Five Minute Friday :: Yes

I can hardly stand it. #fmfparty. I made it. It has been a frighteningly long time since I parked it here – however briefly – with this lovely group of friends and writers. I thought for a second that I’d feel like a stranger. No chance. I just felt like I’d come home.

For months and months I wrote faithfully – a Friday prompt on Thursday night. Then it happened. Life. Schedules. School. Summer. Camp. Health. The shipwreck that can be my life. And my words have fallen quiet. Still present, but not published.

But I made it back. I will always make it back.

So I come again to the prompt and to one of my favorite communities of writers and friends. This blessed, beautiful place where we open our hearts and let words and tears and the inner workings of our lives bleed and flow and dance across the virtual pages. Yes, this community opens wide and invites you in to share. Come and visit and read. You will be blessed.

This week: Yes

Go

All I can think of this second is that I said, “yes,” the moment I saw her text: “will you pray …”

It could never be anything other than a yes when prayer is the question, but this request came from a friend who is close to my heart. From a friendship that grew (in a roundabout fashion) out of this very community that I write with tonight.

We saw each other in similar circles online. Shared the leadership of an (in)courage art group. And then we began to discover the more. The other moments of, “you too – I thought it was just me.” Those times when you discover that your shared “yeses” pave the way to a friendship that feels like it’s been going on for years, when truthfully, it’s probably honestly counted in months.

Yes, we’re both knitters (one of us – not me – far better than the other)
Yes, we love Pentatonix and Lindsey Sterling.
Yes, we both love books and words and the ontology of language that defines.
Yes, we are grace-seekers and kingdom builders – in our own small, one-at-a-time way.
Yes, we both have an addiction to pens and notebooks.
Yes, we love fair trade and sustainability.
Yes, we love Jesus.

Along the way, questions have been asked where “yes” was the answer:

Will you be my friend on Facebook?
Will you (please already) get on Voxer so I can hear your voice?
Will you read this book with me in a Voxer bookclub?
Will you let me share the hurting, broken, vulnerable parts of me – will you let me be honest?
Will you please try not to be completely freaked out by my honesty and stick with me?

Yes. Simply and surely yes.

So tonight, as my phone was pinging with Twitter updates from the #fmfparty and I heard the familiar ring of Voxer and saw her text, “will you pray …” it was an immediate yes. An on-my-knees on-my-face before the Lord of Hosts – yes in prayer and supplication and standing in the gap and breathing into the small things that feel so huge. The yes of asking and thanking him in advance for his answers and his promises. The yes of remembering how I felt when I’d been in similar situations. And the yes of not saying amen but keeping those prayers echoing under my breath as I move about the rest of my evening.

God gives us community. God gives us friendship. God gives us grace. God gives us lives we can pour out of and lives we can pour in to. And all we need to do is say yes.

I write tonight for my dear friend Sarah Jo. Because she’s amazing. And because we continue to say yes to each other. If you have a moment – would you lift her up tonight – and her family too? I would love for you to say yes.




How to Join 
Want to know about Kate Motaung, how Five Minute Friday got started, and how to participate? All the details are here. No editing or second guessing. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you and encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.

I'd love to connect with you some more - stop on by the Three Bees Facebook Page or connect with me on Twitter @3BeesBlueBonnet. Let's continue the conversation!

The Root of the Root – Marriage in the Second Decade

I loved his writing before it was trendy. Before it made it in to movies. Before it was quoted in books. As a lover of books and words and poetry, I knew e. e. cummings before he was pop culture cool. And being a writer who loves breaking rules, his eccentric, whimsical ways with grammatical and linguistic rules has always appealed to me.

[i carry your heart with me(i carry it in] has always been a favourite. As my anniversary rolled around this year – twenty one years with my guy – it was those words that came to mind. I’m not going to claim to have all the answers (or any answers) about marriage. It’s a mystery. But we’ve crossed the threshold of decades together, so maybe there is something I can say.

We Carry Each Other

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)

This is one thing I know for sure: I would not be here today without my husband. I’ve written here and there about his patience, his caring, and his hands that have held me through all the trials that we’ve walked through. He is there. Sometimes it seems like he has always been there. And I carry him with me, even when we are apart. I carry him with me when I am head over heels dizzy about him. I carry him with me even when I am furious and frustrated with him – when I want to throw a skillet at him. Trust me. It happens. Marriage between two flawed, beautifully human people produces laughter and tears. And through it all, I carry him with me. We carry each other.

We Fear Nothing if We Are Together

i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

After twenty-one years together I feel like we’ve discovered our groove; our system; our jam. We have turned into one of “those couples” who can finish sentences and get inside each other’s heads. We have those moments (more and more often) when one person comments on something and the other laughs and says, “don’t even – I was just thinking that!” Together, we can tackle everything from a new debilitating diagnosis, to financial crisis, to traffic (a friend once told me we are Statler and Waldorf – remember the Muppet theater? – when we get in the car). We can do this because we’ve done it before. With a huge helping of God’s grace and strength. And because we work.

