HappyGoStuckey

Friday Favorites

November 22, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

It’s friday. (join me in a collective sigh, won’t you?)

We’ve had a great week of adjusting to our new schedule with Lance being gone again every day. I say “adjusting” because we are still very much in the process. As it turns out, we were all quite spoiled having him home this last month and a half, so there’s been a bit of… crying every morning as he leaves. (not me, the girls!) My problem is he helped out SO much in the mornings– that I feel like we’ve been late EVERY where we’ve gone. I told someone, “We are running at a decreased staff level right now, just bear with us.” HA! I know, you all with multiple jobs and many more children are thinking I should get a life. It’s probably true. But regardless of our morning craziness, it’s the greatest gift to watch him leave each morning and watch him come home each afternoon and know he is right where he should be. We are so grateful for the way in which God has placed us.

Okay– so today I’m in charge of a Thanksgiving Feast for 12 little 4-yr old pilgrims and indians– so I’ll make this snappy, but there were a few things I just had to share!!

1. Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? This is our year to go to my parent’s house. My mom hosts every year and everyone comes and brings food and helps out– but it’s always big and loud and at least 40 people. It’s imperfectly perfect in every way. If you are hosting Thanksgiving, or you know someone who is, I encourage you to read this post by Edie Wadsworth: How to Host Thanksgiving (And Enjoy It!)

Next….

2. Yesterday, Ann Voskamp and Liz Curtis Higgs did a beautiful (FREE!) webcast called Christmas on the Farm from Ann’s home in Canada. The program was only about an hour and included recipes, laughter and meaningful traditions to make Christmas all about Jesus. I HIGHLY recommend you check it out. The re-play is available HERE. It was so warm and encouraging. Just what I needed to start the season off right. Which brings me to number 3…

3. The Greatest Gift book (also by Ann) is what I’ve chosen for my own personal Advent readings and I cannot wait to begin. There is an entry for each day, beginning with December 1st and they are brief and devotional in nature. Purchase your copy here: Ann Voskamp – The Greatest Gift at Dayspring and use the coupon code, 30SPECIAL for an additional 30% off the sale price! Woohoo! There is a beautiful explanation of what exactly the book really is in this video that Jessica Turner did with Ann. You can also get it for your Kindle here: The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas.

4. There were 8 new DaySpring Super Deals released this week, and you can find them Right Here: Super Deals. The final 8 deals will be released next week.

Happy Friday Friends!!! I’m off to feast with the little Turkeys!!!

(Disclosure: Some are compensated affiliate links.)

Time for Tea

November 18, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

The week before Thanksgiving. The week before packing and going and coming and travel. To-do list a mile long and the third day sore throat begging me to just curl up on the couch with tea and a book. But the list of “must do’s” is too long.

“It’s ok.” I tell myself. “It’s almost rest time. Then it will be quiet and I can tackle my list with tea in hand.. in quiet.” Have I mentioned how I was looking forward to the quiet? Worshipping it, maybe?

“Mommy? What are you doing?” (My inward sigh of selfishness trying to escape.)

“I’m making tea, hon. Mommy’s tired and tea might help.” I see the hopeful glint in her eyes and my own hope of time to myself begins to fade. “Mommy? Can I help you? Can I help you make the tea?”

“Sure, Lucy. You can help.” I manage a small smile and notice it’s exactly 6 minutes before alleged rest time. And little sister is already half way to dream land. I consider making it a quick activity and calculate that I could still be in my aforementioned spot in about 15 minutes. NO, I tell myself. Take the time. Waste the time. Thankfully, I had this post come through my email earlier today, helping me to snap out of my SELF.

She says she’s FOUR now. And four-year olds are big enough to have REAL tea. Not sweet tea, but warm tea.

I stifle a smile at the last time she asked repeatedly for hot chocolate with marshmallows. We made it. She took two sips. She wanted to save it for later. So we did.

I smile and get down two little china tea cups and saucers.

“Oooh. Real dishes? Fancy!” She breathes in delight. She starts schooling me on how to hold my pinky just right and how I should politely ask “for a spot of tea.” (This girl never ceases to amaze me.)

We wait for the boil and get out the sugar bowl, saucer and spoon. I teach her the proper steeping time. It steeps and we watch. I put a cube of ice in hers and wait for the melt. She tastes, and I wait for, “Umm.. you can have it mommy.” But it doesn’t come. She likes it!

And so we set up a little tea party with treats and our cups and our saucers and our napkins in laps. And we sit and we drink. And she blossoms a little. She suddenly remembers what she learned that day. (Interesting, because just an hour beforehand– “I don’t KNOW Mommy. I don’t remember what we did in school today!!!” Funny how a little bit of tea brings it out. More accurately, a little bit of time.

