My Reading List and Other Gems

I love to read. I always have. There's just something about a new book, isn't there? There's something, indeed, magical when you crack open a book for the very first time. The fresh white pages just waiting to be absorbed. I remember LOVING the smells of the library when I was a kid. Albeit weird, I always loved (and admittedly still love) the smell of old, used books.

While on vacation with my mom and Chloe earlier this month, I found a gem I'd overlooked before. The SALVATION ARMY! Books for $2 an $3! Good books. Books in good condition. I even amazed myself that I was able to locate such great finds for so cheap. (Bargain shopping has never been my forte. And I mean that.) I believe Chloe and I walked out with 13 books that afternoon having spent only $31! I was pretty happy! And ready for some serious reading. ;)

Here's what I'm currently reading:
One In A Million, by Priscilla Shirer
Discerning The Voice of God, by Priscilla Shirer
It, by Craig Groeschell
The Life You've Always Wanted, by John Ortberg
Live Big (10 life coaching tips for living large, passionate dreams), by Katie Brazelton
A Perfect Mess, by Lisa Harper
The Grace of God, by Andy Stanley
The Power of Patience, by M.J. Ryan

Other things I'm LOVING right now:
Jesus Calling (Devotional book), by Sarah Young
Promises to Pray Over Your Children (Prayer book), by Roy Lessin
90 Days with David (Devotional book), by Beth Moore
The One Year Mother Daughter Devo, by Dannah Gresch
The McArthur Bible Commentary
The Esther Bible Study, by Beth Moore

Blogs and websites that inspire me:
Perry Noble (pastor of Newspring Church in Anderson, S.C.)
Steven Furtick (pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, N.C.)
Living Proof Ministries (Beth Moore's blog)
Going Beyond Ministries (Priscilla Shirer's ministry blog)
Lysa TerKeurst (President of Proverbs 31 Ministries blog)
Renee Swope (Co-speaker of Proverbs 31 Ministries radio show)
Bring The Rain (Angie Smith's blog. Angie has an AMAZING story - you must visit her blog!)
In the Name of Love (Writer and speaker, Biana Juarez's blog)
A Holy Experience (Ann Voskamps, author of One Thousand Gifts, blog)
(in)courage (Home for the hearts of women blog)
BibleGateway (An online bible resource)

My personal Prayer Journal
If you don't have one - I encourage you to get one. Mine is NOT fancy. It's a basic spiral. But I absolutely love it! Every day I write in it things I am praying about. It's a great resource for me to look back on to see times when God answered prayer and times He was speaking to me through my prayer time. Make sure to date each entry so you can look back and see the times God was working in your life.

My personal Gratitude Journal
Inspired by this book, I am on my way to listing 1,000 things I am grateful for. I'm telling you - if you want to incorporate a discipline that will change the way you see every day living - this is something you HAVE to try! It's hard to be upset and disappointed when you are consistently on the hunt for things that you are thankful for. By the way - I'm on #148.

The version of the bible that I prefer these days is the NLT. Very simple to understand. A second runner up would be the NIV. I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the Message bible and invested in a side-by-side parallel (NIV/Message) bible last year. It's a great all-in-one that has become a regular go-to for me.

There it is. Not all of it, but a pretty good list of what I'm into right now and what's growing, molding and shaping me.

I'd LOVE to hear what you're reading and what you're inspired by! Leave a comment and share in our community!

Don't just be blessed today... be a blessing!

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Being a Good Friend

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I have been beyond blessed by some wonderful friendships in my life. I truly have. But I often wonder if I've been a blessing to them in return.

What makes a great friendship? What's the secret to long-lasting relationships? I think it's pretty simple, really. I think it's about being the kind of person whom the other cannot live without. The greatest friendships in my life consist of selfless people who are good listeners, love to laugh and who make me better just being around them.

Friends are honest with you... even if it's not what you want to hear.
Friends are supportive... they cheer you on to victory and success.
Friends are trustworthy... you can trust them with your secrets and dreams.
Friends have seen you at your worst... and choose to love you anyway.
Friends are drawn to WHO you are... not what you have.
Friends are loyal... they've always got your back.
Friends are filled with grace... they are slow to anger and quick to forgive.
Friends are compassionate... humbly offering their tender heart.
Friends are good listeners... they don't just hear, they listen with their eyes and hearts as well as with their ears.
Friends are selfless... sacrificing their desires for yours.
Friends are generous... giving much and expecting little.
Friends are inspirational... they inspire you to want to be a better person.

