Saddle Club series.  Carole, Lisa, Stevie and a group of their classmates go on the big adventure they have been looking forward to for months the Mountain Trail Overnight.  An accident happens with one of the horses, but the author does a good job of showing how to cope with the loss of a favorite animal through the encouragement of friends and a time of grief.  If your child enjoys horses, likes to read or listen to you read books this is a great one to check out.

  • Song: “God’s Not Dead” by Newsboys

    I am thankful that “my God’s not dead, he’s surely alive”!

    Let love explode
    And bring the dead to life
    A love so bold
    To see a revolution somehow

    Now I’m lost in your freedom
    And this world I’ll overcome

    My God’s not dead
    He’s surely alive

    He’s living on the inside
    Roaring like a lion
    My God’s not dead
    He’s surely alive
    He’s living on the inside
    Roaring like a lion

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

    The girls have a four day weekend so I am enjoying a little extra time with them. YAY!  Jake was on-call all weekend so we stayed close to home but were able to get some items done around the house.  Glad we stayed close to home because he had a lot of calls and work items that needed his attention.   Hopefully this week I will be able to tackle more items on my list!

    Last week’s goals:

    Family Goals

    1. Read to the girls and have them read to me daily- we missed Halloween night because we were out celebrating
    2. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    4. Attend After School Activities
    5. Plan one special Activity with the Family
    6. Celebrate Halloween with the Family

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week – missed a couple of days
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – working on it
    4. Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion – faithfully reading through it

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Tackle Fall Cleaning & Organization Project (Focus – Office / Garage) – made some headway, both were big projects!
    4. Pay all upcoming bills
    5. Finishing cleaning up from Community Group Camp out
    6. Put away all the Halloween Items – have everything picked up just need to put them in the container & into the attic

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming (November) blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    3. Schedule November work dates – have a couple days left to put on the calendar

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Payoff the Van – was able to put a little extra on it this month
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.) – working on it (with paying off the van this isn’t our first priority but we are moving forward slowly).

    My goals for the upcoming week:

    Family Goals

    1. Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
    2. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    4. Attend After School Activities
    5. Plan one special Activity with the Family
    6. Spend extra time with the Girls since they have a couple days off school

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith
    4. Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion
    5. Vote in the 2012 Election

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Tackle Fall Cleaning & Organization Projects (Focus – Office / Garage)
    4. Pay all upcoming bills
    5. Winterize the Garden
    6. Put printed pictures in the photo album
    7. Clean Out Fridge
    8. Recycle old Magazines & update with November editions

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    3. Send out invoices
    4. Finish scheduling November work dates

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email
    3. Re-organize the Alms & Legs Food Pantry

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Payoff the Van
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.)

    I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.  I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true.  When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals.  Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick).  Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.

  • Book: “The Impact Equation” by Chris Brogan & Julien Smith

    I received a preview book copy of  The Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith.  The subtitle to the book is “Are you making things happen OR just making noise?”  I loved their title because we get hit with a ton of information from all directions every time we go online.  How do companies, blogs, and any other items of importance have a chance to get our attention with everything being thrown at us?  What makes those few stand out?

    When I first started blogging I felt like no one was reading it…..some days especially in the very beginning that it was a waste of time (who would want to read what I was writing about anyway)…….and I looked at all the “numbers”.  If there was a dip in stats I would be upset or stressed about it.  Now I don’t stress about my numbers much at all because I am focusing more on writing and all the fun stuff that I want to share with my readers.  I still have a long way to go and a lot to learn but I was very excited to get a copy of Chris Brogan’s and Julien Smith’s new book because I have been thinking about this very topic.

    It my goal to make a positive impact on the lives around me and one of the ways I reach out to people is through my blog.  Although, at the same time it is important I take the time to review how things are going I have to evaluate how much of an impact I really am making.  Is the impact I am making on my readers positive?  I really liked how Chris and Julien’s book encouraged me to evaluate many areas, they even shared a great CREATE acronym to help.

