Lisa Jacobson's Blog, page 49

Oven Baked Turkey Tacos

Since my husband’s birthday is this weekend and he’s joining me in the flirty 30’s (stop by our Catz Facebook page and wish Josh a Happy Birthday on Saturday!), I thought I would share one of the recipes he requests the most from me on our “Taco Tuesday” nights.

Oven Baked Turkey Tacos!

This little creation came about from a memory of when I was a kid and I would spend my weekends with my dad and step-mom. My step-mom always made the best tacos.

I can’t really remember what made her tacos different from everyone else’s except that her cheese was always melted perfectly over the meat and I knew she put taco sauce in with her meat. As it turns out, I later found out that the reason her cheese was always melted perfectly over the meat was because she baked her tacos in the oven with the cheese on top of the meat, too!

Great minds think alike, I tell ya!

I love this dish for two reasons . . . .

The first is because it really makes dinnertime easy.

Aside from the skillet you cook the meat in (I choose ground turkey because it’s a bit healthier), the only other dish you need to clean up is the baking dish you use to bake your taco shells in, not counting dinner plates, of course. We put all the toppings on the tacos ahead of time and just bring the dish to the table.

The other thing I really like about this dish is that it makes a fun and tasty meal ministry dinner.

Go ahead and cook the meat and and bake the taco shells in one of those aluminum foil baking pans from the Dollar Store and cover with foil to keep it warm. Then take all of your toppings like shredded lettuce, olives, tomatoes, avocado, etc and place them in individual foil pie plates or rubbermaid containers and the meal becomes a taco bar – which can be really fun if you’re bringing the meal to a family who has little children!

Try this out for your next Taco Tuesday night!

Print
Oven Baked Turkey Tacos


Author: Chelsia Rief
Recipe type: Entree
Cuisine: Mexican



Serves: 10-12 tacos
 

Saucy taco meat, gooey melted cheese, and crisp taco shells make taco night a snap when you bake it all together and serve it at the dinner table.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground turkey breast
1 packet taco seasoning
¼ cup La Victoria sauce (we like mild because of the kiddos)
1 box taco shells
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
2 large hot house tomatoes, diced
1 (15 oz can) black olives, sliced
Sour cream for topping
Hot sauce for topping




Instructions

In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey meat. Once browned, follow the taco seasoning preparation directions and add La Victoria sauce, simmering for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat.
Pre-heat oven to specified baking time for taco shells (usually around 325 degrees). In a baking dish, line the taco shells up in rows. Spoon the taco meat evenly into all the taco shells and top with shredded cheese. Bake for 10 minutes, just long enough to melt the cheese and warm the shells up.
Top each shell with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and olives. Serve with sour cream and hot sauce



3.2.2885

 

Chels is a born-again believer who dreams of living with all four seasons in Central Oregon. She’s a wife and stay at home mom to her three vivacious kiddos whom she home schools. When she’s not schooling or chasing after her munchkins, she enjoys reading, bubble baths, and finding clothing/kitchen treasure at thrift stores. But more than all of that, she finds refuge in her kitchen where she and her husband can be found cooking and baking up a storm for their family and friends. You can read more about her culinary endeavors at CatzintheKitchen.com.
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One Dirty Reason Your House is a Mess

Does your house stay a mess?

I’ll be completely honest — mine does.  It’s got the “lived in” look going on pretty much all the time, and quite often it sports the “disaster zone” effect.

I’m of the opinion that many women are needlessly allowing themselves to be laden down with what I call “homemaker’s guilt“, placing expectations on themselves that are unrealistic.

But there are other times your house is a mess because of your own faulty thinking.

Company Is Coming

Think with me about what it’s like to know that company is coming in a day or two.

What do you do?

You go to great lengths to make sure that your house is scrubbed and spotless, don’t you?  You’ll give up time you might normally relax, work on your personal hobbies, or even sleep in order to make sure your messy house is in tip-top shape by the time your guests arrive.

Once your guests leave, your house goes right back to the disheveled state in which it typically stays.

“I just can’t keep up with it,” you say.  “My kids are always making messes right behind me.  I’m just not an organized person.  I don’t have time.”

And on and on your excuses go.

But your whirlwind cleaning session before company came just proved that you can get your house clean — if you want to badly enough.

Do you want to know one reason you suddenly find the wherewithal to clean your house for company . . . but you just can’t keep it clean for your family?

Five ugly letters:  P-R-I-D-E

What does pride have to do with whether your house is clean or dirty?

There is no way on earth you’d let guests see your disastrous house.  You’d be mortified.  So you do whatever is necessary to get it clean – giving up sleep, play, meals, whatever.

But see, you didn’t really clean it for your guests.

You cleaned it for you because you didn’t want to look bad.

And when your guests leave, so does your clean house.  No more giving up any of your free time to clean.  No more giving up anything, really.  Cleaning does not fit into your prideful, selfish way of thinking, so you skip it.

You can make excuses all day long about how disorganized you are or how you have bad habits that you haven’t overcome yet, but when it comes right down to it, your pride is what is getting in the way of your having a clean house.

Serving Out of Love

I realize these are strong words, and my goal is not to put anyone on a guilt-trip.

In fact, I firmly believe there are times when it is perfectly okay to have a messy house.

However, it is entirely possible to become entangled in the trap of pride without even knowing it — to think of self so often that you don’t even realize that’s what you’re doing.

Instead of being motivated by pride, let’s be motivated by love. 

Pride takes.  Love gives.

When you’re truly loving your family, you’ll give of your time and your energy.  You’ll give up personal interests when they’re getting in the way of what best serves your family.

Next time you start to make an excuse for your messy house, stop and evaluate whether you have been focusing on yourself.

If that’s not the case, there is no reason to feel guilty about your messy house.  Sometimes it simply can’t be helped.

