{Not Your Average Mommy} Blog

A New Blog Home

2012-11-13T18:00:00.000-05:00

I would like to invite you to join you at my new blog home...

jessicagriz.com

See you there!

Trick or Treating & A Teaser

2012-11-09T21:03:00.001-05:00

Ok, so these are kinda late...

But,

Here's a few snapshots of Trick or Treating ...I hope they make you smile.

Also, I wanted to let you know...
Just like the leaves in our back yard....

...there's some exciting changes that are about to happen here on the blog.
I can't wait to show you.

:)

Hopefully soon.

Happy Weekend!

31 Days :: A Real Challenge

2012-11-01T08:23:00.002-04:00

{Days Thirty & Thirty-One}

So here I am.
November 1st.
Trying to wrap up 31 Days of Real.

I guess I just want to say a sincere thanks, if you popped in for one or more days to read. Thank you.

I don't have anything "figured out" by any means. But I do think I have better eyes to see the truth, especially in my own life.

Frankly, I'm exhausted. It takes a great deal of emotional energy to evaluate your motives and what lies behind your feelings.

Yesterday I was literally paralyzed in the grocery store because of all these fears about what to buy, and how much to spend, and is this a good deal, and will my family approve, and should I have a coupon, or should I be at a different store.......silly. I know.

But it took a phone call to my hubby and a deep breath to face these fears. And I didn't exactly do it gracefully...and I definitely should have prayed first, but...well my point is, it is tiring.

But I have a measure of peace.
I am not doing it on my own.

If nothing else, I'm desperate for more of God and very aware of my weakness. And that is the best way to start each day. Less of me, more of him. Less try hard, more faith. Less lies, more truth.

So I will leave this month of writing with a challenge for YOU.

Do you need 31 days of real?

You may blog or you may journal. But go ahead. Give it a shot. There is no right or wrong way, just open your heart to finding what is real. Commit to a certain number of days to seek out what it looks like for you to live authentically. I didn't manage to post every single day, but I did think about living real every day.

If you accept this challenge would you share with me? I would be honored to pray for you.

And although my intentional time of writing on this subject is over, it is never over. It is always my goal to write here about what is real.

This is a review of all the posts. I would love to know which if any of them spoke to you in some way. Thank you friend.

The Source {Day Two}

Real Conversations {Day Three}

Real Online {Day Four}

Real Surrender {Day Five}

Real Offline {Day Six}

Real Joy {Day Seven}

Real Writing {Day Eight}

Real Food {Day Nine}

Real Me {Day Ten}

Real Limits {Day Eleven}

10 Real Things {Day Twelve}

Real Marriage {Day Thirteen}

Real, Like Really Real {Day Fourteen}

Real Music {Day Fifteen}

Real Vision {Day Sixteen}

Kids Are Real {Day Seventeen}

Real Photos {Day Eighteen}

Real Laughter {Day Nineteen}

Real Masterpiece {Day Twenty}

Real Rest {Day Twenty-One}

Real Motives {Day Twenty-Two}

Real Student Ministry {Day Twenty-Three}

A Real Book {Day Twenty-Four}

Real Hope {Day Twenty-Five}

Real Lessons {Days Twenty-Six through Twenty-Eight}

Real Truth {Day Twenty-Nine}

A Real Challenge {Days Thirty and Thirty-One}

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the thirtieth and thirty-first post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

If you pop in here, I will be searching out what it looks like to be REAL and offering some specific ways of living more authentically. It might not be polished, and it may be only a few sentences each day...but it will be real. Won't you join me?}

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: Real Truth

2012-10-29T21:35:00.002-04:00

{Day Twenty-Nine}

I just read back through all my "31 Days of Real" posts.

I am astounded.

God has been teaching me so much. I am left just utterly thankful for his grace and faithfulness...

I noticed themes running through all my posts...he has been teaching me about

lies
and
thought-patterns
and
relationships
and
control
and
letting go

...and today I have been learning the power of scripture in fighting lies with truth in my life.

Starting yesterday, and again this morning I sat down and began tracing out on paper five different lies that I have let into my life, my mothering, my marriage, and my ministry.

This is kind of scary.
But I'm going to post one of them here for you to see.

