All Posts By

Kathryn

5 In Joy/ My Journey

Comparison is a thief of Joy – Teddy Roosevelt

Do you struggle with comparison? I do.

I see one lady who is incredibly fit and wish I had her body.

I see another lady who always dresses so cute and wish I had her clothes.

Another friend has the PERFECT house and I wish mine looked like that.

I read blogs and books and wish I could write as good as those writers.

I hear someone speak well and wish I was articulate as them.

But all of these comparisons leave me feeling like I’m not good enough and don’t have enough.

Comparison is a thief – it’s stealing my joy one thought at a time.

How do I conquer this? I stop myself from thinking about what I don’t have and begin to focus on all that I DO have.

I may not be as fit and strong as some ladies I know but I am healthy.

I don’t have the the world’s best wardrobe but I do have so have some incredibly cute things that I’ve found at the thrift store.

I don’t have a picture perfect home but the home we have is very nice and filled with love and happiness.

I’m not the world’s best writer but I keep writing and I’m getting better.

When I change my thoughts from what I don’t have to what I DO have…my heart fills with gratitude. When I focus on what is going well and the gifts God has given me, I begin to experience peace and JOY.

When you are looking at those posts on social media and beginning to compare your life to theirs – stop and remember your blessings. Put down the phone and pick up a good book. Call a friend for encouragement. Ask God to show you what He has put inside YOU – then develop and use those gifts! The more you use YOUR gifts, the stronger they become.

I’m grateful that this world is made up of individuals with such diverse talents who each make the world better with their gifts and contributions. Some of you are using your talent for design and making this world more beautiful – one space at a time. Others are speakers, spreading encouragement and hope, one message at a time. Some are photographers – capturing those beautiful moments one snapshot at a time. Some of you are moms – investing in young lives, one hour at a time.

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We each have blessing, gifts, and talents and those are for us to enjoy and to share with others!

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“A FLOWER DOES NOT THINK OF COMPETING WITH THE FLOWER NEXT TO IT. IT JUST BLOOMS.” – ZEN SHIN

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“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭10:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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If you know your gift – leave a comment and share it with me! If you aren’t sure, take some time to ask God and others to help you discover it!

February 19, 2018 By
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6 In Uncategorized

Our Top Five Favorite Family Movies

Do you need a Movie Night Suggestion? Here are our Five Favorite Family Movies. Have you seen these? What movie should I add to this list?

  1. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day!



This movie is one of our favorites!

The movie begins with everything going PERFECTLY for every member of Cooper family. Every member, that is, except Alexander. Alexander is having the worst day ever. That night he wishes that his family could experience a bad day. He wakes up the next morning to chaos and throughout the day, bad things keep happening to every member of his family…except Alexander. The movie has a great ending and demonstrates how to stay bonded as a family – even on a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

Have you watched it? Did you like it as much as we did?

2. Cheaper by the dozen– One and Two

3. The Blind Side– Less than $10 on Amazon

4. Father of the Bride – Less than $7 on Amazon!

5. Mr. Popper’s Penguins – less than $4 on Amazon!

What are your favorite family movies? Leave a comment!

Disclaimer: Each of the links are above are affiliate links which means if you choose to purchase one of the items, I will earn a small commission at not extra cost to you!

February 16, 2018 By
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3 In Memories

The Happy to My Valentine

Ted…

You are the Happy to my Valentine

The Sweet in my Heart

The Bow to my Arrow

The Chocolate in my Box

You are the X to my O

My One True Love.

In 2001 we celebrated our very FIRST Valentine’s together. You told me you loved me for the first time and we talked about our future together. I was floating. I’m thankful to have you as my Valentine for 18 years and forevermore.

You + Me = One

February 14, 2018 By
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2 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ My Journey/ Raising boys

A Peek into our Week

Saturday was a day we were going all different directions! I went to a friend’s baby shower in the morning, then took the 3 big boys to a birthday party at SkyZone. Luke and I ran errands while they were at the party. That evening I spent some time with my Help Club friends, celebrating their birthdays. We had a great dinner then made Bath Bombs together.

Can I give you moms a tip? If your kids fight you on bath time – introduce them to The Bath Bomb. All the sudden, bath time becomes the best time!

Sunday we went to church where Pastor Brady taught on Psalm 23. After church I made some snacks for the Super Bowl game. We set up a table in the living room (Clark’s request – he wanted to eat and not miss a second of the game). I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the game! I can’t believe that the Eagles beat the Patriots.

