What I’ve been Reading – Book Reviews and Recommendations!

(Books listed below have affiliate links. If you choose to purchase one, I will earn a small commission without any extra cost to you.)

You guys….I’m SOOOO excited about discovering the free audio book app called HOOPLA!!!

Have you heard of it?

If you download the Hoopla App and plug in your library card info, you can check out FIVE free audiobooks every month! I have a list a mile long of books that I want to read but don’t get enough time to SIT and READ! NOW I can listen to FIVE audiobooks each month! I’m so happy about this! Some people “binge watch” on Netflix … well, I ‘binge listen” on my Hoopla app. I listen in the car, while I’m doing housework, out on a walk or run, or whenever I can squeeze in a couple of minutes to LISTEN! I LOVE IT!

Here’s what I’ve been reading and listening to:

Girl, wash your face by Rachel Hollis

This book has been on my “To READ” list and when I got the Hoopla App, it was the first book I downloaded. The audiobook is read by the author herself. Rachel Hollis tells about her life in an honest yet uplifting, funny way. It’s her memoir about a small town girl who became a wife, mom to 4 kids, writer, speaker, and media mogul! Really enjoyed this! 4.5 out of 5 stars

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

Two people said this book was their favorite, so I decided to check it out and WOW, it was fascinating! It was a true story about a family who lived for a year off of what they could grow or buy locally. I learned so much about the food we eat. I’m so glad I read (by read I mean “listened to”) this and it’s slowly changing the way I buy and eat food. 5 out of 5 stars – I HIGHLY recommend you ‘listen to’ or read this as well!

Mother & Son: The Respect Effect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Did you know that if men had to choose between love and respect, 3 out of 4 would choose respect?!

I grew up in a household of full of women, so feeling ‘loved’ took precedence over feeling ‘respected.’ Now that I’m in a household full of men, I thought it would be a good idea to learn a little more about the ‘respect’ effect!

This book helped me understand the “language” men speak, as well as how they think. The book teaches moms how to speak in a way that boys will listen.

For instance, one simple thing I learned is to, when appropriate, switch out the word “love” for “respect.” Instead of saying, “I love how you…” say “I respect how you…”

Dr. Eggerichs also takes us back to the basics of our role as mothers with the word GUIDE.

G – Give

Give so a child’s basic needs are met.

U – Understand

Understand our children so they are not provoked or exasperated.

I – Instruct

Instruct our children so they can know and apply God’s wisdom.

D – Discipline

Discipline, so your child can correct wrong choices.

E – Encourage

Encourage, so your child can courageously develop God-given gifts.

S- Supplicate/pray

Supplicate and pray so your child can experience God‘s touch.

The book shares tons of real-life scenarios so that we can learn how to apply information presented in this book! I really enjoyed it and would recommend it for boymoms.

Conversations with a Billionaire , by Ted Egly – I wrote my thoughts on this book here. I highly recommend it.

An American Marriage, by Tayari Jones – Expectations were very high for this Oprah’s Book Club selection, but I didn’t love it. It tells the story about a married couple, Roy and Celestial. They have been married for about a year and a half when Roy gets falsely accused of a crime and goes to prison. They write letters and continue to make their marriage work as a lawyer tries to get the charges dropped. Roy ends up getting released after serving 5 years and he is excited to get back home to his wife and attempt to put his life back together. However, things don’t go as planned. This book shows how lives are impacted from injustice in our justice system and how time can change everything. Well written and interesting, but not a favorite. I’d give it 3 out of 5 stars.

The Great Alone, by Kristin Hannah – I had to skip over many pages to get through this LONG and sad story…I kept waiting for something good to happen. It follows the life of a girl and parents. The father had been in the Vietnam War and came home with PTSD. You see how that negatively impacts his life and the lives of his wife and daughter. It’s really well written, but I don’t like to read really sad stories, so if you are like me, I wouldn’t recommend it.

What’s God Really Like? Unique insight into His fascinating personality, By SJ Hill

This summer, during a visit to Indiana, my Uncle Steve (SJ Hill) gave me a copy of his newest book. The title was intriguing and I was looking forward to seeing what this book was about. I’m not finished yet, but I’m REALLY enjoying it! Every page makes me smile. It’s a refreshing and uplifting book.

