Welcome to my weekly Sunday post where we take a break from money-related posts and I share about what I’m loving right now and give you a little peek into our life from the past week.
So, this was a bit of a rough week. I tried out something new in regards to our schedule (exercising and showering in the late afternoon/evening instead of the morning like I’ve done for most all my life) and it sort of flopped on its head and I felt out of sorts most all of the week. But hey, you never know if something will work if you don’t try it, right?
We also declared this week a Screen-Free Week at our house for the kids… because watching movies or playing on devices was becoming too much of a default.
The first 24 hours are always a bit rough, but it’s amazing how creative they become after we make it through the initial boredom and whining!
Silas said this afternoon, “Remember that peanut butter apple dip you used to make? I wish you could make it again!” I realized we happened to have all of the ingredients, so I suggested he make it.
A little oversight and 25 minutes later, this boy had made some apple dip for dinner. And he was beaming with pride at doing it almost entirely himself! (Note: Here’s the Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Apple Dip recipe in case you are interested.)
I think this Screen-Free thing might be sticking around for longer than a week!! I can’t believe how much calmer and happier and industrious everyone has been this week as a result!
(Note: Our only exception to the Screen-Free declaration is for family movies/shows watched together. We love to watch 1-2 movies/shows together each week and we decided we’d continue to allow that this week!)
Then, I ended up coming down with some sort of sickness mid-week (congestion, fever, headache) that decided to hang around for a few days).
In all honesty, I struggle with frustration when I’m sick. I don’t like to be down and out. I don’t like to be needy.
I used to get sick almost every month because I wasn’t taking care of myself and was running myself ragged. Now, I’m so much healthier, but anytime I do get sick, I start hyper-analyzing my life and wondering if I’m overdoing it.
I’m trying to remind myself that sometimes — despite your best efforts — you just get sick. It’s okay. Don’t stress over it. Just let yourself be grateful that you can cancel and rearrange some things in order to rest. And then just truly rest.
What I’m Loving
Having a rough day? Or feeling a little on edge?
I have fallen in love with these Calm-a-Mama products!! And they really do seem to work!
They are made with herbs and flower essences and taste and smell great! You just take a few drops when you need a little pick me up!
Funny story: I was having a rough day the other day and someone close to me (who shall remain nameless!) helpfully suggested I just try drinking the whole bottle of one of these! 😉
(A big thank you to Megan Tietz from Sorta Awesome for recommending these! I got mine from Amazon. Here’s the link. You can also read more about them directly on the company’s website.)
What I’m Reading
So. I’m going through tell you something I never thought I’d say again: I’m writing another book.
Yup. For real.
After my 3rd book launched, I felt like there was a good chance I’d never write another book. I was all “book-marketed” out and felt like I’d given all the book words I had to the world.
But something has been stirring inside of me over the past few months and when I read Published I just couldn’t shake the feeling that I was supposed to take up book-writing again. I tried to talk myself out of it. I tried to convince Jesse that it was a bad idea.
But we both knew I needed to act on it — especially since it’s my Year of Yes!
I’m self-publishing this time and plan to take it slowly — just writing for 15 minutes every morning after my morning run (when I’m always crazy inspired!) I’m excited about it — especially because I won’t have the publisher deadlines this time!
Anyone else want to write a book with me? Or are you thinking of maybe writing a book some day? If so, you MUST download this book. It will inspire you that you can actually do it. Yes, you. Even if you don’t have a writing background, a marketing degree, a social media platform, or even love to write.
This book is FREE through midnight tonight!! Just sign up for the free video here and you’ll also get a free download of the ebook! And leave a comment to let me know if you are planning to try to follow the book’s outline to write a book in 90 days!
In addition to reading Published, I also read Be Real, Hope in Front of Me, The Cozy Life, and I Got This. (I was able in get in more reading time since I was sick!)
This week, I’m reading: Answers to Prayer (an old Christian reprint), No More Faking Fine (a spiritually encouraging book), Gathering Blue (a story-driven book), and Chasing Slow (a book on life improvement).
I’m hoping to finish Answers to Prayer, Gathering Blue and Chasing Slow this week. I’ll let you know how that goes next week! {See my Reading Goals for 2017. Also, see the 20 books I’ve read so far in 2017 here.}
What I’m Pondering
In the past few weeks, I’ve wondered a lot whether I have what it takes to parent my kids. I’ve worried that I’m failing them. That I’m messing up in a big way.
One child has been going through a really stubborn phase. Another child has been struggling with their faith and questioning a lot of things. And then there’s the child who had to go to the principal’s office recently.
I’ve made a commitment to never publicly talk negatively about specific kids online. But just because you only see the good and the beautiful that I share doesn’t mean there’s not plenty of hard behind-the-scenes.
My husband and I have been crying out to God for wisdom on how to parent these kids and I’m realizing anew that there are no quick fixes or 3-Step Formulas.
But there is this that my Heavenly Father keeps whispering to me: “Love them like I love you. Don’t shame them for their mistakes. Don’t let it be about your reputation. Don’t parent to please others. Don’t parent for behavioral modification. Focus on their hearts. Forgive. Heap on the grace. Walk with them. Love them where they are at. Celebrate the good and the beautiful. And always point them to Jesus and the Gospel.”
I don’t have what it takes in my own strength, but He does. “Love through me, love of God.”
In Case You Missed It
My Posts From This Past Week:
- This Month’s Blog/Business Income Report
- My Attempts at Using a Curling Wand (+ 50% off!)
- Heart String Art Tutorial
- 3 Practical Ways We’re Teaching Our Kids About Money
- I Learned Contentment From Driving a Chevy Caprice
My YouTube Videos From This Past Week:
Also, I’m back to doing my Morning Show on Facebook Live between 9 and 9:15 a.m. every week day morning. I’d love for you to tune in on Facebook and join me live. I share some inspirational encouragement + we talk about deals. And I often take questions live or just share a little peek into my life, too!
Want to win this stack of books?
I thought it would be fun for me to do a giveaway here every once in awhile on Sundays — giving away some of our our products, items I’ve been sent two of, books I’ve already read and want to pass on, or other items I have that we no longer need and would like to pass onto a great home!
Today’s stack includes one of my books, a few books I got for free with credit on Swap.com that I have and have loved, a few items I was sent two of, a few books I’ve recently read and would love to pass onto someone else, plus a tea I love!
To win this stack this week, leave a comment letting us know what you are reading, loving, or pondering. I’d love to hear!
I’ll choose one winner from all of the comments and will email that winner personally + post the winner next week on my Peek Into My Life This Week Post.
Where did my comment go?
I just approved it. It got stuck in moderation!
I am homeschooling my children and reading Phantom Tollbooth. I am also reading Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakable Peace. I am always pondering about parenting and family life.
I’m reading The Pursuit of God, Full, and Present Over Perfect. I’m very interested in that Charlotte Mason book…and the tea!! Thank you for this opportunity!
First let me say your sharing the harder times have been amazing and God bless you for being so open. I don’t know if it helps at all but you have had perfect timing and I feel like God is answering me through you.
I have been reading “Smarter, Faster, Better” by Charles Duhigg and “Love your life, not Theirs” by Rachel Cruze. My Magnolia Journal Magazine when I want to just relax and dream. Along with my Bible!
I just started The Midwife’s Tale by Delia Parr. Recently in my Sunday School class I was talking with another and she asked who I liked to read. In reply I told her the two authors I read the most and she told me how much better to read a variety of authors-so that’s my goal this year-trying different authors.
I’m reading “Say Goodbye to Survival Mode” and “Celebration of Disciplines” and loving both!
I’m reading No More Perfect Kids. It is reminding me that each child is different and I need to not have such high expectations for my kids in some areas of life.
The funny thing I saw on TV was an interview with a Japanese Pool player after his winning match. The interviewer didn’t know the man couldn’t speak English. He asked the player a question and the player, not wanting to dissapoint, spouted off the only English he knew from a song, VERY enthusiastically! It made no sense and made me laugh:)
I just started Say Goodbye to Survival Mode. I have to say I really look forward to all of you emails. They really bless me in large and small ways every day! ?
I’m reading the book, The War That Saved My Life, to my daughter. Yes, she is able to read herself – she is 9, but it is our special time together.
I am currently reading “The Circle Maker.” It has opened my eyes to a new way of thinking about prayer and trusting Jesus. I am so excited to read more of Matt’s books.
Currently I am commited to reading my Bible daily (slowly, trying to really take it in) because it seemed what little bit of time I found to read I was reading other books and neglecting the most important one! I have felt convicted about spending time on other books that may be good and even help me spiritually but I know Nothing can replace His words! Once I get back on track I’ll get back to some other books as well ?
Currently reading Grace for the Good a Girl by Emily Freeman.
Currently reading Present over Perfect.
I’ve just started reading the Quotidian Mysteries by Kathleen Norris and I Kmow Why the Caged Bird Sings. Loving them both so far!
Right now my husband and I are reading love and respect!!
I’m reading A Tale of Two Cities for the homeschool British lit class I teach at our co-op. I’m also reading The Woman in White for my classic literature book club, The Prayer of Petition, and just finished the Shiloh trilogy with my youngest son. I just got finished listening on audiobook Say Goodbye to Survival Mode and just started Money-Making Mom. I check audiobooks and books regularly on Hoopla. I love reading and lately audiobooks and podcasts are the only way I can “read” everything I want to. I’m looking forward to Money-Making Mom. I’ve been writing on a book for years about our journey with our special-needs son. I have a blog but I want to learn how to make money doing what I love – writing. So happy I found Money-saving mom!
Hi Crystal and friends!
I’m currently reading through Made To Crave by Lisa TerKeurst. And If At Birth You Don’t Succeed. And Founding Mothers. And Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex (sorry if that’s TMI)
I’m also wondering if I’ve got what it takes to parent my particular set of children. While they are wonderful and bless me every.single.day…they are also sinful people in need of careful and prayerful parenting. And the road is long sometimes. But oh-so-worth-it!
Thanks for sharing these Sunday posts, I’m loving them!
Blessings,
Kristy-aka-Mama to the Man Crew
I don’t know why I feel silly posting this, but I’m currently listening to Say Goodbye to Survival Mode on my audible.
😉
I’m reading it in iBooks! Lol
I’m currently reading Practical Prayer by: Derek Prime (for the second time) and Endurance by: F.A. Worsley (about Shakleton’s doomed expedition to the South Pole). These are both sooo good!
I’m currently reading Unashamed by Christine Cain and At Home with Madame Chic by Jennifer L. Scott
I am currently reading through several magazines. They help me relax and give me good ideas.
I’m finishing up A Purpose Driven Life which my college aged son did with me. I also recently started The Happiness Dare and it must be going to work wonders in my life because the enemy keeps throwing stuff at me every time I try to read it. I can totally say “Amen!” to the parenting woes. I still have three at home and the oldest who leaves in four months has had major attitude and got into a second fender bender in the past year. My insurance rates just went through the roof and that wasn’t in my budget. My daughter recently broke her ankle and is on crutches and then had oral surgery and now has a cold poor thing, so she has been dealing with pain and being slowed down which isn’t her pace at all. Then her twin had to be pulled out of school and I’m now homeschooling her because she’s missed over a month of school from ptsd anxiety and depression. I’m struggling to get my bearings as a homeschooling mama and give her what she needs. And to top it all off I’m house hunting because our landlords are terminating our lease early so they can move back in. So some days I pull out One Thousand Gifts so I can find the beauty in my crazy life. Next I’m reading Magnolia Story and Fervent and The Circle Maker and Praying Circles around Your Children (maybe I need to read that one NOW!! Lol. Thank you so much for all you do. Your posts give me hope, joy, and strength every day.
I’ve been pondering/praying about going deeper into a business I’m part of. I am a homeschool mom of 5, plus one on the way, but still think I am in a good position to have a great opportunity to help out my family.
I just finished reading Scary Close by Donald Miller and The Status of All Things by Liz Fenton. Not sure if you recommend the books or where I got them but they are both I would recommend. I love reading your recommendations and seeing what books you have read. I don’t have enough time to read all the books on my list!
I’m currently reading “Everyday Talk” by John Younts. It is a great little parenting book I’m finding to be so rewarding right now.
Reading Michael Pollan’s book Second Nature and loving all the things to think about. Also pondering how this busy working mama of two is going to get through the MBA program I just signed up for– having faith the good Lord will walk me through it all!
I am currently reading “Love Your Life Not Theirs” by Rachel Cruze and drawing a refocus on family finances. I am also spending each week night savoring my daughter’s love for reading and animals by reading Ellie’s story: A Dog’s Purpose Novel with my daughter. Such a special time together.
In the not so pretty part of life, my husband and. I are battling our 5 year old’s son “bartering” on almost every situation. But what it really is his testing of our decisions we make for his good. God is our source of strength, words and patience through all of this.
I am currently reading “Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus” by Kyle Idelman. Absolutely one of the best books I have ever read hands down! I am also reading “We Are Called to Rise” by Laura McBride-it’s a story based book. I am also reading “Armor of God” by Priscilla Shirer and doing the study with a group of friends. Also a must read!
Love reading Crystal’s blog! She is so real and it encourages me each week. She has inspired me to get back to taking better care of myself and to be thankful that God made me he way he did. Love reading and learning, currently reading Let Me Be A Woman by Elisabeth Elliot. Would recommend it to anyone!
Aw, thank you so much!!
I’m mostly reading homeschooling catalogs….I need to prioritize reading for pleasure, too. I’m loving the promise of spring…I’m so ready for winter to be over!
I’m currently reading the 5 Love Languages of Children and loving the cool, rainy weather we are having right now.
I am reading The Noticer by Andy Andrews. It’s all about perspective, which has been great for this season of life. I’m currently pondering what to grow in the garden this summer. Hoping to have a much better garden than I did last year as we had moved and I didn’t have time to prep the ground like I needed to. Currently loving the tease of spring weather we’ve been having. Bring on the sun!!! Blessings!
I’m in a phase of life where much of my reading is accomplished through audiobooks. I check a large majority of the audiobooks out of our local library through an app, but I love to read and see quite a few books in that stack that would make it hard to choose which book first. I’ve recently been “reading” (listening to) Fringe Hours recommended through your Make Over Your Mornings course and I also somehow discovered Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay. I’ve been listening to it as an audiobook as well. I’m almost finished with it and have LOVED it. My husband even listened to part of it, got hooked, and checked it out himself. He has finished it before I have! I now want to read ALL of her books! Also, through a Mom’s Group I attend, I am reading Keep a Quiet Heart by Elizabeth Elliot. Before I got “distracted” with Lizzy and Jane, I was reading It Is Well by James D. Shipman and am still working through that.
I am currently reading books about reading comprehension so that I can help my kinder in that area. I am reading whatever she is reading for class and the book she chooses for us to read together at night. Like you I wonder if I am doing enough, not enough….. some days I am overwhelmed. I do stay in prayer and just breathe. I have a long list of books to read, but she comes first. I will get back in that habit and I want reading to be a habit for her. Love this webpage.
Loving my actual life!!
I’m reading the Harry Potter series along with my oldest, Hands Free Mama, Uninvited and The Zookeepers wife….
Right now I’m reading ” Don’t Make Me Count To Three” by Ginger Hubbard. Its helpful to read a book by a mom about heart-oriented disciple.
I’m reading “ONE THOUSAND GIFTS” By Ann Voskamp. Wonderful! !
Love the book selection!
I am reading For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards. I love the way Jen Hatmaker writes about real experiences the good and bad. Her funny spin on life is a truly enjoyable read.
I’m currently reading Emma and Wonder. I’ve been realizing lately how much time I waste on social media and hire I need to change that.
I just finished reading the Magnolia Story. It was amazing! I refreshing read.
I’m reading a book called Naked Money, about the monetary system. I’m a bit out of my depth but enjoying it!
I’m finishing reading “Stepping Heavenward” by Elizabeth Prentiss. It’s excellent. I’m pondering why I’m struggling emotionally so much as a wife and mother in this season. The day to day has just felt really hard. I’ve been loving our gorgeous Tucson winter weather;-)
I just started reading The Scent of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall. I love Amish fiction 🙂
I’m currently reading “Dancing Through Life” by Candace Cameron Bure. I’ve been pondering self improvement as a person, mother, and wife. I’ve been trying to show my daughters how to be strong and involved by example with limited screen time and wondering if I’m doing enough.
Just finished reading A Year of Biblical Womanhood, not sure what I’m picking up next!
I am a stay at home, homeschooling Momma! Some days are a challenge but I love everyday I get to spend with my girls. I love to start my morning reading from One Hundred and One Drvotions for Homeschool Moms by Jackie Wellwood. It gives me time to reflect and think about things specifically related to the homeschool mom life. It’s encouraging!
Currently I am reading, “What a Difference a Mom Makes” by Dr. Kevin Leman. Great book for those times when we feel like we are not enough.
I have recently been pondering whether I really have what it takes to be a good mom. I only have one baby (a 10-month-old, as of now), but I still sometimes feel that my parenting journey so far is magnifying all my rough edges. Your post has been uplifting to me — I especially love the reminder to not parent to please others. Thank you for all you do and for your being so transparent with us today!
Hidden Figures.
I have been reading Fervent by Priscilla Shirer and the Low Pressure guide to Parenting your preschooler by Tim Sanford. I have recently decided to spend more time reading and being productive and less time watching TV, so I can be a better mother to my children and wife to my husband. Looking for good book recommendations to fill the remaining down time (when there is some).
I am reading How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind by Dana K. White.
I could relate to your article wondering whether you were failing your kids. After homeschooling my four children and pouring myself in to them for years and trying to protect them and nurture them, my husband informed me that my fourteen year old has been doing more than playing chess online. When I was out of the room, he was trying every trick to try and bypass our computer’s protection software to gain access to some pretty nasty stuff. My heart was broken; and of course, I began to question what I could be doing differently. But the truth is, although we do sometimes fail our kids and need to change directions, sometimes it is harder to accept that our kids can fail us. Our heavenly Dad is the perfect parent who provides and nurtures us in all ways, but we still can fail Him. So like Him, we need to keep loving our children and reaching out loving arms to offer restoration and support at every point. That is what I did for my son this day as I reminded him that I loved him and would continue to do everything I could to protect him, but ultimately he needs to make decisions that I cannot make for him. Free will is part of God’s design; and although messy some days, it is still the best design.
{Hugs!} I just stopped and prayed for you and your family.
~ Pondering ~
A mother’s LOVE to do whatever it takes to help her baby feed better {traveling 4hrs at 3 days postpartum ?}…
God’s LOVE shown in helping me be recovered and strong enough to be up and out already…
A friend’s LOVE to drop her own plans to drive us and spend the whole day…
A grandma’s LOVE taking care of the other kids and helping out in every way…
A dentist’s LOVE to fit us in an already-full schedule and to really care…
A brother’s LOVE all the while welding the coolest custom stair railing working long days into the night…
Reflecting on this Valentine’s Day – when we usually only think about lovey-dovey romantic love {which is great too} – I saw so many more examples of SELFLESS LOVE being shown today! <3
I’ve been reading Ann voskamps “The Broken Way” it is speaking right to me. ❤️
I am starting to consider retirement and the next phase if my life. I enjoy reading, but lately I have been pushing myself to get everything in order so I can spend my days doing things I love and plan to devote time to helping others. Thank you so much for all you do. You are truly inspiring to others. I hope I can help others as much as you are doing.