    Here are a few things I took away from Chris & Julien’s book:

    • CREATE acronym (i.g. Impact = Contrast * [Reach + Exposure + Articulation + Trust + Echo])
    • Spend more time giving thought and refining my ideas
    • Share the great ideas of others – the “give before you get” principle

    If you have a presence online whether it is through your business, blog, or social media accounts to stay in touch with family and friends this is a great book to read.

  • Free Audio Book: “What is the Mission of the Church?” by Kevin DeYoung & Greg Gilbert

    For the month of November Christian Audio is offering a free download of an audio book .  This month the audio book is What is the Mission of the Church? by Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert.

    Addressing mission, evangelism and social justice, two pastors draw readers to the Bible’s teaching on some contentious matters. Readers in all spheres of ministry will grow in their understanding of the mission of the church and gain a renewed sense of urgency for Jesus’ call to preach the Word and make disciples.  (information from Christian Audio)

    If you have been wanting to a book to listen to throughout the day or while driving then this is a great opportunity to get a book for free when you download it from Christian Audio in November.   Make sure to submit your order by November 30, 2012  to get your free audio book.  Thanks Christian Audio!

  • Giveaway & Review: “Say Anything” Game by North Star Games

    I am thrilled to announce a new giveaway on Blessings Multiplied!   The winner of this giveaway will receive a Say Anything Family Game by North Star Games!  As a Mom, wife and friend I am always looking for ways to entertain my family and guests.  After playing Wits & Wagers  (see my review) and Wits & Wagers Family (see my review) both are from North Star Games I received Say Anything to check out.   My family gives Say Anything game a big thumbs up!  I know you will enjoy this one!   This game has become a favorite with our family.

    Enter the Giveaway (up to 4 entries per person)!

    1. Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied.  Put a separate comment for each way you follow Blessings Multiplied (Email, Twitter, or Facebook) plus an extra entry for your bonus answer!   Each comment counts as an entry into the giveaway.

    All comments must be made by November 30th at 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.

    More information about “Say Anything” game:

    Say Anything is a great party game to play with your family and friends!  You will find yourself laughing as you read the wide variety of answers to each question.  The game is made for 3 to 8 players and takes about 30 minutes to play.  I would recommend if younger kids are playing that they are able to read and write answers independently (otherwise they may need additional help).  The game is recommended for ages 10 and up.

    1. Ask any question from the card you draw, such as “What’s the best movie of all time?” or “If I could have a BIG anything, what would it be?”
    2. Everyone else writes an answer and turns it face-up.
    3. Secretly choose your favorite of these answers. Then everyone tries to guess which one you picked.

    Where do I purchase “Say Anything” for myself or as a gift?

    This game would be a perfect game to play during the upcoming Holidays or to give as a gift to family and friends!  You can purchase this game on Amazon or at major retailers like Books-A-Million, Target, or local game stores found on North Star Games retailer locator.  To learn more about the game and those who created it you can visit North Star Games website.  You can get the most update to date information on North Star Games by following them Facebook and Twitter.

    *A special thanks to North Star Games, specifically Dominic Crapuchettes and Luke Warren, for the providing this game for the giveaway!

  • Song: “Come Rest” by Lindsay McCaul

    When is the last time we have come to Jesus to rest?  Many times I find myself at His feet begging for forgiveness or help in whatever mess I managed to get myself into that day.  Life is busy and exhausting sometimes what we need the most is time set aside when we can come rest in His love and goodness.

    Busy, busy me, full of self-sufficiency
    I have tried so fervently to earn Your love
    But any joy that I once found is wearing off, is winding down
    And I can hear You in the madness calling out

    When You say come, rest -should I be working so hard
    When You say love, rest -did You want hands or my heart
    ‘Cause I have done my best and still I miss the mark
    But I remember You said its done
    So I come
    Come to the water’s edge
    I rest in Your promises
    That all You ever wanted was me here
    And if there’s nothing left that I can do
    To earn the love I need from You
    Then all that’s left to want is to be near
    So I come…when You say come…

  • CONGRATULATIONS to Our “21 Days to a More Discipline Life” Winners!

    The 5 names have been drawn for the giveaway!

    CONGRATULATIONS to

    Kim Fritz

    Renelle

    Lynette

    Gina Badalaty

    Tracy

    for winning Crystal Paine’s new ebook

    “21 Ways to a More Disciplined Life”!

