She's Got the Wrong Guy Review (Litfuse)

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I read She's Got the Wrong Guy, IWhy Smart Women Settle)in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book was written by Deepak Reju. The book is Christian-based. Reju discusses how dating is harder for single, intelligent, Christian women.

For me, I was impressed with the title. I have limited dating experiences. I never been big on dating and relationships. I started late in life dating. I focused on grades to achieve my goals to moving as far from Texas as possible, in order to have a life (ended up moving back in 2010. I  married my first boyfriend, even though I saw red flags. I was in college at the time (for the wrong reasons. not the right school for me), when I met him. We got married less than two years later after we married.

The next and last boyfriend, I had was in 2006. The relationship lasted a month or so. I met him, leaving work. He was going in to work and I was on my way to the bus stop to go home. What stood out about him was he was wearing a suit to go clean a stadium.

I just don't grasp the ins and outs of dating. I want to date. I want to be married again one day, but I want to do things the right way. From my limited dating experiences and my former promiscous life, I have seen many red flags, I don't want in my next relationship.

I have noticed not many men want to date a celibate woman, nor do many want to date the promiscuous woman. Many want the option of sex if I decide to enter into a relationship. Even with celibacy, everyone has a different definition. I have talked to "celibate" men, who still wanted the option of sexual activity without the penetration. Reju does a good job explaining how sex has become prevalent in today's society. Even Christians struggle with promiscuity and pornography.

Reju also discusses how women settle for men because they want marriage or motherhood. Women accept red flags to achieve goals. Women also stay in settled relationships, even when the relationship isn't working.  From dating non-believers to dating overly flirtatious men, women settle. Settling and ignoring red flags can affect your morals, values, and faith. When I was younger, I was taught co-habitation and premarital sex was wrong. I was raised these things was wrong, yet engaged in them many times. As I got older, I had to pay for the consequences of my actions, including a more jaded personality. I can sense a red flag approaching and try to shut it down quick. It's like I heard and seen this before, this is not anything new, go away.

The book is a good read.

You can purchase the book using the link above in Kindle and Paperback format.

The Good Book Book Review (Litfuse)

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I received The Good Book by Devin Spoo with a foreward by Kyle Idleman, in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book is a user-friendly guide to understanding each chapter of the bible.

In the introduction, the author discussed how the bible is hard to understand at times, even for advanced readers at times. I know I struggle with certain things in the bible, which is why I downloaded a few translations on both my Kindle and phone to better understand context.

The book has 40 chapters to help people better understand the bible's biggest ideas. The author does provide bible verses in the book.

For example, The author provides the first few verses of Genesis, which describes the first seven days. Then Chapter 1 starts off by focusing on how we are unique and created in God's image. We are priceless. We have value. The author says we don't need to know the exact date, we was created or the age of the universe, but God did not mention the dates in the bible.

You can purchase the book using the link above. The book is available in Kindle and Hardcover format. The book is prime-eligible.

The Joy of Letting Go Review (Litfuse)

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I read the Joy of Letting Go in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book was written by Vicki Caruana. The book is Christian-based, parenting devotional.

I wanted this book because I do have a teenager and a toddler and need all the godly parenting help, I can get. The book is about letting our kids go and letting them lead their own lives. I want my kids to be more independent, despite disability, and not rely on me as much, but yet, I have to teach them how to be more independent. If I want the boys to use the toilet more, I have to put them on the toilet. If I want Brad to use soap in the shower, I have to train him to do so.

And I can't complain too much, whenever they try to do something, no matter how chaotic it may go. For example, Kalen is observant, too observant. He has tried to mop, plunge the toilet, and wash dishses based on seeing me do it. Kalen also cleans walls and helps set out dishes for dinner. Kalen is trying to be independent, despite my dislike for water all over the bathroom floor or an overflowing sink of dishwater because he likes the bubbles.

The author also discussed how she raised her kids to be independent, but they live further away from her as adults and reply back to texts days later.