Monday the boys went to school and Luke and I went to the store, then I let him play and eat at ChickFila. That evening we did homework and the boys played outside. The weather here has felt like spring and I love it!

Luke Loves Chick Fil A – especially their ice cream.

Unfortunately, Monday night we lost a great man named Micah Flick. Micah is local police detective, a father, and husband and was shot while serving our city. He, his wife and two children attended New Life and are a precious family. I am heart broken for them. However, I have been astounded by how our community is gathering around them with love and support. One of our moms from church has created a spread sheet for Micah’s wife with information on every person who has expressed an interested in supporting her long term! The sheet includes our names, numbers and how we will help.  Our church and the local police force are setting aside money for the family as well. These are the times when I see how important it is to be a part of a community.

Tuesday I stopped by the Garden of The Gods Trading Post (the largest and oldest gift shop in Colorado) to talk to them about carrying my book. Unfortunately, the person I needed to speak to was not there. I got her info and emailed her and she said she does want to get a copy of the book to review for the store! After that, I drove over to New Life to get some work done until Luke was done with preschool.

 

Tuesday evening I took George to Cotillion where he’s learning manners, etiquette, and ballroom dancing. I love watching these young men and women learn to be leaders!

 

Wednesday I worked for part of the day, then picked the boys up from school. One of our favorite restaurants, Larkburger, was having a customer appreciation day. If you wore green, you got a free side item with your sandwich. We went during happy hour (3-5pm every day) – so the sandwiches are only $3! Then we got some incredible Truffle Fries and Edamame for free!! My friend Leah and her children met us there. We posted pictures on instagram with #LarkBurgerLove because they will choose one of the posts and give that person free food for a year! With four sons – I can use all the free food I can get.

After dinner, I dropped the kids and some food off for Ted, and went back to New Life for “First Wednesday.” It’s a monthly night of worship (and a few words from one of our pastors).  It was extra special this week as we mourned the loss of Micah and worshiped God in spite of the pain.

Thursday, George and I both woke up not feeling that well. We took some Tylenol and I felt completely better and it helped George a little. In fourth grade, they do most of their work on iPads and computers and he knows that being on electronics make his head feel worse, so I let him stay home and hang out with me. We took Luke to preschool and took copies of “Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore!” to the first store in town that asked to carry my books! Why Not Books? is a cute bookstore that specializes in used books and new books by local authors! George and I found a couple books to buy and left some to sell!!

Next, went to Safeway and George was so excited that the “monopoly” game is back. With every purchase you make at Safeway, you get little prize tickets. George is SURE that we are going to win a million dollars. (I like his positivity!) He’s also decided that we are going to divide it equally between the six of us since he’s the one taking care of the tickets. Clark is hoping we will win a sports car. I’m wishing for a family vacation (but I’d happily take a million dollars)!

That evening we tried out Prime Jui Juitsu. George, Clark and Paul all got to participate in a class together. They loved it. I loved it! Not only do they teach self-defense, but they work with them on respect, team work, and your attitude. The teachers were incredible and if it weren’t so dang expensive, I would have signed them up that night! (However, if we win that million…)

Friday Luke and I stayed home and cleaned. Ugh, I hate cleaning. I mean, I LOVE a CLEAN house, but don’t like that it’s a NEVER-ENDING JOB! Thankfully, a sweet girl named Idera came and helped me to earn money for an upcoming missions trip she’s taking.

That afternoon we went to Clark’s school to watch his 2nd grade performance.

George and his friends, waiting at school for Clark’s performance

Friday night I trained several new volunteers for New Life and then heard Andrew preach on Psalm 22 – a great message on mourning. So timely for this difficult week.

Saturday was Deputy Micah Flick’s funeral at New LIfe Church. I was overwhelmed to tears with the number of Police Officers that came to show their love and respect for him (thousands!). The staff at New Life set up every room in the church with breakfast, snacks, lunch, pastries and hot coffee for all of the officers. I had the honor of hosting a room set up for Micah’s team – the men and women who were his partners – who were there on the night he died. Please pray for them as you pray for Micah’s family. They considered Micah a brother and are hurting. The service was powerful and I was so thankful to be a part of such a beautiful day.

 

Thanks for stopping by! I’d love for YOU to share with me something about your week. You can leave a comment by clicking on that little box beside the title of this post.

