Serenity for Your Soul: A Gabby Moms Review

"Suzy Homemaker is a myth of the world. Every day you will face something that you know you can't do. That's when you want to dive right in with the strength of the One who invented womanhood. Only then can you let Him do what you can't." Lorrie Flem, posted in Serenity for Your Soul

Take a moment to breathe in that breath of fresh air. Isn't it nice? Refreshing?

I read that quote a couple weeks ago when I received my Serenity for Your Soul newsletter, and my mind immediately recognized it as truth that I needed to hear, truth that most homemakers need to hear. In fact, I dare say I need to be reminded of this truth all the time because I am too often tempted to aim for the unrealistic perfection of Suzy Homemaker, which always leaves me feeling like a failure, and that is not what God wants for me or for you. Thank you, Lorrie, for reminding me of this wonderful truth!

This kind of truth as well as encouraging articles, humorous little quips, quotes, occasional recipes, and even a link to "Chick Flicks for Moms" (which you will love) could be coming to your inbox once each week, and it is completely FREE!!! I've been receiving this newsletter, Serenity for Your Soul, for quite a while, and I love it! 

I've subscribed to other newsletters before, and I always end up canceling them, but not this one. I look forward to reading it, and I am always encouraged by it. It takes less than 10 minutes to read, so it isn't time consuming, which is exactly what a homemaker needs, but it is rich with content. I always come away from reading it feeling like I received something great. This little newsletter written by Lorrie Flem of Eternal Encouragment is always overflowing with wisdom, virtue, encouragement, truth and the lovely, gentle manner in which Lorrie writes her Biblical words of encouragement for all homemakers like me.

This evening as I was working on vision therapy exercises with my son, I was able to use a story that Lorrie shared in that same weekly issue of the newsletter.  We often quote Philippians 4:13 (I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.)during eye therapy sessions because it is pretty hard work. Tonight, I shared a story with Lukas which Lorrie had shared in a recent issue of the newsletter about an Olympic diver who relied on the truth in that same verse and was able to achieve a gold medal in spite of difficult circumstances. Lukas' eyes lit up with excitement, and he dug into the task at hand with vigor. Serenity for Your Soul may be for YOUR soul, mama, but you'll find little jewels to strengthen those you love also!

You can sign up for Serenity for Your Soul by going to www.eternalencouragement.com and scrolling down just a little. You'll see a box that says, "Sign Up For Our Newsletter." If you sign up right now, they'll also send you a free e-book called Organizing Happiness. That sounds great, doesn't it? I don't know anyone who couldn't use a little more happiness. I also highly recommend that you explore the Eternal Encouragement website a little while you're there. You'll find that it is overflowing with wonderfulness (I'm sure that's a word, right?).

This post was written in accordance with the Gabby Moms program. I was in no way compensated for this review.

The Gabby Moms: A Year in Review

A couple years ago, someone named Lorrie Flem added me on Facebook. I dug around a little to see who this Lorrie Flem was and decided she sounded like someone I wanted to know through Facebook. Immediately, I began enjoying her daily posts, and then I knew she was someone I wanted to be friends with! Her posts were so encouraging and challenging to me as a wife and mother. I was so blessed to be Lorrie's Facebook friend.

When Lorrie (who later changed her account and is now my friend via Eternal Encouragement. Add Eternal Encouragement to your Facebook!!!), began looking for bloggers to write reviews of her products, I jumped on board. The Gabby Moms program has been an even greater blessing to me than the original daily posts. I have loved being a part of this program throughout the past year. Every single product spoke to my heart and either reminded me of something I needed to hear or taught me something new. Lorrie's heart comes through all of her writings, and my heart resonates with hers.

What I liked about this program is that it isn't overly demanding. There is one product per month to review. I've been a part of another review program that was absolutely overwhelming for me, and there was no warning in advance to let the reviewers know it was going to be so busy. On the flip side, the Gabby Moms program is manageable even for this busy homeschooling mom. It is reasonable and doable.

This program has allowed me to laugh, cry and be challenged every step of the way. I haven't been disappointed in anything. I highly recommend that you give this program a try. You will learn. You will be encouraged. You will be challenged. You will be motivated. You will be given the tools you need to help you to become a better homemaker, wife, mother, and more. 

Click the link below if you'd like to read more about it. I don't think you'll be disappointed! I'll be continuing in 2012, and I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for me as a Gabby Mom!

Yelling: The Cause, The Casualty, The Cure: A Gabby Moms Review

I gotta be honest. Yelling? I do it too much. I don't plan to yell.  I plan just the opposite. I plan to be patient, kind and at peace with my children even when they are not at their best. I desire to be that mom who never raises her voice even the slightest; and, yet, I find myself losing my temper and raising my voice almost every day. This is truth, hard truth, but it's still truth.