Note: As I am writing this blog post, Bradd wakes up and takes a shower (no soap). After he gets out the tub, he realizes he has pooped and proceeds to wipe his own butt, while I handed him the wipes. Go Brad.





You can purchase the book in Kindle and hardcover format. The book is prime-eligible.

Unchained Book Review (Litfuse)

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I read Unchained by Noel Jesse Heikkinen in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book is Christian-based. The book's subtitle if If Jesus has set us free, why don't we feel free?. Guilt. I am a Christian and I have felt guilt over many things, even years after I asked for forgiveness over and over again.

The author discussed how Christians walk around with heavy chains on, worrying about how many mistakes God is adding up. For me, one of my heavy chains is my sexual past. The author said "there is no joy in sin and I felt trapped." I have felt that way many times after having one sexual encounter after another. I was sexually free, but not truly free with God. Freedom should tell the world you are Christian was one of the most powerful lines in the book.

Another topic, which hit me hard was about prayer schedules and reading the bible. The author discussed how people have good intentions to read the bible and pray every day, but then things get in the way. The idea of reading and praying becomes more important than following Jesus. It is like when I took a bible course on purity years ago. Some days, I forgot to log in, so I tried to double up and triple up the next day. Completing the course became more important than trying to improve my spiritual life. When I did complete the course, I was more happy I finally finished though I barely learned anything.

The author said the problem with man-made rules is the rules place yokes, which require more than the bible commands. The man-made rules changes how we think God feels about us and when we fail, "we don't feel free."

I also liked the section on the law (biblical law, aka the old testament). The author discusses how people place different levels of importance on different laws. Is it a better sin if we steal some paper from work versus robbing a  bank? How important is keeping the Sabbath? When was the last time we truly kept the Sabbath?

The section on the law was my favorite section in the book.

The book has discussion questions at the end of each chapter. The book was an amazing read.

You can purchase the book using the link above. The book comes in Kindle and Hardcover format. The book is prime-eligible.

The Dog Who Was There

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I readThe Dog Who Was There, in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book is Christian-based. I received the ebook version.

About the Book:

No one expected Barley to have an encounter with the Messiah.

He was homeless, hungry, and struggling to survive in first century Jerusalem. Most surprisingly, he was a dog. But through Barley's eyes, the story of a teacher from Galilee comes alive in a way we've never experienced before.

Barley's story begins in the home of a compassionate woodcarver and his wife who find Barley as an abandoned, nearly-drowned pup. Tales of a special teacher from Galilee are reaching their tiny village, but when life suddenly changes again for Barley, he carries the lessons of forgiveness and love out of the woodcarver's home and through the dangerous roads of Roman-occupied Judea.

On the outskirts of Jerusalem, Barley meets a homeless man and petty criminal named Samid. Together, Barley and his unlikely new master experience fresh struggles and new revelations. Soon Barley is swept up into the current of history, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with the truest master of all as he bears witness to the greatest story ever told.

About the Author:

Ron Marasco is a professor in the College of Communication and Fine Arts at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. His first book, "Notes to an Actor," was named by the American Library Association an Outstanding Book of 2008. His second book, "About Grief," has been translated into multiple languages, and he is currently completing a book on Shakespeare's sonnets.

He has acted extensively on TV-from "Lost" to "West Wing" to "Entourage" to originating the role of Mr. Casper on "Freaks and Geeks"-and appeared opposite screen legend Kirk Douglas in the movie "Illusion," for which he also wrote the screenplay. Most recently, he has played the recurring role of Judge Grove on "Major Crimes." He has a BA from Fordham at Lincoln Center and an MA and Ph. D. from UCLA.

Find out more about Ron at http://www.thomasnelson.com/the-dog-who-was-there.

My Review: 

I loved the book and the angle of how the book is told through the eyes of a dog. The book was well written and detailed. The beginning for example, described the house, Barley and his owners (Duv and Adah, an older couple) lived in, from the low ceiling, one window, and the one room house. The author described the road and atmosphere. The author also described some of the daily chores, Adah and Duv did.  The beginning set the atmosphere for the rest of the book. Barley was a happy, observant dog. The story was set in the city of Jerusalem.

