Worthwhile words for your weekend

Happy weekend! It's a beautiful day here in Kentucky. We've got soccer games and dinners with friends on the agenda. And I'm hoping the sun keeps shining so we can break in our new deck.

I've gathered some things I've read recently online that are worth your time ...


"The Danger of Protecting Our Kids From Unhappiness" by Kristen Welch :: "We live in a culture that is obsessed with not only making our kids happy by giving them everything they want, but also by trying to keep them happy. It’s an impossible, exhausting task. I’ve tried it. Maybe you have too. But instead of making kids happier, it just makes them want more. And more often leads to more emptiness. Because deep down our kids long for authority and structure. They crave guidelines and rules because that’s one of the major ways they fill loved by us."


"What Do We Do When Life Get Hard?" by Kayse Pratt :: "What do we do when things get hard? Will we run? Will we quit? Will we wallow in bitterness, insistent that we didn’t deserve this situation? I’ve tried that. It doesn’t make life any better. ... He’s overcome it, friend. Whatever you’re going through, He’s already overcome it. That doesn’t always make the situation easier, but it changes our perspective entirely, doesn’t it? Because now, instead of feeling abandoned, we see how very loved we are. Loved enough that He’s made sure that the ending to our story is a happy one. A victorious one. Because our story ends in His triumph."


"Light, for Your Darkest Days" by Jennifer Dukes Lee :: "It always feels like I am tripping over the hem of God’s garments when I have one hopeful eye pressed against a viewfinder. And maybe I am — for the Psalmist wrote how God 'wraps himself in light' as if it were his robe. The light does more than make a good photo. It preaches a sermon — one we might need to hear on days like these, in times like these. I found myself listening to the sky’s sermon the other day while barefoot on gravel, expectant and needy. The day before had been crammed with bad news around the world, and I craved light. And then, the sun rose, and I saw it anew: How light overcomes darkness, one glorious inch at a time, to gladden our barbed world."


"A Memorable Melody Through the Proverbs" :: Slugs & Bugs' "Sing the Bible" CD is one of my favorites. Ever. My whole family loves it. Yes, it's "children's music," but I'm 35 and love it too. Throughout September, 100 percent of the profits from "Sing the Bible" sales will benefit Restore Academy in Gulu, Uganda. The sale of just 40 CDs could cover the cost of an entire semester for one student. Here's my earlier review of the CD, which has songs straight from the Bible, and not just Proverbs.


Have you read anything good lately? What are you up to this weekend?
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Words for your weekend

Happy Friday, friends! Even with the short week, I'm glad it's already the weekend, again. It's going to be a busy but fun one for us, and, yes, we'll spend some of it at the soccer field. We're also going to have Greg's office party at the lake and have a fund-raiser for my kids' school. {If you're local, we'd love for you to join us for the Birthday & Benefit Concert for New Covenant Christian Academy. Who doesn't love the idea of classic rock for classical education?}

Meanwhile, I wanted to share with you some blog posts and book quotes that have encouraged me lately. Enjoy them as you head into your weekend!


"When matters of faith require action" by Kelli Stuart :: "I’ve long had a weary opinion of the Osteens. I do not believe in the idea of the prosperity gospel in any way, shape or form. I do not think that God is at all concerned with my happiness ... . There is zero evidence in scripture to support such claims, and so I’ve always taken Joel Osteen quotes with a grain of salt. They are feel good fluff – kind of like cotton candy. Fun to eat, but will rot you from the inside out if you consider it nutritious. ... God wants my yes. He wants my obedience. He wants me to give and love and pour myself out for others, not because it makes me feel good or look good or seem "good." He wants me to pour myself out as a praise offering to Him – so that He gets the glory. I don’t want the glory – I really do not, because it would be a cotton candy faith that dissolves the second I’m faced with any sort of challenge."