If you have been motivated by pride (or should I say de-motivated because of your pride?), I urge you to serve your family out of love.

I’m so happy to be able to introduce MaryEllen to you all! If you don’t already know her, she’s been a part of the Club31Women community for some time and has now joined us as a regular contributor to our Real-Life Homemaking feature! I hope you’ll take a moment to welcome her, as well as pop over to her own helpful, encouraging site, ImperpectHomemaker.  ~ Lisa Jacobson

MaryEllen is a stay at home wife and mommy who is passionate about inspiring other homemakers to be all that God wants them to be.  She blogs at Imperfect Homemaker where she shares her articles and inspiration about homemaking, homeschooling, and natural living. You can also follow MaryEllen on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

 

*You might also be interested in this practical article 5 Ways to Live Neatly Around the Mess of Children, and this inspiring one,  5 Good Reasons Why Cleaning (yes, cleaning!) Actually Matters

*I’m currently offering this FREE eBook, Raising Heavenly-Minded, Down-to-Earth Kids: Bringing Up Children With Hearts Set On Heaven and Feet Planted On Solid Ground for new subscribers. If you would like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below.

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One Thing Happy Couples Do

My classroom windows open to the playground, so I listen to little kids play at recess every day. They’re so cute bundled head to toe in snow suits.

I hear one of them say, Pretend you’re________.

Okay, the other one says. And you pretend you’re________.

They imagine a world where there are no limitations, and they can be anything they want to be.

My husband and I play this game.

We’re 23 years into pretending big stuff for each other. I was just reading Happy Wives Club, by Fawn Weaver, and apparently imagining big things for one’s spouse is a common element in happy marriages.

Really my husband is the best. When I started this writing thing and had seven blog readers –oh no wait, now 10 –he imagined me all kinds of famous.

Pretty soon, he would say, you’ll have about 157,000 readers, and then I’m going to have to quit my job as pastor so I can go with you on your book-signing tours.

And he mapped out the book-signing tours.

Of course, they would start on the east coast where the high-density crowds are, and I would have to sneak into bookstores so all my fans wouldn’t see me and mob me.

You know, because that’s how it is being famous. We would get used to it.

And then I would have to decide how many speaking engagements I could really handle in one year, because I wouldn’t want to overdo it. A woman has to live a balanced life you know.

I think all of these conversations happened on our Taco Bell dates. Him with his taco, and me with my burrito, hold the onions. And 80’s music playing in the background.

Free refills.

Back in our early days of marriage, I was the one pretending for him.

He was getting his masters in psychology, at UMHB in Texas, and then we were going to move to Montana where he would become the James Dobson of the north.

And I would help him with his radio broadcasts, because that’s what good wives do.

He would sign book deals because the world would be clamoring for his sage counsel.

Sometimes we would have to figure things out. I mean, how do a husband and wife with two very successful careers and world-wide fame still find time to be in love and care for their children? But we were willing to make it work.

The thing is, we kind of believed each other into doing brave and influential work. Somehow it went from pretending to making us feel truly valuable. 

Because if that man of mine thinks I can be something in this world?

I probably can.

I probably actually can do something meaningful.

And, hey, let me point out that I’m writing for Club31Women now, which means I am F.A.M.O.U.S.

Practically famous.

And I was brave enough to get this far because that man of mine imagined me here.

See, what you need to do is go on a date, and it can just be value meals, you guys. And on your date start talking about the big things you hope you can do.

Go ahead and imagine your husband in his dream.

No one at Taco Bell is listening. They’re all busy reading their funny taco sauce packets, so you don’t need to worry they’ll think you’re crazy.

So let me end with a famous saying from Taco Bell, something you can tell your spouse:

Live más.

Christy Fitzwater is a pastor’s wife south of the border (Canadian, that is.) She has two children –a newly married daughter and a son who is a senior in high school, although she is in denial about the latter. Christy is a librarian’s daughter and an English major who loves the smell of a new book and freshly sharpened pencils but who occasionally can be seen in a kayak as her one claim to athleticism. Living in Kalispell, Montana she teaches high school Spanish at a Christian school in the afternoons and spends the mornings writing her devotional blog, Off the Shelf. Her greatest desire is to help people know and understand who God is. You can also find her at Pinterest and Twitter.

 (This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.)

*If you would like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get the FREE eBooks, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage and Raising Heavenly-Minded, Down-to-Earth Kids).

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Raising Kids to Shine Bright in a Dark World {& FREE eBook}

Please pray that I will be a bright light on a dark hill.

That’s the text that came through on my phone.

Our oldest son, now 20 years old, was in Paris studying in a French language immersion program for the summer. He proposed the idea earlier in the school year – his sophomore year at college – and decided this would the best way to complete his language credits . . . as well as get to see some more of the world.

So that’s how it came about that our son was staying in the heart of Paris for nine weeks—far away from both friends and family.

A young man alone.

Certainly not the ideal scenario for a Christian parent to consider.

His dad and I were never naive about what he might encounter there, having spent some time in Paris ourselves in earlier days. Yes, we were rather familiar with the spiritual darkness and moral depravity rampant throughout the ironically named, “City Of Light”.

And now it would seem that the streets of Paris were worse than ever. Filthy, dirty, immoral, and oppressively dark. Our son’s description of the conditions around him were even worse than we feared.

Come Home Now

So did I have the impulse to text him back?

To text him something along the lines of, COME HOME. NOW.

Why, yes, I did.

A strong impulse to do that very thing.

I mean, what mother wouldn’t feel sick to her stomach to imagine her son facing just about every temptation the world has to offer?

Drunkenness, carousing, sexual pleasure. It was all his for the taking.

Actually, it went further than that.

