I Love to Give You Books!!!

1-8-16 update - Congratulations to _ashley_elton_ (who entered via Instagram) on winning this special book today!  Thanks to all who entered and more giveaways to come, so stay tuned!  :)



Ok, alright, I just announced the winner of my Fringe Hours giveaway yesterday and I'm already set for my NEXT giveaway!  I love, love, LOVE to give books to you special people!!!

If you didn't win Fringe Hours, go should get yourself a copy here.  It's worth purchasing because not only is it a good book, but Jessica also has lots of workbook type pages in it for you to answer questions and figure out how YOU can best carve out time for YOURself in YOUR fringe hours.

My next giveaway is Shauna Nequist's "Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are."  This book is a daily devotional type of book and includes some of Shauna's favorite recipes.  Ok, I mentioned food...now you KNOW you've got to have it.  (devotional + new recipes = killing 2 birds with one stone, am I right??)

Drawing will be held on Friday, January 8th (the day before my birthday!)

Each of these = 1 entry:

#1 - Subscribe to my blog

#2 - Comment on this post.

#3 & 4 - Like & RT this tweet:  https://twitter.com/captainchaosmom/status/684263114162831361

#5 & 6 - Like & Share this Instagram post:  https://instagram.com/p/BAJdJiWBJ9X/

If you can't wait for the drawing and want to dive into this book RIGHT NOW, you can get it right here.

Happy Reading!

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

UPDATE 1/4/16 - Congrats to Alicia P!  Thanks to all who entered in this giveaway.  Be sure to watch for more book giveaways this month!  


Ok, the new year is almost upon us!!  I am looking forward to the new year because it has some exciting things coming for us here in the CaptainChaos household, but more on that later.  Let's get to the good stuff...

If finding more time for yourself or making better use of your fringe hours is on your resolution list for 2016, then you NEED this book.  And lucky you, I'm giving away a copy to start off your new year right!

Drawing will be held on Monday, January 4th when my kids are all back at school and I can change out of this referee shirt...

Each of these = 1 entry:

#1 - Subscribe to my blog and comment below that you did so.

#2 - Follow me on Twitter & like this tweet...  https://twitter.com/captainchaosmom/status/682271156460630016

#3 - Follow me on Instagram & like this post...  https://instagram.com/p/_7SOULhJ-P/

Get This Book Before Making Your New Year's Resolutions

Ok, go get this book NOW!!!  If there's anything I love to talk about, it's habits.  Trying to change them, how they form, if they're good or bad, whatever.  Let's just say Gretchen and I would be good buds (and bonus, we're both firstborns).  :)

Anyway, this book didn't make my Five Books I'd Recommend as Gifts This Holiday Season list, but it's on my extended list of books I want to read for myself.  It's that good - you COULD get it for someone else, but I'm saying get it FOR YOURSELF people.  Gretchen's podcast is one of my favorites because I love the short, easily digestible segments of her and her awesome sis talking about their personal habits with Gretchen also sharing bits of her vast knowledge on habits and happiness.  Their Try This At Home suggestion they have each episode gives me a new challenge if it's one I haven't already tried/accomplished.  I did mention I'm a habit maniac, didn't I?

Be sure to visit Gretchen's page to get your pre-order bonus, but do it BEFORE December 15th.  And if you order via Amazon, the book will be here in time to digest before January 1st, giving you the biggest edge ever in tackling your New Year's Resolutions in 2016!

Order the book HERE

Go get your pre-order bonus HERE

Take a listen to Gretchen's Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast HERE

Five Books I'd Recommend as Gifts This Holiday Season

Need a quick and not so expensive idea for someone this year?  Give the gift of knowledge!  I may be just a regular ol' run-of-the-mill mom, but I like to read books that'll teach me something (and watch movies that entertain me, but that's another post).  So very briefly, here are my top 5 recommended books (in no particular order) for this year's gift giving dilemma you may find yourself in:

#1 - For the overwhelmed mom in your life.  Maybe your mom.  Or a friend's mom.  Actually, pretty much ANY mom I know these days is overwhelmed and would appreciate this book!  Because we moms just need to knock it off already with all the judging and trying to live up to some ideal that is, in reality, impossible to reach.  We've been "Hoodwinked" into believing we need to be perfect and that's just not true.  This book is only 224 pages long (which is great for busy moms who don't have a bunch of time to read lengthy books) and it also has some great bonus material at the end.  Who doesn't want some bonus material?

