Drink Coffee, Read Books, Be Happy

The perfect recipe for summer!

First, let me share my coffee ritual.  I like to sweeten my coffee with protein powder.  Vanilla is my go to, but if I can find Cookies and Cream protein powder -- well -- that's as good as it sounds.

Now, make your coffee.  But before you put the powder in to it, YOU HAVE TO TEMPER IT.  If you skip this step, you'll be sorry, and your coffee will have a thick sludge in it.  Sound good?  No?  Don't skip this step.

While your coffee is brewing, put a scoop of protein powder in a separate mug.  Add a small amount of COLD water.  A tablespoon or less will do, but you can use more.  Then stir.  Stir, stir, stir.  You want it to completely mix up.  It will be just a little thicker than creamer.  Once it's mixed, add it to your hot coffee.  I put mine in one of these and shake like crazy.

After, if you must, add 2 T of your favorite creamer.  Don't add crushed cookies.  Looks pretty in the picture, but just don't.  Works with cold coffee too.  You're welcome.

Now, on to the juicy stuff.  What I'm reading...

First, I finished this...

I LOVED IT!  A life changer.  Go buy it.

Then, I finished this...

My girls, who have read this multiple times, have told me for months I should read it.  I bought it. But frankly...IT'S SO THICK.  I just looked at it and thought I'll never get through it.  But, we went on vacation, and, then, 3 days later I was finished.  It was that good.  A completely fresh take on the book of Hosea in the Bible.  (I also admit that after chapter 3, I read the last page.  I had to know.  Don't judge).

I read this.  SOOOOOOOOOOO good.  Serious science, and very entertaining.  Can't wait to read another of Gladwell's books.

Currently reading this - although we really don't need a scientific reason to play.  Upping our play changed our lives several years ago.  Add to that - changed our marriage, our work, and our family.  In a very, very positive way.  This book is very interesting none-the-less.  

Pre-Ordered this one...cause I just love her!  If I could sit down to lunch with ANYONE, it would be Shauna Niequist.

And, I ordered this one hoping Victoria would be interested in reading it together.  I'll let you know as soon as she gets back from Honduras.  

And, well, now it's your turn to spill.  What's on your side table?

Blessings,

Another Post About Books



I love reading.  It makes me happy.  Goes very well with "thinking" I believe.  :)

Here is the lot of books I recently finished.

Billy's been talking about this for years, and even uses it in the DESIGN class he teaches, but I'd never taken the time to get into it.  The original book on the subject of developing your strengths versus trying to fix all your weaknesses was Living Your Strengths, out of print for the past couple of years.  2.0 has a short description at the beginning, but isn't meant to stand alone.  Soooooo, the way you want to do it is go to the Strengths Finder website and take the short test.  Your results will be your top 5 "strengths".  Mine were Connector, Intellection, Relator, Discipline, and Restorative.  And, well, it's so interesting and useful I made most of my family take the test as well.  You can then use the book to read about your strengths, how to use them in various situations, etc.  I highly recommend.

Finished yet another book by Neta and Dave Jackson.  My family rolls their eyes and shakes their heads in bewilderment at my adoration for this series.  What can I say?  I like cheese from time to time.

Currently, I am half way through this.  Easy to understand - a great read.  A side trail here:  We have made a few HUGE financial mistakes in the past 20 years.  Not things like forgetting to pay the utility bill, or not saving for back to school, or taking a vacation on a credit card.  WE'VE MADE BIGGER MISTAKES THAN THAT. Looking back though, they weren't mistakes out of ill intention or even selfishness so much as they were mistakes made out of ignorance.  The "right" thing to do, simply wasn't a thought in our consciousness.  I have come to believe, therefore, it's wise to learn about financial things beyond tithing, giving offerings, and saving.  Wise to have a smart head as well as a right heart.  And wise to be prepared for financial surprises that may happen from time to time. 

(For example, if you win the lottery, did you know you should never spend a large, lump sum of money?  You should invest it to make more money.  And, well, I've never played the lottery but there ya go).

LOVED this very short book.  Easy to read in a day.  Fresh, deep reflections on Christian leadership.  Go.  Read.  It.

Currently on my side table...

CHEESE.

Almost through this book.  Loving it.  If you have a sense that you are transitioning (and I am), it's a

good word.

