#FridayFive :: Perks of Being 27

27 is an odd age. In between 25 & 30. Not a big milestone so to speak. Nothing new that you couldn't do when you were 26. BUT, I will say that there are a few perks to being 27...

-When you're 27, you're not in your 30s yet. You can still claim that you're in your 20s for a little while longer. Hold on to that while you can because 30 is coming for you soon! :)

-When you're 27, you have some wisdom to share. What you have experienced in these short 27 years of life might be worth sharing. You've enjoyed sharing this married life with someone for these past 6 and a half years--wouldn't have it any other way. Life has happened, and that's worth noting. God has shown up in big ways in your life in these short years on Earth! Boy, are we thankful! Share it. What good does it do you to experience things in life and not share what you've learned?! You've been given a story. Tell it.

-When you're 27, you've grown up in a generation that has a lot of information at your fingertips. You have the power to impact so much! The power can be used in different ways and you've seen it go both ways--to rip others apart and build others up. What are you doing with social media? Are you building others up with your influence or not? This really brings to light your heart in each post. Are you doing it for yourself or for others? It is for good or not? Check yourself before you wreck yourself.

-When you're 27, you realize that you're part of a great generation that has experienced life before social media advances and with these advances. In all actuality, it's pretty sweet. You can document life in a brand new and exciting way; however, the face to face communication is a dying art. Practicing genuine face to face communication is key and it's crucial to this life. Do more of this and there will be great reward--it builds community, trust, and love. You also have the opportunity to build your social media relationships and turn it into face to face ones! Just do it. It's wonderful and beautiful. Grab coffee. Go for a walk together. Write a letter even. Yes, a real handwritten letter--not just an email. These advances are wonderful, but we must not lose sight of the beautiful things that got us here.

-When you're 27, you've grown significantly in causing others to feel seen and known and loved. You're not perfect, you're only 27, but you realize that this is important. Because in these 27 years of life, you have needed, craved, and longed for these things. You've received it and are working to habitually do the same for someone else. Let them know that they are seen, known, and loved above all. You are learning to truly be there for people. To embody community. To embrace someone and live life with them. To stand in their corner and fight for them and love them.

PS-When you're 27, you can still do risky things! You're young and have time to recover if anything crazy happens. You only live once. You'll only be 27 once--make it count. Run your race. Make decisions and stick with your gut--you've lived life well thus far. Finish 27 strong. Before too long, you'll be 28. And then a whole different adventure begins.

What are the perks of being your age?

I've linked up with Mrs. Disciple for this week's #FridayFive. You can too!

Thankful Thursday

Woohoo! Another Thursday is here!

I'm thankful for community & accountability. Sometimes your feet are held to the fire to bring about growth and purification. Sometimes (most of the time, perhaps all) it sucks, so you need someone there to stand with you and bandage your feet after the wreckage. Yes, I'm thankful for those lovely people in my life.

I'm thankful for tithing & giving. Tithing and giving are important disciplines, but they aren't just disciplines--they are a delight! Once you let it become a habit, it truly is easier and you can then be the cheerful giver you are called to be. Also, I love that you can tithe 10% of pretty much anything as long as your heart is in the right place. I spend a lot of time on the computer or phone, for every hour I spend, 6 minutes of that needs to be given back to the Lord. I can send an encouraging text to a friend. Read a few verses of scripture. Even turn off my phone and pray for that time. Scroll through my contacts and pray for those people. Six minutes isn't much.

I'm thankful that there's progress being made on containing the Bastrop fires. I'm praying for those that are affected by the fire!

I'm thankful for a Texas win against OU. The few wins we've had this season are hard fought. I will relish in it! Hook 'em. Also, Bevo has been diagnosed with cancer--so that win was really for him.

I'm thankful for cooler weather and walks in the neighborhood. The weather is finally getting to an enjoyable point. I so enjoy it. Running can commence.

I'm thankful for learning. I attempt to learn something new all the time. I want to keep those synapses firing and grow my neuro-plasticity! Challenging myself. Furthering myself. What are you learning?

I'm thankful for fall. Fall is the marriage of football, pumpkins, apples, browns, reds, oranges, yellows, and ciders & soups. I love it and I now want to go bake while watching football!