#2 - For the leader who's always wanting to learn more. Or, who you think needs to learn more.  I haven't had a chance to read either of these yet, but they're on my Wish List.  John Maxwell is a powerhouse when it comes to writing on leadership and personal growth.  I've read so many of his other books that I know without even reading this one yet that it will also be a great resource for anyone looking to better themselves as a leader, or just as a person for pete's sake.  Brad Lomenick also has a history of providing great insight on how to be an awesome leader and I need to start reading more of his stuff.  Like now.  

#3 - For the person who's always complaining about their job.  Jon Acuff wrote a book about what he's learned over the past 16 years of working.  After working at big and small companies. After being hired and fired and finally finding his dream job but then deciding to walk away.  Even if you like your job, this guy is funny and wise and worth reading.  Here's what the Associated Press says about the book: 

“If you’re sick of constantly fighting the Monday blues, this book is for you . . . [Acuff’s] career advice is solid . . . By the end, most will have a new outlook on their role in the workplace. They will be ready to take on the day with nothing but an adjusted attitude and a ton of grit.”

—Associated Press"

#4 - For the dreamer, the achiever; the person who is always striving and learning and growing.  This book is also on my Wish List.  It's already on the NY Times Bestseller List.  It's called the School of Greatness.  And, it's written by Lewis Howes, who apparently is pretty awesome.  At least that's what I've heard.

#5 - For the gal who wants to chase after Jesus.  Because it's by Beth Moore.  And I really shouldn't have to say any 'Moore' about it!  haha  But, this was my favorite review from Amazon on it:

I cannot recommend this book strongly enough

By Andrea on November 18, 2015

Format: Hardcover Verified Purchase

I cannot recommend this book strongly enough. Ask any of my girlfriends over the last two weeks - I've hounded them all. But I've stopped trying to describe the book to them...I want each woman to read it and experience it as they are meant to experience it, without any spoilers or preconceived notions or expectations. I'll simply say this: if you want to see Jesus, read on.

Blessings,

New Beginnings

Spring is wonderful isn't it?  The birds returning and busily preparing for the birth of the next generation.  The new growth occurring on the trees, the ground.  Even with the impending return of outdoor allergens for me, I still love this season.

I've always loved newness.  New school supplies.  (Who's with me there?? I don't know if I could name ONE person who isn't a sucker for new crayons.)  New clothes.  New paint.  New babies.  Ohmahgoodness I go crazy over new babies.  Ask anyone who knows me well or has had a baby while knowing me.  I think I once practically pushed a gal out of the way so I could see someone's new baby at church (sheesh Amy, settle down for crying out loud).  When I say crazy, I mean CRAZY.  I blame it on the smell.  It drives me wacko apparently.  Who can beat the smell of a new little human?

This spring is a little more exciting for me though than past years have been.  Maybe it's because the allergens haven't really started yet, but I'm thinking it's more for this reason: I feel like I'm finally coming out of a funk from the last couple years.

The short recap of why I got funky (and not in an Uptown way)?  I had a my 4th (and last) baby.  Yes measures were taken to ensure this as best we can.  I developed intestinal issues after baby was born that I just recently figured out were being caused by food allergies/sensitivities that I didn't have before kid #4 arrived.  We acquired a lake property.  We changed churches after being in one place for 12 years.  Friendships were lost; not because of hard feelings, but because that's what happens when you leave a place you've been at for that long.  It can't be avoided no matter how hard you try.  And relationships at the new place take time to build. Lastly, I turned 40 in the midst of all this.  So, besides battling the health issues that kept me at home in pain most of the time, I also felt like I didn't have any friends or anyone that cared what was going on in my life or that I was contributing anything to the world besides clean laundry for 6 and chauffeuring kids around to activities.  And I was barely able to do those!  Basically, I was a mid-life crisis in the midst of depression-ville for a good year and a half.

