If Mama Ain’t Planning, 2010: Daily Devotional Planner
Format: e-book
Price: $9.99
Available at: If Mama Ain’t Planning!
Affiliate Program also available!
Melissa J’s Thoughts:
I have seen alot of devotional planners in my lifetime, but I can honestly say, Anitra’s is one of the best I have ever seen–if not the best. This little ebook is proof that good things come in “small” packages because this is packed full of stuff! We here at Mama Buzz were so thrilled with it, we joined up with the affiliate program to spread word. This is worth the money you will pay, for sure.
In the very beginning of the planner, users will find a chart that outlines the year at a glance. Each month has a theme, fitting the “If Mama Ain’t. . . ” For example, February is “If Mama Ain’t Walking” which is all about discipleship. Other title include, “If Mama Ain’t. . . . Praying, Connecting, Grateful, Getting out of the Boat, Focused, Living, Living Well, Blogging, Dressed, Believing.”
This same at-a-glance chart gives key verses for the month, the prayer focus, and Spiritual Habit that is to be focused on. This chart is then followed up with a page size calendar of the entire year, and then an introduction page with some thought provoking questions.
The next two pages consist of the January calendar which is not solo in it’s standing. Instead, it is accompanied with side columns that have places to write Reflections, Projects, Ways to Connect with the Lord, Scriptures to read, and prayer ideas.
There is an even further breakdown a page further, which is weekly segments that have room for writing down a key verse and project across the top. There are then sections for Must Do, Might Do, and Menu for the week. Writing space is plentiful and there are also places to check off whether or not Bible reading and prayer was accomplished, as well as if the Habit of the month was worked on that day.
This format then follows in the proceeding months.This is more than just a plain, black and white planner. Anitra has created this to be eye catching with a gorgeous purple color and graphics that would make any woman feel as if she paid the usual $39.99 in Staples for a company-created calendar.
The only drawbacks to this planner is if you are not an e-book person, it may be frustrating to figure out by looking at from a computer screen. Printing will require paper and ink, though months can be printed out on a monthly basis instead of having to print the entire year out at once. In fact, Anitra goes the extra mile by giving printing tips to help out with that potential issue.
It’s also a bit tricky to figure out how to use it in the beginning because it is so jam-packed with spaces and sections. That said, once it is looked over a couple of times, it is a planner that is worth, by far, any specialized planner that can be purchased and one, women are going to hope Anitra brings year after year!
Mel’s Thoughts
I have honestly never seen a planner like this; If Mama Ain’t…Planning is not just a planner to help mamas organize their physical life, but it’s a planner with great meaning for mamas….helping them to organize their spiritual life. It’s a planner that is aimed at helping mamas not just tackle their To Do List but helping them tackle their spiritual growth, as well. Created by Anitra of If Mama Ain’t… and The Mama Zone, this planner is well worth its weight in gold, in my opinion.
The planner starts out with a look at the year ahead and all of the themes you will be focusing on each month. Yes, there is a particular spiritual theme for each month, as well as key verses, a prayer focus, and a spiritual habit to work on that month. Take, for example, the month of March. Your spiritual theme is If Mama Ain’t Praying- Prayer, and your prayer focus is Intimacy with the Lord. You’ll have three verses to memorize every month, and Anitra gives suggestions on how to go about binding those verses in your mind and heart every day.
Each month then starts out with a devotional excerpt chosen from Anitra’s blog. There are journaling questions to consider and ponder over. Then you have your month-at-a-glance, in which you can reflect on last month, project for this month, and receive encouragement for this next month’s spiritual goals. Anitra has inserted little challenging questions throughout that help you to think outside the box and really apply what you are learning in your daily readings/devotional time.
After the monthly sheets come your weekly planning sheets, complete with your daily Bible readings and spiritual guidance. There are checkboxes next to your readings, so that you can check off when you have completed them. There is also room to write your weekly goals. With your weekly sheets, there are three sections: Must Do, Might Do, and Menu, so that you have room to write out the things that are priorities in your days and really plan well. This section will help to keep you focused and organized. There is also room to write your Key Verse for that week, which helps you to reach your goal of memorization. At the end of each month is a blank page for notes or journaling.
I am so impressed with this planner. I’ve never seen anything like it, and even though I have bought a planner for this year (and am very happy with it right now), I am going to use Anitra’s spiritual themes. As a Mama, my spiritual life can sometimes get put on the back burner, but finally, here is something that will help to motivate me and guide me through a process each and every day….and give me encouragement, as well. Anitra has a motto that, “If Mama ain’t right, things can go terribly wrong.” I can definitely understand that….and I’m so thankful to be able to share this planner with you all.
You can get this planner in an electronic version right now for $9.99, which in my opinion, is very reasonable. She even has a printing guide on her website, which will help you know which pages you need to print for each month. Also, 10% of every purchase will be given to Friends of Mirembe to help support the African Children’s Choir. Don’t miss out on this innovative and beautiful planner, Mamas.