I’m reading the Energy Bus as an audiobook with both my boys. The oldest, 4 years old, actually seems to be learning and gaining from the positive nature’s of this books message. Choosing a better attitude especially on days we go to his less favorite daycare making drop-off so much better.
I’m pondering the idea of gentle leadership. It’s a thought that keeps coming up as I’m preparing and planing the next day. Particularly when I’m worried about the example I set for my boys as a working Mom. I want to show them a strong Mom but not overpower their strengths.
Dave Ramsey- we are going through his class at our church.
I’m reading All the Places To Go, How Will You Know by John Ortverg
I just finished For the Love by Jen Hatmaker. It was amazing and God used it in signifigant ways to help me make community with other women a priority and a GOOD way to spend my precious time. I had the book on the suspend list of my holds at the library and the title stood out because I had been using the phrase lately. I assumed the title was calmer or more spiritual and was pleasantly surprised to find out she was using it as I had been. God is SO good!!!
I’m in a group a church doing a study called “rooted”. It’s amazing but very challenging mentally. We even sigh confidentiality agreements at the beginning so people can be really honest about how they feel and think about it!
This stack looks great! I am currently reading The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal and recently finished Jodi Picoult’s book The Storyteller. Looking a lot at forgiveness and justice.
I’m currently reading Dave Ramsey’s Complete Guide to Money. I just finished Say Goodbye to Survival Mode! I gave up my career over a year ago to be a stay at home mom. I feel lost! Trying hard not to run back to work everyday! You and your book have been such an encouragement for me to stick it out and find my own path in this new journey GOD has sent me on.
I’m reading Harry Potter book 5 with my 9 year old.
I’m reading finding spiritual white space and I’m loving it!
I have been reading some old favorites from childhood and a biography on hymn writer John Sweeney.
I have been reading The Connected Child, we are hosting 2 foster kids from Eastern Europe this summer and it was recommended as a great book to help prepare!
Well the last book I finished a couple months ago was Steady Days by Jamie C. Martin. I wanted some inspiration on how to be a better mother, get organized, and break out of survival mode. Yes, I read your book too, which was very helpful. I’ve been pondering on how I’m doing parenting-wise. Too pushy, too perfectionist, too lazy…my child(16month) is usually very happy, smart, and behaved; so I must be doing something right. We just read her new book today from the imagination library from Dolly Parton, it was called Jake at Gymnastics. She loves receiving these every month and it’s free, bonus! I want to get back into reading again, but not thrilled with my choices at home. Hope this post wasn’t too long.
It’s my escape. It allows me to take a pause from the world and divulge in words that inspire, make me laugh or cry and many that make me appreciate life.
I’m currently reading The Lake House by Kate Morton. I’m pondering better self care and less phone distraction! Love this little stack of books 🙂
I’ve been reading “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” (super slowly!) and also going through the Make Over Your Mornings course (finally!). They have both been encouraging me to take steps I know need to be taken, just needed the final push to actually make changes.
I’m currently trying to catch up on my stack of magazines and I listen to an audiobook (Clive Cussler, Pirate. My dad sent it to me through Audible, Cussler is our favorite author) on my way to and from work. I’m loving making more time for my kids and trying to worry less about cleaning and spending less time on my phone.
I’m not currently reading a good book, but i have been wanting to start up again because I find it very relaxing
Im reading Attitude for Gratitude and Power of a Positive Mom. Fing both to be very insightful! Loving my new coffee machine! And pondering changing churches. I feel God is calling me to help a new church grow.
I just finished reading “Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World” by Kristen Welch and am pondering how to implement some of her suggestions in our family.
I’m currently reading Playful Parenting. So many great ideas in there for how to connect with your kids.
Currently reading Spiritual Parenting by Michele Anthony. Also reading through the Magic Tree House books aloud with my 5 year old. We’ve read 14 books in just a little over a month!
I’m reading some old, Victorian classics this month- Treasure Island and The Turn of the Screw.
I just finished Every Fifteen Minutes by Lisa Scottline. She has great books. I’m starting to read the 5 Love Languages.
Just finished Fervent by Priscilla Shirer, completely changed my perspective on praying as a parent, wife and employee, GREAT book. Currently reading the Beauty and the Beast Novelizatßion with my daughter so we can start Lost in a Book.
Just finished Fervent by Priscilla Shirer, completely changed my perspective on praying as a parent, wife and employee, GREAT book. Currently reading the Beauty and the Beast Novelization with my daughter so we can start Lost in a Book.
I have been reading Talk yurself happy a bok by Kristi Watts.. she was the former chost of cbn.. This book has truly ministered t me .. currently i am trusting the Lord to help me get over wounds from my parents.. I really want a relatonship with them and I am praying for their salvation ….I am pondering and asking God to help me stop the negative words and negative attitude
I’m reading The Sibling Effect: What the Bonds Among Brothers and Sisters Reveal About Us. It’s interesting to learn about my own “modern family” of siblings but also the “traditional” family my husband and I have with our children. I like a myriad of books, but primarily the classics, Christian themes, biographies and historical fiction. It’s how I spend my down time–reading with a hot tea while my husband hogs the remote! 🙂
I am reading large family logistics and loving it! Now to put it into practice lol thank you for doing this giveaway! Blessings
I’m reading nothing much more than my kids’ homeschool work these days and blogs. I need paper in my hands again, but we are building a house, and I am trying to watch our dollars. I would gift the THM cookbook because it has been life changing for me, and I would love to see that change for someone else!
I’m currently reading Upstairs in the White House: My Life with the First Ladies, by JB West. It is written by the chief usher of the White House from the years of the Roosevelt’s through the Nixon’s. It is a very interesting angle of history that I’ve not read much about previously! Really good!
Right now I am reading Ann Voskamp’s The Broken Way…it’s left me pondering alot about life and the brokenness that has touched mine. The parenting thing too! Lots of prayers during a rough spell and strong wills ?
Awesome, those books look good and I haven’t read any of them yet! I’m reading 10 Habits of Happy Mothers and Love Unending right now. Up next The Four Agreements and Love Your Life Not Theirs. Btw, I used some of your deals today, your site is a life saver for us busy moms. I’ve enjoyed following you ever since I met ya at the BB conference in Dallas. Thanks for being real 🙂
I’m reading This Girl by Colleen Hoover, the 3rd in the Slammed series. I’m pondering more time for me!
I’m currently reading Big Little Lies. I’m not sure I love it yet, but I’m only a few chapters in and it came highly recommended, so I’m going to stick it out for a while.
I’m currently beta reading my husband’s latest fantasy. I’m pondering and researching how to help my 11 year old focus better at school and how to incorporate more physical activity into his daily routine.
Reading “The Shack” before the movie comes out . Truthfully I’m not enjoying it. I have a daughter nicknamed Missy and she is the same age as the character Missy in the book (don’t want to give away as details for those who haven’t read it).
I am reading “The Blue Bottle Club” by Penelope J. Stokes. It is a novel but is about 4 young girls who write their dreams one Christmas day and put them in a bottle and a reporter who 30 years later looks them up to see how their lives ended up.
I am currently reading Circle Maker. Love following your blog!
I’m currently reading Abiding in Christ by Andrew Murray…mostly because I’m pondering how to be content where God has me. I know God has me here for my good and His ultimate glory, but waiting on His timing to change my circumstances is much harder than I anticipated!
I just finished reading Own It: The Power of Women at Work by Sallie Krawcheck. It is about how women can use the differences in how they think to push themselves ahead in the workplace. I found it really interesting.
Teaching from Rest is the book that I’m reading AGAIN this week. I’ve in that season!
I’m rereading THM for a challenge I signed up for that starts Friday , but I don’t have the cookbook. I’m reading Healing Prayer and Medical Care by Aby Abildness. Excellent, full of wisdom on so much more than just the title. Pondering… What do my children REALLY need from me and how can I make sure try are getting it?
I am reading On Living by Kerry Egan..it’s really good!! I would love to win these!!
I’ve been having those same thoughts and when I saw the title of your email, I wondered if you were eavesdropping in my house and head yesterday.
I’m reading Different by Sally Clarkson for myself and Unfinished Angel with my kiddos.
Gifts of Imperfections by Brene Brown is amazing!
I’m reading The Pursuit of God by Tozer, It’s fantastic!
I am reading The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp. Anyone who has ever known deep hurt, needs to read this book!
Just finished Different by Sally and Nathan Clarkson.
I’m getting ready to start For the Children’s Sake, and finishing How to Manage Your House Without Loosing Your Mind. I did great with my reading goals for January, but February has been a bit more difficult!
I am currently reading Different by Sally and Nathan Clarkson. It has been rocking my world. ?
Sorry for the double comment. At first I didn’t see the first comment and thought it didn’t go through. Sorry about that!
I am currently reading the 21 day Financial Fast by Michelle Singletary…
It is helping me look at our spending habits and how to save.
I am currently reading Different by Sally and Nathan Clarkson. It has rocked my world. So much confirmation and encouragement in reading this book.
I’m currently reading “Don’t make me count to three!” by Ginger Hubbard
I’m currently reading the Series of Unfortunate Events. I’m loving having my 20 month old currently curled up asleep in my lap. I’m pondering why the adoption process is so hard. We are currently adopting our 4th child overseas. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I pray for the little one who is waiting for us to pick her up.
I am just starting the life giving home by sally clarkson. I’ve been trying to read more. I have always been an avid reader but seem to have slowed down A LOT recently. So when I decided to make reading more of a priority I also decided to add in non fiction books as well.
Listening to “When God Doesn’t Fix It” by Laura Story, reading “The Second Mrs. Hockaday” by Susan Rivers
I am currently reading “The Case Against Sugar” and it is eye opening to say the least! ?
Hi! I’m currently reading Love Unending by Becky Thompson! Perfect book for mommas with littles who are looking to get their marriage back to the way it was pre kiddos! 🙂
Reading through Exodus right now (I’m behind on our bible reading plan – oops!) and pondering how to be a good wife AND mother. Would love to read a blog post by you on that topic. I feel like swing between prioritizing one and feeling guilty for neglecting the other.
I am reading The Well Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer as we are getting ready to start classical conversations next year. I am also reading The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp.
Right now I’m reading Women of the Word and Educating the Wholehearted Child. Lately I’ve been thinking about our daily rhythm. I’m a homeschool mom of six (four of them are five and under!) I try so hard to keep our lives organized and joy-filled. But lately I’ve discovered my own attitude is the weak link in our system. Women are the emotional/mood thermostat in the home. Everyone else feeds off of how mom feels and acts. Our daily rhythm has been thrown out of wack by my stinky attitude at times, which causes everyone else’s attitude to go down hill… Anyway, Ive been thinking a lot about all that. And trying to figure out how to get rid of my stinky attitude.
These books look like a great selection! Thanks for this offer!
I’m currently reading “The Me, Me, Me Epidemic” By Amy McCready.
I’m also doing a read-a-loud with my kids – “All Of A Kind Family” By Sydney Taylor.
I’m currently trying to read Wizard for Hire by Jim Butcher. I have a soon to be (15 days and counting) one year old, so I don’t seem to have as much time as I used to.
I am currently reading If My Heart Could Talk by Dodie Osteen.
I am reading Blessed By Less: Clearing Your Life of Clutter by Living Lightly by Susan V. Vogt and No Man is an Island by Thomas Merton. Reading though the comments is an excellent book list for inspiring reading. 🙂
While I do not have time to read a nice story, I’m a stay at home mom of a 2 year old and 3 year old, and full time student to become a teacher. So a lot of my reading is school work, but I graduate with my degree this year!! So I look forward to getting back into reading this summer!!! I’m lovin every day I get to focus solely on my girls and every day I ponder life and wonder if I’m raising my girls right and doing everything I can to give them the best!
I’ve been reading several children’s books about love to my class lately.
I am reading, The Charge by Brendon Burchard. Thank you for the awesome giveaway!!
I am currently reading Messy Beautiful Love (Darlene Schacht) and Idiot’s Guide to Optimum Nutrition (Stephanie Green), haha!
I’m reading The Carousel by Richard Paul Evans.
I’m reading a trio of books to gain understanding and remain postive. I am reading “The Underachieving Ovary”, by JT Lawrence, “Empty Womb, Aching Heart”, by Marlo Schalesky and “Waiting on God”, by Cherie Hill.
I’m reading a book by Os Guinness, called “Impossible People.” It really explains why our culture is in the state it is in. As a Mom, who’s kids began in public school for many years and transitioned within the last 3 years to homeschooling , I’m always pondering life, education and recommitting myself after a tough day and aiming to be fearless about the future (thru Christ). It’s a constant effort.
Right now I am currently reading, Women of the Word! I’ve been challenged in so many ways as to how I view the Word. As far as what I’m pondering… There are so many things. One of the biggest things right now would be how to be the women God wants me to be. It’s so easy to get lost in being a wife and a homeschool mom that I forget who I am in Christ!
I am pondering how we get back to Mayberry….
Right now I am reading Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. I’m loving it so far!
I’m currently reading The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines. If you like their show Fixer Upper then you will love this book. Their personalities pop off the page!
I am reading Entrusted (Beth Moore) and pondering what assigned reading to pick next for my teens!
I’m reading “Transforming Together: Authentic Spiritual Mentoring” and trying to decide which fiction book to pick up next. I’m intrigued by the idea of a screen free week. Also tending to my son who seems to be inflicted with the same bug you were suffering from. Hope you’re feeling better!
I’ve been reading through our stack of winter-themed books with my kids. With newborn twins, I don’t have time for anything else!
Currently working on finishing up Love and Respect. And pondering how life would be different minus a few screens….?
I am currently reading, “Made to Crave” by Lisa TerKeurst, while I begin a second round of the Whole 30. It is helping me better understand my relationship with food.
I just finished reading “The Orphan, the Widow & Me” by JT Olson. Amazing read!!!
I’m reading “All Joy and No Fun” by Jennifer Senior in an effort to add more non-fiction parenting books to my reading life!
I’m currently reading Leader In Me. And I’d love to win more books to enjoy. 🙂
I’m reading a slew of biographies this month. I just finished “Dear Cary” by Dyan Cannon.
I am down to about one chapter to go in Dave Ramsey’s The Total Money Makeover. I went into it thinking it wouldn’t really apply to me, but I’ve found a lot of helpful suggestions in it. This year, for the first time in my life, I am determined to make reading a priority and increase my learning.
Currently reading The 5 Love Languages. ?
I just started reading “All Joy and No Fun” by Jennifer Senior as I try to incorporate more non-fiction, specifically relating to parenting and homeschooling, into my reading life. 🙂
Our library hasn’t gotten that latest Katherine Reay novel yet…
I am reading Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. After spending time at home with my daughter I am focusing on my career. I am loving this book!
This post came to me right when I needed it. Lately my kids have been testing my patience and their limits. It’s comforting to know that it is a universal challenge that all parents face. I could probably benefit from a vat of the calm a mamma stuff. 🙂
Right now I’m reading Defeating Jihad. Very interesting read.
Doea a children’s series count? Haha I would love some grown up mom books to read but my daughter and I are reading Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew Case of the Sneaky Snowman. We’re really enjoying it and it has definitely brought me back to my childhood too 🙂
Yes, they totally count!
I am currently reading Extreme Ownership: How US Navy Seals lead and win.
There are several books in your stack that I definitelyneed to check out as a busy maxed out mom of 2.
I would love to win this stack of books! I am currently reading “The Broken Way” by Ann Voskamp, and in my reading list goal is to read “Univited” by Lisa Turkeust, “Heart Made Whole”, and many more this year!
Thank you for your words on parenting children the way they need to be parented. I’m struggling with my oldest getting homework in on time. She’s a high achieving child who is not achieving high right now. I’m frustrated. She’s frustrated. It’s a rough spot. Your words have helped me see where my focus needs to be. Thank you.
I’m reading Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe and Essential Oils for Health by Kymberly Keniston-Pond CIR, CFR, CCMA. I love the idea of eating more clean foods and using essential oils to help naturally heal my body. I loved the days that you spent talking about these subjects in your ecourse 15 Days to a Healthier You. Going to be referring back to those videos many times!
I am so very excited that you are writing another book! I can’t wait for more details on it as you are ready to share! I have all of your books so far and have gleaned so much from each one. Thanks for the opportunity to win your stack of books that you are giving away!
I’ve just finished reading The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. She is truly an inspiration!
I LOVED that book and have read it multiple times!
I just finished “Safely Home” and I’m starting on “the theology of biblical counseling” ( just some light reading, lol!) I’m working on my biblical counseling certification…. So, reading lots is a must!
I’m reading ” 10 habits of happy mothers” by meg meeker.
I am currently reading The Happiness Dare, which you recommended. I love reading, but I am slow to get through books because I only read a few pages at night before bed. I also just got No More Perfect Marriages by Jill and Mark Savage that I am excited to start reading.
I’ve been reading “The Power of a Positive Woman” and “The Power of a Positive Mom” by Karol Ladd. As a stay-at-home mom of am almost-2-year-old and a 7-month old, I tend to let the stress get to me and feel depressed and down a lot of the time. These books have been helping me see the effect my attitude has on my kids and husband, and giving me practical advice to help get out of the slump I tend to fall into.
I was reading Uninvited by Lysa Terkeurst. I need to pick it up again. I am learning so much about myself from this book!
Thank you for sharing about your struggles in parenting. We have hit a hard/frustrating time. Your willingness to share is a huge encouragement that we are not alone in this world struggling to parent and that I need to keep taking my kids to the Lord in prayer!
Hope you are feeling better!
I’m currently reading “We Dickinsons” as I’m proofreading books for our school library.
Awesome!
My hubby and I are pondering the idea of giving up TV for Lent. So your screen-free week is enticing to me! I assume you and Jesse didn’t completely give up your phones…what sort of limits did the adults have? Would love to check out the books and tea you’re offering!
I’m loving my essential oils this week. When the weather can be freezing or 60 all in the same day, it’s nice to diffuse some citrus oils to help lift the mood.
Desperate by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson and then I just got The Magnolia Story (can’t wait to start this one!)
I’m working on Building an Effective Women’s Ministry by Sharon Jaynes, Living Well Spending Less by Ruth Soukup, and Made to Crave by lysa terkeurst, but slowly. Bible first, so don’t always get to the others 🙂
I am reading the chronological 1 year Bible.
Good afternoon! I pray that God will keep guiding you while you write you next book! (That is so exciting!!!) I have just started reading “The lie giving home by Sally and Sarah Clarkson, and Called home by Karen DeBeus. As a homeschooling family I feel like there is always room for improvement in the way we do things. We are in the process of moving to a new state, so things around here have been a little crazy. With my husband in the new state working I am on my own with four kids, and it can get a little crazy. Thanks for the encouragement reading your blog gives me!
Samantha
Thank you so much!!
I am reading Joyce Meyer’s teaching on finances and the Bible. It really helps to stay focused on getting out of debt and remembering to put God first.
I am reading nothing except the books I read with my girls so it’s The Bible , Ramona’s World and Number the Stars. #momlife
I am currently reading Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst for my women’s study at church. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a light read with lots of impact on our perception of ourselves as women.
I am reading Mother and Son by Eggerichs. A necessity when you have 5 sons!!
I’m currently reading The Giver series. I’m almost finished with book #3 then on to #4. I’m starting None Like Him or Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin soon, too.
