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,

{10 Lessons I've Learned in Marriage} - On Being Committed to Personal Healing

From time to time, I survey my social media friends on what blog topics the would like to see me write about.  I'm always hoping they will suggest something funny.  For instance...


Your Worst DIY Disasters

This past Halloween, all Eli wanted was a simple PacMan Costume. Billy's mother graciously did ALL the sewing and left me with absolutely NOTHING to do except the gluing.  THE GLUING, YA'LL.  And, well, after literally ruining the iron and ironing board with the super incredible AMAZINGLY ADHESIVE spray glue (that apparently isn't suppose to be used inside)...I glued my shoes to the wood floors of my dining room and was in a heap of tears. 

 

Infomercial Weaknesses

We all have them.  And, when we were much younger, before the internet and all, I watched the Ronco Food Dehydrator Infomercial one too many times.  I envisionsed myself making homemade fruit roll-ups, Beef Jerky, Turkey Jerky...and well...the box arrived.  I crazy excitedly announced to Billy, "We only have (3) more payments to make of $69.95 for this baby AND I'm going to be able to save us CRAZY amounts of cash by making everyone homemade banana chips for Christmas!" The look on B's face said it all.  I'd gone slap crazy.  Instantly I thought, "What in God's green Earth have I done?  Banana Chips?"  Never used the things.  Not even once.

Kid Quotes

Eli, "Mom, do you remember when your butt was soooooo big, we couldn't both fit in this chair together?"  My kids are so hilarious, right?


And well, no one EVER suggests these types of topics. 

What they seemingly want to read about is, "Grocery Shopping 101 {and other REALLY boring things", "Raising Up Kids Who are on Mission", and "How to Deal with Dissappointment".

They want my serious side.

So, Here it comes...my first ever, SERIOUS, blog series. 

(Que dramatic music)

(Takes a bow)

Billy and I have been studying and sharing more on marriage lately.

We've been talking with other couples and mentors, going to marriage ministry training, and listening to podcasts.  This week, we'll even head off to "A Weekend to Remember" to focus on our own stuff while in the midst of pushing forward with what we feel compelled to say.

Since what we have to say is a mouthful, I thought I'd break it up into 10 posts.  You're welcome.  :)

So, here ya go, 10 Lessons I've learned in Marriage.

Lesson #1: 

BE COMMITTED TO YOUR OWN PERSONAL HEALING

Billy and I both came in to marriage with baggage.  Lots of baggage frankly.  We had limited pre marital counsel, which I only did as a formality...how bad could marriage possibly be when you were as awesome as we were?

And, well truthfully, it COULD have been REALLY, REALLY BAD. 

But, in those early years (years 1 - 3) we were VERY committed to personal healing from our past, and very dedicated individually to spending time with the Holy Spirit.  And, we still are.

The best gift you can give your spouse is the gift of a healthy you.  Good health starts deep in your core.

I love what the Bible says in Ezekiel 36:26-28.  "I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you.  I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed.  I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands."

To experience deeper degrees of healing, and forgiveness, and freedom is still one of my most frequent uttered prayers for my family.

 


Blessings,

Romancing Your Husband for Valentine's Day

This week in the #storyofmarriageCO class...we just threw it right on out there.

PLAN AND EXECUTE A VALENTINE'S-ISH DATE.

Easy, right?

Maybe, but, let's be REAListic.  Cause fake isn't our thing.

While we heard the guffaw in the room, the flirty snickers, and the sweet expressions of mirth (read with an uptick in my voice) -- we also noticed those who looked down at the floor...eyebrows furrowed in worry.  We noticed those whose eyes rolled in frustration...those who sighed...slumped...

I'm just going to say it.  Truth is, some of you, don't much like one another very much...yet.

Empathetic, we circled back around and issued a different kind of challenge.

Instead of the pressure of planning the most romantic filled, love rediscovering, best sex you've ever had in your life Valentine's Day date, we asked for something a little less grandiose (but perhaps even more profound).

A gesture.

An action, a courtesy, a step towards communicating one positive thing to your spouse in the next couple of weeks.

***********************************************************************

So, ladies, I'm talkin' to you.  (B will address men in his blog later this week).

I want to give you some simple ideas for romancing a man - that you may or may not like all that much right now.  I hope you will be led to have meaningful conversation with God both about your spouse and your own heart.  I pray that conversation leads you to an action step (a gesture) that is specifically meaningful to your man.

Cause, ladies, Valentine's Day isn't all about us girls.

***********************************************************************

So, how to romance your husband?  

Not the fantasy husband in your mind, but the real life, actual man YOU are married too.  