The immoral life was all there just begging, urging – even pressuring – him to take it in. The young women were literally throwing themselves at him, confused and somewhat disgusted that he would refuse the easy opportunity to take them to bed. What was his problem anyway?

But that’s not the way we raised him.

We raised our son, along with his seven other siblings, in a Christian home where Christian values were taught and upheld. We looked to the Bible for our source of moral instruction and life guidance. We attended our local church gathering every Sunday, prayed and read the Bible as a family, and boldly called ourselves Believers.

So that was good . . . .

Is a Christian Upbringing Enough?

But was it really enough? Does this kind of upbringing adequately prepare our children to grow up and, say, go off to Paris for the summer?

No. It really isn’t.

A disappointing answer, but there you have it.

Both you and I know it’s not enough.

We’ve seen far too many kids leave their good, Christian homes and never look back.

Or, at least never look back at their Christian training.

And such a trend terrifies me—me and a whole lot of other Christian parents.

There is a solution, however. Have you heard of it? It’s simple, really.

Never let your kids out of the house.

Hmm . . . no, even that’s not radical enough. Never them let out of your sight. Completely protect them and make all the decisions for them. Preferably for the rest of their lives.

I can see a few of you scoffing all the way from here. Ridiculous! That’s not any kind of solution.

I see what you mean and agree with you. But whether you realize it or not, there are parents who are trying to do just this very kind of thing in a desperate attempt to keep their kids on the straight and narrow.

And I can hardly blame them.

Why risk your children falling into sin and immorality if you can help it? Why risk them rejecting their entire upbringing and walking away from Christianity?

A moral dilemma to be sure.

But if we keep our children from all temptation and keep them from going out into the world where they might fall . . . and even possibly reject their faith altogether . . .

How will they reach a lost and dying world for Christ? How will they grow strong in their own faith? And how will they marry and raise Christian families of their own?

Yes, how?

These are exactly the kind of questions my husband and I have seriously wrestled with over the years. So what goes into bringing up children who have their hearts set on heaven and their feet planted firmly on solid ground?

How do we raise heavenly-minded, down-to-earth kids?

Raising Heavenly-Minded, Down-to-Earth Kids

Raising Kids to Shine Bright in a Dark World is taken from the first chapter of the ebook, Raising Heavenly-Minded, Down-to-Earth Kids by Lisa Jacobson.

Now as a thank-you gift to the wonderful subscribers to Club31Women – for all your encouragement and faithful support – I would like to offer this as a free ebook for you. Anyone who subscribes (either in the past, or going forward) will receive a copy of this new parenting book.

As always, please feel free to share this with any friends or family that you think might be blessed by the ministry here as well!

*For those of you who have already subscribed, you will find the link under the attached post: A Free eBook for Subscribers.

Happy New Year, my friends! I pray that it’s a year filled with His light shining into your heart, your home, and out into the world!

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” ~ Matthew 5:14

In His grace,

 

 

 (This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.)

*If you would like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get the FREE eBooks, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage  and Raising Heavenly-Minded, Down-to-Earth Kids).

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A Free eBook for Subscribers: Raising Heavenly-Minded, Down-to-Earth Kids

As a thank you for subscribing to Club31Women, I’m happy to be able to offer you this FREE eBook, Raising Heavenly-Minded, Down-to-Earth Kids: Bringing Up Children With Hearts Set On Heaven and Feet Planted on Solid Ground.

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1 – Raising Kids to Shine Bright in a Dark World

Chapter 2 – Raising Heavenly-Minded, Down-to-Earth Kids

Chapter 3 – Raising Kids Who Know They Are Deeply Loved

Chapter 4 – Raising Kids Who Genuinely Love Jesus

Chapter 5 – Raising Kids Who Might Fall…But Get Back Up Again

Chapter 6 – Raising Kids Who Walk in the Power of Purity

Conclusion –  Raising Kids Who Shine Brightly For Jesus

You are welcome to download your copy of the book right here. Be sure and save it to your computer!

Click Here: Raising Heavenly-Minded, Down-to-Earth Kids by Lisa Jacobson

If it doesn’t work immediately, please wait and try again in a few minutes. When too many people are simultaneously downloading, the system  will sometimes “jam”. If all else fails, you can contact me  and let me know and I’ll try to take care of it directly: Contact Me.

Please remember that this book is a gift intended for subscribers ONLY. If you, or someone you know, would rather not subscribe then the the book will also be available on Amazon for $1.99. Thank you so much for understanding.

I hope you are blessed and encouraged!

In His grace,

Club31Women

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The Homemaker’s Friend: My #1 Pick for a Daily Planner

You’re absolutely right, of course.

I’m “supposed” to be taking this week off. But I had so many requests along the lines of, “What did you say was your favorite planner?” Because I’d mentioned it a couple of months ago and now . . .

Well, now the New Year is here and, if you’re like me, it suddenly snuck up on you and you’re trying to get a little better organized.

So this is something of a “replay” (and you know what I’m talking about, sports-fans!), but here is the planner I’ve used for several years now—after having experimented with more than a few!

In my (humble) opinion, this is the best planner if you’re looking for something handy, well-laid-out, and user-friendly. And it’s rather purdy too.

My Favorite Planner

I’ve tried so many planners, it’s a little embarrassing.

I’ve used everything from a plain spiral notebook (not enough structure) to an expensive professional planner (spendy! Plus not well-suited for what I really need it for).

So when my friend Sue shared with me several years ago that she was putting together a  Daily Planner made especially for the needs of wives and mothers, I raised my hand, “Oh, pick me! Please, pick me! I’d love the chance to try out your planner.”

And it’s been my first choice ever since.

What makes this planner my favorite?

