HappyGoStuckey

Welcome to a Fresh Start. (FMF)

January 8, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 10 Comments

Ok friends. Here we are, one week in to 2015.

Whether or not you are a “one word for the year” kind of person, (I am not. I need more words.)

Whether or not you have a list of goals washi-taped to your mirror as a reminder of your next steps–

Even if you feel like you majorly bombed last year.

If December left you dried out, worn out, needing more…

Here’s what we need to know: He is enough. Especially when we are not. even. close.

So rather than a list of “To-Do’s” how about a list of “Not- To-Do’s” for 2015?

We will not over-commit ourselves. We will say no, graciously and confidently all the while smiling– knowing that the space left when we leave space is the space that can be filled with what God wants there.
We will find pockets of time for self-care and will accept it without guilt knowing that a drained, empty giver is one that has very little to give.
We will not slide into the slippery pit of comparison. We will not self-deprecate alongside her victory. We will not shrink into hiding with the thought that it’s already being said and more beautifully. We will not throw in the towel when we feel like a minnow in an ocean of big, bigger and biggest fish.
We will not forget that there is always room at the table for more. And if this table seems too small, we need only add a leaf to the table to make it bigger… And pull up more chairs.
We will not forget Psalm 127:1 “Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain.”

So welcome to 2015. Whatever you’re building, planning, writing, doing, hoping– know that He is faithful and He SEES you. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

(Photo taken at the lovely Allume Conference this past October)

Back writing with the Five Minute Friday crew! Want to hop over and read what others did with the word, Welcome?

Things I Learned in 2014

January 6, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 8 Comments

1. I love the smell of Pine. I’ve long loved the smell of Christmas trees, but always avoided the smell of anything Pine-scented for fear that it would smell exactly like Pine Sol. HOWEVER, this year thanks to this lovely scented Countertop Spray in Iowa Pine from Mrs. Meyers– I’m a believer. Then my friend Amanda brought these Vintage Spruce Candles from Target to our Christmas Favorite Things Party– and it basically smells like living inside the most beautiful Christmas tree ever — minus the sap. And neither smells like something with which you would clean your bathtub. Just clean and fresh and completely appropriate well after Christmas. Clearly, since I’m still hung up on it.

2. I discovered Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel.
And let me just say, WOW. Thank you to the sweet girl at Sephora who pointed me in that direction. She mentioned it was a great tool to help your entire eye area stand out. I’m a conscientous eyeliner and mascara gal, but my eyebrows have always grown really slowly, so they get waxed about once a year and I call it good (I know, and I’m giving you beauty tips??) But this stuff is pretty stellar. In the same way that false eyelashes make your whole face look “awake” — a little swipe (literally, a little goes a long, long way,) of the brow gel adds a big “little something” to your eyebrows. Trust me. Ok, enough talk about eyebrows.

3. I discovered ALOT of great music. Some was new, some was just new to me but if you are looking for a few good tunes, check these lovelies out.

Ellie Holcomb- As Sure As the Sun (Personal Fave- #8)
Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors- Good Light (Personal Fave- #4) ** Drew & Ellie are married and they make gorgeous music together, along with the rest of the band. So fun.
Christa Wells- Feed Your Soul (Personal Fave- #5) **I had the sincere joy of hearing Christa in person at the #writersbarn event last September and her lyrics have become a part of my permanent playlist since then.
Colony House- When I Was Younger (Personal Fave- #7) **Fun Fact– Two of the band members are sons of Steven Curtis Chapman. Their music is upbeat and a fun album to have playing in the kitchen while you chop, stir and sauté away. Ask me how I know.
Ben Rector- Live in Denver (Personal Fave- #12, which was previously only available by pulling up the YouTube video, so yay!) I normally don’t love Live Albums, but I enjoyed this one, because well– Ben Rector.

4. Perhaps the MOST important lesson- I learned to respect the slow, the quiet, the lull. When I think back over the year I’m aware that we had moments where a lot seemed to be happening and moments where our lives seemed rhythmically slow. I learned I am happy with both, and I need both.

There are times when we are waiting on God and it might feel as though we are merely waiting on our selves. It can feel stifling to feel as though I’m waiting on myself to get my act together, frustrating even– to think I see what my next step is but not know when and how to get there.

