Fall is right around the corner!

Who else likes loves is totally obsessed with fall like me?

(C'mon, I know I'm not the only one.)

It's my favorite time of year-something about the cool temperature, leaves blowing, and sense of anticipation in the air gets me every time. Also, the knowledge of acceptably unlimited amounts of pumpkin food products excites me almost as much as an unlimited shopping spree to Target.

(Almost.)

Yup, I'm a total sucker for Autumn. If there was ever an official "fall approved" groupie t-shirt, I'd be wearing it. Like every day. No joke. Justin Bieber, who?

(Of course, I'd buy multiple T's in case you wonder about unspecified hygiene issues.)

I'd also bottle up the months of October/November and keep them with me all the time, like one of those weird little purse dogs that holly wood bimbos carry around as a fashion statement.

Eh, all right, that squeemed me out a bit. No, I wouldn't. Really. Stop staring at me like I'm a total wacko! Tee-hee. :)

Anyhow, if you're crazy, scary, horror movie like, obsessed with fall as I am, here's a slammin' high five from me to you.

If not, forget the high five-but I'll give you a polite finger wave anyhow. 

So, do tell. What is your favorite season of the year, and why?

All I want...

Or I'd totally settle for unlimited hours of uninterrupted reading time on my Kindle.

(Preferably in a cozy pillowed nook with delectable frappuccino in hand.)

Summer Craziness!

Does anyone else get behind on things in the summer?

(Well, for me it's not only then...but yeah, it's an excuse and I'm claiming it.)

Anyhow, I've been super bad about blogging and hanging out with my blogger friends lately, so this is a big, fat, apology from me to whoever's reading this.

(And if you're not, it's probably because there hasn't been much to read here lately. So, yeah...)

But I really do love writing, blogging, and spending time with everyone in this awesome world, so I'm going to make an effort to schedule my time better and get on here more often.

(And catch up on my book reading-I'm convinced some publishers may resort to stalking me or hiring a private investigator that specializes in tracking down past due review delinquents. I may have to go into the overdue book review witness protection program. Yes, I'm sure there is one somewhere.)

But, anyhew, without further ado, I hope you all are having a fabulous summer and doing better on your blogging/reading than yours truly.

(P.S. Also, hope you enjoy somewhat creepy/wacky pictures of little dogs snuggling in coconuts-in otherwise pretty normal photos.)

The Proof of Your Love

I just recently became aware of the band For King and Country and this song, Proof of Your Love, has been stuck in my head all day.

So I thought I'd share in the hope that it will be stuck in your head too, because I'm unfailingly thoughtful like that. :)

Anyhew, if you haven't listened to this one before-or even if you have-hope you enjoy!

(P.S. If you're on the prowl for a new CD, I just bought their album, Crave, and it's 100% a-mazing!)

If stress burned calories...

This made me lol.

I'm guessing there would be a lot more skinny people, me included, if this were true... :)

What does Easter mean to you?

“There is a stage in a child’s life at which it cannot separate the religious from the merely festal character of Christmas or Easter. I have been told of a very small and very devout boy who was heard murmuring to himself on Easter morning a poem of his own composition which began ‘Chocolate eggs and Jesus risen.’ This seems to me, for his age, both admirable poetry and admirable piety. But of course the time will soon come when such a child can no longer effortlessly and spontaneously enjoy that unity. He will become able to distinguish the spiritual from the ritual and festal aspect of Easter; chocolate eggs will no longer seem sacramental. And once he has distinguished he must put one or the other first. If he puts the spiritual first he can still taste something of Easter in the chocolate eggs; if he puts the eggs first they will soon be no more than any other sweetmeat. They will have taken on an independent, and therefore a soon withering, life.” – C. S. Lewis

This really hits home for me, as I think Christians often struggle with that tricky duality which holidays bring. 

The spiritual side of us recognizes, and wants to celebrate, the part Jesus represents, while our human instincts want to get caught up in the fun aspects that most of society partakes in.

But, really, do we have to choose only one or the other? Is there a law saying Christians shouldn't decorate hard boiled eggs, hide Easter baskets, or snap a picture of their kids next to a giant, furry, rabbit? Those are all pretty harmless activities in and of themselves, right? 

Just like too much of anything tends to be a bad thing, I think moderation and balance are key.