I also liked how the author described Duv's woodcarving process of birds. The book starts off slow. The author describes many things, more than what I discussed above. He set each scene beautifully. If you have a kindle or a reader, which has a text-to-speech option, the book is a great listen.

One powerful scene was Barley's nightmare scene. It was graphic and made you feel like you was there. I was glad when the scene was over.

You can purchase the book here. The book comes in Kindle, paperback, hardback, mp3 cd, and audible format. The book is prime-eligible. 

40 Days of Motherhood by Sarah Humphey Review (Litfuse)

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I received 40 days of Motherhood by Sarah Humphrey, in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book is part devotional and part adult coloring book.

Depending on the medium used, inks from gel pens can bleed through the devotional on the next page. Some pens do not bleed through but you can see the colors thru the other side, as you read the devotional.

I wanted this book because I need more Jesus in my life and I love adult coloring books. I thought the book was a great concept. You are encouraged each day and you have an image to color as well.

 I do like how the author poses questions on the devotional and you have enough space to write them out on the devotional side. The coloring side also can be interactive such as one of the pages says "hello my name is" and you have blank space to creatively write your name.

You can purchase the book using the link above. The book is prime-eligible.

Jesus and the Beanstalk Review (Litfuse)

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I read Jesus and the Beanstalk by Lori Stanley Roseleveld, in exchange for honest review. I was provided a paperback copy of the book. The book has Christian themes.

The book discusses how we can use our strengths i.e. our fruits of the spirit, our spiritual gifts to help overcome challenges. The book uses Jack and the Beanstalk as context to help us. Even the chapter titles reference back to Jack.

We are surrounded by giants. My giants include a recent move and learning to live alone with kids. My giant is parenting special needs kids. The giants wantt to conquer us, but in the bible, God equipped the smallest people with the right tools to defeat the giants. With David, it took a few rocks to defeat his Goliath. The giant thought he would win the battle but he was no match for God.

The author also discusses why we are not seen as giant killers. Reasons include lack faith and material want. We crave more than what God has already given us. We have to change our attitudes and behaviors to experience spiritual growth.

You can purchase the book using the link above. The book comes in paperback and kindle format.,

Finding God in the Ruins Review and Book Tour (Litfuse)

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About the Book

If God is love, why do we hurt so much?

When the reality of your pain doesn't line up with what you've been taught in church, then what?

While many abandon their faith or embrace hopelessness, it is possible to discover the God who heals your heart in the midst of the pain.

Matt Bays has been where you are. His unforgettable stories of loss and healing will usher you into a life where gratitude overpowers anger, hope overcomes despair, and hunger for God replaces indifference to God. With a fresh and original writing style, Bays demonstrates that true redemption is far more powerful than the temporary fixes of sanitized Christianity.

About the Author

Matt Bays is a writer, speaker, and musician with a passion to call people out of their hiding places. In ministry for twenty years, he and his wife, Heather, live in Indianapolis with their fun-loving and insightful teenage daughters.

My Review

I read Finding God in the Ruins in exchange for honest review. The book was written by Matt Bays. The book is about finding God, even when your life is a mess. I know my life is a mess. I spend days trying to diffuse multiple meltdowns from one kid, while making sure the other kid doesn't have a seizure or a breath holding spell.

The first thing, which stood out, was when the author discussed redemption. The author said redemption has been misunderstood by Christianity. The book defined redemption (from a Christianity standpoint) as "A state of existence where The Faithful to God receive what they expect to receive out of life (and out of God), and what ails them is converted into something fresh and new (Getting the desires of one's heart)."

The author said approaching redemption from this standpoint sets us up for failure. It affects our relationship with God because we may want redemption to get what we want from God, instead of developing a stronger relationship with God. The author also discussed how some people think God owes them for good works/good behavior because we are chosen by God. When God doesn't do what we want, we get frustrated and disillusioned by God and Christianity. Things do not always go according to our plan.

You can purchase the book in Kindle, paperback, audio, and audio cd format, using the link above. 

