Recommendations
Book: “Clifford the Firehouse Dog” by Norman Bridwell
The girls really enjoy the “Clifford” books. “Clifford The Firehouse Dog” by Norman Bridwell was one they were quoted just the other day. We have read the book many times and it is neat that they retained the lessons that they learned in the book. I like how the book encourages helping out in time of need as well. If you have a little ones that likes dog and fire trucks this is a great book to read with them. Our girls love anything with animals, especially dogs!
Song: “Empty Me” by Chris Sligh
It is easy to get swept away with everything that is going on in our own lives even during the summer months our schedules can be jammed packed with fun activities. Being selfish comes in many different forms (many are unintentional) from not taking the time to spend with your family and friends to holding onto stuff or failing to rely on God for your source of strength and encouragement. Sometimes we need to be “emptied” so God can refresh us with his truth. Thanks Chris for this great song!
Book: “The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room” by Stan and Jan Berenstain
I love my kiddos, however, there are days I feel like all I do is pick up after the entire family. It is amazing how quickly the house can get cluttered. When you add all the kid books, toys and goodies it can become a mess in a hurry. The girls do help pick up but the process is not always the most efficient and every so often we make a point to go through the toys and books they have to keep our home from getting cluttered with extra stuff. We like the book The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room by Stan & Jan Berenstain. They have a whole series of great “character” books that our girls enjoy. This is one of the books Mommy pulls out occasionally to read because it is good to not only remind the kids but the adults in our household that it is important to take care of the items we have. Also, I like how they encourage the cubs to share with others. I think it is important that we are good examples as parents first followed by teaching them through books and spending time organizing / putting away their toys with them. What is one of your favorite Berenstain Bear books?
Song: “Word of God Speak” by MercyMe
We don’t deserve anything yet we are blessed beyond words. How often do we stop and listen, giving God the opportunity to speak into our hearts. When is the last time I have asked him to speak to me? He has so much love and insight to share if only I would make a point to daily spend more time in his presence.
Mailbox Goodies: Free Gillette Razor, Garnier Gel, Mulch, BluApple, Book, Coupons, Magazines & More!
Mailbox Goodies One of the best parts about getting the mail is when the mailbox full of goodies, especially when they are free! We got some great coupons, free samples, magazines and more stuff in the mail. Some of these deals are still available so if you haven’t had a chance to sign up go ahead and do it now. This week we were busy with traveling, house guests, visiting friends in the hospital and a variety of activities so I didn’t have the opportunity to keep up with all the mailbox goodies (some grew feet before I could catch them). I will try to keep you posted of some of the new ones coming up as well.
Here are some items we received in the mail:
- Free Garnier Moisture Rescue Gel – Target Samples
- Free Rubberific Redwood Mulch Sample – Recycled Rubber Mulch Facebook Page (still available)
- Free 20% Off Bed Bath & Beyond Coupon – sign up at your local Bed Bath & Beyond store to receive these coupons (still available)
- Free Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor and Coupons – Slam Dunk Central
- Free BluApple Fruit & Vegetable Fresher – Mamapedia
- Free South Carolina State Museum Information and Coupons – Check your local Chamber of Commerce or Visitors Center for these coupons, ours came in the mail but you can probably get similar ones
- Free “No More Dreaded Mondays” by Dan Miller – my new book to review
- Free Baseline Magazine
- Free Field & Stream Magazine – Value Magazines
- Free CIO Magazine – this one has been coming for several years
- Free Financial Planning Magazine
- Free Tech & Learning Magazine – this one has been coming for several years
- Free Network World Magazine – this one has been coming for several years
- Free Newsweek Magazine – Rewards Gold
- Free Internet Retailer Magazine -this one has been coming for several years
- Free Wallstreet & Technology Magazine
- And more free magazines and local coupons!
If you are like me it is nice when you get a mailbox with free coupons and samples in it. The bills will come as well but when you get a mailbox full of free items it helps make the day a little more enjoyable. Plus the coupons and samples are a great way to stretch your budget and share with others!
Book: “There’s a Wocket in My Pocket” by Dr. Seuss
Our family enjoys quite a few of Dr. Seuss’s books! His book There’s a Wocket in My Pocket! by Dr. Suess has been a favorite for a long time. When Jake and I were dating in college I purchased this book and a small stuffed frog for his “Zillow on his Pillow”. We have read the girls the book and told them the story of Daddy’s “Zillow” many times. They now have “Zillows” of their own after reading the book and hearing Daddy’s story. It is a great kids book that’s fun to read with them!
Song: “Keep Changing the World” by Mikeschair
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWQpzKHEwVg&feature=related
“Keep Changing the World” is great reminder of how one person can make a difference for in the lives of people around them. When we show the love of Christ to others in our neighborhood and community we have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others. We can change the world we live in by helping those around us. It is hard for me to imagine “children without homes” but I know it happens. Pray about ways you can get involved and help those within your immediate community.
Book: “Living in Love” by James & Betty Robison
I recently read the book “Living in Love” by James and Betty Robison who are Co-Hosts on TV’s “Life Today”. Having a healthy marriage is important to me so I thought this book would give new insights or provide great reminders on ways to strengthen our marriage relationship. I enjoy having a chance to read a chapter or two of a book each day and was excited to check this one out.
James and Betty Robison grew up in very different family environments, James was the son of a single Mom and Betty grew up in a church going family. In the book they discussed their backgrounds and how they met. The book has a unique layout and more conversational. It shows Betty’s insights and James’ viewpoints by putting a headline at the top of each section.
Although I have never watched their show I appreciated that they encouraged couples to work on their own hearts first and stop trying to “fix” their spouses. Both James and Betty recommended praying for your spouse, marriage and family. Each family member brings a variety of dynamics to the relationship. They discuss topics that we don’t hear a lot about in our culture when it comes to marriage – selfishness, commitment, trust, communication, and confrontation. When married couples have solid God centered foundations in place we have more opportunities to grow and work together as a cohesive team. James and Betty do not claim to know everything but are thankful for God’s hand working in their lives as individuals and as a couple.
A couple of my favorite quotes from the book:
“An unhealthy self-focus can show up in marriage in many ways, but the one I observed most frequently is people trying to shape their spouses according to their own expectations. This is always a mistake. Instead of trying to change your mate it is best to allow God to shape you.”
“Trust is built on the foundation of commitment – first and ultimately, to God and then to each other.”
At the end of each chapter they added a few questions for each couple to answer separately or together. Overall the book is a great resource to read for those going into marriage or for couples wanting a gentle reminder of ways to build a healthy foundation in their marriage. If you cannot purchase the book I would recommend checking it out at your local church or community library. It is a pretty quick read and it never hurts to be reminded of ways to keep the communication open between you and your spouse.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher through the Waterhouse Multnomah. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Free Audio Book: “A Place of Healing” by Joni Eareckson Tada
FREE Audio Book Download
For the month of June Christian Audio is offering a free download of their audio book “A Place of Healing” by Joni Eareckson Tada. This audio book is about “wrestling with the mysteries of suffering, pain, and God’s sovereignty”. If you want to read the book then this is a great opportunity to listen to the book for free when you download it from Christian Audio in June. Make sure to submit your order by June 30, 2011 to get your free audio book. Thanks Christian Audio!
Song: “God of This City” by Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGkEE5dwmdY&feature=related
Great song! There are so much we can do each day to help others. My favorite phrase of this song is “greater things are yet to come, greater things are still to be done in this city” because it reminds us that making our world / city a better place is something we be a part of. We have the choice every day to make a positive impact on the people around us. What impact are you making on the lives of others?