I'm thankful for listening. Listening is such a key element to life. We get so hung up on talking and don't spend much time listening. I often am guilty of this. I want to be there for others and part of that is just showing up when necessary and LISTENING. This is a challenge for me--listening and truly soaking those words in, not listening and thinking about what to say next.

What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday :: Belated!

I know it's Friday, but I still want to express my gratitude, so here's my belated 'Thankful Thursday' post!

I'm so thankful for forgiveness and grace! It's truly freeing when these things are given out, and in turn, I want to throw it around like confetti. Try it!

I'm thankful for a date night to see Leon Bridges at ACL Live Taping. Here's his song 'Shine,' enjoy! Tyler and I had a great time together! Leon has fantastic stage presence, and though I doubt we were filmed since we were in the balcony, we definitely shouted for him. I'm sure our neighbors loved us.

I'm thankful for worship. We discussed worship with our junior class and it was honestly a lovely experience. I love that worship is a response of the heart, not just a set time for corporate worship on Sunday mornings. I needed the reminder of what worship truly is and how I am doing it day in and day out.

 I'm thankful for hard conversations. Though they may not necessarily be pleasant, we all need these types of conversations. You know the ones, they may step on your toes some but ultimately bring about grace, truth, and allowing the Holy Spirit to change your life. Yeah, those!

I'm thankful for Petra. There's one song I continually sing over Harper, that I will force her to learn one day. The song 'I Love You, Lord' is a short, sweet, and honest song. I love singing it over her while she's being fussy because it ultimately alters my perspective on the issue at hand. Of course I do what I can to get her to stop crying, but there are times that she won't. It is those times that I like to think that she is singing to the Lord. He hears her cries. He loves them. After having two miscarriages, the cries are a reminder of God's faithfulness in our lives. I pray that my heart would continually be reminded of that sweet truth, rather than get upset over Harper being expressive in this way.

I'm thankful for photos. Memories sealed in a capsule. Printed and enjoyed. I need more printed photos in my life. Reminders of the blessings in my life.

I'm thankful for Amazon Prime. 2 day shipping is the BEST! I can get real paperback/hardback books in my hands in two days and I don't even have to leave the house. Lazy, perhaps. Amazing, definitely! I can also find other things to order too, of course.

 
I'm thankful for the restorative time with family in Oregon. It was truly beautiful last weekend and my soul desperately needed that time in the wilderness, surrounded by His creation.


What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday

Today I'll be writing, as I hope to every Thursday, about what I'm thankful for! I'm writing in hopes of altering my perspective and enjoy each blessing.

I'm thankful that I get to watch Harper learn and grow. She is currently learning to roll over and we're working on crawling!

I'm thankful Tyler has been able to be home for some time now! I know it doesn't sound like a big deal but with all of his job sites, he has had to travel quite a bit. We've enjoyed this time together.

I'm thankful for LifeGroups! I love having the Juniors over at our house. I am so blessed by our time with them and have loved watching them grow and allowing them to grow and change me.

I'm thankful for Out of Sorts by Sarah Bessey! I recently learned that I am going to be on her Launch Team. I have downloaded the book and so look forward to starting it! Book launching has become somewhat of a hobby for me and I LOVE it.

I'm thankful for community. I love that the Lord has provided these ladies for me to live life with. Everyone needs a tribe, your people...those that are in your corner, fighting for you, praying for & with you, and loving you.

I'm thankful for a Run for the Water 5K on Nov. 1! It will be my first race post-Harper--and I am pretty pumped! Anxious, but ready to get back to it.

I'm thankful to visit family. We are about to head out to see Tyler's parents in Oregon! They haven't seen Harper in several months, so I know it will be a good time with them.

I'm thankful that Harper is getting better. We are so humbled by this journey with her health; and it creates a deeper trust in the Lord, as we are not in control of her tiny body. God is faithful!

I'm thankful for having the opportunity to celebrate my Grandpa's 80th birthday this previous weekend. I have learned many things from that man! He taught me how to shoot, how to hoot & holler at football games, and most importantly how to truly care for others. He is a light to those around him and because of him I know what a percolator is. When I call and ask how he is, he says 'I'm percolatin' pretty good for an old fella!' Love him.

I'm hoping this new bit will create in me a spirit of gratitude, even in the smallest of things! What are you thankful for?

What I Learned | September

I would love to start linking up with Emily P. Freeman at the end of each month for a 'What I Learned' series.