"Mel's Amazing Black Bean Salsa" by Kristin Smith :: Really, I've made this recipe several times now, including twice just this week. It's delicious. And easy. Both Kristin Smith and recipe creator Mel Schroeder are good ones to follow along on this big 'ole Internet.

"Today I'm Starting a New Book: Present Over Perfect" by Shauna Niequist :: Well, this is exciting. A favorite author writes on a topic I'm always needing to learn more about. "Present over perfect, indeed. This is life, this is family, this is the great beautiful brave spectacular adventure that is plain old everyday life, and it promises to remind you over and over that perfect is a myth, and that perfect breaks our backs and breaks our hearts. Real life is in the homework, in the shattered glass, in the apologies and kisses and walks to the bus stop. And that’s what this book is about. ... I’m aching to move from exhaustion to passion, from comparison to connection. I want to forgive myself for all the things I’m not, all the things I’ve been trying so hard to be. And I want to hold out my hand and invite the people I love into that same compassion, for ourselves, for one another. I want to be free to love wildly, to be silly, to fail and try again because bravery is worth infinitely more than staying safe on the sidelines, afraid to look foolish. I’m discovering, inch by inch, a new way of spiritual living–less striving, more receiving. More love, less hustle."

"First Friday Book Faves" at Circles of Faith :: If you're looking for some book recommendations, Circles of Faith writers (me included!) shared what we're reading. Come join the conversation!

From "Memory Maker" by Carlos Whittaker :: "And that, my friends, is what Moment Making is all about — using time to create a story worth reading. Not everyone is going to write a book about their lives and sell it on bookshelves. But we all write a story through our lives that will be read by those around us. And through that, we have an opportunity to have an impact by touching just one other person. And that, by extension, will change the world."

From "Breaking Free" by Beth Moore :: "A wide gulf lies between thanking God for our wonderful victories and pointing people to God as the One and only Sovereign victorious."


Have you read anything good the past couple of weeks? What's on your weekend agenda?
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Worthwhile words for your weekend

The kids may be back in school, but we're still soaking in some summer. This weekend we'll be at Kentucky Lake with friends, where we'll eat well, laugh much, swap stories, spent time on the water, and surely get in the water with a heat index that's expected to be in triple digits.

We've been spoiled with a cooler-than-usual summer, so I feel bad even discussing this heat. But, you know, it's hard to ignore when sweat is dripping down my back.

So, let's move on. 

How about some worthwhile words for your weekend?

NEEDTOBREATHE has some great live music I found on the Internet this week. You're welcome. {And, yes, now I'm way too eager to see NEEDTOBREATHE live in less than a month in Nashville!} I particularly love this version of "Something Beautiful."

"... And the water is risin' quick / And for years I was scared of it / We can't be sure when it will subside / So I won't leave your side, no I can't leave your side

Hey now, this is my desire / Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful / To touch me, I know that I'm in reach' / Cause I am down on my knees, I'm waiting for something beautiful ..."

And now for more somethings beautiful ...

I really can't get enough of Shauna Niequist right now. I'm reading "Bread and Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes." And then there's this refreshing blog post that supposed to be about what July taught her but encourages me in what God's teaching me:

"Here’s the good news, new information for a girl like me: I can rest when I’m tired, read when I’m hungry for words, reach out when I’m lonely. I don’t have to be strong all the time, or on all the time, or working all the time. And under that, creating a deep foundation for that, more good news: God made us, he loves us, and he’s inviting us into a way of living that’s drenched in grace, in true rest, in connection and communion with him and with each other."

Speaking of books, the ever-encouraging Holley Gerth has a new one out. It's a devotion called "What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days." I have no doubt it's packed with truth and wisdom. My copy is in the hands of the U.S. Postal Service somewhere. You can get yours from DaySpring, where the code HGFRIENDS will give you 20% off, or Amazon.

Meanwhile, I can't stop listening to "Greater" by MercyMe. My kids know I will turn it up every single time it comes on the radio and may even have it on repeat when they get in the car after school.