Yesterday, for example, it seemed like we were late from the moment we stirred until the moment we went to bed. All four of us got out of bed late. Our family Bible study was late. My personal quiet time was later in the morning than I preferred. School started late. I could go on and on because I really don't think we did one single thing on time yesterday. Being late drives me crazy, and I allow myself to become short-tempered faster than a hornet when it happens. My children look at me as if they are completely and totally flabbergasted because they really didn't do anything wrong. I am yelling at them because of the situation, which I was clearly a part of causing, and they don't deserve it. It causes anxiety for all of us, and it is my fault that I allow it to happen.


This is why I felt both excited and convicted as soon as I saw the title of this month's Gabby Mom's review item. Yelling: The Cause, The Casualty, The Cure. I knew that I needed this e-book, and I knew just from the title that many, many other moms I know need this e-book as well. In fact, I would go so far as to say that most moms need this e-book. If you are a mom, then you probably need to read this e-book. 

As I was reading this 22 page book, I took lots of notes, and I would love to share them all with you because I believe this to be such an important issue that moms need to address within their homes. Obviously, I cannot do that, so let me give you a little snippet of what you will be getting when you order your own copy of this book.


Within the pages of this short book (it took me less than an hour to read), you will find a wealth of encouragement as well as the conviction and challenge you need to put you on the path of a more peaceful household. Lorrie Flem offers 11 action steps which will help you to train yourself to whisper rather than yell, to train your children to obey rather than aggravate, and your household will become peaceful rather than chaotic as a result of this. I'm super excited about putting all of these action steps into place in my home. If I can learn not to yell, then so can my children, and that is something that makes this mama very, very motivated to make a change!


Lorrie always has great things to say, and this book is no exception. I have noted several quotes for myself to re-read and think about as I go through the process of re-training myself to stop yelling. One of my favorites says this, "Ban the word 'stressful'. Describe a situation as 'difficult' or 'challenging.' That small switch gives you the power to do something about it. Words not only describe emotional states. They create them." Isn't that something to think about? I am posting this one on the refrigerator!


Another compelling quote from the book says this, "The biggest thing is to choose. To choose to be happy instead of angry. Patient instead of impatient. Understanding instead of (willfully) uncomprehending." I think that this little highlight could be applied to many situations in our lives, don't you?


Other highlights that will help you on your journey include many, many passages of scripture that will encourage and challenge you along the road as well as a printable list of the 11 steps Lorrie outlines in the book. 


You can purchase and download your copy of this book at www.eternalencouragement.com for $12.97. You won't regret taking the time to read Yelling: The Cause, the Casualty, the Cure. I plan to re-read it multiple times until I get this down. My kids are worth it, and so are yours!


This post was written in accordance with the Gabby Moms program. I was in no way compensated for this post.

Welcome Home Daddy: A Gabby Moms Review

This past Sunday was a glorious day. The sun was shining. The temperature was warm for this time of year. We went to church in the morning, and one of the ladies from our church delivered a message to the women of the church about being godly women and wives. Afterward, we spent the afternoon with my parents, and then we headed back to church for musical rehearsal and Sunday School in the evening. Doesn't that sound like a nice way to spend a Sunday? 

When we got home, I was overcome with a bad attitude. Looking back, it made no sense whatsoever. I had a fantastic day, but, as soon as I got home, I was tired and cranky, and we all know that when mama is tired and cranky, she has the ability to upset the fruit basket completely. I was definitely in that kind of mood. I finally sat in a living room chair away from my family for a few minutes and paused, thinking about what everyone had done to me to put me in this mood. I couldn't come up with anything! I sincerely apologized to my family. In response to something I said in my little apology, Eric began to smile, walked across the room, sincerely said he agreed with what I had said, started to laugh and then leaned down to kiss me. It was a moment in which I could choose to be upset with my husband because he was unapologetically agreeing with my explanation of my attitude, or I could decide to smile in the moment and laugh. I chose the latter. We both laughed so much that he could barely give me that kiss. Then, the kids were laughing with us (or maybe they were laughing at us). That laughter turned my attitude around and changed the atmosphere of our home for the rest of the evening.

In Lorrie Flem's book, Welcome Home Daddy, Traditional Values for Modern Mothers, Lorrie dedicated an entire chapter to this very idea. The stories she told in this particular chapter were so funny that I laughed hard enough to cause my husband to ask me what was so funny. He wasn't even in the same room with me! Even now, I'm smiling again thinking about one of the stories she shared, which I hope you will read when you get a copy of this book!

