eBook

  • Book: “More Than Enough” by Dave Ramsey

    On a recent trip I read the book More Than Enough by Dave Ramsey. I have read a couple other of Dave’s books and have enjoyed them.  This book is geared more towards self improvement and motivation.  Dave emphasizes the importance of being content and living an ethical life.  While this book does discuss money it’s primary focus is how finances relates to your spouse, children, work and every other area of your life.  The book makes us pause and reflect on our character, values, discipline, and how we interact with those around us.  Some of the areas discussed:

    • Discipline
    • Goal Setting
    • Values
    • Accountability
    • Patience
    • Generosity (both time & resources)

    Even though this book was a little different from Total Money Makeover I believe it contains some key components to having a successful life.   Having all the money in the world isn’t much if we are not content or don’t have someone to share it with.  As with anything we can find ourselves being too extreme when it comes to finances (too frugal or too loose with money).  I like how he ties it all together and builds on the importance of family, goal setting, values, generosity, and finding contentment beyond our finances.

    Also, included at the end of each chapter in this book are Thoughts from Sharon which is a paragraph or two from Dave’s wife and her insights regarding the topic that was discussed.  In the appendix of the book there are several financial worksheets that you can use to help you get started with your finances.

     

  • Book: “Dash” by J. Elizabeth Mills

    Even though our girls are twins they have very different personalities.  One of the few things they have in common is their love of horses!  Both of them absolutely love anything about horses.  Lately I have been noticing that more and more horse books have been pulled off the shelf to read and when we go to the used book store they are always on the look out for new “horse” books.

    The other day I noticed that Karlie had been carrying this Scholastic book Dash by J. Elizabeth Mills around for several days and reading it over and over.  I asked if she would be willing to read the book to me and she did!  It is still hard to believe that my girls are old enough to be reading me books.  Granted this one isn’t a huge book but it does have four short chapters.

    The story is about a little girl named Jenny who wants to participate in a barrel racing competition.  She and her horse Dash train really hard for the big day.  Both of our girls love this book.  If your child loves horses and is starting to read independently this would be a great book to add to your library.

  • Free Audio Book: “Hearing God” by Dallas Willard

    For the month of June Christian Audio is offering a free download of an audio book .  This month the audio book is Hearing God by Dallas Willard.

    Being close to God means communicating with him–telling him what is on our hearts in prayer and hearing and understanding what he is saying to us. It is this second half of our conversation with God that is so important but that can also be so difficult. How do we hear his voice? How can we be sure that what we think we hear is not our own subconscious? What role does the Bible play? What if what God says to us is not clear?  (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 June.   Make sure to submit your order by June 30, 2012  to get your free audio book.  Thanks Christian Audio!

  • Book: “Gregory the Terrible Eater” by Mitchell Sharmat

    Brina and Karlie recently received Gregory the Terrible Eater by Mitchell Sharmat from Uncle Paul, Aunt Mirm, Noah, Noelle and Nadia.  The girls loved reading about Gregory the goat.   Gregory’s parents were concerned because he wanted to eat eggs, vegetables, fruit, and fish when “normal” goats eat tin cans, tires, boxes, clothes, and other garbage.  His parents take him to see Doctor Ram to find out how to help Gregory eat more like a goat.  This is a silly story that makes our girls laugh. If your kid like animals or have spent some time around goats they will probably enjoy reading this story as well.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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!