Motherhood- Studies to Pursue

Recently I just finished reading the series for moms by Joy Forney at Grace Full Mama called Cultivating a Heart for Motherhood. I was truly challenged to be a different mother!  I urge you to check it out!

Last summer I did a study with Good Morning Girls on Sally Clarkson's book The Ministry of Motherhood: Following Christ's Example in Reaching the Hearts of Our Children.  It was a an excellent resource to change my course in how I teach my children. This study includes videos from Sally.  I felt like she was right in the room being my mom mentor!  Check it out!

And now, I have discovered MomHeart Online by Sally Clarkson and today she made an announcement that she will be doing a study on The Mission of Motherhood: Touching Your Child's Heart for Eternity. I just purchased this book with a gift certificate and haven't had a chance to read it, but now I will and enjoy the community of other moms too!  The details will be announced next Thursday on MomHeart Online.

You will just love Sally's genuine heart.



I hope you check out some of these ideas. You will be blessed by the wisdom and also in the process learn about being a better mom!  I don't want to waste one minute of impacting my child's life for Christ.

How about you?  Do any of these studies look good to you?  What one do you want to do?  :)

Recipe of the Week: Homemade English Muffins

There's nothing new about Egg McMuffins unless you make the English Muffins yourself!  I decided to be adventurous and try the recipe at Finding Joy in My Kitchen.  I guess the hardest part was that they didn't rise like I wanted them too.  But it was fun to try and I will try these again.  I used our canning lids to make the round shapes.  So make some Homemade English Muffins today and enjoy your own Egg McMuffin!

Get the recipe at Finding Joy in My Kitchen!

Four Tips to Improve Your Listening Skills by Karen Jordan (Guest Post)

Four Tips To Improve Your Listening Skills

By Karen Jordan

 “Are you listening to me?” Has someone ever asked you that question? Or maybe that thought pierced your heart and mind, as you felt the sting of someone else ignoring or rejecting you?

Consider these four ways to improve your listening skills.

1. Resolve to be quick to listen. Many times, people who come to us for help, just need for us to listen. James 1:19 offers this advice, "Understand this … You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry" (NLT).   
2.  Decide to be available. Jesus gives us an example of a wise counselor who made Himself available to listen. “The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught” (Matt. 6:30).  
3.  Desire a discerning heart. Not only does Jesus listen, He discerned the needs of others. When His disciples came to Him after their ministry tour, Jesus observes their need for solitude and rest: “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile” (ibid.).   
4.  Choose to be quiet. Jesus also taught His disciples the importance of being quiet. In Matthew 11:15, Jesus asks his disciples, "Are you listening to me? Really listening? (MSG)  

At times our failure to listen before responding can provoke a negative, emotional response from our loved ones or friends, who may need our help. In fact, Proverbs 18:13 warns us, "Answering before listening is both stupid and rude" (MSG).

What can we offer others with our response, after we listen to their needs?

• Grace, not criticism or judgment. Romans 2:4 reminds us, "Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" (NLT)

• Companionship. We must encourage others to be dependent upon Jesus, not co-dependent upon us. Jesus promised His followers, "I'll be with you … day after day after day, right up to the end of this age" (Matt. 28:20 MSG). 

So, the next time someone comes to you for help, I hope you ask yourself this question first: “Are you listening … Really listening?” (Matt. 11:15)

Karen Jordan is best known for telling the stories that matter most. She has multiple writing credits and trains other writers as well. Contact her for speaking events, writing assignments, and interviews at kj@karenjordan.net or visit www.karenjordan.net.

A Perfect Pet for Peyton Book Review and Giveaway!!