I am richly blessed by the friendships I've made along this life's journey. I've been challenged by them, encouraged by them and loved deeply by some of this planets greatest people!

I read recently about "refrigerator rights" friends. These are friends who can walk into your home and help themselves to anything in your refrigerator. Why? Because they are THAT comfortable in your home. THAT comfortable with just being themselves when they are with you. THAT comfortable in their relationship with you. Authentic friends with rights to your life.

Do you have friends like this?

In John 15:13, Jesus is teaching His disciples, His FRIENDS, about how to love each other. He said, "I command you to love each other in the same way I love you. And here is how to measure it - the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends."

Jesus was, indeed, the greatest example of a true friend.

Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend."

We are called to make each other better; to build each other up.

Ecclesiasties 4:9-10 says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"

We were made to be in community with others. There is strength in numbers. We need each one another... we weren't meant to do this alone.

It's true - I have been blessed by great friendships, but I pray that I may never stop being the kind of person others long to be around. I pray that I would always seek for ways I can be the best friend possible to those God has entrusted me with.

One of life's greatest joys is being able to have and be a friend! Don't underestimate the value of these special relationships! We have this one life to get it right. Will we be the kind of friend Jesus would be proud of?

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Lemony Penne & Broccoli

RECIPE FRIDAY time!

Got a great recipe for you today. It's healthy, yummy and filling! I made it this week with pork chops and corn. Didn't really need the corn - but Chloe isn't really a broccoli pasta salad person. This would be good even as a main course for me, as I LOVE LOVE LOVE pasta! :)

Hope you en{JOY}!



Lemony Penne & Broccoli Salad

8 ounces whole-wheat penne pasta
4 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic, sliced
1 pound broccoli florets
1 can (19 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 basil leaves
1/4 grated Parmesan cheese

1.) Cook penne following package directions about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the liquid. Transfer pasta to a large serving bowl.

2.) While pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden. Add broccoli, and 1/3 cup water to skillet and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until tender.

3.) Stir beans into skillet and heat through. Add lemon juice and zest, salt and red pepper flakes. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and enough reserved cooking liquid to create a sauce. Tear in the basil. Serve immediately with the cheese on the side (I actually put my in as I like a lot of the cheese).

Makes: 4 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes

You're Beautiful

Good Morning Friends!

Today I'd just like to have a conversation with you. A heart-to-heart of sorts. In a world where there is so much pain and sadness, I feel compelled this morning to encourage you.

Can I do that?

First of all, do you know how beautiful YOU are? How loved YOU are? Do you know that YOU have what it takes? Do you know that YOU were on Jesus' mind when He hung on a cross over 2,000 years ago? I wonder... do you know? Do you really know? Do you know how special YOU are in the eyes of God?

Maybe you are a mother who is struggling with self-worth because at this season in your life, you have been called to change diapers and nurse babies instead of pursue the career path you've dreamed of your entire life.

Perhaps you are a single woman who is lonely and becoming impatient because your prince charming still hasn't arrived on his white horse to carry you away. All of your friends are married with children and it appears as though you've been forgotten about... left behind.

Maybe you are consumed by a job you love but you're sinking into a deep, dark depression because you work so hard, but others seem to be getting all the credit. You feel taken advantage of and severely unappreciated.

You've had your heart broken. You've feel defeated. You're empty. You're overwhelmed. You just want to give up. Besides, the world wouldn't be affected by your absence anyway.

Right?

WRONG!

In Psalm 139:17 it says, "How precious are your thoughts about me, O God!"
Friends - this means YOU and I are in His thoughts! The Psalmist, David, goes on to say, "They are innumerable! I can't even count them!" God... the God of this universe, the One who is All-Powerful, All-Knowing, the King... He thinks we're precious and WE are His workmanship for whom He is most proud! Oh how special YOU are to Him!

In Matthew 10:30 Jesus says, "And the very hairs on your head are numbered."
THIS is how intimately our Father knows us! He cares for us enough to have numbered the hairs on our heads!! Don't miss this!

