HappyGoStuckey

Tell them there is Hope. (FMF)

August 15, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey 18 Comments

So the internet. It’s been really LOUD this week. Perhaps I’ve struggled more with the noise since I returned home from the Declare Conference on Sunday. All I’ve wanted was a good long bit of quiet — time for processing and time with my three loves. But, Life.

Certainly I could have turned it all off, stuck my head in the sand and avoided the pain and the struggles and the sadness. But sadly, I do that far too often.

Last night as we readied ourselves for bed, I was overwhelmed. So much hurt. So much despair. So many sad events in just one week.

I absentmindedly said to my husband, “Wow. We (as a country) really need some good news. Something happy. Something positive.”

As I drifted off to sleep, it hit me like a blast of cold air in the face– We HAVE that good news. Something positive HAS happened. We have hope.

We have the hope of Christ and that changes everything– if we let it. We have the gift of prayer to a God who hears– but we have to go to Him. We have the biggest reason for crazy joy and peace and gift-counting ever– but we have to TELL THEM.

It’s hard not to feel utterly and completely helpless, because people are still hurting. Many of them love God and know true peace– but they are still HURTING.

And my arms don’t feel long enough to wrap around them all. My words feel as though they fall flat when I open my mouth to speak love. My fingers stayed paralyzed in front of a keyboard when I look at all else that has been said and wonder which of it matters. Is this even helpful? What can I do? I’m one small voice with a handful of followers.

But I’m choosing obedience today. And joy. And I’m choosing to tell everyone, every chance I get. That there is Hope. And there is a God who does not look at us in our brokenness and sadly shake His head.

He knows we are broken. He loves us in spite of it.

He knows we are flawed. He is the only One who is not.

He knows we are helpless. He is our only Help.

So as we look for some shred of good news in today, remember this:

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)

Linking up with Kate for Five Minute Friday! Same lovely group– new home!!!

4×4 for Declare

August 2, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey 11 Comments

In less than 5 days, I will be headed to the Declare Conference!!!! (YAY. Seriously. YAY!)

This will be only my 2nd Blogging/ Writing Conference and my first ever Declare. I am absolutely beside myself excited to go and spend time getting to know these other women with similar passions and hearts– but other than a few that I’ve met virtually, and a few that I met last year at Allume– I really don’t KNOW too many women going. Which makes the FUN link-up that the Declare Hostesses planned even more exciting. I have spent so much time going through and “meeting” other attendees, I’ve failed to write my own 4×4 post– so here it is (finally!)

4 Things About Me:

I’m the youngest of five children, (all brothers!) and still absolutely LOVE making the drive and going “home” to my parent’s house. Something about standing in my Mom & Dad’s kitchen in my socks, drinking coffee from “my” mug while my mom cooks breakfast. It’s simply perfect.
The moment I first met my husband is forever frozen in my mind just like a scene in a movie. We both worked for the same professor and I vividly remember every single detail of that afternoon when he first walked in. Goosebumps, I tell ya. Oh, and Aviator Sunglasses. Those too. I’ll never be the same.
I am the proud Mom of two little girls, ages 5 and 2. Our days are full of squealing and every bit of princess paraphernalia known to man. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I very often hear songs in my head as a sort of soundtrack to certain moments. I’m an idealist and I do not care. I overuse explanation points. And maybe instagram. I over-gram. Be warned.

4 of my “Endearing” Quirks:

I have a problem unpacking suitcases. If I don’t do it in the first 12 hours after returning from a trip– it’s usually a real struggle to get it unpacked. It’s a problem I’m working to fix, because– you know… stubbed toes.
I am unspeakably horribly geographically challenged. I struggle with knowing where places are. It’s laughable, really. I can find my way around a city just fine– it’s more knowing where cities and states (and ok, countries) are. I’m pretty sure it’s because I sat right next to my best friend in 7th grade Geography and I don’t remember ANY learning going on. I blame that.
I’m hard to win over on new things– restaurants, foods, clothing trends, hairstyles, etc. and then once I’m won over– I’m the biggest champion for that thing. My husband rightly explains it this way: “You HATE something. Until you don’t. Then you LOVE it more than anyone.” I’m not this way about people though. I generally love everyone I meet. 🙂
I have so many quirks, I recently wrote an entire blog post about them.

4 Things About my Writing:

I’ve always enjoyed writing but I started writing a blog almost 8 years ago as a way to tell people directions for our wedding. From there it just never stopped.
I have written more in different seasons of our life than others, the happy and the difficult, but in the last 18 months writing has changed from an occasional hobby to a calling and an act of worship. It’s a life-giving exercise.
I write about... encouragement. Life. Grace. Mothering. Trust in time of difficulty. The hardest things I write are… affiliate posts. I’m trying to work at them, but they stretch me for sure.
Some day I would love to write a book about hospitality. I love cooking. I adore feeding people and I always have– even in college, I cooked meals for everyone and my apartment felt most like home when it was busting at its’ seams with friends and family sharing a meal.