As C.S. Lewis says, we can have our egg and eat it too. (Ok, that was a bit paraphrased, but you get the picture.) 


Without acknowledging the true reason for Easter, we take away the power of its actual meaning, leaving behind a shallow, rather silly, holiday. Yet when we allow the depth of the Resurrection its rightful first place in our heart, we can also enjoy the trivial parts for exactly what they are.

Because they truly aren't the reason we set aside this particular Sunday once every year. 

No, that honor goes to a man who spent 30 some years of His life as a sinless human being. And then one agonizing day, suffering incomprehendable pain just because the rest of us aren't perfect. 


I always thought the reason Jesus sweated tear drops of blood in the garden was because He knew the torture awaiting Him for hours on end. But I don't think that's true anymore. 


Yes, He knew it would be physical agony, but probably most terrifying of all was having to go from no taste of sin, to bearing the offenses of every single person in the world on His shoulders. While nailed to a cross, no less.

Imagine that for a minute. It would be like taking your healthy newborn baby and heaping the diseases of everyone in existence into their perfect body which had previously known no sickness.

Pretty horrifying.

And God the Father had to watch that happen to His beloved child without intervening.

Had to watch pure evil, anguish, darkness, sorrow, separation, and eventually death, take hold of His Son.


Until three days later, that same death brought about life, eternity, rejoicing, forgiveness, restitution...



Resurrection.




That one word is what I'll be celebrating this Sunday, what Easter means to me.


(And in the spirit of that, I'll probably have a chocolate egg to sweeten the day just a tad bit more.)

Above all else...

I definitely need this reminder often...sometimes hourly!

(Lol, as a side note, I just noticed the "b" is missing from Proverbs.) :)

You know you're a history fan when...

I do this all the time.

Also, quite possibly I...

Wonder what it would be like to have Daniel Day Lewis' Hawkeye from The Last of the Mohicans corner me by the nearest waterfall and utter: 

"You stay alive, no matter what occurs! I will find you. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far, I will find you."

(Picture included for your sighing pleasure. Although, sadly, the actual hug is not.)

 


If you're contemplating rolling your eyes at me, go ahead. :)





Despite my silly musings, I really do love history-and not just the kind that includes stoic, fit, men covered in leather.

But, no, I won't lie; that is a plus.

Honestly, I'm always astounded that what we read in books has actually occurred, and that what's happening right now will someday be considered future history.

Kinda weird, but cool, right?

If you're a history fan/buff, do you have a favorite era, well known figure, event, etc. that intrigues you? And if you could go back in time, what period would you choose?

I find the 1920's fascinating, and think I'd love the big bands, bobs, and flapper dresses. But maybe not all the violent gangsters so much. Native American history totally intrigues me, so I'd love to observe their customs, rituals, etc. Also, the 1700's/Revolutionary War era is another favorite of mine.

On a shallower final note, if there ever is a Last of the Mohicans-the sequel-with Daniel Day Lewis, I'll happily stand in for Madeleine Stowe as Cora Munro. :)

Hangry much?

I always knew there had to be a word for this condition, so imagine my relief when I came across it.

On a pillow, no less.

You know the one I mean.

It can come upon you more suddenly than a leaping mountain lion, and twice as ferocious.

You feel the grumbling of your stomach intensify, just as an unearthly roar comes out of your mouth to match it.  Before you have time to think, the word vomit just continues to spew out, frothing, and unstoppable.

And the unlucky person who happens to be the unassuming recipient (most often of the male variety) stares as if you've turned into a full fledged monster.

And perhaps you have.

Because, gasp, the hangry beast has taken over.

And won't stop until it's fed.

Who knew our stomachs were so connected to that little anger trigger in our head?  Or that lack of food could set it off so easily?

(Or that morphing into The Hulk doesn't just happen to Lou Ferrigno?)

Blessedly, the cure is pretty straightforward and doesn't require expensive pills to treat. The nearest Tim Hortons can tame the wildest hanger craving in mere minutes, leaving us relieved to feel semi in control of our faculties once more.

And thankful for the excuse to chow down on fattening doghnuts.

(But that is for another post entirely...)

My happy spots...

Do you have a favorite place, somewhere that you'd call your "happy spot?"

I love libraries.

Something about the serenity, atmosphere, and stacks of bookshelves waiting to be explored, fills me with delight.

