Three Word Wednesday

Three Things I Want to Tell You About

February 15, 2017 by Kristin 25 Comments

Sometimes I sit down with a friend and have multiple things to tell her … and none of them are related. We may have to catch up, talk about the books we’re reading and the music we’re listening to, share new recipes, and make plans for next time.

Today’s post is going to be that kind of conversation as I share things I want you to know about.

1. Slugs & Bugs is making new music!

Slugs & Bugs‘ music has been a staple in our kids’ lives, so it’s fun some new albums are in the works just as my youngest is starting to appreciate these fun sounds. S&B creator Randall Goodgame is a talented musician and incorporates silliness and scripture to well-crafted songs.

I could tell you stories about singing “Where You Gonna Go” when we were potty training Ben and how we still laugh about “Under where?” I especially love “I’m Adopted,” a celebration of earthly adoptions and, more importantly, our adoptions into God’s family. “Two Shirts” (based on Luke 3:11, Mark 9:35, and Matthew 6:19-21) is one of my favorites from the first Sing the Bible album. We sing “Piggy Toes” to Rachel and laugh about “Alien.”

Slugs & Bugs recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund two new albums – Sing the Bible Vol. 3 and Sing the Bible Christmas. When you support these projects now, you can get CDs, downloads, and other goodies when the new music is ready. The Kickstarter will be open through March 28.

2. I have a story in a new book about friendship!

“When You Find Another” by Kay Harms is a book about friendship. It aims to challenge readers to consider the quality and health of their friendships and spur them to action to cultivate meaningful relationships.

Written in a conversational tone, Kay invited other women to share their stories. I’m grateful to be included with a story about how Jaclyn and I – neither of whom like to dance – square danced our way into each other’s lives almost 19 years ago when we were college students and continue to share everyday life.

In the coming weeks, I’m going to tell you more about this book and my friendships, but you can learn more about it now. It’s also available on Amazon.

3. My friend wrote a Lenten devotional.

Susan Shipe has a Lenten devotional called “40 Days of Lent: The People, Places, and Events Surrounding the Passion.” Susan takes readers on a journey through scripture leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
I’ve read a sampling of the devotional and I know Susan has an enthusiasm for telling the stories of scripture and how they relate to our lives.

If you’re looking for a resource to point you to Jesus as we approach Easter, I encourage you to check out this book, which is available as a paperback and Kindle version at Amazon.

*****

If we were actually sitting at a table having this random conversation, it wouldn’t be one sided. So, what do you have to share? Give me some book recommendations. Or what about a recipe I should make this week?

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The Big Picture

February 8, 2017 by Kristin 18 Comments

On Sunday, my 16-month-old girl ate French fries for two meals. I did throw in some yogurt-covered raisins for dinner. Obviously, that’s not our norm, but, y’all, I’ve been emotionally exhausted lately. We had a weird Sunday with more coming and going than usual. Plus I picked a fight with my husband over dumb details that were frustrating me.

I’m a details person, so I sometimes lose sight of the big picture.

(Here’s where I say, Greg was right when he said, “These things you’re mad about don’t really matter.” I know. I know.)

Anyway, so, nobody warned me how parenting three kids in three different seasons of life was exhausting and challenging. (It reminds me of when nobody reminded me how something hormonal and emotional happens when children turn 4 years old …)

I’ve got a fourth-grader who is definitely entering a new season that requires many attitude adjustments – on her part and mine. I’ve got a 7-year-old boy who is learning when it’s appropriate to entertain whoever is looking and when it’s time to stop. At least I hope he’s learning that and, of course, how not everyone appreciates fart sounds. Then there’s the toddler who is content to eat French fries and quietly get into every drawer and cabinet in our house.

Oh, and, honestly, I too often think about how if they would all do what I asked when I asked and defaulted to my ways of processing life, then life would be easier.

Guess what? They’re not going to – not now, not when they’re older, and not when they’re adults trying to figure out their own families. We’ve all got our different preferences and personalities. We’re all extroverted to some degree, but we all require refueling in different ways. We organize differently and have different priorities when we’re done working and it’s time to play.

“Differences aren’t labels. They’re not excuses. They’re most certainly not deficiencies. Differences are the personality and temperament traits that describe how we process the world around us. We start by understanding ourselves first and then we move to understand our spouse better. … Marriage (and parenting) challenges happen when we think the way we do things is the right way or the only way.”

– From “No More Perfect Marriages” by Mark & Jill Savage

*ouch*

I’m a details person who thinks I know the right way to do just about anything – even the things I really don’t know anything about. Sometimes it seems like confidence, but, really, deep down I know it’s pride.
That makes me lose sight of the big picture.