"Bring your tired / Bring your shame / Bring your guilt / Bring your pain / Don’t you know that’s not you’re name / You will always be much more to me

Every day I wrestle with the voices / That keep telling me I’m not right / But that’s alright /‘Cause I hear a voice and He calls me redeemed / When others say I’ll never be enough / And greater is the One living inside of me / Than he who is living in the world ...

Bring your doubts / Bring your fears / Bring your hurt / Bring your tears / There’ll be no condemnation here / You are holy, righteous and redeemed ...

There’ll be days I lose the battle / Grace says that it doesn’t matter / ‘Cause the cross already won the war ..."

You can listen here.

What's on your weekend agenda? Have you read or heard anything worth sharing?
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Words for your weekend

The Internet is full of much stuff. Some of it's good. Some it's offensive. And, well, I could go on and on. But I've read some good stuff lately that I believe is worth sharing. Below I'm just going to share some favorite quotes from each post, but they're worth reading in full if you're looking for some encouragement this weekend.

Because, really, there's some good stuff out there.


When You Ache Because of the World's Suffering by Kristen Strong

"... and she helps me clean up the mess before fetching me a new carton of blueberries. One soul can do that for another, help you through the mess. She can reflect Jesus Who is a helper, not a hinderer, Who is a burden-easer and shame-defyer. And what’s more, our Savior does this for all of us. He puts everything right again."


What Really Defines Motherhood by Kayse Pratt

"You are a momma. Nothing can change that. It’s not defined by the way your baby comes into this world, or how you feed that baby, or what material you use to catch their poop.

Can we get off our cause-driven soapboxes and agree on this one thing? God has made us mommas. He has filled us with wisdom and intuition and an intense, desperate, all-consuming love. We would do anything for our babies. God has given your child to you, and given you to your child. Your place as his momma is a divine appointment, and you can trust that He didn’t make a mistake!

Our stories are different. Our decisions are different. And that’s okay."


Public, Private, Or Home School? How Moms Can Support Each Other Regardless by Kim Hyland

"As Christian parents, our methods may vary, but we share the same goal: to raise our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Keeping that common end goal in sight enables us to stay focused and determined as we walk out all the ups and downs of our education choices. Moreover, it frees us to support our fellow moms in their choices."


Other words I've read lately have come from books, both of which I highly recommend ...


"Bread and Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes" by Shauna Niequist

"Life at the table is life at its best to me, and the spiritual significance of what and how we eat, and with whom and where, is new and profound to me every day. I believe God is here among us, present and working." 


"Interrupted: When Jesus Wrecks Your Comfortable Christianity" by Jen Hatmaker

"He often healed people first; they believed second. If I’m wrong, the worst thing that could happen is that some desperate people are cared for, and I’m guessing Jesus will look the other way. He seems to favor unmerited grace. To me, this is a wheat-and-weeds issue, and since that’s not my call to make, I’ll just err on the side of mercy and let Jesus sort it out at the harvest."

Happy weekend, friends! Have you read anything good?
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{Weekend Words}

Happy June! This is one of those weeks I kept reading articles and blog posts that had me telling myself, "Yes! This! This is what I meant when I thought ..."

Saying No To Your Kids and Fighting the Dragon :: "I want to raise my children to hear the necessary no as a yes to something else, something better. This should, I hope, be true in our homes. It is certainly – yes, certainly – true of the promises of God. At least in the big story. And that is what we are in for, the long story. This is who Christians are, characters in the story God is telling in the world." Well said, Sam Smith. Sometimes saying no is exhausting, even when it's necessary. Yes, sometimes I say no out of my own selfishness and laziness, but often it's because I want something different for my kids than what our culture preaches and screams.

Worst End of School Year Mom Ever :: This nails a truth in a funny way. And, really, it made me not feel so bad for not caring about documenting how many minutes my rising-first-grade girl reads over the summer. Oh, and just go ahead and add Jen Hatmaker to your regular reading schedule. She's funny and full of thought-provoking truth.