I just feel at home around books, I suppose, so it makes sense that I'd enjoy a building full of them.

Barnes and Noble is another favorite hang out of mine.

Which is why:

I've gotten better about window, or rather chair shopping, but it's still a struggle for me to leave totally empty handed.

Especially if one of my favorite authors has just released a new book.

(Oh, the torture!)

But, on the bright side:

An all you can read buffet in heaven?

Ok, probably not; but it makes me smile. :)

What are some of your happy spots?

Do you get MMG?

Ok, so maybe you can relate to this unhappy little boy who has one hand slapped over his right eye, leaving the other free for intense, prolonged, glaring.

What's he channeling death rays at? Why, Monday morning, of course.

(Before I say any more, if you find this behavior overly odd, then I wholeheartedly suggest you stop reading now.)

In general, mornings and I don't have the best track record. We've never really gotten along, despite a few half hearted attempts at civility. While I've grown better at masking my animosity, sometimes I still can't totally control my reactions.

(They've been known to include: muttering, groaning, possessive cover clutching, fist shaking, and eye slapping-as seen above. (Except it's not so cute on an adult.)

But I have at last acknowledged a diagnoses for these unsavory behaviors.

Monday + morning + dysfunctional relationship=MMG.

All right, in plain english, I have Monday Morning Grumpiness. Normally it's just regular MG, but Mondays are extra special, so I'm giving them due respect.

(I have to say, it was my sister who sweetly informed me of my "morning grumpiness" condition, so I can't take all the credit.)

Anyway, I've been slowly working on my "issues" and can now say with utter sincerity that...

Yeah, I still don't like Monday morning. We're not best buds-possibly nodding acquaintances-but I can tolerate them more when I realize it's simply their lot in life to be the bad guy almost no one likes.

(Again, if you're part of the MM admiration society, please disregard everything I've just said and happily continue on your merry way.)

In other words, Monday got stuck with the short end of the straw, while Friday perpetually has the cool end of the totem pole.

I have a heart. I like to root for the underdog. Admittedly, a little sigh escapes my throat every time I watch Napoleon Dynamite channel his inner LaFawnduh for two groovy, on stage, minutes.

So if I put MM in that category, it helps the tiniest bit. MM is just doing its job. MM is not out to get me.

MM does not have to equal MMG.

Maybe I should give it a break and move onto Friday instead.

FMG anyone?

A special ladybug themed birthday party!

This past Sunday we had a birthday party to celebrate our daughter Ava turning one!

I had so much fun planning it, after deciding to incorporate a ladybug theme throughout. (Ava had previously dressed up as a ladybug for Halloween, and we also jokingly call her our little "bug," so this seemed perfect for her special day.)

I love looking at party pictures, so thought I'd share a few of my favorite highlights. :)

Here is the "sweets" table we set up in our dining room, with chocolate dipped pretzel favors, homemade cupcakes, and red/black licorice in a vase-which is not in this shot. For a little extra decoration, I included a photo of Ava I took in December, framed with a sign-able mat for guests to include a personal note for the birthday girl. There is also an album and ladybug pillow pet we recently bought her.

These were so much fun to do-chocolate bug cupcakes, with chocolate chip dots! I got the idea from Martha Stewart and kinda put my own twist on it. I also didn't use her actual cupcake recipe, just the concept.

This is the one I made: Mom's Chocolate Cupcakes.

And here's the link for  Bug Cupcakes if you'd like to design some of your own!

These red velvet cupcakes turned out so so moist and delicious! I've already posted the recipe I used, but so you don't have to dig, here it is again.
"He Proposed" Red Velvet Cake.



I used the same Vanilla Butter cream Frosting recipe for both cupcakes, and was really pleased with it.

Not pictured here, but I also whipped up a double batch of Mini Cherry Cheesecakes, courtesy of Taste of Home. Love them-the cupcakes and Taste of Home! :)

I made Ladybug Pretzel Bites for the favors, and they were very easy to put together. I dipped the bottom in milk chocolate, and for the top, simply mixed red food dye into white chocolate. Once they were dry, I decorated some of them with black food dye using a toothpick. For wrapping, I picked up clear gift bags plus polka dot ribbon from Walmart, and that was it!

