Mela Kamin – 4:10 Ministries

The Butterfly Effect by NY Times Best Selling Author and speaker, Andy Andrews, is a beautiful gift-sized book that packs a punch with an inspiring message.
.

.
The Butterfly Effect puts a “ripple effect” perspective on a historical story, showing how throughout our life we’ve been making choices that have consequences on our days right now and into our future.
.
It’s an inspirational story, showing how small actions can have great effects – this one in particular deals with the plight of hunger and several consecutive decisions that helped to feed a lot of people.
.
It describes how one idea, a passion, an ability, a dream can bring about change. Big change might not happen right away, but each action we take makes something else happen, and that can lead to great change.
.
What if we could trace all the choices that were made that brought us to this present moment? In essence, that’s what this book does – shows how small things now can make big things happen later.
.
The book was small enough that my husband read it (and he’s not a big reader). I gave it to my very avid-reading, 11 year-old daughter and she read it in a flash. It held her interest and made her think. It allowed us a great jumping off point for a discussion on the choices we make.
.
I would recommend this as a gift, for a friend, teenager, college student or missionary. It’s a good reminder and encouragement for those wanting to be world changers. My Dad always says, “it’s all about choices” and through this story, you see that’s absolutely true.
.
I read & reviewed the children’s book version of this story, called “The Boy Who Changed the World,” also by Andrews, with charming illustrations by Philip Hurst.
.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews, Illustrated by Philip Hurst, is a delightful children’s book I was excited to be able to read/review.
.

.
The story puts the plight of hunger and a boy’s determination into an understandable, fun read. Anyone who is interested in history, helping children understand cause and effect, along with an inspirational story of following your dreams, would like this book.
.
The story shows the ripple effects (or butterfly effects) of a single decision – an idea, a passion, an ability, a dream – and how each action creates choices on someone else’s path. Through the bright, cheery illustrations and enthusiastic, easy-to-follow story, children see that they truly can be world changers.
.
I think it also creates a nice teachable moment to discuss hunger and other causes that are close to our heart with our children, and how even our small actions (taking food to a food shelf, giving money to sponsor a child, helping out at a shelter, etc.) can make a difference.
.
This is a message I’m definitely trying to instill in my children. It’s often hard for any of us, but children especially, to grasp how even our smallest actions make a difference not only in that moment, but into our future. This gets that idea across in a fun way.
.
This was a fun story to read and my boys, ages 5 and 7 enjoyed hearing about “the boy who changed the world.” My 11 year old daughter thought it was cute and really liked the illustrations.
.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I’ve linked up with Sara (@GitzenGirl) for her YOU:create project.
.

.
I’m still working on a few projects for my online class through the Freckled Nest.
.
Though I haven’t done all the projects, or in order (boy, it’s not like ME to break the rules), being a part of the class has inspired me to see what I can do and beautify my space with things I have around here. It’s helpful when we’re working on our budget.
.
So, I decided I loved the size & cushness? of a pillow I bought from IKEA, but it needed a cover. I wanted to use it on the sofa, across from this cute pillow I bought at Camille on Rouge during LoveFeast Table’s BlogLove event.
.

.
I bought a skirt at Goodwill because I liked the fabric – but it was WAY too big – great for another project, I thought.
.
Well, I had originally thought I might rework it into a cute skirt for me, but decided in the end, the material was heavyish, so it didn’t feel light & airy enough for me to be twirling around in.
.
Do I really twirl around in skirts? The world may never know.
.

.
No-fuss measuring – just put the pillow on top of the skirt and cut around (leaving room for seams)
.

.
I decided to use the side zipper from the skirt to my advantage and keep it on – now it’s truly a pillow cover I can change if I feel like it later.
.

.
Here’s the transformation. I like it and better yet, it only cost me a few dollars.