For two reasons:

1. As an example. I want to show you how I have traced feelings of anxiety and fear back to specific lies, and then matched those lies with truth and scripture.

2. As an encouragement. Ya know, this is probably a lie you have believed at some point too. It is specific to me in a sense, but not really. But my prayer is that it would encourage you to identify lies that you might believe and replace them with truth.

Perhaps you can make a list of your own.
Name them.
Own them.
Call them out.
Share them with a trusted friend.
Pray over them.
Continue to find scripture that you can use to change your thought-patterns.

So here's one example...

Lie: I am not enough.
Truth: God is enough.
Scripture:

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Ps. 37:4
“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches” Phil 4:19
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

You know we are in a real fight right?
There is a real enemy.
He wants us deceived.
He wants us to believe lies about ourselves, but even more he wants us be believe lies about God. That he isn't real, that he isn't there, that he doesn't love us, that he will leave us, that he wants to hold back good things from us.

We must fight the good fight as Paul says. And we must dress for battle. In Ephesians we are told to put on the Armor of God. It occurred to me that it would be silly to walk around in a war without armor and it would be silly to walk around in armor if we didn't we expect to be in a war. We should expect opposition. We should not wring our hands with worry, but be ready to fight back.

You may be reading this, scratching your head like waahhhh? What is she talking about?
Or you may be nodding. You may have some battle scars of your own.

But dear reader, if you live a life of authenticity. If you replace lies with truth. If you release control to God and live a life like an open palm rather than a clenched fist. If you claim a measure of peace beyond your own understanding and you boldly accept a ministry out of your weakness. Then surly you will face attack.

But our minds and hearts can be filled with the promises of God. The promises he will never leave, the promises of no longer living in condemnation, the promises of unconditional love, the promises of grace lavished freely...

My prayer is that in sharing all this, you may too find a measure of peace and fight for truth in your own life. That you may gain freedom from worry, anxiety and fear. That you could come out of places of hiding into a life of authenticity. That you could be real with those in your life and embrace a ministry out of your weakness, your mess, your real.

Thanks for reading.
~Jess

There are still two more days of October. I am excited to see what the Lord will lead me to write. ;)

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the twenty-ninth post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: Real Lessons

2012-10-28T21:34:00.000-04:00

{Days 26-28}

When you begin to think and write and live authentically. Things happen...

1. You begin to identify lies in your head.
2. You begin to replace lies with truth.
3. You begin to see thought-patterns that lead to fear and anxiety.
4. You begin to surrender to God instead of trying to control things yourself.
5. You begin to feel a measure of peace.
6. You begin to come out of hiding and step out into a place of authenticity.

And then, God gives you a ministry.

Not out of places of strength, but out of our weakness and our mess...

He gives you opportunities to share your story.

This has been the last three days for me.

So will you give me grace?
Though I haven't been writing here the last two days, I have been sharing my story authentically.
And God has been teaching me that it is okay to just be me. Little old me. Just as I am.

I am still working through all these thoughts.
I have three more days to officially write about "REAL" but thankfully, I have a lifetime to live it out.

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the twenty-sixth post (representing days 26, 27, and 28) in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: Real Hope

2012-10-25T17:10:00.000-04:00

This is my jam today....

A song of real hope.

God has put some specific people on my heart today that need to hear a message of hope...and this song just jumped out to me.

It is only at the foot of the cross that we find who we really are.
We can never fall too far away that we can't come to him.

Amazing.

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the twenty-fifth post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: A Real Book

2012-10-24T22:12:00.000-04:00

I love when other people write about what is real.
And I tell ya, I have stumbled on a real gem of a book...

{AND It is free until midnight tonight.}

Hope for the Weary Mom
By Stacy Thacker and Brooke McGlothlin

I've already read the first three chapters today, and I just told my husband I feel like I was supposed to read this book now. The words are just what my heart feels. It is exactly what this mama's heart needs to hear.

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the twenty-fourth post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

5, 3, & 1

2012-10-24T14:11:00.001-04:00

31 Days of Real :: Real Student Ministry

2012-10-23T17:01:00.000-04:00

Real Student Ministry can be messy.

But it is always beautiful.

Last weekend was our annual Fall Retreat...it is basically three days of awesomeness.