4 of my Favorite Things: Only Four???

Chocolate. I recently discovered these Chocolate Covered Almonds at Target and WOW. And BONUS, you get a little protein from the almonds. Score. Find me at Declare– I will most likely have them and will gladly share.
Iced Coffee. I almost always prefer making it at home but I love, love, love Iced Coffee. It is, as they say– MY JAM.
These Fireball Stud Earrings from the JCrew Factory Store — my sweet lifelong BFF (yep, you guessed it– Geography girl.) gave them to me for my birthday this year and I wear them WAY too much. But they go with everything!!
Okay. these chips. IF you live near a Whole Foods Store, (I do not for at least a few more months) you need to go try them. (And no, all other brands are not created equal. They add things like jalapeño powder and sugar???)
Honorable Mention goes to this Benefit Cosmetics erase paste concealer (because four really isn’t enough.)
Such Fantastic coverage. And it lasts for eons. Literally, I’ve had it so long the packaging has changed several times. (affiliate link) I’m definitely packing mine for all those late night Declare chats!!

Finish. And how you must first begin. (FMF)

July 25, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey 7 Comments

I’m all alone in a new-found favorite spot. Comfy purple chair. Earbuds streaming the soul-calming sounds of my Audrey Assad Station. Beside me sits a tall iced coffee infused with coconut and a slice of Hawaiian Banana Bread. Apparently, I’m wishing for an escape in more ways than one.

I’m not just here to read. Or to think or relax.

I’m here with a task. Something that I’ve known I had to finish for more than two months. Something for which the deadline is looming. But each time I sit and try to “knock it out,” several things loom larger than my responsibility.

My own inadequacy. My own “green-ness” at this. Some might call it stress-paralysis. My own fear that someone else could do it better. Someone else could say it more eloquently. Truthfully, I’m not very brave am I?

But here’s the thing.

It’s not always ALL about Bravery. Somedays it’s ALL ABOUT OBEDIENCE.

Today is that day.

Somedays you have to be brave, other days you just have to show up and be available.

Here is what I know. I know that when we are given tasks that seem too big for us, it is because they most certainly are.

Tasks that are too big for us require that we allow our smallness to shrink back a bit and allow God to more clearly show His power. His strength. His might. His ABILITY to equip us where we feel ill-equipped.

But obedience requires the first step. Often the first step is all we know in the way of direction.

But let’s take it. Take the first step to begin in the direction God is nudging us.

Begin. And He will take care of the finishing.

So happy to link up with my other Five Minute Friday Friends HERE!

Summer Garden Vegetable Soup

July 23, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

So July is kind of birthday central around our house. I turned 32 on Monday and Lance turns 35- 9 days later on the 30th– and it’s never fun to confine your birthday celebrations to just one day… therefore we basically celebrate for the last half of July! Which makes August National-get-your-nutritional-groove-back month in our house. But at some point yesterday I realized the amount of… “treat” food I had enjoyed over the last few days and felt the need to cram my system full of vegetables and nutrients for dinner. So, this lovely Summer Vegetable Soup was born. Never mind the fact that it’s about 100 degrees outside– it was still great for a rainy summer evening.

Some notes: 1. Though this a healthy recipe, it does begin with 2 strips of bacon. The bacon lends a nice flavor and when your husband says, “Is there meat in this?” You can say, “Yes! Bacon!” And that just makes most husbands happy. If you desire to make this vegetarian, just substitute a TBS. of Olive Oil to sauté your veggies in. 2. Also in the slightly decadent category, I finish this soup with 1 tbs. Heavy Cream. Feel free to leave that out. I would not sub anything else but you could add a bit of greek yogurt– just allow your soup to cool slightly so it doesn’t curdle. Anddd….3. I do not like big chunks of vegetables that can get mushy in soup– so things that tend to do that– (carrots, zucchini, etc.) I shred in the food processor (or on a cheese grater) and it makes the soup have the perfect texture– and it’s just beautiful that way! See?