If I share nothing else – perhaps with those who are still in the three to five year phase of their marriage vows – I have to share this: love and marriage is work. To live and breathe move in and amidst each our lives in (mostly) harmony requires commitment, investment, a bucket of grace, and a flexible sense of humor. Even the best of friends (and it really is the greatest if you’re married to your best friend) will butt heads and be unable to see eyeball to eyeball. The parts that help you balance each other are also the parts that will make you go head to head and nose to nose. But stick with it. Holding fast together through the storms and the waves is the best thing you can do. You will deepen together. You will grow together. You will find refuge together. You will find your love that endures.

We Still Find Wonder

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

I’ve read somewhere that after a certain period of time, marriage can become dull and boring. Its participants falling out of the sparkly, shiny Disney romance that marks the beginning of a courtship. But listen up people (or perhaps don’t listen – to those other voices) – it doesn’t have to be that way. I’m not saying that you’ll live in a permanent haze of glistening romance twenty-four-seven for ever and ever, but don’t believe for one second that you have to fall out of anything or lose those shivery feelings.

You will have days of the mundane ordinary, but you will also have days when you feel like giggly teenagers sneaking around the halls at school. There is no expiration on romance.

One of my favourite things about my husband is that he brings out my goofiness. I don’t have much, but he can find it. I love that he makes me laugh. I don’t laugh enough. I love that I can be wholly and fully myself with him – the good, the bad, the crazy. He might be the only person who sees all the facets.

The thing that makes the laughter happen; that makes the sparkle still happen; the makes the romance linger – find wonder together. It might be as grand as a trip to Paris with a stopover in the Tuscan country side (massive props if you pull that one off!), but it can also be as simple as a walk along the seaside watching the sun set. Finding wonder together means the willingness to slow down; to deliberately set aside time for each other; and to learn what the other person loves and share that with them.

Marriage is good. It’s hard. Damn hard. But it’s good. It was created, blessed, and called “good” by One much higher than I, and I believe that Word. I believe it is the root of the root, and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky. I believe it with my heart. I believe it with my life.

So to Shawn Patrick, on the advent of twenty-one years of doing this marriage thing together – I love you. I carry your heart, and love that you carry mine. I am never without you. You do all the things to me. With you, I am not afraid. I am ready for whatever life brings our way. You are my sun and stars. I will be the moon of your life. We share the deepest secret that nobody knows and it goes as deep as the root of the root and bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of this thing called life. I love you. Let’s do a few more decades together. That is all.

I'd love to connect with you some more - stop on by the Three Bees Facebook Page or connect with me on Twitter @3BeesBlueBonnet. Let's continue the conversation!

Fulfilled :: A Book Review and Giveaway

“God has a plan, and He is always willing to share His plans with us. He reveals His way to us through the truth of His written Word. We can trust Him and believe what He says more than what the surrounding circumstances are telling us.”

There are so many nuggets of truth like this; woven into the text of Fulfilled, by Danise Jurado. When I was originally asked to review her first book, I wasn’t sure who Danise was and what story she would tell, but I’m so glad I dived in and found out.

Danise has served as a pastoral counselor at Angelus Temple and The Dream Center in Los Angeles, California under the leadership of Pastors Matthew and Caroline Barnett since 2001. She is also the Director of The Dream Center Transitions Program. Danise is a gifted speaker and teacher; sharing at churches, conferences and faithfully teaching a weekly women's Bible study at The Dream Center. She is passionate about encouraging and equipping people to reach their most fulfilled life in Christ.

Fulfilled: Learning to Live the Life God Promised, is full of authentic, vulnerable moments and scripture references that have been close to her heart as Danise shares her journey with us. She walks us through from Forgiveness, to Restoration, to Change, all the way to Living Fulfilled. Each chapter guiding the reader through meditations, practical application, and homework (yes – homework!) designed to help us apply God’s truth in our lives and find freedom in His name.

Danise reminds us that clinging to God’s truth is not always easy or comfortable, but that opening ourselves to Him in complete vulnerability is a risk worth taking; because God is our only safe place. Under the shelter of His wings, we can let go completely. We can be our imperfect, broken selves, and know that God our Father holds in in His hands and calls us His own.

She challenges us to embrace seven principles for lasting change:

• Revelation – change needs to happen
• Education – change what we know
• Proclamation – change what we say
• Meditation – change what we think
• Action – change what we do
• Motivation – change takes time, so don’t quit
• Recognition – change what we see

Danise is frankly honest about the struggles she and her family have been through. She speaks candidly about addiction; about wrestling with food; about overcoming situations of loss – fighting back after multiple robberies made her family’s dreams for their own business seem impossible. In every situation, she steers her readers back to God’s word – encouraging us to ground ourselves fully in the truth and to arm ourselves with the protection of spiritual armor.

In the end, it is about allowing God to be the author and definer of our faith and our lives. Surrendering fully to Him so that we can live fulfilled in the life that He has designed for us and is calling us to.


I'd love to connect with you some more - stop on by the Three Bees Facebook Page or connect with me on Twitter @3BeesBlueBonnet. Let's continue the conversation!