It’s pretty. (Don’t you think it’s nicer to have one that’s lovely?)
It’s the perfect size. Small enough to fit into my purse and large enough for me to actually write in (and see what I’ve written).
It has encouraging verse and quotes throughout.  For example, on the cover: My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. ~ Ex. 33:14 What a beautiful reminder when I pick up my planner!
It has year, month, and week sections.  Necessary for short-term and long-term planning.
It offers additional sections for tasks, projects, info, and shopping.
Oh, and it has easy tabs and is spiral bound – did I mention that?


Features

Weekly Layout

Two-page spread with entries for each day
Menu planning
To-do list

Monthly Calendar

Two-page month view

Year Calendars

2015 and 2016 calendars with place for notations

Shopping List

Perforated shopping list

Task List and Project & Events Sections

Untitled pages for you to customize for your own duties and ideas

Information

Short-term information that is relevant to 2015

Now there you have it. My favorite planner. And why.

And if you’re interested in trying this wonderful Daily Planner too, Sue has kindly offered to give Club31Women readers a discount (I told you she was a good friend!).

You can find out more and order your Daily Planner here at Sue’s site:
The Homemaker’s Friend

 

Ready to get better organized? Me too.

And looking forward to seeing you (again) in the New Year!

In His grace,

*A small reminder, or if you’re new here: I only recommend products that I actually use myself and genuinely love. I sometimes get a small commission for these, but this does not in any way affect your price. See my full disclosure.

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The TOP 10 Popular Posts from Club31Women {2014}

Don’t you just love the New Year and new beginnings?

So do I.

There’s a certain pleasure in looking back and seeing where you’ve been . . . and even more importantly, where you are going from here.

Do you know what else I enjoy?

COUNTDOWNS.

No, really. It’s worth staying up until midnight if only to hear the shout of everyone counting down those last 10 seconds of the old year.

10, 9, 8, 7,
6, 5, 4, 3, 2…..
1
Loud and wild cheering!! YAY!!!

So are you ready to do a countdown from this past year at Club31Women? Because here they are . . . The Top Ten!

COUNTDOWN: Ten Most Popular Posts from 2014
 #10
24 Ways to Prepare Your Young Man to be a Gentleman

How do you prepare you son to grow up to be a gentleman?

Boys will be boys.

For sure. But he can learn to be a gentleman as well. A gentleman in the right sense – not in a sissy, unreasonable manner – but a kind, respectful and godly young man.

It’s not that we’d ask our son to sit with his hands folded or keep him from running, building or exploring. No way. But we do hope he’ll learn to be wise, to consider others, and to remember that he’s a son of the King.

A true gentleman . . . . (Read the rest HERE)

 

#9
How to Help Your Fall-Apart Child . . . Pull It Together

How do you help your child who tends to fall apart? Here are several wonderful ways a mom can encourage her child to pull it together – and to grow strong in the process.

Any advice for this weary mom?

She was tired, discouraged, and a little disappointed. Wondered if she was doing it right.

My friend went on to explain. Her 12-year-old daughter had been helping with the dishes since she was about three. But as their family size grew, she now had to handwash a few extra dishes, mainly pots and pans. Not too difficult of a chore.

Except that she kept forgetting. And had to be called back to the sink to do them.

And 100% of the time she threw a crying fit about it.

My friend nearly despaired . . . . (Read the rest HERE)

 

#8
The Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Courtship and Dating

How do you find the person you will someday marry? What is the right way to approach dating? What about courtship? Here is a solid list of The Essential Do’s and Don’t for Courtship and Dating.

But I don’t want to date . . .  I simply want to get married.

That’s what I told our family friend who was concerned that I wasn’t dating at the age of 26.

Oh, not that I’d never dated. It’s just that I found the whole dating scene rather depressing. Disappointing. Discouraging. You get the idea.

My friend found my answer rather perplexing. “How can you get married . . . if you never date?” (Read the rest HERE)

 

#7
6 Things Every Brother Needs to Hear from His Sister

What does a boy need to hear from his sister? Your daughter might not realize what a powerful voice she can have in her brother’s life – for years to come.

What does my brother need to hear from me? As his sister?

That’s the question the young lady posed to me.

While I’ve been asked many things since I started this blog, this one was a first.

And it was a great question . . . . (Read the rest HERE)

 

#6
5 Ways to Live Neatly Around the Mess of Children

Ever get discouraged about the mess? Be encouraged with these surprisingly helpful ways to bring a tidy solution to your home.

It took me a while to get up my nerve to ask her.

She seemed to have so much together, this amazing friend of mine.

She was one of those – you know, lovely, talented, a fabulous cook, and her house always appeared immaculate. At least as far as I could tell.

So one day, I simply up and asked her: “How do you do it? How do you keep your home so pristine? And with two young children . . . ?” (Read the rest HERE)

 

#5
12 Lessons I Want My Son to Learn Before He Turns 12

What are the most important things you can teach your young son? I want our sons to learn to look after others, to be mindful of the world around them, and to be ready for their calling when God gives it.

Isn’t it amazing how much you can learn in one trip to the library?

Most every week I take one . . . or more . . . of the boys with me for a Library Date.

Yesterday, I took all three boys – ages 8, 10, and 12.

The boys raced for the entrance door, but then the oldest stayed behind and held the door open for the person who had come up the walk behind us . . . . (Read the rest HERE)

 

#4
The Highly-Rated Habit of Respecting Him

What says respect to him? Communicating respect in a way that is meaningful to him.

Let the wife see that she respects her husband. (Eph.5:33)

Oh, okay, got it. Seems fairly straightforward.

Sorta….

Except that this respect-thing strikes me as rather vague. Undefined. I’m not trying to be difficult either, it’s just not as clear as I’d like it to be . . . . (Read the rest HERE)

 

#3
One Simple Way to Start a Small Blaze in Your Marriage

How do you keep your marriage warm and inviting? Here is one simple way a wife can start a small blaze in her marriage.