    Thanks for making a comment in honor of our Giveaway!

    An email has been sent to you with more information*

    I hope this ebook is a wonderful blessing in your life!

    If you didn’t win you can still get a copy of the  21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine which will be available for $0.99 for 2 more days ONLY (Wednesday, October 24 to Thursday, October 25, 2012) after that it will go up to $4.99.  You can also order it through Amazon for the same great price!

    Don’t forget to enter our Toys R Us Gift Card Giveaway (which will be ending next week on Wednesday, October 31, 2012)!

    *Giveaway must be claimed within 5 business days of the prize being announced.  Failure to claim the prize within the allotted time frame means you forfeit the prize.

  • Giveaway & Review: “21 Days to a More Disciplined Life” ebook by Crystal Paine (5 WINNERS – Today Only)

    21-days-3d1-200x308

    Do you have ideas, hopes, goals, and dreams for what you want to accomplish in your life, but you feel like you’re being held back by a lack of personal discipline?  I am excited to introduce you to Crystal Paine’s new ebook 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life!   Crystal is the author of the popular Money Saving Mom blog.  This is a positive, practical, and motivating ebook that will encourage you to make progress, in the right direction, on those areas of your life that need extra attention! 

    TODAY ONLY 5 lucky readers will win a FREE copy of the 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine!  ENTER NOW for a chance to win a copy of this great ebook (it only takes a couple seconds to leave a comment and be entered into the giveaway, please see all the giveaway details below)! 

    You can get started reading 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine or through Amazon for only $0.99 for the next 3 days only (October 23-25, 2012)!

    Who is This Book For?

    21 Days to a More Disciplined Life (or through Amazon) is for you if:

    • You have trouble following through.
    • You get overwhelmed by huge projects.
    • You start strong, but your passion fizzles out.
    • You are super-disciplined in a few areas of your life, but you have one or two pet areas that you just can’t get under control.
    • You check out 10 different books on discipline and organization from the library, but return all of them late.

    Why I love this book:

    There are specific areas in my life (physically, spiritually, and more) that I need to focus on because I haven’t given them the extra attention they need and it is mainly due to a lack of discipline on my part.  I am looking forward to implementing several of the great ideas Crystal shared in this book.  She has help inspire me to get “back on track” and tackle those many goals / projects that I keep putting on the back burner for several weeks, months, and yes (although it’s embarrassing to admit) even some goals that I have been delaying for several years now. 

    After reading 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life I think it will help inspire you to make positive steps in the right direction as well.  I know many of you will enjoy this ebook and find it to be a wonderful resource!  It is a great time of year to re-evaluate our lives, goals, and priorities.

    • Are you easily overwhelmed by your big ideas or projects, and you just don’t know where to start and how to make real progress?
    • Do you find yourself making “all-or-nothing” plans for transforming your life, and then three days later you crash and burn under the weight of your plan?

    Giveaway Details

    As a way to say thank you to my readers and to share Crystal Paine’s ebook I am hosting a giveaway!  5 WINNERS will receive a free copy of 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine!

    How to Enter:

    1. Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied.  You can sign up to receive Blessings Multiplied via email or like on Facebook.
    2. You can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing your best tip that helps you stay on track with your projects and goals!

    All comments must be made by Tuesday, October 23, 2012 11:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.

    I encourage you to check out more information on 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine if you are interested in finding ways to help you to tackle all those projects and goals you have been putting on hold for days, weeks, months, maybe even years!  This ebook book may give you the just right dose of motivation to get you on the road to a more disciplined life!  What are you waiting for…….get a copy and start reading today!

    More information about  21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine can be found:

    The 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine is currently available for $0.99 for the next 3 days ONLY (Tuesday, October 23 to Thursday, October 25, 2012) after that it will go up to $4.99.  You can also order it through Amazon for the same great price!

    I was given this ebook for free to write an informed review.  The ebook, specific product information, and pictures were provided by Crystal Paine, however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own.   I was not paid to write this post.  A special thanks to Crystal Paine for providing me a copy of her 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook to review as well as five to giveaway to my readers!