It has been a privilege to read and review this book from Danise Jurado. I’ve enjoyed it so much and found it to be full of encouraging and eye opening truths. I’m happy to have a signed copy of Fulfilled to share with my readers, a generous gift from Danise. Just click through the link below to win her book and a Fulfilled tote bag. I look forward to announcing the winner at the end of the week!

Fulfilled Book Giveaway Danise is also hosting a $100 give away for participants who post an image of the cover of her book (on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook) and tag her @DaniseJurado and use the #Fulfilled hashtag on social media!

A Prayer for the Middle School Years

It’s back to school time again, if you can believe it. It seems like just last week we were standing crowded together under shade trees watching our girlie cross the bridge in her graduation from fifth grade. A milestone. Leaving the elementary years behind. I always think summer will be longer. But back to school is just weeks away (thankfully, still weeks), but Target has had their “back to school” section up for over a month and transition day for incoming sixth graders is next week. It’s time.

My sister had a special blessing ceremony for her son a couple of weeks ago. He and my sweet girl are making the journey into Middle School at the same time. She asked that we gather to pray over him, and if we’d like, to write a prayer, a hope, a blessing for him.

 As I sat to write, they both came to mind. These beautiful kids, just eight months apart. It’s hard to believe that our babies are ready for this – possibly the hardest of all the school years. Weren’t they just little bugs running around in the back yard a month ago? He’s growing into a strong young man – quiet at times, but full of energy and exploration. And my girl? My Amazon princess dominates the scene (this is probably my last summer to be taller than her) but still smiles her sweet, gentle smile. She reads voraciously (inhales is more like it) and engineers the most amazing creations in Minecraft.

I wrote this prayer; this blessing for them both. This reminder; this chronicle of hopes and dreams for where they’re heading. I did read it as we prayed over him that day – only making it through without choking on my own tears by holding very tightly to my husband's hand. It's an awesome thing, launching our kids out there.

As You Begin Middle School 

This is a door.
A threshold.
A gateway to your next grand adventure.
The beginning of a farewell to the boy (and the girl) you have been;
As you look ahead to the young man (and young woman) you will become.
Above all else, remember, you are loved.
The God of the universe
who cast bright lights into the ink dark sky;
who marks the movements of all creatures great and small;
He keeps His hand on you,
and He loves you.

Remember the foundation from which you come.
The strength of your family,
the history of their faith,
the lessons and ties
that bind your hearts one with another,
And remember, you are loved.

Remember the feel of the grass beneath your feet;
the cool squish of mud between your toes.
Remember the feel of a bare branch
in the palm of your hand
as you climb through the trees.
Remember to breathe in the air
and look to the sky;
not getting lost in all things
of hard steel and gleaming technology.
And remember, you are loved.

Remember to be brave
in the face of all things unknown.
Press the boundaries
and make your way.
Discover what lies
beneath, behind, and beyond.
Do not be afraid to stand alone.
You are never alone.
Remember, you are loved.

Remember to be kind.
There is pain and shame and terror
in everyone’s story –
and some stories are not yet told.
Remember that gentleness
turns away wrath
and is its own brand of matchless strength.
Never forget grace –
For yourself and for those around you.
And remember, you are loved.

Remember life can be hard;
and things worth achieving
are worth the work and the trial
and every measure of yourself
you pour in to them to accomplish your goals.
But remember too,
that life is full of hidden joy
and sacred spaces
that can unlock your deepest laughter –
enough to make the stars shine.
And always, remember you are loved.

Remember that even this doorway
is only a passage through
to another journey.
There are more thresholds to cross,
more paths to wander down
more places to discover.
Any stumbling block
or celebration in these next years
simply become building blocks
in the creation of your character
and your experience.
They will make you who you’ll become.

Remember that the Lord goes before you.
He walks behind you.
He walks beside you.
He carries you in the palm of His hand.
He is strength in your weakness,
He is your rock and your hiding place,
He is your light and your salvation.
Remember that you are His,
and He knows your name.
And always,
remember you are loved.



I'd love to connect with you some more - stop on by the Three Bees Facebook Page or connect with me on Twitter @3BeesBlueBonnet. Let's continue the conversation!

These words aren't just for our kids. I'm linking up with Kelly Balarie and friends at the #RaRaLinkup to encourage others. I hope you are encouraged!

When Friendship is Born :: An FMFParty Snail Mail Give Away (for Round 7)

There are so many reasons we write. We are called. He speaks to us though His word or through prayer and we have something to share. For some of us, it is almost as simultaneous as breathing. The words wrap themselves around the lines of our heart and wend their way out into existence to empower, encourage, and exalt those around us in our communities.

Joining in the letter writing adventure that is #fmfpartysnailmail takes all of those reasons and focuses that love and encouragement on one person at a time. One letter at a time. One week at a time. We reach across time zones and state lines (even countries at this point!) and bring a smile to the faces of the women on our lists and the knowledge that a sister in Christ is praying for them and thinking of them.

If you participate in the #fmfparty and this community, you’re probably already building friendships and growing relationships based on faith, shared interests, and a love of words. This is just another layer of that friendship.