I am reading the redemption series by karen kingsbury. Starting book 4 today. Love them!
Just finished reading “All the Light We Cannot See” & I’m pondering which book to take up next off of my ever growing to-read list.
I am reading a book my sister is writing!! It’s so great, I can’t wait for her to get it to a publisher!
I’m reading Savor by Shauna Niequist as my devotional book in the mornings. I love how honest she is about our perceived need to “do everything better” and how suffocating that type of lifestyle is.
I don’t get a lot of free time to read books just for me, but I do read lots of books aloud to my four kiddos during history. Right now we are really enjoying, Sargent York. I diary from a WWI soldier.
I’m reading Little House on the Prairie with my two little ones. I’m also pondering how to balance our budget for the new year.
This month (year to date), I would love to be reading again. I’ve gotten some new books but have gotten myself overwhelmed with so many other things. Like you, I feel like I’m failing my kids in parenting, but also that I’m failing as a wife and child of God. Last month, my first granddaughter was born (beautiful!!), my 7-year old son got a new puppy (indoor pet, but cute as a button), and work and home life have been at a rapid speed. I had thought (and secretly hoped) that the new year would slow down some and that I would have more “down” time…still waiting for that to happen. I do like to read all of your posts and mostly do while at work and have recently introduced your site to my daughter (since she’s a new mother). I so appreciate all that you do for us out here in Mama-Land. 🙂
I am reading Heartfelt Discipline by Clay Clarkson. The past 6 months I’ve been on quite a journey with learning that God made us all different and unique, and that it is good, even though it’s hard as a parent and everyone living together. I’m really wanting to embrace and help my kids in how God made them and learning to trust God with directing and disciplining them, instead of getting so frustrated.
I’ve been pondering hard about my relationship with others. Lately, I’ve been feeling drained and bad about myself after spending time with certain people. People that used to lift me up and have a positive impact on my space. Trying to figure out where the change is and how to move forward. It’s left me in an awkward space these past few weeks.
I am currently trying to read The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher. I love books but I haven’t read much since my son was born; 3 years ago.
I just finished Love Unending by Becky Thompson. Such a great book and really made me refocus on things. Her books are easy reads and just love how real she is in her books. I recommend reading this and Hope Unfolding.
Inspired by you, Crystal, and a few of my friends, I have come up with my word for the year, “pray.” I’m focusing on slowing down and spending more time in prayer and committing my life to the LORD. That’s what I’m loving g and pondering ?
I’m also pondering parenting issues. Thanks for letting me know i’m not alone in the way I feel.
I’m currently reading the book of Acts in the New Testament, “The Catholic Family Handbook”, “Living the 80/20 Way”, “The Natural Pregnancy Book”, and “Trim Healthy Mama Plan”. Phew!!!
My mood determines which book I pick up. 🙂 🙂 🙂 I’m about half-way done with all of them! The kids want me to read “The Silmarillion” also. I think I’ll finish a few of the above before I start that one. Hehe! 🙂
I’m ccurrently workingmy way through Nancy Guthrie’s book, ‘The Lamb of God’. It’s about finding Jesus in four old testament books. This is the second book in this series. The first book covered Christ in Genesis. As someone who came from a Jewish background and came to know Christ after I was married and had my first baby these books have been such an encouragement to my faith and helped me see that beautiful thread an promise that started in creation and will be completed in the end of times. I highly recommend these books to anyone looking for a good study to get you thinking and encourage you!
I am reading think and grow rich! And I would love to read your stack specially the trim healthy mamas! ?
I am reading through the Amish Brides of Pinecraft Series by Shelley Shepard Gray and love them! I am pondering our 4th grade homeschool curriculum as the one we have loved and used since Kindergarten ends after 3rd grade :(. I am loving planning our family Valentine’s Dinner with two special helpers. And, I would LOVE to win this set of books!
I am currently reading a whole stack of books!! I can never read just one. I’ve been inspired by how you are reading several books per week but they cover a variety of topics. I’m reading “The Best Yes”. It is amazing and it perfect for the current season I am in with so many decisions looming in front of me. Also going through “Battlefield of the Mind,” “Grain Brain,” “The Mission of Motherhood” and “Multiply. All of these books are teaching and guiding me toward making the best decisions for mine and my family’s health in all areas. I highly recommend. 🙂
I am pondering change…. in my health, in my relationships…. what needs to change in the future for my family to live a full happy life. I am reading ‘The 5 love language for children’ and ‘ savor’
Crystal,
I’m reading the Fringe Hours & The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. I am usually a very fast reader, but the 5 Love Languages book has been a book I have honestly slowly savored for the last 3-4 months. It has shown me so many little glimpses into my husband’s love language. I’d love to read Looking for Lovely and the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook.
I’m reading Prodigal God by Tim Keller and pondering about my own life and how it reflects that of the older brother in the prodigal son parable. Great (and short) book!
I just finished Michael Crichton’s last known book. Pirate Latitudes. It was really good. A great lose yourself in it book!
I reading The Shack by Mack Phillips and Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers. I am pondering how to reinvent myself as an empty nester. How to move forward at this new time in our lives……
I am also reading, “Chasing Slow”, and pondering parenting with grace and focusing on my kids’ hearts and not the outward situation or pleasing others. Motherhood is not easy, but so very grateful for Jesus and that he is with me in it.
I am reading Setting Limits with your Strong-willed Child. Also Homeschool Supermom… Not.
I am reading “Dominion” by Randy Alcorn. It is the 3rd book, I believe in a detective series with great spiritual insights. I love Randy Alcorn non -fiction books as well.
I’m reading You are a Badass by Jen Sincero
I have been reading “Her Mother’s Hope” by Francine Rivers. I have also been reading the book of Romans and pondering on and hearing God through the amazing words of Paul.
I am always reading. There are no less than 10 books on my desk for review or finish. I am reading Tana French for fiction, You Are A Bad**s for business, The Promised One by Nancy Guthrie for my ladies group, Lies My Teacher Told Me for homeschool and have started reading Wild and Free for my personal self. I buy my purses on the premises that they can hold at least two books. I hate being without a book to read and I love sharing books with others. Pass them on and I will share the love for sure. Blessings to you with the littles. We have 10 kids and Giving Grace is my theme song. We all need it so much.
I’m reading The Secret Wife.
I’m not reading anything at the moment, but am dying to get my hands on Two by Two, by Nicholas Sparks.
I am reading “loving my actual life” this speaks volumes to me right now because i haven’t been content in my actual life and seeking something “better” i know the grass in not greener on the other side but i cant help but feel that way…..so finding joy and contentment in my actual life is HUGE for me!! Thank you Chrystal for you blog, books, and online courses i have really enjoyed them and love starting off my day with you!!!
I just finished Girl Unbroken: A Sister’s Harrowing Story of Survival by Regina Calcaterra and Rosie Maloney. It’s one that is hard to put down, yet can be hard to stomach at the same time. It’s amazing to see what these women went through as children, yet were able to persevere and ultimately thrive in spite of it all. Very inspiring and challenging. It’s made me more aware of those around me who might be in need of a kind friend, an encouraging word, or an adult advocate.
I’m also pondering (and struggling) as a parent and wondering if I am doing the best things for my boys. I’m reading a lot about positive parenting techniques trying to find the best strategies to help, sometimes feeling like I’m drowning and doing it all wrong, and other times feeling like they might turn out ok after all.
Hello!
I’m pondering how this season of our lives is unfolding and changing me. I’m loving my husband and two handsome boys!
Thanks for sharing your life and sharing your wisdom! Have a great day! ~Lauren 🙂
I am reading 5 Conversations you Must have with your son.. With boys 11, 13, & 15, we need all the help & insight to raise Godly men like we hope our 9 year old daughter will marry one day.
I am getting ready to start Heart Sisters by Natalie Snapp! I can’t wait!!
I’m reading 31 days to a clutter-free life. On Day 30!!! 🙂
I’m currently reading, “Uninvited” and my Bible. Thank you for sharing this post!! I enjoy reading your posts!! Bless you!
I am reading I am Free and I just ordered Present Over Perfect!!
I’m starting to read/color in my new journaling Bible!
I have several books “open” at the moment: “A Good Yarn (Blossom Street, #2)” by Debbie Macomber and “Getting Things Done” by David Allen (I’m probably the only person on the planet who hasn’t read that book yet!)
I’m reading books from the recent decluttering ultimate bundle. I am gleaning what fits into my own family’s life and making it work for us. I am also loving the “warmer” weather here. It could be much, much colder and snowy.
I finished reading two books about a week ago, looking for my new find to read. The books I read were “When God doesn’t fix it”, and “Uninvited”. These were awesome!!!!
I just finished The Giver. Now I’m about halfway through A Dog’s Purpose.
Currently I’m reading Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist. I feel like the book doesn’t have the most clear flow, but overall I’m enjoying it!
Love all of these books being listed. I am planning to read
“Start” by Jon Acuff. Looking to step out into a new career.
This month I’m reading Think and Grow Rich. I am working on moving myself out of a poverty mindset. My children deserve better from me and I would hate to pass that on to them.
I am reading, All is Not Forgotten, by Wendy Walker.
I’m reading two books: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ( I go through the series at least once a year) and Love Does by Bob Goff. I am trying to take time for “whimsy” and say YES to things that I might usually say NO to. I’m leaning on the Lord to guide us into patenthoodx2. Our second child is due in August, when our daughter will be 16 months old. A bit of a surprise but we are trusting that God does not make mistakes! ❤
Love all of these books being listed. I am planning to read
“Start” by Jon Acuff. Looking to step out in a new career.
I’ve set a goal this year to read 25 books. So far, I’m impressed with my own progress. I’ve already read 5 books. Currently, I’m reading The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. I am really loving it so far, especially the way the story unfolds. It makes me never want to put it down!
Looking at your giveaway, I think I am most excited about the tea! Lol, although I am almost equally happy for all of the books. 😉
Catching up with Mary Higgins Clark’s books. Loving them.
I’m reading “Better Than Before” by Gretchen Rubin.
Thank you for sharing some things your family is challenged by and encouraged by! I have a 2.5yo and am 35 weeks pregnant, so it can seem like everything is a challenge- it took us over an hour this morning to just sit down and get started on our morning activities (we do a Charlotte Mason-style “curriculum” so that I don’t have to plan, we just open the books and focus on animals from day 6 of creation or b for blue and banana bread etc. When my toddler gets some focused attention she is much more willing to play on her own and I have a better chance of getting some things done!). But when we finally started, it was so good! We both enjoy that time together, and being silly. The last book I read was Rythms of Rest, about incorporating Sabbath into our weeks. It was a great encouragement to me to be okay with rest and being refreshed in this crazy season of life!
what I’m pondering: We only have a few short years to spend with our children before they’re grown. How can I make the most of the what-seems-like-not-enough time I have with them? I love reading your blog and I’m thankful for you and what you share with us!
I’m reading Give them Grace, and I’m loving it!
Divine by Craig Groeschel is an inspiring book about making permanent changes in our lives that are pleasing to God. Thank you for inspiring us Crystal and we are looking forward to your new book!
I’m reading Whispers of Hope. Really great devotional book that focuses on prayer.
I’m reading Women of the Word. I’m loving my new camera, and I’m pondering getting a group together to go to the homeschool convention in April. 🙂
I’ve been reading a book called “Why You Act the Way You Do” by Tim LaHaye about temperaments. Very interesting book. The person who told me about it said it was his secret weapon because it helps him to understand other people. I’m excited to get through it, but it’s taking me a while because I don’t have a lot of time to read. But I’m definitely wanting to finish it!
I was “reading” a cookbook..Pioneer’s Woman cookbook to see what I should fix for a special Valentine’s dinner.
What a wonderful eclectic stack! <3
Yes, I am interested in writing a book.
I am reading The strong willed child. I loved your post and your honesty. I struggle with feeling like a failure to my special needs adult child.
I’m currently reading The Shack and People magazine lol.
I’m reading orphan train at the moment. Parenting is hard, honesty among mom’s is so important , thanks for sharing.
Just finishing What Alice Forgot which makes you ponder for sure. We are also doing much pondering and changing as we have stumbled upon documentaries and blogs about minialism. But we do have a Little Free Library that these books would make there way to as well. 🙂
I’m very slowly reading Pilgrim’s Progress.
I’m currently writing my first book, so no leisure reading for me right now 🙂
Pondering health issues and trying to figure out what to do next. Thank you for the opportunity to win!
I’m currently reading “Without Rival” by Lisa Bevere. Pondering how to get through the teen years with my daughter and the boys who have started to notice her.
I’m reading 31 prayers for my husband. I’m on day 3, and my husband has felt those prayers already. This book has helped me find the words to pray and understand the needs he has as the head of our family. I feel like my life is being transformed as I make these prayers a priority and I know God will move in my husband’s heart as well.
Thank you for the inspiration you provide. Your posts are a blessing.❤️
I am reading “Say Goodbye to Survival Mode” by Crystal Paine 🙂 , “Only Daughter” by Anna Snoekstra, and “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brene Brown. I also have “As Is” by Erin Brown, “Time Management Mama” by Sarah Korhnak, “Think and Grow Rich for Women” by Sharon Lechter, and “Inside Out” by Anastasia Amour on-deck.
I’m reading 31 prayers for my husband. I’m on day 3, and my husband has felt those prayers already. This book has helped me find the words to pray and understand the needs he has as the head of our family. I feel like my life is being transformed as I make these prayers a priority and I know God will move in my husband’s heart as well.
Thank you for the inspiration you provide. Your posts are a blessing.❤️
What a fun prize!
I just completed a very intense 9 days of indoor cycling, totaling 156 miles. It reminded me that “I can do hard things” but that I can’t do them on my own. Only with God’s help! Also, it reminded me that, although physical exercise is so important, it is not the most important thing that I want my kids emulating from my life. May they also see Christ and my pursuit of Him!
I just finished “The Body Book” by Cameron Diaz. Such an inspiring read on women’s health, nutrition and fitness . Wonderful, enjoyable and educational book. I highly recommend it for women of all ages!
I have a lot of books going lol…I am working on Heart of Darkness, Many Thousand Gone, The ONE Thing, and Little House in the Big Woods is my read aloud with my kids.
Right now I’m reading “No More Perfect Moms.” I lost the first 2 years of motherhood trying to make all the right choices: breastfeeding or formula feeding, cloth diapers or disposables, pureed food or baby led weaning, vaccines or no vaccines……it was so overwhelming for a naturally perfection driven person. So I learned to chill out a bit after my second was born.
Now I’m finding myself at another parenting crossroad. My husband and I are both products of public school (and pretty successful by society’s opinion). I am a certified teacher turned stay-at-home mom. I’ve always been a huge advocate for public school. While our system is far from perfect, I find it beautiful that we educate everyone: all colors, all intellectual abilities, all socioeconomic levels, all religions, all families. It’s truly beautiful to me…..but I fear the class sizes in our district. I know that some kids I taught didn’t get the best education *I* could offer because of class size….and the classes in this district are bigger.
I’m researching homeschooling…..my husband is against it and I’ve always said that I would NEVER homeschool. But, I’m still looking into it. We have a year to pray, research, and come to a conclusion. Perfectionist mommy is rearing her ugly little head as this is stressing me out and challenging so much of what I hold close to my heart.
That is what I’m pondering this week. Thanks for listening.
Reading the Bible!
One book I’m currently reading (via audiobook) is Demelza by Winston Graham. It’s the second book in the Poldark series.
I’m currently reading a book of short stories called “Wingfeather Tales” by Andrew Peterson.
I am currently reading “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown. Thank you for your post! My youngest son had a trying week of school last week, and your post really spoke to me. Thank you!
I have 9 children and homeschooled exclusively until this year! I needed a break. Time to regroup and not feel so pressured with people around me all the time! Being a little more introverted but needing to constantly live an extroverted lifestyle, I wanted a year to read a few books, get our home a bit more organized and just be Mom! Currently, I am reading Ted Dekker A.D. 30. Thank you for your ministry. I frequent your site more than any. Blessings!
I’m reading Dream It, Pin It, Live It by Terri Savelle Foy, gods at war by Kyle Idleman, and several fiction books.
I am reading Only The Truth by Adam Croft and the DASH DIET. I read all the time and cannot keep up with all the books I have read. These would be a great addition. I love your post and Facebook page. I also enjoy your Facebook Live feeds. Sorry you were ill it is going around and glad you are feeling better. Take care.
Drama Free Discipline is my current read. 4 small kiddos and 1 foster teenager make for some interesting issues.
I’m reading Liz Curtis Higgs new book and pondering how to get my kids to be a light in a world of darkness.
Those books look awesome! I am reading Fervent by Priscilla Shirer, and Abide in Christ, by Andrew Murray.
I just started re-reading A Chance to Die. A biography of Amy Charmichael, one of my favorite missionaries.
I would love to read any of the books you have here . . .maybe I can find some of them at the local library. Thank you for each day you encourage us Crystal!!
I’m currently reading When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall.
I’m reading Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe and the Charlotte Mason Companion. I’m really enjoying learning from both of them!
I’m reading The best yes by Lysa Terkeurst.
I’m loving spending intentional time sitting and talking and praying with my husband.
I’m trying to cherish being home with my 1 and almost 3 year olds and all the messes they make!
As I’ve been adjusting to life with a two year old and a newborn, I haven’t done much reading lately, but next on my list is Restless by Jennie Allen
I’m reading The Midwife’s Revolt by Jodi Daynard. It’s set during the Revolutionary War and intertwines the story of a midwife with that of Abigail Adams, whom I adore!
I’ve been pondering raising kids lately as I am expecting our firstborn in July! It’s a hefty subject and I desire to do it right, but I have to keep reminding myself that there are no perfect parents and that the Lord will make sure my children are raised correctly. He is good. 🙂
I just received Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst.
I need to start doing more reading for myself. However, I still read to my 12 year old. We just finished Heaven to Betsy, part of the Betsy-Tacy series. Now, we are onto a book called The Seventeenth Swap. I keep pulling books out of our Sonlight collection from when I homeschooled her older brothers, and occasionally a random favorite (like any book from the Betsy Tacy series)
I love that book on the bottom, all about the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling!
I am reading mostly nonfiction I go through different eras and read several books on a set period. Right now I am reading free and bargain books on the Industrial Age.
I’m re-reading a book that ii loved as a child called “Mindy” and reading “The Omnivore’s Delima.” I hope you enjoy Gathering Blue! I absolutely love that series 🙂
Crystal I am reading Bloom Where God Plants You by Rebecca Wendland and am Pondering how I can best serve my family!
I’m reading Dawns Prelude by Tracie Peterson and Say Goodbye to Survival Mode by you know who!
I’m reading the Bible study “Seamless” by Angie Smith. I would urge everyone to do this Bible study. Even if you grew up in church you will learn so much!!
I just bought myself Missional Motherhood by Gloria Furman. 🙂
“The Magnolia Story” by Chip and Joanna Gaines has been an amazing testimony for God. After 2 days of reading, I’m almost finished. I haven’t read such an inspiring book in a while and I’m loving it!
Just starting up “Last Child in the Woods”, looks like an excellent selection of reading!
I am reading Uninvited by Lisa Terkeurst. It’s so great!!
Reading: James and the Giant Peach with my kids.
Pondering: how to find the energy to be the fun homeschooling mom that I want to be yet take care of my own physical/ mental health. We are making strides in my oldest beating his learning disabilities, but struggling with keeping some semblance of peace in our family!