There are so many things I love about this trip but one of them is I love watching the leaders love students all weekend long.

The hearts and hands of faithful leaders that give themselves to this loving, caring, teaching, correcting, coaching, laughing, crying, and celebrating are beautiful.

They do not seek reward. They cannot help but love.
They play silly games, they stay up late, they wrestle {at least the guys do I'm told} they bring food.

They feel privileged to just be there for the ride. They feel honored when hearts are opened and layers are peeled away, they are honored to wipe the tears, and to offer strong courageous prayers to a Heavenly Father who longs to be known by them.

Those who offer a hand, a hug, a smile probably have no idea the impact they are making on a young person.

Do you remember that tender age?
When emotions were raw, and life was big and bold and scary and painful at the same time?
That age of invincibility and insecurity?

Maybe you were like me, I was just a "good kid"
...but I had my fears and worries just like anyone.

Then one person saw me, a college girl, a youth leader named Emily. She has no idea how much her notes and laughter and lunch dates meant to me. Because all those things communicated to me, "Hey, I see you. I like you. You are wonderful, and I don't just think that, but God does too."

You can be that for a student.
Maybe God is calling you to Student Ministry, to tell the next generation.

Students will be blessed by you
But I know YOU will be blessed by them.

Do you know what rocks? Many of our former students have come back as college students to work with students younger than them. This makes me so happy! I love seeing them pour into our current students just like Emily did for me. Life on life, real, messy, laughing and crying...all for God's glory. This is real Student Ministry.

Fall Retreat 2011
Fall Retreat 2010

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the twenty-third post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: Real Motives

2012-10-22T22:16:00.000-04:00

{Day Twenty-Two}

I'm not going to lie.
I don't really have anything to write for today.
And that is as honest as I can be.

I could write something just to fill this space (and I sort of am), just to check the box, just to get to the end of this 31 days and say, "I did it!"

But just checking boxes is not authentic.

Especially not in human relationships.
And definitely not in our relationship with God.

Sometimes in life we still have to do what is right even when we don't feel like it. Yet, there is also real value in admitting our bankruptcy our inadequacy and letting God and other people in our lives help us.

Is there anything in your life where you have been simply going through the motions...with no heart...with no real-ness? Is there anything you are doing with the wrong motivation?

Love for God and love for others should always be our motivation in all that we do.

Imagine what our lives would look like if we really embraced that...

{Note: Written on 10/23/12 but posted as 10/22/12}

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the twenty-second post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: Real Rest

2012-10-21T07:44:00.000-04:00

{Day Twenty-One}

When is the last time you've had real rest?
Real rest is a choice.
There are always things we could be doing, but sometimes we need to just trust the Lord with our work. This is true Sabbath.

Trust him that he can do more for you in one day than you could do for yourself.

Take some time to intentionally rest today, or plan a Sabbath.
Set apart time for God.
Be still.

We are on our way home today from this place....

Looking forward to sharing all about our fall retreat this weekend!

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the twenty-first post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: Real Masterpiece

2012-10-20T07:11:00.000-04:00

{Day Twenty}

Set aside eleven minutes of your Saturday to watch this...

Ephesians 2:10

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (NLT)

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the twentieth post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: Real Laughter

2012-10-19T07:10:00.000-04:00

{Day Nineteen}

While I was brainstorming topics to write on for this month's series of posts on living authentically, I shared my list and then asked my husband if he had any ideas. He suggested a few and one of them was:

Real Laughter

You know the kind of laughter that can't be held in.

The belly aching, cheeks hurting, tears streaming kind of laughing.

The kind of laughing that can't be stopped, even with a long sigh...

That kind of laughter is amazing.

These are kind of silly but here's a few things that have made me chuckle...

Source: via Jess on Pinterest

Source:via Jess on Pinterest

Source: via Jess on Pinterest

Happy Friday! May this weekend be FULL of laughter!!!!
:)

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the nineteenth post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: Real Photos

2012-10-18T12:24:00.000-04:00

{Day Eighteen}

Some real photos...no edits...just real life, straight out of the camera. Of course there were some blurry or under exposed ones, but I didn't post those. Just being honest ;)-

The girls were out in the yard two days ago and the light was lovely and I got out my camera.