February 10, 2018 By
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0 In Book Review/ Faith

Book Reviews and Recommendations

Here are a few books I’ve recently read or am currently reading and my thoughts on each one!

 

Volunteer Revolution – Bill Hybels is incredibly inspiring. I admire his passion for God and the local church! This book shares the impact we can make when we contribute/volunteer or ‘serve’ in the church or community. Volunteering not only benefits the organization, but benefits the one volunteering as well!  I made some updates to this post after reading this outstanding book. If you are person considering volunteering in some capacity or a person who works with volunteers – you must read this book!

 

 

Speak Life – I’ve enjoyed every book written by (my pastor) Brady Boyd! His books are conversational and relatable. He writes with honesty and vulnerability. This particular book is incredibly powerful regarding our words – how we speak to ourselves, to God and others.  He gives some very important examples and things to think about and learn from. I’ve enjoyed waking up and reading a few pages each morning. I’m not finished yet, but love it!  Words have power. Use them wisely!

 



7 Family Ministry Essentials – Church is not about PROGRAMS, its about FAMILY! This book is very easy-to-read and helps us remember why we are doing ministry. The ideas shared in this book are not only good for those who serve in children and youth ministry – but for parents as well! Parents on the primary ones responsible for faith formation, but the church can partner with the family to develop that faith.

This is an excellent book for those working in student or children’s ministry. In fact, it made the “Top Ten List of Books every Children’s ministry leader should read!” When we are working with children and students – we need to think about the entire family, not just the individual.

There are 7 main principals presented in this book:
1. Empowering families to take spiritual leadership in the home
2. Forming lifetime faith that transcends childhood beliefs
3. Teaching Scripture as the ultimate authority of truth
4. Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit’s power to teach and transform
5. Engaging every generation in the gospel of God’s redemptive story
6. Making God central in daily living and every biblical narrative
7. Working with the community to further God’s will.

The authors explain each of these essentials with powerful stories. I made lots of notes and plan to use this book as a reference in my role at New Life Church. I wish I would have had this book at the beginning of my journey as a Children’s Ministry Director in 2002!

 

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson – I heard Bryan speak at Willow Creek Community Church and his story was so powerful I had to get his book to read more. This is a New York Times Best Seller and has great reviews on Amazon! The book was very eye-opening at some of the “injustices” in our justice system. The book shares stories of how Bryan, a non-profit attorney, has helped children with life sentences, men who’ve been wrongly accused, and how he has served “the least of these.” (Matthew 25:40) over the last 3 decades. This is one of those books that’s hard to put down until you’ve read the last page.

 

Help Club’s The Wise Woman Loves Bible Study – I start each day with a few minutes in this book. It’s a Bible study written for moms and by moms. It not only helps me understand God’s word and how it applies to my everyday life – it also contains daily suggestions of how to love my husband, my children and others.

Leave me a comment and tell me if you’ve read any of these  – or recommend what I should read next!

If you are interested, I wrote about some of my favorite books ever here and I how I find time to read here.

Subscribe so you don’t miss a post!

February 6, 2018 By
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1 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Free stuff/ Things to do in Colorado

Our first “Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore” Event at Chick-Fil-A!

In December, ChickFilA reached out to ask if I would be a part of one of their upcoming Family Nights!

The event was held on Tuesday, January 30th and it was SO.MUCH.FUN!

ChickFila provided little “books” so that each kid could write their own story!  I provided coloring and activity pages. The cow was out to greet everyone and interact with all the guests. Cedric Taylor, the illustrator, was drawing caricatures of all the guests who were there! I read my book two times, to two different groups of extremely engaged and well-behaved children, and did lots of book signings!!

All Luke wanted to do was hang out with the cow! George, Clark and Paul loved helping me with the story by showing each of the animals as I read about them.

Here are some pictures and a video of the night:

Thank you to those who were able to participate in the Family Night! Thank you to Chick-Fil-A too!

It’s not too late to get a copy of Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore for only $10 signed and shipped by clicking on this link!

 

January 31, 2018 By
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6 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Colorado

Our Saturday adventure at the Siamese Twins!

Saturday was a beautiful, sunny day and we wanted to get out and enjoy it!

We went to Garden of the Gods and found our favorite spot … well, we have lots of favorite spots…so we went to ONE of our favorite spots…the Siamese twins.

