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!
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.
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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)
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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!
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)
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!
1. Pay attention to what you are paying attention to.
Do I spend more time thinking about my disappointments or counting my blessings?
Am I paying more attention to what’s going wrong than to what’s going right?
What we focus on matters.
Our brains are constantly changing through a process called neuroplasticity. Moment by moment, our thoughts, experiences, and what we consume influence the way our brains develop and respond. What we repeatedly dwell on can strengthen certain thought patterns—either helping us or hurting us.
And it happens gradually, much like gaining weight. One unhealthy meal doesn’t make a difference overnight, but repeated choices add up over time. Our thought patterns work the same way.
We Are Sponges
We soak up what we see, hear, and think about. And our kids are especially good at it.
That’s why being intentional about what we allow into our minds.
Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Be very careful what you think. Your thoughts run your life.”
It’s easy to magnify the minuses and overlook the positives. Our brains naturally tend to notice what is negative, which makes it even more important to become aware of where our thoughts are going.
When we constantly focus on what’s wrong, the problems can begin to feel bigger than they actually are. But when we intentionally look for what is good, we begin to notice more of it.
So What Can We Do?
We can be intentional about what we read, watch, listen to, and think about.
Fill your mind with the good stuff.
Look for the blessing in the middle of the disappointment. Notice what is going right, even when something else is going wrong. Choose gratitude. Spend time in God’s Word. Surround yourself with people and messages that point you toward hope.
As Tommy Newberry puts it:
“Glance at problems, glare at God!”
The problems are real. We don’t have to ignore them or pretend everything is fine.
But we can choose where we keep our eyes.
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2. Notice the GOOD!
We can get so used to our blessings that we stop noticing them.
Think about the things you probably didn’t think twice about today: turning on the faucet and having clean water, climbing into a soft bed, and having food in the refrigerator.
Some of the greatest blessings in our lives can become the easiest to take for granted.
That’s why gratitude takes intentionality.
Research suggests that practicing gratitude regularly can improve well-being and increase positive emotions. Gratitude helps shift our attention toward what we do have rather than constantly focusing on what we’re missing.
Make Gratitude a Habit
Try keeping a gratitude list or journal. Each day, write down three things you’re thankful for. They don’t have to be big things. In fact, noticing the ordinary blessings may be the most powerful part.
A hot cup of coffee
A good conversation
Your favorite song
A hug
A sunset
A home
Your marriage
A friend who checked in
And when you’re having a hard day, go back and read your list.
Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring what’s difficult. It simply reminds us that what’s hard isn’t the only thing that’s true.
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3. Each moment is a new beginning
Each day, each MOMENT, is a new beginning.
You don’t have to carry yesterday’s frustration into today. You don’t have to stay angry about the argument you had yesterday, replay the disappointment, or let one difficult interaction determine how you feel about someone today.
Start over.
Lamentations 3:22–23 gives us this beautiful reminder:
“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.”
His mercies are new every morning. What a gift!
When we continually hold onto anger, resentment, or negative thoughts about someone else, we hurt ourselves in the process. What we dwell on affects our own peace, joy, and ability to move forward.
So what if you gave yourself permission to let go?
You don’t have to pretend the hurt didn’t happen. But you can choose not to keep carrying it.
Yesterday is over. This moment is new. And you get to choose how you move forward.
As Joe DeSena puts it:
“Hate is a boomerang. If you spew it toward others, it comes back and creates self-loathing.”
Sometimes improving the moment means simply saying, “That happened. I’m going to learn from it, give it to God, and begin again.”
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4. Spend time with people who make you better.
The people we spend the most time with influence us more than we realize.
If you want to grow in a particular area of your life, spend time with people who are already doing that thing well. Their example, encouragement, and perspective can challenge you to grow.
The opposite is true, too. If we consistently surround ourselves with negativity, complaining, or unhealthy attitudes, it can start to shape the way we think.
I learned this lesson years ago when I had a good friend who regularly talked negatively about her husband. Without even realizing it, I started looking for negative things about my own husband so I could relate to her.
Yikes!
That experience made me realize just how easily the attitudes of the people around us can influence our own thoughts.
So be intentional about your people.
Spend time with people who love you but also challenge you to become the best version of yourself.
