Archives For Books

iBlog… Do You Blog?

Amanda Pelser — May 9, 2013 — 13 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.

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iBlog is a new book from some of the bloggers in the iHomeschool Network. It’s packed full with almost 400 pages about blogging from 30 different bloggers. As a member of iHN, I received a copy of the book to review.

iBlog is for both newbies and established bloggers. Especially ff you’ve been thinking about starting a blog, you need to read this book. Topics range from finding your niche to SEO and design to balancing family with blogging. Check out the full table of contents here.

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You can get your copy for $7.99 at iBlogTheBook.com.

I also have 3 copies to give away to my readers! Use the rafflecopter form below to enter. Don’t want to wait to purchase a copy? iHN has graciously agreed to refund your purchase if you purchase and then win a copy.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Can’t see the Rafflecopter form?

Don’t wait to enter. This giveaway ends Friday at 11:59:59pm Eastern!

Disclosure: I received a free copy of iBlog.

In Books, Giveaways

Desperate Book Club: Conclusion

Amanda Pelser — May 6, 2013 — Leave a comment

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.

Desperate: Conclusion

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My family and I spent this past weekend at the Teach Them Diligently Convention in Spartanburg, SC. I had the wonderful opportunity to gather with a small group of bloggers and Sally Clarkson before the convention began. My biggest take away from her chat with us was the idea of diligence vs neglect. She didn’t say it quite like that – that’s my paraphrase. As a work-at-home(schooling)-mom, I must be diligent. Things in my home will never be perfect, but am I neglecting my home and family in order to work and homeschool or am I diligently doing my best?

Similarly, my biggest take away from Desperate was that I need to be diligent in caring for myself and pursuing what God has called me to do. I’m not responsible for the outcome, just being obedient and doing my best. In addition, I’m not alone when I feel depressed or desperate. I just have to take baby steps in the right direction.

Be diligent. Let God take care of the rest.

What was your biggest take away from Desperate?

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It’s your turn. Share your thoughts on this chapter of Desperate in the comments here or on Jodi’s post. If you’ve written about this chapter on your own blog, feel free to leave the link in the comments.

In Desperate

Kids in the Word Review: A Cry from Egypt

Amanda Pelser — April 24, 2013 — Leave a comment

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.

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A Cry from Egypt by Hope Auer is now available for purchase. I’m excited to share this new book with you. I received a pre-release copy to read and review last summer. It’s all about the Exodus from the perspective of an Israelite family. It was a perfect timing to go with our ancient history studies.

I read A Cry fro Egypt aloud to Jonathan and Jacob after we studied about Moses and the Exodus. Jonathan had already read Exodus in his Bible so his was familiar with the story. It took us a while to get through the book because there was so much to take in and talk about. I’d have finished the book in a day or two if it were just me reading alone because the story pulled me in and I wanted to know what would happen next.

Hope’s writing is wonderful. (She’s a homeschool grad, by the way!) I really felt like I was right there with the Israelite slaves. It was fascinating to think about the lives of the Israelites during this time from their perspective. What was it like to be a child during this time? How would the people have reacted to Moses and Aaron? Hope did such a great job crafting each character. Be warned: the mother in the story may drive you crazy.

A Cry from Egypt is a great book to help your kids visualize and understand more about the Israelite slavery and Exodus. It’s now available for purchase from Raising Real Men.

How have you kept your kids in the Word this week? Share in the comments or link up a post!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In Ancient History, Books, History, Homeschooling, Kids in the Word Wednesdays

Desperate Book Club: Chapter 13

Amanda Pelser — April 22, 2013 — Leave a comment

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.

Desperate: Chapter 13

These things stood out to me in this chapter of Desperate:

I need to celebrate life.
I can give life to my surroundings.
Children need adventure.
There is beauty all around me.
God wants me to see from His perspective.
See children as a gift.
Children can see a lack of integrity.

Baby-Josiah

I’ve spent the last 2.5 weeks immersed in new life. I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on life and our family during this time. Baby Josiah arrived on April 3 and our lives completely changed… for the third time. Motherhood is an amazing calling. I need make my home a place that celebrates life and adventure.

How are you celebrating life and adventure in your home?

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In Desperate

Desperate Book Club: Chapter 11

Amanda Pelser — April 8, 2013 — Leave a comment

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.

Desperate: Chapter 11

I’m an avid reader and I’m always looking for new and better ways to things. That includes parenting. But, Sarah Mae and Sally remind us in this chapter to be careful who you choose to listen to.

I have to remember:

I cannot do everything.
How is it that God wants me to raise my kids?
Feminism has tried to steal the meaning and value out of motherhood. Don’t fall for that!
Formulas will fail me.
Moms don’t fit into a single box. There are no cookie cutter moms.
Obey God’s principles and my kids will respond.

Most importantly remember: God is enough.

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In Desperate