To the parents of small children: Let me be the one who says it out loud :: "You're an actual parent with limits. You cannot do it all. We all need to admit that one of the casualties specific to our information saturated culture is that we have sky-scraper standards for parenting, where we feel like we're failing horribly if we feed our children chicken nuggets and we let them watch TV in the morning. One of the reasons we are so exhausted is that we are oversaturated with information about the kind of parents we should be." Yes. This. There is so much out there telling us how to raise our kids, what to eat, what not to eat, where to go, how to spend our time, when our kids should read ... it's not all going to happen, and we'll be alright.

How to Fill Up a Child :: "I was concerned about how my children’s behavior or appearance was going to reflect on me. I pushed for perfection because I was overly concerned about what other people were going to think me, not them." My perfectionist tendencies mean I sometimes have to stop myself from criticizing myself and everyone around me. And raising a girl that is a whole lot like me, means I need to be particularly careful not to instill perfectionism in her. I don't want to make a big deal out of the three different shades of pink she's wearing or that her Js are still sometimes backward. I'm thankful that God is showing me the beauty in imperfection. Hands Free Mama is good for me.

What have you learned this week? Any links to share?
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{Weekend Words} Memorial Day edition

Kentucky Lake. April 2012. More reflecting and discovering coming this weekend.

It's Memorial Day weekend. May we remember how blessed we are as people and how much of that is because of the sacrifices other families made throughout history. Enjoy the people near you, find ways to love the ones far from you, and build on the legacy of those no longer with you.

We're going to eat, play, catch up with family, rest, swim, boat, and regroup at Kentucky Lake. Meanwhile, I thought I'd leave you some links to articles I loved. I was challenged and encouraged.

The Important Thing About Yelling :: "As I let go of my internal and external distractions, the anger and stress pent up inside me slowly dissipated. With a lighten load, I was able to react to my children’s mistakes and wrongdoings in a more calm, compassionate, and reasonable manner." Hands Free Mama reminded me I'm not alone and gave me hope. While you're there, click around her blog. Her philosophy of living a less-distracted life is worth thinking about.

A Tantrum and Two Fools :: Again, with how we speak to our kids and what our behavior models. "We mistake our display of 'authority' for being the parent in charge, when in reality we are mimicking our child’s behavior and reinforcing it by our poor example. We become the fool." Hello, conviction. In a good way. Between this post and another she wrote this past week {A Sure Risk}, Amber seems to be peeking in on my life!

When Storms Rage On (And How to Get Through) :: The reporter in me loves that Jennifer Dukes Lee revisited a past story. The writer in me loves her storytelling. And the Christian in me is thankful for the hope she shares. "If Pastor Bill were asked to fill a pulpit in Moore, Oklahoma, this Sunday, he’d give folks the message he once heard from a therapist who spoke about the difficulty of divorce – 'The only way out is through.' As for the rest of us, the ones out here groping for answers? Well, he said that sometimes, it's best to say nothing at all. 'Just be there. Help people. Hold them,' Pastor Bill told me. 'Tell them that their pain is your pain too. We weep with those who weep. And rejoice with those who rejoice.'"

What are you doing this weekend? What have you read lately worth sharing?
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{Weekend Words} The Mother's Day Edition

To Young Mothers of Toddlers and Babies :: "I am overwhelmed that the living God would take all those years of my not really knowing what to do, and all those years of my feeling like I was dying and wasting, and all that hurt, and turn them into a young man so bright and so beautiful." There is so much hope in this real post from Rebecca Reynolds at Story Warren.

Motherhood as a Mission Field :: This post was one a stranger I follow on Twitter shared. I emailed it to myself and was so glad when I finally sat down to read it. "Given in faith, that plate of PB&J’s will feed thousands. Given in faith, those presents on Christmas morning will bring delight to more children than you can count. Offered with thankfulness, your work at home is only the beginning. Your laundry pile, selflessly tackled daily, will be used in the hands of God to clothe many. Do not think that your work does not matter. In God’s hands, it will be broken, and broken, and broken again, until all who have need of it have eaten and are satisfied. And even then, there will be leftovers."