Breathing in, Breathing out: Keeping a writer’s notebook, by Ralph Fletcher

My Aunt Michelle sent me this book for my birthday and I read it over the summer but forgot to talk about it! I LOVED it! It’s based on the idea that if you want to be a good writer, you need to have an opportunity to “Breathe in” your ideas, thoughts, quotes, stories, observations, lists, etc. Then, you can “Breathe out” what you’ve captured into a blog post, article, book, etc.

If you are a writer, I HIGHLY recommend you read this book. My aunt had underlined portions and made notes, so I enjoyed that as well! I find it fun to read books ‘second hand.’

Have you read any of these books or plan to read one! Leave me a comment by clicking on the little box by the TITLE of this post! Thanks for reading what I’ve been reading!

October 16, 2018 By Kathryn

0 In Book Review

A peek into “Conversations with a Billionaire”

Before I start a new book, sometimes I’ll just skim it or read a few pages to see if it’s worth my time or money! If you are like ME, you are in luck. I’m giving you a little glimpse into my husband’s book, Conversations with a Billionaire.

I read the ‘rough draft’ of each chapter at least once as he was writing the book. I did some editing and gave feedback.

However, reading the published book from front to back was amazing! The book is truly inspiring. I underlined sections, put STARS, wrote notes. I loved it. I’m sure part of the love for this book is because the author is my husband and I am proud of him, but mostly I loved it because it’s just that GOOD. FULL of great stories, inspiration, and truth.

Here’s a little peek into a section of Conversations with a Billionaire, by Ted Egly:

Because…YOU are worth it

… Imagine if I were handing you a one hundred dollar bill. Would you take it? I’m sure you would. But first, let me illustrate an invaluable principle.

I am going to crumple the bill up. Do you still want it? I’m sure you do!

Well, next I take that $100 and drop it on the ground and begin to grind it into the floor with my shoe. Now with it all crumpled and dirty, I hold it out to you. Do you still want it? I’m suspecting that you do!

No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth one hundred dollars.

Here’s the beautiful reality. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, we will never lose our value, especially in the eyes of the Divine. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, we are still priceless to Him.

Our desire for approval can truly be met only by receiving God’s acceptance and approval of us.

In the ancient text etched by the apostle Paul, these inspiring words were written, “YOU are God’s masterpiece.” Our desire for approval can truly be met only by receiving God’s acceptance and approval of us.

No Spare Parts

I believe your life is a gift. You are on purpose. You have divine significance. You matter in life.

Years ago, when my first son, George, was born, we purchased a closet cabinet from IKEA for his clothes. When we got it home and opened up the box – we spread the various parts all over the floor. There were screws, bolts, nails, plugs, wood, and more! I quickly realized that I was in way over my head. Reading through the directions and reviewing the diagrams, I noticed at the top were the three worst words ever written in the existence of man: SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED.

Those three words strike fear into dads all around the world – even to this day.

As I finished putting the cabinet together, I found that I had several pieces left (three screws, four nails, three washers, and an acrylic piece that said “important” on it). I had a bunch of spare parts left over!

Here’s the deal.

There was a voice in my soul, in that moment, whispering oh so gently, as I stared at the many spare parts. (May you not forget this truth.) The still small voice said,

“YOU are not a spare part. The people you come in contact with every day are not spare parts. You have a purpose. You have a destiny.”

May you never forget that you are on purpose. You have significance. You matter. You are not a spare part.

– Excerpt from Conversations with a Billionaire by Ted Egly –

________________________________________________________________________________

Isn’t that beautiful! I loved it and hope you do too! If there is someone you know who could benefit from this message, would you send this blog post to them? Also, we’d love for you to pick up a copy of his book by clicking here!