I’ve tried to argue my kids into submission. I’ve tried to boss them around because I’m the mom. I’ve made suggestions that sounded more like demands.

And I’ve fallen on my face and had to look up to realize God’s created a family with five different, imperfect human beings.

“Pride is a thief. It robs us of our joy because we are obsessed with believing we deserve something better than what we have. It cheats us of God’s plan for our life because we demand our own way. Pride robs us of knowledge because we already know it all. It keeps us from experiencing healing because we refuse to forgive, and we wouldn’t dream of admitting we are wrong. It steals intimacy from our relationship with God because ‘I can do it myself.’ It damages relationships with others because ‘I’m right and you’re wrong.’ It keeps us from experiencing emotional depth in our marriage because we are unwilling to be honest and transparent. More than anything, pride wraps a tight chain around our heart, keeping us bound up with anger, demands, and a spirit of unforgiveness. It poisons and robs us of the joys of life.”

– From “No More Perfect Marriages” by Mark & Jill Savage

My pride has robbed some joy around here, and
I’m ready to restore order by loosening my grip.

{Tweet that.}

I’m choosing joy again today. I’m noticing the details that matter and letting go of the ones that are distractions. I’m believing in the big picture that God has already established and realizing we each – even as we navigate some new seasons with the kids – have something unique to offer to each other.

*****

Well, yes, I did use quotes from a marriage book in a post on parenting. But that’s how it going around here – all the things are mashed together in my mind and I’m grateful for wisdom in these pages of this new book from Mark & Jill Savage. “No More Perfect Marriages” may aim to help marriages, and it does that well, but it’s helping this momma too. I officially reviewed the book here.

*****

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{8} Things {I Learned} in January

February 1, 2017 by Kristin 17 Comments

Hello, February!

But, first, let’s reflect on January, which has flown by so quickly.

In other years, January has been life changing for me in big ways. Twenty-one years ago, I became a decided to follow Jesus. Greg proposed 15 years ago. We met Cate’s birth mom a decade ago. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes 13 years ago. Ben’s adoption was finalized seven years ago. {Here’s a post from last January that shares why a month with a reputation for being dreary is special to me.}

This January has been slower and normal. And I’ve been grateful for the everyday stories we’ve been living.

1. I like wearing leggings … with an appropriately long shirt! So far my favorites come from Kohl’s. And, yes, I know, I’m late to this party. {This was among my confessions earlier this month!}

2. My pro-life beliefs promoted me to love a few books this month: “When I Found You” by Catherine Ryan Hyde (fiction), “Juniper: The Girl Who Was Born Too Soon” by Kelley and Thomas French (memoir), “You Carried Me” by Melissa Ohden (memoir). I didn’t specifically seek out books about choosing life, but these managed to go along with what God is weaving together in my heart. I didn’t plan to read these books in a month that recognizes sanctity of life either.

“You Carried Me” is a new book written by an abortion survivor that I read in less than 24 hours – waiting in the car, drying my hair, sitting in bed, eating breakfast, whenever I could steal a few minutes. This story wrecked my heart while emphasizing why I’m pro-life. Lives matter in the womb and as they grow up in the real-world. It was an eye-opening, heart-breaking story that included adoption, darkness, secrets, discovery, and hope.

3. I Am They has an excellent music album. It’s one of those I can play over and over and not want to skip any songs. I do especially love the band’s rendition of “King of Love.” {You can listen free on Amazon, if you’re a Prime member!}

4. New music from Ellie Holcomb is like Christmas morning – and, again, no skipping. I like them all so much; I don’t really have a favorite yet! Of course, you know I’m going to be partial to a song called “Wonderfully Made.” I really love “We Have This Hope,” “Find You Here,” and “Fighting Words” too.

5. Our new small group is an answer to my prayers. We’ve only met three times so far, but the having people – some of whom were strangers – gather together with a common vision is encouraging. We’re studying James with Francis Chan (thanks to Right Now Media) and focusing on serving our community.

6. Moving to the country has made me irresponsible when it comes to putting gas in my minivan. It should be noted we live about 15 minutes “in the country” in June. Y’all, I can’t count the times I’ve pulled into my driveway just as the low fuel light comes on. Now, granted, I’ve since learned the light can come on when I’m almost home and I can make it back to town to get gas the next time I’m out. But, still, looking at that low fuel light is nerve-racking.

7. Smashed blackberries can come out of clothes and off counters and floors. Thanks to Rachel for the opportunity for that lesson and Dreft stain remover for the assistance.

8. My oldest and I enjoy working puzzles together. We were disappointed we worked the first one faster than we expected, so our current one is much harder.