Social Media

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Synced Book Review and Tour (LitFuse)

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Are you living a synced life, connected to the heart of Jesus the same way He lived synced to the Father? Get ready to be challenged in Jennifer Kennedy Dean's new book, Synced. What was the secret to Jesus’ life of power? How do we see His life of power emanating from His life of prayer? How do we see Jesus walking in a flow of power as He found Himself in the right place at the right time with the right resources? See what the Scripture has to show us about living connected to the heart of Jesus, and hear from present-day believers who have experienced the power of living synced.

Join Jennifer in celebrating the release of Synced with a blog tour and a Kindle Fire HD 6 giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Synced
• A Kindle Fire HD 6

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on March 25th. The winner will be announced March 28th on Jennifer's blog.

My Review

I read Synced by Jennifer Kennedy Dean,  in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book teaches us how to sync into Jesus just like he was to his father. Jesus's focus was on fulfilling the father's will. He didn't do anything, which took away from his purpose. Jesuss "made a choice to surrender", even at the cross.

The book said man has natural desires in our heart, but we should still submit to the will of the father. One way Jesus stayed synced to the Father was in prayer. Jesus prayed alone and he prayed in public. He welcomed others to pray with him, even during his final moments. Jesus also taught others how to pray. Jesus lived a prayerful life. He didn't pray only during the bad times or when it was convenient. The author provides some good information about how to pray and how to live a praying life.

Next, Jesus was also obedient without any hesistation. There has been plenty of times, where I strugged to be obedient. The flesh won over the spirit many times and I regreted it.

The book was an excellent read.


You can purchase the book using the link above. The book is available in Kindle and Paperback format.

God, me, and Sweet Iced Tea Review (Litfuse)

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I received God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments, in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book was written by Rose Chandler Johnson. The book is a Christian-based devotional/study guide.

In each chapter, you have a devotional, followed by questions for reflection. The author does provide a few lines to write down your answers in.

In the first chapter, the author discusses how we need to taste God to see how good he is. Then, you have suggested readings, such as Psalm 145:7 and Nahum 1:7. You also will answer the questions, followed by prayer, a sweet moment, and a prayer focus.

One of the first questions is Why do you think chefs always taste the food they prepared?

Each chapter is a 1-2 pages long.

The book is a good devotional. I love the short format, great for when you have a few minutes of downtime. I did a devotional the other day, while sitting in the WIC office, waiting for recertification.

Other chapters, which I need to focus on is the one about stopping complaining; actions speak louder than words; obedience is better than sacrifice, and a perfect peace.

You can purchase the book, using the link above. The book is prime eligible. The book comes in Paperback and Kindle format.

How many times do I have to tell you? Book review (Litfuse)

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I received How Many Times Do I Have to Tell You?: What God wants us to hear when we talk to our kids, in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book is written by Rachael Carman. I received an advanced reader hardback copy of the book. The book's genre is Christian non-fiction.

About the book (From Media Kit)