Ephesians 3:18 says, "And may you have the power to understand, how wide, how long, how high and how deep His love really is."
Dear friends, He overflows with love for YOU and for me. It literally overflows. We can't even fathom this kind of love. It's too wide, too long, too high and too deep.
I'm reminded of the first time I saw the ocean. I was about 13 when I saw it for the first time. It was incredible! What I remember most is that there appeared to be no end. It seemed to just go on and on and on and on. I remember thinking - WHAT is on the other side of that body of water? Could there possibly be ANYTHING on the other side? Is there really an end to this thing?
Listen - God's love for us is like that ocean. That large, turquoise body of water. It goes on and on - there is no end. He is filled with love for us!

1 Peter 5:7 says, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you."
I know it's hard to believe, sometimes, that God has time to really CARE about what happens to you... but He does! His word tells us this! He's not some God who hands out punishments and orders from His throne and then forgets about us. He CARES about us. When we're sad - He is sad. When we are hurt - He is hurt. He feels our pain and He's counted our tears (Psalm 56:8 - "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle.") He doesn't just care about YOU, sweet thing, He cares deeply for you. So much that He collects our tears. Oh how thankful I am for this Holy compassion.

I love Ephesians 2:4-5, "But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so very much that even while we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead." I especially appreciate the NLT version where in parentheses it says, "It is only by God's SPECIAL FAVOR that you have been saved."
Let's not forget that we are God's SPECIAL FAVOR. He loved us THAT much that He was willing to send His Son to take our place. The word favor means: the state of being approved or held in regard. He approves us. He considers us as worthy. We are His favorite! Think about that for just a moment!

And then there's this one... Jeremiah 29:11... "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"
He has plans for YOU. He's not finished with YOU. His plan is to give you HOPE and a FUTURE. (Jeremiah 1:5 says "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb." He KNEW us. He knit us together in our mother's womb and He has a plan and a purpose for our lives. He's created you at this time for a distinct purpose and He's going to use YOU and I to make a difference!

The bible is God's love letter to us. We read about His unfailing love over and over again. The bible teaches us that we serve a compassionate God who is filled with grace and mercy and most of all LOVE.

I hope you are encouraged by His words. And I pray that you never doubt your worth. You are beautiful. You are loved. You are treasured. You are His!

Be blessed today!




Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Prayer

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Every Monday morning I ask for prayer requests via my facebook page. And every Monday I receive emails from people who are hurting and are in need of prayer for all kinds of reasons. I hear from women who are going through a rough spot in their marriage. I hear from friends who are struggling with their faith. I receive requests from those who have been sick, struggling to raise children, those overwhelmed by the demands of every day life and those who have been faced with insurmountable odds. I do get most of my requests sent privately to me through my email and I consider it an honor to be able to partner with God on their behalf.

But I want you to know that I take this responsibility very seriously. I have a heart for those who are hurting and many times can relate to the pain because I have been there myself.

But you see - my prayers have changed slightly.

Following my prayer time a couple weeks ago, I really felt like God was asking me to change the way in which I approached prayer for these individuals. Don't get me wrong.... I still pray for healing, restoration and strength, but I've included something so important that I had been missing all along. And this is what I wrote in my journal following this revelation from God....

"When I pray prayers like "Father - encourage her/him today", let me it NOT stop there. Help me to pray that I might be used to BE the encourager."

I think it's time we stop praying safe prayers, asking God to be the encourager, and begin asking God to put ACTION steps to those prayers by asking Him to use US to BE His hands and feet! I don't want to pray prayers asking God to help others get by - I want to pray prayers that would CHANGE LIVES. And I want God to start with me!

For that marriage that is facing divorce - I want to pray boldly that God would use my marriage as an encouragement. That my own relationship with my husband would be the Godly example for these struggling friends. That God would give us wisdom and guide our conversations with these individuals.

For the woman facing challenges in her every day life and the demands at home... being a wife, a mother and a full-time employee - I want to pray boldly that God would use me to be a blessing and an encouragement to my friend. That I would yield to the Holy Spirit's promoting to BE the listening ear and the comforter. That I might offer, in tangible ways, words of hope and scripture references that brings peace.