But I've recently gotten a better understanding of the food/skin/intestine issues and am learning to manage what I need to do to stay healthy.  Being gluten, dairy, and soy free makes eating out an interesting endeavor and I have bad days here and there because something is mysteriously in a food I ate.  The lake property is getting easier to manage with everything that goes into making it enjoyable year-round for us and for short-term renters.  The new church is starting to bring forth relationships.  The baby is turning 4 in May.  Things are getting easier.  Finally.  The gray is giving way to sun.

New opportunities are also starting to spring up before me.  New ways of looking at how I use my gifts and talents.  New ideas of what I can do to use these gifts besides coordinating laundry and chauffeuring.  Which is good, because I did NOT dream of becoming a Martha Stewart or Betty Crocker sort of mom when I was younger.  A mom who only attended to the affairs of her own household.  I had dreams and ambitions I tell ya!

I'm not sure where these opportunities are going to lead me, but I do know it is nice to have most of the recent storm behind me.  It is nice to have the sun shining on my face again.  With these new opportunities comes the need for discernment and wisdom.  I will need to rely on God so I don't overload my plate and do myself in.  I am so thankful though that He is once again placing bigger dreams on my heart and visions in my eyes.  After a time of wondering if I would be able to even leave the house for an afternoon of errands, this is a huge blessing!

Where are you right now?  In the midst of a funk and dreading each new day or happily maintaining the day-to-day chaos? Facing new dreams or stuck in depression-ville?  Battling health issues or starting over in a new place and you feel alone?  Cry out to God today.  He loves you and is for you!  Reach out to those who have expressed care to you.  I know that God is faithful and will bring someone to you to help you.  And I know that He is ALWAYS there for you.  And He is FOR you!

Blessings,

Walls

Have you ever played Minecraft?  I admit I have...only because I'm a really cool mom. Seriously, I've played it a bit the last few years and am thankful I took the time to bond with my kids in this way.  But no worries, friend, I realize this in no way makes me cool among any group of people. haha

In case you haven't had the chance to play this awesome time-sucking game, I'll explain it very briefly.  The whole world is made of blocks.  The ground, the trees, and anything you build is made of 1x1 blocks.  If you want to build something, you need to gather the blocks (either by mining cobblestone, chopping trees, digging dirt, etc) and then build your object (ex: a house) one block at a time. There's more to it than that (which is why it's so addicting and great for developing creativity) but that's the big picture.  There are shortcuts to getting the building supplies (you can "gliche" things) but there's no shortcuts for the actual building process.  Each block has to be placed where you want it.  By placing ONE BLOCK. AT. A. TIME.  My son is a pro wall builder.  He can get things built at a speed that makes my brain (and thumbs) hurt just watching him.

I, on the other hand, am a pro wall builder in a different way.  I can erect emotional walls to protect myself from the outside world faster than any Lego Master Builder (yes, I have 4 kids...this is my world of expertise right now...Legos & Minecraft haha).  

Everyone has these imaginary walls to protect us from hurts, don't we? And they take time to build; most of them don't happen overnight. They are built brick by brick, hurt by hurt. We build them up little by little and if we're not careful we let them get too tall. Then they start to hurt us because they're also holding those hurts, that pain, in and not letting it escape. Being trapped within our walls is not good; studies have shown it can even make us physically sick!

I admit it's scary thinking about these walls coming down. Without them we are exposed, vulnerable. We are REAL. It can be frightening being real with people, showing them who we are, what our burdens are, what we're afraid of. We might get hurt again. Or completely rejected. But if we're not being REAL with the people in our life, we're not really living. He has created each of us to carry out His purpose in a way no one else can.

We're holding back who we are, holding back who God made us to be.

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

For we are God's masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.

Have you built up walls to protect yourself?  Played emotional Minecraft stacking the blocks one by one until you are so protected from the outside world you're actually hurting yourself?  Take one small step today to be more real with someone. Tear down just one brick.   Reach out to someone for help.  God will help you no matter how buried behind walls you are - He is with you there.  

He is with you now.  He is with you always.  

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

And once you've moved a few bricks and are able to see outside your walls, you will find there are people around you who care, people who love you and who will also help you.  Don't be one who falls alone...