Don't we all need to laugh more often? We laugh a lot in this house, but, still, we can always use more laughter. This is one of many, many points that Lorrie made in this little treasure.  The entire book was filled with ideas on how we, as wives and moms, can make the atmosphere of our home better. Making a nice meal each night isn't just about eating, for example, it's about loving your family. Everything we do as wives and moms comes down to this simple fact. If we love our families, we will serve them in a multitude of ways. Making our homes a place where our husbands and children want to return to relax and enjoy each other is a big responsibility, but it is such a worthwhile calling. Lorrie has written this timeless book for modern moms to show us how we can do it even when there are toddlers at our knees and teenagers needing rides; we can still purpose to make our home a shelter from the storms of life. 

For instance, my children set our table each evening for dinner. Last year, I began to purpose to make the table look special more often. Sometimes we'll use a table cloth, or we'll set a little decoration at one end of the table. The kids enjoy putting candlesticks on the table more than anything. One evening, they did all of this unbeknown to me. I walked into the dining room and found the table dressed to the 9s, so to speak. Why did my children do this? Because they have learned that dinner time, with just the four of us, is special enough to dress things up a little because they are special. If we're willing to do these things for company, why not show the people we love the most that they deserve it too?

One thing that Lorrie mentioned in the book a few times that I really appreciated was that she understands that this concept can be overwhelming during certain seasons of life. Afterall, having 8 children of her own, she has been there! One of the subtle themes that I noticed is this, "If you can't do it all, just do something." I don't know that she said those exact words, but that is one point that she made more than once. We can all do something to make our homes a respite. You may be juggling 3 children under the age of 5, and your husband may walk into a messy living room. You can still greet him at the door with a kiss on the cheek and welcoming words on your lips so that he knows you want him there.

You can get your copy of this book, Welcome Home Daddy, at www.eternalencouragement.com. You will also find many other fantastic resources in their shop and on their website. There are several other products that complement this book that I am excited about! I recommend starting with this book. It is $17.97 plus shipping, and it is a book worth reading! Lorrie's ideas are simple and easy to implement in your home.  If you want to read some other reviews of this book as well as find some other great Christian mom bloggers to follow, check out the Gabby Moms Blog.

The last thing I want to mention to you is that Eternal Encouragement is also looking for new blogging moms to join the Gabby Moms program in 2012. Are you interested? I can tell you that I have enjoyed doing this program very much. I have been blessed, encouraged and challenged throughout this year by the products offered on the Eternal Encouragment site. I encourage you to think about it. It could be a lot of fun for you, and what mom doesn't need more fun in her life?

This post was written in accordance with the Gabby Moms program. I was in no way compensated for this post.

Godly Woman: 5 Rs for Godly Womanhood

I have been a Christian since I was a little girl, and I began to cultivate having a daily quiet time during my teen years. I went to a Christian college where everyone seemed to have a daily quiet time, so I did as well.  It was during those years that it seemed like I was being bombarded with many, MANY ways that you were supposed to have a daily quiet time with the Lord. I took in a lot of information during those years and have encountered even more ideas since. 

Before listening to Lorrie Flem speak on this topic, I was pridefully convinced that I sort of knew it all even though I know in my heart that there is always something I can learn. I knew what worked for me in the past. I knew how to spend time with the Lord. As I was preparing to listen to what Lorrie had to say, I fully expected to be encouraged and reminded about those things which I was already doing or those things that I used to do and should re-institute into my quiet time. I said I was prideful, didn't I? I think the Lord knew exactly what this girl needed to hear!

The first thing I learned was that pride was ruling my thoughts and that I have so much to learn! Lorrie Flem's presentation on Refreshment blew me away because it was so packed with fresh ideas which she supported with scriptural truth in ways that were so convincing to me that I decided half-way through listening that I would be taking her 21 day challenge to put the Lord first in my day. In fact, I started it the next morning before I even finished listening to it!


If you know me at all, you know that morning is not my thing, but, as I listened to Lorrie's explanations for why we should have our quiet time before doing anything else, I started realizing that what she was saying made sense. You see, I've had many people tell me that having your quiet time in the morning is the "right" way to do it, but I disagreed because that just sounded too challenging for this night owl, and, instead, offered the Lord what I considered to be the best part of my day, which is mid-afternoon. If your afternoons go anything like mine, then you know that having a consistent time to be still and quiet with the Lord is much more challenging during that time of day. 

Those people who had told me before that I should have my quiet time in the morning never shared with me why I should do it. They never supported their point-of-view with scripture. Lorrie did exactly that, and I loved what she had to say so much that I can't wait to see how this commitment changes each of my days or, at least, my perspective on the tasks I face each day.  You'll have to listen to Lorrie's interview with Cindy Rushton or read the e-book to glean her wisdom on this topic and find out why I was so challenged to make this major change in my schedule. Of course, there was so much more to this interview and e-book than this, but this is the part that definitely had the greatest impact on me.


