Favorite Things

May 17, 2015

Extraordinary Inspirations of the Week

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1. The following is a great article on how busyness controls our lives in the American culture:  http://intentionalbygrace.com/3-pitfalls-of-a-productivity-driven-society/#comment-117245

My daughter is not even three, and I have people telling me that once she is ready for extracurricular activities, I will be like everybody else, constantly busy and at one activity or another.  I already feel myself bucking that statement. Partly because I don’t like to do things the way everybody else does, just because that’s how others say it should be. Mostly, however, I want to make sure I leave time for family and focus on continually building quality relationships with my children and spouse! Of course I want my child to be involved in activities that interest her, but I do not want these activities to distract from what should be our number one priority (God). The only way I can teach that is by being an example myself and making that activity a priority.

2. I am currently reading the following book: “Spiritual Parenting: An Awakening for Today’s Families”, by Michelle Anthony (http://michelleanthony.org/#/welcome). I wanted to share with you an excerpt that greatly inspired me and an idea that I wish to replicate in my own life:

“Creating an environment where your children from the earliest days ask a very important question is critical for their faith development. The critical question that service asks is simply, ‘What needs to be done?’ This is one of the best questions you can teach your children to ask. To have them walk into any room, situation, or relationship and ask this will change the way they see their world. It’s simple It’s profound. Yet this is a posture that will not naturally be cultivated in your children unless you set out an intentional course, making it a priority.” “In my home we chose not to have chores. You’re probably thinking, ‘Wow, your kids must have enjoyed that!’ Well, actually we still implemented the chores concept, but instead of referring to them as chores (which they would see as something to ‘get done and out of the way’) we decided to call them acts of service. This might sound silly to you to think that we merely changed the name, but I wanted them to understand that what they were really doing was serving our family” 

I just thought the author’s concept was a great way to instill hearts of servitude in our lives. It certainly (at least for me) makes it easier to do the ordinary things in life, such as clean the kitchen or (occasionally) hang my husband’s endless mound of laundry for him. It causes me to pause and think. What can I do to serve my family or community today?

3. My MOPS meeting this week is cause for inspiration. In truth, I did not want to go this week. We had just arrived back in town from a long trip the night before my meeting. I wanted nothing more than to sleep in (as much as my toddler would allow) and be completely lazy that day. From the prompting of my husband (was he just trying to get us out of the house??), I went anyway. I am so glad I did. It was actually our last  formal meeting of the year. I was able to hear many testimonies of women who warrant their own posts. These are brave women who have overcome so much (from suffering loss of a limb and having a husband serving our country, to overcoming bullying, to defeating deep recesses of depression) and have come out stronger, better people. I believe this group is a long standing answer to a constant prayer of mine: that I can find meaningful friendships with other women. I had just that during college, but somewhere between working full time, moving to cities where I knew virtually nobody, and beginning a marriage and family, I have been lonely (for female friendship) for quite some time. I can’t blame society or others in and of itself, as my body language and tendency towards privacy and introversion hindered me from opening up to people. I hope (and pray) to continue to develop some of these friendships. I strongly encourage you to find some sort of group where you can develop friendships as well. You may have to force yourself to go, but keep pushing. (I am telling myself the very same thing.)  We need positive female relationships. It is part of living the extraordinary life.

4. Finally, I leave you with a link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2TCeSP4RQQ) for one of my favorite songs as a child. Based on the following scripture: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”  Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

April 26, 2015

SOME of MY FAVORITE THINGS THIS WEEK

This week has been the start of a busy next few weeks, so I wanted to end the week on a positive note.  So here are a few of my favorite things this week:

1. My husband. Today happens to be his birthday, so in celebration of that day, I have to say he definitely tops my list of favorite people. He puts up with my craziness and loves me adoringly. I know, even though we fight and drive each other crazy sometimes, I am so lucky to have him in my life. I thank God for allowing me to find him!  My constant prayer is that our relationship’s priority will be God centered.

2. In celebration of this day, it is also my husband’s cousin’s birthday today! She tops my list as well. She is like a sister to my husband and has become the same for me. Ironically, I met her before I ever met my husband, as we happened to go to the same college and crossed paths briefly her first year and my last.

Happy birthday to both of these amazing people!

3. Sunshine after two weeks of rain and flash flooding! I am thankful for the rain and all that it means, but I love the sunshine so much more!

4.  Making a successful dinner that my husband, my daughter and myself all loved! There were no left overs. Here is the recipe if you want to try it!

Drumsticks with Roasted Grapes

Ingredients:

1 lb. chicken drumsticks; 3 tsp. of olive oil, divided; 1 1/2 tsp. chopped rosemary; 3/4 tsp. salt, divided, plus a pinch of pepper; 1 cup red grapes; 1 cup quick cooking polenta; 2 tsp. unsalted butter; 1 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with foil. Toss the chicken with 2 tsp. olive oil, the rosemary, 1/4 tsp. salt, and pepper to taste. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Roast chicken for 10 minutes. Toss the grapes with a pinch of salt and 1 tsp. olive oil. Add the grapes to the baking sheet. Roast 25 more minutes.

2. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and 1/2 tsp. salt to a boil. Add the polenta in a thin stream, and whisk until smooth. Cook for 5 minutes over low heat. Stir in the butter, sprinkle with Parmesan, and serve with the chicken, grapes, and pan juices.

Credit goes to the magazine, PARENTS, March 2015

5. MOPS meeting: I am finally feeling like I am starting to make connections. As an introvert, part time nurse, and full time mother and wife, it is so hard to make connections and friendships with people. The introvert part of me makes that especially hard, as it is way out of my comfort zone to share myself and my life with others. That and my tendency to think others won’t care, really hinders my relationship building sometimes. Add to that a busy life, and that is a hard equation to solve.

6. My awesome sister finished her first marathon! (And a trail marathon at that!) She constantly does things that blow my mind! She was my hero as a child and I am proud to call her friend now!

7. Family time with a grandfather, uncle, aunt, cousins, great uncle and aunt, and several other family friends! What more could I ask for then to see my little girl building lifetime bonds with all these wonderful people!

It was a busy and memorable week! Not every week is so busy or memorable, but they are all extraordinary in their ordinary way! Feel free to share some of your favorite things of the week! I would love to hear about it!