Heart beats and HomeFront

For those of you who know me as a friend, or maybe "know" me from reading my blog, you are seasoned to the fact that my heart beats for:

intentional conversations

 connecting with moms about this messy, joyful, parenting adventure

 teaching my kiddos about how to love Jesus

 living in community with awesome friends and family ~ life has challenges enough, why do it alone?

anything that has to do with sweets ~ preferably dipped, drizzled, or dunked in chocolate

sand. sunscreen. waves. I've got the beach obsession bad

 a fabulous vintage find 

{yes, I discovered a killer antique store before boarding the plane home from Bend, OR, and yes, my hubby ran through the airport dragging this little gem to our connecting flight, which we almost missed... stay tuned for that story another day!}

Over-arching all of my heartbeat-related passions is this goody! I'm sure you are familiar with my appreciation for this book:

Spiritual Parenting encourages the parents - not the church, to be the primary role in teaching our kids about Jesus. Yes! Finally!

What's even cooler is that TRU, the curriculum branched from Spiritual Parenting, is offered at churches all over the nation, and we happen to be a part of the church that did the beta-testing for the curriculum. Coincidence? Not a chance!

TRU has a monthly magazine, HomeFront, that gives parents super-practical ideas on how to talk with their kids about prayer, worship, and seeing God's Word through storytelling, as well as fun games, recipes, and traditions to do as a family.

You can read more about HomeFront here, as well as download the magazine. The Blessings piece is one of my faves!

And, what's even cooler, is that God in His perfect timing, opened doors for me to write monthly for HomeFront, a magazine my heart definitely beats for! I count it a pure blessing to encourage everyday parents like you and me in The Everyday Parent.
You can read this month's magazine and The Everyday Parent article here:



I hope this resource encourages you. What I love about HomeFront are the practical ideas, the daily ways to discuss Jesus as a family~ after reading it, I feel refreshed and encouraged, instead of overwhelmed and small.

And really, isn't that what all of our hearts beat for?

Celebrating America's Birthday!

As we all know, yesterday was America's Birthday, and what better way to celebrate than with patriotically appropriate food and family adventures!

Starting with Americana Breakfast:

Then soaking up a non-hurried, loungy morning of coffee-sipping and game-playing, where my youngest schooled me at Memory :)

A neighborhood bike-ride transported our family to the 'good ol' days' when block parties welcomed all neighbors, checkered tablecloths held heaps of homemade food, stars and stripes danced on lawns, flags furled, and door decorations cheered on the 4th of July!

It truly was the 'good ol' days', today!
 
Strangers smiled as we rode past. Young and old sat on their front lawns, icy drinks in hand, talking in comfortable conversation while kids played, their faces painted in colors of America.

Our hearts were full and thankful, grateful to celebrate America's birthday, all the nation adorned in red, white, and blue.
A Norman Rockwell moment, if there ever were one!

The day continued to expand, making room for backyard bbq's and families gathered around food ~ an off season Thanksgiving!

Naturally, I opted to bring a dessert, and thus, the Freedom Trifle was created, a patriotic take on my mom-in-laws Chocolate Trifle. The night before, Bryan helped me bake, whip, and sprinkle berries in our dimly-lit kitchen.

It was a hit, and will absolutely be my 4th of July standard!

Layers of homemade white cake, cream cheese vanilla pudding mixture, whipped creme, berries... a refreshing fruit meets sweet treat!

 

Yummmmmm!!

After dessert, a family photo...

Take 1

 

 Take 2...

 {that'll do}

Then, a photo opportunity to capture all the cute kiddos 

{what you are not seeing, are us crazy parents attempting to get even one child to look at the camera!}

Then, out to the front, where the driveway served as our stage for "sparkler" magic.

Happy Birthday America! 

Thank you for the freedom you give us, and your reminder to re-live Norman Rockwell moments with family, block parties, and Freedom Trifle.

