Books

  • 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!

  • 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!
     

  • Book: “The Grasshopper Trap” by Patrick McManus

    The girls love it when we have a few extra minutes in the evening to read to them.  This past year we started reading more “chapter” books to them, however, sometimes Jake reads to them and other nights I am the one reading to them.  We each picked out the book that we are currently reading to the girls.  I am reading a horse book but Jake picked out The Grasshopper Trap by Patrick McManus.  The nice part about Patrick McManus’s books is each chapter is a short story and they are hilarious.  Many times all four of us are laughing at the silliness.  It is a great way to wind down, laugh a little, and relax together after a busy day.

    This book is also perfect to read on camping trips.  A few of the stories the girls really enjoyed were “The Skunk Ladder”, “The Grasshopper Trap”, “The Human Fuel Pump”, and “Mean Tents”.  The book we have is the older version with the red cover but the contents are still the same.  If you like outdoor adventures and funny short stories this is a great book to check out.

  • Free Audio Book: “The Brotherhood” by Jerry B. Jenkins

    For the month of September Christian Audio is offering a free download of an audio book .  This month the audio book is The Brotherhood by Jerry B. Jenkins.

    Boone Drake follows all the rules – as a cop, husband and father. But when everything in his personal life is destroyed, he buries himself in guilt. His faith is rocked when he questions why God would allow this to happen to him. When it appears that it can’t get any worse, he’s accused of police brutality and suddenly his career is at risk. The possibility of being promoted to the Organized Crime Division is slipping from his hands. His life is spiraling out of control. But while protecting the leader of a Chicago gang, Boone comes to realize that God can change the hardest heart…and forgive the worst of crimes.    (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 September.   Make sure to submit your order by September 30, 2012  to get your free audio book.  Thanks Christian Audio!

  • Book – “Charleston, SC: Cool Stuff Every Kid Should Know” by Kate Boehm Jerome

     

    On our last trip to Charleston, South Carolina we picked up a fun book to read with the kids during our stay called  Charleston, SC: Cool Stuff Every Kid Should Know by Kate Boehm Jerome.  The book is short, sweet, and entertaining.  The first section of the book is on Charleston, but the rest of the book talks about the state of South Carolina.  We enjoyed it because it highlighted one of our favorite places to visit Charleston and it gave even more details about our state.  The only drawback is if you are looking for a book only on Charleston this has parts that cover other areas of South Carolina as well.  The book is only 30 pages long but it does have some neat tidbits about Charleston and South Carolina with colorful pictures.

    Another awesome book that I highly recommend on Charleston is the Very Charleston: A Celebration of History, Culture, and Lowcountry Charm by Diana Hollingsworth Gessler.

  • Travel & Vacation: Little Gifts of Love (part 2)

    A package of candy buttons for each girl hanging up on the towel rack

    Two Cabbage Patch Kids Books

    I left two Cabbage Patch books standing up on our dresser for the kids to find.  The note says:

    Be good! 

    Have Fun!

    Obey Grandma!

    I love you so very much!

    Love,

    Mom

    Writing books for the kids

    On the computer desk I left two writing books so the girls could take the time to practice writing their letters neater.  The note read:

    Brina (or Karlie) – Work on your letters! Love you, Mommy

    Two surprise books waiting for the girls in the storage room

    In the storage room I left two books for the girls to read:

    Note reads:   Brina and Karlie, These books are to remind you that your Dad & I love you very much.  We look forward to seeing you soon. Love, Mom

    Heart and flower shaped marshmallows

    I left the girls a package of pink and white hearts and flower marshmallows.  They loved eating these delicious treats.

    A couple new books for the kids

    Note reads:  Brina Bee!  have fun and enjoy your time with Grandma! Look out for Karlie, Skipper, Shipwreck and OverBoard! – Mom  (Karlie had one as well but it fell off the book.)

    I Wonder Why Books little gifts for the girls

    Note reads:  Karlie & Brina, I saw these books and thought of you.  Hope you learn lots and do well in school!  Hugs and Kisses coming your way.  – Mom

    Left these books for the girls.  They love them and enjoy learning about various facts.  Books are one of the girls favorite goodies!

     

  • Travel & Vacation: Little Gifts of Love

     Our girls love horses!