As I try to be a good mom, I spend time with moms I admire—women who have raised kids I respect and who have wisdom I can learn from.
Because I want a strong marriage, Ted and I spend time with couples who value their marriages, work through hard things, and continue to choose each other.
When I want to grow in my faith, I spend time with people who challenge me spiritually and point me back to God.
You don’t have to find people who have it all figured out. Find people who are growing and who encourage you to grow, too.
Proverbs 27:17 says:
“Iron can sharpen iron. In the same way, people can help each other.”
The right people won’t just make you feel comfortable. They’ll make you better.
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5. Our current Emotions are not FACTS, they are FEELINGS
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Have you ever had a day when you felt like everything was going wrong? That’s the tricky thing about emotions.
Our feelings are real, but they aren’t always facts.
Emotions can give us information about what we’re experiencing, but they are subjective. Two people can experience the same situation and walk away feeling completely different things.
You are not your feelings. You are more than what you feel in a particular moment.
Life is a mixture of good and hard. Sometimes our emotions become so loud that they drown out everything else.
You can feel discouraged and recognize you have a good life.
You can feel disappointed and still be deeply blessed.
You can feel overwhelmed and still be capable of taking the next step.
You can feel angry without allowing anger to determine what you say or do.
When you are feeling flooded with negative emotions, pause and ask yourself:
What is actually true? What is good? And what can I do about what I’m facing?
Instead of allowing your thoughts to spiral, intentionally redirect them toward things that are constructive:
Blessings: What can I be thankful for right now?
What I can fix: What is actually within my control?
Scripture: What truth does God want me to remember?
Service: Is there someone I can encourage, help, or serve?
You don’t have to deny your feelings. Acknowledge them, learn from them, and then decide what you want to do with them.
Proverbs 15:15 says:
“The cheerful heart has a continual feast.”
You may not be able to choose every feeling that shows up, but you can become more intentional about what you feed your mind and where you direct your attention.
Sometimes improving the moment starts with asking one simple question:
“Is what I’m feeling the whole story or just one part of it?”
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6. Start your day with JOY
How you start your morning can influence the way you approach the rest of your day.
Before the notifications, demands, and distractions begin, take a few minutes to intentionally put something good into your mind.
This is an Early Morning Joy Ritual (EMJR): a simple habit designed to remind you of what is good, true, and worth being grateful for.
Your ritual doesn’t have to be long. Even five minutes can make a difference.
Try starting your day by:
Writing down 2–5 things that bring you joy. They can be big blessings or simple things you’re looking forward to.
Reading a positive quote or choosing one to memorize and carry with you throughout the day.
Speaking a daily declaration over yourself. I’ve shared some of my favorites here.
Reading or memorizing Scripture and allowing God’s truth to be the first thing that shapes your thoughts.
The goal is to begin the day looking for what is good before your mind has a chance to focus on what is wrong.
Joy doesn’t always happen by accident.
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7. Be on the LOOKOUT for good!
We have approximately 50,000 thoughts a day – 90% are repeats.
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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.
Philippians 4:8 gives us a beautiful picture of where to direct our thoughts:
“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
You will find more of what you intentionally look for, so be on the lookout for good.
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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.
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Author Tommy Newbery, the inspiration behind this post!
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Do you need a daily dose of JOY!? Here are a couple of products I recommend:
This book helps readers to intentionally focus their thoughts on what is true, good, beautiful, and worthy of praise. The book connects our thought patterns to greater joy and teaches practical ways to redirect negative thinking toward a more positive, faith-filled mindset.
Bob Goff’s stories are funny, memorable, and inspiring, and they made me want to be more intentional about saying yes to opportunities to love people well.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!!!
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A follow up – An autobiography by Michael Oher – his side of the story:
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!
My book – perfect time to buy if you haven’t already! With the $5 coupon, you can get it for $10!
It tells the story of the Magnificent Four who love to explore climbing Pike’s Peak and encounter the animals who live on this mountain. You and your child will enjoy this story of adventure and learn some fun facts about Colorado Wildlife!
One of my favorite ‘chapter books’ for kids ages 8 and up. A heart-warming story about how some challenging children learn the story of Jesus and how it transforms them.
-Bob Goff
-Bob Goff
Creating Magic
