Mini Book Review- Holley Gerth's "You're Made for a God-Sized Dream"

I have a reading problem.  I have a tendency to read about 5 - 10 books at once and I very rarely finish any of them.  Even worse, it will take me so long to read a book, that I end up having to re-start them so I can remember what I read!

This is something I've been working on.

About 3 months ago, one of the top leaders of the company that I used to be distributor for, began a 90 day challenge for us to assist in building our businesses.  Alas, her organization of the 90 day challenge only made it through the first month and just stopped, but part of my personal challenge was to complete a book and try to read about 5 - 10 pages a work day over those 90 days.

I didn't read that much per day as I had hoped, but I did complete a book!  Holley Gerth's "You're Made for a God-Sized Dream".  Not only did I complete it, but I loved the book.  It's a keeper that I plan to reference back to often!

So what about the mini review???  Oh! yes... sorry (I'm also easily distracted.  Another part of my reading problem).

First of all, I plan on re-reading this book fairly soon.  At the end of each chapter, Ms. Gerth has a "Go Deeper Guide" that I would actually love to have the time to journal from and not just read then ponder.  In this book, Ms. Gerth takes you through a process of understanding your God-sized dream whether it's starting your own business, writing a book, beginning a ministry, or being a fabulous mom.  She guides you through understanding your dreamer heart and overcoming your fears. Ms. Gerth also goes over how we sabotage ourselves and then ends with a glorious commission to YOU, her reader and friend.

While reading this book, I cried and had to stop reading.  I also would share portions of the book with honey that were really hitting my heart.  I have God-sized dreams, but I sabotage myself and fight many fears regarding my dreams.  However; I am daring to pursue my dreams and listen to God when He says, "You can do this!".

Holley Gerth is a bestselling writer, certified life coach, and speaker. 

Happy reading and please keep me updated on your thoughts of this book and how you are pursuing your God-sized dream!


Read Me!

Valentine's Day History

Happy Valentines Day!  

The ultimate Love... John 3:16

Enjoy this video of a brief history of Valentines day from the History Channel.  

the ad is 30 seconds if you can skip it

click the link below and enjoy.  

Valentine's Day History from the History Channel

Handmade Gifts

Have you ever received a handmade gift and been caught off guard a bit?

Not many of us may be sure how to receive such a gift.  It was well meant, but maybe not to one's taste or home decor.

My husband and I have taken time to create gifts for folks, really keep them in mind as we create them, give them, only to find, that it was well meant, but apparently not to their taste or decor.  We try to take it in stride But... just some thoughts on handmade items.

I made this blanket for friends of ours (who appreciated it by the way).

Blanket and photo by Tracy Hilbun

I knew I could get something off their baby registry within my budget, but these are good friends and people.  I wanted to take that budget and give more love.  So, I took the money that I would have spent on the registry and bought yarn, crochet hook, and my love and time.  Also, I prayed over that baby that I was preparing the blanket for.  So as I crocheted, I prayed.

If you have purchased soft yarn for baby items, you have noticed that yarn is not inexpensive.  Also, how do you put a price on someone's time?  Right now, my husband and I both commute about 70 miles, one way, to work.  So we spend roughly 3 hours of our day in the car, on top of our work day.  Because we get up at 4:30 am, we need to hit the sack pretty early.  We shoot for 8:30 pm.  Since we get home, on a day he isn't away working his 2nd and 3rd jobs, around 4:30 pm, that leaves a 4 hour window to walk and feed the dog, recover from sitting in the car and stressing over bad drivers, catch up on the day, cook and eat supper, and maybe some down time or house cleaning (yeah right).  Long story short, too late, we don't have much spare time where we're not kind of exhausted.  =)

How can you put a price on the time and the love going into hand made work? You can't.

You may have some friends that create handmade items as a business so they can be stay at home moms, save for retirement, make some extra money on the side because their kids are in day care or college, or they are artists and just need to create.  Not only is their work quality in skill and supplies, it's quality in heart.  It's also art!  They may have shared some of their art as gifts to you!

Now I hope you are looking forward to receiving some handmade gifts.

What handmade items do you make?  I'd love to see them!  Do you like giving them as gifts, like we do?