Squirrel! (Ben calls them rabbits no matter how many times I correct him...ha ha!)

Ben hasn't been feeling great this week, but he came outside for a minute with his daddy.

I love these little boy toes.

Thanks for stopping by~

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the eighteenth post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: Kids are Real

2012-10-17T09:49:00.000-04:00

{Day Seventeen}

If you want to learn how to be real...just hang out with a bunch of Kindergartners for a whole day.

A five-year-old for the most part hasn't learned to mask who they are or how they feel. They pretty much let you know.

If they are hot, they tell you.
If they have to go to the bathroom, they tell you.
If they are bored, they tell you.
If they think your hair smells good, they tell you.

I had the privilege of chaperoning for the Kindergarten field trip to the Pumpkin Patch.
It was a blast!

They learned about cows, and bees, and corn...

And had a whole lot of fun.

There was a corn maze (which I really wasn't a fan of), a hay ride, and lots of things to climb and play on.

A day filled with open space.
And room enough to be themselves....
A kindergartner's dream.

And everyone went home with a pumpkin. :)

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the seventeenth post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: Real Vision

2012-10-16T23:01:00.002-04:00

{Day Sixteen}

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art

Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;

Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;

Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:

Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,

May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Words: Dallan Forgail (8th Century)

This is the song that I play on the piano. Just me and keys and Jesus.

This is the song that played at our wedding.

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the sixteenth post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: Real Music

2012-10-15T08:42:00.001-04:00

{Day Fifteen}

Did you get a chance to read my post from yesterday?
I posted it just in time late last night. ;)

It is a very real post on what I've been learning.
Thank you so much to those of you who have been reading along!

So today...here is a link to some real music. ;)

I'm not certain if I have ever shared this song on the blog before but this is a song by Christy Nockles that continues to be an anthem of my heart over the last few years.

It is a beautiful song with real truths of God's grace, power, and love.
If you care to listen here is a link. I love to turn it up loud and drown out everything else...

Isn't it so good?
And...I was so excited that this song is actually on her new album, Into The Glorious, as well...only it is a more acoustic-y version. It is so beautiful. Perhaps it will become one of your favorites too.

Have a happy day!

Question: Have you had any thoughts on what it looks like to be real? Or what it looks like to live authentically? Maybe you've seen other people talking about this topic? I have a few ideas to write on but would love it if you would join me in suggesting a topic, sharing a link, or saying anything really about being authentic. You can email me: jess@notyouraveragemommy.com

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the fifteenth post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: Real, Like Really Real

2012-10-14T22:07:00.001-04:00

{Day Fourteen}

I have been learning so much these last two weeks. More than I ever anticipated.

I thought I was real. Until I started writing about real here in this space.

Remember that onion I was talking about?
The layers have been coming off.
I had more layers than I thought.

Thursday afternoon, I decided not to care so much about the little stuff.
I knew I was tired and that tired could quickly turn to just angry.
So before the fuse blew, I just unplugged it.

I let ALL the books come off the shelf.
I let the kids eat junk.
I sat on the floor and just took it all in.
I enjoyed the chaos.

And suddenly I found myself.

The calm, laid-back, easy-going Jess that is there under all the layers of stress, anxiousness, frustration and even borderline bitterness. It was like meeting an old friend. I didn't even know it, but I had lost myself in the details. I had bought into the thought pattern that I could work hard enough to control the chaos.

{Note to self.
You have three kids under five.
You cannot control the chaos. And that is ok.}

There will always be one more spill on the couch, the laundry will never be done, and there will be an argument to manage and a disciplinary action to take. And yes, every. single. riding. toy. will come out of the garage every. single. day. And when they grow out of these stages there will only be a different kind of chaos...Prom, Driving Tests, and College Applications. And when those big kids move out and leave this messy nest empty. I will never once wish that I had learned to manage the laundry, or keep the toys at bay, or meal plan. You know, my mind knew this...but my heart didn't until Thursday. And this weekend I have been slowly unpacking the realities of this on everyday life.

Because, yes, there is a place for strategy.
There is hard work and lists of things to maintain. Always.

But may I never ever again lose myself and become deceived that anything in this world can be my joy but Jesus, sweet Jesus. If I chase after clean floors, and behavior charts and organized closets, and filed coupons as a sign of my success as a mom or as a person....I have nothing.