We were graced to have Juli come and speak at a MOPS meeting this past year.  And, I decided that while I'm "transitioning" to mentor mode, I want to be a woman who has wise answers, especially concerning hard topics.  I want to have more than canned Christian answers.  I want to say 'I don't know' less often.   And, at 41, I feel no need to impress younger women with my use of slang.  So...I'm skipping around through this topical book which I'd highly recommend.

Next up on my reading list......

My friends keep telling me to read it.  My kids keep telling me to read it.  So...I'm gonna read it.

Finally, on the topic of marriage and family, one of my biggest areas of advice for young marrieds is to learn about GREIF.  Life is full of it, and will be full of it for your spouse and children as well.  Learning to grieve well is one of the healthiest things you could ever do -- and allow your family members to do as well.  Plus, it's C.S. Lewis.  :)

As always, I'd love to hear what you've read in 2015 that was meaningful to you and why it was meaningful.  Lots of your favorites end up on my side table and bless me - so share away!

Many blessings,

In other words....

“Have you really read all those books in your room?”

Alaska laughing- “Oh God no. I’ve maybe read a third of ‘em. But I’m going to read them all. I call it my Life’s Library. Every summer since I was little, I’ve gone to garage sales and bought all the books that looked interesting. So I always have something to read.”
― John Green, Looking for Alaska    

 

 

And, thus why I LOVE summer!

 

“One benefit of Summer was that each day we had more light to read by.”
― Jeannette Walls, The Glass Castle

 

 

 

There are actually LOTS of things I love about summer - this summer in particular.  In the last month, we've had parties, surfed in Hawaii, taken a road trip, driven ATV's, kayaked, long boarded, cliff dived, hiked, jumped waterfalls, planted flowers, soaked up sunscreen, took a helicopter ride, and played in the pool.  But, there's something delicious about having more time to quietly read a good book too, yes?  Even better if it's on the beach, but I'll take it lying on the grass just as readily. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What I just finished reading....

 

 

 

 

 

I love the work that Lisa does both in and out of the church.  I think, in fact, that all churches would benefit from the authoritative voice of a mother pulled up around the table assisting the fathers in leading the family, metaphorically speaking.  Whereas this isn't a book about women in church leadership, Ladies, if the title jumps out at you, go ahead and read it.  Consider it deep calling to deep and all that... 

 

 

 

 

 

This is possibly one of the most interesting things I've ever read. Very well researched and in my opinion, a game changer.

 

 

 

 

This I picked up from Family Christian on the $1 rack and read it in 1 day.  Written by a pastors daughter, the story was essentially about her disdain for tradition without substance, phony church and fake family, and her journey of falling in love with the actual Jesus -- and back in love with the actual church -- and deciding to keep and love her actual family...all while over coming a serious eating disorder.  I related to the story deeply, and it was actually so good.  :)

 

 

 

 

 

I have read this before, and even written about it.  However, I picked it up one day just to "re-enjoy" a chapter or two -- and just ended up reading the entire book again.  It's my current favorite gift to give as well.  Each chapter reads like an episode of the Food Network.  You'll want to bake Blueberry Crisp even if you hate baking and dislike blueberries.  I already have, twice.

 

 

Currently waiting for me on my side table...

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know.  I know.  EVERYONE IN THE WORLD HAS ALREADY READ THIS BOOK AND TAKEN THE TEST.  But...I haven't.  I find myself in a time of transition these days...at least inside my own brain.  I've wrapped up (so to speak) a few "core personal projects"...like kids graduating and moving out.  Young kids moving into highschool and needing a little less of my time (just a little less, not much).  A husband happy and thriving in his career.  A body that is FINALLY healthier than it's ever been.  And, I find myself sometimes wondering 'what's next'?  And, I am interested in preparing for 'next', so...I'm taking the test as a very first step.

 

 

 

 

 

My "dream job", despite what others think, isn't actually "teaching" (even though I believe I'm an experienced, and good teacher).  My dream job is owning real estate.  My kids look at me like this is the most boring "dream job" a person could possibly come up with.  But...I'd like to eventually own the building my business will reside in. 

 

I'd like to own house(s) around the world and send minister's families on surprise vacations. I envision calling it...get ready for it...SnowDays.  And, if you've ever known the joy of thinking you had to go to work/school AGAIN on Monday morning, but wake instead to a yard glistening with white snow and a banner going across the TV alerting you of a surprise SNOW DAY...a surprise VACATION DAY...well you know why this is fitting.   