A Perfect Pet for Peyton: A 5 Love Languages Discovery Book is an adorable book explaining the 5 different love languages just for kids!  Penny and Petyon are having a birthday party at The Perfect Pet Pal Emporium where each guest will be matched up with the perfect pet.  All through the story Peyton can't figure out what would be his perfect pet.  They meet up with their friends Kevin, Jayla and Sofia who express themselves in different ways.  After a lot of fun exploring the park by going on rides, petting animals, eating fun food and receiving balloon animals, Mr. Chapman, the owner of the emporium invites everyone to be matched up with their perfect pet pal.  The kids learn all about quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, physical touch and words of affirmation by the unique pets that are matched to each one.  Peyton is the last to be matched.  Can you guess who Peyton's perfect pet might be?  You will have to read the book to find out.

I absolutely loved this book.  It was very interactive with lots of fun things to do on each page like find the insects or identify the birds.  This was such a creative way to introduce children to the 5 love languages.  There is even a 5 Language Love Quiz at the end.  The illustrations are beautiful and will capture your child's eyes.  I read it to my 3 year old and he soaked in all the colorful pictures and even started pointing out things I didn't see.

About A Perfect Pet for Peyton: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/resource/a-perfect-pet-for-peyton/

This wonderfully imaginative children’s hardcover book by bestselling authors Gary Chapman and Rick Osborne, featuring four-color illustrations (with hidden details!) by Wilson Williams, Jr., will help children learn the importance of love. Based on Gary’s highly successful The 5 Love Languages®, A Perfect Pet for Peyton tells an entertaining and playful story of five children who each, with the help of Mr. Chapman and the unique pets at his special emporium, discover their own personal love language. Children and parents alike will experience firsthand the power of the love languages as they cuddle up and spend precious time together reading this book over and over again.

*Free interactive app with in-book experience COMING SOON to the Apple App Store.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it 

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally 

and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance 

with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the 

Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Win it:  I am having a giveaway for this Book.  Open to US and giveaway ends Sunday, April 1.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.

1.(NEW)  Make a comment about my review in the comments below (you must then fill out the entry form for your entry to be counted!)

2. Be a follower on my blog

3. Subscribe to my blog by email (link on blog)

4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 

5. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site- see share buttons below) 

DON'T FORGET- fill out the entry form after making a comment!  Comments only count if you have filled out the entry form.

Entry for A Perfect Pet for Peyton

The Power of a Positive Mom Devotional & Journal by Karol Ladd Book Review

The Power of a Positive Wife Devotional & Journal: 52 Monday Morning Motivations by Karol Ladd is great devotional for busy moms.  There are 52 chapters that focus on different themes and span excerpts from the entire Bible.  Each chapter has a key Scripture, mom reflection, a question to answer, a prayer to pray, choices to consider, further reading in Scripture and inspirational quotes.  The chapters are set up to be done weekly so to ponder the lesson all week.

Karol adds a lot of wisdom for moms directly from Scripture, but in simple ways.  I really enjoyed the format and places to journal.  Her words are encouraging and strengthening, short and to the point.  I thought the choices section gave great application for everyday life like "This week I will choose to speak and act in ways that reflect I am a follower of God."  This book is definitely one I will enjoy working through the year and I definitely will be more positive as I apply God's Word in personal ways through Karol encouragement.

Visit Karol's website: Positive Mom.

**I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books, for my honest review.  The opinions expressed here are my own.**

Miracle for Jen Book Review and Giveaway!!

At 15, Jennifer Barrick is a lovely young woman sold out for Christ.  She is a cheerleader, has a boyfriend and sings with her whole heart to the Lord.  She writes all of her thoughts and prayers in her journals.  On November 5, 2006 after attending Jen's first choir concert, the family is hit head on by a drunk driver totaling their van and altering their lives.  The youngest, Josh, is the least injured, but the parents, Andy and Linda, have severe injuries.  Jen is the only one who went into a coma with the most severe and devastating injury, brain trauma.  Five weeks later, Jen wakes up, but prayer and praise are on her lips!  The family is astounded.  Jen's recovery is grueling, but everytime she sings or prays she can focus better.  Jen had to learn everything over again and continues to suffer many setbacks as well as successes in her daily life.  Jen's mom, Linda, who wrote Miracle for Jen: A Tragic Accident, a Mother's Desperate Prayer, and Heaven's Extraordinary Answer, learned the most important lesson of all to be better, not bitter.