The fmfparty community has been such an important part of my life over the past months. From the very first conversation on Twitter that sparked it, to all the rounds up until now. Life happens and I try to listen, so I chose to sit this round out, while still remaining on the leadership team, and am so grateful for grace from my fellow leaders for this downtime. But I didn't want to miss it all completely, so I'm excited to host this week's giveaway with lovely items donated by participants in Round 7. 

This week's giveaway is $25 to Dayspring from Kaitlyn, an Amazon gift card, stationery, and stickers from Shannan, a bracelet from Patti, "Building the Christian Family You Never Had" by Mary E DeMuth from Debi, "Let's All Be Brave" by Annie Downs from Tara, and a crocheted hat by Andrea! Entries are open to fmfparty snail mail Round 7 participants only, and we look forward to sharing the winner at the end of the week!

In 1 Thessalonians 5 (MSG), Paul writes: “So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.” You’re doing this. We’re doing this. Keep on doing it!



#fmfpartysnailmail giveaway - week 3

I'd love to connect with you some more - stop on by the Three Bees Facebook Page or connect with me on Twitter @3BeesBlueBonnet. Let's continue the conversation!  

Five Minute Friday :: Gift

Hello Five Minute Friday. It’s been so long since I’ve written with you. I’ve managed to make it to some of the Thursday night Twitter parties. I’ve seen the prompts calling me. But my words have been quiet inside.

This week though, the idea of gift tugged and pulled at me. My mother heart has been reminded lately of things I need to hear. Lessons I need to learn. Moments I need to remember.

So I come back to the prompt and to one of my favorite communities of writers and friends. This blessed, beautiful place where we open our hearts and let words and tears and the inner workings of our lives bleed and flow and dance across the virtual pages. Yes, this community opens wide and invites you in to share. Come and visit and read. You will be blessed.

This week: Gift

Go

I’ve been holding my daughter close lately – closer than I usually do. We’re big on snuggle time and hugs in our home, but I find myself reaching out in unexpected moments to lay a hand on her cheek; bring her eyes in line with mine; and remind her again how very much she is loved.

I try to do this without tears in my eyes, but am not always successful.

There have been so many stories horror stories affecting children dominating my news sources recently: stories of children’s lives lost through war, daughters torn from their homes through human trafficking; families affected by abuse; and even closer to home – a young local girl (not two years older than my own) who took her own life after a video of a consequence for actions at home went viral online (note – no official connection has been made and an investigation is still pending).

My heart aches for the families affected and caught up in these crises. My heart breaks for the ones lost; for actions that cannot be recalled; for lives that will be changed forever.

And it reminds me – oh, it reminds me so much – that our children are a gift.

My daughter is a gift.

Mothering is the biggest, hardest, most daunting challenge I have ever undertaken in my life. It pushes and stretches me beyond what I think I can endure. It forces me to confront my own behavior and choices and demands that I make better decisions because of the eyes and heart that follows my every move; the lips that mimic my every word; the life that patterns herself after my every action.

But motherhood is a gift.

From inside of all the stretching and bending and crafting of my soul that comes through the steep learning curve of parenting – joy shines through. My jaded heart cannot withstand the unblinking, unfettered love for my girl. Even in the midst of my most frustrating moments, I have only to look into those soft green eyes and I am undone – reminded of the weighty welcome burden to shepherd this sweet spirit into the delicate balance of independence (as her own person) and dependence (on her God).

We are so blessed to live where we do not have to struggle for our daily bread.

We are so blessed to have the freedoms we do: of worship, of education, of art, of expression.

We are so blessed to have a backyard, a garden, a trampoline, a bed to lay our head on and laugh together.

We enjoy these gifts – and sometimes forget that they are a gift.

Hold your dear ones close – treasure the gift that they are and the gifts that they bring.

Celebrate those gifts with thanksgiving in your heart.

Stop



How to Join
Want to know about Kate Motaung, how Five Minute Friday got started, and how to participate? All the details are here. No editing or second guessing. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.

I'd love to connect with you some more - stop on by the Three Bees Facebook Page or connect with me on Twitter @3BeesBlueBonnet. Let's continue the conversation!

#fmfpartysnail mail :: a round six giveaway

What a wonderful thing is the mail, capable of conveying across continents a warm human hand-clasp. (Author Unknown)

Greetings and salutations, snail mailers! It's hard to believe that we're in our last week of Round 6, but here we are. Whether you are completely up to date on your letters or are gracefully in the process of getting caught up, we hope you've had a delightful time sending and receiving encouragement through the post!

This is the final blog give away for Round 6, and it's a lovely one.

One lucky winner (and I mean that - I wish I could enter this one!) will receive the following:

•  a $5 Starbucks gift card and a beautiful necklace and earring set from Angie
• a lovely hand embellished journal and set of hand-made cards from Karrilee 

 

 Participants of the #fmfpartysnailmail Round 6 can enter below. The give away will be open from Tuesday, May 19 through Saturday, May 23.

Whether this has been your first time joining us of if you're a veteran of multiple rounds, our hope and prayer is that this has been a joyful journey for you. More information will be coming soon about a new round, and until then, remember these words from 1 Thessalonians 5 (MSG):

Whether we’re awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we’re alive with him! So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.