People are hurting and there is no doubt that they need our prayers. They desperately need to know that God loves them and wants to the best for them - but they also need to SEE this lived out and displayed through us. It is our job, as Christ-followers, to SHOW that love, Christ's love, by demonstrating that love. By encouraging, motivating and uplifting. My prayer daily is that God would use me in a mighty way for His purposes. That when others look at me, they would see Jesus. And this, in and of itself is a pretty intense prayer.

I don't believe that Jesus died on the cross for us to pray prayers that simply get us by. I believe He died so that we can learn to pray boldly and passionately, believing and expecting Him to do more than we could ever dream or imagine. And it starts with using us in a powerful way that draws others closer to Him.

My prayers are changing. I'm asking God to start with changing me first so that I can be used by Him for big things.

Ephesians 3:20 says... "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."

He's ready to use us... we just have to ask!

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Guest Recipe: Stuffed Shells

My facebook friend, Holli, gave me this recipe. Super easy and super delicious!! Note: you can make this mixture for Lasagna noodles too - just plan to double the recipe for a heartier meal!

Happy Cooking!



Crab Stuffed Shells (or Lasagna)

1 package of green giant antioxidant veggies in the microwavable pouch...make as directed, then cut up into pieces.

1 package of cream cheese, softened.

1 package of imitation crab or lobster meat. Chop up and mix with veggies and cream cheese.

Spread a layer of spaghetti sauce in bottom of baking dish (I use Prego).
After boiling the shells, rinse with cold water and fill shells with mixture.
After shells are stuffed, pour the rest of the sauce on top and then top with mozzarella cheese and bake for about a half hour at 375 degrees.

Yummo! :) Thanks Holli!

On One Thousand Gifts

Most of you know I've just finished a GREAT book entitled One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. It has been an AMAZING journey for me... truly an inspiring book that I encourage ALL of you to RUN out and purchase! It's also been challenging. A dare... to find and list one thousand things you are grateful for. One thousand gifts.

I know I keep saying it over and over - but this book has literally changed my life. Honestly, Ann is, by far, one of the most amazing authors I have ever had the privilege to read!

Ann was interviewed recently on 100 Huntley Street and here's what she says about her book. I hope you enJOY! (Note: you'll need to scroll to the bottom to pause my playlist before watching.) :)







"He {God} wants us to live abundantly. He doesn't want us to just survive, He wants us to thrive. Not to just meet Him, but to enjoy Him moment by moment."

"God is always good and I am always loved."

"If God is everywhere, beauty has to be everywhere."

I love her comparison to our model, Jesus. Who, when faced with the certainly of death - chose to GIVE THANKS by breaking the bread and sharing it with His disciples. (Luke 22)

It's about choosing to give THANKS right where you are - for whatever God gives.

Remember, God is always good and I am always loved!

Can we pause long enough to see the beauty in our every day lives? The beauty in this mess. The joy in the moment.

My list? I'm on 111. My journey of choosing to SEE the beauty around me and considering it pure JOY. Taking the ugly in this world and finding the beauty... that's where God is! That's where real living is. That's what living FULL is all about.

You can get your copy here or here.

Will you join me on the JOURNEY of GRATITUDE?

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Scripture Memory: Mar 15

I thought about the scripture memorization post on the 15th. I promise. But - it was my wedding anniversary and I spent the day with my wonderful husband. :) I'm back now... and ready for another scripture memory verse!!

I'd LOVE to hear from those of you who are participating in this scripture journey with me! You can read more about this challenge here.

Here is my verse for March 15:

James 2:14 (NLT)
"Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions."

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Fourteen Years!

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Dear Trevor -

Today marks our fourteenth wedding anniversary. Fourteen years. All I can say is where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday that we were embarking on this new journey together - and yet here we are... a few wrinkles and a couple gray hairs later.

We were so young when we first started out, weren't we? No real cares in the world. Money to spend on frivolous things if we wanted them. Minimal bills to pay. The world was ours for the taking. We stayed up late, slept in 'till noon and ate out just about every meal. We've seen a lot together and we've come a long way. Through all of my inadequacies and all of my failures, you still love me. You still choose me. And I am blessed beyond measure by your dedication to our togetherness. Our oneness.