When I first started reading this, I cried!  I was so overcome by the horrible, senseless tragedy, but as I read this astonishing story I could see the mighty hand of God.  Jen's journals prior to the accident indicated that she had completely surrendered to God and wanted to be different, bold and used by him.  Jen now has an awesome testimony and even though she lost a normal life, she says she wouldn't trade what she has now.  This story gave me confidence to know that God is in control no matter what and he will use people to accomplish his purposes and plans.  Miracle for Jen is a must read!!


*Visit the Barrick family website for videos and more information: http://hopeoutloud.com/

Win it:  I am giving away 1 redeemable certificate from Tyndale House for this book. Open to US and giveaway ends Sunday, April 1.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.

1.(NEW)  Make a comment about my review in the comments below (you must then fill out the entry form for your entry to be counted!)(required)

2. Be a follower on my blog

3. Subscribe to my blog by email (link on blog)

4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 

5. Watch the book trailer video.

6. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site- see share buttons below) 

DON'T FORGET- fill out the entry form below AFTER making a comment!  Comments only count if you have filled out the entry form. 

Entry for Miracle for Jen

Simple Green Review/Giveaway

Simple Green is probably one of my favorite products because it is multi-purpose.  Whatever I need, this product can do the job.  I have used Simple Green before and the great thing about this product is that it comes in a concentrated formula of 32 oz which can go a very long way.  How does that work?   Well, you  decide what you want to clean whether it is heavy or light cleaning.  Simple Green has a comprehensive list as to what applies.  Heavy cleaning takes 1 oz Simple Green with 1 cup of water.  Light cleaning takes 1 oz Simple Green to 4 cups of water.  Use the handy dilution bottle and fill it up.  Then start cleaning!  As you can see, this product can last for awhile.  I filled my dilution bottle for light cleaning last year and I use it everyday on my kitchen counters and I have only refilled it one other time.

My favorite place to use Simple Green is in my kitchen on the counters and also for mopping the floors.  I also have used it to wipe down my outside doors and scrub scum in the tub.  It is a complete product that is non-toxic, concentrated and biodegradable.  Use in anywhere in your home (both inside and out) and feel confident that your house will be clean in a safe way.

*This product was provided to me free of charge for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*

Buy it: You can visit Simple Green and enjoy the selection of fantastic products. Simple Green can be purchased at most major retailers including Home Depot, Walmart, Lowe's, Ace/True Value and many more.

Win it:  I am proud to have a giveaway for one of my readers. The winner will get a a 32 oz bottle of Original Concentrated Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner, a dilution spray bottle and a user guide!  Open to US only.  Must be 18+ and have a real street address.  No PO boxes as the prize is shipped by FedEX.  Giveaway ends Sunday, March 25.

To enter: Be sure to connect to all the links before filling out the form for entry.

1. Be a follower on my blog

2. Visit Simple Green and tell me which product you would like to try.

3. "Like" Simple Green on Facebook 

4. Follow Simple Green on Twitter- @simplegreennews

5. Subscribe to my blog by email

6."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 

7. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 

Entry for Simple Green Giveaway

Recipe of the Week: Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Well, I have found another keeper recipe!  This chicken is SO good.  I need to make 3 times as much so I can enjoy it over a few days' time.  I plucked this off from a group I am in on Facebook called Mom, What's for Dinner?  Tried and True Recipes.  This one actually came from allrecipes.com.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry bread crumbs
• 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, blend the olive oil and garlic. In a separate bowl, mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, and pepper. Dip each chicken breast in the oil mixture, then in the bread crumb mixture. Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, and top with any remaining bread crumb mixture.
3. Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.

The next day, cut it up and put it in your salad for lunch.  Yummo!!