First, let's just all concede that most men don't want to go to all the hassle of recreating your first date and won't care if you do either.  Most don't get the "feel goods" because you fill their car with helium balloons and sticky hearts. I don't know a single man who really cares to read slips of paper (no matter how thoughtful) tucked in a mason jar labeled "Things I Love About You".  So, let's get our heads out of the Pinterest cloud and back down to earth.

A meaningful gesture is more than the purchase of a candy heart tossed on his side of the bed, or a homemade coupon book, or even deciding you'll get on his schedule for sex just this one night.

It starts when you privately give honest answers to questions like...

What does my spouse do that I'm most grateful for?

What does my spouse do that I really appreciate?

What is my spouse really good at?

What important thing does my spouse really care about?

What brings my spouse joy?

If you can answer one or two of those, you have a place by which you can start to ponder and create a gesture that might not create the stuff Valentine's movies are made of for you - but may be meaningful to your significant other.

So, here ya go....

1.  Give your spouse the gift of FORGIVENESS.  This is big.  And frankly, it all starts here.  Your UNFORGIVENESS, ladies, is a much greater hindrance to the connectivity you desire (both with your spouse and God) than the dirty under ware he continues to throw on the floor that drives you nuts (metaphorically speaking).

2.  Give your spouse the gift of KINDNESS.  Repent for judging him.

3.  Give your spouse the gift of a RELAXED you.  Decide that on Valentine's Day you're going to laugh.  Smile.  Breathe deeply.  There will be no demanding.  No crazy expectations.  No sighing. No Eye rolling, or riding his case.

4.  For Valentine's Day, give him the gift of your INTEREST, and your PARTICIPATION.  Sit beside him for a football game, and ask him to explain the rules to you (again).  Try to listen.

Suggest that he teach you how to play golf or chess or change a tire, whatever is his thing.  Dare I say it, play the video game with him.  Side by side, shoulder to shoulder, you just might both have some fun.

5.  Give him the gift of your SATISFACTION.  Let him off the hook for what he does or doesn't do for Valentine's Day this year.  Decide you aren't going to be disappointed in him.

6.  Give him the gift of TOUCH.  Valentine's Day isn't about earth altering sex.  I like to think of it as a realistic celebration of all things LOVE (spouse, God, kids, friends).  But, in general, men seem to rightfully, really enjoy sex.  So...do get on his schedule.  Night?  Morning?  Lunch break?  He'll notice you broke routine to reach out to him.

7.  Give him the gift of your ATTENTION.  This can be a big deal - especially during a season where your kids are hogging it all up.  Listen to what he says.  Make notes of his likes and dislikes.  Cook his favorites.  Let him pick the movie.  Let him know he's the one on your mind during the day, and that you're excited about seeing him later that evening.  Then, go and review points #1 - #6.

Listen, your life isn’t perfect.  Your Valentine's Day isn't going to be perfect either. That's ok.  

Remember we're adults now.  We aren't into re-creating the pressure of Senior Prom Night year after year like High School girls do. We understand that a perfect Valentine's Day is the FURTHEST THING from the point.  What you want, what we all want, is our relationships to take a step in a healthy, healing direction.  

We are praying for you!

21 Romantic Ideas for Valentine's Day

Alrighty then.

The marriage class at Pike’s Peak has started and besides that, VALENTINE’S DAY is a mere few weeks away.  So…who’s ready to celebrate lovin’ and romance? 

I’m game.

We’re going to expect all 130 of our class participants to PLAN a Valentine’ish date…execute…and post their pictures with #storyofmarriageco.  And, I thought you might like to get in on the fun as well.

Here’s 21 of our favorite inexpensive romantic ideas to get ya thinkin….

1.  Linger over a fashionably late dinner. 

Put those kids to bed.  Early.  Order take out, or make your favorite meal.  Bust out the nice plates. Light candles, play music, pour a glass of wine.  Enjoy.

2.  Whip up something new together in the kitchen together. 

This is a great little book given to Billy and I years ago as a gift.  There are detailed menus, shopping lists, and “who does what” lists.  Similar ideas can be found online, or make it up as you go! 

3.  MOVIE NIGHT! 

But put a little something extra into it.  Move the furniture.  Bring a mattress into the living room or make a comfy pallet on the floor.  Have fun watching the movie as long as you can.  ;)

4.  Cuddle by the Fire

A glass of wine, a little chocolate, great conversation.  What’s not to like?

5.  Enjoy a FREE day. 

The Zoo, the Museum, even restaurants have them!  Do a little research and you can put one a month on your calendar for 2016.  Bonus points!

6.  Read a book together…in your favorite book store…with a warm drink.

7. Go on a hike together

This is something we love to do!  We live in one of the most beautiful cities in the country.  Get out there and enjoy it!

