What I’m loving and so should you

Do you remember the first time you read a book so good that you couldn’t wait to share it with someone?  Lately, I’ve had that “loving” feeling about lots of things.  Maybe I’m driven by the coming Christmas holiday and my heart for gift-giving.  Or, perhaps this need to share is spurred on by the unsettled feeling that’s been driving me for months.  I’d also say that I see this as an opportunity to bless you by sharing the things or people who have blessed me.

Breathe.  I’m not here to sell you anything. There are no affiliate disclaimers to share; just lot’s of things I’m loving and you should too.  The favorites I share below are perfect for that dreamer – that person just waiting to start something new and on the cusp of greatness.  They are perfect for the busy mom.  Each of them have either encouraged and/or inspired me and hopefully they will do the same for you too.

Podcasts I’m Loving

Building A Story Brand with Donald Miller.  Episode 62 Chris Guillebeau “How to Launch a Side Hustle That Will Make You a Profit in a Month.”  Chris Guillebeau shares how to quickly and easily create an additional stream of income without giving up the security of a full-time job.  This is an easy listen while you’re getting ready for work in the morning.

 Harvard Business Review Ideacast featuring Dorie Clark.  Episode 597: “How Successful Solopreneurs Make Money.”  Dorie Clark, a marketing strategy consultant, answers a burning question: how do people make money off of what they know? She outlines the options for experts who want to monetize their knowledge.

The Andy Stanley Leadership Podcasts featuring Andy Stanley.  “The Complexity of Purpose, Parts 1 and 2.”  Andy beings a two-part conversation about the complexity of purpose.   One of my favorite speakers, leaders and preachers.  I love all his stuff – books too!                                                                   

Declare Conference Podcast (Multiple) Episode 53 Featuring Mandy Ballard: “Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable.”  Mandy desires to glorify God in her everyday life and considers homemaking a radical, hard, and wonderful calling of the Lord.

AND 

Episode 54 Featuring Jenn Jett: “Day Jobs & Day Dreams.”  Jenn Jett is a dreamer, a doer, a champion of risk takers and a wanna be secret agent. When she is not running her graphic design business, she is encouraging women through her community, The Well Studio – a place where dreamers and doers who are weary and overwhelmed can come and be reminded of who God called them to be and walk confidently in that calling.

Christy Wright’s Business Boutique featuring Nicole Waters.  Episode 28: “Know Your Worth.”  Nicole created The Monetized Life and is one of the expert speakers at Business Boutique.  She provides real talk about why women tend to undervalue ourselves.  I really appreciate Christy’s girl-friend style approach.

Books I’ve loved and What I’m Reading Next

A Women of Strength and Purpose: Directing your strong will to improve relationships, expand influence and honor God by Cynthia Tobias. A MUST read for every strong willed women out there that might have been tempted to think she couldn’t fit in His great Kingdom.  This is a great book to gift.  

Chase the Lion by Mark Batterson. I just recently finished reading this book and trust me, it is a life changer.  Proceed with caution.  You can read more about my experience with the book by clicking here.  Also, the You Version Bible App features a great devotion based on the book.

There are two books in route from Amazon to my mail box.  They are:

Entrepreneurial You by Dorie Clark.  I cannot wait to get my hands on this book and then dive into her others.  Check out the Harvard Business Review Ideacast I reference above to learn more about her. This was a podcast my husband heard and knew I needed to hear!

Building a StoryBrand: Clarify your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller.  I’ve been listening to his podcast for a while and have been looking forward to this book for a while.

Gifts I’m Loving that Won’t Break the Bank

Gift giving is one of my love languages.  I love to pick just the right gift and I also love to receive just the right gift.  This last Monday for Boss’ Day one of  my staff (a working wife and mother who is also my age) gave me a gift that was the epitome of practical and yet still felt like a splurge to me.

She gave me a gift card to a local meal delivery service.  Can we just say genius?!  She knows I’ve been working late the last week or so and will through the end of the month as i prepare to take down a legacy IT system and completely replace it with a new one.  She also knows that I’m exhausted when I go home and that the thought of coming home to make dinner is some night overwhelming.  Cue the giftcard – and I don’t have to feel guilty about the ordering of takeout.  Love it!

The offer of babysitting to allow for a much needed date night.  Who doesn’t hate to make the ask when it comes to baby sitting?  There is nothing better than someone offering to come to your home or to take your children to theirs so that you can have some quality time with your spouse – or alone. This is the gift you never ask for but wish you had more of.

Lunch or brunch of whatever it is you eat with a friend.  I miss immensely my time with friends, the chance to sit and chat or simply just catch-up.  Offer to meet the recipient on their terms, their side of town and remind them you’re looking forward to it.

I hope that you find a gem just right for you amidst all the stuff I’m loving right now.  Let me know what you’re loving right now too – tell me what I’m missing and need to check out.  And, please if you like what I’m sharing, subscribe to this blog so you can be the first to receive all the good stuff or share it with a friend (or two) on social media.

Be there.