 

My tag line will be "Because the Pastor's family deserves to go to Disney World Too."  :)

 

 

 

And, then there is this.  Yes, yes, yes...it is soooooooooo cheesy.  But I've read everyone of their cheesy fiction books.  And, sometimes I just want an easy, fast, lay on the grass and eat it up, cheesy read.  So, there ya go.

 

As always, I'd LOVE to know what you are reading as well!  Mostly, so I can go buy those books too!

 

 

Blessings,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



More Books....

 

"It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you'll be when you can't help it."  Oscar Wilde

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a GREAT book on marriage, except it's not really about marriage.  "Jesus was right. We have it all backwards.  The way to have a great marriage is by not focusing on marriage."

 

Intriguing?  Before you judge it, read the book.  If we don't get the #1 thing right, all the marriage advice in the world won't help anyways.

(Side note:  Our 19 year old bought this read for herself, and I gave it to our 18 year old for Easter. When you have a good read, pass it on to your kids!)

 

 

 

 

Speaking of passing a good book along to your kids...I read this last year.  Twice.  Clearest, most basic teaching I've ever read on the Holy Spirit.  Stirs so much awe, thankfulness, and reverence on the inside.  This year, I decided to go through it chapter by chapter with my 8th grader.  Parents, do this.

 

 

 

 

So often, I talk to women who are depressed, discouraged, lonely and frankly...bored.  A lot of the time, a heavy dose of self focus is the blame.  That's not judgmental, we all find ourselves there from time to time.  This book focuses on the AIDS epidemic in Africa and Shayne's involvement in advocating for a sick, hurting people -- all while dragging small children in tow.  Very powerful.  A great read for anyone looking for inspiration to DO something -- anything.

 

 

 

 

Warning:  Strong, opinionated author.  And, if you are easily offended, you'll miss out on a fantastic read.   She makes some strong statements -- and as long as you can take what's for you, and leave the rest -- you'll get a lot from it.  The chapter on Intercession and Prophetic Decrees is something I wished I written myself.

 

 

 

Well, frankly, I underlined the entire thing.  Enough said.

 

I just LOVE their books.  I've read at least 7 of them.  They are light hearted and fun.  And, my life is so serious, sometimes I need a dose of light hearted and fun.

 

 

 

Next on the docet....

 

 

 

 

Finishing up this powerful read......

 

And starting this.....

 

 

 

 

 

Would love to hear what you are pouring over these days?

 

 

 

Thoughts on Hunger

Maybe I should include a warning here.  A warning to the effect that I've been sick all day.  And sickness has forced me to take it easy in the easy chair.  And this is my attempt to still be productive...with medicine head.

  

What Happens When I have  Time to Think - or Rather When I Don't Have Time to Think

by Shanna Ramsdell

My life granted me a blessing this past holiday season.  It granted me time to think.

I went years without time to think.  YEARS.   An entire season when my children were small and my days were filled to over flowing.  Schedules, diapers, two am feedings, a husband who worked late, not enough money, people -- too many -- needing some type of ministering too which felt all too important every single waking hour, and the constant pressure of making sure a house, slammed full of little people had creative, learning activities going all the time so they weren't watching TV.  My life often felt like a run on sentence.

Possibly, I didn't know I needed time to think.  I made time to pray.  I made time to read.  I made time to study so I could finish college.  I made time for all the needy people.  I made a few precious moments available for friends -- who weren't needy people -- just normal people that loved me.  I made all the time in the world for the needs of 4 small children -- but I didn't make time to think.

So this holiday season, I read Bread and Wine and spent time thinking about HUNGER.  MY HUNGER.

It became apparent to me that I hunger in many ways, for many things.  I am hungry for not just large amounts of food, I see that now.  I am also hungry for new experiences, rich relationships, creative endeavors and passionate experiences.  All that, I set on the back burner for many years, to feed others.  And, I fed all my various hungering with the same old thing, OVER AND OVER -- the one thing that was easily accessible during that crazy, chaotic season of life.  Food.

In the days before my surgery, I confessed to Billy, I feared if I gave up food -- there would be nothing else in my life that was enjoyable.  My brain knew that couldn't be true.  I see my children living rich, living deep, enjoying -- and not over eating.  I see that Billy goes day after day without needing sweets -- several times a day -- and maintains a healthy weight.  I knew it was a lie.  On paper it didn't make sense -- but I also knew it was real in my emotions, in my imagination.