The book has received all 5-star reviews on Amazon, and here are some of the comments:

Inspired as soon as I started to read, could not put it down. – Anonymous

This book made a difference in my life. I just absolutely loved it. From the first page, I felt like this book was written for me. It was like someone looked into my brain and heart and addressed the worries, the gremlins, the fears inside me. I loved the way the book went back and forth between short insights into the Billionaire’s life, the author’s own experiences, and his suggestions for how to live a better life by making small adjustments into how I approach life. After I read the last page and closed the book, I felt freer and hopeful. Like I could tackle more and BE more in my life and for those I love. Since reading it the first time, I find myself picking it up, opening to a random page, reading for a few moments and being inspired. I hope you give this book a try – I promise you’ll be grateful you did. – Corey

This book is dynamic! A fantastic book filled with great life insights and thought provoking questions that lead me to seriously evaluate where I’m at today personally, professionally and spiritually. It’s forced me to get intentional about where I go from here and how I intend to get there. Dreaming and hoping isn’t enough. A call to action is paramount. And this book lays out the case for just how important that call is for each and everyone of us! I can’t help but feel empowered as I come away from reading this book. I have a destiny in life and it’s largely determined by me! The author layed out a compelling case challenging me to get started down my path to growth, learning and difference-making. The pages breathed life into my dreams and aspirations. It’s my time to act. Thank you Ted! –Mark

A thought-provoking look at the ways we can change our mindset and be inspired toward growth. I loved it. Reading the billionaire’s perspective intertwined with author’s own experiences on things like resiliency, community and bravery are what make this book uplifting and truly special. – Catherine

Loved it! Inspirational from start to finish! The positive energy created by Ted’s book has motivated me to make changes in both my personal and professional life. Time to get moving! – Dan

This is such an inspirational and helpful book. There is no one more qualified than Ted to write a book about leadership and personal growth. The lessons he shares are not only valuable for professionals but also for anyone raising a family in our world today. I especially like the challenges he presents in Chapter 8. Everyone can benefit from those. This book is practical and easy to read. – Pamela

Don’t read this book…. Unless you are ready to change your life and your world! There were so many times while reading this book that I recognized and reflected on my inaction and invisibility; my life of monotony and compliance. I’ve gotten to mid-life and see the repetition of my days. Waiting for retirement and THEN I will FULLY LIVE!! HA!! And like an electric currant in my seat, this book has moved me to action!! I don’t want to live another day without making a difference in the life of others or in my own life!! It doesn’t take much effort to express words of gratitude or encouragement to others… and yet as simple as those actions might be, how often do we neglect the opportunities to validate others?
Bringing together the life reflections of a billionaire and the voice of many sage guides, the author gracefully shares his own wisdom in this powerful, quick read. This book is different. This book calls you into motion, into action to do something … anything that moves you toward a more authentic, exhilarating, lived future.
Conversations with a Billionaire led to conversations with myself. As I consider my future…. Where to live, what work to pursue, where do I want to be? What do I want to do? I see those around me who have taken bold, courageous steps leading to days filled with learning new cultures and experiencing new adventures. I look at them with envy, yet what’s holding me back from taking the leap and no longer living vicariously, but living my own dream! I was made for more than the life I am currently living… and so were you!! – Happijep

Have you read it? If so, leave a comment. If not, click here to get one or to give one as a gift!

October 9, 2018 By Kathryn

10 In Book Review/ Giveaway

What I’ve been reading – and a Giveaway!

We are often fighting in person, what we should be fighting in prayer!

Priscilla Shirer is a great communicator. This book is engaging and full of truth. I appreciated how it reminds me that our enemy is on a mission to kill, steal and destroy. Often times, we are fighting something in person, rather in PRAYER! Start with PRAYER, continue in PRAYER! “Prayer is kryptonite to the enemy.” I highly recommend this book!

Faith isn’t a business trip walked on a sidewalk; it’s an adventure worked out on a steep and sometimes difficult road. -Bob Goff

Bob Goff’s first book, Love Does, was one of my favorite books ever – it had me laughing until I was crying. I was a little nervous about reading his second book – I didn’t think it could top the first. I was wrong. His second book, Everybody Always, DID NOT disappoint! It was funny, interesting and incredibly inspiring! I HIGHLY recommend you read anything Bob writes! I could listen to him tell stories all day, every day! I’ve never met a person who lives as full of a life as him! Bob left his phone number in the back of the book so I plan to call him the week the boys go back to school.

What should I ask Bob Goff?

This summer I’ve been reading a fun book with my kids called “Indescribable.” Each chapter/devotional is less than two pages (which seems to be perfect with the attention span of FOUR BOYS!) Each page intertwines the amazing things you find in nature with God’s word and truth. We’ve all enjoyed it and have learned new things!