Eccelsiastes 4:9-10, 12

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.  But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.  A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.  Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

What do you need to do today to tear down a brick in your emotional walls and be more REAL with those around you?

Blessings,

Returning

Well, let's just say the last few years have gone by in a blink.  But on the other hand they've also felt like an eternity.  It's interesting how time works like that isn't it?

Now that I've finally updated a few things on here, I will be trying to post more regularly.  I'm not going to make any promises because I know that time is like sand and slips through our fingers before we know it.   And no matter how hard we try to grasp it or slow it down, the clock just keeps ticking along.  

How is 'time' moving for you today?  Fast or slow?  Find just a moment to breathe and enjoy your Creator!

Blessings,

BONUS:  Here's a song for you from our gal Tricia Brock of Superchick!

Without You

I really like the whole album, so go get it HERE!

Tow Mater car

Ok, so I've been told to get these pictures online somehow.  The only way I know how to do that is through my blog.  What does Tow Mater have to do with Worshiping While I Wait you may ask?  Well...I guess I can only refer to 1 Corinthians 10:31b "do it all for the glory of God."

This is the Grand Prix pinewood derby car my husband and son made for this year's Grand Prix race at AWANA.  Since our almost 3 yr old boy is Mater-crazy right now, Tow Mater seemed like a good choice for a car to try to win a trophy for design (that was, until they had to try to keep the 3 yr old out of the garage while they were working on it).

If you're looking for details on how to make this, I'm not going to be much help as I was involved this much - zilch, zippo, nadda, NOT.  All I know is they started with measuring a die-cast version of Mater to get the dimensions correct.  Some balsa wood is involved.  Wood was removed from the bottom of the original car block to help with balancing out the weight of the added balsa wood.  They used misc parts from old car models for the rear-view mirrors and air filter.  Some kind of sponge was used to paint on the 'rust' or brown paint.  Paint pens were used to write "Tow Mater" on the side and also for the windows and the tailgate.  And lastly, as you can see, the hitch was built from Legos (since my son the builder has oodles of Legos).  Most importantly though, my son was rewarded with not only the 1st place trophy for design, but also with the cries of "Mater" by the other kids at the Grand Prix whenever he raced down the track!

Tow Mater front

Tow Mater side

Tow Mater back

On the table at the race

With his trophy - a happy boy!

Tow Mater, Disney-Pixar Cars, Disney-Pixar Cars 2, Mater, Pinewood Derby, AWANA Grand Prix

It's Been How Long?

Yes, for those inquiring minds who'd like to know...I AM still alive!  :)  Baby Laura is 6 mos old this week and I realized I've been off my blog for WAY too long!  It has been interesting thinking of a year ago as the dates pass by...when we announced to everyone in September that we were expecting.  The fun we had a Lake Brandt in Aug & Sept of 2010.  How sick I was when we went to California in Oct 2010.  How sick I was at the AWANA Grand Prix race last year.  How sick I was all the way until the end of May!!  haha

Here is a picture of my little sweetie.  She really is a happy, easy baby.  Which has been such a blessing around here with the rest of the chaos there is to deal with! ha

I would really like to get on here more, but with the holidays approaching I know better than to make any promises I won't be able to keep.  And especially since it's our first go at it with 4.  Hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Blessings!
Amy

Not Forgotten

So, yes, now it's been almost THREE months since I've been on here.  I so miss having the time to write (or taking the time to write) - but for now, writing is a hobby for me.  And I guess with everything else going on, I've had to put this hobby on hold.  I AM taking time for another hobby these days though....and, it will actually be the last time I do this hobby for a looong time.  I'm making my last counted cross-stitch birth announcement for this baby #4.  My time is running out so I have been trying to work on that as much as I can.  Once that is done and we get over the whole 'new baby' hump, I'm assuming I will have some time for writing again.  Yay!

Some topics I've been thinking about writing on:

Addicted to Stress
Boundaries for Working Women
Conflict: To Say or Not To Say, That is the Question
Your 'Calling'


I've also got a playlist a mile long I'd like to share with you...so maybe I'll try to reinstate "4 Worship Fridays" at the very least. 

Blessings!