Moving onto the 2nd R took me some time since I had to mentally process everything that I learned in the Refreshment presentation, but I did move on and found myself excited to hear what Lorrie had to say about Rekindling romance in your marriage. I was surprised at some of what she had to say and found myself thinking how very different the Biblical model of marriage is from what the world is used to. I kept pausing the MP3 so that I could think about topics that Lorrie was talking about. I think that it is common for Christians to not even realize how much we have allowed the world's perspective to sneak into our thoughts and beliefs about what marriage is supposed to be like. We accept attitudes and behaviors in ourselves which we shouldn't. Listening to Lorrie talk about serving my husband before myself and the true purpose of intimacy within our marriage left me feeling challenged, encouraged and ready to make some essential changes in the way I think about my husband and our marriage. Listening to Lorrie helped me to realize how I had allowed worldly perspectives to influence my thoughts on these topics.


You should know that I am not generally someone who spends a lot of time listening to radio presentations or interviews like these. I have purchased CDs with speakers on them and allowed them to sit on a shelf. But these presentations? They are so worth it. I laugh as I tell you that I thought I was going to work on a recipe project while listening because the recipes quickly got pushed aside as I purposed to listen to Lorrie and took page after page of notes. I honestly can't wait to listen to the remaining 3Rs, which you'll have to come back next month to hear about when I review them.


If you would like to get your copy of 5 Rs for Godly Womanhood, go to www.eternalencouragement.com and click on the link for the store. You'll see many great products there, some of which you can read about by clicking on the Gabby Mom's tag at the bottom of this post. You can also click right on the title of the product to go straight to the 5Rs product. It is $24.97 for all five Rs, which includes 5 interview segments (the first two were over an hour in length) and 5 e-books, and you can download immediately and start listening or reading!!!

I am very much enjoying the Gabby Moms program, and I hope that my readers are enjoying learning about these excellent products and gleaning some of the encouragement and wisdom that is in all of these products. Better yet, I hope that some of you might actually be interested in being a part of the Gabby Mom's program. It has been so much fun for me, and I know Eternal Encouragement is beginning to look for new moms to join the team. CLICK HERE to go to the application which explains more about the program and allows you to apply to be a part of the 2012 Gabby Moms team.


This is not the first review program of which I have been a part. In comparison to other programs, this one is a manageable commitment for me, which says a lot since my time has been stretched thin over the past several months. If you are even just a little interested in being a part of this program, go ahead and click on the link and learn more about it. This is a great review program for busy homemakers!


You can also click over to the GABBY MOMS and read what other moms have to say about this product. There are some great reviews posted there! Check them out, and let them know what you think!

Disclaimer: I received this product for honest review as part of the Gabby Moms program. I was not compensated for this post.

The Revolt of 2020, A Book Review

I am generally a reader of historical fiction, but my dad asked me to read this book, so I decided to give it a try even though it is not my normal favored genre. I was actually surprised by the fact that the content was more captivating than I expected it to be. Even though it is outside my pleasure reading mindset, I very much enjoyed reading the book and even felt challenged by it. That's not too bad for a work of fiction, is it?

The Revolt of 2020 by Dr. Patrick Johnston is a futuristic novel which takes it plot from social, political and spiritual issues that have plagued our nation for decades. Abortion, assisted suicide and homosexuality are themes that run throughout the book. The main characters in this novel (which, incidentally is the first of a trilogy) are pro-life to the extreme, and their intensity of approach takes them to the front steps of abortion clinics and protest rallies across the nation. These Christian fundamentalist protagonists are contrasted with extreme left, socialist characters throughout the book which makes for an intense storyline.

When the building in which the President of the United States is speaking is suddenly blown up during an explosion at a Reproductive Rights rally, the plot takes a turn that causes these protagonists to become public enemy #1 in a situation in which they are presumed guilty even though there is no evidence of their involvement. The Vice President is sworn into office as the new President of the country, and it becomes clear that her socialist regime is ready to take over the country.

Throughout the novel you will find plot twists that involve possible state secession, hostile government take-overs, unjust laws passed for the benefit of the masses resulting in the removal of rights for the individual, rioting, arrests, and more. Does any of that sound familiar? Prophetic maybe? 

While this novel is fiction, it clearly takes its roots in possible future events. I found myself wondering how much of this could and would come true for our country. I found myself challenged and wondering what my role should be in the fight to protect the unborn citizens of our country. Have I been too passive in my approach? Have I done enough? Have any of us done enough?

Obviously, you can tell that this book will make you think. It will do this while captivating you with the twists and turns. I won't say that everything in the novel is 100% believable or that I agree with some of the intentional stereotyping of characters that is thrown about here and there, but I found the book to be interesting and thought-provoking. If you read it, drop me a comment so that I can hear what you have to say!

