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!

"The Compound Effect" Mini Book Review

Y'all, I started reading this book at the tail end of my vacation.  I SOOOOO wish I had started it at the beginning of my time off of work, but I was sort of busy getting some much needed REST!

Anyway... I got through Chapter 1 starving for chapter 2, but the tail end of my week off was jam packed.

What's a girl to do?  Once work starts, time to read is a premium.

Duh... get the audio book!  I'm such a dork sometimes that I just don't think of these things.

Anyway, I finished listening the book by the end of the week.  It was wonderfully read by the author himself and left me encouraged and already taking action by Chapter 2!

Although getting the audio book helped me devour this gem, I'm really glad I own the paperback.  There's more to the book than just the content of the chapters and there are parts I want to review more thoroughly.

This book is relevant and to the point.  Whether you are trying to achieve goals in your business, your relationships, your education, etc. this book will inspire you to really start taking action.  I mean... really start action.

I started tracking after chapter 2.  If you are not tracking after reading that chapter.. well Chapter 2 is called "Choices".  Can't get any more to the point than that!  What did I start tracking?  Well as suggested, at least one behavior in my life where I want to improve.  Well I have several areas that seem to be in either constant challenge or growth.  So I started tracking 4 areas.  This began on 8/1/18.  I'm still tracking and I will review my results on the 31st to see my reality vs. what I think I'm doing.  I don't think I'll be too shocked, but I'm also one to take responsibility for what I'm doing or not doing in my life.

Since I listened to the audio book, I did not complete the Summary Action steps (other than tracking) after each chapter.  One of September's goals is to begin thoughtfully working through those action steps (not just going through the motions of completing them).

I'm a personal development junkie so not all of the concepts in the book were new as I'm sure Mr. Hardy's material is regurgitated by numerous other gurus out there.  BUT, I found that receiving this from the original author and in the original format was key for me!  I'm not going to give any more away of this must-read.  

Seriously, if you are seeking success in any area of your life (health, marriage, parenting, business, school, etc.) get this book.  You'll be encouraged by understanding how little every day decisions can add up and change your outcomes more than you had ever imagined.

What are you waiting for???!!??  Start reading and listening today!

Have you also found this book helpful?  

Let us know about it in the comments below!  

5 Things I've Learned While I've Had The Flu

5 Things I've learned while I've been sick with the flu

my bitmoji 

1.  No amounts of hand washing, vitamin taking, hand sanitizing, eating healthy, and exercise efforts made me immune.  The flu found me and all of the stars were in perfect alignment... it got me!

Honey and I have been so careful this flu season!  We wash down the carts at the stores with the wipes available.  We have hand sanitizer in the car for as soon as we are done shopping, pumping gas, or reviewing a menu (if we eat out).  We've hardly even eaten out this flu season. We wash up after we put the groceries away.  Wash our hands at work often.  We've taken our supplements.  I eat healthy for the most part.  I've been exercising 5 -6 days a week since mid November (a pretty good accomplishment until 2 weeks ago).  Well, the flu evidently hunted me down and found me.  I got hit while I was separate from hubby or he was the carrier ( he's been subbing at a middle school).  He's luckily been fine but I am on day 16 of a relentless fever from a stomach virus (flu).  I have been trying not to complain and whine, but I'm pretty tired of feeling like poop. 

2.  Jesus, my hubby, and my daughter are truly my very best friends.  

Not much I can add to this.  Other than they love me unconditionally, they want me to get better, and I'm not being judged by them.  

3.  I can handle and immensely enjoy quiet and alone time.

There is clarity in quiet AND with being alone.  As I've taken the past year or so to really, I mean REALLY get to know me better, I've come to some realizations that have been challenging and difficult.  But in my coherent times the past 2 weeks, I've been praying for the courage to stay true to me.  Some may feel that I'm selfish, but in my 48 years, I've just started putting myself first here and there and I'm finally realizing that it's okay to take care of me and I have an opinion and preferences on how I spend my off time or tired time.  I also shouldn't feel guilty about it either.  I have also been praying for the strength to hold solid boundaries that protect my family time, rest time, creative time, and quiet time.  We moved up here, away from everything, to accomplish that.  How and why did I allow myself to lose sight of that?  Our relationship with God is priority, then our marriage and our kids are next.  People laugh at me when I state that honey and I are newlyweds (5 years this June).  But I've got news for them.  As we continue to keep our marriage a priority, we'll stay newlyweds forever.  I don't see how that can change.  And our kids may be grown but they are still our babies and our pride and joy.  They will always get our 100%.  