#FMFPartySnailMail Round 6 Give Away #5

 
 

Tuesday Grace Notes – Small Things that Bring a Splash of Joy + A Give Away

They don’t say, “it’s the little things” for nothing. Sometimes a cliché is just a cliché, but sometimes a cliché rings loud with a little bit of truth.

When the daily grind presses too hard; when the road less travelled becomes dark and foreboding; when life throws you a case of the mean reds and nothing feels right, it’s sometimes those little things that lift your spirit and remind you that joy lurks in unexpected places.

This is likely the explanation why I own such an extensive collection of little things – pens, notebooks (you’ve all heard about those, right?), scarves, books, more lotion than I have body to cover, long necklaces galore, and more pens.

Sometimes when I’m in a place of discontent, having a play date with the pretty things can bring a smile to my face. I realize it probably sounds a bit shallow to say that smiles come from things. I should probably mention my favorite Bible verse or the women I turn to when I ask for prayer. I should mention my favorite devotional or a piece of uplifting music.

I should. Sometimes these are my 1000 Gifts.

Psalm 27:13-14, Tracy-Amy-Heidi-Karrilee-Tonya-Kim-Jen-Jenn-Kaitlyn-Sarah Jo (and so many more), Our Daily Bread, Bach’s Suite for the Cello No. 1 in G Major (preferably by Yo-Yo Ma).

But I’m not going to lie. There are days when wrapping a filmy, colorful scarf around my neck perks my mood right up. And getting a whiff of a favorite scent can transport me and bring up memories (that again, make me smile). And books. Goodness. There aren’t enough – there can never be enough – and the written word will always transport me. Sometimes, these are my 1000 Gifts.

I’m looking forward to sharing some of these favorite small things with you this week. They won’t fix the ills of the world. They won’t change your circumstances. But I hope they will make you smile and bring you a splash of joy.

One winner will receive a lovely navy scarf with polka-dots (it’s a wonderfully long size that you can drape and wrap to your heart’s content), a copy of 365 Pocket Prayers for Mothers (in lovely shade of lavender with a bird on the cover – you know I had to get this one!), and finally, a travel size bottle of Maui Mango Surf lotion from Bath and Body Works (one of my favorites in their new line).

Contest will be open until midnight (PST) on Friday, April 3.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday Grace Notes are an opportunity for me to share a small bit of harmony amidst the other things I write about. Truly, they are meant to be shorter than my usual pieces (laugh with me here), and just a little something to add a touch of beauty to my life and yours. One week it might be a wonderful book I’ve read and can’t put down. Maybe it will be one of the movies I love (or its soundtrack). You might find a favourite recipe here. Or the new soap I’ve just discovered. You’ll find that many of them are inspired by my mother and the things she taught me about living a gentle, elegant life. I hope you’ll join me as more things are shared.

I'd love to connect with you some more - stop on by the Three Bees Facebook Page or connect with me on Twitter @3BeesBlueBonnet. Let's continue the conversation!

Ideas for Organizing – Managing Meal Planning (and a recipe!)

We are slowly but surely working on being better time managers and corralers of clutter; breaking down large jobs into manageable tasks, and focusing on the things we can do something about.  For example, last weekend, instead of being completely overwhelmed by the state of our home, we focused on the kitchen: pulled everything off the counters and cleaned them; cleared out a whole cupboard; to make room for a new three tiered spice rack; and reorganized items so that things we actually use on a daily basis are within arm’s reach. Hello tea station!

Another thing that I’ve been working on in an effort to be organized (and to not face the daunting question – “so what’s for dinner?”) is meal planning and targeted shopping. I won’t be the first person to write about this, but here’s what’s been working for me.

Tweet: Organization happens one thing at a time. Don’t be daunted. You can do one thing.

Meal Planning and Grocery Lists
New for me in 2015 is a binder of all the organizational tools that I like and am actually using. This includes everything from a daily planner to chore charts to budget worksheets to grocery lists. I’ve look at many cute printables and forms on blogs, Pinterest, and sharing recommendations with friends. But this one, from Crystal Paine at Money Saving Mom has been my favorite. She has several options on her menu page, but since I manage best one week at a time, this is the one that works for me. My husband and I can sit down, talk meals, and plan out shopping based on the actual contents of the ‘fridge and pantry.

Master Shopping Lists
Another organizational tool that’s been a huge asset is the master shopping list. This idea comes from Tsh Oxendreider’s book, Organized Simplicity, and is a personalized list of your most commonly purchased items from your favorite stores.  I’ve dropped the items by category into a simple Excel sheet and keep them on the refrigerator. As we run out of items, we can mark it off on the list and when we’re ready to shop, we have an accurate, active list ready to go to the store.

Multiple Meal Prep
The latest thing I’ve been experimenting with in the pursuit of an organized life is making multiple meals ahead of time for the week. It’s nice to have a later start to the day and be able to get our daughter to school at 9am, but getting off at 6pm is no picnic. One errand to run and you’re not home until 7pm and not eating until 8pm. This is not what you want on a school night.

Tweet: Sometimes, organization is about prioritizing what’s important for you and your family and making the choose to do those things.