Today I celebrate not just the quantity, but the quality of our marriage. Though sometimes masked with confidence when times were tough, your willingness to partner with me proves over and over again your desire to see this thing through. I admire the seriousness in which you take the responsibility you were entrusted. "Covenant, not contract" as you would say. There were times when walking away might have been easier, but you always chose God's higher calling and I could not be more proud to call you my husband.

I love being married to my best friend and I love the memories that we share. I love that you know what my weaknesses are, what my favorite ice cream is, what side of the bed I prefer and what makes me giggle. Nobody knows me like you do and I can't imagine sharing this one life with anyone else.

It's true that I am better for having said "I do" on a cold, icy day in the middle of March. And I promise to keep saying "I do" as long as God allows me air in these lungs.

What a ride this has been... and we're just getting started. Here's to 14 more!

I love being loved by you. I am, indeed, one lucky, lucky girl!

All the love this heart can hold,



1 Cor 13: 4-8 (MSG)

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end

To Be Used By Him...

...Oh to be used by Him!
















Different. Most of my life I've felt different.

I remember as a very small child feeling different than most other kids my age. When the interests of others centered around swing sets, dodge ball, tree climbing and hopscotch, my focus was on reading, journaling, writing short stories, music and performing in front of anyone who sat still long enough to listen. As an only child of two full-time employed parents, I was alone. A lot. And I didn't mind. Maybe it's because I really didn't know anything different. And looking back now I'm grateful for those times... those formative years of mine. I know now that God was molding me, shaping me and preparing me for the woman He would use years later.

It was the summer of 1985 when I was first introduced to Jesus Christ. And it didn't take long for me to fall in love. I was only 12 years old, but something changed deep inside of me that summer. And so, began, the calling on my life.

I was about 14 years old when I first felt like God was calling me to be used by Him for big things. Even through those rough adolescent years God was preparing me for greater things. And looking back, His fingerprints were all over my life. Thank you Jesus!

I've come a long way since those awkward pre-teen years, but the fire that raged inside of me as a young lady, still burns strongly today. My prayer life has matured a bit, but my humble request remains the same... "Lord... use me in a MIGHTY way for Your Kingdom! Place people in my life who need to know about You. When others looks at me... may they see your son, Jesus. Less of me, Father, and more of You."

I've come to realize that if you're going to begin asking God to reveal His plan and purpose for your life, you'd better be prepared to MOVE when He says move and GO where He says to go. And it might not make sense right away. From experience, I can tell you that my calling... didn't make sense at first.

For years, even as a full-time church staffer, I steered clear from women's ministry. I'm not sure why... I just couldn't see myself becoming actively involved with other Christian women when there was a dying world out there that needed desperately to hear how much my God loves them. Quite honestly, sitting in a room filled with women who were already intimately aware of the cross, seemed pointless and unfulfilling. Until God spoke to my heart and changed the way I perceived this type of ministry. God began showing me ways in which women have enormous opportunities to change their world in powerful ways and more specifically, how God was going to use ME to accomplish this change. I remember clearly thinking... "This must be from God, because it's not the path I would have chosen." But now that His calling is clear, my purpose has become my obsession. I have no other choice than to obey. Palms up... ready to serve!

I read recently that "if the size of your vision for your life isn't intimidating to you, there's a good chance it's insulting to God." God's vision for my life IS intimidating, it is convicting and it even makes me a little uncomfortable, but God is using me in the midst of my uncertainties. My job is simply to obey. My one true desire is to be used by Him in a mighty way and I believe the best is yet to come.

Sitting in a bible study recently, we were asked how many of us are actually concerned about feeling "significant". I recall being the only woman in the room to raise my hand. And it's true... I've always been a seeker of significance. But it's not just about FEELING significant... it's BEING significant. It is my hearts desire to be used by Him in ways that draw others around me closer to the Father. And I'm ready. Ready to put hands and feet to the vision God has placed on my life.

I first heard about the She Speaks Conference about a coupe months ago while browsing through blog sites I frequent. Lysa TerKeurst of Proverbs 31 Ministries was talking about the conference and the significant impact it was having on women all over the world. And I was intrigued. But I'll be honest, I didn't feel as though attending the conference would ever be attainable for me... a small town girl with nothing much to offer but her broken mess and a God-sized vision.

