Recommendations

  • Book: “Who Got Peanut Butter on My Daily Planner?” by Cindy Sigler Dagnan

    One of the perks of traveling is that I get to catch up on some of the books I have been wanting to read.  One of the books I read on a recent trip was Who Got Peanut Butter on My Daily Planner by Cindy Sigler Dagnan.  The subtitle is organizing and loving your days as a Mom.  It was a fun and lighthearted book that I enjoyed reading.  The girls loved the cover of the book with the little boy spreading peanut butter on the planner.  While I don’t do as much with my paper planner these days, everything has gone more digital for our family so we can keep up with everyone’s schedule, many of the principles the author talked about still apply.

    She made a lot of great points about the choices we make as parents, especially as Moms.  Even if I could afford to pay someone to do all the tasks I do, I could not pay them enough to love, spend time with, nurture, or share my values with my children  I love this quote from Cindy Dagnam’s book because raising kids is not always easy nor do we did it perfectly but no one else can raise our kids like we do.

    Every day we make choices of what to do with our time, energy and talents.  While not everyday is productive it is important that we continue to invest in the lives and hearts of our children.  While we as parents are raising our kids together it is also healthy for us as Moms to establish friendships with other Moms.  The author gave some examples such as Women’s Bible Study, MOPS group, Girls Weekend Away, Book Club, Moms Play Group, and more.

    Cindy Dagnam discussed many topics that were good reminders for me:

    • Perfectionism is a load you can drop
    • Ask God to help you recognize your kryptonite tendencies….rather than attempt so many things in your own strength
    • God placed you in this home with this family for His purpose
    • Be flexible and build extra time into your plans. Children don’t like to always be hurried.
    • Memories are even more important to your children than a spotless house.
    • Live your priorities and the rest will fall into place

    These were some of the ones that really stood out to me because they are areas I need to work on more in my own life.  At the end of each chapter there is a study and reflection section which includes questions, scripture reading, action plan, journal, and a verse to memorize.   If your a Mom of kids, especially young ones this is a wonderful book to read.  The author does a good job of reminding us that we are not perfect but with a lot of prayer we can still make a positive impact on our husband and children.

  • Song: “Miracle Maker” by Delirious

    I am not sure where or when I first heard this song but a couple phrases stuck in my mind recently…. The other day as I was thinking about everything that has happened so far in 2012 I was reminded of the One who holds my life in His hands.  He is the “miracle maker” and is working in my life as well as in the lives of those around me.  How often do I seek Him, pray for a miracle, and step back to let him work in my life as He sees fit?  He created me to serve during this time and place on earth am I making a positive impact on the lives I touch?

    I am the type of person who enjoys having a schedule and being prepared for what I need to do for the day.  Sometimes I have a hard time adjusting quickly to changes in my life.  The phrase that really stood out was “I’m waiting here for my life to change, When the waters stir you can rearrange me.”  I like a fresh outlook and change every now and then but the word “rearrange” seems like a pretty dramatic change which could be uncomfortable.  Praying that God continues to move and direct my heart even when it calls for me to change areas in my life.

    Here are some of the lyrics that caught my attention:

    I’m waiting here for my life to change,
    When the waters stir you can rearrange me.
    Just one touch is all I need,
    I’ve nothing much but the wounds I feel,
    I’m looking for the hand of the miracle man.

    Holy, you are holy,
    Who was and is and is to come.
    Holy, you are holy, Saviour, Healer,
    I’m standing at the feet of the miracle maker.

  • Book: “Gulliver’s Travels” by Jonathan Swift

    My Mom started reading The Great Illustrated Classic  Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift to the girls while I was in India.  This week we finished it and both girls enjoyed reading about all the different places Gulliver traveled to, the people he met, and the adventures he had on his journeys.   A couple parts had the girls on the edge of their seats because they might be scary but it ended up being fine.

    Gulliver traveled and met people who were only six inches tall, the Lilliput’s who took him as their prisoner.   On another adventure he encountered the Brobingnag’s which were giants even the flies were huge compared to him.  He encountered many more interesting people in his journeys around the world including the Yahoos, Laputas, Lagados, Glubbdubdribs, and more!

  • Free Audio Book: “Road to the Resurrection” by Greg Laurie

    For the month of April Christian Audio is offering a free download of an audio book .  This month the audio book is Road to the Resurrection by Greg Laurie.

    A guidebook to the facts and circumstances surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. The listener will examine the people, places and timeline of that first Easter. But more than that, delve into the prophecies of those events, given hundreds of year prior, as well what happened after Christ rose from the dead.  (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 April.   Make sure to submit your order by April 30, 2012  to get your free audio book.  Thanks Christian Audio!

  • Song: “Lead Me to the Cross” by Hillsong

    This song reminds me of the things that I treasure in life and points me back to where my focus should really be, at the cross.  I tend to hold tightly onto things in my life (my husband, children, security when money is in the bank, my time, schedule, etc….) While all those things are good things to spend my time and energy on when they become my focus I am not allowing God to work through my life.  If my heart reflects the love of God then all the other “stuff” will fall into place.  When I focus on serving Him then I am a better wife, Mom, and steward of my money and time.  Sometimes I need a gentle reminder of the top priorities in my life.  Thank you Jesus for sacrificing your life on the cross so I can live and reach out to others.

  • Book: “Swiss Family Robinson” by Johann Wyss

    Before I headed out on my India adventure I started reading one of my favorite books as a kid to the girls, Great Illustrated Classics The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss.  My Mom finished reading the book to the girls while I was away and then watched the movie with them.  Karlie was convinced that she was ready to live on an island in a tree house after reading the book and watching the movie (although she said it would be ok if the pirates didn’t come).

    It has been a lot of fun reading the girls some of my favorite books as a kid.  They love listening and enjoy the adventures the stories take us on.  This book is about the Robinson family that gets shipwrecked on an island.  The family learns to live off the land, build a home in the trees, and their journey.  It is full of great adventures as the family explores their new home.  If you have kids that love being read to this is a fun book for the whole family.  Plus after reading the book you can watch the movie which is always something great to look forward to as well.

  • Song: “At the Cross” by Hillsong

    I am thankful for the cross and the sacrifice Jesus made on the it for me.  He paid the penalty for my sin and He overcame the grave.  After having children I know what it is to make sacrifices for the ones you love and yet the sacrifices I have made are so minor compared to the pain of the cross.  You know you are loved when someone willingly gives His life to save you.

  • Book: “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett

    The girls and I just finished reading the Children’s Illustrated Classic The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.  They LOVED it!  It was a good story with enough of an adventure to keep them asking me to read “just one more chapter tonight, please Mom”!

    The story is about a little girl from India named Mary Lennox.  She was spoiled by everyone and had very little interaction with her parents.  When her parents died she was sent to live with her Uncle in England, Lord Craven.  Her Uncle was a sad man who was still mourning the death of his wife from 10 years ago and really did not want to have anything to do with Mary other then to make sure she had the food and necessities she needs.  Mary learns to love life in England and has grand adventures exploring the manor’s gardens.   As she continues to explore outside, learns how to garden, and meets new friends Mary was able to keep more then one hidden secret that took those living in the large manor by surprise.

    The girls really enjoyed having me read this book out loud to them.  The pictures and story really came alive for them as we processed on through the book.  If you have you girls (or boys) and you are looking for a good book to read to them you should check this one out!

  • Song: “Unfailing Love” by Chris Tomlin

    The best part about the love of God is that it remains forever.  You cannot “earn” it because He freely gives it to you!  Thankful for a God who loves me despite all the times I stumble.  What a great example it is of how we should love our family, friends, and those around us as well.