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

1 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.

If you are in Colorado Springs and want me to drop them off at your home or business, leave a comment or send an email. Only $10 each – but discounted if you buy 5 or more books!

Thanks for your support!

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.

Subscribe so you don’t miss a post!

February 6, 2018 By Kathryn

4 In Book Review/ Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Giveaway/ Product Recommendations

Book Blitz – Signed copies Only $10 (shipped!), plus a GIVEAWAY

Hey Friends! To celebrate the fact that you can buy Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore directly from my blog – I am holding a BOOK BLITZ!!!!

You can order as many books as you’d like for only $10 each – I will cover the shipping fees and taxes! This deal with last for 14 days or until the 200 I have in stock are gone!

Buy it now for:

friends,
teachers,
your office,
nieces and nephews,
your child’s school library,
your public library,
grandchildren, or
CLIENTS!

I will personally sign each book, ship them to wherever you’d like (within the US) and let the receiver know that the gift is from YOU!

Just click BUY MY BOOK

(at the top of this page)!

When ordering, leave a comment to let me know who I should sign the book to. Locals can pay upon delivery.

Click HERE to read a recent article about the book!

GIVEAWAY!

I will be GIVING away a signed copies! How do you enter? Just SHARE this post (via the social icons below), then leave me a comment letting me know where you shared it (twitter, facebook, email – one entry for every platform)! I will have the Magnificent Four choose names on Sunday, February 4th. One name will be drawn for every 10 shares!

WINNER is KRISTALL W! Congrats Kristall!

Happy Shopping and Sharing! And thank you so very much for your support!

Kathryn

January 21, 2018 By Kathryn

2 In Book Review/ Saving money

These are a few of my Favorite Books!

Though December 18th, Amazon is giving you $5 off any book purchase of $15! Use code BOOKGIFT17

Here are a few of my favorite books:

(Note: The links in this post are affiliate links, and we will be compensated when you make a purchase by clicking through our links.)

Left to Tell

One of my favorite biographies of all time. This book tells the fascinating story of how one woman survived the Rwandan Genocide and how she was able to forgive those who caused her family and country so much harm.

Led by Faith

The follow up story to Left to Tell. How God provided miracle after miracle of provision. Wept with Joy through this book.

The Blind Side

There was a period of probably 3 years where I stopped reading. I had little children and was sleep-deprived and only wanted to use my free moments to catch up on household chores or REST (with my eyes closed). Then, I watched (and LOVED) The Blind Side and wanted to know more. I checked this book out from my Library and started devouring books again. This book reminded me why I love reading! SUCH a GOOD story!!!

A follow up – An autobiography by Michael Oher – his side of the story:

I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness, to the Blind Side, and Beyond

The Hiding Place

Knights in Training

My favorite parenting book of all time. If you have sons, I would HIGHLY recommend it. Click on this sentence for my review of the book.

Bread & Wine or Bittersweet –

Two of my favorite books by Shauna Niequist. Stories of her life and how she sees God show up through the good and the bad.

Creating Magic

One of my favorite books on Leadership. The author worked for Disney and tells some incredible stories. I’ve read this book twice and going to read it again in the next month!

Bonhoeffer –

The Biography of Fredrich Bonhoeffer. This is such an incredible book that I now want to read the other biographies by Eric Metaxas.

Passion and Purity

The Love Story of Jim and Elizabeth Elliot. Excellent story for girls ages 12 and up!

Bob books –

Great for beginning and struggling readers.

Have you read any of these? What are your thoughts? What are your favorite books for adults or kids?

December 13, 2017 By Kathryn

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