How Many Times Do I Have to Tell You? (Apologia Educational Ministries, September 2014) You've probably said these things to your kids, but have you listened to what you're saying? "I remember the day you were born." "Turn down the music!" "This is going to hurt me more than it's going to hurt you." "Hold my hand." Your heavenly Father wants to tell you many of these same things. Rachael Carman knows how noisy it can be when you're raising children---she has seven! But this lovely devotional book will help you to hear God's still, small voice amid the chaos of carpools, cut fingers, and carpet crawlers. You'll learn how to recognize God's instructions for you, even as you seek to follow His example as a parent. About the author: Rachael Carman is an author and speaker for Apologia Educational Ministries. The wife of Davis and the mother of seven children, Rachael challenges parents to live by reckless, obedient faith. As a direct reflection of her heart's desire to encourage, inspire, and celebrate motherhood, Rachael also leads Real Refreshment Retreats, weekend events that energize and invigorate homeschooling mothers with meaningful worship and speakers plus practical encouragement for the homeschool journey. My Review: I wanted to review the book because I loved the title. Even though, I have special needs kids, my kids still do not always listen to me. I am stuck telling them the same things, over and over again, hoping one day, something will stick.  Brad, put on some soap. Go get a diaper. Leave your brother alone. Kalen, this is not a toy. Don't touch that. Don't eat that. Don't go into the bathroom unless you are going to bathe or poo or  I will lock the bathroom down.  The book breaks down the most frequent things parents says to kids and then shows us how to communicate God's love to our kids. The author also presents stories of her childhood and her children. She also ties the story to how God is tied into each story, each parental saying.  For example, one saying is Be Still. I have active kiddies. Kalen loves to climb into my lap, while I am working on the computer and then move around. He wants to climb on my back, my neck, upside down, jumping up and down, and it is irritating. Mama needs her neck muscles to work. Mama don't need to be in a hospital because I don't have that someone to take care of me, let alone my kids, if something serious happens. Carman says that instead of wanting the kids to be still, we (the parents) can be still and observe our kids. We can observe God in motion through our kids. Working on the computer or cleaning can be put aside to spend time with the kids. Social Media: website Twitter Facebook

You can purchase the book on Amazon, using the link above. The book is in Kindle format only.

Becoming a spiritually healthy family review (Litfuse)

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I have received Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family: Avoiding the 6 Dysfunctional Parenting Styles in exchange for honest review from LitFuse.

I wanted to review the book to see what I can learn to apply to my family.

The first part focused on how God is the director of our lives. Whether or not we follow his plan, he is still in control. Chapter two focuses on the six dysfunctional parenting styles.I can be the double minded and i cant say no parent. The book thwn moves into full length discussion on each of the parenting styles.

For example, the double minded parent wants to follow God but struggles with worldy desires. Their lives are filled with anxiety and guilt. Staying in the middle of the road is not completely trusting and following God.

The book also has questions for reflection at the end of each chapter.

You can purchase the book on Amazon in Kindle and paperback format.

Get your Joy Back Book Review (Litfuse)

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I read Get Your Joy Back, in exchange for honest review from Litfuse.  I received a paperback book. The book was written by Laurie Wallin.

The book is about getting your joy back, when you have special needs kids. For those, who don't know, Brad has Autism and ADHD. Kalen has Autism; Global Development Delays; Sensory Processing Disorder; and Static Encephalopathy. Kalen is also anemic and Brad has high cholesterol, inherited from his father. Kalen is also short. On the height and weight scale, Kalen is normal but at the bottom of the normal curve. He used to be underweight. He ate, but his weight would not increase much. Still the same today. After 3 years, Kalen finally hit the 3 ft mark, but still under 30 lbs. For the longest, he was steady at 18 lbs, then 21, and now he stuck at 29 lbs. He is still wearing 12 to 18 month clothes.

I never wanted kids, let alone special needs kids. I never knew the toll it can take on your life, until it happened. The doctors appointments, psych appointments, temper tantrums, seizures, breath holding spells, not fun. The lack of social life because no one wants to take them anywhere or you just extra cautious of who, you bring them around. The loneliness, the anxiety, the heart break. Some days, I am joyless.

Thursday was one of those days.

Last night, Kalen (Midget), had a seizure. I spent about 4-5 hours in the ER. Once again, results came back fine. He and his brother, also had a genetics appointment today. I already knew this would be a bad experience. Brad and Kalen see different doctors in different systems for a reason. Kalen has more health problems and he is a patient at Texas Childrens for neuro and cardio. Brad is more severe with his Autism, so his old doctors was at hospital clinics. If he acts up, he already at a hospital. His latest dr and psych are closer to me, but in the same building for a change.