Btw, my pretzels don't look exactly the same as pictured in the recipe, but that's the beauty of improvising, right? :)

Aren't these crackers really cute? I got the idea for these Ladybug Appetizers  from Taste of Home-no surprise there-and just thought they were adorable! I didn't get a chance to pipe black dots on to the tomatoes, due to lack of time, but thought they still turned out nicely anyway.

As far as the rest of the food, we made chili, along with meatballs, and bought rolls for meatball subs. We also had a veggie tray and plate of fresh, sweet, strawberries.

But, best of all, were the wonderful family and friends gathered together at our home; precious memories for Ava to cherish someday.

Finally, a pic of the birthday girl-favorite binky included- since it really was her day...

Hope you enjoyed this peek into my bug's 1st birthday party! :)

I want to go to there...

Even if you've never seen the show 30 Rock, most women could probably relate to this wondrous scenario Liz Lemon finds herself in.

Who wouldn't like to open the door to a handsome guy who bakes, and smells like frosting, no less?

Ding, ding, ding. I want to go to there!

Ok, even it that's not your thing, how about a man who consistently washes the dishes without reminder? Then gets the kids in their jammies, helps them brush their teeth, and tucks them in bed with nary a grumble or frustrated sigh? And possibly after all that, he still has the energy to give you a thorough foot rub, just because he wants to...

Pretty nice fantasy, huh?

Not saying there aren't plenty of wonderful boyfriends, husbands, and fathers out there who do nice things for their loved ones, but compared to our built up "dream" dude, he may seem lacking.

With all the female geared romance movies, magazine articles, and not so realistic, reality shows out there, it's easy to contrast what you've got with the perfect billboard male specimen, only to feel dissatisfied afterwards. Or you might find yourself mentally chafing about "your friend Regina's husband Matt who took her to a fancy restaurant last weekend," while the last time you ate non home made food was from a card board Lean Cuisine box.

There are a million other similar instances you may notice and add to the growing list of grievances, that your unsuspecting guy knows nothing about.

As far as he's concerned, things are just peachy keen in paradise, and that look you sent him this morning contained no daggers. In fact, when he gets home from work, he'll probably flip on the sports channel while you put the finishing touches on dinner. Maybe grab a cold drink and settle into the easy chair, while his mind clears from the stress of the day.

Meanwhile, your stress just keeps piling up until the warning light starts flashing "overload" and steam begins coming from the top of your head, rather than the top of the stove. Suddenly, you loath the man in the lazy boy with not a care in the world. Can't he see the kids need to be washed up before supper? Doesn't he smell the pot of macaroni burning in the kitchen?

Your heated musings may contain, but not be limited to:

"The Bachelor" showers his beloved with roses and private jets, Gilbert Blythe would do anything for his one and only, Anne, and didn't Redbook's latest article just warned about "10 signs your husband may be a selfish lover?" Not helping at meal time was number 3!

With these thoughts swirling, you confront hubby then wait for an apology.

None is forth coming. Instead, you get a bewildered, or possibly angry, stare that's even more maddening than the faults themselves. Is it at all possible he didn't comprehend a word you've just ranted? Is he not listening? (Number 5 on Redbook's don't list.) 

Either way, he's on your bad list now. Indefinitely.

All because he can't measure up to your expectations; which you're not exactly sure of yourself. (You just somehow know he hasn't met them.)

And, really, what's wrong with coming home from work and immediately sitting down to relax after a long, hard, day?

Nada. At least from the guy's point of view.

Yet, women often see things differently. And usually we expect men to agree with, or at least concede to our perspective, despite not fully understanding it.

(Yes, I know. We're a complicated breed.)

But, just like we all have our own  unique "I want to go to there" fantasies that will probably never happen, is it then unrealistic of women to place their own individual expectations on a guy?



What do you think?  How much does the culture around us influence our view of the man's role? Do women, in general, expect too much or not enough?

Ladies, Do You Get the Big Game?

Ladies, do you wonder what’s the big deal about the Big Game? Maybe you share your man’s enthusiasm about the Super Bowl. Maybe you’d rather get him off the couch to go running with you. Maybe you’d prefer to just go shopping. Let me share a few insights with you for Super Bowl Sunday.

While women fantasize about relationships, men fantasize about greatness. While women fantasize about cuddling, men fantasize about conquering. We men want to be something. We crave significance, influence, and impact. This desire for greatness shows up in the wilds we roam, the movies we watch, and the sports we play—or watch.