My heart skipped a few beats when I read about this incredible opportunity to win one of 2 Cecil Murphy Scholarships being offered. What a privilege and an honor to be able to submit a simple blog post entry to win! And I share this passion with so many other wonderfully talented women that I'm certain the choice will not be an easy one to make. I am grateful for the chance and humbled by those chosen by God to make such gifts available

This conference is about receiving the tools and confidence to answer God's call on the lives of women who simply desire to make a difference. And it's really that simple... I want to make a difference. Attending this conference, for me, would be my first steps of obedience to this call.

But you see... even if I'm not chosen to receive a scholarship to this conference, I am still chosen by the One who loved me first. And I am overwhelmed with gratitude because of the gift I have of partnering with the God of the universe to make a difference in my world today that will have significance in eternity!

And it doesn't get much better than that!

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Journey to Gratitude

Habakkuk 3:18 (ESV)...
"I will take joy."






If you've been following the blog, you've probably read that I'm in the middle of one of the best books I've ever read. It's entitled One Thousand Gifts by Ann VosKamp. Ann was encouraged several years ago by her friend to begin listing things that she was grateful for. What started out as just another "list" to manage, turned out to be her life's quest for finding the beauty in all things. A "hunt" for beauty and gratitude as described by Ann herself. She admits that first it was the dare that kept her going. But slowly, that dare turned into discipline and so it was because of that, the list went from "documenting 100 things I'm grateful for" to 200... to 500... to 700... to 1,000... and beyond. And is it ever ending? I don't believe it can be. When the list stops, does that somehow, then, signify an end to our gratefulness? Can it? I certainly hope not.

And so... inspired by the challenge set before me on the pages of this life-changing book, I've begun my quest for gratitude. All things beautiful.

And what have I learned so far? So much!

- That being grateful leaves little room for feeling frustrated.
Like last night. A night of chores. A busy night. Oh - and trash night. It was and I had forgotten. As I emptied out the kitchen bags - trash came toppling out. All over the floor. In every direction. And then I felt it. The familiar feeling of frustration... mounting high. Temperature elevated. I needed someone to blame. Was it the small hands that piled trash high in a bag that was already overflowing? Probably. Hadn't I already warned that this would happen and NOT to do it? Perhaps.... several times over. But what good did getting mad do? What right did I have to allow my frustrations to turn to anger? Slowly stepping back from the mess I remember. Eucharisteo. Charis (grace). Eucharisteo (thanksgiving). Chara (joy). A triplet of stars. Give THANKS for the moment. This is what brings joy. Think thanksgiving and you have no reason to feel anything other than joy. In the moment. I step back - - breathe deeply. And I choose joy. I choose to be thankful. Thankful that I have a family to even make a mess! Thankful to have a home in which to make the mess in! I am... grateful... and gratitude trumps resentment. It just does.

As Ann expresses in her book, "Feel thanks and it's absolutely impossible to feel angry. We can only experience one emotion at a time. And we get to choose - which emotion do we want to feel?"

I choose thankfulness.

I began this morning during my quiet time, adding to my gratitude list, the mornings simple blessings. They're simple really. Or are they?

- An Alarm clock that works.
- A little girl who is happy and easy to get out of bed for school.
- Bagels with cream cheese. One left! Praise God!
- A washing machine that works!
- A dishwasher that cleans dishes.
- Running water.
- A warm shower.
- Hairspray.
- A healthy dog.
- A working phone.
- Internet.
- Conversations with family members.
- A warm bed.
- Clean sheets.
- Good eyesight to read.
- Beth Moore devotionals.
- Working vehicle.
- A text from the hubs.
- Safe travels to and from school.
- Sunshine.

Things that seems small... trite maybe. But they are blessings. That which I don't deserve.

Colossians 2:7 says, "Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done."

Naming gifts. That's what it's about. "Naming offers the gift of recognition" says Ann VosKamp. "In Naming that which is right before me, that which I'd otherwise miss, the invisible becomes visible." "Naming these moments may change the ugly names I call myself."

And again I read... "Life change comes when we receive life with thanks and ask for nothing to change."