I could hear his footsteps.

Unmistakable. Firm, solid feet. Man-steps. Quite different than the quick pattering of all the other little feet I’d heard throughout the day. Madly chopping and slicing, I never even looked up when he entered . . . . (Read the rest HERE)

 

#2
25 Tips I Want to Share With Younger Wives

What does it take to build a lovely marriage? What advice could I give? What would keep the two of them loving each other in the years to come?

She asked if we could meet for coffee. Clearly, something was on her mind.

She’s a wonderful young lady and full of the hopes and dreams that come with youth. She wants a beautiful marriage. Yet she’d also been around long enough to know that a strong, loving marriage isn’t a guarantee . . . . (Read the rest HERE)

 

Now for the Top Post of 2014 . . . . drum roll, please

#1
12 Simple Things to Bring Peace Into Your Home

What are those small things that can make a significant difference in your home? Here are 12 simple things that can help bring peace into your home and family.

She dropped by unannounced.

And I couldn’t help cringing somewhat. Ever-so-slightly mortified.

You see, she was an author, something of a celebrity, and now a personal friend.

So, of course, I was thrilled to see her, but was also deeply concerned about the impression we were making. Suddenly self-conscious of the layer of dust on the piano and the ridiculous pile of dirty socks by the front door.

I faintly whispered to my husband, “Oh, what must she be thinking??” . . .  (Read the rest HERE)

Loud and wild cheering!! YAY!!!
A Happy New Year to You

So my friends, I want to thank you for all your overwhelming love and support this past year. Your kind and encouraging words have meant so much to me and my family (You might be surprised if you knew how many have been shared at our family gatherings).

I want to wish you from the bottom of my heart a very, very happy NEW YEAR! New beginnings and new blessings to each and every one of you!

Behold, I am doing a new thing;

now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness

and rivers in the desert. ~ Isaiah 43:19

From our home to yours,

 

 (This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.)

*If you would like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get the FREE eBook, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage).

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Today’s My Birthday & A Joyous Christmas to You

My dear friends,

Yes, it’s really my birthday today.

Born 3 days before Christmas. I grew up with my mom telling everyone the story of how she brought me home from the hospital on Christmas Day – “the best Christmas present ever” she would always say.

The older I get the more I appreciate those loving words and realize how much each one of our children need to hear that they are “a wonderful gift” to us—-whatever time of year they were born.

Home for Christmas

Speaking of gifts, our two oldest gifts are back home with us for a little while.

Our oldest son is here for a very short week (we haven’t seen him since last Christmas!) and we are thrilled for this time with him. He’s in his junior year in the Strategic Intelligence program at a college back in Virginia and – even though we don’t get to see him as often as we’d like – we’re grateful for this opportunity and his desire to listen to God’s calling on his life.

Our oldest daughter has also just returned from 3 months of travels and we’re so thankful for all she’s been able to see and do…and that she’s home and safe again…at least until she returns to her adventures.

She’s enjoyed staying in the homes of families across France and Great Britain—most of whom we’ve “met” in some way through readers here at Club31Women.  How wonderful is that? (And a heartfelt thank you to all who welcomed her so warmly into your homes! We are truly grateful for your kind hospitality.)

A Blogging Break for the Holidays

Since our family has only this one week together, I hope you’ll understand why I’ll be taking a break from the blog here.

I look forward to returning in the New Year, however, and have all kinds of lovely things coming up for you! I can hardly wait to share them with you . . . .

And if you are looking for something to read over the holidays and haven’t had a chance to read An Uncommon Love, our true-life love-story, we have all 12 chapters up now!

You can start reading here: Chapter 1 – If He Was the Last Man On Earth

In the meanwhile, we hope you enjoy a very blessed and joy-filled Christmas!

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest,  And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” ~ Luke 2:9-15

From our home to yours,

 

 (This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.)

*If you would like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get the FREE eBook, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage).

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Homemade Sparkling Apple Cider

For almost two years, I’ve been attending a monthly homemaking and hospitality class that’s hosted by one of my dear friends (who is also named Lisa) who I met through our blogs several years ago.

We live about 30 minutes away from each other, and I just adore and look up to her so much, not only as a wife and mother, and now grandmother (she doesn’t look remotely old enough to be a grandmother!), but also as godly woman.

It’s funny how God brings people into your life out of the blue and how friendships can be born.

Christian was about five months old when I first started attending these classes (he turned TWO on Wednesday!), and it was honestly just what I needed at that time in my life. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed at this mom of three thing, with homeschooling, and mostly my walk with the Lord. I was finding it hard to make time for Him in my busy life - and then I started going to these classes. They were so much more than picking up five or six recipes and taking note of ways to live a life of ministry through a life of hospitality.

Through this monthly class, I began to form friendships with other women of all different ages – something quite out of the norm for me! I’ve never had many female friends. This group of women – who are really a living, breathing Titus 2 group of women – began to encourage me.

I began to share about myself.

About my struggles.

I truly believe that these women are a gift from God, because I’m never one to ever really accept help. I’ve always had the “I can do it myself” attitude, because, to me, the mere thought of asking for help was a sign of weakness for me and inconvenience for them!

These women have proven me wrong – I’ve begun to learn, and I think (I hope), grow in the Lord more, because I can ask people to pray for me.

I can ask for help.

In return, I can do that for others, gladly!

So today, I’m going to help you all out a little bit, but in a different way.

I’m going to share this recipe that Lisa shared with our November class last year – and you are all going to love it.

Raise your hand if you’re a fan of Martenelli’s Sparkling Apple Cider that costs like $3-4 for one bottle – that is, of course, if it’s not on sale!

This homemade cider is going to rock your world, because all you need are two ingredients and you can make this cider for all of your Christmas guests and nobody will ever know the difference!