Booking It 2012: March

I was very impressed with the books I read this month.  Many were actually challenging to read, but I enjoyed every one.  Take a look at all my reviews for each of these on my blog.

The Woodcarver DVD Review and Giveaway!!

Matthew is upset with God because his parents are getting divorced.  He doesn't understand why and he vandalizes the church to make a point.  He is asked to help repair the damage and is paired up with the woodcarver whose work was destroyed.  They form an unlikely bond and the woodcarver challenges Matthew to ask What Would Jesus Do?  Matthew has many hurdles to cross and as he spends more time with the woodcarver he learns more about love and forgiveness.


This was a sweet story about forgiveness and restoration.  I felt really sad at the beginning of the movie when the poor teenage boy was constantly being yelled at by his father, but as the movie progressed and Matthew was befriended by the reluctant woodcarver I was so pleased to see him wanting to change and actually be civil with his parents despite his broken heart.  This is a touching story and one that will tug at your heart strings.

Christian Cinema: http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4094

About the Movie:

Matthew Stevenson is a troubled kid from a broken home. When he vandalizes the local church to get back at his parents, Matthew has to repair the damage to the church to avoid criminal charges. While working at the church, he meets Ernest (John Ratzenberger), an accomplished wood carver who created the intricate woodwork decoration that Matthew destroyed. Ernest has become something of a hermit, but reluctantly comes out of reclusion to help repair the church. Now Ernest and Matthew must work together to preserve the church's beautiful antiquity, and along the way, they also manage to restore their faith in God and in life.

 “Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it 

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally 

and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance 

with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the 

Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Win it:  I am having a giveaway for this DVD.  Open to US and giveaway ends Sunday, March  25.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.

1.(NEW)  Make a comment about my review in the comments below (you must then fill out the entry form for your entry to be counted!)

2. Be a follower on my blog

3. Subscribe to my blog by email (link on blog)

4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 

5. Watch the trailer

6. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site- see share buttons below) 

DON'T FORGET- fill out the entry form after making a comment!  Comments only count if you have filled out the entry form.

Entry for The Woodcarver DVD

A Love That Multiplies by Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar Book Review

A Love That Multiplies: An Up-Close View of How They Make it Work by Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar is a unique look into the life of family with 19 children and how they make it work.  Just because the Duggars have a successful TV show doesn't mean they haven't had their share of ups and downs.  In fact, their last child, Josie, was a preemie and Michelle was away from home for 7 months.  How did the Duggars handle this huge change amidst mission trips to El Salvador, chicken pox and a slow recovery of Michelle as she also had to learn to care for Josie in a whole new way?  Faith in God is what sustains them and their rock solid beliefs.  They share many principles that guide them in parenting as well as schedules, ministry ideas and marriage advice.  They are not numb to problems, but approach each situation as learning opportunities.  There are many resources cited and plenty of yummy recipes they share.

I had only heard of the Duggars, but have never actually watched their show (I don't have the channel.).  From this book I can tell they are very humble and only want to further the Kingdom of God with their lives.  I really appreciated and was amazed at all the things they strive to teach their children.  Throughout the book they used phrases like "We teach our children ________ because ________."  I want to go back through and write all of these down!  As I read this book I realized that no matter how big or small your family is, make them your priority.  The Duggars are raising a wonderful generation of godly young men and women.  We should all strive to be families that honor God this way.

*I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books for my honest review.  The opinions expressed her are my own.*

Jessna is 10 months old!

Hello, friends!

Jessna is 10 months old and this month has had some good milestones:
*started sleeping unswaddled
*rolling over
*cut first tooth Feb 29, 2012
*can hold her own bottle (sometimes)
*rocking on hands and knees on the floor- so close to crawling!
*feeding herself a cracker and bits of tiny pancakes
*moved up the next size in clothes
*she loves splashing in the bathtub
*clapping her hands- too cute!
*can say mama (see video at the end of this post)

I can hold my own bottle!

Shrade is my best friend!

Jessna/Shrade love!