I’ve been spending a few hours on the weekend cooking up a storm and prepping meals for the week ahead. A caveat here – I love cooking and it relaxes me to no end. I throw a little jazz on the stereo and break out the cutting boards and knives. This is another time that the meal planning sheets come in handy. I store them in my new binder and have a clear record of what we eat on a weekly basis. It’s so nice to flip back over the weeks and make sure that we’re not eating the same thing every week.

One of our favorite meals is my sister’s Garlic Chicken Spaghetti. It cooks up quickly and still manages to taste as if it were simmering all day long. We’re big garlic lovers in our family, so if the amount of that spicy bulb seems like too much – feel free to dial it back a bit!

Garlic Chicken Spaghetti

• 2 – 2.5 lbs. chicken thighs (personal choice here – we prefer chicken thighs and have been buying the boneless skinless variety. A little more, but it saves so much time in prep and I’ve found we actually get more chicken)
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 cup sun dried tomatoes (I buy a jar from Costco and just scoop out what I need)
• 1 large can mushrooms (stems and pieces)
• 5-6 cloves garlic (or several scoops from the jar if you use that)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 large bunch Italian flat leaf parsley – chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Parmesan cheese for grating
• Olive oil, salt & pepper

Fun optional ingredients

• 2 – 3 tablespoons capers
• 1 – 2 cups artichoke hearts
• White wine to your liking – about a cup

1. Cut chicken in to small pieces – about a 2 inch dice
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper and brown in a large Dutch Oven or stock pot over medium high heat – about 5 to 7 minutes
3. Push chicken to the edges of the pan and brown the garlic in the center space
4. Begin adding other ingredients: basil, diced tomatoes, sun  dried tomatoes, mushrooms (other options ingredients as you like) – warm and brown – about 5 – 7 minutes
5. Add chicken broth (and white wine if using – if no wine, use 1 1/2 cups broth) and allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes
6. Prepare spaghetti noodles in salted water; cook just under al dente; then drain – reserving about a cup of the liquid
7. Add a little of the spaghetti water to the chicken mixture and allow to blend down and reduce – there should be quite of bit of liquid at this point – plenty for the spaghetti to absorb 
8. Stir in the chopped parsley
9. Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the chicken mixture and simmer on low for about 10 minutes to allow most of the sauce to be absorbed by the pasta
10. Use a grater or micro-grater to shave fresh parmesan over the top and enjoy

What are some of your best organization tips or favorite recipes? I'd love to hear and share!



I'd love to connect with you some more - stop on by the Three Bees Facebook Page or connect with me on Twitter @3BeesBlueBonnet. Let's continue the conversation!

Prayer Matters - an invitation to 192 Hours of Prayer for Kaitlyn

As I get older, I appreciate the power or prayer more and more. Not just as a conversational vehicle to communicate with God, but as a way to interact with him; place requests at his feet; and watch miracles unfurl because of those conversations and petitions.

Asking the Lord for help – seeking his face – is a blessing, not only for ourselves, but in some ways, even more so when we’re praying for someone else.

I have a small, intimate group of friends that I shared the recent IF: Gathering with. We connected over Voxer and watched the event together; shared responses; laughed and cried together; and committed to encourage and pray for each other beyond the event. I connect with these women on a weekly basis and am so grateful for the friendships that are growing and deepening, and how we hold each other up in prayer and with our messages through all the things that life hands us.

One of these women is my friend Kaitlyn. She’s a senior at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama; organizer of the #fmfpartysnailmail project, and is leaving this Thursday for a mission trip to Haiti. She made this trip for the first time last year (you can read about it here), and before she left, I felt the Lord lay on my heart the need for Kaitlyn and her team to be covered in prayer during the time they were gone. This turned into a venture I called 192 Hours of Prayer (complete with hashtag) and it made such a tremendous difference – ones we may not even know about – while Kaitlyn was away.

This year, I feel that same call again, and invite friends, family, the Five Minute Friday community, participants of the #fmfsnailmailparty, and others, to join with me in praying for Kaitlyn and her team as they travel to Haiti and actively become the hands and feet of Christ to the villages and people they'll encounter.

You can sign up for a single hour during the 192 hours, or choose the same hour across the days she’s gone. Or you can even not sign up, but still join with us in praying for this sweet girl. Whatever you feel called to do – I invite you to visit the spreadsheet below to sign up for times, or mark your calendar with her travel dates (March 12 through March 20).

Click here to access the link for the Google Docs Sign Up Sheet for 192 Hours of Prayer 

 

I'd love to connect with you some more - stop on by the Three Bees Facebook Page or connect with me on Twitter @3BeesBlueBonnet. Let's continue the conversation!

Five Minute Friday - Lord, Let Me Be Open

On Fridays a bunch of brave writers gather here to all spend 5 collective minutes writing on a single prompt. It’s a great way to catch your breath at the end of a long week. This blessed, beautiful place where we open our hearts and let words and tears and the inner workings of our lives bleed and flow and dance across the virtual pages. Yes, this community opens wide and invites you in to share. Come and visit and read. You will be blessed.