That’s right. Only two ingredients and this homemade cider can be our little secret.

But really, why hold out?

Share the recipe with your friends and family and they will be amazed and running to the store to make their own homemade sparkling apple ciders, too!

~ Chels

Chels is a born-again believer who dreams of living with all four seasons in Central Oregon. She’s a wife and stay at home mom to her three vivacious kiddos whom she home schools. When she’s not schooling or chasing after her munchkins, she enjoys reading, bubble baths, and finding clothing/kitchen treasure at thrift stores. But more than all of that, she finds refuge in her kitchen where she and her husband can be found cooking and baking up a storm for their family and friends. You can read more about her culinary endeavors at CatzintheKitchen.com.
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Print Homemade Sparkling Apple Cider Author: Recipe by Lisa Pearson Recipe type: Drinks Serves: 8 servings   Need sparkling apple cider for a crowd without breaking the bank? It doesn't get much simpler (or cheaper) than this tasty beverage recipe! Ingredients 2 cans (12 oz ea) frozen apple juice from concentrate 2 bottles (1 liter ea) club soda Instructions Thaw apple juice ahead of time. Pour apple juice concentrate into large pitcher. Add club soda to pitcher and gently stir with a wooden spoon. Serve promptly. #version#

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Falling for Him…All Over Again {An Uncommon Love: Chapters 11 & 12}

“This is so good. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. Like a good romance novel, only this tale is true.” ~ Darlene Schacht of Time-Warp Wife.

Here are -the final – Chapters 11 and 12 of An Uncommon Love: Our True-Life Love Story. If you’re new here, you can catch up with Chapt. 1, Chapt. 2, Chapt. 3, Chapt. 4, Chapt. 5, Chapt. 6, Chapt. 7, Chapt. 8, Chapt. 9, and Chapt. 10.

Chapter 11
Falling For Him – All Over Again

So now you’re wondering why I cried myself to sleep.

I mean, clearly the guy is in love with her! (Can’t she see that?)

That was the problem: I couldn’t see it.

Maybe I should have and looking back now . . . ? Well, I might have to admit there were a few clues.

But then again, you’ve had the advantage of an inside peek in the guy’s head. He’s shared with you what was going through his mind. Racing through his heart.

Not me. I didn’t have access to those silent italicized conversations that you’ve been able to read.

Nope.

I only had this very polite guy who didn’t talk about his feelings. Or his future. Or, more importantly, our future together.

I only had the man who shook my hand and wanted to be friends.

Except I wasn’t looking for a new friend. I mean, I was glad we were becoming such good friends and all, but . . .

I wanted more than that.

A lot more than that.

I wanted to become his wife.

I believed with all my heart that this was what God intended for us . . . but what if God hadn’t told him that? Or worse, what if He had, but Matthew didn’t want to listen.

What then?

So after he abruptly left me at the end of that romantic and tragic evening up at Timberline Lodge, I walked to my room, shut the door, and cried myself to sleep.

But don’t worry, I woke up the next morning renewed and with fresh resolve.

Yes, a good cry and a good night’s sleep provided a better and more mature perspective. A little more sophisticated and refined approach to the situation.

And it went something like this: Forget this guy.

Drop him. Get lost. Hit the road. Vamoose. Take a hike. Goodbye.

You get the idea, don’t you?

Not looking for a friend, buddy. And if you’re one of those “forever young” kind of guys? Good for you, but I’m not settling for my always-the-bridesmaid status. No, thank you!

So you can just run along.

Hopefully, you can understand then why I decided I would not go to lunch with him on my last day in town. No more romantic palsy-walsy lunches with this guy (okay, perhaps a slight contradiction in terms).

Don’t try to take me in with your lovely gifts of perfume, roaring fireplaces, and sweet conversation.

I was done.

DONE.

Saying Goodbye to the Man in the Suit

I called Linda to let her know that I would not be there for my Last Lunch with Matthew.  No apologies or explanations.

Just. Not. Coming. In.

A very short conversation. Asked if she’d kindly relay the message to her boss.

She called me back a few short minutes later.

She said that I “had” to come in. Urgent and pressing. Like it was some kind of moral obligation or national crisis. She brought the pressure down from a side I’d never seen of her.

I simply must come in for lunch.

Fine! I will come.

But my mind was made up. My heart and mind were made of steel. Cold, icy steel. No more falling for this kind, handsome, gentleman stuff.

Ha!

Speaking of “new sides”? Matthew was about to see a “new side” of me.

And so it was that we went to lunch together on that final day.

To his credit, he tried to keep the conversation going by asking questions—to which I replied with basic monosyllabic answers.  Words like “yes” . . . or “no.” Occasionally throwing in a “maybe” for a little variety. But I wasn’t giving this guy anything.

He definitely had his work cut out for him.

I figured he’d be exhausted at the end of this arduous lunch, so I was rather surprised when he suggested we go for a hike after we were finished eating.

Caught off guard, I protested: “But you’re wearing a business suit.”

He countered, “I can change.”

“But you have to go back to work.”

His reply, “I’m taking the afternoon off.”

After about 3 more rounds of that nature, I ran out of excuses and found myself agreeing to go on a hike with him.

(And apparently losing my nomination for my role as The Ice Princess. Drat!)

Falling

Matthew quickly whipped up a plan that involved swinging by his apartment for him to change into casual clothes and then over to my parents’ home where I would change mine.

I don’t know what I expected, but being a “bachelor’s apartment” I guess I thought it would be messy, mismatched, and, well, bachelor-like. But it wasn’t like that at all.

He had attractive and matching furniture. Neat and clean. Tasteful. Lovely art on the walls.

Plus a bookcase packed with an extensive and gorgeous set of books.

Ah, books. My other love.

I felt myself weakening.