Football is the closest thing to an organized team gladiator battle in our nation. In it, passion, strength, and power fuse with precision and skill as two teams face off in an epic display of force and will. And a Super Bowl victory is the greatest prize. It’s the best of the best playing for greatness.

Men long to be great. Men were created to be great. Unfortunately, too many men don’t realize it. Yet greatness is the destiny of a Kingdom Man.

A Kingdom Man is a male who places himself underneath God’s rulership and lives his life submitted to the lordship of Jesus Christ. A Kingdom Man is a man who rules according to God’s rule. Rule does not mean domination or control—it means leading with wisdom for the betterment of others underneath the overarching guidance and sovereignty of God.

A Kingdom Man is every woman’s dream because when he functions according to the principles of God’s Kingdom, she can rest underneath his covering. To cover someone simply means providing the protection and provision they need as well as an umbrella environment for nurturing and fostering emotional, spiritual, and physical health. Fused within every Kingdom Man’s urge to conquer ought to be an equally strong conviction to cover and take responsibility for that which God has placed in his care.

How does that kind of greatness sound to you?

How can you pray for your man?

Is your man ready to be a Kingdom Man?

Check out the book trailer for Dr. Tony Evans’ upcoming book, Kingdom Man here.

Pre-order copies of Kingdom Man by Dr. Tony Evans here for everyone who attends your Super Bowl party.

Sign up here to receive a series of Kingdom Man Boot Camp emails — monthly challenging and encouraging samples from Dr. Evans’ book.

Need a Super Bowl snack tip? Check this one out:

Big Game Black Bean Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 small tomato, diced

• 2 tablespoons chopped red onion

• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, plus extra sprigs

• 2 (15-oz) cans black beans, drained

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (or more to taste)

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• salt

Directions:

Using a food processor, pulse tomato, onion, and cilantro until well chopped. Add black beans, hot sauce, cumin, and salt, to taste, and pulse until the mixture is mostly smooth. Transfer to serving dish, garnish with cilantro sprigs, and serve with tortilla chips.

(As a disclosure, I did not write this article but am posting it on behalf of the Tyndale Blog Network.)

The house was clean yesterday...

Ever wish you had a sign like this to hang on your front door? Almost as a "before you enter" pre-apology?

Honestly, our living room is never quite clean because I can always spot a toy lurking somewhere under the couch, chair, bookshelf or hassock. Cheerios have a unique crunch I've learned to identify the second after my foot comes into contact with them. They also, like their friend the building block, are tiny enough to burrow themselves into the hardest to reach locations.

And pacifiers seem to go missing in "blink and they're gone" fashion right before it's time for bed, when a particular binky user is at their crankiest.

Then it's time for me, aka tired mom, to don my super sleuth cape as I comb over every inch of floor with Sherlock Holmes precision.

(While my usually helpful Watson is already passed out on the couch, despite red-faced wailing that could rattle the dead. Yes, it's a medical mystery that still alludes me and, probably, women everywhere.)


Binky found, I can only contemplate what other hidden treasures await me behind the dark, dusty, entertainment center.

I sigh. Long and loud. Shut my eyes, dismally.

But, you know what? Life is messy; so it makes sense our homes are at times too. Despite our best efforts, something usually falls by the wayside, whether it be cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, errands, etc.

There will always be one more thing on our to do list that we haven't managed to accomplish.

However, straightening up the house is one of those never ending jobs that will need to be done day after day, child after child, disaster after disaster.

So, the reality is, we should do the best we can and...

Try not to sweat the small stuff.

(Because while messy rooms may seem the height of catastrophe, they truly aren't that significant in the grand scheme of things.) :)

Letting go...

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

This past year really caused me to realize I can't always control what direction my life will take. While we make plans and assumptions, God may have a different picture in mind for our actual destination. 

Or even a detour or two along the way. 

Some of us do better with change than others, but giving up our goals, dreams, even life, to God isn't an easy thing to do. 

There are times I want something for myself because I believe it will either bring me happiness, contentment, or fill a certain void. I don't necessarily stop to see if God and I are on the same page because I just assume he sees things with the same perspective as me. 

So when my plans don't work out, I wonder why.

I feel hurt. Forgotten. Impatient.

I grow frustrated, eventually resigned.