    When I travel or am away from the girls for more than 24 hours I try to do something special for them.  Many times I write a note and put it on their car seat or pillow or a place I know they will see.  However, when I go on longer trips or happen to be away for several days I try to leave little gifts of love to remind them that I am thinking about them even while I am gone.

    I left this Horses! by Kathy Wilmore book for them to read while I was away on a trip earlier this year.  On the book was a bright orange flower sticky note that said:

    Brina and Karlie,  This is a book that both of you will enjoy about horses!  I love you and think about you everyday.  Looking forward to showing you pictures of our trip. Love , Mom

    I wrote the note following the circle shape of the flower so the girls thought it was fun to spin the note as they read it.  They love this book and pull it out often to look at.

    Ice cream cone bubble gum holder!

    Two little ice cream cone bubble gum holders were left hanging off the piano for the girls to find.  Another little gift of love and special treat for my sweet girls.

    Easy craft gift of love left for the girls – Pooh Paint with Water Book

    I found this Pooh Paint with book at Goodwill for 25 cents so I picked it up for the girls.  It was a great simple craft that didn’t make a huge mess for those watching the girls while we were away.  The yellow heart note reads:

    Brina and Karlie, Here’s a “fun” water painting book for you to enjoy while we are away! Love, Mom

    Each girl got a cool new cup with a note inside

    One of the little gifts of love I have done is get them a cute cup with a note inside for each girl.  This is a picture of one of the cups I gave them this year.  They both still use these cups.  The notes inside read:

    I LOVE YOU KARLIE KOOL KAT!!!

    I LOVE YOU BRINA BEE BEE!!!

    Little bucket full of goodies

    I hung one cute little bucket with a necklace, silly bands,  a popup balloon message and a note on each of the girls dressers.  The girls still have those buckets on top of their dressers full of items that mean something to them.  It was a lot of fun putting these together for girls.

    God gives us Courage book

    On Karlie’s pillow I pick a book called God Gives Us Courage.  In the note I wrote:

    Karlie, I know how you love books.  Here’s a new one for you.  Remember God is always with you and we are praying for you! Love, Mom

    Book – God Gives You Patience

    On Brina’s pillow I put a book called God Gives You Patience.  Her green heart sticky note said:

    Brina since you enjoy books here’s a new one for you!  Remember God love you and we are praying for you everyday! Love, Mom

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

     This past week the girls started school again and yes Mommy shed a few tears.  I had a blast with the girls this summer, it went by too fast (my babies are growing up).  They both were excited about starting school and had a great first week.  I was able to go on a “big” girls weekend away trip to hear Beth Moore speak in Charleston.  Thankful for the opportunity to get away with friends and be refreshed spiritually.  Thank you Jake for watching the girls while I was away this weekend, your the best.

    Last week’s goals:

    Family Goals

    1. Read regularly to the girls and have them read to me
    2. Participate in at least 2 fun Summer Activities with the Kids – we squeezed in a couple more before school began
    3. Girls Packed and Ready to Start School on Tuesday
    4. Get into the School Routine – its started but not sure if we are completely adjusted yet, ha

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. Attend a Beth Moore Conference with friends – great weekend trip!

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu & Schedule planned out for the week – got it planned out but had a make a couple alterations during the week
    3. Prep for my Fall Organizational Schedule – it was a crazy busy week didn’t get it done
    4. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Prep for upcoming Alms & Legs Meeting

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4 – went over budget as I stocked up on school lunch food
    2. Emergency Fund – save 6 months worth of living expenses – on hold
    3. Car Fund – save money for another vehicle to replace the one that was totaled – we found a car! WooHoo!!!!
    4. College Fund – put cash aside for 1 year of Jake’s College Classes – on hold temporarily

    My goals for the upcoming week:

    Family Goals

    1. Read regularly to the girls and have them read to me
    2. Greenville Drive Baseball Game with Family
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    4. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    5. Doctor Appointments
    6. After School Activities
    7. ENT Surgery & Recovery

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. Finish reading Our Boys by Joe Drape – I started this one a couple years ago and never finished so starting over.  It’s about the Smith Center, Kansas football team (it has been interesting reading the book so far because I know some of the people in it since my parents live near Smith Center)

    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. Prep for my Fall Organizational Schedule
    4. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    3. Get caught up on blog items

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out  Alms & Legs Team Meeting Notes

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Payoff the Van

    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.