And then she says it, “Mommy, thank you for sharing your tea time with me. We should do this more often.” (Yes, she really speaks like that. Four-going on 24.)

She appreciates the little touches and they are not lost on her. So why am I so stingy in giving them sometimes? I want to be productive. I want to spend my time wisely.

And there’s time for all that.

But what time is spent wiser than on these precious gifts??? Where is the sense is saving everything until tomorrow? Why wait until our children are at a particular (allegedly perfect) age to have a certain experience with them?

Why should we wait until a special day to break out the nice dishes? Use them. It’s OKAY to use a good plate for a frozen waffle.

Good dishes are good because they are used to serve love, not because we save them for company.

We should not save the best for everyone living outside of our four walls. We should give them the best of our talents. The best of our time. The best of ourselves.

Don’t wait. Let’s love them lavishly and without a constant time-clock ticking away.

Wednesday Shopportunity: For the Book Lover

November 13, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

So it’s no secret that we are a family of book-lovers. We LOVE to read right down to the youngest one of us. If I could, I would have an inexhaustible book budget so that when I read something I enjoy, I could quick buy it for everyone else I know would enjoy it too. But since an inexhaustible anything budget is pretty much a pipe dream, I get so excited when I can buy books for others. It is possible I enjoy giving them more than they enjoy receiving them… Hmm.

But, as we have a major giving opportunity just about six weeks away, I wanted to share my favorite books to give these days. Several are on my Winter Must Read List– hopefully I’ll make a little progress soon.

Ok–One of my favorite books to give your mom, aunt, or best friend who also happens to be a mom– Sparkly Green Earrings: Catching the Light at Every Turn I have mentioned this one before, and Melanie, aka Big Mama happens to be one of my very favorite bloggers. She writes with true wit and heart, and you will feel as though you’re chatting about the humor and horrors of motherhood at a tiny table at Starbucks instead of reading alone.

AND, Melanie is releasing her second book(a memoir on marriage) on February 4, 2014 and I can only imagine that it will be a total delight, The Antelope in the Living Room: The Real Story of Two People Sharing One Life –So yay!

While we’re on the subject of books to buy your family members– this book by Sophie Hudson is a safe bet for any human being that has even an ounce of Southern in their blood– even if it’s in spirit only. A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet: Southern Stories of Faith, Family, and Fifteen Pounds of Bacon is a light and easy read which will have you reflecting on all the crazy and wonderful idiosyncrasies of your own extended family. Buy it for your grandma, your aunt– whoever!

Bread & Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes by Shauna Niequist has been at the top of my “to read” pile and as soon as I finish my current book, I will dive right in. I keep hearing wonderful things about it and though I love a good piece of authentic food writing, this seems to be so much more. The little bit that I’ve paged through has made me want to grab a cozy blanket, a cup of something warm and settle in to read every word in one sitting.

Now, I know we’re talking about gifts to buy others– but just for a minute, let’s talk about a gift I want you to buy for yourself. Ann Voskamp has just released the most beautiful piece of Advent Writing I’ve ever seen. The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas contains 25 readings for the first 25 days of December and you will want to relish each one. I had the sincere honor of hearing her in person last month and it was a wonderful experience. She is an amazing writer. An amazing speaker. An amazing mother who has crossed the globe touching others, whether in person or in print. More importantly, she is a woman who is SHINING for Jesus in all that she puts her hands to. So, please, go buy yourself this book! And I dare you to try to wait until December 1st to crack it’s cover; but if you do– we will be reading it together. I’ll bring the coffee.

A Million Little Ways, A: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live by Emily P. Freeman is my current read. It’s absolutely beautiful. I’m reading it with a highlighter that is quickly growing dry and God is ministering to my soul through this book. Whatever your calling in life, whatever your passion… this book *might* just set you free to live fully in the joy and grace that Christ has given us. Whew!

God is Able by Priscilla Shirer is a relatively short but rich book reminding us of God’s power and provision. My mom bought this for me about a month ago, and it is good. Very good in fact, that I would recommend it to anyone in a situation that seems “too big.”

THIS is the lovely Ree’s new holiday cookbook, and it is HUGE. Well worth the price and what a beauty it is! The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays: 140 Step-by-Step Recipes for Simple, Scrumptious Celebrations. I do not own this yet– but every time I go to Costco for spinach or greek yogurt… I find myself wandering past the book table just to flip its’ gorgeous glossy pages.

And last, but not least–Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption!! This book is available on Amazon but is unable to be linked to. I was given it recently and hope to start it in a few months. I know many of you have probably read it, but you know me– always late to the party!

Happy Reading and Happy Gifting!!!

(Disclosure: Affiliate Links Used.)

Bless the Lord, O my Soul

November 11, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

There are those times in life when you are so very overwhelmed with all of God’s grace to you, that there are no words.