Siamese Twins (and can you spot Ted?)

It’s an easy hike, but off the beaten path!

Here are more pictures from our hike around Siamese Twins:

 

My favorite grown man and four little men!

Being outside feeds our souls. We love living in Colorado!

What feeds YOUR soul? Leave me a comment!

January 28, 2018 By
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0 In Faith/ Family/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

The Awesome Jar

Tattling. Tattle-telling. Whatever you want to call it – it’s been around since the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:12-14). I haven’t found a way to stop my boys from pointing out what their brothers have done wrong, but my husband and I found a tool that helps them watch for a what they are doing RIGHT!

We use something called the “Awesome Jar.”

We stumbled upon the idea of the Awesome Jar and have used it in our family to help us live out Philippians 4:8. To notice and call out things that are excellent, praiseworthy, right, noble and admirable.

The Awesome Jar is just a glass container that sits on our counter. My husband and sons decorated it with stickers and some duct tape!

Awesome Jar

We use this Jar to celebrate the good things in our day. When something happens that is admirable, excellent or praiseworthy, my kids, my husband or I will write it down on a slip of paper and add it to the Jar. You’d think we’d remember all these good things, but somehow we forget. This “AWESOME” Jar is a like our “remember the good” Jar. It’s a way to highlight the small wins and bright spots that occur throughout the day.

Recently on my son George’s 10th birthday we put a note in our family’s Awesome Jar that simply says: “Clark’s birthday Surprise for George.” Let me tell you about it. Clark, my 8-year-old, gathered the neighbor kids and gave them each a gift bag. Each of the kids put random (used) toys in each bag, placed them by our front door, rang the door bell, then hid. When George answered the door, they all jumped out and shouted, “SURPRISE…Happy Birthday!” George opened the silly gifts, and we all laughed about each one and enjoyed a few minutes there on our porch – brothers and neighbors. It was awesome!

Every few weeks we sit down and pull out the notes from our Awesome Jar and “relive” those sweet moments. It also reinforces to my kids what they’ve done right. It encourages them to keep thinking about these things, doing these things, and looking for times when their brothers are doing these things!

Find a container and make it your family’s AWESOME Jar. Make it a habit to add one thing each day. It might be something like:

“(My son) cleaned up the play room without being asked.”
– or –
“(My daughter) befriended the new girl at school.”

If it was a really hard day, then you have even more reason to pause for a moment, reflect on the day, and identify at least one thing for which you are grateful. Was it an event, a moment or a person? Write it down and put it in the jar.

When you look for the GOOD, you will find it! And the more “good” things you notice today, the more you will notice tomorrow. Not only YOU, but your CHILDREN as well. My sons have started to say, “Mom, did you see/hear that, it should go in the Awesome Jar!”

Do they still tattle? Yes. But they are also noticing and calling out things that are excellent, praiseworthy, right, noble and admirable! And that is AWESOME!

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I was honored to be asked by Homefront to write an article for their magazine. Homefront Magazine equips parents to create fun, spiritually forming times in their homes. This magazine helps re-center our focus and align our priorities to what is best! It’s filled with helpful articles and activities that equip us to become the parents that we want to be!

Check out the Homefront website for good articles, game suggestions, and printables. You can also subscribe to the magazine or buy a digital copy from their site. I love receiving my copy each month! It’s the only magazine that I read cover to cover.

January 25, 2018 By
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4 In Book Review/ Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Giveaway/ Product Recommendations

Book Blitz – Signed copies Only $10 (shipped!), plus a GIVEAWAY

Hey Friends! To celebrate the fact that you can buy Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore directly from my blog – I am holding a BOOK BLITZ!!!!

You can order as many books as you’d like for only $10 each – I will cover the shipping fees and taxes! This deal with last for 14 days or until the 200 I have in stock are gone!

Buy it now for:

  • friends,
  • teachers,
  • your office,
  • nieces and nephews,
  • your child’s school library,
  • your public library,
  • grandchildren, or
  • CLIENTS!

I will personally sign each book, ship them to wherever you’d like (within the US) and let the receiver know that the gift is from YOU!

Just click BUY MY BOOK

(at the top of this page)!

When ordering, leave a comment to let me know who I should sign the book to. Locals can pay upon delivery.

Click HERE to read a recent article about the book!

GIVEAWAY!