Pondering self control in lots of areas in my life God has pointed out. Ouch! Feelings, anger, eating, spending, etc. Working on showing more love to my children and those around me! About to start reading “Crazy Love”
I am reading ” Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey. My husband, Kevin and I are doing Financial Peace University at our church. I am also trying to climb out of my depression and thinking of writing a book, with Chandler Bolts advice.
I just finished reading All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda. It was such a neat book, I got it through NetGalley.com they send you ebooks before they are published to read and review..
I am currently reading “She’s Gonna Blow” a book about mommy anger and “Real Moms… Real Jesus”
Both great books to show you that you are not alone and these feelings are normal and to turn to Jesus in times of trouble 🙂
I’m reading Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke, and I also just became a stay at home mom, so I’m pondering how to begin to have an organized home and happy kids.
Reading “A Man Called Ove”. Thanks for the giveaway!
This year I have been pondering how to find joy in the daily struggle. The past 8 months have brought some really hard struggles in our church and we are almost to the point of leaving our beloved church because of them. It breaks my heart every day. The worst part is that is has seeped its way into my daily life and stolen my joy. This year I vowed to find my joy again, even though nothing is resolved yet. I haven’t found a book yet to address this so I would really welcome some suggestions on books about finding joy in motherhood and also just in daily life!
I’m reading the mended heart by Suzanne Roller and the change your life challenge by Brook Noel
I’m reading Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander, MD.
Not reading anything right now. Trying to find something inspiring so I would love to win these books. Currently working on cooking more, exercising more, and organizing my house. Everything I do toward those goals is a victory.
currently reading The Explosive Child
I’m re-reading The Shack before it comes out in theatres in a couple weeks!
We make something similar to your Peanut Butter dip. I also add nonfat Greek yogurt, a dash of salt & a bit of mini chocolate chips. We call it Cookie Dough Dip & often eat ours with apples, too!
I am currently doing the Armor of God bible study! Thanks for the giveaway!!
I am so excited to be reading Love Unending by Becky Thompson!
Well I’m trying to get back into reading somethings for fun. I’m finishing up the Francine Rivers book a Lineage of Grace. Also starting the book Taming the To-Do List as I’m overwhelmed with stuff, things to do, health issues, learning, and wondering if I’m either doing enough or am enough.
I’m pondering the next step and how to reduce clutter to get to that next step.
I’m just loving Jesus. Trying not to think of anything but Him and putting Him first.
I’m reading The Happiness Dare. I’m loving my essential oils, diffuser, and diffuser necklace. 🙂 I’m pondering homeschool curriculums, especially for my oldest who will be in high school next year!!
I am re-reading the Anne of Green Gables series. Just finished book 5 last night. Anne’s House of Dreams . . . . I told my husband I want to move to a cottage on the shores of Prince Edward Island . . . . he said “no”.
I just went to the library over the weekend and checking out around 9 books. I’m making it a point to not be on social media as much. My first pick from my stack is, “Maybe In Another Life” by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
I am currently reading A Modern Girls Guide to Bible Study. I have been studying and reflecting on the relationship I have and want with God.
I have been pondering a lot recently. We just had our 4th baby (our oldest is 6) and things have definitely been crazy at our house. So I have really been thinking about how I can not only manage my time wisely and make sure everything gets done, but also how I can spend true quality time with each of my precious angels.
I’m reading Kids, Herbs, & Health by White and Mavor. My mom recommended it to me. We have a 21 month old and another due at the beginning of May. So far it seems like a good, balanced approach.
Trying diligently to read more this year! Finished 3 books so far, and reading I Love You Rituals currently! Think I have already surpassed last year’s total, and 3 small children at home, so feeling great about that!
I just finished reading a friend of mine’s first published novel “Change of Plans”. Fun to read since I could see some similarities in characters to some of our real life friends!! Pondering some different ways organize around the house… feeling overwhelmed lately! ?
I am currently finishing up “Unglued” by Lysa Terkeurst. I’m also reading “The Witch of Blackbird Pond” for a read-aloud with my boys. I’m doing pretty well sticking to my goals for reading more this year & reading a lot of books I already have but never finished. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Reading – The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst. Great book about how to say yes to the meaningful things in life.
Pondering – how to parent well. I have 3 very different children who want everything to be “fair”.
Having a 2, 10, and 13 year old is a challenge in itself. I appreciate so much the advice you offer!
I am currently reading Teaching from Rest and the boys are reading Green Ember…. we are also working on screen time ! Only allowing family movie time and rare occasions! such a difference in them!
I’m reading Gray Mountain by John Grisham and Retire Inspired by Chris Hogan.
Thanks, as always, for your generosity to share your experiences and learnings.
I’m just finishing the interesting and thoughtful book My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey by Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D. My fave quote from the book: “To experience peace does not mean that your life is always blissful. It means that you are capable of tapping into a blissful state of mind amidst the normal chaos of a hectic life.”
I am loving a relaxing day at home after a busy weekend and Monday.
I am loving Living Free by Beth Moore bible study after doing Breaking Free.
I’m currently reading The Wind in the Willows to my kids. I love getting to share good literature with them that they might not choose on their own. And they’re really enjoying this one too!
Not reading anything right now. Trying to find something inspiring to read. Working on cooking more, exercising more, and organizing my house. Hard to find the time but everything I do toward that is a victory.
I am rereading the classic kid’s book “Charlotte’s Web”. I am currently going to college to become a teacher and this book has been a fun break from all of my textbook reading assignments!
I had been reading one book at a time, but now I’ve got several going at once!
Here’s the list: Fear Fighting by Kelly Belarie, Uncommon Marriage (reading with my husband) by Tony & Lauren Dungy, Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare you Kid for Success: How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims, Katharina & Martin Luther by Michelle DeRusha, and lastly – Trials of the Earth by Mary Mann Hamilton!!
I’m reading Parenting by Paul Tripp.
What I’m pondering – How to de-clutter. Really de-clutter! Not just move stuff around. And teach my children to get rid of STUFF. How to teach them that less is more.
I appreciate your honesty and real life look into your lives.
I’m reading some cookbooks for new recipe inspiration.
I am loving my first week of freezer crock pot meals. Dinner has never been so easy!!! Definitely worth the time i spent prepping on Friday.
Reading year of yes by shonda rhimes 🙂
I’m currently reading a man call Ove. It’s really an interesting look into depression and circumstance. I love your reading tips. I try to read a little each day and listen to audiobooks on my ride to work on the weeks I work!
Reading Dave Ramsey
I’m reading Bringing Up Boys by Dobson. Very insightful!
Recent Empty nester… Love Christian fiction and mysteries. Love following you and your family:-)
I’m re-reading Simplicity Lessons. When I read it before, I wasn’t at a time in my life where I felt I could really jump in and apply. Ready to simplify and slow down!
Reading eragon. It’s not one of those self improvement books, but it’s still a good read.
I’m reading “Throne of Glass” right now, it’s a fantasy type novel. Last week I finished reading “The Little Book of Hygge.” It was all about enjoying the simple pleasures in life, and I absolutely loved it.
My husband and I are both introverts, so attending and/or hosting social gatherings isn’t something we would normally get excited about, but over the past couple of years we’ve made an effort and have since been blessed with great relationships with our neighbors. We’ve learned to not overthink having people over, to just keep it simple and enjoy the time together.
I am rereading the SARK series (love the colorful drawings!!!!) and am currently reading “Succulent Wild Woman”. I am also reading the daily “encouragement” book “Living Juicy” (todays message is “feel your fears”. And today I am pondering how beautiful and orange the moon was this morning as I went outside. And it reminds me that everything is beautiful in its own way. I hope you are feeling better!!! I love to read your blog and have tried several of your recipes and like them!!!
I’ve started re-reading Jane Austen’s books, and I’m also going through Raising Godly Tomatoes and Essential Oils for Pregnancy and Birth.
I am currently reading The Wolves At The Door Then True Story of America’s Greatest Female Spy by Judith L Pearson. It is an inspirational story about Virginia Hall who ended up becoming a spy during WWII. I have not been able to put it down. Despite all of the obstacles Virginia Hall faced, she insisted on doing what she could to sabotage the Germans in the war.
I’m reading Retire Inspired by Chris Hogan. He is a Dave Ramsey kind of guy! Kicking debt out!
Thanks for a great giveaway – that looks like a wonderful stack of books! I’m currently reading Teaching From Rest and Charlotte’s Web, as well as teaching my oldest to read.
I am reading “Forgotten God” by Francis Chan. I got the Kindle version a long time ago, but I tend to forget about my Kindle books!
Reading: What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa Terkeurst, and Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist
Loving: 70 degrees and sunny in February
Pondering: How to focus on the successes and minimize the regrets of mothering
I’m currently reading Grace not Perfection by Emily Ley. I just finished Roots and Sky by Christie Purifoy and it was lovely! It’s a memoir set in the seasons. Her words were like balm for my soul! Lately I’ve been pondering the state of our country, crying out to God as to what I can do to help. He keeps telling me to love my family well and get involved in my local community. Seems so simple, yet so true. Thanks for this opportunity to win some books!
I just started Julia Child’s memoir ‘My Life in France’.
Just finished Charlottes Web , and moving on to Mrs. Piggle Wiggle..: reading aloud to my 6 and 4 yr old;-) I have tons of books on my shelf I want to read but can’t seem to stay awake to do so. One day when the kids are grown I will read again;-)
I am reading Endangered Minds: Why Children Don’t Think and What We Can Do About it, Laying Down the Rails by Sonya Shafer, and Mind in the Making: Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs.
Currently reading: The Best Yes, Boundaries with Kids, and The Preacher’s Bride.
In need of motivation….have many good books ? on my shelf but finding time to sit, relax and read is a challenge.
Pondering how sweet the week old baby snuggles are.
Reading the book of John and not much else these days.
Loving that my hubby gets 4 weeks paternity leave.
Right now I’m reading Sacred Influence, it’s been a rough year… yes I know, already… but it’s been a bit of a continuation from last year. It’s helping me find my power as a woman, a child of God and as a wife. I suck sometimes and fail miserably in my attempts to submit… but long story short, I’m making progress, slowly but surely. I’m pondering leaving the workforce this year and working from home while caring for our 14 month old daughter. It’s been something I’ve wanted to do since she was born, but extenuating circumstances have prevented it… this is the year I plan and execute how to make it happen. It’s something my soul has been crying out to me for since we brought home the best Christmas gift of our lives in 2015. I’m loving being a mom, it makes me crazy some times, and exhausted, and proud, and full of hope. It’s been THE best experience of my life, PERIOD!
Currently reading For the Children’s Sake (and very interested in that ^ Charlotte Mason Handbook), pondering changes for homeschool journey next year, and loving our heart-shaped pancake breakfast with my sweeties this morning! ❤
I am reading through some books we picked up for our son, children’s mysteries. Series is called a-z mysteries.
I just finished reading Commonwealth and Sink Reflections. On deck are Thinner in 30 and For the Love.
Reading: Love is a Verb
I usually am reading 2-3 books at the same time. I really enjoy when There is time to sit and read with a chai in hand. These times are a little harder to find since I have 2 little children, and another arriving next month.
Pondering…how to spend my days now that my two year old had to start preschool to help with his speech…. 🙁
I’m reading Thomas Jefferson Education and What Your Second Grader Needs to Know to get ready for next school year with my kiddos!
I’m currently reading The Sympathizer.
We are pondering moving. I am reading Joanna Gains book.
Reading “Uncluttered” loving Lif and my family!!
Love this comment-and especially notmposting any negative about specific children but keeping it honest that mothering is the most difficult but rewarding journey. Sometimes it gets messy, but slowing down and making time for what’s most important. Current king, I am reading “The Kindness Challenge” by Shaunti Feldman and participating in 30 Day Kindness Challenge. I highly recommend and see my relationships flourishing as a result. It is concentrating heavily on nixing the critical and overcorrexting to those in my household. ?? I would love this collection of books you have here!
I am currently reading On The Banks of Plum Creek out loud to my four children. Reading time is the highlight of our day! Our year started out rough, mostly due to my anxiety and control issues. We needed to clear our schedule a bit, and get back on the path that God wants our family to be on. i have been giving much thought to why I so often allow things beyond my control to have control over ME. So thankful that this month has been better! 🙂
Reading some organizational books. I also have a fictional book on my kindle I’m reading.
Just finished for the love by Jen hatmaker. Now I need another book!
The past few weeks I have been reading books by Melanie Dickerson. They are fairy-tale based books and are a fun read!
I’m pondering how pregnancy (I’m ten weeks along) magnifies certain of my traits and tendencies. I’m already introverted but want to completely withdraw from everyone, and that leads to feeling guilty for not giving my children more of me.
Hi there! I’m reading I am it’s a Bible Study by Lysa TerKeurst. It’s really good!!!
I’m loving these cooler days before our Arizona heat wave hits!
Seems I only have time to read my 9 year olds books with him every night. I’m pondering many things , but mostly parenting my brood of 6. They have been challenging lately. 4 of them are teenagers. And although I’m loving them being a bit older and a bit more independent, there are growing pains!
I’m reading Life of the Beloved by Henry nouwen.
I am currently reading Walking With God in The Season of Motherhood. It has been such a great way to start my day.
I’m reading Still Life by Dani Pettrey and pondering eating better foods!
Currently pondering what we need to do to sell our house to move to a house we found that would cut our mortgage in half!
Just finished reading Living Well, Spending Less and The Treasure Principle. I am trying really hard to love the last few days of my pregnancy before we get to meet our little peanut on Friday (the last few weeks are always exhausting for me!).
I won a copy of Cherish at a couple’s retreat this past weekend and just started it last night. I’m excited to see how God will use it to strengthen my marriage!
I’ve been reading organized simplicity and getting our house decluttered the past few weeks. I had a baby a couple days ago (a little early) so that’s going on hold and I’m going to start reading “just say know – God’s answer to addiction” I went to Bible college for a year and studied biblical counseling and I still enjoy learning more about that so I can help others (by God’s grace!)
I am reading Craving Connection from (in)courage and am loving how it is speaking to my heart.
I have had a few rough years struggling with working full-time as a teacher and being a good mom and wife. I finally let go of trying to figure it out on my own and have left it up to God. I have found immense joy and peace since which has transcended through our family. We are all so much happier now.
I’m loving my week old newborn daughter. So sweet and cuddly!
I’m currently reading The Charlotte Mason Way Explained, Time Management Mama and a few Autism reference books. The biggest thing I’ve been pondering is the idea of homeschooling my 3 year old son. We are currently in the process of having his second assessment for Autism. He is making leaps and bounds in his therapy sessions, but I worry that the school systems in our area might fall short on delivering an education catered to what he needs to grow and learn. It has felt like a huge decision weighing down on my shoulders with time ticking down, but honestly I’m finding beauty and joy in all of this. Sure it’s hard at times, but I’m making it a point to be present, to keep learning, and to choose joy as my outlook on things. Life is Good
This week is about finishing books for me. They include Outlander book 3 and Uninvited. I am always inspired to learn what other people are reading!
Hi, Crystal! I’m loving your weekly updates. Keep ’em coming! I’m reading Don’t Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman. It’s a parenting book about changing kids’ hearts in the disciplining process.
I’m currently reading a few books about picky eating to get some inspiration on how to get my 4-year-old out of his picky eating phase!! A child can live on goldfish crackers for only so long!! ?
I am reading the Women of Joy devotional each morning and looking for a good book to start so these would be great. I am loving my first grandson that arrived 2 weeks ago 🙂 Truly love at first sight!!
I’ve been loving homemade chai tea “lattes” every morning and I’ve been working on the winter reading program set up by my local library.
I’m reading Retire Inspired! I love finding new books to grow personally.
I am reading Starry Eyed by Mandy Arioto; a sweet gift from a friend that arrived at the perfect time.
I am pondering starting a business to sell my crafts and artwork. I have also always wanted to write a book, and pushed it aside for years because life with 8 children hasn’t left me much quiet time. I have purposed this year to be a time of finding myself again in the midst of motherhood.
Currently not reading anything (other than the Bible). I am definitely pondering how I need to make books more of a priority. I’ve always loved reading, but it took a backseat because of mothering 3 young children.
I’m pondering how to adequately show each of my kids love. I have a 30 month old, an almost 14 month old, and another one due to arrive in June. I am nervous I won’t have enough space on my lap or arms to hold or energy to be the best mom to each one. Thanks for the chance to win.
Currently reading through the book of John as well as the Wingfeather Saga books! ?
We just moved last week and I am pondering how to eliminate my garage full of boxes! I am reading “Unstuffed” for obvious reasons!
I love reading new-to-me books. I’m currently reading the Magnus Chase books along with my eldest daughter. I like reading along with my kids to see what they like and to discuss the books.
I am currently reading Wait and See by Wendy Pope. I’m in a period of waiting and this book is encouraging me on how to see the good during times like these. Love it!
I am reading “Give Them Grace”. Great book! Pondering school options for next year.
Pondering Gods Grace 🙂
Reading: Nursing Fundamentals and Pharmacology (First semester of nursing school)
Loving: my children and coffee.
Since starting nursing school I have adjusted to less time with my children which I miss so much! I need to stop drinking coffee…..
Pondering: how can I get more done and spend quality time with my children all the while reading 800 plus pages a week….
Pondering how to better parent my two middle schoolers and smoothly adjust to high school next year. How to become a better prayer warrior.
I love getting book recommendations from bloggers I highly respect. 🙂 One person (I really can’t remember who at this time!) suggested The Giver. I never read that book as a kid, so I ordered it from amazon. I started reading it last night. 🙂 I’m excited, because I’ve heard good things about that book! 🙂 I love reading. I hope to win that interesting stack of books you have there! 😀 Thanks for hosting a giveaway!!!
Trying to focus on incorporating more family time over these next few weeks! The kids are desperate to get out and have some fun.
I’m slowly reading Choose & Choose Again by Kevin Butcher. Great book!
I am pondering a business my husband and I could work together on!
Reading- We’re reading through the New Testament this year as a family as well as Gospel Family. I’m also reading Raising A Modern Day Joseph and Loving the Life I Have.
Pondering- How to get our life back to “normal” after an auto accident that’s left me with at least a 24 month recovery and a surgery. Also what our next year of homeschool will look like and a new schedule for all of us to allow more creative, productive times both alone and as a family.
I’m currently reading “Bird by Bird” “Big Magic” and some Tolstoy – planning to start the Fringe Hours too! ❤️
I am currently reading Different by Sally and Nathan Clarkson, while I don’t have a “different” kid in the terms of letters like Nathan I have really found it encouraging and helpful with accepting who each of my kids and how God made them so unique. I have also just started The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. There are piles of wisdom and hmm moments have have really gotten my wheels turning.
I’m reading “Wait and See” by Wendy Pope. I’ve been in a season of waiting on God and it really speaks to me about waiting well and how to keep my focus on God while I wait.
Fun! Love the THM cookbook, I have a few people I could gift that one too, but everything else in the stack is new! !
Just finished reading Last Child in the Woods. Working on reading Kidnapped, Fierce Convictions , and On the Banks of Plum Creek (family read aloud).
The Journey of Desire, by John Eldridge. Love the passion he and his wife write with!
I am pondering what comes next in my professional life.