As far as I know, this book is not yet available in book stores, but you can find it at Amazon.com by clicking HERE.

Keys to a Queenly Castle: A Gabby Moms Review

Ouch. This review topic hit me square on the nose. I don't know if it's because I find myself moving from being completely overwhelmed with my current circumstances to reminding myself that the Lord is managing my circumstances, not me, and, because of that, I can find true rest in His arms. Oh how I look forward to His arms more than ever during this season!

It is true that I am busier than usual, but it's okay. We moved here to be closer in proximity to my parents for this very reason, and I am so glad to be here. Caring for my husband, my children, my home and my parents requires me to be stretched thinner than I have ever been. I am exhausted often. I don't feel like I'm managing or doing anything very well right now. What I know is that the Lord knew I would be listening to this particular MP3 at this point in my life, so He must have intended for me to get something from it regardless of how overwhelmed it caused me to feel at moments. I definitely did get some great, positive points from it.

The item about which I am referring is an MP3 by speaker, Lorrie Flem entitled "Keys to a Queenly Castle." Each point which Lorrie illustrated was completely based on the Word of God. She very clearly stated what the Lord intends for us as wives, mothers and homemakers, and she supported it all with scripture in the gentle yet direct way that she possesses that I admire so much. Even though I am currently feeling a little scattered, I found myself unable to disagree with her unless I dare disagree with scripture, which I shall not do!

What I appreciated so much about this presentation is that so much of what Lorrie said resonates with my own heart. Husbands are the priests of our households and should be honored as such. I need to be joyfully submitting to his leadership. My attitude in doing this and all of the things which I do dramatically effects the atmosphere of my home, and, since I am the queen of this castle, that is something that I need to be taking seriously!

I was jotting down notes as I listened (I am a big note taker since I am a visual learner). Lorrie said, "The way that you do what you're supposed to do changes everything." Isn't that so true? No matter what you are doing, if you are doing it with a poor attitude, then you aren't doing it the way the Lord intended. We actually just discussed this on this very evening with our children during our family worship time. See? God wanted me to understand that point for myself, not just my children, and that may be the very reason that He desired for me to listen to this MP3 on this exact day!

At the end of this recording, I found myself still in agreement with all that Lorrie had to offer, but I found myself even more overwhelmed at my shortcomings(not because of anything Lorrie said or did, but because my castle isn't so queenly these days). I have many. I find myself, even as I type this, wondering how to make my household run smoother in this particular season of life when my floors always seem to need the attention of a broom and mop, when the laundry is perpetually behind and there are still boxes on the second floor of our house that are not yet unpacked (nor are the walls decorated so that this castle looks like it is ours).

Lorrie is an incredible, Godly speaker. Her words will challenge and encourage you as a wife and mom. I am looking forward to hearing more of what she has to say about other topics which are relevant to me as a homemaker. If you are wanting to be challenged or reminded of what God intends for us as women (to be loving wives, nurturing mothers and full-time homemakers), listen to this MP3. I have only given you a little glimpse of what you will hear if you purchase it. Lorrie is amazing.

To purchase this MP3 or another like it, visit www.eternalencouragement.com. You'll find the item HERE in their store for only $6.97. If you prefer to order it on CD rather than an MP3, you can order a CD for $9.97 and have it shipped to you (or to anyone you would like to gift it to).

To read other reviews of this product as well as reviews for another MP3 called Attitude Adjustments, visit the GABBY MOMS BLOG.

Disclaimer: I received this product for honest review as part of the Gabby Moms program. I was not compensated for this post.

To Have and To Hold, A Marriage Bundle

I am learning to be more candid in my blog posts. I tend to be somewhat private when it comes to my personal life, but I believe that, when we go through something hard, the Lord intends for us to use that experience in some way for the good of others. That is what brings me to this post.

I almost lost my marriage. That's right. We're a Christian, homeschooling, ministry-focused family, and we almost lost one of God's most precious gifts. It was several years ago, so those of you who know me well know the time period I'm talking about.  It was my fault as much as it was my husband's fault, and I won't burden you with all the gory details. I'll just say that we dug a very deep trench for ourselves and digging out of that trench took a lot of hard work and dedication to the institution of marriage and to each other.

During that time, we attended marriage retreats (which we would do again in a heartbeat because whether or not your marriage is in jeopardy, marriage retreats ROCK!), we saw four different counselors in three different states, I read books (my husband isn't much of a reader), we prayed, we cried, we talked, we yelled, we searched and begged God for an answer to our problems. It was the most challenging season of our life. I'm glad to say that we've come out on the other side of it stronger, more secure in our marriage and ready to tackle several more decades of life together. I can't imagine my life without Eric.

