Have you ever found yourself asking your child, “Can you just be nice?”

If they have siblings, I’ll accept a YES for your answer.

Are you looking for lessons to help your children understand Biblical characteristics which not only teach on a child’s level, but take them straight to where God teaches us these lessons in the Bible?

Well, I grew up homeschooled on some of Doorposts’ wonderful products, and this is yet another one that does not fail!

Daniel sent us the “Put On” Chart to review, and with our busy crew, there are many character lessons to discuss (and often). Here’s a look at how we’ve used this book in our home:

Each day we get dressed – how? We have a shirt, pants/skirt, shoes, etc… Children understand these and their purpose. I like to let my children pour over the laminated color chart that came with the book we received and see the different items as I share about them.

Pam Forster (Doorposts momma), has taken these items and applied Biblical lessons to them – and even as an adult, I relate to the analogies!

We’ve learned how our hands can reach out and show compassion to the hurting, the shoes on our feet take us to do an act of kindness for someone else, and the belt teaches forgiveness as it holds us close together as a family.

It’s exciting to me when my children find a book and bring it to me to read to them from, and this book is one of them. Since we prefer the KJV, I read the lesson from the book, and let our 7 year old son read the correlating verses from his Bible. He really enjoys being a part of this time, and I love the opportunity for him to practice being the “leader” while Daddy isn’t here.

Our bunch is younger (7 and under), so when we’ve used this book, we’ve divided the lessons in half. That works good for us since we discuss a lot as we read. I also like to review the previous day before starting on Day 2 because it reinforces what they’ve already learned.

With each quality, you’re given examples from the Bible of men or women which display that quality. We like to begin that section by guessing, for instance, who in the Bible showed humility and how. After they come up with their choices, I read the suggested passages and they listen to see who each passage is about.

After reading the passages, there are follow-up questions to answer. For example, we read in John 13 how Jesus demonstrated humility when took on the role of a servant and washed the feet of His disciples. Rather than being served, He served. Did Jesus deserved to be served? What did He tell His disciples to do? How can we serve others?

Mrs. Forster has done an excellent job of giving a visual children understand, teaching a lesson on their level, providing the Scripture basis, and then following up with questions at the end.

As an added bonus to the book and chart (which comes with the option of color laminated or B/W coloring), you can print out paper dolls and dress them with the qualities you learn in the book! This is great for the little ones to play while reading.

Job VERY well done, Doorposts, and thank you for the Biblical lessons you’ve taught not only me over the years, but now my children!

Mrs. Candace

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*Doorposts sent us a copy of the “Put On” Chart for review purposes, and all opinions of this fabulous book are mine.  Find this book along with other Doorposts products HERE on Sonbeams.

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I was excited to receive word a few weeks ago that I would be receiving an audio copy of “The Money Saving Mom’s Budget”, written by Crystal Paine of Money Saving Mom, to review and share with you!

Growing up, I was very conscious of how I spent every little penny. I loved being frugal and stretching a dollar as far as it would go. I knew that I wanted to be a stay at home mom one day, so I saved as much as I could.

As a newlywed, I was excited to shop certain stores on certain days and between certain hours to get triple coupons, mark downs on meat, and special limited time sales. I was couponing and deal shopping before it became popular, and the thrill from saving was indescribable!

Now fast forward 9 years to life as a mom of 5, where I struggle to play the coupon game and feel bad paying full price for one or two ingredients a few times a week, just because I don’t plan ahead. 

I want to shop ads and use coupons, but I just can’t seem to find the time to do it! I’m always busy, but still come short of doing it all. DH has been doing most of our shopping on his way home from work, but price matching/ couponing in’t as much fun for him as it is me, so we don’t do it.

I went into this book review with the mindset that I wanted to see what tips Crystal shared that I, as a mom, could begin to teach my own children in regards to money. From there, I could share with you how these have been good in regards to our children…

I believe that just as it’s important to teach our children to gain wisdom in regards to character and obedience to God, it’s also important to teach them to be wise with the financial blessings God gives us.