I am currently reading ‘Cruel Beautiful World’ I have a stack of about 10 books from the library I hope to tackle soon. With all the running between hockey and dance competition I am noy sure when it will happen!! I have been pondering nutrition and steps I need to take. And also about getting more into the diffusers and natural oil remedies.
I just finished reading Unbroken, and was completely inspired by the story.
I’m pondering how to stop living in self-preservation mode, having just gone back to work, after almost 12 years as a stay at home mom.
I am currently reading Wife After God. It is an amazing devotional that had really changed the atmosphere of my marriage and even my parenting style as it addresses godly ways to love those closest to us.
Right now reading “Walking on Sunshine – 52 Small Steps to Happiness” which I’m really enjoying. Contemplating how to stay sane in these troubled but wonderful times full of opportunities!
Pondering how to continue to trust God for an event happening next week, that I’ve been planning for months. And I’m reading this wonderful Jane Austen type book The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen!
Currently reading a gardening book because it’s the first year we are going to have one? but generally I like any type of self help or motivational books. I like reading Dave Ramsey and the other authors he recommends.
Pondering how to continue to trust God for an event happening next week, that I’ve been planning for months. And I’m reading this wonderful Jane Austen type book The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen!
Reading 8 great smarts by dr kathy Koch!
after are thrid boy was born Ive been reading “outnumbered”
The Journey of Desire, by John Eldridge. Love he and his wife’s passion in their writings.
I’m pondering adding a second child to our mix…tough decision for an only child!! Also how to improve my new-found morning time (decided to suck it up and just get up earlier so I could get things done).
Right now I am pondering streamlining our morning routine so I don’t continue as angry mommy in the mornings before my kiddos go to school. Would love to read your book choices! Thanks for being transparent and sharing your stories!
I’m currently reading Pioneer Girls by Laura Ingalls Wilder, A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanne White, and Raising Financially Responsible Kids
I am anxiously awaiting the new JD Robb book. I know that the books seem dark, but I love how the main characters are always treating each other well, working together, and share their love.
Finishing some adoption parenting books for our upcoming international adoption. I saw a couple favorite authors in that stack and I realized how much I have missed reading outside of my assignments! Sigh!
I’m reading your book say goodbye to survivor mode. Started it when it came out and put it down. Back reading it this year! Book 3 of my 13 books for the year goal.
I just read Sally Clarkson’s new book, Different. So wonderful!
I just finished reading Evicted. I’m not sure what led me to this book but I’m so glad I read it. It was heart breaking. I don’t want to go through life with my eyes closed to what is going on in this world or maybe right next door.
I’ve been reading “Uninvited” and processing that book. Also starting a 6 week journey witht my church called I am___. About our identity in Christ
Pondering taking a vacation.
Hi,
I’ve been “following” you for a short while. I share most of your personal posts. Especially the one you shared about your own path and not trying to keep up with others. That post was very inspirational to me. Also about your daughter who has anxiety in social atmospheres. I know you put her in public school to help her. I’m so glad it did. I pulled my sonfrom public school because of his social anxiety, among other reasons. I always appreciate your honesty and reading I can tell you’re raw and authentic. I know you don’t know me, but I feel like I know you! Thanks for inspiring! I’d love to read Charlotte Mason as I just started homeschooling! Good luck to all!
I’m pondering parenting to. I have two boys ages 3 and 6. My 3 year old is quite the handful. I want to do it right.
Currently reading the Anne of Green Gables series. Not sure how I’ve made it into adulthood without reading this sweet, wholesome series!
I’ve discovered podcasts this week and am loving listening to encouraging moms. It’s helping me ponder how to live more joyfully right where I am in the midst of baby raising, taking care of a house, and helping with my husbands business!
Right now I am reading Big Magic. Loving it so far. I am also reading In a dark dark woods. Reading has to be my favorite hobby. It just helps to make you think about things. I love getting lost in a good book.
Reading Basic Economics right now.
I am a lifelong lover of reading but this first year after having my son it seems like there is just no time. I recently made a commitment to read at least 15 minutes a day for pure enjoyment (no homework, and from a real, physical book) and oh my how I’ve missed it. Heading to the library tomorrow for some new picks!
Pondering what kind of Mom I want to be and how much time I want to invest in furthering my career. I’m struggling a little bit with home, work and school and feeling like I’m not doing that great at any of it. I love your idea of screen-free week and will be trying it! (Although maybe when I’ve finished binge watching Scandal with my hubby ;))
Pondering on spring gardening and house projects. We have major renovation on our fixer upper house and lots to do this year. Currently reading In my Fathers house, a story about Corrie Ten Boom. So encouraging to read about biographies and how they lived their lives.
I love that you read multiple books, too!
The nonfiction that I’m reading:
Sally Clarkson’s Different
Carolyn Mahaney’s Feminine Virtues
Karen Ehman’s Let. It. Go.
Thinking about the way that I talk to and about myself, and working on changing that.
I love screen time detoxing, too!
I’m slowly working my way through the Boundaries book. Pondering the life of my boy who just turned a year old yesterday. ❤
Currently reading from the homeschool Mom’s Bible and books with the kids. Would love to read something encouraging for myself regarding raising children. I’d love to check out no more faking fine. Thank you!
Pondering about a trip to Florida with 4 littles coming up in a couple weeks. Loving the break in freezing cold sunless weather here in Northern MI! Reading Teaching to Change Lives.
Currently reading “40 Days to a Joy Filled Life” by Tommy Newberry! It is FANTASTIC!
I’ve been thinking about refugees, and saw a friend post about children’s books on the topic, so I picked up a few from the library. I started with one called Letters From Rifka by Karen Hesse, about a Russian Jewish family’s journey to the US after WWI.
I’m currently re-reading The Screwtape Letters and The Lifechanging Magic of Tiding Up. I’m writing in my Choose Gratitude book. I’m pondering raising 3 teenagers! I would love to win the stack of books!!!
I’m reading The Little Red Book of Wisdom, loving that most of my kids were old enough to sign their own Valentines this year, and pondering building our own home. Thanks for the chance to win. I love reading everything you write and share!
Suffer from some serious mental health issues that have increasingly gotten worse after to the death of my father. I can’t let my illness interfere with my parenting as I’m a single mother to two fabulous little girls whom I love immensely. So my current book list is the Bible, Mindful Way Through Depression with workbook, and The Happiness Project. Also using your daily gratitude journal as I often forget there are plenty of things to be grateful for. Ponderings include: how can I improve our lives from budget to health and everything in between, how to learn and grow from my illness and no longer let it define me, and planning the girls joint birthday. My youngest doesn’t have an actual birthday this year so we would celebrate in March her sisters is in May they want the same theme. Hello April party. Thank you for the chance to win 🙂
Pondering: a new morning routine, too hectic every morning
Reading: The Life Giving Home and as a family we are reading through the New Testament this year by reading a little everyday
All the Light We Cannot See!
I don’t often read fiction, but someone recommended the A. D. Chronicles by Brick and Bodie Thoene.
I found the series at my library and they are excellent!
Just finished “Money Making Mom” yesterday and am currently in the midst of “Rilke’s Book of Hours”, “But What if We’re Wrong”, and “Evicted.”
I am loving the mild winter this year, at least in my part of the country. No crazy routine upsets or emergencies.
Pondering my future. Yesterday was my birthday and I seem to be in the throes of mid-life crises vol. 2. Did not know they could come in waves. Been wanting to do the blog thing for quite awhile, but filled with self-doubt. Raising teens has proven to be the toughest stage of parenting for me. And my faith is being challenged and stretched to the maximum.
Much to ponder indeed.
I’m totally with you on wondering if I have what it takes to parent my two little boys well. I have a 3 year old and an 11 day old. We’ve been hitting the challenge of going from 1 to 2 kids this past week. I’ve had my mama moments of tears wondering if I can give them both all that they need. It has brought me to my knees and I’ve realized that I absolutely cannot meet their needs in my own power. I must rely on my heavenly Father every step of the way. It’s a good place to be when you know there is a Parent above all parents and that He has the wisdom to give us so that we can manage our day to day parenting struggles. That being said, I’ve started reading Grace Based Discipline during those quiet nursing sessions with my newborn. Oh, how it has helped my perspective with my 3 year old. I am a mom in need of grace and my precious littles are no different than their broken mama. We can do this ladies! It’s probably the hardest job we’ve ever had, but it is also the most rewarding. Trust in God’s grace and wisdom and our kiddos will see a true reflection of God’s merciful parenting through us.
I’m reading the 4 agreements. It’s about personal freedom and how to achieve that freedom. Eye opening and inspiring book. I highly recommend it to everyone!!
I am currently reading The Christian Atheist and The Auschwitz Escape.
Melissa W.
I love your humility. I would love to read this collection.
Pondering how to get my house ready to sell and loving removing the clutter. I am not taking it with me!
I am currently reading Impact Together: Biblical Mentoring Simplified by Elisa Pulliam. I’m hoping it will help me to be a better mentor to the Youth Group girls I lead every week and the moms I encounter on a daily bases. Have a great week!
I’ve been reading Fervent by Priscilla Shirer. It is amazing!
I’m currently reading All Things for Good, but getting ready to start None Like Him.
Currently reading You Are A Badass. Hope to be able to believe it! 😉
I am reading Francine Rivers “Earth Psalms”
Pondering what to read next 🙂
I am loving that I get to have a few of my nieces and nephews over today for a valentines party at my house.
Also learning more frugal tips on YouTube with Living on a dime
I’m reading Love Unending and it’s really wonderful. 🙂
I would love to win that stack of books!
I am currently reading my first classic in a long time: Jane Eyre
I am currently pondering our homeschool direction .. as we are due for some new direction
I am loving that spring is creeping closer!
I am currently reading The Lifegiving Home, The Happiness Dare and Because He Loves Me.
I am working through Ann Voskamp’s news book Broken and John Townsend’s book Boundaries With Teens.
I am not reading anything right now. I am not much of a reader. I want to read more.
I’m the parent sponsor for my daughter’s battle of the books team. So my reading the past few weeks has been limited to kids books..One Hundred Dresses, Who Was Harriet Tubman, The Lemonwade War. I’ve enjoyed this easy reading but would love to win your stack of grown up books. 🙂
I am reading Living Beyond your Feeling by Joyce Meyer. I love ❤️ the way she tells it like it is. I can relate to so many if her books!
I have just finished book 8 out of my goal of 40 for the year. It is called “In the Shadow of Lakecrest”, a book with a gothic, mysterious flair reminiscent of one of my favorite books “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier. I’m currently deciding what to read next. 🙂
Wish I could carve out time to read. What am I pondering? After 8 long years of taking care of my mother-in-law who had dementia, I am thinking about her life and the good times, not the tough times.
Pondering spring warmth and new beginnings, of gardens, home repairs, and a year to add foster or adopted children to our home. Reading, “When Jesus Wept” by Bodie and Brock Thoene.
I am pondering cutting the cable again as well. Even though it is very cheap right now, I think my kids are becoming way too dependent on it.
As a new follower of your Facebook page, I have to say how refreshing and inspiring you have been. I have been pondering alot lately from having a second child, to trying to get our finances in order, to attempting to regain my confidence after I failed (miserably) my first certified public accountant exam. Begining to realize it’s okay not to do everything and you shouldn’t do everything, but still struggling with all the emotions that I’m failing if I don’t. Just wanted to say thank you for all that you share! & I’m currently reading my CPA exam book. Lol 🙂
I am reading Becoming Myself by Stasi Eldridge. I am pondering changing up my morning routine and what we will do for school next year for our girls.
I’m currently reading Kelly Tough by Erin Kelly. It’s on loan from a friend. If you’ve never heard of it, I highly recommend it. Faith, family and love ❤️
I’m reading Chaos by Patricia Cornwell. I’m pondering my husband’s birthday. And I’m loving Valentine’s Day. Love making my little guys feel special and hoping they feel well enough to enjoy their school parties.
I’m reading the Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (very inspiring), and re reading the Maze Runner Series (because you just have to when a new installment in a series comes out)! My favourite is that my 11 year old daughter and I are reading the Harry Potter series. Neither of us had read it and although she is old enough to read it herself we love that ‘us’ time before bed each night!
I just finished reading Les Miserables. It was beautiful! I have begun “Remains of the Day”. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!
I am currently reading “Devotions, Advice, and Renewal for when Motherhood Feels too Hard” by Kelly Crawford. It is just what I need right now. I am excitedly expecting to enjoy my next book (which should arrive today as a birthday gift from my mother), Control Girl. I have serious control issues and I can’t wait to see how to look at those issues from a Biblical perspective.
Not reading anything right now, and I really need to get that back into my routine. However, lots of pondering . . . about moving my son that has Autism from his special needs school to public school. About adopting a child . . . with special needs. About if I’m doing enough with my 3 yr old that seems so immature and emotional. About how and why I lived in such a negative place and didn’t see God’s grace or give grace to the ones I love most.
Loving- reconnecting with my husband after rough couple years of marriage, family fun pizza and movie nights, making picture books with the hundreds of pictures I have taken as our family has grown over the last 7 years.
Unfortunately I’m not reading anything super great – but I’ve been skimming my neonatal resuscitation book for my new job!
I’ve been pondering ways to unclutter, simplify and organize our home since we’ve been discussing starting a family recently.
And I’m loving quite a few things! My new job as a labor and delivery nurse and learning about essential oils are definately at the top of my “loving right now” list!
Reading the Bible in 90 days. And the husband and I are taking Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace Course. Pondering how excited I am to see that we can be debt free.
Pondering our family’s afternoon/evening routine and the word “unrush”.
Currently reading “life giving home” by Sally Clarkson
Oh would love to win, I don’t have any of those books ? reading mission of motherhood! Blessings to you!!
Currently I am reading “She Reads Truth”. I heard the authors speak at a women’s conference last year and thought I would give their book a try. I love how they take their life experiences and connect it with God’s truth. I can see the connection in my own life, too. I also have “No More Faking Fine” on my book shelf to read, but it’s going to be hard to top “She Reads Truth”.
I’m currently reading 3 pointless books – nothing but fluff to relax my mind this week! I would love to dive into something with more substance! I’m pondering the course the family is on right now due to some issues with employment. Thank you for the insights into your family and how you tackle things. Knowing the internet contains real people handling real things makes every day less daunting.
I am reading Picture Perfect by Amy Baker.
I am reading a Terry Blackstock novel, Say Good-Bye to Survival Mode, and listening to Into the Wild on my commute. I think that is all besides my Bible. 😉
Pondering: Daily alignment for intention and flow – I’m currently learning about it.
Loving: your 15 Days to A Healthier You advice on drinking more water. This has changed my life!! Is this the biggest beauty secret ever?!
Reading: Rob Bell’s How To Be Here, Alistair Cooke’s Letter from America, and Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting by Noël Janis-Norton and just finished listening to Marie Kondo’s Spark Joy
I’m currently reading Own You Life by Sally Clarkson. Great book!
Wow! Parenting isn’t something you talk about much, but it’s refreshing and encouraging reading your thoughts on where you’re at with it. We have four young boys (ages 4 months to 7 years), and moved (we counted!) 10 times last year, including a spending about 2 months with my in-laws while house-hunting. It was a rough year, to put it mildly. Pretty much daily I’m pondering how in the world did I ever think I could do this mother job?! I must be totally failing! But it’s exactly what you said–there is no “quick fix.” I love what someone said (sorry I forget who)–“Raising a child takes a childhood,” and that’s the mindset I have to maintain. Each day, keeping exactly those thoughts you shared foremost–loving them, reaching for their hearts, forgiving, asking for forgiveness (so many times!), asking our heavenly Father to love them through me, and mostly to change me today so I can be the mommy they need. Thanks for sharing your mom-thoughts!
I am reading The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz and it is a life changer!
I finished reading my first book (cover to cover) in 2017 THIS WEEK! I have a small collection of books spattered around my house in different rooms, started and “paused”, all waiting for me to find the time and desire to pick up where I left off. But Present Over Perfect was different. Her (S. Niequist’s) words cut straight to the heart of this exhausted, insecure, and deeply burdened mama of three littles. Alongside a short devotional, a warm cup of coffee and the stillness of morning, reading this memoir became ritual for me most days. Sometimes alone, and more often with at least one kiddo sprawled on my lap. I found encouragement to simply “be”, to listen to my heart’s longing to simplify my days, and to cease comparing how I mother/love my husband/engage my neighbors, etc… with the seemingly perfect people around me. My hope is to be truly present in 2017 and this book gave me encouragement I needed to start.
I’m a new momma with a 2 month old little boy. Some days I think I need a few extra hands to do all the things I want! 😉 Currently reading Baby Wise…would love to have my little sleep a few extra hours at night! 🙂
I’m reading Savor each morning, along with The First 20 Minutes (about exercise). At night I’m alternating between Have a Little Faith and The Sleep Revolution. With my youngest daughter, I am reading Little House in the Big Woods, and with my oldest Fuzzy Mud.
I am reading the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle; it has most certainly taken me back to the present! I got rid of my Tivo box!
I’m loving chai tea with pumpkin spice creamer and reading anything by Karen Kingsbury and Falling Free.
I have just finished Love the Home you Have. I am working on Real Marriage at the moment and about to start The Strong willed child. I too am struggling with my kiddos at the moment and wonder if I am doing a good enough job some days. Thank you for your honesty. It really helps me remember that not all days are perfect, but I can find perfect moments in each day.
God Bless.
I’m reading the 1000 Gifts book by Ann Voskamp..
Just got done reading The Shack. Loved it. Can’t wait to see the movie. Love to read!!
Right now I’m reading The Unveiled Wife and I like it because I appreciate her transparency in her marriage and her heart to really help people have the absolute best marriage that they can.
I got a journaling/coloring bible for Christmas so that’s what I’ve been working on!
I’m reading Psalms and Proverbs in the Bible; Mind Over Medicine by Lissa Rankin, M.D.; How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie; Think It Not Strange by Claudette Palatsky; and God’s Guest List, and Once Upon a Time, both by Debbie Macomber. I’m a book lover from beginning to end, and have these books in different locations so I can easily read from each every day. Incidentally, I think you’re doing great with your kids; keep trusting God to guide you and to fill whatever voids your humanness brings. He is the only one who never lets anyone down. 🙂
I’m pondering what to do now that I have stepped down at work some and how to juggle the income difference. This momma is burnt out!
Pondering: whether or not I should sign my kids up for co-op in the fall; the Lord laid it on my heart to write a book but writing is not my thing; vacation plans for the year.
Always enjoy reading new books! I’m currently reading BabyBod by Marianne Ryan and Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon.
Pondering what to name our baby girl-set to arrive in the next week or 2!
I’m pondering what my new fairy garden will look like and what my real garden will grow. I’ll need a stack of books and tea when my seeds are planted!
I just started reading Desperate afreri saw your post about it. I’m also reading Say goodbye to survival mode. And I’m waiting on the book I still want it, that I ordered and will be here tomorrow.
I’m reading Love and Respect. Trying to keep taking steps to having a better marriage. I’m loving the Create 365 planner!! My homeschool mom brain loves the way it is laid out! Just what I’ve been searching for, for two years!!
The books look fantastic, but the one bit I will take away from this blog if “love them like I love you… Don’t parent for behaviour modification”. Working on this every day, any other mamas who are on this journey I would love to hear from you.
Pondering: when our house is going on the market and when we’re going to move and how I can be totally prepared and organized.