I think that if Eric and I had used all the right tools from the beginning of our marriage, our situation would have been much different. If we had attended retreats, read books, prayed and read the Word together and worked to connect each day, we wouldn't have headed down that almost fatal road for our marriage. Don't you agree? Marriage is worth the time it takes to make it work.

Eternal Encouragement's Marriage Bundle, To Have and to Hold, is a fantastic tool to help you and your spouse put that time into your marriage whether you are in a season of trouble like we once were or a season of joy. It is phenomenal. When I began opening the many files that come with this bundle, I was flabbergasted at the amount of information included in this packet. I can't even imagine the amount of time that went into creating this. As I read through the material, I found myself laughing, crying and, more than anything, challenged to do things better in my own marriage.

Included in this downloadable bundle is the following:

• Audios
  • 5R's Session 2 - Rekindle
  • One Life to Live, One Man to Love

• E-Books
  • Loving Your Knight in Shining Armor Even When He Doesn't Shine
  • Roadmap to a Marvelous Marriage
  • Marriage Tidbits to Treasure
  • Quotes Not Quibbles
  • Marriage Report

• E-Booklets
  • 31 Daily Biblical Prayers for Wives to Pray for Their Husbands
  • Encouragement Report
  • Don't Settle 
  • What God Says about Marriage
  • 75 Inexpensive Romantic Rut Cures
  • It Happened One Afternoon

• Magazine Back Issues
  • 2001 Summer Issue TEACH Magazine "Loving Your Husband"
  • 2009 Spring Issue TEACH Magazine "Marriages Made Marvelous"
   

All of this delivered to your inbox for only $39.97!!! Want it delivered to your mailbox instead? You can get it shipped to you for only $49.97. There is so much material here. You couldn't possibly find this much great advice on marriage anywhere else for such an affordable price.  While the contents are listed above, even that doesn't give you the full idea of what you're getting.

• It Happened One Afternoon is a beautiful story of a married couple in post World War II America. I was captivated by the short story and in tears by the end. 
• 75 Inexpensive Romantic Rut Cures offers simple, everyday ideas to spice things up in your marriage, and most of them cost nothing at all!  
• I'm working through 31 Biblical Prayers for Wives to Pray for their Husbands with fervor. We all need to be reminded to pray for our men from time to time, and this is a great tool to remind us how our husbands need to be prayed for. It offers a different focus for each day of the month.
• Don't Settle was another short story that I enjoyed so much, and it was filled with so much wisdom and truth.
• Quotes not Quibbles contains 72 pages of material to encourage you in your marriage! 
• What God Says About Marriage is filled with several pages of Bible verses all about marriage. What a great way to begin doing a Bible study with your spouse!

I'm still just giving you a snippet of what you'll get when you purchase this bundle. As I said, I'm flabbergasted at the amount of material that is included for this price. It is so very worth it. Your husband is worth it. Your kids are worth it. Your marriage is worth. YOU are worth it!

To purchase this product go to www.eternalencouragement.com. Check out all the products available in their store. Peruse their site to find so much more while you're there. I have to say that Eternal Encouragment is my favorite new website of the year so far. I think you'll be encouraged by what you find there as well!

Disclaimer: I received this product for honest review as part of the Gabby Moms program. I was not compensated for this post.

Eternal Encouragement Magazine

It is no secret that our life has had some kinks in the road lately. We've been faced with challenges, and there have been moments, days and even weeks during which I felt exhausted from it all. During those times, friends and family were there to provide support and encourageement that I needed. They are still there, and I appreciate them, but I am grateful that the Lord provides me with many avenues through which I can find encouragement. During hard times, I also seek out Bible passages and verses that remind me that the Lord helps me to stand during hard situations. Probably 8 or 10 months ago, I was given a new avenue of encouragement when Lorrie Flem, creator of Eternal Encouragement magazine, befriended me on Facebook. I will never doubt the Lord's leading in making this connection for me because I have been blessed and encouraged time and time again because of it.

This month I have been perusing a copy of Eternal Encouragment. It's amazing. From cover to cover, I found articles that were encouraging, informative, challenging and captivating. What Christian woman doesn't want to read a magazine whose purpose is "Inspiring Women to become More like Jesus Every Day?" I love this magazine. I mean I really, really love it.

One of the things that I enjoy is that my heart resonates with all that this magazine encompasses. Within its pages are articles about homemaking, Biblical womanhood, being a godly wife and mother, homeschooling and more. Sounds perfect for me, doesn't it? It is very likely perfect for you as well!