Back in September, Christa Wells said something that has stayed with me regarding the quiet wait- “Much good happens in the space where nothing is happening.”

The space where nothing appears to be happening to advance what it seems God has called us to do– can be a long and sometimes lonely wait.

I have felt this off and on this year and at the end of the day it boils down to one thing, my impatience. I say I trust Him and His timing, but the process often seems too long for my taste and I stop short in my enjoyment of it.

I miss the opportunity to just rest in His care and to watch the story unfold. I become just another Israelite with a long history of seeing God act but yet whining why He hasn’t “moved” in me yet. I’m realizing He IS moving– in me– in the quiet, the time of little goings-on, the lull. Nothing is wasted when He is the artist making something beautiful of all my broken parts. I want Him to build this house, and I want to be ready to not only wait for as long as it takes, but to wait with the anxious anticipation of a child.

What did you learn in 2014?

*Amazon Links are Affiliate Links

Meaningful Christmas Books: Unwrapping the Greatest Gift

December 14, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey 2 Comments

Last year, Ann Voskamp’s book The Greatest Gift was a very important part of my own personal Advent celebration. The readings are short and begin with a passage of Scripture. Apart from just being a beautiful book, it is an excellent way to begin or end each bustling day in the Christmas season with quiet and rest.

When I discovered that Ann had also written Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas for the entire family, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy! Tyndale House Publishers mailed me a complimentary copy for our family’s enjoyment in early October and we began to enjoy it long before December arrived.

We received the beautiful book just in time to take it along to the Mountains in October, and Lucy spent a lot of time stretched out on the floor of the cabin, looking at the lovely pictures and reading a few words.

Unwrapping the Greatest Gift is a large hardcover book- about 12×12- and has gorgeous full-color illustrations throughout. A similar format is used as the original Greatest Gift version, taking the principle of the Jesse Tree and exploring the elements of Advent as they all point to the coming of Christ. A passage of Scripture comes first in each day’s reading, followed by a part of the story. Each day (or chapter) puts one story in front of the other pointing along the way to the coming of Jesus.

Though the book is meant to be for Families to read together, if your family is made up of active toddlers, you will want to take that into account as you read. Those of you, (myself included) who struggle to get your almost three-year old to sit attentively for one small board book– may find yourself gritting your teeth through the pages of this book if you are hoping your kiddos will sit still and take in the beautiful lyrical text. That being said, I feel there is a lot of value in Unwrapping the Greatest Gift, no matter the stage of your family. It would be a great piece to read a small bit of each chapter, show them the photos and then build on as your children grow. The fact that the title suggests it is for families to experience together should not dissuade anyone from enjoying Unwrapping the Greatest Gift. I have enjoyed reading portions both by myself and with the little people in our home.

What I love most about this book is perhaps what I love most about Ann Voskamp’s writing in general, her ability to cross bridges and boundaries to bring the Hope and Joy of Christ right in front of you, no matter your season of life. And the gift of being able to share that with my children with wording and pictures they appreciate is just icing on the lovely, poetic cake.

I hope that in a rush of this December, you are enjoying a few moments of quiet peace. If you are looking for a tool in which to focus more of your attention of Jesus and the gift of His coming FOR YOU, I wholeheartedly recommend Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas.

Unwrapping the Greatest Gift was given to me by Tyndale Publishers to enjoy and review. I received the free copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

**The Amazon links to purchase the book are affiliate links. Thanks for clicking!

Hope and Grief are not Enemies.

December 10, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey 23 Comments

A road winds behind our house and we pass on it when we head home. This preview of our little haven stretches out its’ arms in comfort before we even roll over the driveway’s gravel. On the days I go out alone and come home, my heart squeezes to see my favorite people through the large windows– and I’ll often slow down to take in the view.

The other day I headed home after receiving difficult news. I was alone in the car in thick silence, crying out for God to care for us in our… well, in our pain. Struggling with my own questions, I pulled onto the road behind Blue House, so named by its happy inhabitants–

and I was completely awestruck.

There running down the hill from the house was one of God’s most tangible gifts. Knee deep in the crispy evidence of Fall and moving so fast, her bouncy curls struggled to keep up. She stopped and waved both her arms, my own personal air traffic control. A grin spread from one of her tiny pierced ears to the other as she mouthed, “HI MOM!!!!” I waved back and the tears I’d been holding onto tumbled out amidst uncontrollable laughter.