I just finished the summer Help Club for Mom‘s bible study, The Wise Woman Stays, which was written with the focus on staying connected to Chris, staying focused on your marriage, staying engaged with your children. Now I am about to start the book for Fall: The Wise Woman Abides.

“Abide in me, as I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” John 15:4 ESV

I love the ‘Wise Woman’ Bible study series because it’s written by a variety of real moms of all ages and all walks of life. It’s PRACTICAL, it’s engaging, it’s relatable, and it encourages me to be the best wife and mom. In this book, there are 3 studies per week, so if you miss a day, you won’t get behind. Each study can be done in as little as 15 minutes. You can also join our facebook group – it’s a bunch of ladies, all doing the same study – interacting with, praying for, and encouraging each other!

I purchased an extra book to give away! If you’d like to join me in this study – leave me a comment and I’ll have my boys draw a winner this week!

We choose TWO winners! Congrats Annie K and Ronda M!

The next two books on my reading list are: The Great Alone and Girl, wash your face.

August 25, 2018 By Kathryn

2 In Book Review/ Faith/ Family/ Inspiration

Before you quit, read this!

Do you feel Overwhelmed? Exhausted? Are you ready to quit?

Faith does not look at the FACTS and say “Well, I might as well give up.” Faith looks at circumstances that have “impossible” written all over them and then listens to what heaven is saying. In heaven, you will never hear God say, “You should quit. This is impossible.”

Scripture is clear that faith has nothing to do with what we feel or see. We walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Cor 5:7

If you listen, you will hear God telling you that He is on your side, he is FIGHTING FOR YOU, that with Him you are more than a conqueror!

Determine today, as a person of FAITH, to move your eyes off your situation and open your ears to God’s voice.

When you are in crisis, God is not. When you are in depression, God is not. When you are lost, God is not. When you want to quit, God will not. God has not vanished. Just because you may not understand the path you are traveling doesn’t mean God is not leading you! Choose to trust Him.

Choose to believe:

He will comfort you in all your troubles. Ps 23:4

God will meet all your needs (Phil 4:19)

He will turn your darkness into light and make straight your crooked path (Is 30:5)

Joy comes in the morning (Ps 30:5)

God will not forsake you (Ps 9:10)

When Marcus Luttrell (Lone Survivor) was training to be Navy seal he noticed that men around him were quitting, giving up and not fulfilling their dream to be a Seal! These men were STRONG, some stronger than Marcus. Though they had physical strength, they didn’t have the mental strength. When you make up your mind that you are not going to quit, the battle is WON! There comes a time in every marriage, family or situation when it’s easier to quit than endure. Decide now that you WILL NOT QUIT!

I am never going to quit loving.

I am never going to quit serving.

I am never going to quit forgiving.

I am never going to quit praying.

I am never going to quit believing.

I am never going to quit being kind.

Inspiration came from the book “Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt” by Jentezen Franklin.

Click here to read “Rediscovering Joy: A Journey of Self-Reflection, Resilience and Faith”

Books are affiliate links.

July 20, 2018 By Kathryn

2 In Book Review/ Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Free stuff/ Giveaway/ Product Recommendations/ Things to do in Colorado

You are invited … to a book signing and a chance to win a $40 and $50 gift card!

Colorado Friends!

I’d like to invite each of you to Ted and my first ever duel BOOK SIGNING!

In the last few months, my husband and I have both published our first books.

Mine is a children’s book is entitled “Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore: A Pikes Peak Adventure Story. (click here to read more about my book).

Ted’s book is entitled “Conversations with a Billionaire.” His book is an amazing story on life and leadership (click here to read more about his book).

Till Kitchen has invited to come do a book signing at their beautiful coffee bar/restaurant. We’d love to meet you and sign a book for you and your children! PLUS, for every book you purchase, your name will go in a drawing to win a $40 gift card to this fabulous restaurant! (which is on my list of best places to eat in Colorado Springs!) Also, Till Kitchen has offered to give away a $50 gift card for “Tillivery” – their delicious meal delivery service!

Here are all the details:

What: Ted and Kathryn Egly’s book signing

When: Saturday, June 29th from 9-11AM

Where: The Roost Coffee Bar inside Till Kitchen – 9633 Prominent Point | Colorado Springs, CO 80924 | 719 282-8004

Why: Have a cup of hot coffee and a delicious pastry, meet your neighbors and local authors, purchase a book that we will sign with a personal message, and be entered to win a prize!