8.  Try something new (rock climbing, canoeing, snow shoeing etc). 

Survey your facebook friends, ask around to your co-workers.  BORROW SOME GEAR.   We’ve borrowed skiis, skates, kayak’s, condos, bikes, dirt bikes, you name it.  Get out there and have a blast!  Tip:  Return equipment in better condition than you got it...so your friends don't mind you borrowing again in the future.

9.  Do a scavenger hunt. 

There are a million of these available for free online.  Pinterest is full of them.  Research for yourself.  Works best if you're in a silly mood.  It just might be hilarious.

10.  Art Walk. 

Admittedly, you can’t do this right now.  But you should know about it.  Old Colorado City.  The first Friday of every month,  April – December from 5 – 8 pm.  Stroll, look at beautiful things, enjoy the night with other interesting people.

11.  Walk around the Broadmoor. 

Vallet park for a mere few dollars.  Bring your travel mugs from home filled with hot chocolate.  Stroll around and pretend like you live there.

12.  Spa Night

(use your imagination)

 13.  Camp fire

One evening, we drove up to a small camp ground.  It wasn’t open per say, and we didn’t plan on staying the night.  We pulled into a small lot that over looked a beautiful section of the mountains.  We took 2 camping chairs and fire wood from our car, and started a fire.  We talked, cuddled under blankets, roasted marshmallows,  watched the sun go down and froze to death.  All good.  All good.

14.  Camping/Star Gazing

For that matter, go camping.  Sleep in a tent…without your kids.  It’s more fun than you think.

15. Play in the Snow

16.  Break out the wedding video

Ours is on VHS tape, but maybe yours isn’t.  J

17.  Make chocolate covered strawberries

Or Chocolate anything for that matter….

18.  Sit beside one another on the couch and send playful texts.

19.  Pillow Fight

Ladies, go all out.  Give it your best shot.  Win.  Girls Rule.

20.  Write a love letter and read it to one another.

Try  “Ten Reasons I Love You”.  Or  “Ten Things You do that Make Me Laugh”.  Or  “Ten Things You do that Make Me Feel Loved by You.”

21.  Kiss

Free, healthy, and goes without saying…

Now, get to it!  Celebrate love, trying, forgiving, being forgiven, creativity, trying some more, friendship and fun!

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,

Fall Playlist 2015

It's no secret.  I've blogged about it for YEARS in fact. 

My crazy that comes with transitioning from one season to another.  You can read about here.  And, here.  And, here...

And, well, anyways....

Why do I do this?  Because my introverted brain (that part of me so many of you like to tell me doesn't exist) resists change, ironically, like clockwork. 

Since I can't live in the land of eternal summer, I've kindly helped myself transition up until now (in physical and metaphysical ways) by doing household projects, planning imaginary vacations, running races...and all sorts of other things.  This fall, I have family on the brain.  I miss my college kids.  I'm ready to go home and see my extended family.  And, therefore, not a single household decorating project made it on my want-to-do-list.  Unlike years past, I also surveyed my family and incorporated their wishes too.  They can thank me later. 

So, without further ado, here ya go..my Fall Play List 2015.

Put some freezer meals away (because fall is the perfect time for this).
Finish the Couch to 5K app.
Get lost in a corn maze with thermoses of our favorite hot drinks. (Check!)

Visit Happy Apple Farm and make homemade apple sauce.
Take Billy to a Broncos game.
Buy tickets to take my family to a Christmas Play.

Send college kids a Fall Care Package  (Check!  Did that!)
Take popcorn and apple cider and enjoy a local outdoor concert.
Play at least (1) board game with the kids. 
       (Admittedly, one of my LEAST favorite ways to spend family time)

Have a smores party with friends and flannel blankets (buy flannel blankets).
Have a cooking date night.
Cuddle by a fire and drink hot drinks while we read a book together.

Fly kites on a windy day. (Check!)
Make Caramel apples.
Have a marathon party, stay in bed and watch a whole season of our favorite show.
     (Get a favorite show)

 

Buy Nitros Circus tickets for B's Bday  (Check!  Done.)
Visit Manitou and a restaurant we've never tried.
Go bowling with friends.

Explore a local Famers Market or Art Fair.
Golfing date.
Spend a date night at the bookstore.

Go see the leaves.
Go to the movies for V's birthday.  (Check!)
Mini Golf with Eli.

Bring a pizza to the park and toss a Frisbee or football.
Watch a football game with my boys.
Take family photos.

Go see my family in Alabama on Tgiving - make them do Tgiving Mad Libs.
Spend Fall Break with Liz and Friends.  (Check!)
Cut down our own Christmas Tree.

Now, don't play all or nothing.  We won't do all of those things either.
But, having the intention - and doing some of them will bring me joy enough.

Tell me, what are you going to do? 

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,