I’ve been there a lot lately. So much so, that I’ve found myself humming, singing, meditating on the same song again and again. It started at the end of September, when amidst a heart of tumultuous uncertainty, I stood surrounded by several of my “mommy friends” as we sang this song with 1200 others at the DotMom Conference. We sang the words, and I was overcome at the sound of the women I cherished so closely, their sweet voices singing of God’s mercy to us all. And it occurred to me, how well God had answered my prayer of when we first moved here. A prayer that cried out to Him to “please, please give me women to share life with.” Having left such a support system, my heart craved close community with other women. And I was made aware, He had answered my prayer– far beyond what I expected.

Again, a month later. Sitting in a room full of other writers. Women who had been strangers just hours before. Other moms. Other Christians. All of us wanting to make BIG the name of Christ in our writing. This song was again part of our worship set. I stood overwhelmed and could hardly speak, let alone sing audibly. But I know He heard the cry of my heart. He heard my singing– choosing to trust and praise rather than focus on the reality of our current uncertain situation.

And again over the last few days and weeks. Days that have proved what we have known all along, that GOD WAS WORKING. And He has.

And we are overjoyed. We are blown away at how He has provided a way for us to continue to serve and worship in our family of faith and to do so full-time. When we moved here in 2010, it was for a job. A job that the thought of confused us. Years in seminary, hoping to join a full-time ministry somewhere and then this? But God had a plan that was so.much.bigger than our expectations. And we have grown and learned and been refined. We have been able to see just a fragment of His desire for us as we loved and worked alongside our beloved small group family. Three years ago, we came here knowing only each other. We immediately joined the community of our church and were challenged and loved; we never even dreamed we would be able to be on staff there. But God has done great things and we are filled with joy! We are no less than ecstatic that we will be able to stay here in our new(ish) home of Augusta and we cannot wait to see all that He has in store for this next chapter.

And all we can say is, “Bless the Lord, Oh my Soul!”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtwIT8JjddM&w=853&h=480]

Fall Food Love– Pumpkin!

November 8, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

It’s officially Fall in these parts. Today I wore flip-flops and I actually regretted it. Yes, I should have known better– but after all I grew up in Florida, where there is absolutely no concept of what is appropriate cold-weather footwear. Flip-Flops are categorically acceptable, even encouraged– year round.

That being said, I cannot locate my box of sweaters. I kept them folded in the top of my closet wayyyy past winter last year, and around spring break– Master’s Week to be exact, my long suffering husband encouraged me to pack-them-up-already. And I did. So well in fact, that they currently cannot be found.

But regardless of my poor choice of shoes and the fact that I keep wearing the same three long-sleeved items that were added to my closet after the “winter is over purge of 2013,” It is CHILLY! And that makes me want to cook comfort food. Namely, soups and all things that involve pumpkin!

So, as you plan to cook this weekend, or prepare your meals for next week– allow me to draw your attention to a few lovely Pumpkin finds (most of which I discovered via Pinterest.)

These Pumpkin Muffins are delicious! We have actually made them several times. They are low-fat, and filled with healthy ingredients which take this from a sweet bakery treat to something which will really fortify you and your people for whatever the day holds. This recipe is very large though, we normally half it and it still makes a dozen good-sized muffins. These are a great way to have the benefits of pumpkin without a lot of added fat, but they still have amazing flavor.

So, yeah… they’re healthy and all– but I *may* have whipped up a little lower fat cream cheese with cinnamon and dash of maple syrup to spread on one… it was a winner.

Moving On. IF you are hesitating opening a whole can of pumpkin for the muffins… let me tell you something you can do with the remaining pumpkin puree. This Homemade Pumpkin Coffee Creamer was one we really enjoyed. Delicious flavor without any ingredients you cannot pronounce. Oh, and we did only do half of the cream– and then I believe we substituted half & half for the rest. Even treats need to be cut back a little sometimes.

Speaking of ingredients you cannot pronounce, I have to say– every now then you just NEED a quick dessert. You need something with a cake mix listed as an ingredient. (Moderation, right?!) So HERE is one of the best Pumpkin “Poke” Cakes I’ve ever tasted. Pumpkin Better-Than-Anything Cake is a good choice for a potluck as it makes a lot.

I would love to try Ree’s Silver Dollar Pumpkin Pancakes, because really– when does she ever lead us astray?!

And one more thing. Though it’s not really Pumpkin but it is in the squash family– Butternut Squash Soup. I love it. I made a giant batch for small group this week and we ate it for a couple days after, but I’m really thinking I need to make some again– and maybe freeze it in individual portions so I can pretend I have a Panera in my kitchen. I’m toying with the recipe a little bit– but I promise to post soon!

Have a wonderful weekend and check the weather before you go out with your toes exposed!!