This is life running right towards me. Life full and beautiful and bubbling over with so much grace. And even in our darkest of days, when the rug is swiftly pulled from beneath your feet and you duck your head and brace for the impact, Keep looking up.

In every dark day, we have a choice. And it isn’t whether or not to grieve.

Even for the believer, grieving is often non- negotiable. But oh, that we could learn to grieve toward God instead of grieving inward, suffering silently. Why do we do that? Why must we think that our faith gives us a pass to table the pain? It doesn’t.

Having hope does not equal dealing alone in swift, silent, suffering.

Having hope equals taking our pain in one arm and our hope in the other and opening our hands that God would make something beautiful of them both.

When the unthinkable happens, may we look up to the Giver and Sustainer of all our life— not just the happy parts– and stare Hope straight in the face.

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

“I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.
3 He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1-3

Why Your Mailbox will be Stuckey-Less this Year

December 5, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey 25 Comments

Dear Christmas Card List,

First of all, it’s not you– it’s me.

For seven years straight, I have painstakingly selected the best possible photo of the closest likeness of our little family. From the first year when we send a card announcing Mr. & Mrs. Stuckey in their wedding attire, to the year that I was several months pregnant, terribly nauseated and trying to hide my little secret behind a long cardigan, to the next December when 6 month-old Lucy was teething and drooling everywhere and we all cuddled up on a blanket on the lawn of Binkley Chapel and grinned so hard our cheeks hurt. I simply love the process of sending and receiving Christmas cards.

This year we had photos taken by a sweet and uber talented friend. I did the same agonizing in front of my computer screen to pick the best photo of our family, found the perfect card online, calculated how many we usually send… and something in my heart stopped me. It would be how much????

Of course there were coupons and discounts galore, but no matter what I did, the amount stuck out to me in a huge way.

Why? Because Lance and I had just discussed how much it would cost to buy livestock through a Christian World Relief Organization for a family in extreme poverty. And the amounts were exactly the same.

And I couldn’t do it. Something in my spirit alarmed at choosing one over the other– and even if we might not HAVE to choose one or the other, I’m not taking the chance.

I will be honest and say that Christmas doesn’t feel like Christmas without sending a family Christmas card.

That’s why this year’s decision hurts a little.

But that’s sacrifice. And can I be honest? I am a white, middle class, happily married mom of two– and I don’t feel like I get the opportunity to REALLY sacrifice enough. To give when it hurts. When it hurts something I personally “want” and to give anyway.

And this is one ridiculously small way I can give when it hurts. I need more sacrifice in my life. And it’s almost laughable, that this is my over-privileged choice of sacrifice– but for me, It’s a start.

And before there is any confusion at all, please hear me, This is OUR choice. You, my amazing readers know, that I would never announce a personal conviction and expect you to take it as your own. Next year, we might just send a Christmas card again– it may be something else we give up. And if you always send one to us, please don’t stop– they make us SO HAPPY!!!! And we will be filled with all the warm fuzzies to open our mailbox and see you inside. <3

***

If you are interested in joining us in helping a family in extreme poverty, here are a few options:

Compassion Gift Catalog

World Vision Gift Catalog

Linking up (for the first time in forever…) with my Five Minute Friday crew— I’ve missed you all!

The Sabbath for Servants

November 20, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey 9 Comments

By 7:25am on Sunday I had already cleaned up two little messes, changed one diaper, fixed 2 sippy cups of milk, folded up the blankets, made the beds and was half way through breakfast prep.

And standing there in the kitchen I pondered the word, Sabbath and it immediately led me to Remember the Sabbath to Keep it Holy…

As the youngest of five children, I saw my mom rise before the sun– clad in her pink robe and bare feet, standing watch at a skillet of scrambled eggs and smiling over her coffee cup as we padded in the kitchen one by one. Sometimes, the happy dusting of flour all over the counter tops and a quick peek through the stove window confirmed the smell of homemade biscuits.