During the month of September, I learned some simple things and some hard truths. Looking forward to all that October has in store!

1. Booking flights to New York on a whim can be SO much fun.

I caught Tyler trying to surprise me...and now I am pumped! We plan to go to The Lone Bellow show, and I'm not sure of what else, but it's going to be great! It will be our first trip together since Harper has been born. I'm so looking forward to some time together! Here's to finding some awesome things to do in New York!

2. I cannot control everything that happens to my child.

Parenting is humbling in this regard! I know in my head that I cannot control her and that she is in the Lord's hands; however, sometimes my heart doesn't want that. My heart wants to control all the details, the small and big things. I continually remind myself that she is His, she's never been mine, and I TRUST that!

3. I love The Lone Bellow band.

AND, we are going to see them in November. I could not be more excited! More importantly, listening to them during my work day creates such a beautiful marriage between output and enjoyment! Keep that music pumpin' and the work gets crankin' out. That is how my mind operates.

4. My soul needs rest.

A weekend, or even a few hours, away can be truly restorative. My heart needs rest. My mind needs rest. My body needs it too. I cannot tell you how beautiful it was to have a weekend away with some of my girlfriends. I'm so grateful that my husband was willing to take care of little Harper for the weekend, this mamma needed it!

5. I'm addicted to helping launch books.

I've taken part in four launch teams now. I so look forward to diving into the next book. This has been a beautiful opportunity to explore new authors and create a sense of urgency in reading a book in a timely manner. Plus, I'm so grateful for the community that has been built as a result of the launch team. The Lord has used these books in many ways in my life. And now I have more great recommendations, if anyone is in need!

6. Jen Hatmaker is awesome.

 

She invited everyone on her launch team to her house in September. Mind you, there are 500 people on the launch team. Bless her. There were over 200 of us that were able to make it & it was truly an incredible time! The discussions that were had while there were amazing! I'm praying that the Lord continues to use those relationships in my life.

7. Exercising is hard.

Goodness me. Working out after having a child (+ not working out much while pregnant) can be pretty stinking challenging. I signed up for my first 5k post-baby and I am so excited! I know it will be hard, but I need a goal. I need something to work toward, and Run 4 The Water 5K is it! Game on.

8. Blue Apron is a great thing.

We've been using Blue Apron for a few weeks now and it wonderful! With a very young babe, having a predetermined menu sent to your doorstep is a beautiful thing. I often don't have the capacity to think about things like dinner, or showering for that matter. The meals are delicious and healthy. Currently, it is worth it in this season of life.

An Open Letter...To Me

You often have a million sticky notes everywhere to remind yourself of things. The importance of each of these events varies.

Rather than keeping a running record on old, crumpled sticky notes, I thought I could compose a letter to myself (or bullet points, if you will). This letter will be continued. My life will change and the things I need to remember may change upon the season of life I'm in.

Remember these things in this season...
-Let it go. Let the LORD take control of that which is already His. And that's everything. No one wants to be an Indian giver, so let it all go.

-Enjoy each giggle and coo. You never know when the last coo will be, and soon enough she will be into boys and may never want to talk to you about things. Cooing is the best. The best way to wake up is the cooing in the monitor, truly. Enjoy it.

-Sleep...some other time. It's okay. Your body will eventually tell you when you're in need of more than what you are giving. Sleep is often overrated as it is.

-Enjoy a bath. Umm, yes please. Bath salts, candles, fruit, wine and a good book. Relax, because this American life has taken its toll. We're taught 'hustle & bustle' early and it never stops. Rest. I'm sure the family won't fall apart while you are doing this. Life moves on, and you can step away to enjoy some 'you' time.

-Pray more. Prayer doesn't always have to take shape as one thinks. Prayer can take the form of hiking and running. Reading and singing. Playing and working. When viewed in that light, prayer is easy, amazing, and enjoyable! Do MORE of it.

-Let yourself off the hook. Jesus freed you from unrealistic expectations, don't put them back on. Don't look back. Enjoy it.

-Grace on grace on grace. Do it. Accept it. Show it. Give it. Love it. Practice it. Repeat previous steps until it is a habit.