Prayer Journaling: The In-Depth Method

A number of years ago I had the chance to attend a Sunday School class based on a book called The Hour That Changes the World by Dick Eastman. In it Eastman explains a method you can use to guide your prayers so you can easily spend an hour in prayer. He uses the motivation of the example of the disciples in the garden and how Jesus kept coming back and finding them asleep.  And he asks them, “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” to urge us on to extended times of prayer.

Extended prayer is a bit daunting, yes? For some of us, praying for 10 minutes seems like a long time. Especially if your prayer time happens after you’ve placed your head on your pillow at the end of a long day. Then do you find yourself falling asleep in mid-sentence to God? You know, “God, thank you for a wonderful day. I pray for Janine as she struggles with her kids. May You give her wisdom to know what…..zzzzzzzzzz”

Or maybe you get distracted in your prayers.
Distraction can be bad if it dominates your prayers, but it is okay to go off on tangents now and then. Sometimes we forget that prayer is a CONVERSATION with God and not a one-sided one where WE do all the talking.
God may use a tangent to get our attention. He may call to mind a name of someone you are to pray for. Or He may call to mind an incident that happened during the day that you need to confess or need to apologize to the person about. So follow the thoughts God may bring up when you are listening to Him but don’t let them take over the rest of your prayer time. You know, like when this has happened: “God, thank you for a wonderful day. The weather was beautiful for the picnic. And thank you for keeping everyone safe. Especially with all the bees around. Hmmm I wonder if Aunt Clara got her cookies along with her? Oh, and I forgot to tell her about the program at school next week. Oh good grief. I need to get some shoes for Sarah to wear. I wonder what size she wears now. Did I turn on the dishwasher? Ooops, sorry God. Ummm please forgive me for skipping my devotions this morning when I was getting ready for the reunion. Please be with my hubby tomorrow on his business trip. Protect him and bring him home safely. I wonder if he packed his cell phone charger? He always forgets that.”



Below is a prayer sheet I created using the information laid out in Eastman’s book.  I also created a description sheet to use to remind myself what each segment of the prayer time was to consist of.  For a better understanding of this method of prayer, I would strongly recommend reading the book. Especially if you are serious about learning this method. I will say that I experienced my most meaningful times of prayer when I used this method habitually. So, yes, by saying that I guess you can tell that I do not use this method all the time. When I was nursing my third child I completely fell off the prayer journaling wagon! I didn’t have time to journal at all. Now that he is a bit older and a bit easier to care for, I have added this method into my prayer routine again here and there.

Using this guide, you CAN pray for an hour or more!  Please feel free to post questions. 

Blessings,
Amy


Click on the picture to enlarge and print:

Prayer Sheet





Description Sheet

Tuesday Tunes: I Need You To Love Me

Finally posting a BarlowGirl song.  I have been loving singing along with the harmonies on this song.  I liked this song before because of the words and its 'Indigo Girls' -ish sound.  But now that I know I might be singing along with my favorite Barlow girl, it warms my heart even more so.  Thanks Becca!

I Need You To Love Me



For more posts in this series click here.

4 Worship Fridays: Surprised By Worship

Travis Cottrell's new book, Surprised by Worship, is out! I got my copy a couple weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised to see it arrive so early (I think the original release date was in mid-October....which would have been about now actually!).

It's not as big a book as I expected, but it is a wonderful read. Travis is an awesome worship leader - I have been following his stuff since I became I believer in 2003 during one of his songs at a Beth Moore conference. 'Just As I Am' was the name of it and Travis and his team were singing through it during an altar call of sorts. That's when I really gave my heart to the Lord.

Anyway, back to the book. Travis writes about how his idea of what worship was supposed to be was shaken up a bit by the Lord through different teachings throughout his life. He also shares quite a bit about his most recent adventure of becoming a worship 'pastor' at a church, something he never thought he'd be called to do.

I would highly recommend Travis' honest, open writings about worship to anyone who struggles with understanding WHAT worship is supposed to be, how we're supposed to FEEL about worship, and HOW we're supposed to worship.

