Hi friends. I thought it might be kind of fun to pull back the curtain and cue you into what I’m learning right now. One of the many keys to paying off $127K in debt was that we were constantly looking to learn as much as we could about whatever we could. Don’t get me wrong. I still love watching some Friday Night Lights on Netflix (almost half way through!) but I know when I sit down I should be reading instead of watching TV or when I’m cleaning/working around the house, my heart and mind and soul are better off when I’m listening to something good. So here’s what I’m reading and learning and listening to this month and my best reading and listening suggestions for you, too!
Last week, I went to the Orange Tour. In a former life, I worked professional for a church and specialized in family ministry. It was awesome. So I’m still a little bit of a junkie when it comes to learning how to communicate the Gospel to the next generation. So anywho when I realized that the Orange Tour was going to be at Trader’s Point Christian Church and several of my favorite authors were going to be there, I asked the Princess Eldest (age 12) if she’d like to go with me and texted a couple of other friends. Off we went for a day of learning and inspiration.
While I was there I got to hear Carey Nieuwhof speak for the first time. I’d read a book of his and always admired his blog but hadn’t heard him speak. I could completely relate so when I got home I looked up the series Starve the Monster that two friends told me I should listen to this summer (I’m a little slow). You guys?! If you have ever struggled with entitlement or contentment or struggle to teach it to your kids, this is your assignment for the next week. I binged listened to it all (there are four parts) in two days and it did wonders for my heart. I caught where I have been struggling with my kiddos and realized some of the problems start with me (ouch). You can watch Starve the Monster here or download it to your favorite podcast app (I use Beyond Pod on my Droid). There are even discussion questions if you want to go through it with a friend.
Since I was on a Carey Nieuwhof kick, I also listened through all of his Leadership Podcast episodes (I had lots of laundry to fold) and I started the second season of Michael Hyatt’s This is Your Life podcast (which is co-hosted by the lovely and brilliant Michele Cushatt).
In the category of reading, I have been digging into Ecclesiastes yet again. I love this book of the Bible and could read it or Proverbs or the book of John every day and never tire of it or never cease to discover something new. Early Sunday morning, this passage smacked in the head:
Ecclesiastes 12:12-13 But regarding anything beyond this, dear friend, go easy. There’s no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you’re no good for anything else. The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you.
I also launched into Hands Free Mama: A Guide to Putting Down the Phone, Burning the To-Do List, and Letting Go of Perfection to Grasp What Really Matters!
I’m also beginning to read From This Day Forward: Five Commitments to Fail-Proof Your Marriage
What are you reading and listening to right now? Is it challenging you and helping you grow?
Gain inspiration to pay off debt! Check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
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