HurriedPatience

{necessary information} I received this book from the author as a part of the launch team for free. The opinions expressed in this blog are mine alone and not those of the author or publisher. {review: More than Just Making It }  Erin Odom is the woman behind the Humbled Homemaker  website, and her book shows just as much of her warmth as her blog. Erin is open and honest and full of grace as she shares her experiences through her own financially frustrated seasons. One thing that I love is that each chapter is sprinkled with bible verses and quotes from other resources she had sought along her journey. Each chapter is an area of life where we get frustrated and specific resources for you to personally seek out if you are in that specific season ( there was one chapter than hit me so hard between the eyes that I had to put down the book and take care of business). Erin reminds us that there is NO SHAME in struggling, and that we are to be open to receive h...

Tricia and her book baby {necessary information} I received this book from the author as a part of the launch team for free. The opinions expressed in this blog are mine alone and not those of the author or publisher. {review: You Can Do This } Tricia is a clear and concise writer detailing some hurtful and raw points in her life. Through every chapter there is a reflection assignment to help you work through the tough spots in your life and find the confidence in Him to work through them. She sprinkles quotes from strong famous people, as well as strong Biblical truths. In chapter 5 she reminds you that the comment section does not have the right to get you down. On page 62, Tricias therapist reminds us that, " Everybody has a chapter of their life they don't read out loud." She introduced me to 6 word stories- which I am very excited to give a try. In chapter 9 she introduces us to her second love story. "No for now isn't no forever"!!!! Every cha...

{necessary information} I received this book from the publisher as a part of the launch team for free. The opinions expressed in this blog are mine alone and not those of the author or publisher. {transparency} Hmm, I have been sitting on, pondering, contemplating what I was going to write up front about this review. I know that this author has faced some heat for views that she has shared in interviews. I feel this is relevant to share upfront in my review because I want it known that my review of " Of Mess and Moxie " is not affected by outside sources or feelings. When I review a book, I open its pages, I dissect its content, and I come up with my own thoughts. This review is not affected by my feelings about former books by Jen, not by the fact that I spent an amazing night in Jen's backyard eating all the tacos and pie a girl can desire, and does not mean that I am in 100 percent agreeance with anything said in the book or by the author. {endorsement: Of Me...

{necessary information} I received this book as a read me from the author as a part of the launch team for free. The opinions expressed in this blog are mine alone and not those of the author or publisher. {transparency} Anyone who knows me, knows that I cross the thin line between fangirling and need to be put behind bars for stalking Candice Curry  (teehee) I met her just before chapter 10 and her strength through the crud chatted about in that chapter, her humor in parenting and her passion to share Jesus with those who hurt has impacted me in ways I don't know if I will ever be able to explain. With all that said, this has not changed that I think this is an amazing book- I do not let relationships get in the way of my honest reviews, so she made it easy on me. {review: The Conman's Daughter } True, honest, raw stories shared by Candice about her biological dad and his shifty "businesses".  She shares truth behind the secrets she felt she had to keep and ...

I love big books and I can not lie, so when I got wind that companies would send me books for free in return for my honest review I jumped on board VERY quickly.  I am two things by nature: a cheerleader and a coach/teacher, which are also the two things you need to be when reviewing a book. Cheerleader : When you are reading a book regardless of your end feelings about the book, there will be somethings that you like. Share specific details ( quotes, pages, chapters) of those things that you found interesting, informative or just plain made you laugh out loud. If you have a photo you took or were given by the author share it on the blog and on social media.  Coach:  Though the author of the book you review may never read your review, and we are not here to rip apart authors. We are here to be honest. If there is something in the reading that did not set well with you, share it. If there is something you see that doesn't align with your beliefs or is false, share ...

a millennial view on Funding Your Vision by Gerald Twombly Emotional Givers vs Rational Givers             I equate the emotional giver with that of the camp “high”. When we come home from summer camp everyone is on fire and wants to tell their whole school about Jesus this year, or when we go to concerts sponsored by Compassion or see the television ads for sad, abused puppies: everyone wants to signup right then but especially for students/millennials the next month there is a sadder, better project to be a part of. Rational givers know that Rome was not built in a day, and that it takes constant support and nurturing of a project for it to succeed. Relationships: More than who you know but who you could make influence paths with (sphere of influence). Take ten : Critical Groups : as discussed we would like to reach the millennials (20 to 30 somethings). Impacted Groups : Our mission fields and the projects that th...

a very rough review of Asking by Jarold Panas for work : )               From the first few pages, you can tell this would be a wonderful pick me up book for someone who is finding A LOT of dead ends in their asks- in almost a Dr Suess type approach. A great reminder game on page 12- people do not want to give their money away, they want to invest it in great causes. So as 4 reminds us: milk the cow but do not tell your donors they are cows or that you want their milk.             Empathy: listening and being there for someone, Energy: sparks and actively listening, and finally Enthusiasm: it’s contagious. Wrap all three with the bow of integrity and you have a good relationship with a donor. Be an excited listener.             Do not sell needs, sell answers to the problems people are facing. Do not push your agenda, but allow the...

I am taking this week to share my {comical} insight into books I have read on faith based fundraising. The next book in my series is:   Ask for a Fish by: Ron Haas              The title and introduction reminded me of the little boy at conference who asked a donor for money for “this project”, and the time that the donor took to educate the boy on how to ask for what he wanted using “specific” details. My notes all over this was BE SPECIFIC , and Webster defines specific as clearly defined; and precise detail. People want to know where their money is going; I know when I have been approached about Compassion kids, I wanted a lay out of how the funds were being allocated- not because I didn’t trust them but because I was truly interested. Which is what the donor buy in principle is about: you want more than a donor, you want someone to care. {PRAY} “If we ask our heavenly Father for our (personal) daily bread as ...

http://www.amazon.com/Major-Donor-Game-Patrick-McLaughlin/dp/0978858506 I reviewed the book Major Donor Game Plan by Patrick McLaughlin for a work project, and felt I should share it since I have many friends who are in the fundraising "game".   Great use of 1 st Chronicle 28 and Luke 14, I think it easiest to have a biblical definition of what you are trying to do. Planning, outlining, timing and understanding your project and what you are asking your donor is very important. Important concept: a gift from the heart is given for different reasons than a gift from the head. No more Heavenly Hinting- just like car sales men, people do not like those that beat around the bush and give them the information you would like (the full cost of the car). Why do so many churches/ pastors believe that it isn’t their job or apologize profusely to preach about giving? People need models, and in the generation of many people not being raised in the church coming to know Ch...