Mighty :: This video is based on a blog post by Lisa-Jo Baker. Both are worth your time. "Celebrating the small is directly related to recognizing the massive, Kingdom impact. Kids are forever. They are eternity with skin on. And we mold them like so much play-doh until one day they walk out the door and take every small moment of a family’s routine with them."

Happy Mother's Day weekend, friends. Have you read anything that needs to be shared?
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Weekend Words

Infertility is Not a Punishment - Hope for the Hurting :: Amber nailed it. I've been there. Thing is, this truth applies to so many areas in life, not just struggling to have a family. "Do good, friend. Even if it means personal sacrifice on your part. Serve those who God has put in your life, be a light on the path you are taking in a dark world, reach out to people in need, and love unconditionally. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep, and trust God to either change your situation, or change you. But don’t allow the enemy to attack your position in Christ as dearly beloved. Remain faithful and allow God to heal your heart in His timing. You are loved!"


Brave :: Goodness, there is this video Lisa-Jo Baker shared on her blog. I've lost count of how many times I've watched it. And Lisa-Jo's words are totally worth reading too. That post and so many others you'll find once you start browsing. "... Everybody’s been there, everybody’s been stared down by the enemy, fallen for the fear and done some disappearing. Bow down to the mighty. Don’t run, stop holding your tongue. Maybe there’s a way out of the cage where you live. Maybe one of these days you can let the light in. Show me how big your brave is. Say what you wanna say and let the words fall out. Honestly. I wanna see you be brave ..." {From "Brave" by Sara Bareilles}

When Mothers Cry Rescue :: My new dreamer friend Jennifer Camp knows how to use words to encourage and inspire. She's done it over and over again the past few months. This post spoke loudly into my heart. "Oh, mothers, let’s lay it down. Let’s lay down our need for control, our desire to be right, our quest to fill up our kids because we, ourselves, need to be filled. Let us be filled first, and let that be what overflows. Let us be filled first so we are strengthened in our weakness, emboldened to stay and rest rather than run. Let us be filled first so that in our being rescued we don’t run, we stay."

I'm hoping to take these lessons on hope, rest, bravery and laying it all down into my weekend as we celebrate life {two birthdays!} around here with people we adore. Have you read something lately you're holding close? Share in the comments. 
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Weekend Words

Bearing with one another :: Oh, social media, how people love to hate you and hate to love you. I mostly love it. I don't do Pinterest, but I love Facebook and Twitter. And, well, hello, I'm a blogger. Kelli Stuart nailed so many things in this post that I've been thinking about. And, really, it just comes down to balance.

Rushing & Pausing :: Pretty sure Angie Smith sneaked into my house and wrote this about my life. "The bottom line is that oftentimes I create an atmosphere of stress and perceived need when there is none. I’m really feeling like there’s not a positive outcome by insisting that every moment in life serves to make you feel like you’re late for the next one."

For When Motherhood Asks You to be Brave :: Notice Kristen Welch says "when" and not "if." It's so true. "We run straight into danger–whether it’s sickness, hurting kids, temper tantrums or math homework– we fight the battles instead of turning away from them. Some days we long to hold up a white flag of surrender. But instead, we mother on. Motherhood is about sacrifice. It’s about putting someone else’s needs in front of our own. It’s about risk. It’s about bravery."

Going The Distance :: Elizabeth Anne May makes pictures with her words. In this post, she reminded me of the hill at the end of the 5K I ran earlier this month. Like life, the hills come when they're hardest to climb. Also like life, the hills are temporary because the ground eventually flattens back to "normal." But to get there, I've got to keep going, just like Elizabeth reminded me: "Just like when I’m running a hill, I need to remember the basics. Stay on your toes and lean into the hill. Don’t overthink it. And above all, keep moving, however slow."