Okay for the recipe– You can use just about any vegetables you fancy but here is what I did:

Summer Garden Vegetable Soup

2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 an onion, diced
2 strips of bacon, diced
32 oz. Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1 large zucchini, shredded and drained
1 small yellow squash, shredded and drained
3-4 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
3-4 medium mushrooms, diced
2 ears of corn, removed from cob or 1 cup of frozen kernels (Please don’t leave this out unless you really don’t like corn– it makes the soup!)
1 can of Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed. (set aside 3 Tbs. of these beans in a small bowl.)
1 Regular Jar of Marinara Sauce (Homemade works perfect too!)
1 tbs. fresh sage, diced (or 1/2 tsp. dried sage.)
1 tbs. fresh thyme, diced (or 1 tsp. dried thyme.)
a pinch of salt
freshly ground black pepper
freshly grated parmesan

In a large dutch oven or soup pot, sautée the bacon. When it is not quite done, add the diced onion and garlic and allow it to begin to brown. When the onion becomes tender and is translucent, add the chicken broth and then the carrots, zucchini, squash and mushrooms. Add Herbs and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil while stirring occasionally. While soup is coming to a boil, take the 3 tbs. of white beans you set aside in a small bowl. Smash them with the back of a spoon and then add the smashed mixture to the soup. (this helps thicken the soup.) Now add the whole cannellini beans and stir in. Add Marinara Sauce and stir. Add the corn now. (At this point, you need to look at your soup– to see if it is too thick. If it is, fill the empty marinara jar half-way full with water and then add to the pot. Depending on how juicy your vegetables were, you may or may not need to do this. )

After soup comes to a boil, Lower the heat and Simmer for 10-12 minutes on low until soup is heated throughout.

Taste for seasoning, add more salt and pepper if needed. If your soup tastes like it needs more flavor, you can add a tbs. or two of basil pesto– delicious!

Remove Soup from heat and allow to cool slightly. Add Heavy cream if using. Stir.

Serve bowls of soup with Grated Parmesan– and this Cheddar Zucchini Cornbread is a great accompaniment (and a great way to use up some more shredded zucchini and get more in your kiddos!)

Both the soup and the cornbread make enough for either a crowd, or plenty of leftovers!!!

My Mom’s Night Out

July 17, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

About 9 weeks ago, myself and eight of my other Mama friends had a fun night out, we went out for Southwest food, ate way too many chips & salsa and then went to see the movie, Mom’s Night Out. The movie was really hilarious and I throughly enjoyed it! The movie had each of us laughing way too loud, and nodding in agreement at the level of crazy that Allyson’s life with small children contained. We all agreed it was a movie worth seeing and wondered why we waited so long to have a night out together.

Obligatory Coke Icee with my friend Kristy– you just can’t NOT have an Icee at the Movies!

I knew there was a novelization of the movie being written by Tricia Goyer and I was very interested to read it. I’m so very happy that I did.

I’ll be honest, I winced my way through the first few pages. Why? The book is such a close novelization of the script of the movie and the plot of the movie is such a close mirror of my own crazy mom life (at times) that I found myself getting a tad bit stressed just from reading it! Usually, I would not choose to watch a movie before reading a book, but in this case I was glad I did as I KNEW the movie was going to go beyond the first few moments of Mommy stress. I mean really, what mom wants to escape for a few minutes and read a basic play-by-play of her day? However, the story quickly moves beyond the initial story-setup and into a really funny book. The plot focuses on Allyson, a SAHM of three cute (and lively) kiddos. Allyson, a mommy blogger whose kind husband travels frequently on business often finds herself asking the question that most moms ask at one time another– “Why is this so HARD??!?!”

In an effort to step outside of her stress a bit, Allyson plans a night to unplug with her friends. The three harried moms (in three very different stages of motherhood) embark on what promises to be a relaxing, stress-free night out. Minutes into their outing, the night begins to unravel one tiny thread at a time. Soon, they find themselves going all over various parts of town on a wild-baby chase, which evolves into a wild-van chase (oh yeah, their mom-swagger-wagon is allegedly stolen– Nice, huh?) and ends with every last one of them in Jail. Throw in a random tattoo parlor, an eccentric cabbie, a missing bird named Mama and the Pastor’s wife getting tased… and you have the makings of a hilarious “Momedy-Book” worthy of your time. Even having seen the movie, I found myself snickering out loud at certain parts and shaking my head at poor Allyson’s view of herself as a mom. Because, really, who of us have not felt that “it’s not supposed to be this hard!!!??” — and wondered what we are doing wrong?!

I really did enjoy this book. Lately, I’ve been reading through a stack of more serious, non-fiction pieces and though I’ve enjoyed them all, this was a welcome break as a book that offered plenty of good, clean humor with a nice measure of underlying encouragement.

If you’re looking for a light bit of fun reading with a nice heavy dose of “Me too” for Mamas– you might enjoy it as much as I did!

You may find the book Here (amazon affiliate link)
and you can also pre-order the Moms Night Out DVD!!!