Reading: I need to buy a new book! In the meantime, I’m reading this newest Food Network magazine.
Loving: how my community has come together in the face of a potential crisis and opened their homes, hearts, and wallets to the thousands of evacuees that were sent to our town with basically nothing more than the shirts on their backs.
I’m currently reading Seven Great Women and the Secret of their Greatness, Candle in the Darkness, Nine Days, and with my kids we’re reading Madeleine Takes Command.
Pondering how to serve my family, pour into others, and make time for my own spiritual growth. And trying to stay sane at the same time!
Reading….Boyhood Daze…an incomplete guide to raising boys….Super funny.
Pondering…what to do this summer…
I’m loving being able to spend time with my kids and getting them excited about celebrating Valentines day together 🙂
I just started reading the power of now
I just finished reading you are a badass, awesome book.
I too wonder sometimes if I got what it takes to raise my 16 month old. I’m turning 40 and I feel I just don’t have the energy, I feel like he’s going to miss out on things because I just don’t have the energy. But I’ve really started to take care of myself, exercising at home and taking him out for nature walks and starting to appreciate the time we have together and make every moment count! ❤
I’m re-reading “The Power of Now” (by Eckhart Tolle), a wonderful approach to spirituality – some of my favorite quotes: “The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.” ; “Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” ; “Love is not selective, just as the light of the sun is not selective. It does not make one person special. It is not exclusive. Exclusivity is not the love of God but the “love” of
ego. However, the intensity with which true love is felt can vary. There may be one person who reflects your love back to you more clearly and more intensely than others, and if that person feels the same toward you, it can be said that you are in a love relationship with him or her. The bond that connects you with that person is the same bond that connects you with the person sitting next to you on a bus, or with a bird, a tree, a flower. Only the degree of intensity with which it is felt differs.”
I am reading “Freedom from Emotional Eating”. Not sure if I will like it but I think I need to read it 🙂
I am reading The Romanov Sisters by Helen Rappaport, Mindset by Carol Dweck and Different by Sally Clarkson. I am struggling through a very difficult season of parenting and can relate to feelings of failure. All I know to do is rest in God and His grace.
Reading right now? Hmmm… the book of John and little else! Looks like a need a stack of new books in my life! ?
Reading The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp! Thanks for the giveaway!
Just finished reading, “Christmas Angel Project”.
As I am in bed with an injury that requires three week bed rest, I have been contemplating writing a book!
I just finished reading “Dear Mr. Knightley” based on your recommendation. Loved it! Would love to read more by the author.
I am pondering how to best make the transition from full-time work to part-time work. I have been wanting to do this for awhile now and thanks to some changes with my husband’s job, I will be working part-time from home come April. Super excited, but I want to make the most of the extra time with my daughter and extra time to take care of my house and my husband and myself, too ❤
Pondering my goals to get in shape and relieve stress.
Loved the words from Heavenly Father. I’m constantly praying for wisdom in guiding my young adult sons; when to speak, when to listen and when to just pray some more and “love them where they are at”.
Pondering….summer, educational goals, homeschooling curriculum, outreach, relationships
Loving….my kiddos and my man, quiet of the night
I am currently reading Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton. My husband got it for me for Christmas. It’s not my typical choice of reading material, but my husband loved it, and thought I would get a lot out of it too 🙂
I’m currently reading “Design Your Day”, and “Love Your Life Not Thiers” – and I must say I’m loving them! It’s hard to put down a good book, and I’m already not looking forward to finishing them. Pretty funny, huh? Thankfully, I have two daughters who love to read who will also get some use out of these books!
Love your blog and FB posts! Keep up the great work!!
I’ve been reading A Young Women After Gods Own Heart by Elizabeth George and am almost done! It’s so good!!
Reading Fearless 🙂
Reading The BFG by Roald Dahl with my 4 and 6 year olds. We are easing our way back into our homeschool routine 3 weeks after our 3rd baby was born and it’s been a great selection thus far!
Just finished _The Secrets of Happily Married Women_ and I’ve been surprised at the balm it has been to my marriage. There have been subtle changes in my understanding and consequent responses that, I believe, along with prayer support, have changed my marriage. The author discusses personal vs marital happiness and how a husband and wife must define what their happy marriage is as opposed to the expectation of what the media has sensitized our imagined happy marriage to be. Crystal, thank you so much for this post. We hope to carry our children for the nine months, we hope to carry our children in our arms, and we hope to carry our children through prayer. I want to give my children the TRUE BEST but struggle every day and fail at giving them the best me. I am thankful that I too am being carried by Him that loves me . . .that He is strong enough to have carried it all, and carry us all. . .
I am currently reading through the Bible with my daughter. We are listening to commentary on Exodus from Chuck Missler, and my past time reading is cooking magazines.
Pondering- How will I ever get a schedule set for our family? Trying to homeschool our 7 year old while the 3 year old wants to run around in circles yelling, and a 3 week old that wants to nurse for hours on end is absolutely exhausting. Not to mention the budget, meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, general cleaning and laundry all still falls on me while my husband works his 8-5 job.
My husband and I are reading through the Bible together this year, in chronological order. We sit together each night after the kids are in bed and read a few chapters aloud to each other. And we ponder the amazing and unbelievable things God has done. It is priceless time spent together.
I’m currently reading Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. It’s incredible so far.
My short term goal is to declutter our house and lives so we are able to focus on relationships first and foremost. Clearly necessary because I’ve only had/made time in our too-busy schedule to clean out the garage…
I have a 19 month old so the top two books on my stack are Bringing Up Bebe and French Kids Eat Everything.
I actually have not been able to read for a very long time. Stuck with work and overwhelming time of raising the 2 kiddos. I am now coming to a closed chapter in my own life. I will be a stay at home mom starting end of day this upcoming mom. I want to get into reading more again. This is going to be a whole new light in my life. Reading will be made a priority!
Reading and pondering Trim healthy mama plan. Would love to receive the cookbook! I’m encouraged by the plan and am currently pinching pennies for the cookbook. Always looking for new books to read. Thank you, Crystal!
Pondering how good life is. I am thankful for a roof over our head, money in the bank, jobs we love and kids that are generous in spirit and with each other. Life is good. All the way from Oz.
I have been pondering and loving a LOT lately after a freak accident 3 weeks ago when my life got a little turned upside down. (Very) long story short, my 2.5 year old daughter’s eye was badly injured, resulting in an emergency surgery, and many subsequent check ups with an ophthalmologist, and another surgery coming up on the 22nd. There are way too many emotions that we’ve gone through to write them all here, but the recurring theme has been a sense of thankfulness and learning of patience. Other than her right eye, the rest of my daughter’s body is in excellent health (well, aside from a nasty cold she developed today, poor thing) and the doctors have said multiple times that considering the circumstances she’s doing as well as she possibly could be. For that we are so so thankful, and we know that God has had His hand in this whole thing, from providing excellent doctors for her surgery and follow up care (literally some of the best in the nation) to loving us through the body of Christ who have been so quick to offer prayers, meals, etc. There have been countless people praying for us and we’ve been so encouraged. I have also been challenged and encouraged by my daughter’s response to everything… She has handled it SO incredibly well, especially for being 2.5. God’s grace is incredibly evident in her, and I’m humbled when I think of how I would respond if I was in her shoes. I am loving seeing her strength of character and high spirits in the midst of great pain and difficulty. God is teaching me things that I know I couldn’t truly learn without this trial, so even though my heart aches to see my child hurting, I am already seeing the good that God is bringing of it. I hate that we live in a broken world where things like this can happen, but it has made me cling all the more to a God who is in the business of reversing brokenness and bringing light in darkness. So that’s a little of what I’m pondering and loving right now! 🙂 that, and just getting to know my kids. Like I said I’ve learned a lot from my daughter, and I’m also loving seeing my (almost 4yo) son’s mind develop as well. He’s a challenge sometimes, but he’s a sweetheart and I love seeing more and more of his mind and heart as he learns how to articulate what he’s feeling and thinking. I also have a 7 month old, and I love seeing both of her older siblings loving on her in their unique ways. Man, it’s funny that you should mention writing a book, since I pretty much just did with my super long comment. 😉 thanks for being real and sharing your heart, it’s an encouragement to me!
I am reading “The Year of Living Danishly” and really enjoying it:)
I’m currently reading Confident Mom by Joyce Meyer, Living Well Spending Less, and three or four others I can’t remember the names of at the moment!
I’m reading Lessons at Blackberry Inn by Andreola. I loved Pocketful of Pinecones so thought I’d try this one.
I’ve been reading Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges. It’s a challenging, yet encouraging study. Would love to add this stack of books to my little library!
Daring Greatly was wonderful. The Guernesey literary and Potato Peel pie Society was delightful. The Rosie Project is hilarious. I can’t wait to read your faves!
I’m reading When Sinners Say I Do (amazing book) and Paul Tripps new book Parenting. Both are so good!!
I am reading The One in a Million Boy
Currently reading The 7 Non-Negotiables.
Right now I am currently finishing up my Master’s Degree, teaching 5th grade, and taking care of my family…so, as for reading, not much time for that. This stack of books would be a great treat this summer when I will have tons of free time. Cant wait for summer!
I am nearly finished listening to the Madame Chic series by Jennifer L. Scott. I found the books to be quite interesting, informative as well as encouraging. The author has a blog and YouTube channel, which I recently discovered as well. I found her insights to be surprisingly inspiring. The lessons taught speak to manners and poise, but also touch upon minimalism and thrift which was refreshing and somewhat unexpected.
I’ve been reading $100 Startup and Will It Fly? as I learn about starting a new business and coming up with ideas. Thanks for your blog and newsletter, so much good information and deals and encouragement!
I just started Exclusive by Sandra Brown. She’s definitely my favorite author right now 🙂 I finished A Painted House by John Grisham last week & it is easily my new favorite book. I can’t wait to read it again in a couple of months!
I love when you do book giveaways! 🙂 A few things I’m loving:
1. We just moved to our first non-rental home and it’s been so fun to decorate and dream up all the things we will do here in the years to come!
2. The weather here in Southern California has been incredible recently. Best time to live here!
3. I just finished watching The People vs. OJ Simpson on Netflix and absolutely loved it. So fascinating and very well done!
I too am dreaming of writing a book this year…I have yet to start but am ambitiously optimistic. I have been embarking on a book journey and have just finished Raising Your Spirited Child and started Eat,Pray,Love along with Developing The Leader Within. I have been pondering many things lately, mostly about the new adventure of launching my Life Coaching business dream and raising 2 (soon to be 3 in may) vibrant and rambunctious little boys! Love your site!
Currently ready The Weight of your words. So convicting!!!
I’m reading Uniquely Human. I’m also wondering if I have what it takes to parent my daughter – newly diagnosed with autism spectrum – and whether or not we’re brave enough to have a third child.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Pondering how to get money together to start investing in real estate and how to find time to write. We adopted our grandson last August and want to improve our financial well being without working full time.
I’m currently reading the 5 Love Languages of Children! So good!
Pride and Prejudice for the millionth time. Stuck in a reading rut! Looking for a new book to motivate me.
I am pondering how to be the best mother I can be in the situation as it is. Having my daughter not live with me is the greatest pain I have ever experienced. I have faith. I have love.
I would love to win your stack of books. Reading has become a wonderful way to cope for me, and I love Chai tea 🙂
What I was reading but just recently finished? The Book Whisperer. Excellent read about classroom strategies to get every child to love reading. Loved it cover to cover!!
I’m reading The Shack and really finding some incredible ways to look at my relationship with God. I was very skeptical when I started reading it but have been pleasantly surprised and encouraged.
I am reading The Magnolia Story by Chip & Joanna Gaines. I don’t often read biographies so it’s a fun change of pace.
I just started reading Uninvited by Lysa Terkheurst. I bought it on audible and listened to most of it but decided I wanted a hard copy because it was speaking directly to me. I also recently finished Magnolia, by Chip and Joanna Gaines. Amazing story!
I am not currently reading anything. I am pondering the books you are giving away.
Currently reading Present over perfect and I’m loving it. I have a one week old and 3 more littles but I have a goal of reading 24 books this year! Hoping I make it!
I just finished The Road Back to You by Ian From. It is all about what Enneagram number you are. Fascinating!! 🙂
I am in awe of the Lord right now after reading your blog post. Many of the same things that you are going through right now, I too am struggling with. I was just asking myself that same question last night: “Am I messing up my kids?” as I was pondering the trouble they have been facing at school and home. A pastor at my church had just preached a sermon yesterday about how behavior modification doesn’t work for anyone. For a person to experience true change he/she must receive a heart transformation through the work of Jesus Christ. Just like you were saying, I have been focused on behavior modification as well as what others around me were thinking when they could see my failed attempts at trying to control my child’s behavior in public. God has been speaking to me a lot over the past couple of days about shepherding the hearts of my children. Just today, I had the opportunity to take a bad choice that my child had made and point things back to the gospel for her, which is a new way of handling the situation for me.
Like you, I too started feeling like we were spending way too much time on the screens and I decided that we should cut back significantly. Our night was also much more enjoyable without all of that! My five-year-old daughter also decided that she wanted to cook something that we haven’t had in a while with the additional time she had without the screen! She was very proud of what she had accomplished.
Considering all of these things, I don’t believe that it was a coincidence that I stumbled across your post tonight. This morning, I started feeling like such a disappointment to everyone around me. However, I am now able to take comfort in two things: #1: I’m not the only one facing these issues and feelings and #2: My God, in His infinite wisdom and knowledge, knows my heart, my pain, and my struggles. He knows exactly what I need to hear during these times, even if it is just a reminder that I’m not alone. As I am praying for my family, I will lift yours up to the Lord as well. Thank you so much for sharing your heart. Hugs and God bless! ❤
Oh my goodness! I just finished reading A Portrait of Emily Price and it was SO good. I’ve read all of Katherine Reay’s books so far and enjoyed them. Listening to the third book of the Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson now, as I wash my dishes. 😛
Pondering: How I can bring in more income for my family by teaching private voice lessons. It’s something I love and I think can do it well (despite my lack of confidence at times) The logistics of when, where and how, are what I’m trying to figure out. Once those are figured out, I’ll have no choice but to choose confidence, and just go for it!
I am reading Present over perfect and loving it. I am trying to start reading again with three young kiddos its been hard but love getting even a little reading in and this book has been a great one to start with.
Pondering: summer plans, upcoming house projects, garden plans
Reading: Starting The Sixth Extinction tomorrow after I pick it up from library. Just finished Beyond the Bakesale on family-school partnerships.
Thank you!!!
I’m reading Raising a Sensory Smart Child, trying to learn more about what one of my children is going through. I’d love to read any of your books too, you have such great suggestions.
I’m reading Present over perfect, and let’s pretend this never happened )some light reading is a necessity lol) pondering the same about parenting and praying for wisdom to parent my tween.
I just finished The Magnolia Story by Chip & Joanna Gaines. It made me love them even more!!
I’m currently reading “Different” by Sally Clarkson, “A Year of Biblical Womanhood” by Rachel Held Evans, and “Truly, Madly Guilty” by Liane Moriarty. And I’ve got “The Magnolia Story” by Joanna Gaines waiting for me once I finish these!
I am reading A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers. Would love a chance to read all of these books!
I am currently reading The Confident Homeschooler by Pam Barnhill and Against the Edge by Kat Martin. I am picking up Nurture by Nature from the library tomorrow. It came highly recommend from an YouTube homeschool mom. I am looking foward to reading and learning from it. (Any parent can benefit from the book. Not just homeschool parents.) It helps you parent each child based on their personality.
I’m reading and pondering everything about dyslexia. Feeling overwhelmed but encouraged.
I am pondering the ability to be a good mother and wife and work full time! Such a hard thing to do. I am going to pick up Sacred Parenting again for some wisdom.
I would love to win your stack if books. Reading is a pleasure of mine and a way to recharge and a few in the stack are on my list to rread!
I am reading The Best Yes and Waiting in Wonder: Growing in faith while you’re expecting. I’m pondering the baby God is growing inside of me and the awesomeness of it. My husband and I are so excited to be blessed with our first baby when we know so many people struggle with fertility. We’re praying that God will prepare us for the spiritual leadership and guidance we need to raise this child to know Him and love Him. 🙂
I’m not reading anything right now. Honestly I would love to make more time for reading. I’ll have to make a plan. 🙂
I am reading “The Broken Way” by Ann Voskamp. Anyone that has known deep hurt, needs to read this book!
I can’t tell you how much I’d love to win. Just discovered Yogi tea.
I am pondering building my immune system. I got the flu shot yet am down this week with the flu. So much fun to be this sick when just getting to be a stay at home mom. Recommendations?
I’m reading The Giver Quartet by Lois Lowery. My 10 y/o daughter reads the same five books over and over, so by reading more books her age in front of her, I’m hoping she is inspired to pick one up and read it on her own without me telling her to read different books. Her teacher has her read a chapter book a month, so I don’t want to force her to read outside her comfort zone; but instead, I hope to encourage her to try something new with positive feedback from the books I am reading. This also allows us to talk about them together, which I love!
I just started reading 1984 by George Orwell and I’m fascinated as well as amazed by some of the similarities in today’s society!
I’m trying to spend time loving my husband as we received orders that he’ll be deploying this year.
Then I’m pondering how I’ll get everything finished before he leaves and figure out what I’m supposed to do while he’s gone! 🙂
I realized that I am not reading anything at the moment….Waiting for baby #7 to decide to come.
I’m reading Looking for Lovely by Annie F Downs and Different by Sally Clarkson and Nathan Clarkson. I’m loving getting to know the new baby I’ve recently started watching.
Just finished reading The Help and loved it!
The Further Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
I am reading Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst for my Moms group and Wild for my Book club.
I just was telling my mom support group I had a prayer call out to me at church- God let me receive my child’s love….& not see their rebelion, disrespect…. then I also thought, should we say this about our husbands too? Literally every parent feels this way- I respect you more today…. I really felt your family was “perfect” obviously a family we can’t relate to….so glad to know we share the same struggles of trying to raise a strong heaven bound family. God bless you!!
Right now I’m reading battlefield of the mind by Joyce meyer.
I’m reading Whole Brain Child and Food Freedom Forever. Hoping to get a better grasp on guiding my beautiful babies through this life and learning nutrition better to bring my health back to where it once was!
I am reading, well browsing through, ” Finding I am.” This book is part of an online bible study at Proverbs 31 ministries. I am enjoying it, so far.
I just finished reading Present Over Perfect (thanks for the recomendation!). It was such a thought provoking read. Ithe really made me think deep about my priorities.
What it’s like to be married to me, by Linda Dillow
I am reading Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover and Gone Girl. I am really pondering our future. We have some big decisions to make.
I just started reading Eric Metaxas’s biography of Bonhoeffer. I did not realize how big it was what I put it on hold at the library! It’s a bit out of my normal reading box, but I’m really interested in it so far. Also pondering budgeting, signed up for a free trial of YNAB, so far it’s been a stretching experience. In a good way, I hope.
I reading the Bait of Satan right now and loving it! I’m preggo with #3 and I’ve been so sick that I have lots of down time to catch up on my favorite activity – reading! I’d love to read each of these!
I am going through a very interesting time right now. My job will be ending at the end of this school year, and not really sure what God has in store for me next. I am reading “uninvited ” by Lisa tyrkerst and it is amazing, definitely recommend it as your next read.