Gah, It sounds so silly...but I own it. I've been fooled...but no longer.

I may hear Martha's voice calling, but Jesus calls this Mary heart to choose what is best. Sitting at his feet.

More on this later as my thoughts come together on Mothering like Mary and how to keep our priorities in line...

However, I wanted to share now these early thoughts because I know there are others of you out there trying to get control of whatever chaos you are facing in a way that only pulls you deeper down into a pit of worry, or worse bitterness, or worse...

There is freedom in Christ's perfect love. He has already done it all, and he promises us peace.
Real peace in the chaos.

Does this strike a chord with you? I'd love to hear.
A few of you have been so kind to comment here, or on Facebook, or leave me a message, or talk in person. I appreciate that so much. It takes courage to be real, to be vulnerable doesn't it?

Moms, are you picking up what I'm putting down?
Then go read this post...he says it like it is. My hubby sent me this link after we've been talking about all this stuff this weekend.

Dear Moms, Jesus Wants You To Chill Out
By Stephen Altrogge

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the fourteenth post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: Real Marriage

2012-10-13T08:06:00.000-04:00

{Day Thirteen}

A REAL marriage is a treasure.

It is a relationship that is safe.
A relationship where you can be just you...down to the very core. You can take all your issues, insecurities, secret hopes and dreams and fan them out like hand of cards for your spouse to see.

You can be naked, in all senses of the word. No makeup, old shirt, bad breath and bed head and you are loved.

You don't have to hide, or hold it together, or be funny, or cute, or anything at all.

Marriage is a precious opportunity to know and be known.

My husband knows my song. So even when I forget the notes and the melody goes flat, he begins to hum and at some points belt out the song that is me and I remember how it goes and I can pick back up the tune, on pitch.

But just so you know, a real marriage is not perfect.

It has its flaws. He forgets to.....she forgets to....we have real shortcomings.

But it's ok. In fact it is even refreshing to offer forgiveness to learn grace to be vulnerable is to allow hurt, to face the sparks that work to sharpen. It is in the imperfectness that we find the real.

A real marriage is not an idol.

A real marriage is a vow.

A real marriage is not easy.
But a real marriage has God at its center.

P.S. I always have trouble looking at the camera on the iPhone...oops.

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the thirteenth post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: 10 Real Things

2012-10-12T08:42:00.001-04:00

{Day Twelve}

Because it is Friday.
Because yesterday I hit my word limit.
Because. Just because ok.

Ten REAL things about me.

1. I am always spilling stuff on me. I thought I'd grow out of it...no luck yet, and now I have three little people in my life who also spill, smear, and explode stuff on me too.

2. I could see myself being a college professor some day. But the schooling that would take intimidates me.

3. I used to bite my nails. That, I did grow out of. But I think it is just because I'm not in school anymore.

4. Whenever I want to "start running again", I buy new running shoes and then never really run. Oops.

5. I am really bad at waking up in the morning. Unless baked goods or travelling to somewhere exciting is involved.

6. I can have a difficult time processing my emotions when I "feel" so much all at once. Talking it out, writing it out, or crying it out are how I seem to figure it out.

7. I am horrible, absolutely horrible at writing thank you notes. :( And then If I actually write them, somehow I never actually send or deliver them. Then I find them later and feel so guilty. I think I'm so bad at this because I really hate writing a thank you note because I am supposed to...and wait until I have a moment to be really sincere...sigh. Maybe it is also because if I get a note in the mail from someone saying thank you because they are supposed to...it feels weird to me. Am I making sense? Ok, next...

8. I wish I had a better ability to remember specific details about my childhood. I feel like I need to start trying to write out what I still recall before that is gone too. Someday, I would like to drive back to all the places we used to live and see what I remember.

9. I feel like I'm supposed to write about a topic that EVERYONE has already written about to a group of people that has no time to read. This is exciting and scary at the same time.

10. I am about 60% introverted and 40% extroverted I don't like being with people all the time, and I need my quiet. But if I'm by myself too much I go crazy. I enjoy connecting with people, my favorite is one-on-one talks with other women rather than big crowds.

So there ya go!
Happy Friday!