A glimpse into my list... (I'm on # 92)

13.) Hugs
18.) Gentle rolls of thunder
34.) Date nights
53.) Corn on the Cob
62.) Bic Ultra Round Stic Grip pens... in blue
70.) The color burgundy
74.) A full gallon of milk
85.) Lunch dates with Chloe

Remembering to be grateful leaves little room for regret. Feeling thankful trumps feeling frustrated. But it takes work. It takes being intentional. And my biggest problem yet? Slowing down long enough to SEE what's here and now. Right in front of me. And being thankful in the moment. Choosing to SEE. Choosing to be thankful for whatever it is God has given me right now.

I choose gratitude. Will YOU too?

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Broccoli Soup & Croutons

Since my family has had colds for the past couple weeks - I felt that a soup day was in order for one day this week. I found this one on Food TV Network - - courtesy of Pat and Gina Neely, two of my favorites on the network! :) It's very tasty and the croutons are out of this world! :)

Happy Cooking!



Ingredients

* 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
* 1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 1 carrot, chopped
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
* 1/2 cup cream
* Homemade Croutons, recipe follows

Directions

Melt 4 tablespoons butter in heavy medium pot over medium-high heat. Add broccoli, onion, carrot, salt and pepper and saute until onion is translucent, about 6 minutes. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, until the flour reaches a blonde color. Add stock and bring to boil.

Simmer uncovered until broccoli is tender, about 15 minutes. Pour in cream. With an immersion blender, puree the soup. Add salt and pepper, to taste, and then replace the lid back on the pot. Serve hot with Homemade Croutons.

Homemade Croutons:

* Day old French bread
* Olive oil
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Cut bread into cubes and place in a large bowl. Drizzle cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Mix well.

Spread seasoned bread onto a sheet pan and bake for about 15 minutes.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Gratitude

I've always considered myself to be a fairly grateful person. You know... I'm grateful for the blessings I have. Grateful for the my husband, my daughter, my parents, the sun, my warm bed and that piece of chocolate cake I had last night. These are things I am thankful for... grateful for. Blessings.

But what if we started looking at GRATITUDE in a different kind of light.

Last month I began reading the most amazing book. Written by Ann VosKamp, writer for DaySpring, a division of Hallmark, One Thousand Gifts is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read!

Ann was challenged by a friend to journal 1,000 things she is grateful for. One thousand things. What started out as a dare from a sweet friend became, in her own words, a "hunt". Grabbing the first pieces of scrap she could find, she begin writing her list... yet another list... of gratefulness.

What makes Ann's list so unique, is her ability to see beauty in the seemingly small things. Her list includes things like... Wind flying cold in her hair, jam piled high on toast and mail in the mailbox. MAIL IN THE MAILBOX? How many of us can actually say we'd even THINK about being grateful for mail in the mailbox? I don't know about your mailbox, but mine seems piled high with more bills than I have money to pay. And she's thankful for mail in the mailbox?

But here's some of the things that Ann has to say about gratitude and thankfulness...

"Thanksgiving is the evidence of our acceptance of whatever He gives."

"Jesus offers thanksgiving for even that which will break Him and crush Him and wound Him and yield to a bounty of joy." (Based on Jesus' gratefulness the night before going to the cross.) "He took bread, even the bread of death, and gave thanks."

"The greatest thing is to give thanks for everything. He who has learned this knows what it means to live... He has penetrated the whole mystery of life: giving thanks for everything."

"As long as thanks is possible, joy is always possible."

"Thanks is what multiplies the joy and makes any life large."

"Gratitude for the seemingly insignificant - a seed - this plants the giant miracle."

"When I give thanks for the seemingly microscopic, I make a place for God to grow within me."

"Life change comes when we receive life with thanks and ask for nothing to change."

"I can always give thanks because an all-powerful God always has all these things - all things - always under control."

Truly and honestly inspired by Ann's writings on gratitude... this book has changed my life.

Isn't being thankful the point? Isn't living a life filled with gratitude and praise what God truly desires from His children? Seeing the beauty in everything. Living in the here and now. Making each moment count. Like the wind, these days will be gone in a flash. What are we soaking in NOW?