Infertility Anguish :: Infertility led us to adoption ... twice. I have several friends who have struggled with having a family. There is so much hope in the stories I've lived and seen unfold near me. But understanding that hope is such a long, hard road. Gindi also understands.

What good stuff have you read lately?
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Weekend Words

Neverlands and Promiselands :: Jennifer Dukes Lee is a new favorite storyteller of mine. I related to so much of she writes, especially this piece. I was never going to move back to Murray; I've been back here more than nine years. I was never going to work at the Ledger & Times and then I was never going to quit the job I never wanted. I've been a stay-at-home momma for 5 1/2 years. There was something about never sending my kids to private school. Yeah, well, clearly I need to stop saying "never." Good thing God works in spite of my "I will never ..." Right, Jennifer? "I still like to make plans, but I’ve learned to hold them a little more loosely, and then to take care with what comes next." 

"King & Queens" by Audio Adrenaline :: This is a song I've been loving lately. "Boys become kings, girls will be queens/Wrapped in Your majesty/When we love, when we love the least of these/Then they will be brave and free/Shout your name in victory/When we love when we love the least of these/When we love the least of these." You can listen below. You'll want to. 


Have you read anything good this week? Heard any good songs?
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Weekend Words

A Kind Wife :: "You see, I was so busy doing things for my husband, trying to be the perfect wife, that I was getting it all wrong. I was so tired and stressed that I was snappy, unkind, and impatient. And the only thing my dear husband wanted was a girlfriend! Am I saying that it’s wrong to do things for your husband or family? Of course not! But I am saying to think about keeping being kind as the TOP priority." I promptly emailed this to my husband so he can understand why I'm weary when he gets home from work. And then I prayed I'd continue to embrace imperfection and be nice to the people I love most.

Every Book Starts With A Sentence :: Thank you, Lysa. I read this at exactly the right time for my heart. I had writing ideas circulating in my head and this was just the encouraging nudge I needed. "It’s a process, this book writing thing. It’s hard and messy and crazy time-consuming. But what a wondrous thing to have words that live on beyond us. Sentences that linger and continue to inspire. Yes, please."

Less Yelling, More Praying: Bible Verses to Pray :: I read this one day and then didn't think much more about it. But then I was having a couple overwhelming mothering days this week and went searching for this again. This was the follow-up to Erin's initial post about a subject that I too am oh-so familiar. {I linked that earlier post in a "Weekend Words" a couple weeks ago.}
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Weekend Words

The Hardest Part of Parenting is Me :: "I look deeper–past the dirty room and scattered laundry and I see it there; it wears a different face, but under the layers of order, I see my nasty desire for control. Because really? The battles aren’t about a clean room or tidy drawers, folded laundry or emptied trash. It’s about my unhealthy desire to be in control of things that don’t really matter because I’m not in control of things that really do." I like how Kristen Welch finds truth in the ordinary. She does the same thing in her devotion book for moms. So, yes, I recommend this blog post, but I also recommend "Don't Make Me Come Up There: Quiet Moments for Busy Moms."

How to Know You're Headed in the Right Directions :: "The truth is we don’t know. We don’t know whether we’re headed in the right direction or if this new idea will work — or totally flop. But not knowing was never a good enough reason to not act. In fact, this is the perfect opportunity for faith, to put yourself out there and grow." And when you finish reading that post, go click on the link to the excerpt of his book. I don't really even know what his next book project is, but I think I'll want to read it. Good stuff, Jeff Goins.