For each product you purchase, your name will go into a drawing for a $40 gift card to Till Kitchen OR a $50 gift card for Tillivery!

PS – If you mention the secret word “KathrynEgly.com,” you will get $2 off my book – making it only $8 for you! The is the best price you’ll find anywhere, ever!

Ted’s book is available for the low price of $12 – the best price you’ll see anywhere as well!

Hope to see you there!!!

UPDATE: Giveaway winners: Mary Kathryn S. ($40 gift card), Pam ($50 Tillivery)

June 25, 2018 By Kathryn

3 In Book Review/ Family/ Product Recommendations

My husband’s first book: Conversations with a Billionaire

George enjoying his Daddy’s first book!

I’m so excited to tell you about my husband’s first book, Conversations with a Billionaire!

If you know my husband, you know that he is a gifted communicator. He has so much wisdom and knowledge that spills out of him. He’s been working on this book for the last year, and one night while writing, he said, “Kathryn, you need to write a book too!” I tell more about that story here.

My husband’s not only the reason I wrote MY book, but he’s the reason I started this blog, too! He encourages me to write, even though I wouldn’t call myself a “writer.” Ted is actually the writer in this family! (Soon he will write a guest post on here. Leave me a comment and tell me what you want him to write about!)

In the meantime, let me tell you about my husband!

Ted was raised in an Air Force family.
He suffered a life-threatening illness in his teens and was miraculously healed.
He earned his Bachelors and then his Master’s (in Organizational Leadership and Human Resource Management) – all while working full time.
He loves adventure racing, fishing, and teaching.
He’s got this crazy “Spidey” sense where he just “knows” what’s going to happen – and he’s usually right!

Ted’s got a life FULL of interesting stories and some of them have been captured in his new book: Conversations with a Billionaire.

Don’t let the title fool you, this is not a book about money, or how to become a Billionaire.

The title comes from conversations that he had and lessons he learned from spending time with a Billionaire. This Billionaire is a name you’d probably know, but he doesn’t share his name in the book. Ted spent time in the Billionaire’s home, learning from him, watching him, and talking to him about life and leadership. Ted writes about things he learned from the Billionaire, as well as stories from his own life.

This book is incredibly inspiring and will benefit anyone – from a stay-at-home parent to a business person. There is something you will learn to spur you on in your journey. You’ll want to have a pen or highlighter with you when you read – there will be so many things you won’t want to forget, or will want to go back and re-read!

A peek inside, and if you pre-order a book, you’ll get PDFs of all the artwork/graphics inside the book!

I’d love for you to order a copy, CLICK HERE to do so!

Here’s a little video from Ted:

June 6, 2018 By Kathryn

4 In 2019/ Book Review/ Joy

Get your Happy On – 7 tips for more JOY!

1. Pay attention to what you are paying attention to.

Do I think more about my disappointments or my blessings? Am I focusing more on what is going WRONG than what is going right?

Neuroplasticity – moment by moment our brain is changing based on what we consume, what we think, and what we do. What we dwell on helps us or hurts us. It’s gradual – just like weight gain!

We are sponges!

We soak up what we see, hear, and think! (Kids are even more spongy than adults.)

Proverbs 4:23: “Be very careful what you think. Your thoughts run your life.”

It’s easier to ‘magnify the minuses’ than to ‘promote the positives.’

It’s EASIER to Notice the Negative – this is why we need to be aware of it and pay attention to our thoughts.

Those lacking joy are paying excessive attention to the negatives.

The solution — read, watch, and think on the good stuff.

Glance at problems, glare at God!

Tommy Newberry

2. Continually remind yourself of your blessings!

Meditate on the good. It’s easy to take for granted the blessings we’ve had the longest:

Fresh water,
our marriage,
a home,
heat and air conditioning,
blankets and a bed,
enough food to eat.

Keep a gratitude list/journal and add to it each day. Review it when you are feeling down!

3. Each moment is a new beginning

Each day, even each moment, can be a fresh start.

It is because of the Lord’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed,
Because His [tender] compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23, Amplified Bible

You don’t need to be mad about something or someone you were mad at yesterday. In fact, when we are thinking negatively about someone, we are actually poisoning ourselves. We can’t feel good about ourselves when we feel rotten about others.