So while he went to change in the other room, I lovingly handled volume after volume.

History, classics, Christian, humor, biographies. So many books, old and new. I recognized a number of my own favorites and spotted a few I’d hoped he’d lend me someday . . . .

Did I just say someday?

And when he emerged in his t-shirt and Levi’s (*small swoon. Hold steady), that’s where he found me.

Lost in the beauty of all his books.

And falling for him.

All over again.

He Loves Me

I caught my breath as he joined me on the love seat where I had been sitting.

I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed this, but there isn’t a whole lot of room on a love seat. It’s quite a cozy little place. For two. And did I mention that it was a love seat . . . ?

Yes, well, and so it was.

He cleared his throat. And then he began . . . .

Something about how much he’d enjoyed the time we’d spent together the past week. How he was going to miss me. And how he wished I never had to leave . . .

I’m not sure if he said anything more after that, but it didn’t really matter.

He loved me. 

And I found myself both thrilled and embarrassed all at the same time. Blushing like a young school girl.

I looked up, barely able to believe the love that was now so evident in his beautiful blue eyes.

Then I stared down at the stack of books in my hands, wriggling in happy discomfort, and teased him a bit, “Well, I’d be more comfortable talking about your books.”

It was all so new and exciting and wonderful!

Neither of us said a word as we made the 15-minute drive over to my parents’ home. We didn’t need to. We had the rest of our lives to talk and share our hearts.

For now, only one thing went repeatedly through my head: He loves me. I can’t believe he loves me, but he truly loves me.

Our real-life love story was about to begin . . .

Chapter 12
At the End of the Day: Love
by Matthew L Jacobson

Before the green apartments near Sunset Park in Gresham came into view the frustration/embarrassment of the evening’s end found equilibrium with other thoughts that eventually won me over.

It WAS a great evening . . . nothing changes that. And, there’s still tomorrow.

Yes, tomorrow – Lunch with Lisa. It couldn’t come soon enough.

I fell asleep that night somewhere on the road travelling through time, replaying various moments from the best evening I could remember. “The Plan” was still yet to be realized but that’s okay.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow I would stand up and remove any remaining ambiguity (seriously, could there be any?).

The Last Lunch

A light step carried me into my office that momentous morning. Well, certainly it was destined to be momentous, wasn’t it?

“Good morning, Linda,” I smiled.

“Well, good morning, Sir. Looks like you’re getting off to a good start today.”

“Couldn’t be better. Lunch with Lisa,”

“I see,” she said with the pleased air of someone whose plans were going swimmingly.

“Linda, I have a lot to thank you for. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Lisa.”

“She’s a wonderful person. I just knew God wanted the two of you to meet.”

“Let me know when she arrives . . . supposed to be here at 11:30.”

When the office door closed behind me, something unanticipated (but perfectly predictable!) happened to Time. With less willingness to stir than frozen molasses, the seconds begrudgingly moved around the face of the clock, turning minutes into hours.

Will 11:30 ever arrive?

Abiding by the universal axiom that ‘Men in Love do Nothing’ I ambled from my desk to the bookshelf and back again until the carpet threatened to cut a path between the two.

And, another thing . . . people greatly underestimate the discomfort of expensive office chairs to a man in love, waiting. Getting settled was out of the question.

Just then, a knock came through the door. I smiled to myself . . . finally 11:30!

“Come in. Linda. Hey, what’s wrong?” A grave expression clouded my assistant’s typically cheerful countenance.

For a cold moment Linda looked at me before almost whispering,

“Lisa isn’t coming for lunch.”

“What?”

“She called. She’s not coming.”

“Why?”

“She didn’t say. She just said she’s not coming for lunch today.”

Not coming? What does that mean?

I stared at Linda, gathering my thoughts from the brink of fear.

“You’re wrong.” I announced confidently. “Lisa is coming to lunch because you are going to convince her to come. Call her back and tell her everything is arranged and I am expecting to take her to lunch, as we planned.”

“But, she already said no!” Linda protested. “What am I going to say to her?”

“Not sure.” I said, unhelpfully. “But, one thing is certain. We are going to lunch together, today. So, please go, call Lisa and let her know. We can postpone until 12, no later.”

“I don’t know what to say. What am I supposed to say?” she pleaded.

“I don’t know what you’re going to say either. You’ll think of something. Just get her here.”

Linda backed out of the office, mouth open, ready to object but knowing there was no use.

That call was going to be made!

Moments later, she returned . . .

“She’s coming.”

“Of course she is.” I agreed. “That wasn’t so bad, was it? You should trust me on these things.”

Linda rolled her eyes, shook her head, and headed back to her office thinking, I’m not sure what.

Internally, a great sigh of relief dissipated through my pores. For all my outward confidence and certainty, I wasn’t sure how that phone call would go.

If only I could get her here I could win her over and now, she was coming! Whew!

 The Ice Princess Arrives

As the clock prepared to strike 12, I became aware of an atmospheric change in my office. Having been raised in British Columbia and having spent several years on the Yukon border, I had had much experience with Arctic breezes.

Before the door to my office began to open I could feel it, literally. The chilly fingers of resistance pushed away everything warm, inviting and natural. Then she appeared, like a statue of frozen steel, her eyes clear as ice and twice as cold. “I’m not doing this anymore” wafted into and covered everything in the room.

Wow, major change. But what changed from last night? I’m positive she would have accepted my kiss if things . . . if things turned out differently.

I like a challenge.

Seriously, I’m going to enjoy this, I told myself.

“Hello! It’s so great to see you again. Ready for lunch?” I beamed. It’s just a matter of time. I’ll win her over.

“I’m not really hungry but, if you want to go, that’s fine.”

What? Never mind, it will be fine. Just keep the conversation moving.