Finally, I stop and wait because that's all I can do.

Then somewhere amidst all these emotions, I discover my life has changed course almost without my knowing it. 

And it turns out that this new corner I've turned is much better, beyond even the one I originally envisioned.

Because now God's steering the ship and I'm taking a backseat.

In reality though, letting go sounds so much simpler than it truly is. It's usually a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, struggle; one we might never fully conquer. 

However, I'm discovering it's the striving, not the perfection, which pleases God most.

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14

What is it you may need to let go...in order to let God?

Is your "caps lock" on?

Have you ever received an email or had a computer conversation with someone that consisted mainly (or completely) of bold face type written letters?

Whether it was out of anger, frustration, or plain careless intent, those words sent a powerful message, didn't they?

As a recipient on the receiving end of said message, you may have felt: tongue lashed, humiliated, irritated, indignant, or seriously angry.

But more than the actual phrasing itself, the tone is probably what ticked you off most.

The "I'm making sure you know that I'm in your face" approach is always a quick way to escalate emotions and send tempers flying.

So why do it?

Here's the thing.

Some days I wake up on the wrong side of, not just my bed, but seemingly the whole wide world.

The littlest pet peeve, harmless glance, whiny tone, accidental mess, or event that does not go my way, can send me right over the edge of my already teetering sanity.

(And while PMS does affect 100% of women, using that as an excuse for moody behavior 100% of the time, is worse than the popular headache every night complaint. ) :)

So after establishing early on that my emotions are especially chaotic that day, I try remembering to ask for an extra helping of grace. Because if I don't, there's more likely than not an unseen explosive just waiting to be triggered by "my itching to fight" mindset.

Several times I've forced, literally forced, myself to put down the phone, erase an email or text, and possibly step into the other room to cool down before saying something I'll wish I hadn't. Because, in the heat of the moment, I can almost taste how good it'll feel to voice what I want; but afterwards I know regret will nag me into heavy remorse.

Hard as it is, stopping to pray in the midst of this often makes me change my planned upon course of action. I may realize I need to wait for a better time, or perhaps, not even address the issue at all. If I still feel a certain nagging in my spirit after communing with God, then that unrest is probably something worth pursuing; once I've completely calmed down.

Proverbs 15:1 says "A soft answer turns away wrath but harsh words stir up anger."

While this verse doesn't state what our answer itself should consists of, it clearly recommends that a soft one is key.

Because the tone we wield has the power to either accelerate or decelerate a turbulent situation.

We can either fight fire with fire, or cool things down by taking a more logical, understanding, approach. It doesn't mean we can't ever show anger, disappointment, etc. but we should check motivations and attitude first before engaging our, easily accessed, emotional side.

I've found that, with writing especially, things can easily get misconstrued in translation, so careful wording/tone go a long way toward how people may perceive us. You can still get a firm message across to someone without purposely angering, belittling, or putting them down.

At the end of the day, resisting the primal urge to turn on our "caps lock" defense mechanism might just be the most effective weapon in our arsenal...

Real Marriage-Dvd Based Study Kit:The Truth About Sex, Friendship, And Life Together by Mark and Grace Driscoll

This past year, my husband and I started a small group with two other couples from church, and decided to focus on marriage for our topic of study.  We were kind of surprised at how difficult it was coming up with a relevant, interesting, book or dvd that answered questions honestly while not seeming outdated/hard to understand.

The book we originally started using, which shall remain nameless, grew boring after just two weeks, and we tossed it aside in frustration. Since then, we've been hoping to stumble across something more useful that will actually cover the struggles and universal problems wedded partners experience on a daily basis.

When the Real Marriage kit came up for review, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to see what else was out there.

This study comes from Pastor Mark Driscoll, and his wife Grace's, point of view. They discuss their own marriage in a conversational style, sitting next to each other on a couch in their church. Sharing personal stories, failures, and insights, they tackle numerous subjects including: friendship with your spouse, confessing pre-marital sexual sins, what is permissible sexually in marriage, having a "work" husband or wife, past abuse, etc.

While, our group hasn't had a chance to sit down and watch the dvd set together, I did spend time yesterday viewing various episodes-which are about 15 minutes each-to get a feel for what/how material would be presented.

