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Do Life Different: Inspiring Work-at-Home Moms to Powerful Living in Work, Family, & Faith

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Work-at-home moms bear a unique set of burdens as they attempt to blend job and family commitments under one roof. Maintaining professionalism while wiping noses and convincing outsiders that flexibility isn t all it s cracked up to be can put even the most organized to the test. Amid all the other duties of life, the work-at-home mom often discovers that feeding her soul is the biggest challenge of them all. Work-at-home mom: take a deep breath and Do Life Different as you allow these devotions for work-at-home moms to fill the vacuum of your needy heart in the chaos of your busy world.

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 27, 2014

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Jill Hart

16 books115 followers
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Janet Sketchley.
Author 12 books81 followers
September 8, 2014
Do Life Different is written for Christian work-at-home moms, and much of the content is also applicable to Christian moms whose at-home work is parenting and homemaking. The book's subtitle is Inspiring Work-at-home Moms to Powerful Living in Work, Family and Faith.

As a writer, I count as working from home, and although my youngest child is a teen I find the household responsibilities themselves require more "parenting" than I seem able to give. This book addresses a strongly-felt need for me, so I bumped it to the top of my review pile, read it in one night, and will go back through it again at a more sedate pace.

Topics include overcoming fear and worry, making wise decisions, business as ministry, enjoying your work, and "is success okay?".

Three insights are already making a difference for me:

since God's mercies are new every day, we can greet the morning with a hope-filled sense of starting over;
we are each the best one for the job to which God called us (I count parenting in this as well as whatever business one might run);
we are leaders, by definition as workers and as mothers—accepting this allows us to lead intentionally instead of wasting opportunities.

There are plenty more nuggets in this collection of 52 devotionals. Each entry offers a Bible verse, a one- to two-page insight, and a thought-provoking "Doing it different" question on how readers can apply the day's lesson in their lives.

Each has a corresponding video devotional on the author's website. [Note: if you're reading the print version, or if you're reading the ebook on a device that doesn't support Flash videos, you can view the devotions on your computer. The web address is in the front of the book.]

There are free 6-week or 12-week study guides for women who want to work through the material as a group. To download the study guides, visit Choose NOW Publishing (scroll down to the cover images for the two study guides, then click the one you want).

Writer, speaker and coach Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Ministries, where you'll find a wealth of resources on finding a job, starting or growing a business, balancing life, and knowing God better. To read a sample chapter of Do Life Different, visit Jill Hart or Choose Now Publishing. Or watch Jill's video intro below:

[youtube=http://youtu.be/D76j7p2DZt8]

[Review copy provided by the publisher.]
1 review
February 20, 2014
Have you ever wanted to call a time out in the midst of the chaos in life? You soon realize that life isn't a game and calling a time out isn't that easy...or is it? Do you remember the commercial where a woman is attempting to deal with the stresses of life (i.e. traffic, the boss, the baby, etc.) and she'd say "Calgon take me away" and then all of a sudden she'd appear in a bathtub stress free because of the soap Calgon? Do Life Different is your "calgon" the exception is that Do Life Different is a book that leads you to the stress reliever Himself...Christ.

Before the book begins (in the preface), Jill Hart shares this scripture "Psalm 46:10 - Cease striving and know that I am God." WOW! It blew me away - stop working tirelessly toward goals and know that He is God. Immediately I was strengthened. What a replenishing scripture for the dehydrated soul, speaking calm into the chaos of life.

Do Life Different is laced with Bible verses, godly advice, and questions designed to ignite fire in your faith! It also includes video links (in both the ebook and book) at the end of each chapter that collaborates with each devotion!
Love this book!

Takiela Bynum
Founder of Leading Young Women to Hope
Writer at Sisterhood Magazine and Choose Now Ministries
Ministry Leader at Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ)
Profile Image for Amber.
1,275 reviews33 followers
February 3, 2014
Do Life Different is a breath of fresh air for work at home moms and for moms in general. It is a beautifully encouraging collection of precious jewels that we need to gather and store in our heart and soul. Through these invaluable truths, we can build a magnificent library of reminders and uplifting moments that we can then bring to mind whenever life weighs on us heavily. Every woman can benefit from the love and hope that radiate from these stunning devotions.

Jill Hart has been gifted such a sensitive and loving heart that wants nothing more than to shelter and rebuild the heart of every woman she comes in contact with. This is very evident in the way she approaches and discusses each topic in this devotional. She is not interesting in covering up the hurt, but her primary goal is to help you heal the hurt. She gently guides you before the throne of God without you even realizing it. Her soft spoken and tender words will bring comfort and hope to those of us who are worn out and barely holding on.
Profile Image for Angela Meyer.
Author 15 books68 followers
February 19, 2014
In her devotional, Jill takes you into the scripture to find those nuggets of truth that can make a difference in your day to day life. Unlike the extremely short devotionals that are no more than a thought, Do Life Differently takes you deeper and still allows you time to get dinner on the table.