But honestly, I came out learning so much more than just money! I fell in love with the book before she even got to the money saving part. We started implementing things that first listening session.

As I shared in my last post, I had already started writing down my priorities and what needs were pressing. It was wonderful to feel the stress lifting as I marked these items off one by one. I eventually finished that first list, and am now working on a second – and yes, there will be a 3rd… but first things first.

I was so encouraged and inspired to begin listening to the audio book just a week after starting my plan. Why? Because Crystal begins by discussing organization and de-cluttering! Sometimes it’s nice to hear what you already know, just to know you are on the right course.

She encourages you to set goals, write them down, and break them down into things you know you can accomplish. She even gives you the forms to use should you need them. If we don’t have a final destination in mind, how can we get there?

Crystal shares that when we are constantly burdened by the clutter and chaos in our lives and schedules, we misplace things, overlook things, neglect things, etc… There are bills that might have late fees, or sale ads that we come across only after the sale is over when our lives are clutter with other things.

As an adult, I like to think that I no longer have to make a list for myself in order to get things accomplished, or that I no longer need to write out my day hour by hour. A budget seems like something other people need – and I’m exempt because I rarely buy anything aside from needs.

But in reality, I look back and see how productive I used to be when I did these things, and now I feel as if I’m always grasping for straws of time, order, or savings.

Just to share from our story – when doing our taxes this year and adding up the internet sales  to calculate use tax, I was shocked to see HOW MUCH we had spent on internet purchases. Those $2 and $3 things can add up quickly!

These tools work and Crystal shares exactly how to make them work. As someone familiar with how the “money game” works, I can say that she offers wonderful advice that is practical for beginners as well as for those that are already saving.

You learn where to look for deals, how to earn extra money, and hear real life stories along the way. She shares about couponing and buying in bulk. There is really something for everyone!

This book made me think, and I’m actually rethinking some of my current trends. There have been many inspiring stories on MoneySavingMom.com over the past few years, and after hearing Crystal read the book, I became more enthused to live simply.

I don’t see that I’ll be implementing everything right now, but that’s okay. What works for one might not work for another. Some things I did as a teenager and I loved it (such as the schedule), but right now I have to be flexible with a baby and other young children in the house.

I don’t want to reveal too much from the book, but I can honestly say that she has tons of great information and inspiration for those seeking not only to improve their money situation, but getting on track with goals in life in general as well. I’m grateful for the chance to have heard it!

My children learned how we’re not saving money when a toy on the floor gets broken, or a book gets a drink spilled on it, or we have to buy extra clothes because we’ve misplaced part of an outfit… they understand those stories. They can see how money in an envelope is a concrete thing - you only have to spend what you have in there.

I’ve watched Crystal over the years and she has lived out these principles - she’s real. She and her husband are offering their profits from the book to Compassion International – which they are able to do because they are debt free and able to share generously with others as the Lord leads them to.

I’d encourage you to celebrate the release of the book with Crystal by entering her iPad2 Giveaway (a GREAT tool to keep track of your budget!) and RSVPing to the Live Webcast Event on 4/5!

One savvy winner will receive:

• A Brand new iPad2
• The Money Saving Mom‘s Budget by Crystal Paine, audio edition

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 4/4/12. Winner will be announced at The Money Saving Mom’s Live Webcast Event on 4/5.

Crystal will be hosting an evening of chat, laughter and encouragement – bring your friends! She’ll share tips and advice, and her husband will be joining her to share how the prinicples Crystal outlines in her book have dramatically impacted their family life. She’ll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more! 

So grab your copy of The Money Saving Mom®’s Budget and join Crystal and friends on the evening of April 5th for an evening of fun of learning, sharing and encouragement.

Want more info about the MSM?    

Click here!

*Disclosure – I received a copy of the audio book in exchange for promoting “The Money Saving Mom’s Budget”. All opinions are mine and are not influenced by this tour or Money Saving Mom.

Should you be interested in purchasing a copy of the hardback or audio version, would you consider using our Amazon link found here? Thank you!

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