Since, I called transportation, I had to bring the car seat and stroller. Brad had to carry the car seat, which he left in the food court, while we was waiting on Kalen to pee in a bag, so we can go home. He also started screaming and calling me bitches because he was still hungry. I didn't have enough money to get him full, but something to satisfy him until we got home. Brad slammed doors in the bathroom. Not to mention, he did not let the drs touch him. Plus he got antsy when we was waiting for the ride home. The waiting room has a food cart. Good food, but no money. I called Transpo at 4 pm but they did not arrive until after 5, which was not good for me. At that moment, I wanted a husband or a drivers licence and a car. Once, I got home, after 7 p.m, Brad starts screaming for food, when I wanted peace and quiet and lots of sleep. Glad someone else had cooked. I went to wash clothes, write a few blog posts, and head to bed

The book teaches about letting go of anger and resentment, which I struggle with daily. I have to understand that I am not ok each day. I am tired of doing this special needs parenting alone with little to no physical support. I am sick of Brad screaming each morning because he has to get up and get ready for school. His constant screams because he doesn't care for soap or deodorant. The frustration, I feel, when Kalen bangs or slaps his head, when he doesn't get his way. The lack of sleep some days. Special needs parents have to find joy in the midst of constant chaos.

You can purchase the book on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback. The book is prime-eligible

Mom Seeks God Book Review and Tour (Litfuse)

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I read Mom Seeks God: Practicing Grace in the Chaos, in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. I received a pdf version. The book starts out with Roller discussing her son Ben from birh.


The book is available in Kindle and Paperback format.

My Review

I wanted to review the book because I am a mom, who seeks God. Raising children is  hard work. Raising special needs kids is no picnic. I am constantly asking God for guidance, patience, and understanding. I still have to find time to do homework, clean, and have a few peaceful, quiet, moments to myself. I also need God during moments of chaos such as when Brad acts up at school or when Kalen has a breath holding spell.

Mom Seeks God is a good book to read. Roller discusses the ups and downs of mother hood and how she truly needs God all the time. She talks about not being in control at times of her schedule because the kids can alter plans. You want to do homework and the baby wakes up. You want to clean, but the teenager has a meltdown. Roller also discusses how she found ways to cultivate a relationship with God.

Giveaway:

Mom Seeks God by Julia Roller offers a highly relatable story and useful advice to help new moms grow in their faith as they address life changes with grace, patience, and prayer. As readers discover ten essential faith practices, they’ll learn that motherhood itself is a spiritual discipline and can be God’s most effective technique for forming a more Christ-like life.


Julia is celebrating the book's release with a fun giveaway and connecting with moms during a live Facebook author chat.

 

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• Mom Seeks God by Julia Roller

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 1st. Winner will be announced at "Moms' May Day" Facebook Party on May 1st. Connect with Julia for an encouraging discussion on spiritual discipline and finding joy in the middle of motherhood. Win prizes, connect with other moms, and be inspired.

So grab your copy of Mom Seeks God and join Julia on the evening of May 1st for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 1st!

500 Hats of a Modern Day Woman by Joyce Ellis Book Review (Litfuse)

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About the book (From Litfuse)

In The 500 Hats of a Modern-Day Woman you'll find strength, purpose, and perspective to balance your many roles-and gain insight into the roles of women around you. With honesty, humor, and practicality, Joyce Ellis helps you see how your roles can fit together to make a difference in your world. Questions for reflection or discussion at the end of each chapter make this book suitable for book clubs and small-group Bible studies as well.

About the Author:

Joyce K. Ellis, award-winning author of more than a dozen books, speaks for women's groups and retreats across the country and internationally. She and her husband enjoy reading by lakes and rivers and oceans, and spending time with their grown children and delightful, too-quickly-growing grandchildren. They live in suburban Minneapolis, Minnesota.

My Review

I received 500 Hats of a Modern-Day Woman: Strength for Today's Demanding Role in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. I received a PDF copy of the book. I wanted to read the book because we, as women, wear different hats or roles.

For example, I am a:

• Mother and caregiver
• Daughter
• Sister
• Blogger
• Student Journalist
• Friend
• Confidant
• Woman practicing celibacy
• Crazy woman
• soon to be divorced woman

I have many roles. Some I like. Some I love. Some I disdain. Some I despise. Yet, I still have to take time out and teach the kids something. Take those precious minutes and take a long shower. Read Kalen a page out of  whatever book he brings me. Make sure to give Brad his meds. Wake up in the morning to make sure Brad gets up for school.