This week: Open 

Go 

Despite the challenges of the day, part of me is still sitting quietly in last night’s Ash Wednesday service. The candles flicker their soft glow against the stained glass windows darkened with dusk. Our names are read one by one. With reverence – as they and the transgressions we confess are laid before the throne of grace and consumed in the intensity of the fire. Flames dance off the hammered copper bowl. Burnt paper and a slight hint of incense perfumes the air.

I love the purity of the fire.

I am astonished at how much this moves me.

It always moves me, but tonight is different.

Is this, Lord, what it feels like to bend low and allow my heart to break with the things that break yours? 

I wonder if I am seeing anew. Hearing anew. Taking that brave risk into vulnerability to believe and choose and step into sacrifice. Lord, let me be open to all those things.

Let my eyes be opened to see you fully. May I see the needs in the world around me and respond with the compassion that flows from your heart. Let me see even the little things – the ones that seem slight, trivial, not worth a mention. Sometimes it is the little things.

Let my ears be open to hear your Word. Your Word and the words of others who seek you. As I come with deliberate intention into this time of meditation. Let me hear.

Most of all, let my heart be open. Let the hard walls I keep wrapped around me soften in the warmth of your love. Allow me to let the floodgates open. Allow me to blow open the windows of my heart to receive the fresh air of your spirit.

Lord, let me be open.

Stop





How to Join 
Want to know about Kate Motaung, how Five Minute Friday got started, and how to participate? All the details are here. No editing or second guessing. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community. I'd love to connect with you some more - stop on by the Three Bees Facebook Page or connect with me on Twitter @3BeesBlueBonnet. Let's continue the conversation!

The Consecration of Fire and Ash (Ash Wednesday 2015)

It is the holy time of year again – though in truth, it is all holy and hallowed. But this time of remembrance is even more set apart. Quiet. Meditative. This time of surrender and sacrifice. Bending low beneath the shadow of his wings.

Fire and ash consecrate. 

As we contemplate. 

As we commemorate and consider all that has been done for us.

Grace upon grace – how much has come down – flowing in tears, and blood. How much has been given so that I can be forgiven?

Fire and ash consecrate. 

As we contemplate. 

As we commemorate and consider all that has been done for us.

And so I come to this time between times – to this time of anticipation – and decide what it is I will be surrendering; what I will be sacrificing; what it is I will lay down of my own accord; so I can take up the things that matter more: humility, compassion, kindness, and hope.

Fire and ash consecrate. 

As we contemplate. 

As we commemorate and consider all that has been done for us.

I do not always choose sacrifice. There are seasons where I am all too consumed with the immediacy and tyranny of the urgent. Caught up with the day to day.  Distracted by the details of marking the passage of time. Overwhelmed by the busyness of doing – not dwelling enough in the practice of being. I choose this year – and it terrifies me. Choosing a small thing; the root of a larger thing; this thing that can effect actual heart change. I am afraid. I am afraid to believe.

Fire and ash consecrate. 

As we contemplate. 

As we commemorate and consider all that has been done for us.

Words. Voice. Mouth. They are not always an instrument for good. Or change. Or encouragement. So often my words drip with sarcasm. They pierce with criticism. They curse with fierce nihilism. There is emptiness in the cursing – a momentary release – and then regret. I want to lift this up. I want to hand this over. I need the strength of the rock that is higher. This hard thing. I want to find the brave strength bigger than the hard thing.

Fire and ash consecrate. 

As we contemplate. 

As we commemorate and consider all that has been done for us.

Turning eyes heavenward with my intention – praying already for grace and forgiveness for the falling down – I keep these words close as my prayer for forty days and beyond those days:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 ESV

Lord I believe. Help my unbelief.

This is my Ash Wednesday story. And I'm joining up with Jennifer Dukes Lee and the #TellHisStory crowd to share. Because every story matters.

I'd love to connect with you some more - stop on by the Three Bees Facebook Page or connect with me on Twitter @3BeesBlueBonnet. Let's continue the conversation!

Five Minute Friday - When He Says He Loves You

On Fridays a bunch of brave writers gather here to all spend 5 collective minutes writing on a single prompt. It’s a great way to catch your breath at the end of a long week. This blessed, beautiful place where we open our hearts and let words and tears and the inner workings of our lives bleed and flow and dance across the virtual pages. Yes, this community opens wide and invites you in to share. Come and visit and read. You will be blessed.

This week: When

Go

This conversation happened this morning in our house …

My husband: You’re so beautiful.
Me: (with heavy disbelief and sarcasm): Whhhaaattt?

My husband: I’m so glad you’re mine.
Me: (disbelief still firmly in place) Dude, shut up.

My husband: I love you.
Me: (with a big sigh, hiding under the covers) I’m not sure I believe you.

As I look at this conversation in print, I’m embarrassed and appalled. I might try to blame first-thing-in-the-morning-itis, but the truth is, this is an honest struggle for me. Despite the fact that my husband is truly and completely my best friend who I’ve been with for over twenty years and despite the fact that I know he does love me – he shows me every day with tangible actions; I struggle on a deep, hidden level to truly believe in that love, and that he does desire me, and is happy that I’m his.

