A+ Guide to Managing Motherhood

What's not to love about this awesome 1960s red vinyl gym bag by sevenbc? Almost takes me back to highschool P.E. (Almost.)

Tonight: 2 things. A little something for everyone ...

First, in the spirit of the new school year, I am pleased to announce that I am now posting free eBooks on our Facebook page. I have the privilege of knowing many fabulous authors who publish many fabulous books. I am excited to start sharing their eBooks with those of you who have bought into the eReader revolution. I hope you'll check out the selections and enjoy!

Second, to the readers of this blog who recently sent children to their first day of school ...

This year will be challenging. There will be homework to monitor and grades to encourage. Sports will swing into full gear soon enough, and party invites will roll in. Conferences will require your attendance, and music practice will need your support. Two months from now, when the furnace of responsibility really heats up to a painful roar, remember this:

You are equipped with everything you need.

The only difference between the first day and the last--and all the days in between--is the level of enthusiasm and hope for the future.

It's a funny thing the way students think the challenges of the school year are theirs. The older I get, the more I realize that the real challenges belong to the mothers ...

Happy school year.

The Daniel Fast Made Delicious

This book could be yours. Read below.

I love reviewing books.

As an editor, book connoisseur, lover of all things verbum, I am in my happy place when I receive a new book in the mail.

(It's a bit like I imagine people feel when Ed McMahon shows up with a fat check.)

Such was the case last week. I received a book that I'm looking to give away at the end of this post. Read on, my fellow book boosters . . .

The Daniel Fast Made Delicious is a cookbook. But it is so much more than that.

Based on the story and diet of Daniel--discovered in the pages of the Old Testament--this book offers a generous collection of recipes that relies heavily on fruits and vegetables. But the book also lends new insight into the concept of fasting.

Within the 224 glossy pages, you will find easy recipes and spiritual encouragement. In short, the refreshment in the book is for the body and the soul.

Better still (for those of you who would rather take a hit to the jaw than eat a breadstick) many of the 175 recipes are 100 percent gluten- and dairy-free.

Lovely all around. I recommend it like lemonade on a summer day.

Check out the book here.

Respond to this post with 1 way to celebrate spring and 1 lucky winner will be finding a bit of love in the mail box with the arrival of this delightful book. I will draw 1 name on Wednesday at noon.

Happy Friday.