Hate is a boomerang. If you spew it toward others, it comes back and creates self-loathing.

Joe DeSena

4. Spend time with people who make you better.

If you want to become better in something, hang out with people who are better than you. Spending time with people who are consistently negative will rub off on you.

Years ago, I had a good friend who regularly talked negatively about her spouse. I found myself trying to find things in my spouse that were negative just so I could relate to her. Yikes!

Hang out with people who love you but challenge you to be the best version of yourself.

As I’m trying to be a good mom, I talk to moms who I admire or who have raised good kids.
Because I want a good marriage, Ted and I spend time with those who fight for their marriage.

Proverbs 27:17: “Iron can sharpen iron.In the same way, people can help each other.”

5. Our current Emotions are not FACTS, they are FEELINGS

.

What are emotions?

Emotions are subjective indicators of objective events.

You are not your feelings – you are more than that. Life is a mixture of good and bad. Emotions may want you to feel bad when life, in general, is really good! Focus on the good that happens.

Allocate your thoughts to the following categories:

Blessings
Things that I can fix (what CAN YOU do)
Scripture memorization
Service / contributing to others

“…The cheerful heart has a continual feast.”

Proverbs 15:5

6. Have an Early Morning Joy Ritual (EMJR)

Joy needs to start first thing in the morning.

EMRJ is one habit that will elevate your joy.

Start your day with:

– Writing down 2-5 things that bring you joy.

– Reading/memorizing a positive quote,

– Daily declarations, or

– Reading, quoting or memorizing Scripture.

7. Finally, be on the LOOKOUT for good!

We have approximately 50,000 thoughts a day – 90% are repeats.

What I’m thinking about today predisposes me to repeat those thoughts tomorrow. If I’m thinking mostly negative today, I’m more than likely going to do the same tomorrow.

In a previous post, I wrote about how we use our “Awesome Jar” to help us notice the GOOD that happens each day. We put notes in the jar of things that are “awesome” The jar forces us to look for what is going right and to talk about!

You will always find good if you look for it.

Continue to think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.

Philippians 4:8

Author Tommy Newbery, the inspiration behind this post!

Do you need a daily dose of JOY!? Here are a couple of products I recommend:

The Joy Challenge for Moms

An easy, daily, devotional-style book – written by women and for women! Read this for a little “joy boost” each day. NOTE: Order this book and receive 40 days worth of inspirational daily JOY builder videos! A $40+ dollar value!

2. The 4:8 Principle: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Life, by Tommy Newberry

3. Love Does, by Bob Goff

This book will just make you laugh the whole way through, and sometimes, you just need a laugh! I could listen to and read Bob’s stuff all day every day! I just purchased the one for kids so I could read it with them!

Which of these tips resonates with you?

What are you reading/watching/listening to that brings you joy? Please leave a comment by clicking on the little comment box by the title of this post.

Struggling with fear? Here are 12 verses that build your faith and fight fear.

Here is a Daily Declaration that we have printed on the fridge.

April 11, 2018 By Kathryn

0 In Book Review/ Motherhood/ Product Recommendations

Five Favorite Bibles for Kids 0-12

As a mom with four young children and a Children’s Ministry Director, I love seeing children reading (and UNDERSTANDING) their Bibles. There are so many different shapes, sizes and translations, but here are a few of my favorites. With Easter right around the corner, I can’t think of a better gift to give a child than a Bible.

The Bible App Storybook Bible for Kids– A very simple version of the Bible with only a couple sentences per page and bright, happy, colorful illustrations. This would make a good Bible to read with the littlest of children. Recommended for ages 0-5

Jesus Storybook Bible – A Bible that really is a “story book!” I’ve been reading a chapter in the mornings to my kids. It’s an easy-to-read and easy-to-understand “story” of the entire Bible and helps children understand how the Bible is one fascinating narrative. For ages 2-8

Adventure Bible For Early Readers – Good first ‘Chapter and Verse’ Bible for kids. NIrV (New International READERS Version) is easier for kids to understand than some other translations. If kids aren’t able to understand what they are reading – they won’t want to read at all. For ages 5-9

The Action Bible – Comic strip style bible – great for boys and young readers. Recommended for ages 5-10

International Children’s Bible – Another great “chapter and verse” Bible for kids! This is a translation that is easy for kids to read and understand!