I was having lunch with a friend yesterday and her daughter was playing with my iPhone. She always enjoys seeing pictures of our golden, Buddy, and so it's become quite customary in our lunches together to allow her some time to see the latest pictures of our beloved pet.

In my attempt to locate one of our favorite photos, I began scrolling through the pictures. All 1,885 of them!! As the screen scrolled, flashes of photos went flying by. With one sweep of my finger, the days of our lives played out like a movie stuck on fast forward. Our life... in those photos... flashing by in an instant. The blink of an eye. As it turned out, I flew right past the one photo I was looking for and had to scroll back. More slowly this time. And pay attention. Or I would have missed it. Again.

God gives us opportunities every day to see His beauty. His magnificent blessings. But we have to be willing to slow down... or we'll miss it.

Martin Luther said, "If you want to change the world, pick up your pen."

And so begins... my journey... to my own 1,000 gifts. Blessings.















In the final moments that Jesus Christ shared with His disciples before He knew that He would willingly lay down His life on our behalf, what did He do?

“After He took bread, gave thanks, and broke it and gave it to them...”

In the original language, “gave thanks” is written eucharisteo. He gave thanks. He broke apart. He gave. The bread. Himself. Eucharisteo.

Eucharisteo... living joy, naming it, a life of thankfulness to God. One thousand gifts.

Can I do it? And beyond. We'll see. I think I can.

I've challenged Chloe to join me too. And how SWEET it is to see the things she's proposing to journal about. One thousand gifts through the eyes of a 10 year-old. Amazing stuff. Here's her first entry. How sweet is this?















Eucharisteo. Finding joy and living out that joy through thankfulness and gratitude to the One who makes living possible. Thank you Jesus!

In Philippians 4:11-12 Paul writes... "I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little."

There it is - the secret to living joy in every situation. Paul learned it... and so can we.

"... do this in remembrance of me." 1 Cor 11:25

Oh - and where am I in my quest to 1,000... number 46. By the way - number 45 is french fries. Just sayin'!

Will you join me in finding YOUR 1,000?

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

If These Walls Could Speak

Photo Courtesy of Photobucket.com






I heard a song the other day that made me think about this. What if the walls of my house could speak. What would they say?

I'd like to say that all they've heard is good stuff. You know - love, joy, happiness and laughter. But I know that's not the case. They've seen some hard stuff. Some not so pleasant stuff. Some stuff I'd rather forget about. But they do hold years of memories. I wonder... what WOULD these walls of my house say if they could speak? Would they remember...

the time Chloe broke her arm when she was just two years old. How she was so brave and barely cried at all.

the year Chloe turned two and we had that HUGE birthday party for her. A circus theme with a jumpy, a water slide, a tent and more food than we knew what to do with.

our first Christmas in our new house with no furniture just our large Christmas tree sitting in the middle of the room. Gosh that was a special Christmas!

the time when Buddy got sprayed by a skunk and it took WEEKS to get rid of the horrific odor in our house!!

rooms filled with laughter.

the slumber parties and sleepovers.

the call I received on that Sunday morning informing me that one of my best friends was in CCU following a brain aneurysm and was fighting for her life... the days following the loss of my sweet friend. A triplet. Taken too soon. The tears flowing.

a sick little girl throwing up at 2 a.m. following an undigested meal of shrimp scampi!

the summer Chloe learned to ride a bike.

family Christmases and Thanksgivings. Overcooked turkeys and sprinkles from sugar cookies. My grandmas recipe.

And what about a sick father taking his last breaths of life after a long and courageous battle with cancer. A wife grieving for the man she so desperately loved and feeling overwhelmed by the reality of a future without him.

The good times. The laughter. The hard times. The tears. The hard work. The long days. The sweat. The pain. The sickness. The healing. The forgiving. The mess. The joy. Our life. Oh what these walls have seen! And heard!

You see - - these are the best years of our lives and we don't even realize it! THESE are the good times. These are the times to be cherished. And we're missing it... if we're not paying close enough attention. If we blink, we might miss the stuff that makes our lives so... special. Rich. Vibrant. Colorful.

Can we learn more about how to pay attention? Living... real living.. is in the small things. The HERE and NOW. Breathe deep. Take it all in. One day we'll look back and wish we could be back... HERE.

What would your walls say?

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,