This has nothing to do with him, but everything to do with me. And my struggle to feel attractive, adequate, desirable, worthy, and enough. Let’s call that bad wiring. Because this is the man who literally binds up my broken places on a daily basis, cooks and cleans more than most husbands I know, is infinitely patient beyond anyone I know, and who keeps the romance alive in our relationship enough to make our tween daughter make faces and flee the room. I am a truly blessed woman.

In the split second after I challenged the three loving sentences my husband spoke to me this morning, I realized I very often have the same reaction when God speaks to me.

God: Behold, you are beautiful, my love; behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves. (Song of Solomon 1:15 ESV)
Me: (with heavy disbelief and sarcasm): Whhhaaattt?

God: I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you. (Isaiah 43: 2 & 4 MSG)
Me: (disbelief still firmly in place) Dude, shut up.

God: I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you. (Jeremiah 31:3 AMP)
Me: (with a big sigh, hiding under the covers) I’m not sure I believe you.

Again, this has nothing to do with the amazing, infinite God of the universe who loved me (loved us) enough to send his son to redeem his chosen ones, but everything to do with my struggle to feel worthy – and as if I must do something to earn and deserve this love. Head knowledge vs. heart knowledge. I believe. Lord, help my unbelief.

I know I’m not the only one who struggles with this, so on this day before Valentine’s Day – the day when the commercial big wigs have decided that we will celebrate being loved and being I love, I would like to speak this truth over my life and yours:

God loves you.

He cares for you. Is interested in you. Is invested in having a real, organic, active relationship with you. He loves you beyond measure and he knows your name.  This has nothing to do with what you can earn or what you will do. It just is. Doubt, fear, and questions about self-worth may creep in – I know. But keep coming back to and never let go of the written declarations and the written promises that he has given us.

He loves us.
He loves me.
He loves you.

Let’s believe together in the truth of that.

Stop

And for the love ... don't forget to visit this post for a chance to win a package of Shabby Chic Treasures - the give-away closes tomorrow night!

How to Join
Want to know about Kate Motaung, how Five Minute Friday got started, and how to participate? All the details are here. No editing or second guessing. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.

I'd love to connect with you some more - stop on by the Three Bees Facebook Page or connect with me on Twitter @3BeesBlueBonnet. Let's continue the conversation!

Tuesday Grace Notes – Shabby Chic + A Give Away

If you watch my style – how I dress, how I decorate, how I love to deck my world – the term casual elegance might come to mind. That is, after you moved past the term “epic disaster” and “colossal mess.” I’m only half kidding here. Let’s re-phrase and say I aspire to casual elegance and achieve it some of the time. The rest of the time, my life tends to be a well lived-in mess in progress. But I love clean simple lines, muted colors, and (at least in outfitting myself) a lot of black.

But deep in my heart of hearts, I have a soft spot for gently distressed furniture, denim and white, vintage everything, and lots of faded florals. I can’t live with it in large quantities, but I can’t completely let it go.

Rachel Ashwell launched her carefully curated line of vintage floral items in 1989 and named it Shabby Chic, she made it okay – trendy even – to fall in love with our faded jeans, ruffles, and soft, pink cabbage roses splashed over a field pale green. Shabby Chic has run up and down the trends over the years, but the style remains distinct, appealing, and utterly feminine.

To me, the Shabby Chic concept evokes relaxation, pampering, a necessary indulgence in beautiful things, and a connection to wonderful memories past. It’s the soft wash of watercolor, the glow of candlelight, and the feel of linens worn to perfect, comfortable sheerness. Shabby Chic has grace.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, it seems the perfect time to share a little of the romance in this line with my readers – I hope you’ll love it as much as I do.

My own curated collection of Shabby Chic themed treasures includes a 5” x 7” journal with pen, a small notepad with pen, 12 pencils, and half a dozen decorative clothespins (those aforementioned soft, pink cabbage roses splashed over a field pale green). In addition, I’m including a set of four magnets by my friend Susan (made when she had her own wonderful line, Vintage Susie) and a pale pink pen by Studio G because. Well. You know me and pens.

The giveaway will close at midnight on Saturday, February 14 and will be mailed out the following week. Since I’m mentioning Susan’s former line, I should also mention that she currently reps for Origami Owl (another thing you’ll see a lot of if you follow me on Instagram or Twitter). I’m a huge fan of their long chains and charms and lockets you can customize for any occasion. If you enjoy beautiful, sparkly items – necklaces, earrings, and the like, I hope you’ll visit her online to see if you find anything you’ll fall in love with.



a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday Grace Notes are an opportunity for me to share a small bit of harmony amidst the other things I write about. Truly, they are meant to be shorter than my usual pieces (laugh with me here), and just a little something to add a touch of beauty to my life and yours. One week it might be a wonderful book I’ve read and can’t put down. Maybe it will be one of the movies I love (or its soundtrack). You might find a favourite recipe here. Or the new soap I’ve just discovered. You’ll find that many of them are inspired by my mother and the things she taught me about living a gentle, elegant life. I hope you’ll join me as more things are shared.

I'd love to connect with you some more - stop on by the Three Bees Facebook Page or connect with me on Twitter @3BeesBlueBonnet. Let's continue the conversation!