You know the story in the Bible about Abraham and Isaac?  The one where God asks Abraham to slay Isaac.  Well at the risk of letting my imagination get carried away here -- that's how surgery was for me.  When God asked me to surrender the last 2 chicken nuggets on my plate, I wanted to do it -- with all my heart -- but my hand shook with fear every time I tried.  I just couldn't make my body line up.

So...I asked a surgeon to help me do it.  I handed him the knife so to speak.

During my first week of recovery, I had such a deep feeling one afternoon -- that I was now living naked. No buffer -- nothing to make a hard day easier -- and a momentary panic set in.  I said out loud, "People shouldn't live this exposed!"  I decided to just take a breath and continue on...

Yes, I'm living naked.  (That's gonna be the title of my book.)

And, as a result I've been FORCED to find other things that are enjoyable.  And to prioritize nourishing my self in all the ways I find I need nourishment.

God help the person that touches my fuzzy socks.  I NEED my fuzzy socks.

I MUST have a good book.

If I have to forgo the light bill (figuratively speaking) to go to the store for avocados, sweet chili rice cakes, crystal light grape energy, and olive oil.  I will  do it.  Because the things I like are just as important as the things everyone else in this house likes.

I hike on the weekends.  I dream.  I think.  I blog.

I talk.  I feel and say what I feel -- and then tell myself -- it's only a feeling.  It's only anger.  It's only sadness.  It's only loneliness.  It's only whatever.  I don't need to mask it with cookies.  Feelings change.  They go away.  They can be dealt with.

For my birthday, we went skiing...because I really wanted too.

I sit in the hot tub some nights when it's cold out but the full moon is bright.

Don't touch my water bottles.  I love my water bottles like they are one of my children.  Victoria said she thinks I love my water bottles more than my children.  I say they are equal.

Don't touch my music.  I love it and it's important.

Sometimes, I'm happy to drive you to that thing -- and forgo a hot bath at 10 pm because you just REALLY want to fit in that extra prayer meeting.

But, sometimes, if you don't have a ride -- the answer is no -- because I need an evening to be quiet and think.  Thinking is super important.  For some of us anyways.  

I'm knitting a scarf.  I'm painting the front bathroom for the 4th time -- and I'm happy about it -- just go with it.  

I spend a day cooking.  SURE, HARDLY EVER -- but when I do, it's because I want too -- and then I spend 10 straight days not cooking because I want too.

Some days, I plan all these things -- and I rotate them in 45 minute intervals.  BECAUSE that's how I feel.

Some days, I lay in bed with p.j.'s on and read -- all day.  

I wear make up when I want too -- and I forgo it when I want too.  Frankly, I feel great either way.

I've never been a size small.  My mom and my sister are.  But, I'm like my dad.  A large -- even on my skinnest day.  Growing up, I felt bad about this.

I don't any more.  

Don't hear me wrong.  I'm not a member of the "Fat is Beautiful" Club.  Obese is unhealthy -- anyway you want to see it.

Right now though, I am a member of the "Beautiful is Beautiful" Club -- and I believe that in my life I get to say what's beautiful and what is not.  The girls in my house happen to think that "Comfortable is Beautiful" most days. I wasn't comfortable in an obese body.  But, I didn't know to say that I wasn't comfortable -- because uncomfortable was my normal.  So, I just said in my young heart that I wasn't beautiful and that there was nothing I could do about it.  My trajectory was off.

95 lbs downs and life is turning another corner.  Most days aren't about what I can't eat.  They are actually about what I need to eat.  What do I need to nourish MY body?  The revelation of nourishing myself or feeding my hunger in a variety of ways -- is as new and startling to me as if I'd discovered treasure.  It's about what I put in -- NOT just what I keep out.  What I'm called too, not what I'm called to stay away from.

I feel new.

Right now we are learning to shoulder more -- to carry more -- but it oddly feels lighter.

Thankful for a sweet season.

For kids growing well, who are rightly connected to their parents -- and seem to enjoy a spacious place to live and grow and decide.

For a husband who is in his right mind.  Who is back to loving well.  

For a business that grows -- and allows me to a flexible schedule.  And sick days.

For ministry that's become richer as we've stopped feeling the pressure to have all the right answers.

And for time to think.

Praying for a year of healing for my family.

Thankful for progress.

Living naked isn't as bad as I thought.

Blessings....