I just finished Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World, and loved it! Someone recommended Same Kind of Different as Me, and I am about halfway through that book. I will have to check these books out! Thanks for your post!
I just went through a divorce (finalized on 2/3) and I have spent a lot of time pondering Christian music as I’m also in my busy work season & rarely get even an hour to myself it seems (I also have an energetic nearly-5-year-old) – I’ve really enjoyed some Lauren Daigle and TobyMac but in particular as I struggle with the pain of my husband abandoning me for another woman, Lauren’s songs Loyal, I Am Yours, & Trust In You have been a healing balm to my spirit. Regardless of the struggles any woman is facing each of these songs can speak to our souls – just right now they are breathing life back into mine and having the wind knocked out of me and feeling like I’ve been sicker punched about 60 times. 🙂
I’m reading when breath becomes air. I get a little lost in the medical jargon every once and awhile. But it’s an interesting read!
I am reading a book called “Midnight Voices” by John Saul. Not my typical pick but I like this one so far. Would love to win that set you have there! Thanks for the chance to win!!
I’m pondering friendships,
As a stay at home mom of a pre teen and 3 toddlers its hard to balance friends. I don’t feel like people understand the energy and time it takes to be a good mom. Many of my friends get upset when I don’t call back or text often. This has been stressful for me but has also caused me to assess my friendships. I desire healthy friendships but need some wisdom on how to be intentional in this area and set healthy boundaries.
I’m reading Univited by Lysa Terkeurst.
She’s one of my favorite authors and speakers 🙂
My husband and I normally do our own thing for Bible reading but our whole church started a plan together this year and it’s been so fun to do that together and be able to talk about it.
I’m pondering friendships,
As a stay at home mom of a pre teen and 3 toddlers its hard to balance friends. I don’t feel like people understand the energy and time it takes to be a good mom. Many of my friends get upset when I don’t call back or text often. This has been stressful for me but has also caused me to assess my friendships. I desire healthy friendships but need some wisdom on how to be intentional in this area and set healthy boundaries.
I’m currently reading “The Broken Way” by Ann Voskamp, “Be Still My Soul” by Elisabeth Elliot and “The Magnolia Story” by Chip and Joanna Gaines. I’m loving all of them!!
I am reading Unglued by Lysa Terkheurst.
I’m reading Astoria by Peter Stark and Resisting Happiness by Matthew Kelly. Also, very slowly making my way through For the Children’s Sake and pondering the meaning and purpose of education. Looking forward to learning more about your new book. I really benefited from your others. Thanks!
I’m reading The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children. I am really enjoying this book.
I’m really trying to make my mornings more productive, so I am currently reading Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. I’m hoping to one day be a person who exercises in the morning! Or…exercises at all. Haha
The email to this post tonight could not have been more appropriate for me! My hubby ran to the store for me late tonight and kids are in bed so as I’ve been doing dishes and cleaning up I’ve been in tears thinking of all my failings as a parent and how I seem to not be able to get through to them. I’ve been pleading in my heart with God to help me know what to do because I don’t even have a clue where to start. I know I’m not the only one who struggles with these feelings, but it gives me a little boost when I see others having similar issues so I know I’m not alone. Thank you!
I’m pondering a death, that left a young wife, with 3 small children. Currently not reading anything.
I’m in the middle of that hard season where kids aren’t sleeping, I can’t stay on top of things, and I’m completely lacking confidence in being a mom to these 4 kiddos. I know God is good and that he’s equipped us for this season, and I know this is just a season (Thank you Jesus!), but it’s hard to remember that when things feel crazy and out of our control. Those are my random thoughts I’m pondering. Thank you for sharing! Sometimes it’s so nice to hear that other people don’t have it all together either. 😉
I am reading No More Perfect Marriages by Jill and Mark Savage and am loving it. I am reading Baggage Claim by Cathe Swanson and loving it. Both of these I am on the launch team for, which is something I love doing.
Currently reading Boundaries by Henry Cloud. Could always add more personal growth!
I’m reading The Green Ember with the kids, The Dyslexia Solution, and getting ready to start The Shack (again).
I’m reading Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (teaching high school lit in our homeschool co-op). I’m loving quiet time with coffee & my Bible as well as cuddling w/my 2 youngest blessings. I’m pondering, as I do yearly, about our homeschooling journey for next year (we’ll have a senior, a 1st grader, and preschooler).
I absolutely love reading your posts, Crystal! I’m currently reading “Lifegiving Home” by Sally Clarkson and “Community” by Brad House. Loving both of them and trying to take aspects and apply them to my own life, family and home. Also- I am loving this stage of life. I’ve been married to my husband, Mark for 8 years this August. We moved back to MI (home) to be near family 2 years ago where we bought a 100 year old farmhouse (My dream home) and are currently fixing it up! We have 4 kids, our youngest is 6 weeks new! 🙂 I am trying to S L O W down and enjoy them, simplify our life, love deeply and get to know them, and teach them to love their Savior. It’s a humbling, and very rewarding stage of life and my husband and I are trying to savor every moment of it. 🙂 <3
I am reading A Complaint Free World, The Truth About Cancer, Coming Home and the last book in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, Written in My Own Heart’s Blood. Thanks for the chance to win your stack of books/
I am reading Present over Perfect at this moment and loving it. I am just as you struggling with parenting lately. Want to do the best, but feel like I am failing miserably. Thank you for your article, really needed it tonight!
I am also going through some school dramas almost daily with my children. I have a 7 year old boy and 11 year old girl. Never a dull moment. I feel for you. I would love to read your recommended books. Thank you.
I have a newborn so not reading anything at the moment. So this will be a great place to start. Something to do during those long nursing sessions. 😉
I’m pondering the culture my husband and I are creating in our home and how I can apply more Bible truth my to daily life that will affect my family positively!
I am reading Uninvited and Give Them Grace and pondering and praying over what God’s calling is for me and my husband and my family now in this season of raising littles and middles and in the future.
I am not currently reading any books but I am struggling with two teenagers one who is 13 and started being stubborn lately… I also have a 1 1/2 year old just to keep things from being boring! I could use some inspiration and a return of my love of reading!
I’m reading the happiness dare. Love it so far
Reading The Awakening of Miss Prim this week!
I am currently reading “I’ll Always Write Back” and seem to be in a really calm stage of life and parenting and it’s amazing! Our God is an awesome God!!!
I am reading several books: A Complaint Free World, The Truth About Cancer, Coming Home and the last book in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, Written in My Own Heart’s Blood. Thank you for the opportunity to win the stack of books.
What am I reading? Rule of Three by Eric Walters. What am I pondering? How to respect your parents when you have to go against their wishes (elderly parents and health). What am I loving? I am a part time photographer in addition to being a homeschool mom. For the month of February I’ve made it my goal to post pictures of girls/women with one thing that they love about themselves, then I nominate someone I know with the same trait. It hasn’t taken off like I’d hoped it would, but it HAS been an encouragement to others and I LOVE that!
I am not currently reading anything. I have been pondering a great many things. Like many my depression and anxiety have taken over my life and ponder if I really am this person that I am being right now. I am always trying to improve myself.
I’ve been reading Give your Child the World, The Mission of Motherhood, and am about to start Different.
I am currently reading “when love is not enough – a guide to parenting with RAD (reactive attachment disorder)” by Nancy Thomas. We adopted a teenage sibling set of three from Ukraine a year ago. God very clearly took our family down this path and now we are pouring ourselves into resources that help us work through their trauma and attachment issues due to no fault of their own.
I’m reading several books right now. The Invisible Man. Sherlock Holmes. Fiery Cross. And everyday, the Bible.
I’m just finished reading Being Mortal by Atul Gawande. It’s about how death and dying have changed with the advent of modern medicine and how to advocate for the needs/desires of yourself and loved ones.
Atul is a very insightful author and physician and writes with great grace. Not exactly my go-to type of reading, but he has certainly given me a lot to think over. I highly recommend it.
Would love to win these?. Just so happens I have been pondering the idea of ordering your Money Making Mom book:) Thank you for what you do. I love reading your articles.
Currently reading Carry on, warrior. About to reread Marie Kondo’s tidying up book to jump start spring cleaning 🙂
Reading? National Geographic
Loving? The unnaturally warm MN weather in February.
Pondering? Homeschooling my kids next year.
I’m reading Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist. I am loving this book and it is really challenging me.
I absolutely love this post. Thank you for sharing that you have real struggles with your kids too.
I’ve been reading “The Alliance” by Gerald Lund. I decided to join a book group at my church in an effort to read more and watch tv less. So far, so good. But now I need to not ignore my family when I get into a good book…..?
I read like crazy! I just finished Long Way Gone by Charles Martin. Loved it!
Reading “Made To Crave” – could use a few new ones. Been considering Trim Healthy Mama concepts.
I’m reading Praying Throught the Bible for your Kids by Nancy Guthrie. Excellent author! Love her way of pointing us to the Redeemer throughout all of Scripture.
Right now I am ready “Finding I Am” Bible study by Lysa TerKeurst. Also, I am working this year to read through at least 12 books in 2017! So far I have two down!!
I’m loving audiobooks lately! I love to read but have a hard time making it a priority. I have an hour commute to work and back so I started listening to audiobooks rented from the library through Overdrive! I listened to Safe Haven in January and loved it, Mindy Khaling’s Why Not Me last week, and just finished a book about the effects of sugar on the body. Love!
I’m reading Clutter Free by Kathi Lipp, The Whole 30, It Starts With Food, Conspiracies and Secret Societies, and The Lodge Cast Iron Cookbook.
I have a habit of reading multiple books in the same timeframe. Doing so allows me to switch gears to keep from becoming bored with a single read.
I am reading The Best Yes and Uninvited! With my kids, I’m reading Twenty-one Balloons.
I’ve also had some moments lately of asking how can I parent my sweet girl. I’m struggling with some overwhelm, maybe a little depression. I often ponder, what will she remember of this time in our lives? Will she remember the whole month where I sat on the couch and never got the dishes washed and we just ate sandwiches? Or can I hope she’ll remember the occasional fun time squeezed in there?
Or sometimes she gets frustrated and lashes out about something, and I think- do I do that? Did she learn that from me? It’s funny (sad) how easy it is to overlook our own bad behavior and only notice when it starts showing in our kids.
Well, on that downer note, I would love to win some new books!
I am reading “The Saving Life of Christ” by Ian Thomas with my children as our current devotions before bed. I am also reading “Make Room For What You Love” by Melissa Michaels, “The Market Gardener” by Jean-Martin Fortier, and “There Is Life After College” by Jeffrey Selingo. Recommended to me was “To Be Told” by Dan Allender, but I have not yet been able to borrow it from a local library…it’s next on the list! (Oh, wait, is that before or after the pile of books I’ve borrowed from the library because they looked so very interesting–only I haven’t had time to read them! Argh!
I’m reading “For the Children’s Sake” by Susan Schaefer Macauley, and pondering how I’m going to keep my very active toddler from climbing on or jumping off all of our furniture when his little brother arrives in about 2 months.
Listening to Treasure Island on Lit2go (free), it’s so much fun! I appreciated your parenting advice, thanks.
Just finished Breathing Underwater by Richard Rohr. I’m still reading Spark Joy and St Benedict’s Toolbox.
Parenting has really been resonating with me lately and your comments are exactly what I needed to hear. The other things I’ve been pondering is the extra job that I’m working and if I’m doing good things for our family by being at work and earning for our family. It’s all about time-management and priorities and answering the question if I’m doing what I should be doing at this time or do I need to make a change.
I’m reading Teach and Grow Rich by Danny Iny, The Food Babe Way, and A Train in Winter. I’m pondering how I’m going to keep homeschooling my 2 boys, maintain and grow two blogs and start working outside the home part time. It’s a crazy month and my head is spinning.
I’m supposed to be reading The Microbiome Diet before it’s due back at the library, but instead I’m reading Rick Riordan YA fiction. ??
I’m pondering how the snow capped mountains I live near are being used to keep me focused and grounded in the truth that Abba has got me. His majestic strength is evident in this daily view outside my window. It reminds me that He WILL lead me through this journey of aging parents, young teens, husband overseas for work…and many unknowns that lie ahead this year.
The earth declares who HE is!
I’m not reading anything right now. The last book I read was The Magnolia Story by JoAnna and Chip Gaines.
Thanks for being real in what is going on with your family and how God is guiding you thru the process. I have four girls, 8 yrs. down to 1 yr. so I have the same conversations with my husband, like what is God telling us to do with this child?! I am reading Without Rival by Lisa Bevere in a Bible study group and The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines from the Fixer Upper show. Praying you have a blessed week!
I’m reading “Uninvited” by Lysa Terkurst and pondering parenting my two teens and how it’s beautiful but so hard to see them get their wings and be ready to fly.
I’m reading Sabbath keeping by Lynne Baab. It’s an easy and practical book about Sabbath rest.
I am an ‘older’ mom of seven kids, three boys left at home. Believe me, I do a LOT of pondering since we have ‘released’ some arrows and are still ‘forming’ some. Each is so different; still trying to study them to know how to “‘train up THAT child, in the way he should go”. I am leading a small group in the Armor of God study by Priscilla Shirer; never needed ‘surer’ armor for the big show down!
Right now I am reading “The Shipping News”. I’m just about finished and can’t decide what to read next!
?P.S. Thank you! God is so good! I am following the books ? outline?
I’m pondering what I am supposed to do now that my children are adults. They’re still teenage adults, but they don’t need me like they used to.
Julie, I resonate with your sentiment! After 30+ years of home education, I am looking at being “out of a job” in less than five years. I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up–or, I don’t know what God wants me to be when I grow up. It’s very different than the constant need-meeting of young children.
Hi Crystal,
I love your book selection! I am so yearning to read Chasing Slow. I can’t wait to read your review… well that did not sound right… as I should say …take your time ?
I am a part of two book clubs… I am reading Lara Casey’s Make It Happen, Fascinate by Sally Hogshead, A Heart Like His by Beth Moore and Power Yor Happy by Lisa Sugar!
I am facilitating the Make It Happen reading for our Book Club at PowerSheets Book Club Babes. I am announcing the book on Wednesday… I will send you an invite.. We are chasing slow… ?Reading a Chapter or two each month so we can delve into the questions and journal… Lara Casey’s PowerSheets, blog and her Cultivate What Matters website have blessed me so… ? I would love for you to join us… what an honor and privilege… would you consider it… I would love to send you a book and journal ??
Thank you Crystal for your heart and your godly pursuit of His purpose and plan for you and your family!
Thanks so much for your kind encouragement! Your note blessed me!
Dear Crystal,
I mean every word! Your ministry continues to bless me. I have learned so much as you are willing to share with godly discernment and grace filled transparency each new situation you face … with the Lord as your firm foundation!
Thank you can not convey my heartfelt gratitude for you and your ministry… If you would like a copy of the book Make It Happen and a journal ? please send me a PO Box that I may send them to you. My very small way of saying… Thank you my dear sister in Christ Jesus! saun.rose@yahoo.com
I’ve been reading through the ebooks from my Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle. I’m almost done and I’m loving that I’m starting to see my love of reading rekindled. It’s been a long time since I looked forward to picking up a book, and I’ve missed the feeling. ? Btw… I totally hear you on the parenting front! I think we’ve all been there multiple times (and mine is only 1!). But you are so right… The only place we can find the answers is through God’s Word. Thanks for the encouragement. ?
I read Present Over Perfect and am now going through it again with friends. We finished Without Rival last year and couldn’t wait to start another book/coffee study night. I loved Teaching From Rest too. Reading Big Magic and the Outlander series (book6). Currently, I am writing with my mother and loving it! We are tag team writing and it really gets your creative juices flowing. I call it madlib writing. 😉 We also started Published but audio version for me, so I can fit it in around laundry. Pondering how I can make our life slower and richer (more quality than money although that would be nice too). He keeps reminding me to enjoy life and quit rushing, so I’m trying to listen. Love that you read multiple books at a time too! Thanks for being tranparent!!
Thank you, Crystal! I’m reading The Curated Closet for myself and the Beatrix Potter books with my little girl. This week I’m pondering how much better life is when I turn to God instead of relying on myself and those around me to meet my needs and solve the problems I run up against daily. His whispers about loving your kids were just the encouragement I needed today, and now I’ll be pondering this too.
I am reading Savoring slow by Shawn Fink and Made to Crave. Focusing on keeping my priorities real. I have 3 young children. So many times I feel like I have let them down. I hear it and see it in their play and how they respond to each other. You have inspired me with your goals for the year. This year is the year of new opportunities. I have truly put my goals out there for our family to grow together in the Lord and what ever the new opportunities will be.
I’m thinking about how I can be more involved in reaching out to people who don’t know Jesus, while also focusing on being the wife and mom my family needs. I often feel like I don’t have any extra energy and time to give!
This week my husband came back home after being in South Africa for a missions trip. He was supposed to go back to work on thursday but decided to take the rest of the week off to spend with the family. 🙂 Loving it!
I highly recommend Paul David Tripp’s new book, Parenting – 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family.
I would love to resume the quiet stillness of my favorite pass time – reading. I admire how as mothers each, or most, of you find the time. I seem to have so much resting on my shoulders that what I read isn’t retained. I re-read pages:) all the time. That counts, right? At least my library is growing (lol).
Nevertheless, I recently purchased and began “The 7 Rings of Marriage” by Jackie Bledsole. Eventually, I will succeed:) in the calm and quiet still away.
Thanks Crystal! I’m pondering applying to kindergarten for my son. I worry about him and wonder if he’ll be ready.
I am reading House Girl by Tara Conklin and I am feeling like I am failing my children these last few weeks. One new teenager and two tweens. We have very defiant and disrespectful behavior and I want desperately to
Show them Jesus ( and some grace!)
I’m reading Full-Food, Jesus, and the Battle For Satisfaction by Asheritah Ciuciu & A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron. Both pretty awesome!
I just had a baby 2 weeks ago, and nursing time is a great time to read! I’m reading Money Making Mom, a mops.org book called Starry Eyed, and Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. I’m excited to receive your link to Chandler Bolt’s book! I’ve seen a webinar of his and I’ve always wanted to publish a book, so I’m interested to read this. Thank you for sharing that!
i’m reading a lot about gardening at various websites, getting ready for spring. . .when I read books it’s true crime usually
I am reading Kindred by Octavia Butler. I am always pondering about my children as well and whether I am doing a good job. Thanks for the article.
I’m reading NO MORE HEADACHES by Juli Slattery (http://amzn.to/2l2pGMK). It’s excellent!
I just started reading “Hidden Figures”. Recently saw the movie I was very inspired!
Thanks for all you post on the blog! Enjoy it very much!
?You will get my state of mind by my current reading selection; The Frazzled Female and its companion study guide; Grace, Not Perfection; The Fabulous Misadventures of Ingrid Winter; and to make things a bit lighter, Lethal Velocity by Lincoln Child.
I do love to be transported and inspired by my reading. Pondering much the same as you, Mrs. Paine. Am I doing a good enough job at home? Hoping to find some inspiration in my readings and keep your recommendations coming!!??
I am currently in process of reading ‘Folks, This Ain’t Normal’ by Joel Salatin – fantastic read! Also, “Give Them Grace” by Elyse Fitzpatrick and “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” by Barbara Kingsolver. I’m always pondering…sometimes I wish it would stop!! 😉 Lately it has been possibly building a house, learning to preserve food, starting a blog and also how I feel like I’m failing at being a Mom. Thanks, Crystal!!