I liked the chapter about marriage. Sometimes women get married and don't have a clue what they are getting into. I definitely had no clue. I didn't like being married. Wasn't sure if it was for me. It lost its appeal quickly. We lasted through one session of pre-marital counseling. I was not comfortable telling another human being my problems, especially when the pastor/counselor was my ex's uncle. I am a natural introvert and counseling was painful for me.

Ellis discussed instead of competing with her husband for time and whatever else, she cooperated and helped him along. For example, she said she was not a fan of football. Could not understand her husband's obsession. Then, she decided to cooperate with his interests. She watched games with him. She bought t-shirts for both of them. He also started learning to accommodate her interests. Steve would gather up the kids after church, while Ellis sung in the choir for second service.

Then Ellis discussed one of my biggest joys, biggest frustrations, motherhood. I have another level: special needs motherhood. I never imagined I would have kids, let alone special needs kids. Many night (and days), I wonder why God blessed me with special needs kids. I lack patience. I'm slightly off. I'm anal when it comes to certain things. I don't always like to talk to myself because my kids don't comprehend the words.I definitely was not expecting a 13 year old and a two year old in the same year lol. Some of my latest blessings and let downs included;

1. Kalen learned to say the word NO
2. Kalen learned how to move a chair to get what he wants, including climbing on top of the freezer.
3. Kalen kicked me in the eye last night, while sleep, knocking off my glasses
4. Brad tosses his diapers wherever, instead of the trash bags or diaper pail. 
5. Brad has not had any complaints from school in a few weeks. 

Ellis said mothers need God. We can't do it alone. We need to seek him. Seek out his wisdom. Set limits. Write things down in the calendar (because I will forget).

At the end of each chapter, Ellis provides websites and books for future reference. She also presents discussion questions for personal or small group bible study. What sets the discussion questions apart is many refer back to the bible. Read a verse, then answer the question. I also like the thoughts to ponder. 

500 Hats of a Modern-day Woman Giveaway (Litfuse)

In Joyce K. Ellis' The 500 Hats of a Modern-Day Woman you’ll find strength, purpose, and perspective to balance your many roles—and gain insight into the roles of women around you.


Want a helper for your modern-day journey? Enter to win a Kindle Fire in Joyce's "500 Hats" giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The 500 Hats of a Modern-Day Woman by Joyce K. Ellis
• A Modern-Day woman kit (T-shirt and hat)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 30th. Winner will be announced April 1st on the Litfuse blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by the Litfuse blog on April 1st to see if you won.

Balanced by Tricia Goyer Book Review (Litfuse)

I received the book in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. I wanted to review the book because I am a work at home mom. I am a blogger, author, and grad student. I also have two SPED boys. As much as  I try to stay organized, I still feel disorganized and forgetful at times. I also like how the book is Christian-based.

Throughout the book, Goyer offers chances to pause and reflect on topics.

Goyer discusses scheduling and prioritizing, but most importantly she discussed submitting to God's will for your life. In the midst of screaming kids, we still have to find time to serve and praise God.

About the Book: (from Litfuse)

Balanced: Finding Center as a Work-at-Home Mom

How can a work-at-home mom raise kids, juggle a career and take care of family responsibilities with only 24-hour days? Working at home while raising kids and juggling a career and family responsibilities is no easy feat. Author and homeschooling mom Tricia Goyer shares her tips for finding balance among all your many hats as a mom. Balancing is a process and a journey, one that Tricia herself has yet to perfect. But between writing more than forty books, raising and homeschooling six kids, being a wife, and being active in her community, she has amassed valuable tips she shares in “Balanced.”

The book includes tips on:
—how to create focus themes for your family
—how to prioritize your schedule
—how to utilize your job so it also benefits your kids
—how to keep yourself out of the comparison game
—how to make working at home work for you
—and much more!

Purchase a copy, get a free downloadable workbook, and learn more at Tricia’s website.