I Cried, Decided to Be a Better Mom, Then Yelled at My Kids :: Oh. My. I've so be there. Like more than once a day. "Life doesn’t become easier just because we realize how sacred it is, or how quickly it can be gone, or how we might not have our little one to hold tomorrow. Life moves forward, and our sin-disease moves right along with it. Sin doesn’t give us a break, or care about our little ones, or pause when we need to re-group." I'm looking forward to watch else Sarah Mae has to say.
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Weekend Words

The Radical Life of an Evangelical :: I don't love the word "evangelical." But while reading this, I realized it's not the word as much as the misinterpretation of it. "Evangelical is not a word for an outdated cultural movement, but a way to wrap your whole life around a cup and a cross. It’s not an empty promise for prosperity, but investing our very lives in each other because of an empty tomb." Well done, Jennifer Dukes Lee.

A Mom's Lenten Journey: Less Yelling, More Praying :: Um, wow. I could have written this. Well, except, Erin actually has a plan to address what she wants to change. The arguing and negotiating from my 3-year-old boy has {unfortunately} prompted some yelling lately. I need to cling to the truth before I let words spew out of my mouth. I'm thankful I read this just when I needed it most.
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Weekend Words

The Joneses are Overrated :: I thought this Proverbs 31 devotion addressed a real, ongoing issue in our society while speaking everlasting truth. "When we cease making comparisons and instead willingly embrace our current lot in life, welcoming all that God will teach us through it, we will finally unearth the secret Paul knew. True contentment is not merely having what you want, it is wanting nothing more than what you already have."

What's Your Signature Struggle? :: This made me think about how what we fear most is near to what we want to protect and cherish most. Makes sense. Once again, Holley Gerth spoke to my heart like she was sitting at my kitchen table.
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Weekend Words

Dear Scarlette, Lessons in Latergramming :: I love technology, but this is a beautiful reminder of how it does sometimes crowd our life and make us missing out on truly living. This is the first time I've read Kayla Aimee, but I'm glad I clicked on a link from Blogher. Here's to a balance between being online and offline!

Why you shouldn't judge the mom in front of you at the checkout line ... :: I've been both the mom trying to keep it all together until I got out of the store into the comforts of my minivan and the mom at the back of the line internalizing my judgmental thoughts. Hooray to Genny Heikka for this practical encouragement for moms everywhere in the line.

"I'm Adopted" :: This is my favorite Slugs & Bugs song. In fact, it's one of my favorite songs by anyone. Yes, I have two adopted kids, but I'm also not sure I've ever heard the gospel summed up so succinctly or beautifully. This new video makes the message even better, even though I had no idea that was possible. Well done, Randall Goodgame and team.

I've Never Been Told That Before :: Jennifer Schmidt doesn't know me, but, goodness, I feel like she wrote this for me. I often leave a conversation and wonder if I've said too much. Let's just hope God uses the most important words that come out of my mouth and I realize when I need to shut up.

Isaiah Canaan: Tale of two contrasting seasons :: I'm certainly glad #3 is back, even if this season isn't like last season. I'm a loyal Murray State fan, so it's fun to watch a player who cares about his future and the community that gave him a chance to play four years of college basketball.
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Weekend Words

Break Free From Your Need to be Perfect :: I recently started reading Justin and Tricia Davis' blog. Their new book is on my to-read list, but until I do that I'm loving the encouragement, truth and freedom found in their online words. God is helping me transform my expectations and perceptions as I embrace imperfection.

The Difference Between Dreaming and Starting :: With all this God-sized dreaming going on, this was such a practical post for me from Jeff Goins. "This is life. The real deal. The main event. And there is no practice. Every day, you are participating, or not. You were made to create something — to build a family, write a song, found an organization. You weren’t born to simply follow orders. You were created to be creative — whether you’re an artist, plumber, or saleswoman. The legacy you leave hinges on your decision to start. To create something worth noticing."

Cultivating a Realistic Vision of Motherhood :: Life keeps us on our toes. We have to be ready and willing to adapt. Or like Sarah Mae said: "You've just got to come up with another meaning for ideal, and another meaning for beautiful."

Caring for the right thing at the right time :: Jason Gray wrote beautiful words here, but, more importantly, it's a beautiful message of grace, forgiveness, willingness to try again, and slowing down long enough to hear truth. If you don't listen to Jason Gray's music, I recommend that too.