Mmm, yummy dried pear.

I'm a very messy eater.

Jessna is becoming less fussy, but now that she's teething some fussiness might still happen.  I just can't believe my little girl is growing up so fast.  I'm so excited to see her develop and I love watching her interact with Shrade.  I'm starting to develop a better routine with her and read to her as often as I did with Shrade.  Having two kids has been an adventure, but one I wouldn't trade for the world.  I praise God everyday for my precious blessings!

Jessna says mama- click here if you are unable to see video


See Shrade at 10 months!

The New Green Smoothie Diet by Hilary Greenleaf Book Review and Giveaway!!

When I was in high school, I had to drink this "green" drink from the doctor to flush out my system for something.  It was the worst thing I ever had!  It tasted like grass.  I never dared try anything like that again!  However, I am not an adult and I am starting to experiment again with healthy smoothies.  I am not put off by the "green" because the fruit that is added makes the whole drink sweet!  I was delighted to review The New Green Smoothie Diet: Going Green Never Tasted So Good by Hilary Greenleaf.  Hilary Greenleaf is an author, educator, and nutritionist. She is the leading authority on organic foods and is considered America’s #1 Organic Expert. Her work has helped her audience improve its health and find new energy in life. She has worked as a personal trainer, a nutrition consultant, and a writing teacher, both as a personal coach and as a university lecturer. She is the author of eight books, and has been sent on travel writing assignments to Russia, Japan, Germany, and Thailand. 

This book that just came out is full of good information regarding nutrition and what kinds of smoothies work for weight loss, detox, increasing energy, fighting heart disease, preventing certain cancers, boosting the immune system, protecting against diabetes, making skin and hair beautiful and many tips about how to make green smoothies effective.  There were 22 smoothie recipes included and most with vegetables and fruits that are readily available.  There are no secret ingredients like powders or extras like sugar.  All ingredients are natural and water is used for the liquid.  I was excited to try several different types of smoothies.  Check out what I made and my thoughts.

Blackberry Lettuce Smoothie

Main ingredients: lettuce, blackberries, apple/banana

Spinach Smoothie

Main ingredients: spinach, peach, banana

Skin Detox Smoothie

Main ingredients: spinach, strawberries, blackberries, celery

Instant Energy Smoothie

Here's before I blend!

Main ingredients: banana, peach, spinach, cilantro, blueberries, grapes

I was completely surprised at how refreshing and delicious tasting these smoothies were.  They are nothing like the "green" drink I had in high school.  I'm certain to make these smoothies a regular part of my diet.  I especially liked adding cilantro which is something I would never have thought of.  These truly are some of the best smoothies ever and they come right from what I have in my kitchen.

I really enjoyed all the information that Hilary provided in this book.  It was easy to read and gave a wealth of knowledge that is very beneficial to having a healthy lifestyle.  I tried 4 different smoothies and I'm very impressed with how well the ingredients blended together to make a fabulous drink!  I even had my son try a few of them.  He said, "Mmm, more!"  So I suggest that you get this little book and start your smoothie journey!  It's well worth it for your health.  

*This product was provided to me free of charge for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*
 

Visit Hilary's website: http://www.hilarygreenleaf.com/

Buy it: You can purchase Hilary's book at Amazon (The New Green Smoothie Diet: Going Green Never Tasted So Good) Kindle edition for only $2.99.


Win it:  I am giving away 5 copies of  this incredible ebook.  Open to anyone and giveaway ends Sunday, March 11.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.

1.(NEW)  Make a comment about my review in the comments below (you must then fill out the entry form for your entry to be counted!)(required)

2. Be a follower on my blog

3. Subscribe to my blog by email (link on blog)

4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 

5. Visit Hilary's website and tell me one thing you learned.

6. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site- see share buttons below) 

DON'T FORGET- fill out the entry form below AFTER making a comment!  Comments only count if you have filled out the entry form. 

Entry for The New Green Smoothie Diet