Now, you try...Tell me one REAL thing about you!

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the twelfth post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: Real Limits

2012-10-11T18:31:00.005-04:00

{Day Eleven}

I am all out of words.

Sometimes we have to be real about our limits.

We must choose our battles.
Say No.
Say Yes.
Say this can wait.
Say, "Sure have another Poptart."

With a heart of gratitude for God's faithfulness, today, I will recognize I'm spent. I will pace myself through bedtimes, I will not worry about chores or blogs posts or clean clothes.

I will hold my tongue, I will give an extra tickle, and an extra snuggle.
Tomorrow will be enough for all the leftovers of today.

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the eleventh post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: Real Me

2012-10-10T10:00:00.001-04:00

{Day Ten}

Ordinarily, if I had to post to the blog
every.
single.
day.
for 31 days, I might write out a bunch of posts and schedule them to be posted on certain days. However, when you are writing about being authentic...there is something about writing in the moment, trying to capture the right now, revealing the me of now, not the me of three days ago.

The hard thing is, the me of now is pretty much a mess.

Some of that is circumstantial. (A child awake at 4 a.m., a sink of dirty dishes, an overwhelming flood of worries.) But mostly, this messy me is not a result of my circumstances...my circumstances just bring out the mess that is always under there. I like to ignore it. I like to cover it with good stuff, good choices, a good life. Out of sight, out of mind. Well, getting up at 4 a.m. may have been the best thing for me, because it made me face me.

And it hit me like a truck.
I am nothing.
Stop! Don't go write me an encouraging comment...I know I'm loved, and I'm enough, and I have so much to be thankful for...I know. That's not my point.

My point is, I'm missing the point if I think those things are enough. Jesus is enough. I am nothing. The end.

You see the truck was my pride. The lie that I can do it if I just try harder. There is no try harder there is only Grace. Sometimes the person we need to be most real with is ourselves.
Ouch.
And like the onion I peeled to add to the chili pot last night, layer after layer comes off and we get down to...nothing. There is nothing inside an onion, just more smelly onion, until there is no onion left. Were you looking for gold? A gem? A hundred dollar bill? If I peel my layers I find nothing, unless there is Jesus.

My best is filthy rags. His best is abundant life.

Getting real with myself...facing my inadequacy only makes me lean in harder to Jesus. Because without him I am nothing.

Do you need a 4 a.m. wake up call?
It might feel like a truck wreck, but sweet Jesus is in all of it. Let him be enough.

{Please forgive me any errors...I'm too tired to edit....}

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the tenth post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: Real Food {Pumpkin Muffins}

2012-10-09T08:01:00.000-04:00

{Day Nine}

'Tis the season for....

You remember those brain cells I was talking about yesterday? Yeah, they asked for baked goods and more coffee...And so did my husband. So I whipped these up real fast.

Real foods are the dishes you make again and again. The ones that draw a crowd or bless others. The ones you beg other people for the recipe...(like I did for these muffins)...

So here you go...a fantastic recipe from my sweet friend Becky...you won't be disappointed...these muffins are legit.

Pumpkin Muffins

1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 t. baking powder

1 c. canned pumpkin
1/3 c. vegetable oil
2 lg. eggs
1 t. pumpkin pie spice
1 1/4 c. sugar
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt

Mix flour and baking powder in a small bowl.
Whisk together all the other ingredients in a large bowl until smooth.
Then stir in flour mixture until just combined

Topping: Stir together 1 T. sugar and 1 t. cinnamon
(My kids make me skip the topping and add chocolate chips instead, both ways are awesome!)

Divide batter among muffin cups (about 3/4 full) then sprinkle tops with cinnamon sugar mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes until puffed and lightly browned. Mini muffins take 10-12 minutes.

Enjoy :)

Toddler Approved!

I might add some more REAL food posts as the month goes on. ;)-
And since that wasn't very much reading...go catch up on previous posts while I go clean up the mess in the kitchen.