Let me tell you some of the things I loved the most. First, it's purse-sized. This has nothing to do with the content, of course, but I love that it's compact.It's about the size of those Guideposts magazines that I often see at doctor's offices, a design that fits perfectly in your purse so you can carry it to piano lessons, sports practices and doctor's appointments. I love this simple little detail!

One of the underlying beliefs of the creators of this magazine is stated toward the beginning of the magazine. "We believe that God has first delegated to parents the authority and responsibility to teach and raise their children. Parents can delegate their authority to someone else, but they can never delegate their responsibility." AMEN! I knew that I would have to include that in my review because it is exactly what I believe to be true! Are you starting to see why I enjoy this magazine so much?

Let me also share a few points from favorite articles to give you a glimpse of what you'll be getting when you become a subscriber. Lorrie Flem asks, "Are You Contagious?" Um. YES, I am contagious. Good and bad attitudes ooze out around me. I was grateful for the reminder. 

Later, Carole Farmen discusses her daughter's temperament change in an article called "Temper to Tranquility." I was so encouraged by this little window into her journey. Even if your child isn't prone to angry outbursts, it is a sweet reminder that the Lord can change our children (and us) from the inside out! 

In "10 Ways to Make Today Your Best Day Ever," Lorrie Flem shared that she put "Listening, learning, laughing and laying a loving hand on them" on her daily check-off list because those truly are the most important tasks we as mothers do each day. I love this so much that I have written it in my school planbook where I see it each morning and am reminded that the most important thing my children will learn each day is not in a school book.

Of course, you'll find things like informative articles and laughter in these pages as well. I found both in "It is too Rocket Science" written by an unknown author.I laughed as the author took me on a journey explaining how modern rocket science was indeed effected by ancient Rome. You'll also find articles geared toward moms of teens, mother-daughter relationships, nutrition, cooking and more!

Something else that stood out to me is that, while this publication does contain some relevant advertising, there is very, very little. It isn't like most magazines that have advertisements between each article (or on every page). This magazine serves it's purpose so well without providing ample advertising space. Did I mention that I love this magazine? I mean, really, really love it?

To get your copy of Eternal Encouragement, go to www.homemakingwithteach.com and order a subscription(check out all the fantastic finds on their website as well). It is well worth the $25.97 annual subscription rate. As someone who has subscribed to other magazines with similar themes, I found that Eternal Encouragment is exactly what I need. While it does offer the occasional homeschooling idea, the focus of this magazine is not on that. Instead, it is filled with articles written by moms just like me who are down-to-earth and just want to share a little of their journey with the rest of us. Whether or not you homeschool, I believe you'll find edifying articles in these pages. Check it out!

I received this product for honest review from Eternal Encouragement Magazine as a part of The Gabby Moms blogging program. All opinions expressed are solely my own.  

Encouraging Moments

 

When Mom says come,
I jump and run.

I don't ask why,

And I don't cry.

I smile and say,

Yes, Mom, okay.

Is this not completely adorable? Don't you just love it? I do. I would have enjoyed teaching this little rhyme to my kids when they were pre-schoolers. What a great, simple way to teach the meaning of Godly obedience. I don't know about your kids, but, even though my kids are now 9 and 7, they haven't completely mastered this concept of biblical obedience yet, so they'll be copying this during our school time on Monday.

Where did I find this little tidbit of wisdom? Encouraging Moments e-newsletter, a weekly newsletter sent directly to your in-box from the publishers of Eternal Encouragement Magazine.

As a homemaker and mom, I am always seeking out ways to be an encouragement to others. I'm certain this is because I need so much encouragement for myself. After all, God created us to be in relationships with each other because he gifted us all differently. If I need to be blessed, challenged or reminded that other wives and moms face the same things that I face, then I can only expect that other women need the same thing.

Encouraging Moments e-newsletter is an easy way to get a weekly dose of the kind of Godly wisdom and encouragement that moms like me are looking for. The newsletter is brief and requires only a few moments of your time, just like the name suggests, but you get so much from those few well-spent minutes.

The weekly newsletter begins with an uplifting and spiritually challenging note from Lorrie Flem, the creator of Eternal Encouragement (previously entitled TEACH Magazine). Lorrie is a gifted writer and speaker and has written countless articles that have blessed me time and again. Even her Facebook posts are thought provoking! God has blessed her with Godly wisdom and inspired her to share it with other wives and moms. I am so glad that He did!

My favorite quote from Lorrie's brief but moving introduction to last week's newsletter actually came from Lorrie's mom in reference to the Bible. "Either sin will keep you from this book, or this book will keep you from sin." I found this simple quote to be so filled with wisdom that I am posting it where my family can see it along with a photo of a Bible! I always find something that I love within anything published by Eternal Encouragement!

