Are you overwhelmed by your household responsibilities? Ever been frustrated by your discipline system? Feel like you could use a rest?
Category Archives: Prayer
Are You Weary?
I know this post will be a bit different for Autism Awareness Month, but I really feel like there are people out there who need what I needed. Encouragement. Strength. Hope.
Encouraging Moments E-zine Review
This is one of my all-time favorite pictures of my boys and me. Aren’t they cute? Don’t I look like a happy homemaker with her two happy boys?
Fast-forward two years. I’m now a Gabby Mom, and I’m supposed to review products for Eternal Encouragement magazine. This month, I am excited to review Lorrie Flem’s FREE e-zine. I sit down at the computer, open my email, “Get off me! Mom, HE HIT ME!” *sigh* Go smooth over sibling issue.
Sit down at computer. Look at screen. I LOVE the design, so welcoming and peaceful! SCREAMING. *sigh* Rescue little brother.
Sit down in front of computer, nerves now frazzled, start reading about Drastic Discount Days and a special deal on a bundle that would help my mornings be calm. Oh, that sounds good! WATER SPILLED ALL OVER TABLE. *sigh* Clean up mess, try to be patient, sit down again.
Click “play” on Chick Flicks for Moms video and try to concentrate on Lorrie as she shares from her heart. “MOOOOMMMMM!” *sigh, sigh, sigh!* Decide to try again another day.
I am not kidding. That’s how this month’s review process started! Let’s just say that I was not feeling all sunny and happy like the picture of us at the zoo. Now you know I’m knee-deep into messy parenting just like the rest of you! Needless to say, it took me a few sittings to browse the e-zine and benefit fully.
Ironically, the e-zine’s tag line is “Our Moments Are Short and Sweet.” And they are. The publishers just weren’t including all the interruptions from my autistic son and his little brother! You truly can sit down for a short break and get some quick encouragement when you browse Lorrie’s Encouraging Moments E-zine. Plus, it’s FREE!
When I finally had quiet moments, I read a valuable reminder to pray for my husband and thus strengthen my marriage. There was even a 31-Day Plan included! Then I marvelled at another woman’s accomplishments as she shared how she helped her family by sticking to a budget. Finally, I found out what’s been going on at the Eternal Encouragement Facebook page!
If you’d like a 10-15 minute coffee break delivered to your email inbox each week, follow this link: www.homemakingwithTEACH.com . When you get there, you will see a spot on the right-hand side near the top that allows you to sign up for the FREE e-zine. Fill out the form, and, voila! Next Thursday you’ll have some encouragement waiting for you. I know I’m looking forward to it!
If you missed my first Gabby Mom review, click here to read about True Treasures!
Disclaimer: I am reviewing Encouraging Moments as an official member of The Gabby Moms blogging program for Eternal Encouragement magazine. I did not receive compensation for this post and all opinions are solely my own.
True Treasures: A Gabby Moms Book Review
Today I get to share with you my first review as a Gabby Mom, a product-review blogger for TEACH magazine, now changed to Eternal Encouragement. Eternal Encouragement sent me a copy of True Treasures: 10 Years of TEACH Magazine. It arrived wrapped in a cute tulle bow. I was so impressed. However, I have to warn you.
Ten Warnings about
True Treasures: 10 Years of TEACH Magazine
True Treasures is written with real women in mind. I laughed when the writers referred to “super mom” and “the perfect mom”. We all know deep down in our hearts she doesn’t exist, but we all feel the pressure to be like her! You will smile when you read about women reaching out to other people and sharing how they did it. You may even laugh at yourself when you read what these other women have done that has not worked so well, knowing you’ve done the same.
True Treasures is magazine-sized with a deceptively plain dark blue and gold cover with a female silhouette. The cover has an almost-Victorian feel to it. You almost expect the contents to be fluffy and cutesy. However, inside you will find over 100 pages of meaty content that has been written in the twenty-first century.
If you are a people-pleasing rule-follower, or you can’t make decisions, it’s ok. You can still read from front to back to ease your mind. However, when you consider that True Treasures contains sections on Christian living, marriage, homemaking, parenting, and home schooling, you see the dilemma. One day you may want to read how an author structures her day of teaching school. Another day you may decide you need some tips on making your home run more smoothly. Still another day you may be looking for a way to improve your marriage. Aha! You skipped around in this content-rich book!
I have a confession. When I pick up a book where women are giving me advice or recommendations, I sometimes feel like they are better than I am. True Treasures is quite the opposite. The authors are very transparent. They share their own struggles, and this adds a sense of credibility to their writing. For example, one lady tells about her own battle with depression, while another admits planning is not her forte.
The only thing I don’t like about True Treasures is that most of it is in small font. Allow me to explain why. Lorrie Flem asked Donna Venning to help her narrow ten years of TEACH magazine, fifty issues, down to one book. To pack so many articles into one book, they had to use a small font. They also wanted women to be able to sit down and read one or two pages at a time and get something useful immediately, which also requires the smaller font.
Depending on the day, you may need to wear steel-toed boots when you read True Treasures. Your proverbial toes may get stepped on. Remember, the authors are trying to help us become our best. They will challenge you to improve your weak areas, like a good friend who knows when you need a little prodding.
One of the things I like most about True Treasures is that it starts and ends with chapters about biblical living. Lorie Flem recognizes that before we can have a hospitable home, a fantastic marriage, and a happy family, we must first focus on our spiritual lives. Having our priorities in the right order makes our lives better.
10 Years of TEACH is not what I call a “fluff book.” It is a book for your heart and mind. These women are going to stretch you and prompt you to consider what is important for you and your family, not what others think is important for you.
With the aforementioned transparency comes encouragement that yes, you can do it! You can have a welcoming home. You can be a loving mom. You can build a strong marriage. You can do all of these, and not be frazzled! It’s as if the authors are saying, “You can do it, and we’re here to help you and cheer you on!”
When you pick up True Treasures, you can flip through it and find suggestions you can use immediately. Frustrated with parenting? Read how another mom successfully deals with whining. Need an idea so you can cut down on clutter in your home NOW? Discover one way a mom of 14 does it! In addition to suggestions you can use right away, there is a super easy breakfast recipe tucked in True Treasure’s pages, a list of Bible verses to pray for your children, and a compilation of freebie websites!
So, now you’ve been warned. I think True Treasures would be a fantastic book for a bunch of girlfriends or Bible study group to work through together. There isn’t a study guide, but there is plenty to discuss!
I invite you to stop over at TheGabbyMoms.com to see what other ladies thought of True Treasures: 10 Years of TEACH Magazine. The Head Mama’s son was in the hospital with a ruptured appendix last week, so you can pray for her as she helps him and finishes working on the Gabby Moms site.As a Gabby Mom, I have earned a benefit for you, my readers! Use the code GabbyMom to receive $4 off your purchase when you order your own copy of True Treasures: 10 Years of TEACH Magazine! (One discount per customer, please. Expires May 31, 2011.) Enjoy!
I received this product for honest review from TEACH Magazine. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Lessons Learned at Bedtime
Last night I said my bedtime prayers. Not the kind you’re thinking of, though. Continue reading