Recommended for ages 6-12

Do you have a different Bible recommendation? Leave me a comment!

March 20, 2018 By Kathryn

2 In Book Review/ Colorado Springs/ Funny/ Product Recommendations

My first fan mail and Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore prevented a break down!

Someone recently purchased “Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore!” and donated it to their child’s class! That sweet group of second graders sent us our first FAN MAIL that made our hearts (and faces) SMILE!!!

Here are some of the comments we received:

This is the BEST book I’ve ever read!
Please write more books!
I CRY when I don’t have a good book so thank you for giving me a good book. (LOL!)
Can you please visit our class?

Unfortunately, this classroom is in Illinois, so I probably won’t get to visit, but if you purchase and donate a book to your child’s classroom, I’d be happy to go in and read it to them (within 30 miles of where I live!)

If you aren’t familiar with the book, it’s a little Mountain Adventure! It takes you to the top of Pikes Peak and teaches you about the animals that live there. This book would be a nice little gift for your child’s Easter Basket!

You can get a SIGNED book, delivered for only $10!!! Click here or leave a comment.

If you want to purchase one on Amazon, click here.

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March 3, 2018 By Kathryn

0 In Book Review/ Faith

Book Reviews and Recommendations

Here are a few books I’ve recently read or am currently reading and my thoughts on each one!

Volunteer Revolution – Bill Hybels is incredibly inspiring. I admire his passion for God and the local church! This book shares the impact we can make when we contribute/volunteer or ‘serve’ in the church or community. Volunteering not only benefits the organization, but benefits the one volunteering as well! I made some updates to this post after reading this outstanding book. If you are person considering volunteering in some capacity or a person who works with volunteers – you must read this book!

Speak Life – I’ve enjoyed every book written by (my pastor) Brady Boyd! His books are conversational and relatable. He writes with honesty and vulnerability. This particular book is incredibly powerful regarding our words – how we speak to ourselves, to God and others. He gives some very important examples and things to think about and learn from. I’ve enjoyed waking up and reading a few pages each morning. I’m not finished yet, but love it! Words have power. Use them wisely!

7 Family Ministry Essentials – Church is not about PROGRAMS, its about FAMILY! This book is very easy-to-read and helps us remember why we are doing ministry. The ideas shared in this book are not only good for those who serve in children and youth ministry – but for parents as well! Parents on the primary ones responsible for faith formation, but the church can partner with the family to develop that faith.

This is an excellent book for those working in student or children’s ministry. In fact, it made the “Top Ten List of Books every Children’s ministry leader should read!” When we are working with children and students – we need to think about the entire family, not just the individual.

There are 7 main principals presented in this book:
1. Empowering families to take spiritual leadership in the home
2. Forming lifetime faith that transcends childhood beliefs
3. Teaching Scripture as the ultimate authority of truth
4. Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit’s power to teach and transform
5. Engaging every generation in the gospel of God’s redemptive story
6. Making God central in daily living and every biblical narrative
7. Working with the community to further God’s will.

The authors explain each of these essentials with powerful stories. I made lots of notes and plan to use this book as a reference in my role at New Life Church. I wish I would have had this book at the beginning of my journey as a Children’s Ministry Director in 2002!

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson – I heard Bryan speak at Willow Creek Community Church and his story was so powerful I had to get his book to read more. This is a New York Times Best Seller and has great reviews on Amazon! The book was very eye-opening at some of the “injustices” in our justice system. The book shares stories of how Bryan, a non-profit attorney, has helped children with life sentences, men who’ve been wrongly accused, and how he has served “the least of these.” (Matthew 25:40) over the last 3 decades. This is one of those books that’s hard to put down until you’ve read the last page.

Help Club’s The Wise Woman Loves Bible Study – I start each day with a few minutes in this book. It’s a Bible study written for moms and by moms. It not only helps me understand God’s word and how it applies to my everyday life – it also contains daily suggestions of how to love my husband, my children and others.

Leave me a comment and tell me if you’ve read any of these – or recommend what I should read next!

If you are interested, I wrote about some of my favorite books ever here and I how I find time to read here.

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February 6, 2018 By Kathryn

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