The poem which I quoted at the beginning of this review came from my favorite part of the newsletter, "Chick Flicks for Mom"

Isn't that a clever name? It caught my attention, and I had to check it out. These videos are short clips, maybe 3 or 4 minutes long, in which Lorrie gives you words of wisdom on things like parenting, serving the Lord, homemaking, and marriage. Lorrie is brief, witty and warm, and you'll love hearing what she has to say! The only catch is that, after watching one Chick Flick, you may be tempted to go back and listen to another...and another...and another. I was!

"Encouraging Moments" is an e-newsletter that I actually want to read, that I am now looking forward to receiving each Thursday. Besides what I've already mentioned, you'll also find articles by other Eternal Encouragement authors, information about upcoming events, snippets from the week's Facebook posts, TEACH Magazine's store discounts and more! It's completely worth the price. FREE!!!! That's right, it's completely, totally 100% FREE! So what can you lose from checking it out? All you have to do is go to www.homemakingwithteach.com and sign-up!

If you want to get more opinions on "Encouraging Moments," click over to the GABBY MOMS website to see what other Gabby Moms have to say about it. There are 60 of us, and you may just find more than a review or two to read. You may find a fellow mom with whom your heart resonates! 

I am reviewing Encouraging Moments as an official member of The Gabby Moms blogging program for Eternal Encouragement magazine.  I did not receive compensation for this post and all opinions are solely my own.

True Treasures

Like all women, I sometime need to laugh. Other times I need a good cry or a nugget of encouragement. I often simply need to know that someone out there has experienced the same thing I am facing or that I'm not the only one who doesn't feel like she's the perfect homeschooling mom or a wife who often struggles with being the kind of helpmate her husband deserves for her to be.

I never imagined I could find something that could meet all of those needs within one simple volume that I could peruse and enjoy at my leisure, that is inexpensive and doesn't involve packing and going away to a convention, but I did. True Treasures, 10 Years of TEACH Magazine, is exactly what the title describes, a treasure trove of articles written by moms just like you and me who have been there and done that. The wisdom and laughter awaiting you in this precious gem is invaluable.

If you are a wife, homemaker, or homeschooling mom, I don't know how you couldn't enjoy reading these articles. There is so much Godly information gathered into this volume that I couldn't absorb it all at once. After devouring an article or two,  I was compelled to spend time in prayer; or I was crying or had so much to think about that I needed to pause for a few moments before continuing to another article. And laughter? Oh yes, you'll find lots of giggling in these pages too. Where there are parenting articles, there will be smiles and laughter!

The very first article, "His Wheel = His Will" by Lorrie Flem, reminded me that God uses adversity to shape us. If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know how timely that article was for me! God knew I needed that article. During another quiet moment, I sat to read "It's Raining, It's Pouring." also written by Lorrie Flem. My 7 year old walked into the room as I finished and asked why I was crying. I never put True Treasures down without feeling genuine encouragement. Don't we all need that? 

There are also snippets that include invaluable tools that we can all use like "Bible Verses to Pray for Your Children" and "Yippee! It's STILL Free!" If you have thought about it or allowed yourself to fret about it, you're likely to find an encouraging point-of-view in True Treasures. I love this book!

True Treasures is a compilation of the best of what TEACH magazine has had to offer its readers over the course of the past decade. It is 104 pages long divided into six chapters:

1. Jewels that Make the Heart Sparkle
2. Marriages of Solid Gold
3. Parenting Pearls: Practical and Priceless
4. Homemaking That Dazzles Like Diamonds
5. Homeschooling Nuggets of Wisdom
6. Godly Living That Glitters

If you're facing a parenting challenging, you'll likely find something in here that will help. Is your marriage struggling? These articles are filled with action-packed advice that will help you to love your husband in a way that will move your marriage in the right direction. Are your children not shining the way you would like? Find encouragement here. 

If you aren't familiar with TEACH,which has recently changed its name to Eternal Encouragement, head over to www.HomemakingWithTEACH.com and see what they have to offer.  Get a copy of True Treasures. You'll be blessed by this site. I promise! You can also see more reviews of this incredible True Treasure on the website dedicated to The Gabby Moms, the newly formed group of homeschooling moms of which I am a part.

The bottom line? If you want to be challenged, encouraged, blessed, filled with laughter and wisdom from the Lord, True Treasures is for you. I can't say enough great things about it (obviously). If you snag a copy, let me know what you think! I am certain you're going to love it!

When you head to Eternal Encouragement site purchase your copy of True Treasures, be sure to use the coupon code "GabbyMom" for $4 off your purchase good through May 31st, 2011! That sweetens this deal quite nicely, doesn't it?

Disclaimer: I received this product for honest review from TEACH Magazine as part of The Gabby Moms blogging program. All opinions expressed are solely my own.