Monday Musings with Rachelle
Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.
–Judy Garland
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How Chasing After Your Dreams Builds Your Child’s Self Esteem
Writing Tips by Rachelle
A few years ago, I did a book bomb for Caller ID. My book started out the day ranked around 33,000 out of all books on Amazon and ended the day at 1,092!
I set lofty goals for this book bomb. I wanted to be in the top 100 books (An Amazon Bestseller) and I didn’t quite make that, but when you figure in how many copies every other book in the top one or two-thousand was selling, I was pleased.
The day before the bomb, I shared my goals with my kids at the breakfast table. I explained to them about how there were nearly 8 million books on Amazon and what I wanted to achieve with other’s help. My eight year old asked me,
“Mom, if you don’t make it will you cry?”
I smiled and said, “No. It’s going to be great and tonight we’ll have a party.”
Later, when I was busy updating my blog, FB, Twitter, and following up with reward emails, I thought more about what she had asked. My daughter got that this was something important to me. She’d seen me working on preparations all week, and she grasped that the goal was a dream of mine. And my answer, and later, my reaction to the day’s results gave her permission to chase after her dreams.
Becoming a published author is not easy. Writing your first or your tenth book is not easy. My family has been there every step of the way and I’ve shared with them my disappointments as well as my triumphs.
When that same daughter was four, I remember asking her for a hug when I faced a big disappointment and a year later cheering with her as I discovered a pathway to achieving my dream.
I realized that every time I’ve put blood, sweat, and tears into my dream–I’ve given my children permission to do likewise. And that makes it all worth it because I want my kids to know that anything is possible if they put their minds to it.
So, I’m going to keep working at my goals, keep reaching for my dreams, and getting big hugs from my kids along the way.
How about you? Have you given a child courage to chase their dreams because of your own reactions to failures and successes?
Visit Rachelle’s For Writers Page to find more resources HERE
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Book Review: How Do I Know If I Know? by John Bytheway
Book Thoughts by Rachelle:
In John Bytheway’s latest book, How Do I Know If I Know? he explores the confidence that we can gain in our own beliefs and testimony.Now, more than ever, young people are asking insightful and important questions about testimony, worthiness, mission preparation, and more. John Bytheway discusses ways we can come to know that the restored gospel is true, and—more importantly— how to know that we know.
As usual, Bytheway’s examples and ideas have sparked a deeper understanding of the gospel. I love how he encourages us to be bold in our testimony, to learn what we truly believe and keep working on it. I think it’s kind of a new concept for most people to understand that a testimony is something that can keep growing stronger–it’s not just a one time thing you gain and never have to think about again. You can gain a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel and then keep learning and growing until your testimony reaches a new level.
In the book, John Bytheway uses an acronym, F.E.E.L. as a way to understand all of the ways that we can have a testimony, on so many different levels of knowledge and understanding.
I’m grateful for my testimony of Jesus Christ, my savior and redeemer.
I’m keeping this book handy on my shelf because I think it will be a great resource for my children as they grown and learn in the gospel.
Here’s more about the book:
Now more than ever, young people are asking themselves important questions:
- Is my testimony strong enough?
- How do I know if I really have a testimony?
- Am I ready to serve a mission?
- Have I received a witness?
- What does the Spirit feel like?
In How Do I Know If I Know? John Bytheway discusses different ways we may come to know that the restored gospel is true. He suggests that we “F.E.E.L.” the truthfulness of the gospel through our feelings, our experiences, the many evidences we encounter, and our logical conclusions of how a loving God interacts with His children on the earth. Like turning up a dimmer switch, understanding all the ways we F.E.E.L. a testimony will help to make it brighter. As you read, you may discover that your testimony is stronger than you thought, and you’ll also form a plan for helping it grown.Other books you may enjoy:
Visit Rachelle’s Book Review Page to see all reviews HERE.
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*Affiliate links used in all posts. All reviews shared are Rachelle’s honest opinion.
Monday Musings #19
Monday Musings with Rachelle
I’d like to thank Trina Boice who was kind enough to share an inspirational thought that is definitely a keeper.
“We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly embracing one another.” – Luciano de Crescenzo
Trina shared: “I started collecting quotes when I was just a little girl. I was fascinated and inspired by them. I began by gathering them on 3 x 5 note cards in a little box my father gave me. My collection expanded into a shoe box, then a big box, then a filing cabinet, then 12 filing cabinets, and now onto my hard drive. I’m always impressed with concise writers who can express a profound thought so simply, and yet with words that evoke emotion and motivation to do better and be better.”
What quotes motivate you?
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How Do You Ring in the New Year?
Writing Tips by Rachelle
Seven years ago, I found myself realizing that it was the second day of January and I hadn’t filled out my customary pages of goals, *gasp*! I love setting goals, but that year I was enjoying the holidays with my family AND I had just finished going through edits on the final proof of CALLER ID. Setting specific writing goals can be very beneficial and what better time to do that than now!
How do you ring in the new year? Goals? Resolutions?
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Book Review: A Year With Six Sisters’ Stuff
Book Thoughts by Rachelle:
I’ve tried a few recipes from A Year With Six Sisters’ Stuff already and we especially loved the dinner conversation ideas. I loved the recipe for Honey-Lime Chicken Enchiladas–so easy and delish!
My family also enjoyed the special treat I made them from page 120, Homemade Applesauce! Nothing is better than warm applesauce on a cold day.
There are tons more recipes and ideas I’d like to try and the pictures are high-quality inspiration for the kitchen. I think this book would be a perfect gift for your mom AND your sisters.
Enjoy!
Here’s more about the book:
“What’s for dinner?” Three words every mom dreads.
Don’t panic! The Six Sisters are here to help you answer that question. The Sisters have gathered together more than 150 of their most popular recipes for entrees, side dishes, and desserts and have combined them into 52 stress-free menus of perfectly prepared three-course meals.
Filled with delicious tried-and-true family favorites and oh-so-easy-to-make dishes, A Year with Six Sisters’ Stuff features all-new recipes using basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each menu is designed to make your dinner plans as easy as possible—and with such wide variety and a photograph accompanying every recipe in the book, you can easily mix and match menus to create a year’s worth of dinner ideas.
In addition, the Sisters share some of their favorite family dinner traditions and crafts, as well as 52 dinner conversation starters, a list of pantry staples, and, food storage plan for beginners.
So what’s for dinner? Whatever you’d like.
Other books you may enjoy:
![Celebrate Every Season with Six Sisters' Stuff: 150+ Recipes, Traditions, and Fun Ideas for Each Month of the Year by [Six Sisters' Stuff]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/614k9ucRubL._SX260_.jpg)
Visit Rachelle’s Book Review Page to see all reviews HERE.
Grab these free tips from a bestselling and award-winning author HERE
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*Affiliate links used in post. All reviews shared are Rachelle’s honest opinion.*
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