Sometimes it was a piece of nearly burnt cheese toast hastily served up while we all ran out the door, pulling on shoes and tucking in shirts and smoothing unruly hair– but either way, she was always at the helm of our ship— making provisions for us all as we made our way to church on Sunday morning. Once or twice I wondered… when was her Sunday? Who would make her breakfast so she could enjoy a break? When would her Sabbath come? But mostly, I just ate my own breakfast, filled my seat in the family grocery-getter and never questioned the way things were.

And many trips around the sun later, I’m the mom. Biscuit baker. Cup-Filler. Smile-bringer. Hair-smoother. And to be truthful, sometimes it feels like I also wear the label, Non-Sabbath taker.

And as I struggle with the push and pull of being both provision-maker and desperate needer of a Sabbath myself– I know there are things we can do to cut back on all the doing– and make time for the resting. And sometimes we do them. Takeout Sunday lunch. Extra planning on Saturday. Frozen waffles. And just letting some things go until Monday.

But I also know that life just is. And Sundays are a day that little people still need the same help they need the other six.

Whether a mother or a Minister or an ICU nurse, not everyone can take a service-free Sunday. And I’m just not sure that is what Sabbath means after all.

The hands that serve others for God are hands that worship simultaneously. Perhaps we are the best multi-taskers when we first put our hands up toward Heaven to offer up our first bits of sacrifice.

I know that if asked, my mom would not say she missed out on those few extra hours of Sunday morning sleep. More likely, she would say that God gave them back to her twenty fold in watching her children grow to know Christ.

And some might say that the two are not related. But as one of those pajama clad kids who always woke up to such Sunday mornings, I would disagree.

Nothing is secular when done for the honor of the sacred. Nothing is ordinary when done with the hands and feet of Christ. And for all the moms (and dads!) standing in all the kitchens today, for all the grandparents who are doing it again for another generation, it matters. For the policeman standing guard instead of sitting with the paper, it makes a difference. For the leaders in our churches who get up and get at it so Sundays can happen, we need you. We need you all.

So go hard after it for the Glory of God.

Better Life Bags

November 17, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

Better Life Bags is a rare type of ethical, missional company which also happens to have amazing products!!! When I was introduced to Better Life Bags on Instagram last year, I noticed the most beautiful custom bags featuring buttery-smooth leather and bright beautiful fabrics, but my instant love of them went up several notches when I noticed their “Custom–for a Cause” tagline. Two things I absolutely adore, being able to customize something to my preference– and being able to spend to choose products that will improve someone else’s life. When the lovely staff at Better Life Bags contacted me with an offer to review a product, I had been using my Brynnda Bag for a month! While watching their products online, with a little birthday money burning a hole in my pocket, they had a great sale I could not pass up– so I jumped on a cute style in their ready-to-ship section. I have used it for months almost every day– as an airplane carry-on and and as an every day bag. It’s fantastic and so fun to carry. A few months ago, they gave me the opportunity to customize an i-phone wallet case to try out. I chose the traditional brown leather (so soft!) and the classy and traditional black stripe with chambray. And let me just say, it was even cuter in person– I’m pretty sure I squealed the day I opened the mailbox and pulled out the package! The i-phone wallet is well-padded and offers great protection for your i-phone. An additional zipper pocket is perfect for your drivers’ license or credit cards. This year at Allume, I was able to fit several business cards and my Rosebud Salve* in the front pocket nicely. I have this case* on my phone and it fit great. This i-phone wallet would be also be perfect if you had a diaper bag to carry as the leather strap snaps open and closed. It’s also a great tool to have handy when running quick errands and a big bag is too much. But as I mentioned before, Better Life Bags has my heart not just because of their gorgeous products– but because of their mission.

“We hire women, who otherwise cannot get jobs, to work for BLB. We rent them a sewing machine and tools while teaching them a skill set that allows them to become a primary or secondary provider in their families. Most of these women are first generation immigrants from countries such as Yemen and Bangladesh, so we are also able to provide them with much needed fellowship and friendship as we visit their homes to deliver fabric and pick up orders.”

–Rebecca Smith, founder of Better Life Bags. Read more about their amazing mission here.

Better Life Bags sent me a complimentary Custom I-phone Wallet in exchange for my honest and heartfelt thoughts. But I would have wanted one anyway. 🙂 Connect with Better Life Bags on Instagram to keep up with sales and see beautiful designs!