Too Much Stuff {Book Review} and My Hiatus

I have been sitting on this book review post and my own 'too much stuff' for far too long. Every time I make strides on our clutter, you know the school papers, mail, and books that collect around the house, I find myself buried once again. My good intentions often get the best of me. I want to attract more birds in our backyard and develop healthy habits and character traits, so I can't part with those books yet! And I want to clip that coupon or make that recipe, along with hundreds of others scattered throughout our living areas. Then my eyes scan past scrapbooking projects and books on prayer and simplicity, reminding me I'm stuck in a cycle of defeat once again.

When I was offered Kathryn Porter's book Too Much Stuff: Winning the War Against Clutter, I didn't hesitate, except to wonder where the hidden cameras were that tipped them off. Let me introduce you to Kathryn and her wonderful resource:

"Author and professional organizer, Kathryn Porter, knows firsthand how hoarding can affect a family. In Too Much Stuff: Winning the War Against Clutter (Beacon Hill Press) she writes of her personal experience in growing up in the home of a hoarder and its psychological, emotional and relational impacts. Porter now trains others to battle clutter by helping them first identify their origins of excessive attachment to objects and suggesting boundaries that assist in de-cluttering."

"Too Much Stuff offers practical tools for attacking clutter in a home, setting boundaries, knowing where to start, decreasing unused apparel, household items and paper clutter. Porter addresses the relationship between debt and clutter as well as relevant heart issues. Small group study questions are included for each chapter with relevant scripture verses on the themes of each section." (quotes taken  from provided news release)

I can't wait to take a deeper look at my clutter issues with Kathryn Porter's help in Too Much Stuff.

Which leads to the topic of my hiatus. After much consideration, I've decided to take a break from my Mommy Forward blog and project. While I've accomplished some of my goals as far as weight loss and personal & professional development over the past four years, it's time to reevaluate. I've spent most of my life striving, achieving, and burning out. I can't ignore the whispered invitations to simplify, be grateful and enjoy the present moment. I was recently introduced to Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts book and A Holy Experience blog. You're welcome to come hang out with me there.





All God's best to you and yours,

DISCLAIMER: I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting a book review on my blog. All opinions expressed are my own. Blog Tour is being managed by Creative Resources Consulting & Media Services.

Blogging at Allume with Five Minute Friday

My first Five Minute Friday prompt is the word "voice". Oh, boy. Voice. We all have one. But do we use it? And what do we say with it? How do we know we've found it?

I used to think I knew myself well and that I used my voice to reflect that knowledge. But through the different seasons of life I've found my voice has changed. Or maybe it's always been the voice I have now, just developed and grown from where it once began.

Maybe we judge ourselves too critically, as if our voice is not as insightful or valid as what our neighbor has to say. And yet our own perspective and our own voice is exactly what we can offer to the world.

Book Review & Giveaway for MAN UP by Jody Burkeen

Wondering why I agreed to review a book entitled Man Up? The answer's pretty simple. My husband needs a complete overhaul! Just kidding! No, it's because we're raising a little man. I'm always looking for simple resources to help us train him in the way he should go. And Jody Burkeen's Man Up did not disappoint. At the end of this post, I'll explain how you can win your own copy!

The first thing I liked about the book is its length - less than 150 pages including workbook exercises. The majority of the book focuses on 7 areas in a Christian man's life:

1. A personal relationship with Christ. 
2. Marriage.
3. Being a father.
4. Church.
5. Work.
6. Accountability
7. Discipleship.

For each area, Burkeen includes strong arguments, biblical advice, and personal testimony to encourage godly men in our ungodly world. I came away with good insights and tips on how to combat the pressures men face. Whether you're looking for a concise and straightforward resource on biblical manhood for yourself or for a friend, I would highly recommend this book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jody Burkeen is the founder and president of MAN UP! Gods Way Ministries. This ministry was birthed out of a desire to change the way Christian men “do” Christianity.

Jody's self-described "Damascus Road Transformation" led him on a journey to search the Scripture to find what he had been missing his whole life, which was Jesus Christ. In this journey, the Word of God took over in a way he never expected. Searching for men in the church to help him in his walk, he found very little help. What he did find was men that needed the same kind of help he did.

Through MAN UP! Gods Way Ministry it is Jody’s hope that he can challenge men to live a separated life on fire for God.

Jody has been married for 21 wonderful years and has two beautiful children 8 and 11.

You can find him at his website www.manupgodsway.org , on Facebook www.facebook.com/manupgodsway , and on twitter @manupgodsway1.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Would you like to win your own copy? Simply leave a comment here and email your mailing address (US only) to owner [at] mommyforward [dot] com before Tuesday October 23, 2012. Winner will be notified and posted on Wednesday October 24. Please feel free to post and share.

DISCLAIMER: I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author (being used as the giveaway) in exchange for posting a book review on my blog. All opinions expressed are my own. CSS Virtual Book Tours are managed by Christian Speakers Services (http://ChristianSpeakersServices.com).