Sure to walk away encouraged, Jill doesn’t leave it there. She offers a challenge at the end of each devotional that will point you toward a change for the better.

Her style is relaxed, personal and authentic. You know she has been in the trenches, too, making it even easier to hear what she has to say.

In addition to the written word, Jill’s linked video devotionals gives you that face to face connection which helps make it all more personal.

If you are looking for a new devotional, I recommend you give Jill’s a try. You won’t be disappointed.
1 review
February 21, 2014
It is time to Do Life Different and Jill Hart shows you how. This devotional takes you deep into the scriptures to help you discover and apply truth to every area of your life. Jill ignites your faith in her up close and transparent style of writing. She understands your life because she is right there with you sharing her tools of success. This devotional also includes video links at the end of each chapter for further study and connection. Try it and start to Do Life Differently!
Profile Image for Sara Ella.
Author 8 books1,342 followers
August 28, 2015
I don’t read a ton of non-fiction these days. With my busy schedule as an author and homeschool mom, reading is a time to relax. To be entertained. Not that non-fiction can’t be entertaining, mind you, but generally if I read I want to escape to a world away from my own.

But Jill Hart’s Do Life Different sounded right up my alley, so I decided to pick it up. As a work-at-home mom, I’ve been looking for something to uplift and encourage me. Let’s face it, we all experience burnout. I didn’t want to admit that this was exactly what I’d been dealing with. I mean, I’m super mom, right? I can do it all. The kids. The book. The schooling. I did it all right, but I was losing my sense of joy while doing it. Something had to change.

Do Life Different is exactly what I needed. With 52 quick devotions, one for each week of the year, this book goes at the perfect pace (I’m currently about halfway through). Jill writes to the heart of women. She gets it. She knows moms are busy. She’s heard all the excuses for not taking time out for devotions. But who doesn’t have time for one devotion a week? This book is so laid back, I feel like I’m reading personal letters or emails from Jill. I love the format and I know other work-at-home moms will feel the same.

The best part about Do Life Different is that Jill not only includes some questions to think on with space to write following each devotion, but she has included a link to videos (http://www.cwahm.com/dolifedifferent.htm) that go along with each one. The videos are short (between 5 and 10 minutes long). Reading the devotion and then watching and listening to Jill talk about it is like sitting down with a friend for my own personal Bible Study/ Book Club. It’s very intimate and refreshing. I highly recommend Do Life Different to any work-at-home mom looking for a dose of spiritual encouragement.

Disclosure: I received a copy of Do Life Different for review from the author. I was not asked to write a positive review. All views and opinions are solely and completely my own. I received no compensation other than I received a copy of Do Life Different, which is mine to keep or gift as I so choose.
1 review3 followers
March 5, 2014
Being a former teacher, turned stay-at-home-mom, I can vouch for how difficult it is to carve out time-- ANY time-- for me to do anything that is solely for me to benefit from...devotions included. As a teacher, I had teeny-tiny breaks throughout the day that didn't allow much to get accomplished, but still, it was a far cry from what I do now, which is parenting and teaching my 2 small children. It was easier for me to nab some time for devotions when I was teaching...I could listen to a devotional on my 30 min. commute to and/or from work. I could read during my brief lunch break. There truly are no breaks in the day now, but I can carve out the very few minutes it takes to read about a page per week from this devotional, and pair it with my Scripture reading.

The author, Jill Hart, CLEARLY understands what those who work at home are up against when it comes to finding time to be still and listen to that still, small voice. After having our second baby in July 2013, I feel like I'm finally finding a way to get back into the swing of things, and that includes time for devotions. While I wish I could spend more time on devotions each day, it's not realistic for me right now, but this devotional provides a realistic approach for the stage of life that I am currently experiencing.

I love how she keeps each devotional message short, sweet, and to the point. She is also so easy to relate to; when I read parts where she is speaking from her own experience, it's as though she tore a page out of the book of my own life. This causes me to have a great trust for her writing, and also causes me to open up more to the wisdom she has to offer. Consider giving this devotional a try, especially if you're tight on time and need to keep it real!
Profile Image for Elizabeth "Eli" Olmedo.
443 reviews47 followers
March 14, 2014
A slight twinge of apprehension slithered through me as I picked up my copy of this book. I wondered how much I could relate to a devotional written for mothers. Then I started reading and my worries slipped away. Do Life Different: Inspiring Work-at-Home Moms to Powerful Living in Work, Family, & Faith could just as easily be Do Life Different: Inspiring Every Woman to Powerful Living in Work, Family, & Faith. The words in this book can apply to our lives whether we are college students trying to find our way, women just embarking on career paths, moms (at any stage in the child-rearing process), and even grandmothers. Our perspectives may change along the way, but not the relevance of the lessons and encouragement found within the pages of this devotional.