Brave Moms Raise Brave Kids :: Jen Hatmaker makes me laugh and think. Once again, she's challenged me with those clever, honest words of hers. I think I'm a brave mom, but even so, raising a boy is the hardest thing I've ever experienced. And he's only 3.
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Weekend Words

Worshiping Like a Child by Mary Carver on (in)courage :: This captures surrender in such a real way for me, someone who hesitates to raise her hands in worship and hates to speak in front of a crowd.

What if you don't know what your God-sized dream is? :: I first met Holley Gerth's words on greeting cards. I've gotten to know them better through her blog and her Dream Team. Her words are kind, nudging, true, and consistent. These were especially sweet to me, even though I don't feel like I'm in a place of struggling to dream with God. Even so, the reminder to keep it simple resonated with me: "Jesus said the two most important things in life are this: Love God, love people. That's true of every God-sized dream. So if you're not sure what words or goals to put to your dream yet, start there."

Breaking Through the Wall of Perfection :: Truth and community are the best tools to combat perfection. I couldn't agree more, Laurie Wallin! Thanks for being real with your words.
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Weekend Words

Hurry is a Heart Condition :: This Proverbs 31 devotion spoke to me, the one who talks louder and harsher when I'm trying to get people out the door on time. There is so much truth here that I want tos to hold on to, especially this: The Bible is clear that loving others is critical. And not just in public. First Corinthians 16:14 says, "Let all that you do be done in love" (NASB). Which means when I'm trying to get out the door in the morning, or finishing up a project before a deadline. God clearly was telling me to slow down, and prioritize the person in front of me rather than the task on my to-do list.

The Mad Libs version of your Mission Statement ::  Along with dreaming God-sized dreams, God is speaking to me about being intentional, right down to my attitude and reaction choices. Part of that for me is choosing how to focus my time and energy beyond my little family. Writing a mission statement certainly helps clarify that.

Your Dream and That Target on Your Back :: This was a good reminder that when we follow God, our enemy gets nervous and wants to derail our dream. Our dream. Because we aren't there alone, as Christine Wright reminded me in her post. "When you and I begin to claim all of God's promises for our lives, it creates a ripple effect that can't be stopped. People notice and start to make changes of their own. Little by little, the turn from darkness to light is made and the truth is set free. ... Our dreams are specifically chosen for us, but when your remove the filter of the cross, they can seem like specifically chosen nightmares. With Jesus in His rightful place, even Satan's lies can't bind our God-sized dreams."

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Weekend Words

Four Ways to Find More Margin in Your Day :: I've started carrying an old-fashioned paper calendar planner with me. I still love and use Google Calendar, but I've found the ease of having a tangible list in front of me makes me more efficient when I have a block of time to get some things done while my kids are in school or my youngest is napping. All of that to say, I liked these practical suggestions, although I'm not good about getting up before my kids, which is why I usually think about my day the night before.

Overplanners Anonymous :: I've been learning some of these same things about walking the thin line between planning and organizing but not trying to control God and being disappointed when my plans don't prevail. It's kind of like planning not to plan.

What have you read this week worth sharing?
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Weekend Words

Consider this in the first in what I hope is a regular weekend post sharing what I've read during the week that made me think, laugh, or relate. Hopefully these posts will do the same for you.

Meaningful Moments of a Boy-Mom Christmas :: I only have one boy. He's 3, and all boy. I can't imagine if we ever have another what Boy #1 will instigate with Boy #2. Even so, this made me laugh. And remember I'm not alone.

Meet Your God-sized Dream Team :: Holley Gerth has a way with words. She uses them to encourage. And I'm so excited to be part of her "dream team" as a new year begins.

I weep for them :: Kelli Stuart has a way with words. Sometimes she makes me laugh. And sometimes she makes think we're meant to be friends. This time her words pierce deeply my momma heart.

What words have inspired or entertained you this week?
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