By the way, I haven't receieved any compensation for writing/saying any of this. I've thought Travis to be a wonderful worship leader for many years and ordered the book on my own accord. I didn't receive it to write a review on...I'm just passing on info to you about a good book!  Just don't get me started on his cds.  Oh fine, just buy all of 'em!!  haha  Seriously, the top ones I'd recommend are:  Jesus Saves Live, Found, Living Proof Live 3, and Alive Forever.  All of which can be ordered straight from Travis' store by clicking here. 

For more information on Travis, visit his website.


May you find something in your surroundings today that reminds you to spend a moment worshipping our God Almighty!

Blessings,
Amy


For more posts in this series click here.

Tuesday Tunes....on Thursday! Healing Begins

Since I'm out-of-town this week, I'm doing another Tuesday Tunes. And, like I said before, I REALLY could do them every day. So give thanks that I'm containing myself as much as I am. hee hee


When did your healing begin?




Here is a video journal about the song by lead singer Mike.

Tuesday Tunes: Beloved

Did you know you are His beloved?

His bride.

And you will be clothed in white because He has washed you clean. 

No matter what you've done.  He loves you.






For more posts in this series click here.

Oops...

I guess with being sick so much lately I forgot that I had some work to do still in the Submissive Wife post #4.  haha  I hope you got a kick out of my 'INSERT SCRIPTURE HERE' notes for myself!! 

If you'd like to read the post WITH the Scripture references filled in...instead of my writing notes, please click here. 

And thanks for being patient with me!  I'm still getting this blogging thing figured out....that is, how it fits in with what I'm already trying to accomplish in life!

Blessings,
Amy

4 Worship Fridays: What Moves You?

For this 4 Worship Friday, I'd like to know what moves you.  By that, I mean what makes you feel closest to God? 

Music?

Nature?

Your kids when they're all sweet and adorable?

A beautiful piece of art, whether it's a photograph, painting, sculpture, etc?

A clean house?

Helping others?

You get the idea....now share YOUR idea.


May you find something in your surroundings today that reminds you to spend a moment worshipping our God Almighty!

Blessings,
Amy


For more posts in this series click here.

Tuesday Tunes: Times

Has it been a long time since you've spent time with the Father?


Let Him pull you near. Put aside the busyness.


He's not tired of forgiving you. Just come to Him.

His love is over you.

Underneath you.

Inside you.

Between you.

All the TIMES you think it's not. 

His love is there.

For more posts in this series click here.

Desiring God Natl Conference

The Desiring God National Conference was/is this weekend. Hubby and I talked about going way back in June or July when they had discounted tickets for sale. But we never did register....mainly because we knew going to it AND going on our California trip a few days later would end up being too much for everyone.

And it's a good thing too because I haven't been feeling well lately. This first trimester has been a bit rough for this last kid. Hopefully that means it will be a really laid back and easy-going baby!

I wanted to post the link to something from the conference because it was one of the main reasons I'd wanted to go. Francis Chan spoke on Saturday night. If you've read his book(s), then you'll want to listen for sure. Or, if you haven't read his book(s), listen and then you'll want to read his book(s) even more!!

Think Hard, Stay Humble: The Life of the Mind and the Peril of Pride

It's about an hour, so allot your time appropriately.

To listen to other speakers from the conference, including Rick Warren, R.C. Sproul, and Albert Mohler, click here.

Blessings,
Amy

4 Worship Fridays: Sick

So I was going to launch a new meme today.  But, evidently Someone has other plans. 

I've been sick all week.

Yup, expecting #4 in May and the 'all-day-long' sickness started last Tuesday the 14th and has grown increasing worse over the last few days.  To the point that I finally called in to get this magical Rx everyone was telling me about.  Zofran.

They were right.  It IS magical. 

I haven't been able to do anything really all week and today I'm up, got my Morning Routine done already, took the kids to school, and am working on the computer.  And I'm 'with-it' enough to realize my blog didn't do an auto-post like it should have!  Then I remember, "Oh yeah, because I didn't have anything written for it to post!"  haha

So as you can see, I have a bit of catching up to do now that I'm UP. 

But I don't mind being behind. 

At least I'm feeling better. 

And that is blessing enough.


May you find something in your surroundings today that reminds you to spend a moment worshipping our God Almighty!

Blessings,
Amy


For more posts in this series click here.