**I was so honored to receive a free copy of this book from B&H Publishing Company to review. I am grateful for the book, but the opinions are completely mine.

Fighting Rest.

July 16, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey 1 Comment

I have this little girl Abby. She is small and very funny.

(Yes, we watch a lot of Charlie and Lola around these parts.)

She loves life and fun and laughing and playing.

But she hates rest time.

I mean, truly– I almost have to sneak up on her to get her in the direction of upstairs before I tell her it’s rest time.

Because that girl– she will run and hide. No matter how tired she is.

She will ask for a drink. (she just had one.) A snack. (She just finished one.) She will ask to go potty. (She just did.) She will want some obscure stuffed animal that neither of us have seen in months. (her bed is full of them.)

And she will go from a snuggly two year old to a rabid porcupine as I try to carry her upstairs.

Upon nearing her bed, she’s even been known to say on several occasions lately and I quote, “I don’t want that cozy bed!!!!!!” “I don’t NEED a nap!!!! *huge yawn.”

She usually has to be distracted by the “animals marching two by two” poem and the drawing of an imaginary kitty face on her own little round face before she realizes she, is, indeed in her own bed.
And then I can see it on her own face– “Oh wow… this is comfy… maybe I’ll just lie down for a moment…”

By the time I get back downstairs and switch on the monitor, she’s out cold. And she stays that way for at least 2 1/2 hours.
But the IDEA of taking a nap? Taking a break from all the fun? No Way is she interested in that.

*****
And then there’s me.

I know I mentioned this before, but this summer has not been a “break.”

Not by any fault of anyone’s but it’s just been super full (of wonderful, amazing things!) but somewhat like a Carousel going a little bit too fast and never stopping for very long at all.

And about some point during each week, I find myself with an hour and no pressing deadline– and I just sit. And stare. Sometimes at the wall. Sometimes at my Instagram feed (because lately it’s been all precious new babies and pictures from where all of you are going and where you’re traveling to and what you’re eating.. and a few cats. There’s always a few cats, of course.) But it’s refreshing to just zone out in silence for a few minutes.

Often in the staring I think– I should really get up and do…..

And I probably should. BUT. there’s something to be said for REST.

And SILENCE.
And being REFRESHED.

And maybe I’m not kicking and screaming and having someone force me to rest… but that might just be what I need.

So here’s my plan. Since Summer is clearly almost over and I have a few deadlines that won’t come until the last few days of summer’s end– I propose something.

Perhaps, we shall make FALL a season of purposeful REST.

Can anybody out there use an Autumn with a return to a little bit of Margin?
I know I can.
So if you’ll humor me–
I am planning a few more posts dealing with this topic.
Rest. Quiet. Whitespace. Margin. Room for Whatever.

I won’t commit right now to how many or when–(because I might just start hyperventilating!) but– just Fall and a few!
Hope you’ll join me.

Beautiful Feet in Madagascar

July 14, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

“How beautiful upon the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who proclaims peace,
Who brings glad tidings of good things,
Who proclaims salvation,
Who says to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”

Isaiah 52:7

Many of you may remember my friend Amy. She’s the one who sends me encouraging texts at 5:30AM when we’re both trying to get up the motivation to drag into our work-out clothes for spin class. She is one that I can call for a last minute Starbucks date and it’s always pretty certain that our time together will end in loud, snort-laughing. What you may not know about her is that she has a BIG heart for missions. Last February, she left her family and traveled 7,987 miles to Cape Town, South Africa to love on little ones and help spread the LOVE of Christ. She came back with an even bigger heart for missions, and God has opened another beautiful door for her to walk through.

This time, the door will open into Antananarivo, Madagascar, where there are 88,000 Deaf Malagasy that are unreached and unengaged. There are many barriers to be prayed through but God has called them to this mission, and He will equip and provide. Read Amy’s own words describing the ministry that will take place–

“Our prayer is to bring them hope through guided Bible stories and Scripture, both through interpreters in Madagascar sign language. Our goal is to teach them the love and grace of Christ so they can learn it, love it, share it and apply to their lives. “

[vimeo 61197491 w=500 h=281]

Want a part in this great mission? Two things you can do.

PRAY. A few prayer needs are: Spirit-led communication, wisdom and development of the team and also for financial provision.

Secondly, you can buy a raffle ticket for $10.00!!!! Amy has purchased a Brand-New iIPad Mini and is holding a raffle on the last day of July. The tickets are $10.00 a piece. Buy one or buy five but the money goes straight to her trip and straight into this mission.

If you are interested in buying a ticket and you don’t happen to know Amy personally, you can email her at helpsendamy@gmail.com

I’m sure she would be happy to sell you a ticket to be entered to win the IPad Mini!