I found it interesting, and liked that the Driscoll's seemed comfortable opening up about their own marriage, in the hopes of benefiting other couples who may be going through similar circumstances. They also cover topics that are often considered taboo in the Christian world, so I commend them for being willing to not shy away from the serious stuff.

I look forward to going through this set in more detail with our friends, and getting their take on things. I would caution using this with a large group, as the subjects covered make for deeper, more intimate, conversations that would be best handled in a smaller setting with those you feel comfortable around.

As a side note, this would be helpful for singles, those who are already engaged, and newly weds, looking to start an open line of communication with their spouse right off the bat.

I also suggest buying a copy of the actual full-length study book, as it's not included in the dvd set. Reading that would add a lot more depth to each of the discussion guides.

I received a complimentary copy of this dvd kit from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

A blast from the past...

I've been feeling a bit wistful lately thinking about those events in my life that have already gone by...

I'm realizing now, more than ever, how quickly each moment fades into the next.

Yesterday's activities are already tomorrow's past, and that can make it easy forgetting just how we got where we are today. 

So for fun, I thought I'd make a small collage of pictures highlighting favorite parts of my own journey thus far.

Welcome to my little "blast from the past!" :)

My first job at the local library.  I was a glorified paige/clerk, which involved checking items in and out, helping patrons locate books/topics of interest, plus processing all the new materials we ordered-books, dvds, cds, etc.
(Btw, isn't that lip gloss something? I'm like 95% sure it might have actually glowed in the dark.)

Meeting my husband Nate through his mom, who also worked at the library with me. She set us up, and after our first date, he called me every day. So I figured he kinda liked me.  Or was massively desperate. :)
(This was taken at a youth rally the first month or so after we started going out.)

Getting married. The picture quality is poor-can't seem to find my original cd of wedding pictures-but a very happy day, nonetheless! We tied the knot exactly one year after our first date. :)

Missions trip to Peru. The church we helped build is right behind us. Pictured from left to right: me, Nate, and our good friend Karen. We had an absolutely wonderful time there, full of awesome experiences and lovely people we'll never forget. I'd love to go back someday...

Pregnancy. Here I am, ready to pop, and itching to meet my daughter, Ava.
(If I'd known how awful the labor would be, I might have told her to stay in there a little while longer. )

Giving birth to our little 8 pound bundle of joy, who's head got stuck and refused to come out no matter how hard mommy pushed. But after 10 centimeters of agony-on my end-and a little cutting-on the doctor's-she made her grand arrival!

(And then mommy was in such pain, daddy and Ava had to stop and get her some happy pills from the pharmacy on our way home from the hospital.)

Enjoying almost a whole year with my precious girl. Yes, she will be one on the 19th!

Celebrating 6 years of marriage... While it hasn't always been easy, it's worth the effort, and I thank God for all He's blessed me with. :)




These are some of my most memorable moments; what are yours?

I'd love to hear, if you'd like to share...


As always,  
Blessings!

Are we truly content?

Now, granted, Christmas is past and Santa has already flown back to the North Pole, but if Jesus is reading this, that'd be pretty cool.

All right, I know I'm pushing it a bit; yet sometimes I can't seem to help myself.  

Sadly, contentment isn't exactly something I learned in between algebra (which I never really got) and those dreaded SAT exams (which turned my already challenged brain into a complete pile of zombie mush.)

That "grass is always greener mentality" seems to lurk in the back of my mind at the most inopportune moments. 

Ok, mostly when I stand on the scale and pray with revival meeting-like fervor that the numbers will be kind. Or that the bon bons I shoveled into my mouth two days ago, will have had a chance to liquify their assets from my body before this weigh in.

(Btw, no on both counts.)

So what's a girl to do in this situation?

I've found what usually works for me is to stop and just take a deep breath, so my brain has a chance to slow down.  

(This also limits the possibility of it actually exploding or turning into a bunch of overstimulated fried wires.)

Gradually, the nagging monster of discontent fades and i can, once again, appreciate the positives staring back at me. 

No, Victoria's Secret won't be slapping a pair of wings and jewel encrusted bra on me anytime soon, but if I'm not content where I am right now, being a size zero probably won't fix matters either.

Philippians 4:12&13 says: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength."

If we truly live and believe these words, contentment is bound to follow. 

And maybe we'll spend less time scrutinizing the "have-nots," and more effort magnifying the "haves" themselves.