Alone and quiet times  are POWERFUL.  If only I felt better while I was home, I could have gotten so much done, so much written, maybe some creative things done.  But God was wanting me to spend time with Him. I'm glad I didn't avoid Him or make excuses not to be with Him.  After all, I'm His priority!  This time alone and quiet has been healing more than the flu.  

4.  What other people are thinking of me, is none of my business

One of my spiritual gifts is discernment.  I know what people are saying and thinking, but regardless, I need to ignore it.  I know me, God knows me, and we all agree that I'm pretty awesome but maybe not your cup of tea.  That's okay!  

5.  I have grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years and I am still hungry for further growth.  

I've been able to take a few minutes to seek out new podcasts, put books on the wishlist, and when coherent, get a little reading done.  As I discover what makes me tick, not tick at times, or get ticked off , I'm determined to be a better me.  Not just for me, but for my family, those I come into contact with, and those I serve with.  There's still a God-given purpose for my life.  I've yet to discover it.  I know it's got to be bigger than going to work, paying the bills, doing the laundry, cooking supper, cleaning up supper, going to bed and starting over again. I also know it's not to fill voids in other people that need to fill their voids with God.  I am hungry to pursue more of Him and more knowledge to discover His purpose.  

I edited this tonight and thought I'd add... what are your sure fire remedies for breaking a fever?  This flu has ended up being the "fight of the fever".  17 days so far!

Update:  I started flu symptoms 1/29/18... today 7/4/18, I think I've finally beaten the fever for the most part but still struggle with the fatigue and swollen glands.  The aches and pains are minimal due to new supplementation that I started in late March.  I've had several tests done and was sent to an ENT to see if any scans might be needed to pursue ruling out lymphoma.  A scary time for me.  His only conclusion is that I had the B strain flu which can take up to a year to recover.  This appointment was near the end of April.  I'm thankful to God for the handful of people that still know I'm not 100% yet and continue to check on me and be patient with me.  I've not reached out to many, but those that continue to reach out to me are golden.  Honestly, the rest of my "friends"... well, that's the end of that season and it's totally fine with me.  I've continued to work full time with this as well as mine and hubby's side businesses.  We've also traveled here and there so I'm not missing out on life.  I'll enjoy life regardless!  My relationship with God has continued to grow stronger and although I've had setbacks due to not being able to get rest or because I don't take the time to rest, I'm determined to not give up or grow bitter. Every day I become a bit stronger and I'm back on the treadmill once or twice a week now.  It's hard, but eventually, I'll be back up to my 5 - 6 days!  I actually can't wait!  I'm very thankful to the One who sustains me and the loved ones that continue to love me.  To God be the glory!

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Pave a New Road - How To Simply Begin Making Positive Life Changes

How to "pave a new road"
A simple and light hearted approach to start making positive life changes.  

Stage 1:  Planning

• Do you need building upon? (What needs to change?)
• What are the real issues? (Procrastination, worrying, thriving on drama)
• Who will be affected by your project? (family, friends, co-workers)
• How will you begin your project? (jump right in, get a planner)
• How can your project be an asset to those around you? (Will your positive life changes improve your marriage, friendships, career)

Stage 2:  Design

• Location (situation),
• Soil (health),
• Possible future development,
• Effects on your surroundings (family, home, friends, co-workers, etc.)

Stage 3:  Earth (work)

• First, find a contractor (mentor, encourager, coach, physician).
• Next, bulldoze the dirt. (start detox from unhealthy habits, relationships, friendships, this may hurt, etc.)
• The "dirt" is sprayed with water and compacted to its maximum density (ouch).
• All of this work must pass strict inspections before the project can continue (how are you feeling?  what is improving? what's not working? you are your own gauge).
• Keep on working (exercise, supplements, journaling, podcasts, networking with like minded individuals, continue education)

Stage 4:  Paving

• The cost of continuing your project and maintaining the progress (exercise, organic food, counseling, time management, work/life balance)

The final steps are:

• Listen for positive reinforcement (compliments, encouragement)
• Landscaping around the road (dress up your progress and show it off),
• apply the permanent lane markings (make this your new lifestyle).

Loosely based on DOT instructions on how to pave a road but inspired by Dolly!  Thank you for the inspiration and now to get on to paving a new road!