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the ninth post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: Real Writing

2012-10-08T13:21:00.003-04:00

{Day Eight}

You know the saying, "Don't bite off more than you can chew..."?
Yes?
Well have you ever done that? I mean literally, more in your mouth than you can actually chew... You may be thinking of an experience with marshmallows in the game chubby bunny, or you may think of Thanksgiving...all that glorious food. Or maybe you're thinking of peanut butter crackers sticking to the roof of your mouth or hurrying to eat lunch as the bell rang in High School or pulling off too much of the Bubblicious tape. ;)

We've all done it metaphorically too.
We've said yes to one more thing, tried to run farther than our legs could carry, agreed to a challenge that quickly seems impossible.

Well this 31 day challenge is a whole lot to chew.

Writing on anything for 31 days is difficult.
I'm eight days in...twenty-three to go...

Thank goodness I picked a topic that I feel passionate about. I know I won't run out of things to say about living a life that is REAL, I do think {especially on this rainy and cold Monday} that my brain cells may throw up their hands and walk out on me. It may take an inordinate amount of coffee and Creme Brulee Coffeemate {careful, it's addictive}. Even though each day comes at me with a blank page I can feel my "writing muscle" strengthen.

Practice.
To be great at anything takes an element of practice.
So this challenge gives the space, and my heart begins to churn out real words.

Because real writing is the footprints left by one heart for another heart to follow.

Is that cheesy?
I really think that.

Real writing is a trail. It is left there by a heart that feels deeply and longs to connect another hearts through words. This is why anyone with a heart can write.

Some reminders for writing that is REAL:

Write what you know (not what you think you know).
Describe it. Bring it to life.
Write in a way that calls to another's heart. Connect.
Unearth truth.
Keep it simple. Simple words are often the most profound.
Tell story.

So here I am chomping away...doing my best to practice and keep chewing at what it means to be real. Thank you for reading.

Lisa Jo is a writer of real. She is writing over here on 31 days to write your story. Go read her stuff and be inspired!

Feel free to add a link in the comments of this post to a place where you are doing some real writing.

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the eighth post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

31 Days of Real :: Real Joy

2012-10-07T10:33:00.002-04:00

{Day Seven}

A word from Tim Keller
"Joy in Suffering"

{4:05 minutes}

Text:

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
(1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV)

[Fundamental] "happiness is...not brought about by controlling your environment but by controlling your allegiances."

A powerful word.
We don't just fake joy...we deepen our roots...toward the source of REAL joy.

I've shared my struggle with this kind of joy before. These words were written in the middle of a time of suffering just over two years ago. I was sorting through the pain and sadness of an early miscarriage.

I have yet to tell that story here in this space.
{Though I've started to a couple of times.}
I've shared it in a circle of sweet ladies and among close friends.

Perhaps it is time to share the story...it is a story of Joy.
If the Lord grants me words to share it, I will...gladly.

Until then, go visit Ann who pointed me to this video and is always pointing her readers towards real joy.

“Pippin glanced in some wonder at the face now close beside his own, for the sound of that laugh had been gay and merry. Yet in the wizard's face he saw at first only lines of care and sorrow; though as he looked more intently he perceived that under all there was a great joy: a fountain of mirth enough to set a kingdom laughing, were it to gush forth.”

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

What is 31 Days of Real?

{This is the seventh post in the 31 days I will be joining the nester and many other brave bloggers who, for the month of October, will be writing on one subject for 31 days.

Previous posts are linked to the bottom of this landing page ...sort of like a table of contents. Or you can click the button over on the right hand sidebar to get all the 31 Days of Real posts.

{Not Your Average Mommy} Blog

A New Blog Home

Trick or Treating & A Teaser

31 Days :: A Real Challenge

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: Real Truth

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: Real Lessons

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: Real Hope

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: A Real Book

What is 31 Days of Real?

5, 3, & 1

31 Days of Real :: Real Student Ministry

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: Real Motives

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: Real Rest

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: Real Masterpiece

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: Real Laughter

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: Real Photos

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: Kids are Real

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: Real Vision

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: Real Music

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: Real, Like Really Real

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: Real Marriage

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: 10 Real Things

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: Real Limits

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: Real Me

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: Real Food {Pumpkin Muffins}

Pumpkin Muffins

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: Real Writing

What is 31 Days of Real?

31 Days of Real :: Real Joy

{Day Seven}

A word from Tim Keller"Joy in Suffering"

What is 31 Days of Real?

A word from Tim Keller
"Joy in Suffering"