Recommendations

  • Book: “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm” by Kate Douglas Wiggin

    Our girls LOVE books so we have been trying on as many nights as possible (when it is not too late) to read through a chapter of a larger book each night before bed and devotions.  My husband is currently reading the final chapters of Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin which is in the “Treasury of Illustrated Classics” series.  It is a story of a little girl who was forced to leave her home because her family was poor to go live with her aunts.  Rebecca is a sweet young girl with a lot energy.  You learn about her life and adventures throughout the book.  She wins the friendship of almost everyone she meets along the way.  The girls have really enjoyed reading this story and beg Daddy to read more.  If you are looking for a good book for young girls this is a great option to consider.

  • Song: “Beautiful” by Francesca Battistelli

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUyR4-2g68M&feature=related

    We were able to hear Francesca Battistelli in concert a couple months ago.  It was great hearing her sing and learn a little more about her.  She sang several songs that evening so it was hard to pick one of my favorites.  This song stands out to me and I love beautiful things.  The most beautiful gift I have been given is grace and mercy even though I am totally undeserving.

     

  • Audio Book: “The Story of the World” by Susan Wise Bauer (Volume 1)

    After a friends recommendation we got the first CD set of The Story of the World: Volume 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor by Susan Wise Bauer and read by Jim Weiss.  The girls LOVE listening to audio books and have thoroughly enjoyed these ones as well.  As a Mom I am thrilled about it because it isn’t just an audio book they are listening to but history.  It is amazing how quickly kids will pick up on bits of history just listening to the audio books.  I have been very impressed with it and glad the girls are captivated by their stories as well!  They do a wonderful job keeping the kids attention.  If you have a young child that loves to read this may be a wonderful addition to your home library.  I have even learned new stuff listening to the CDs with the girls.  We look forward to listening to the first set several times and hopefully getting the next Volume in the future.

  • Free Audio Book: “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom

    FREE Audio Book Download:


    For the month of April Christian Audio is offering a free download of their audio book The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom with John & Elizabeth Sherrill.  This audio book is about the real life story of Corrie ten Boom.  She is considered a hero who helped the Jews escape from the Nazis.  Corrie has a remarkable testimony, if you haven’t read it then this is a great opportunity to listen to the book for free when you download it from Christian Audio in April.   Make sure to submit your order by April 30, 2011  to get your free audio book.  Thanks Christian Audio!

  • Giveaway: Book “Speaking Mom-ese” by Lisa Whelchel

    I will be doing a giveaway for the month of April!  The winner will receive the hardcover book called “Speaking Mom-ese: Moments of Peace & Inspiration in the Mother Tongue” by Lisa Whelchel!  As Moms it is difficult finding a moment of “quiet” in our days and I liked how each chapter was short so I could fit it into even a busy day. A friend gave me the book when I was pregnant with the girls and I have read through at least it twice.  Lisa shares insights and stories about her children as well as encourages you as a Mom.  I think it is important even on the busy days to have even a few moments to relax.

    All you have to do to enter this giveaway is sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below by 10 PM EST on April 30th telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied.  You can get a BONUS entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below telling us one of your tips for squeezing in a few moments of peace and quiet into your already busy day!  We love our family but they have a way of keeping us running all day!  On April 30th I will randomly draw a winner from those who have entered the giveaway.

  • Song: “Rescue” by Newsong

    We got to hear Newsong in concert at Winter Jam 2011!  It was great hearing them sing, they have several really neat songs.  I picked this song for the week because He has to rescued me many times in the past and I know he will continue to in the future.  He is faithful every day even when I fail.

  • Book: “Never Sniff A Gift Fish” by Patrick McManus

    I was thinking about the books I have read over the past few years and decided to chose one that is a little more “unique” from some of my other recommendations but nevertheless I have really enjoyed reading Patrick McManus books.  Never Sniff A Gift Fish by Patrick McManus is one that we have at our house.  The author has a way of making you laugh sometimes until your sides hurt.  He is funny and his short stories are great to read.  We have had his books in our magazine racks for years and I cannot count the number of times people have borrowed or taken the books for a short period of time to read them.  I am looking forward to reading them to the girls soon too.  A lot of his stories have to do with outdoor adventures, kid mischief, and fun.  Each chapter is another short story.  Some are more hilarious then others but there have been times I have had tears streaming down my face from laughing so hard.  Life is short so why not have fun.  If you haven’t read one of his books you really should, you’ll enjoy some extra chuckles reading the adventures in his books.   As the warmer season comes upon us it makes me think of camping and reading his books around a camp fire, great memories!   Patrick McManus actually has several books if you prefer one of the other ones instead:

  • Song: “Words I Would Say” by Sidewalk Prophets

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fpKwja0j50&feature=related

    I think it is important to share our joy with others.  Each one of us has the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us.  It was great hearing Sidewalk Prophets in concert at Winter Jam 2011.  This is one of the songs they sang during the concert.  As I think about the song even after the concert the more I realize how convicting the message is because I often shy away from a chance to share with the people in my life.  Actions do speak louder than words but sometimes a simple word of encouragement or sharing a testimony of how God is working in your life may go long way!

  • Book: “The Millionaire Mind” by Thomas Stanley

    As I was thinking about the various books I have read over the past few years “The Millionaire Mind” by Thomas Stanley came to mind.  In this book Stanley explains the research he did on how America’s wealthy got there.  You don’t need to make a substantial amount to be smart with your money.  Living a flashy and fancy lifestyle isn’t what it takes to be wise with your finances.  I found it fascinating learning more regarding the millionaire “mindset” and the questions he asked in his research.

    Our family has been trying to stick to our budget and be more responsible with the blessings we have been given.  We are by no means millionaires but we feel it is important to always continue to learn and grow.  My husband and I listened to the audiobook version of this book together.  If you are trying to wrap your mind around finances this is fun book to read or listen to as you work through the process as a family.  I encourage you to communicate and pray as a family as you go on this journey together.  When we were first married it became very clear that Jake and I had different patterns and views on finances.  Taking the time to listen or read these types of books together helps encourage and strengthen your relationship while providing a positive outlook on finances.  What works for one family may not be doable for the next family, however, we all have been giving many blessings in life.  We still continue to make mistakes, pick ourselves back up, and learn from the lessons God continues to teach us.  We want to purposely chose to be wise with what we have been given so we have more opportunities to share with those around us.

  • Song: “7 x 70” by Chris August

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITh9IH1p-ME&feature=related

    Jake and I was able to hear Chris August sing this song at Winter Jam 2011.  Even though everyone’s circumstances are unique we all have past mistakes, guilt, and hurt in our lives.  There were two simple phrases from the song that stood out to me that night  “I thought the pain was here to stay, but forgiveness made a way” and  “I forgive you”.  We often hold onto the past or struggle with the present.  As humans we will make mistakes every day and hurt the people we love.  I am thankful that we the opportunity to forgive and be forgiven so we can allow God heal the wounds in our lives.