Wednesday Shopportunity: FreeSet USA

November 6, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

ATTENTION: THERE ARE 48 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!!

Okay, now that is out of the way. I have traditionally not been a pre-black Friday Christmas shopper. I LOVE Fall, especially Thanksgiving– and I always bristle at Christmas decor, music and whathaveyou all over the place ten hours after Halloween commences.

However. Though I will continue to keep my music and decorations firmly put away until after Thanksgiving, I simply must start “shopping” earlier in the year. It just makes more sense that way, budget-wise and I love finding good deals and squirreling them away until Christmas.

I am inviting you on a little weekly virtual shopping journey with me for the next month or so. I plan to feature unique gift ideas, some of them will come from companies who also happen to have a particular mission which you would be contributing to; and some will just be fun businesses that I LOVE to support! We all love to give gifts, so why not give the gift of your business to the merchant as well as a lovely gift to the recipient?

FreeSet Global

FreeSet is in the business of training and equipping an entire community of women who were previously slaves to the sex trade in Kolkata, India. These women hand make these beautiful bags in this victorious business, and are set FREE from their previous lives of bondage.

“Freeset exists specifically to provide freedom for women from the sex trade, women who were forced into prostitution by trafficking or poverty. These women didn’t choose their profession it was chosen for them. Now, they’re being offered a real choice. When they choose to work at Freeset, they can start new lives, regain dignity in their communities, and begin a journey towards healing and wholeness. All profits from Freeset in Kolkata benefit the women (salary, health insurance and retirement plan) and are used to grow the business. This means more women can be employed and experience freedom. The great thing is, when you buy a Freeset product, you directly participate in a woman’s journey to freedom.” (FreeSetGlobal.com)

The following 2 minute video will explain a bit more about their mission. Wait until you see the faces of some of these precious women!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRYnjmzpbAE&w=853&h=480]

Now for some pictures!!

_MG_6210 — I was able to purchase this bag at the DotMom Conference in September and I treasure it because it was saved from the Cargo plane crash– it still has a little soot on it’s corner!

I love the hand-braided shoulder straps on these Hope Bags!

They have many styles– some are perfect for Farmer’s Market Shopping, while others make a great cross-body bag for everyday use. FreeSet also does beautiful promotional materials. Our SWAG bags at DotMom were these Farmhouse Bags with the design from (in)courage.

FreeSet specializes in Cotton Bags as well as these made from Jute. There are braided bracelets made from recycled sari’s, key-chains, tablet cases– so many products to choose from. Check them out HERE!

Changing Seasons

November 4, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

Our family has been on a sort of vacation for exactly one month. Sure, we’ve been busy with school for Lucy and much to do here and there and we certainly haven’t had a vacation from reality– but just the same, we’ve been together. Alot. And it has been nice.

And though I know this is not the sort of ideal situation that people seek out, I’m so grateful for all it’s been.

There has been stress (a plenty) but there has also been an abundance of time to just stop and watch God work. Moments to rejoice. And breathe in the fresh air of His provision.

There have been long mornings with homemade breakfasts, just because we have time. Coffee drank from a mug, instead of a travel cup– because after all, no one has to shoot out the door at 7:30am.

There have been mid morning swing set dates between the Daddy and his daughters. A slower pace has healed our hearts of a bit too much busyness.

It’s been He and I and those two littles, most of every single day. Cuddling and playing and running and mess-making. Our house has been 75% more prone to dirt–because we are all IN it at once. I’m going to miss that.

There has been a quiet peace in our house. A peace that certainly bewildered us at times. A peace that quietly whispered of HIS control and not ours. This peace has turned what would have been an otherwise horrible month into one I will always treasure. Though we definitely had our share of frustration, fear and confusion in the beginning, the overarching theme of this time has been GRACE. The grace of God to so lovingly care for us. The gracious generosity of others, (so many others!) to sacrifice in order to minister to our family in many ways.

Not only our hearts have changed over these last few weeks. The weather has moved from the awkward stifling end of September to the beautiful crispness of a genuine Autumn. As we’ve witnessed our patchy lawn be covered by buckets and buckets of brightly colored leaves, I’ve been reminded that one season has to end before another can properly begin. As we’ve officially packed away our summer shorts and begun to add the step of buttoning little coat buttons before we leave the house, I know– Something else is on the way.

There is a definite change in the air. And it’s isn’t just the sudden need for closed-toe shoes and longer sleeves. The cooler weather is refreshing. The time change is exhilarating with it’s earlier sunrise. But more than all this, We trust and HOPE that God is at work. We see Him working in our lives. In our family. And we just know. We can feel it. But more than that, we trust in the truth of His words.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 (This verse has been popping up for me, for over a month now. I love the hope that it reminds us of. The hope that God is working, even when we do not know or see the outcome.) HE IS FAITHFUL!!!