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself
I am reading “Praying the Scriptures for Your Children” by Jodie Berndt and “I Know How She Does It” by Laura Vanderkam. Both are good with practical information.
I’m waiting on The Final Day and in need of some motivational self type books. I’m loving my (small) but needed individual time with my two daughters lately. I started a between us journal with my teen and plan to do the same with the other soon. I love that she’s asking me if I’ve written her (but of course kick myself bc I hadn’t yet).
I’m reading Full by Asheritah Ciuciu. Such a great book! Thank you for blogging about the books you are reading! You have really encouraged me to find time in my schedule to read. : )
I’m reading “Praying the Scriptures for your Children” by Jodie Berndt and “I Know How She Does It” by Laura Vanderkam. Both are really good with practical advice.
I’m loving the warmer weather here in Minnesota.
I am not easy anything at the moment. I don’t seem to have the energy. I’m amazed at all the books you read. Keep up the great job
I’m currently reading Elijah by Charles Swindoll.
I am reading The Behavior Code and Nantucket Stroll. I am pondering how to improve my focus and be less distracted at work and life in general.
I’m reading Christ in the Chaos – How the Gospel Changes Motherhood by Kimm Crandall and Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith (the 10th book in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency novels). I’m loving both of them!
I teach Awana to 3rd-6th grade girls–so I’m reading an Awana devotional / scripture learning book to hold myself accountable to my growth with Jesus as I hold the girls accountable ☺??
I’m reading “On becoming pottywise” and pondering outsourcing potty training my third child (a boy)?. Ha! I wish!
I’m reading “Eve in Exile” by Rebekah Merkle, about the restoration of biblical femininity. I thought it would mostly be sharing sentiments I already knew, but I was wrong, and I’m getting a ton out of it!
I am reading Own Your Life by Sally Clarkson.
Currently I’m reading the 5 Love Languages and the Prayer of Jabez.
I’m reading Little House in the Big Woods with my girls and we are loving it! I just ordered Notes From a Blue Bike and am looking forward to its arrival, and I just finished (for the 3rd time! 🙂 Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
I also wanted to say – I’ve been a mom for almost 30 years now, with my kids’ births spread out over 22 years – so I have been ‘actively’ parenting for a long time. I sent my husband a text just last week telling him I still feel like i don’t have a clue what I’m doing in this Mama-ing gig. That if it were a ‘real job’ – I’d have likely been fired by now : / But the fact is – God chose THESE kids for me (and yours for you, etc) for their good, and ours. I think if we felt like we had it all figured out, we wouldn’t go to God for the strength and help we need…. {hugs}
I’m reading “Letters to my Daughters: The Art of Being a Wife” by Barbara Rainey. So good!
I’m reading Knowing God by J.I. Packer which is a good one for a slow read and creative corrections by Lisa Whelchel. ??
One of the books I’m reading is ‘a mother’s reckoning: living in the aftermath of tragedy’. The book has caused me to think about my parenting. Sometimes it feels like it doesn’t really matter how we parent because sometimes you do everything right – and yet your son turns out to be a serial killer. Or you hear of those stories about people that treat their children horrendously and they grow up to be great people. I know it matters how we treat our kids, but this book is reminding me that no matter how hard you try to be the perfect parent sometimes your kids will just make a bad decision. You do the best you can, and hope it sticks 😉
I’m rereading the Harry Potter series with my daughter and The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber. I am determined to raise my kids to manage money better than some of the adults in their lives!
Pondering the lesson on being more content. God has been a patient person with me. I think I’m “learning” this — still not there 100%.
Reading — the Bible chronologically. I like it so far!
I’m reading Choose Joy by Kay Warren with my bible study ladies. My word for the year is “Joy” and so this is a great fit! I have 2 teens and wonder the same thing about parenting, but daily prayers keep us moving forward!
I’m almost at the end of The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up (recommended through your 15 Days to a Healthier You course) and I just finished Carrie Fisher’s Postcards from the Edge.
I’m also browsing through several Japanese cookbooks as that’s my culinary adventure for the month.
Like you, I like to have several books going at once!
I am reading The Awakening of Miss Prim and rereading The Wingfeather Saga. I’m loving both!
Lol, I say this only because I just tonight finished reading Stuart Little. I think I might be in need of some grownup books:)
I am currently reading/listening to (audiobook) “The life changing magic of tidying up”. I’m pondering all the things I need to do before I take my vacation in April to India. I would love to win these books, a couple of them would be perfect for my 20 hour plane ride!
I’m reading “Eat Dirt” by Dr. Axe and really enjoying the information!
I am reading “Praying Circles Around Your Children ” by Mark Batterson. I have been inspired by the stories and the idea of encircling my children in scriptures while praying for them.
I’m reading Grace Based Parenting, hoping I can absorb all the information and have a better handle on how to parent out of grace and accept God’s grace for myself daily. It is a lot to ponder but great insight.
Currently reading Loving My Actual Life: An Experiment in Relishing What’s Right in Front of Me by Alexandra Kuykendall.
Trying to think of something cool or awesome to make my post stick out so it’s picked for your giveaway. Coming up short though. Pick meeeeee please!!! Please please please! I would love to get a personal email from you. Would mean a lot right now. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us.
I’m reading Hands Free Mama and a three-book mystery series by Colleen Coble. I’m pondering how to work less and have more time for fun!
I’m reading Mother & Son: The Respect Effect by Emerson Eggerich. I’m trying to learn to better navigate communication with my precious middle schooler. ?
I’m reading Growing Young, about churches that are reaching young adults well, and Threading My Prayer Rug, which is about a Pakistani Muslim women who moves to the U.S. and learns to navigate her faith, parenting, marriage, etc in a new place and new culture. Both are very good and I’m learning a lot!
I’m reading/pondering The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp. Wow… deep thoughts and lots of praying through what it means to be broken and re-membered by the One who made me.
I just finished Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequist. I’m currently reading Have a Happy Family by Friday by Dr. Kevin Leman.
I’m reading present over perfect!
I’m pondering homeschooling our children. It’s so hard to know what the right answer is.
I am finishing up a book purely for pleasure, Cursed: Black Swan by Ryan McFadden.
Just started reading Made to Crave.
Today I just finished reading the Happiness Dare recommended by you Crystal and I loved it too! I’m now starting Girl Alone by Cathy Glass – It’s very heavy but my husband and I are about to start fostercare and someone recommend it to us.
i am reading biblical womanhood in the home. i love this book
I’m reading Miracle Mornings Transforming Your Relationship as well as The Beach House and Truly Madly Guiltily.
I am currently reading “The Magnolia Story” by Chip and Joanna Gaines, and listening to “Love Does” by Bob Goff. I just started “The Magnolia Story” and can already tell I am going to love it and that it is super timely for me! “Love Does” has been great and I love that I’m listening to it via audiobook. It’s read by the author and he makes his stories and insights even more fun to listen to!
Thanks for sharing what you are pondering. After a day when my kids absolutely messed up and felt the consequences, I felt the shame and defeat of it all. But, they are kids and will make mistakes and have to learn from them and move forward. Your words are an encouragement to me and a good reminder.
Megan
I’ve been thinking about college for my sophomore.
I just finished reading Impactivity: How to shift your productivity into lasting impact and I’m going to start reading French Kids Eat Everything and Me Before You.
I’ve been pondering how to get more organized and be more present, especially with my kids.
I’m still contemplating “Eating Animals” by Jonathan Foer. I want to make some changes but I’m trying to figure what will be sustainable for me. Particularly tricky are meals out of my home with others.
I’m reading Ann Voskamp–The Broken Way. Highly recommend.
I am reading and pondering “Parenting Toward the Kingdom: Orthodox Christian Principles of Child-Rearing.” I highly recommend it. The book is from an Eastern Orthodox perspective (which I am), but I think that there is much for other Christians to gain and learn from it as well.
I’m reading “The Broken Way,” by Ann Voskamp. It started out as a Bible Study but the leaders kept quitting. So now I am reading it on my own. It’s about coming to Christ after being broken by life experiences. I love it!
I just finished a book and I am about to buy one (Let. It. Go.) for my book club. I’m hoping fellowship with other ladies will make me more accountable in giving time to my faith walk.
I am currently reading “Christ the Lord” and just finished “The secret life of bees” I have pondered the thought of writing and autobiographical/inspirational book for years so I’ll definitely be reading “published”
I am reading the Chip and Joanna Gaines book Magnolia story. It is really good. I love it because they are Christian people trying to live a Christian life but still having fun and showing love between themselves. And how they help people with their designs.
I’m reading “The Ministry of Motherhood” and a book on the benefits of cursive writing, very interesting! I’ve been pondering on possibly sending my kids to a different school or homeschooling a couple….tough choices!
I am pondering / working on living a healthier, happier life. Just after New Years, my husband and I embarked on a healthier journey as our goal for this year. So far, so good! He has dropped almost 50 lbs already, I have lost 18. Some of the things I make a point of are drinking more water, eating more vegetables.
I am also trying my best to stick to my word for 2017 “Home”. I want to be home more, do more at home, and enjoy home and my people this year.
I’m pondering through the book, Parenting by Paul Tripp. It’s all about grace and being an ambassador of God much like what you mentioned in your post. It’s been SOOO good for me to read and your words are affirming. Thank you!
I am pondering / working on living a healthier, happier life. Just after New Years, my husband and I embarked on a healthier journey as our goal for this year. So far, so good! He has dropped almost 50 lbs already, I have lost 18. Some of the things I make a point of are drinking more water, eating more vegetables.
I am also trying my best to stick to my word for 2017 “Home”. I want to be home more, do more at home, and enjoy home and my people this year.
I am ready To Kill a Mockingbird. I am really enjoying it. Reading it with my book club ladies. I’m pondering what it would be like to live in that time period and what would I do in that situation.
I’m reading a book just for fun right now — Sara Paretsky’s Critical Mass. I love her writing and will probably finish it Tuesday or Wednesday night. Next, I’ll be reading a book for an online book club for the blog Modern Retro Woman; the book is by Laura Shapiro and is titled Something from the Oven: Reinventing Dinner in 1950s America. I look forward to reading this one. And, I’m doing a Bible study (by myself) The Frazzled Female: Finding Peace in the Midst of Daily Life by Cindi Wood. I’m behind in this study, but I’ll get back on track this week. I would love to win your books; and I’m so glad that you read almost as much as I do! Keep up the good work; I’ve been a fan of yours for many years (since Biblical Homemaker and Mom of Littles).
I’m listening to podcasts from Axis who have amazing teen wisdom from people like John Eldgredge!
I’m reading Magnolia Story, and Really enjoying that. Also ‘From this Day Forward’ by Lauraine Snelling. I have just loved her whole series about Blessing, ND. Great historic Christian fiction, I hate to see it end. 🙂
I’m loving the third snow day in a row here in New England! I’m trying to enjoy the “free” days I get to keep my kids home with no schedule- just playing in the snow, hot chocolate and falling asleep in front of the fireplace!
I am reading books about “how to make a high school transcript”! As my oldest son (of 3) prepares to enter home high school next year, I need to “be ready”! I am starting to feel overwhelmed, but I keep reminding myself, “God has brought us this far, and He will see us through!”
I am currently reading “The Bookshop on the Corner” by Jenny Colgan. I’m always pondering on different things concerning our 5 children that we have been Blessed with!! At this moment some of the main ones include Homeschooling, Extra Activities like all of the kids sports teams, basketball, dance, etc., a new medical diagnosis with one of our sweet children, & just trying to Balance Everything! I am Loving Poetry Tea Time which is a new weekly tradition we have started!
I’m reading ‘Use Spanish at Home’ by Adelaide Olguin. My New Years resolution has been to finally learn a second language!
Pondering my parenting as well… I am on my first and he is turning into a toddler. So I pretty much think I am doing everything wrong all day!
Just finished Alexander Hamilton’s Guide to Life. Currently working on Healing Roots.
I have been pondering the same things – what am I doing wrong in my parenting? Do I have what it takes to raise them right? How can I do it ‘right’ when I am so less than perfect? Am I messing them up in ways that will never be able to be repaired?
Today, I unexpectedly received a dose of reality from another mama, one whose kids have a background extremely different than mine. She was having the EXACT same issues, almost word for word.
So, perhaps I was not messing them up completely. Perhaps they are struggling on this path and need me there to keep them from running off the road, to act as a guard rail, to remind them where the boundary is.
Such good thoughts here! Thank you for sharing!
Two movies were recommended to me recently. The first was “Noble” (on Amazon prime), about an Irish woman who had a ministry later in life to help the children of Vietnam. Beautiful movie and true story. The other was War Room, which was a good movie too.
I’ve been pondering how I can help with the huge and devastating problem of human trafficking. I’ve also been praying for certain things in my life and not fighting as I normally would with sarcasm, but in prayer. It’s such hard work, but I’ve already seen some joy in the sorrow. 🙂
I am reading “Big Magic”. I am pondering how I am going to manage to do the things I want to do, while working and being a good mom. It is so hard to find balance in life.
Thank you for sharing.
Pondering school choices – so hard to figure out if private or public education is best for your children. Lots of hard decisions as we seriously look at our options. We are currently in private school but not sure how much longer we will continue on this path. Then while deciding what on school, it may change our housing plans as well. So much to think about as we raise our family!
I tried reading the HIllbilly Ellegy this week, but couldn’t get through it. I set it aside and just started reading Glory Over Everything- the sequel to the Kitchen House. So good! And hard!
This stack looks wonderful I would love it!
I’m reading Anne Frank Diary of a Young Girl. I’m loving spending time with my littlest daughter (1 1/2 months old). And I’m pondering how to get in more one on one time with my older kids.
I’m currently reading The Magnolia Story and listening to Just Mercy on Audible.
I’m finishing what Alice Forgot and getting ready to read a book you suggested The Gifts of Imperfection. Pondering how to best help my children become amazing adults! Thanks for all your great info?
I recently finished reading Present Over Perfect and really enjoyed it. I’m currently homeschooling our children so I’m always reading, pondering and researching ideas, methods, etc. I’ve been thinking about writing a book for a long time-I’m going to check out Published! I really enjoy your blog and appreciate your posts so much-thank you for sharing your heart, life and ideas!
I’m not reading as much as I’d like to but am still moving along with “Love Warrior.” Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your life with us! 🙂
Im not reading as much as I would love to. But Im poundering about the work Im doing with my kids, Im trying to be more patience and show them the Grace of God. I will love to find myself as a mom so I can be what my kids need. Reading your blog give me hope! Thanks
Currently reading and being challenged by Brene Brown’s Daring Greatly.
I am pondering how to celebrate my babys’ first birthday in 2 weeks. People are already asking me what I am making/doing to celebrate!
I am currently reading Because You’re Mine by Colleen Coble, I love her books because they are christian romance and mystery all wrapped in one book.
I’m reading “How to live a good life” by Jonathan fields.
I’m taking the online course “Relational Wisdom 2.0” from Ken Sande. It is SO good and has already been improving my relational skills with my children, in-laws and friends.
I’m reading “lies women believe and the truth that sets them free” by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. So good and leaves me pondering many things!
I’m reading Dr. Amy Myer’s blog on living with thyroid disease and autoimmune disorders. I have been so encouraged and inspired by the things she has shared on how to treat these conditions naturally (as I was recently diagnosed with both thyroid disease and autoimmune disease)
I am reading Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. I am also loving watching Hunted with my kids as you mentioned your family was also enjoying.
I’m reading cleaning house by Kay wills woman about child entitlement attitudes and encouraging independence. Thanks for a fun giveaway.
Hi. I’m reading “A Mom After God’s Own Heart” by Elizabeth George. I am loving reading your blog, the great tips & savings that you post and the fun stuff too. I’m loving family time & God’s sweet reminders in & through His Word. I would love to read the books that you are giving away. Thanks for the chance. 🙂 Cindy
I’m currently reading “Deep Run Roots” by Vivian Howard and “Will Write for Food” by Dianne Jacob. Thank you for the opportunity!
Two of my kids are teenagers now, and as a homeschooling mom I ponder if I am doing enough to help them find their talents and pursue possible fields of interest. Being a mom is a big job.
Thanks for the great post — glad to see others are human too! LOL I , too, have been pondering things about my children — growing up too quickly (in my minds’ eye) and I want to savor the time I have left with them!
I’m reading “The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor. I’m loving the focus on being happy and grateful and what that does for every area of life.
Thanks for the blog and all that you do. Your work is appreciated!
The Lake House by Kate Morton, good book with beautiful descriptions!
I’m reading The Cellist of Sarajevo. I’m pondering many things about my children as well. This school year has been a doozy!
I’m reading “Second Forgetting” – Remembering the Power of the Gospel During Alzheimers Disease by Dr. Benjamin Mast.
I highly recommend. It’s encouraging and praise-inducing.
I also have been struggling with parenting and feeling like I am falling. I really needed to hear what you wrote about loving and parenting their hearts not just their behaviors. Thanks!
Ooooh a stack of books on my doorstep would make my day!
I’m currently finishing the book Making Marriage Beautiful, by Dorothy Greco. It’s a really nice look at marriage from Christian perspective and once I’m finished (hopefully tomorrow!) I’m excited to start Through the Eyes of Hope Lacey Buchanan… Sounds so inspiring!
I am currently reading The Happiness Dare! I’m looking forward to finding more happiness in each day.
I’m reading Traces of Gulit.
I just finished reading Unbroken, based on your recommendation. I also chose to listen to it on Audible, and agree it was probably the better choice. Thank you. It has really made me think about how much we can endure and that most choices in life come down to our heart and mindset. Our level of hope in the world and in people.
Thank you for inspiring me to find the time to read more. Have a great one!
God is good He will direct you. Complete surrender of every moment to God is the foundation of happiness. This too will pass. I had to say many times in my raising of children. I love Karen Kingsbury books and historical novels. just read a walk in the woods
I am currently using a Bible reading plan to read the Bible through this year as well as The Book of Mysteries by Jonathan Cahn, which I am using as a daily devotional, reading one entry every day. I am also reading A Trip Around the Sun by Mark Batterson and Richard Foth; I bought this book after looking into it when you said you were reading it. I love to read but I read slowly so I am really careful about my selections.
Reading:
Becoming a Vessel God Can Use, by Donna Partow (with our church’s women’s group)
Made to Crave, by Lysa Terkeurst (with a small group of friends)
Amos by Francine Rivers
A Mother’s Heart by Jean Flemming
Keeping House: The Litany of Everyday Life by Margaret Kim Peterson
Like you, I had extra reading time due to flu/cold, but am feeling so much better this week… I am loving this *almost Spring* weather we are having ?
Thanks for the giveaway opp., Crystal!… You are such an example of generosity and encouragement!
Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. Wow! Praying is at a whole another level!
I’d love to win that stack! Right now, I’m reading Hands Free Mama (again), a book on Amish Parenting that at a friend gave to me, and I’ve been diving into scripture a lot because we are in the middle of a church split.
I’m reading The Personal MBA. I am considering going for my MBA next year but debt is a 4 letter word I want nothing to do with! Pondering- switching to a company known to pay for MBA and MHA programs…
One of my students recently gave me Meditation by Jim Downing and it has been a great read so far.
I am also reading Univite