-Encourage more. It's a spiritual gift after all. Enjoy it and enjoy all that it brings others too! Encourage your husband, your daughter, your friends. Encourage the community you have. Encourage others because you never know what people are going through. One simple expression of encouragement can change someone's day--whether or not you see it. No one will turn down an encouraging word. If they do, that's just plain weird...and it's not your problem.

-Savor each cup of coffee and meal with others. Community is life. Start a supper club or coffee dates. Just do it--you won't regret it.

These are reminders in my life to ENJOY life more! The LORD has come that we may have life and life to the FULL--John 10:10b. Just do it.

Sincerely,
me

#FridayFive :: Five Re-Reads

Good morning!

I'm linking up with a few other #ftllaunchteam ladies for this #FridayFive! Today I'll be sharing my five favorite books to re-read...and it's going to be tough! I have had the chance to read so many great books lately.

5. The Irresistible Revolution, Shane Claiborne. After reading this in high school, I was wrecked! Reading about the radical lives of Christians in other parts of the world, I was floored with how selfishly I was living. I hated it and wanted change EVERYTHING--thank you hormonal, teenage brain for thinking that I could do this all on my own! I have previously owned two copies of this book...I cannot find them currently. If you are someone that I lent this great read to, I'll take it back now. :) Click here to snag a copy today!

4. The Reason for God, Tim Keller. This book is phenomenal. For every doubt that I've had and every question that non-believers and believers alike ask, it is addressed! Though it can be a little dense and difficult to read at times (eg--when it's bedtime and your brain is no longer functioning), it is packed with great truth. Working with students, I find that this is a great resource to have. He addresses the complexity of the Holy Spirit,  I am encouraged by Tim Keller and the response to doubt. If we learn further into the truth through doubting and questioning, we will find it. Check out the book for yourself!

3. Redefining Beautiful, Jenna Lucado. I LOVE using this text with middle and high school girls! Jenna discusses what God sees when He looks at us--His Son! The world is quick to put labels and expectations on us in all areas, Jenna writes about the Lord freeing us from that. I'm glad that I've been able to read through this with a few girls as it forces me to re-read it as well and I love it! Maybe it's because I wish I would have had this book while in those years of horrible hair and awkward dress, but I want each girl to own this book...or at least know the truth! Song of Songs 4:7, "You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you." Click here to purchase a copy!

2. The Road to Becoming, Jenny Simmons. I so look forward to re-reading this book. I was blessed to take part in Jenny's launching of this book. No matter the season, her words meet you there. That being said, I know that I will be able to read this book over and over. I've already dog-eared and highlighted a bunch! Jenny invites you in to the personal stories of her life, her hardships and heartache, and shares what the Lord has done in her life through those things. It is comforting, encouraging, and funny. Grab your copy today!

1. For the Love, Jen Hatmaker.  I'm not just adding this because I am on her launch team. I am adding this because no matter what season of life I am in, I KNOW that I will be able to glean something from this book. It's a great and easy read, filled will truth bombs--both heart-wrenching and hilarious. Your heart needs the words in this book, as does mine. I will make a point to re-read For the Love often and I hope you do too! Purchase your copy here!

Extras

Bossypants, Tina Fey. Hilarious, again and again! Naturally, Tine writes in a way that will have you laughing out loud. While reading this book on a flight, read with caution! Hilarity will ensue and it could result in removal of persons on plane. Even better than reading it is listening to Tina read it!

Matilda, Roald Dahl. Probably my favorite book as a child. I always wanted to be Miss Honey. I despised the Trunchbull and definitely wanted a slice of that chocolate cake!

The Westing Game, Ellen Raskin. I cannot tell you how many times I read this novel as a kid. I loved catching new clues each time.

Nancy Drew Series, Carolyn Keene. Because I grew up reading these books, I naturally felt like I could protect myself and punch out the taillight of someone's vehicle if I ever got nabbed. Obviously I was a 5th grade bad ass.

Stephanie Plum Series, Janet Evanovich. Goodness, Stephanie gets herself into some crazy tales as a female bounty hunter and I love it! I read these on my iPad and devour them--though, I do not like the way Janet gives a synopsis of each character at the beginning of the book. If I'm reading the fifteenth book in the series, I'm fairly certain I know the characters and I'm invested in the story line. No need for the intro, Janet, Stephanie and I are BFFs.

Do you have any favorite books you like to re-read or want to?

After writing about all of these great books, I'm off to cozy up with a cup of coffee and book in hand!