Jill Hart delivers short entries that are easily squeezed in before breakfast, between business calls, while waiting for an appointment, or even as you wind down for the night. Each devotion provides a Bible verse, a quick story, and some poignant questions to ponder. The words will stick to the reader throughout the day as she goes about her daily responsibilities, building her up and inspiring her along the way. Hart writes from the heart (pun totally intended!). She is authentic, sincere, and personal in her approach.

For the sake of this review, I hurried through the 52 meditations. Now, I fully intend to revisit them at a slower pace, allowing the words to sink in and simmer.

Pull out your highlighter, a pen, and notebook; and prepare yourself to Do Life Different!

Review copy provided by the author. Thanks!
Profile Image for Kaci.
Author 4 books36 followers
October 31, 2014
Synopsis from Amazon.com: Work-at-home moms bear a unique set of burdens as they attempt to blend job and family commitments under one roof. Maintaining professionalism while wiping noses and convincing outsiders that flexibility isn’t all it’s cracked up to be can put even the most organized to the test. Amid all the other duties of life, the work-at-home mom often discovers that feeding her soul is the biggest challenge of them all. Work-at-home mom: take a deep breath and Do Life Different as you allow these devotions for work-at-home moms to fill the vacuum of your needy heart in the chaos of your busy world.


I don't quite fit the paradigm for this book, being neither a mom nor a wife, nor someone who has, in the past, reviewed non-fiction. I'm also terrible about finishing short daily devotionals, much less answering questions at the end. However, I do work at home, so I thought to offer my own perspective for those of us who might be in similar but not identical circumstances.

My strategy was to read about five entries a day before work and during lulls. Before reading, I worried a little that this devotional would be too specifically-directed at moms and wives, but this proved a groundless concern. Rather, Ms. Hart offered a Scripture passage, theme, anecdote, word of encouragement, and insightful questions for fifty-two days. Only a few days in, I was already thinking I'd like to read this devotional again, only much slower. I found this devotional encouraging and insightful and look forward to a re-read.
Profile Image for Sally Ferguson.
80 reviews9 followers
February 25, 2014
Jill Hart’s book, Do Life Different, has refreshing advice about success: use your business to help people! She brings pointers to the business world from, as she calls it, God’s upside-down perspective. She affirms, when you serve others and express gratitude to God by being generous with them, God will provide for your needs.
The chapters are divided into scripture and daily thought starters, with space for journaling. The questions range from listing out the day’s goals, to motives behind our own baggage. The author is vulnerable with her struggles in building a home-based business, and challenges the reader to dig under the surface to face difficult issues. When you ask the hard questions and make yourself accountable for the next step, your success will come. But, it’s no easy formula; Jill’s key is perseverance, determination and communication.
Personal reflection, leadership tips and supplemental video links all combine to make this book a winner. Get your own copy and learn about building a business, from God’s point of view!
Note: I received this book as part of the Do Life Different blog tour from Radiant Lit. I received no compensation for this review and only received a copy of the book for review purposes. Review copy provided by the publisher.Do Life Different
Profile Image for Alisha Torres.
139 reviews21 followers
July 18, 2014
This book was great! Empowering and self-awakening. The book is set up almost like a workbook, with areas for you to write in for later reflection. This enables you to connect better with what you're reading and to have a point of reference in your own hand regarding those connections for a later time. The book was very accessible, and will appeal to anyone who is looking to connect with their spirituality AND life, while trying to make them one.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and I'm not religiously inclined. My mother in law (the wife of a Preacher)is in the process of copying pages from the book to use in her female ministries at the church. So as you can see the book appeals to both ends of the spectrum.
Profile Image for Pebbles Jacobo.
4 reviews3 followers
February 27, 2014
Sometimes the daily doldrums of life turn into nasty, deep ruts. If you've been IN a rut then you know how hard it is to get OUT of those ruts. Hart's devotional, Doing Life Different, is great, whether you need a little pick-me-up, spiritual inspiration or a hand out of the rut.

I love the format with questions and space for jotting down my thoughts as well as web address to corresponding videos for each devotion. A lot of thought and planning obviously went into this devotional. Each devotion challenges me to dig deeper and it's just what I needed. I'll be picking up a few extra copies to give out to special friends in my life. Can't wait to share this devotional with my friends.
Profile Image for Sherri Johnson.
Author 25 books289 followers
April 2, 2014
As a work-at-home mom, sometimes I lose sight of the big picture. I get lost in work and tire so easily of my efforts. This book brought me encouragement each day I read it. It helped me to see that I'm working for my family and mostly for the Lord. That everyone I come in contact with is another person I can bless. Having a right heart and a right outlook on the job and the tasks at hand is so important. If you're discouraged as a work-from-home mom, get this book!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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