{13 Great Books in 2013} - Another blog about books

I have friends reading 30 books in 2013.  Some reading 52.

13.  That's me.

I like to set goals I know I can hit apparently.

13 books in 2013.  Yup.

To make matters worse, I actually got behind when I had my surgery in April.  At that time, I had read only 3 books.

I FINALLY did finish this...

It's a short book.  It really shouldn't have taken me FOREVER to get through it.  And, whereas Chan has quite a bit to say that I like...he says it in a way that bores me to tears.  The man is all seriousness, no sense of humor.

As for all the stuff that he had to say that I didn't like, a friend recently posed the question to me, "Is RADICAL the new legalism?". 

And...that's all I'll say about that.

By now, it's June or at least it was June, and I was behind.  So, to quickly cover the lost ground I decided to read something easy, easy, easy.  My smart friends will say  I cheated.

I read...

And then I read...

It goes without saying that both books were full (FULL) of profound things I tell you.

Light hearted, in your face honest, and BIG PRINT (go figure), they were fun to read.  Although, they do contain A LOT of the same stories.

If you haven't seen Duck Dynasty on A&E -- do yourself a favor and start with Season 1.  Today.

On the plane home from vacation, I read this...

This novel is based on actual census information.  Apparently, so few people in the United States (in the here and now) are choosing to have children (or only having 1 child) that there is a date on the actual calendar where it is expected that we will have more retired, elderly in the population than young, able body adults supporting the work force.  The story is based on what happens then...

The start to the book is so CRAZY riveting that the next 3 - 4 chapters of character introduction move slowly in comparison.  After that though, it's a very interesting read.  I enjoyed it quite a bit.

As for how it ends, let's just say, I have 5 children. I've done my part. don't blame it on me.  ;)

Now that I'm back on schedule, I'm gonna give this a go...

I would LOVE to know what you are reading and how you like it!  

{13 Great Books in 2013} - Plain and Simple

As far as raising our family is concerned, Billy and I have never been good at following other people's prescribed formulas.

We have tried.

We have every Heritage Builders book in the tool chest.

We have books on family date nights, family vacations, family devotions, and on and on and on......

We have programs for organized chores, scripture memory, christian education, teen dating, and on and on and on....

Never made ANY of it work.  You heard me.  Never.

It took awhile, but eventually, we gave up following other people's to-do-lists for the most part.

Don't get me wrong.  We love hearing other people's stories.

We love advice, listening to teaching and we actively seek out mentors.  We read  ALL.  THE.  TIME.

However, we have learned that there is no substitute for praying and trying to hear God's guidance on behalf of your own family.  There is no substitute for cooperating with what God is already trying to do in the lives of your children.

We believe this so much so -- that all our parenting advice to others boils down to READ THE BIBLE - DO WHAT IT SAYS.  PRAY, COOPERATE WITH WHAT GOD IS ALREADY TRYING TO DO.

In a nut shell, I guess, we are just simply better at writing our own.

When Elizabeth and Hosanna were babies, around early '97,  I found this book....

It starts off with the sentence, "I'm a lousy mom."  I sympathized.

   

Basically, it's a sweetly written, honest look at Carol Brazo's journals during the years she stayed at home with her 3 children.  3 children which she birthed in just under 3 years.  

A blog - before we knew what blogs were.  

In her accounts of every day life, she referenced reading a book by Sue Bender called Plain and Simple - and the journey she took to the Amish.

Bender is provided a unique perspective when she's allowed to live with an Amish family for a time and absorb their culture.

Carol Brazo wrote of Bender's book, "Many books provide enjoyment.  This book nourished deep places inside me."  

When you love a particular author and they suggest a book they love -- you just go right out and buy the book, yes?  So, I did.  And I've read 2 times a year ever since.

I've been accused of being boring, ridiculas and well, obsessed with the Amish.  I, however, am pretty sure I am none of these things.

The author writes of the Amish, "No distinction was made between the sacred and the everyday...their life was all one piece.  It was all sacred and all ordinary."

I told Billy once, "What if we (and our children for that matter) are just...ordinary"?  A question I think about often.  I, like many, many of you, crave a life of meaning.

This little gem can be read in a couple of hours.  And provide you with an awesome dose of soul nourishment to boot!  It's out of print, so plan to buy used.

That my ordinary life is sacred -- and therefore wrought with meaning...is well...words I longed to hear way back then, in 1997, as well as right now, today.

Blessings my friends.