Freedom Trifle Recipe

1 box White Cake Mix
1/2 cup of water
1 {3 oz.} package creme cheese
2 cups whipping creme, whipped
10-15 strawberries, cut in small pieces, washed and dried
1 small package of fresh blueberries, washed and dried
1 {3.9 oz.} package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 {14 oz.} can sweetened condensed milk

Prepare white cake mix according to box directions {in 9x13pan} and cool completely. Cut into 1 inch squares. In a large bowl, combine pudding mix, water and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until smooth, add softened creme cheese, then fold in 1 cup whipped creme until no streaks remain.

In a trifle bowl or glass serving dish, place half of the cake cubes, half of the pudding mixture, and half of the remaining whipped creme. Add a layer of strawberry pieces and blueberries. Repeat layers. Refrigerate for 8 hours before serving.

Happy 4th of July to your tastebuds!

Dessert-eating, Futuristic, and Developer Strengths!

As I sit down to my computer to share my final top strengths, I'm happily chomping on a frozen chocolate-chip cookie dough ball. In fact, the birds outside the window are starting back at me, thinking I'm an overgrown chipmunk gone mad! And I have ~ frozen cookie dough balls are the next best thing to heaven!

In fact...
...sound of scooting chair legs... freezer door opens...rummage, rummage...joyful squeal!.. freezer door closes... footsteps... pull chair back in...close eyes... heaven!
A second sphere of chocolate-chip frozen-ness has entered the scene!
Blink.
And, now it's gone!

De-lish!

You should know, Dessert-eating is a top strength that hasn't been mentioned. In fact, it probably takes the cake {no pun intended} as my #1. But alas, there is no Strengthsfinder description on Dessert-eating. Perhaps I'll indulge you later and share my unscientific take on this strength for sweets, but for now, allow me to dial you in on my final two Top Strengths.

Futuristic
People who are especially talented in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the future and what could be. They inspire others with their visions of the future!

Hands-down, my favorite Ideas for Action for the Futuristic theme is this:
"Your Futuristic talents could equip you to be a guide or coach for others. Unlike you, they might not be able to see easily over the horizon. If you catch a vision of what someone could be or do, don't assume that he or she is aware of that potential. Share what you see as a vividly as you can. In doing so, you may inspire someone to move forward." {p.107-108, Strengthsfinder}

As much as I plan, dream, and pray about the future, I attempt {at times force} myself to live fully in the present, being intentional with moments that can crawl, leap, and fly by. As I read about the Futuristic point, the quote above is what resonates most accurately within. I love coming alongside people and helping them reach their potential, achieve their goals, and sometimes, face their fears. From there, nothing stirs my adrenaline more than dreaming alongside of who they can be. I literally get tickled pink when I see the light bulb go on in regards to how they can be made into the best versions of themselves!

For all you Futuristics out there, keep dreaming, and ground it with realistic action!

Last, but not least, the final of my Top Strengths: Developer
People talented in the Developer theme recognize and cultivate the potential in others. They spot the signs of each small improvement and derive satisfaction from these improvements.

Silence.

That's funny...

Didn't I just say this?

Some self-learning Ideas for Action points:

 * "Partner with someone with strong Individualization {focusing on the unique qualities of each person}talents. This person can help you see where each person's greatest talents lie. Without this help, your Developer instincts might lead you to encourage people to grow in areas in which they lack real talent." {p.91, Strengthsfinder}

* "...consider the impact of being a "mentor for the moment." Many of the most poignant and memorable developmental moments occur when the right words are delivered at the right time ~ words that clarify understanding, reignite a passion, open eyes to an opportunity, and change a life course." {p.91, Strengthsfinder}

*Your Developer talents might lead you to become so invested in the growth of others that you ignore your own  development. Remember that you cannot give what you do not have. If you want to have a bigger impact on the well-being and growth of others, you need to keep growing yourself. Find a mentor or coach who can invest in you." {p.91-92, Strengthsfinder}
Hmmm... point made. Point taken. Starting today, I will pray for a mentor. Yes, I'm feeling good about this. Anyone?

Content sigh!
What a learning, eye-opening, affirming experience this Strengthsfinder journey has been. Thank you for walking and validating and encouraging alongside me. My prayer is that you too, have been inspired to become a better version of yourself!

Now, if you'll please excuse me...freezer door opens... rummage, rummage...Yay!!