About Tricia Goyer (from Litfuse)

USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and “Lead Your Family Like Jesus,” (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children.

Find out more about Tricia at http://triciagoyer.com.

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Real Women Leading Book Review, Tour, and Giveaway (LitFuse)

This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

I read Real Women: Leading with Proverbs 31 Values
in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book was written by Lisa Troyer and Dawn Yoder. I received a paperback of the book.

About the book:

Today's marketplace is not always a "values-friendly" environment. Business leaders Lisa Troyer andDawn Yoder show you that you can live and thrive in a "valueless" workplace when you live by biblical values and principles.

Real Women: Leading with Proverbs 31 Values is a must-have leadership resource for today's Christian woman. Written bywomen in the marketplace, RealWomen cultivates biblical truth, credible relationship development, and practical application into everyday life through ten foundational principles. Once women embrace these ten principles, they will soon discover the multiple attributes of the Proverbs 31 woman in today's marketplace and learn practical ways to implement the wisdom from that timeless Scripture passage.

Women will be encouraged to develop their God-given gifts and talents in the marketplace as they live out the principles that invite others to embrace the equality-inspiring values they live by. Knowing that we are not the end users of the gospel message, the Proverbs 31 leader will find the initiative to inspire the upcoming generation to view womanhood as a gift and continue the learning process that will impact generations to come.

About the Authors:

Lisa Troyer Sometimes referred to by friends as the "singing executive," wife, mom, radio personality, recording artist, speaker, and author. Her Circle of Friends women's outreach, formed over a decade ago, is growing in all directions. Lisa uses her gift of encouragement, her influence, and her resources to open doors for women to discover their significance and belonging. She and her family currently live in Ohio.

Learn more about Lisa at: http://www.lisatroyer.com

Dawn Yoder is passionate about developing people to discover their strengths and reach their leadership potential. As CEO of a 500-plus employee company, she seeks to bring values and principle-based thinking into all aspects of society through a round table environment. Dawn is a member of the John Maxwell coaching team, an international trainer, a speaker with the Circle of Friends ministry, a contributing writer, a songwriter, and a frequent worship leader. She and her husband, Jeff, have been married for more than 20 years and have four children.

Learn more about Dawn at: http://dawnyoder.com

My Review

I wanted to read the book to learn about Christian woman leadership. The book also references the Proverbs 31 woman, who was truly superwoman. 

Proverbs 31: 10-31

10 

The book teaches 10 principals to help women:

1. Value of understanding people
2. Value of forgiveness
3. Value of responsibility
4. Value of resolving conflict
5. Value of restraint
6. Value of honesty
7. Value of planning
8. Value of generosity
9. Value of Influence
10. Value of Attitude

Each chapter discusses a value, in addition to discussing a woman from the bible.

I am definitely not a P31 woman. I have been married before, but I don't think I was a good wife. I wasn't always supportive. I didn't always have the write attitude and I definitely did not understand people. Getting married at 19 was not a good idea for me.

Some of the things I liked about the book was speaking with purpose. Meeting someone at their needs to get to know them better. Something simple as a glass of water can strike up a conversation. Learning how to talk to people, the right way, without offending them all the time. Developing empathy (something I definitely need to do in ALL situations). 

The book also has discussion questions throughout the book. The book also has action steps with room to write down thoughts. 

The book is available on Kindle and Physical format. 

Giveaway

Real Women Leading: With Proverbs 31 Values is a must-have leadership resource for today’s Christian woman. Lisa Troyer and Dawn Yoder are celebrating the release of their book with an iPad Mini giveaway and a Facebook "Leading with Values" author chat event on March 20th.

One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• Real Women Leading by Lisa Troyer and Dawn Yoder

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 20th. Winner will be announced at "Leading with Values" Facebook Party on March 20th. Connect with Lisa and Dawn for an encouraging discussion on how we can lead (at home and in the workplace) effectively and with biblical values. Win prizes, connect with other leaders, and be inspired.

So grab your copy of Real Women Leading and join Lisa and Dawn on the evening of March 20th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!