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October Reads & Money Making Mom



The Ministry of Motherhood: Following Christ's Example in Reaching the Hearts of Our Children by Sally Clarkson: This book was such a blessing to my heart as a mom and I simply can't believe this was my first book by Clarkson.  As I was reading the book I found myself highlighting like crazy and making dozens of notes.  I was so encouraged in my pursuit of motherhood that it felt like I had invited Mrs. Clarkson over for afternoon tea. So much of motherhood is about training & discipling your children in the ways of the Lord.  How I pray and yearn,
 "that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children."  Psalm 78:6

This book was the sweet shot in the arm that I needed this month to encourage me in purposeful mothering.  Please note that I did receive a review copy of this book from Above The Line.  All opinions are my own.  

Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace by Sarah Mackenzie:  I picked up this book for the sole reason that I simply adore Sarah Mackenzie's podcast The Read Aloud Revival.  It is one of my all-time favorite podcasts to listen to and I find myself so encouraged to build a culture of reading within our home.  Although her book didn't focus on reading, I gleaned so much from Mackenzie's insightful book.  I appreciated many of the things that she said and plan on incorporating many of the ideas from the book into our daily routine.  The best idea I gleaned from the book was the idea of having a focused, intentional period of the day set aside for important things that I want to cover with my children but so often get squeezed out.  We have set aside about twenty minutes each morning for our own "Morning Time" and it has been lovely almost every morning.  I am sure that what we actually do during our morning time will change with the seasons.  For now we use this time to talk about our plans for the day, enjoy a few books, sing a few songs, and have a short devotion.  I also applaud Mackenzie for not constantly plugging her personal blog Amongst Lovely Things.  This book was so inspiring that it inspires me to seek out her blog as time permits.

Homeschooling 101: A Guide to Getting Started. by Erica Arndt: As a fan of Erica Arndt's blog Confessions of a Homeschooler I really wanted to love this book.  Sadly I didn't.  (I really dislike leaving negative feedback about books because I can't imagine just what goes into writing a book.  I also really do enjoy her blog and her youtube videos.)  This book was so incredibly basic that it is one of those books that I am relieved that I didn't purchase.  I had great expectations for this book and expected it to be filled with great ideas about learning at home.  I don't want this to sound overly harsh but the entire book just felt like it was filled with plugs for the author's blog and contained minimal helpful information.  If you feel like you are completely clueless and don't have an earthly idea about homeschooling then this might be helpful.


Money-Making Mom: How Every Woman Can Earn More and Make a Difference by Crystal Paine: One of the great trends that I have noticed over the past decade is the increased number of women who are creatively making part-time jobs work for their families.  I know so many friends who work opposite shifts from their husbands or squeeze a work at home job into their day while their young children are sleeping.  Since becoming a mother almost six years ago I have earned a small income from a variety of different jobs.  Paine shares openly and honestly about her past business failures and successes.  This book is jam packed with money making ideas for moms to find creative ideas to make an income without always committing to a full time job working 9-5.  I loved this book and plan on revisiting many of the ideas in this book in the future when Evangeline's therapy decreases. This book really helped me to see that I am right where I need to be during this season of life.  Yes more money would always be great but during this time I really need to focus on all of the hats that I am currently wearing.  Please note that I did receive a free copy of this book from the Money Making Mom launch team.        

The Time Chamber: A Magical Story and Coloring Book (Time Series) by Daria Song:  I have secretly been intrigued with the idea of an adult coloring book ever since I heard about them this summer.  Doesn't it sound so relaxing to sit leisurely coloring away?  I really enjoyed coloring as a young child but I don't remember spending long periods of time coloring once I learned to read on my own.  My son is reluctant to color (as most active five year old boys are) so I picked this up in hopes of encouraging him in artistic pursuits.  Eli is rather intrigued by the idea and loved looking through the pictures with me.  I also thought it would be such a fun activity to do with my children.  Just think, a mom with her own coloring book!  Ha, ha.  This book looks so inviting and would appeal to a wide variety of adults.  Please note that I did receive a review copy of this book from Blogging For Books.  All opinions are my own.

What about you?  What books did you read in October?


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