I will be GIVING away a signed copies! How do you enter? Just SHARE this post (via the social icons below), then leave me a comment letting me know where you shared it (twitter, facebook, email – one entry for every platform)! I will have the Magnificent Four choose names on Sunday, February 4th. One name will be drawn for every 10 shares!

WINNER is KRISTALL W! Congrats Kristall! 

Happy Shopping and Sharing!  And thank you so very much for your support!

Kathryn

January 21, 2018 By
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4 In Family/ Motherhood/ Product Recommendations/ Raising boys

For the Mom Who Wonders If She’s Enough

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Mama, are you tired?

Do you ever lie awake wondering if you’re failing?
Do you feel like you’re falling short in this whole mom thing? Like you’re just not enough?

Jesus understands exactly what you’re going through. He had 12 disciples and I imagine it felt to Jesus like having 12 children. Now granted, they were all potty trained and dressed themselves but still…

They didn’t always listen.
They argued over who was His favorite.
They fell asleep when He desperately needed their support.
And one ultimately betrayed Him.

Jesus gets it.

He understands your exhaustion and your frustration, and He wants to help.

Here are a few simple ways to partner with Him throughout your day.

MORNING

Start the day with one word: Help.

“Help me be the mom You want me to be.
Speak through me.
Love through me.
Help me be present and engaged.
Holy Spirit, fill me.”
(The Holy Spirit is God living within us.)

If you can, try to wake up a few minutes before your kids. And if that feels impossible, ask God for help. He meets us in our weakness and will give you the strength to rise, even briefly, so your tank can be filled before you pour out all day long.

 

AFTERNOON


Just like we reach for a mid-day cup of coffee, don’t forget your mid-day cry for help.

God is available all day long.
When you’re weary, He gives strength.
When you need wisdom, ask. He delights in answering.
The Holy Spirit gently reveals what your children need, often before you even know to ask.

 

NIGHT

End the day the same way you began it: Help.

Evenings can be so hard. By the time I put my four boys to bed, I am completely spent. But bedtime matters. Kids are often most vulnerable then. They suddenly open up, sharing things they held in all day.

I climb into bed with each of my boys – to listen, to sing, to pray.

My mom did the same for us, and those moments still feel like a warm hug in my memory.

Mama, you are not alone.
And you don’t have to do this on your own.

 

 

Let me share a sweet story about how our nightly prayer time made a real impact on one of my boys.

Each night when I prayed with George, I prayed what we called the “5 L’s.” I asked God to help him be:

  • a strong LEADER

  • a good LISTENER

  • a fast LEARNER

  • and to know God’s LOVE and show God’s LOVE

When his report card came home, I read a note from his teacher that stopped me in my tracks. She wrote that George has “enthusiasm for learning, is a superstar listener, and is kind to his classmates.”

My heart overflowed. I could see God answering our prayers in real, tangible ways.

Prayer doesn’t just move heaven on our behalf, it also shapes our children’s hearts and lives. When we pray over them, we remind them of who God created them to be.

Through our nightly prayers, my boys are reminded that they are leaders, listeners, and learners, boys who know God’s love and show God’s love.

What not to pray: shaming prayers

“Lord, forgive my son for being a bad boy.”

Please don’t do this. Shaming prayers can plant guilt and discourage children from turning to God when they mess up.

What to pray instead

Pray words that inspire and encourage – prayers that give your children something beautiful to live up to.

“Thank You, Lord, for making my son strong and courageous, kind and bold.”

Pray Scripture with them and over them:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7

One of my favorite resources is The Power of a Praying Parent. My sister Kara gave it to me when I was pregnant with my first son in 2007, and I’ve read it over and over since. It offers powerful, specific prayers and gently teaches you how to pray intentionally for your children.

I can’t recommend it enough.

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Remember this: God chose you to be the mom your children need. Not by accident. Not as a backup plan. He sees you, and He wants to help you become the very best mama you can be.

If today was hard, that’s okay. We all have tough days. God’s mercy meets us fresh each morning, and tomorrow is a brand-new start.

You are deeply loved by your Heavenly Father.
You are chosen.
You are equipped.

You have what it takes, and you don’t have to do it alone.


Please feel free to leave me your prayer request in the comments section (the little box to the right of the title) and I will pray for you!

Don’t forget to subscribe (in the column on the right) so that my posts come directly to you via email!

Love,

Kathryn

January 15, 2018 By
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