But that was the trouble. Keeping a conversation going requires more than one person and no matter what I did, said, suggested, or how I queried, expressed interest, asked about this or that . . . nothing. Frozen steel, as it turns out, is basically unresponsive and just barely polite (which is being generous).

For all my initial amusement at this façade of disinterest, I began to sense that something deeper was at work. I knew Lisa had been to college. Had she majored in the art of dead-end conversation? Magna Cum Laude, for sure.

The forty minutes we had been together had yielded next to nothing and holding up both ends of any conversation eventually weighs down both parties until silence prevails.

What was going on?

This was bizarrely uncharacteristic. Lisa’s relational armor was impervious to every creative appeal.

I began to panic.

Look buddy, you better make some kind of a move because this train is headed for the canyon with no bridge.

What should I do? 

After a more than awkward silence picking at our food, I blurted out,

“You like hiking don’t you?”

“Well . . . yes.”

“Perfect! Let’s go for a hike. You’d like to go for a hike (I had no idea where) wouldn’t you? Let’s go.” (It wasn’t as if I was asking her to spend the weekend on some remote island, or anything!)

“Ugh . . . I thought you had a job. What about that.”

“My job? Don’t worry. That can wait. We need to go for a hike. Look at the weather. You couldn’t find a better day for a hike, could you. Let’s go!”

And with that, I threw down some money and ushered Lisa to the car.

A Fool or a King

First we’d head to my apartment so I could change and then over to her parents where she could change.

Deep breath . . . Disaster averted.

I left Lisa in the living room while I changed clothes in my bedroom, knowing – and especially feeling it was “crunch time”.

The mirror looked back at me as I pulled on a tee shirt. Now’s the time. You have to declare your love for her. She’s leaving tomorrow. Tell her. Open up to her. Tell her how you truly feel.

It was settled. Before we left my apartment, it would all be out on the table.

Lisa Michelle, you are the woman I love.

Entering the living room, Lisa turned from the bookcase, a softer aspect than before greeting my return. Alive with the intensity of the one moment I had waited my life for I indicated the sofa with an open hand and we sat, facing each other. After a few moments of gathered thoughts I looked into her eyes, embarking on that no-return journey every suitor must travel alone, at the end of which he walks away a fool or a king.

“Lisa, there’s something I want you to know . . . something I have wanted to tell you ever since Monday evening. I’ve enjoyed these past few days like no others I have known, like I never knew I ever would. And, I’m so sorry you are to leave so soon. I’m going to miss you the moment we part. I wish you could stay longer.”

A deep breath rushed down into my nervous lungs. But, I did it. I had said it. Now, the moment of silence followed by the moment of truth . . .

Lisa smiled, sort of . . . somewhat . . . What was she going to say? How would she answer my declaration of love?

I leaned forward, slightly, eager to hear her every word.

And then she said it  . . . that phrase that changed everything.

“Well, I’d be more comfortable talking about your books.”

I am never speechless. Nearly always I can think of something to say.

I could not.

I was dumbfounded.

Speechless.

Instantly, desperately, dangerously insecure. That ‘fool or King’ thing was ringing in my ears and not the “King” part.

WHAT? WHAT DID SHE SAY? MY BOOKS? SO, I MAKE YOU UNCOMFORTABLE? Don’t worry, I know just what to do!

Have you ever noticed how wrong you can be about God’s will? One moment you’re cock-sure what God is doing and the next instant, the exact opposite emerges.

How could I have been so wrong, so completely, stupidly, blindly WRONG??

Of course, not a hint of the bloody riot going on in my chest and head was evident. No, I was too sophisticated for that.

“Great! Well, we should be going. If we’re not careful, the afternoon will get away on us.”

Matthew Leonard Jacobson, you are such a fool.

 Second Thoughts

Absolute silence descended on the fifteen-minute drive to Lisa’s parent’s place. My heart was crawling out of my throat.

My books!! I had some serious recalculations to make in short order. For one thing how, exactly, did I wind up in a car having agreed to go on a hike with a woman who clearly can’t stand the sight of me? Just unbelievable!

What is she doing – staring out the window with that smug expression? So, you got your dig in . . . books . . . nice! Well, one thing is certain. There is no way on planet earth I’m going on a hike with her.

And with that, I conspired with my Pride to part from her . . . from this unbearably impossible, embarrassing situation for good, the moment we arrived at the next stop.

But, the instant we stopped, Lisa bounded from the car like a startled deer, yet all smiles and dancing.

Move fast, man!

We met at the front of the car in an odd juxtaposition to the night before when I so ardently wanted to kiss her.

“Lisa, I’ve been thinking. Things have been moving pretty fast . . . too fast, really and let’s be honest, we hardly know each other. So, I think it would be best if we didn’t go on this hike because we . . .”

“Okay, I’ll be down in a minute,” She smiled. Then, calling over her shoulder, “Just wait on the deck. I’ll be right down.”

“Wait . . . I . . . you . . .”

She completely ignored me. What? Hey, come back here!

I looked down, brow furrowed, attempting like some idiot savant to find a pattern among the randomly scattered gravel.

No, we are not going on this hike! She said she was more comfortable talking about my books. Well, sister, I’m not here to talk about books, okay? I’m outta here.

The glass door opening onto the deck slid to the side and Lisa bounced through the door.

“Okay, ready to go!” she beamed.

By now, clouds hung heavily on my brow. I’m caught between a woman who clearly doesn’t love me and some ridiculous interest to go on a hike. I don’t like the squeeze.

“Look, Lisa, I just think it would be better if we slowed way down from the pace we’ve been keeping. This hike isn’t the best idea I’ve ever had and . .”

“C’mon. Let’s just go for the hike.”

And with that, somehow she coerced me back into the car. How did this happen?

In defense mode . . . more accurately, pride defense mode . . . I can be ugly. And I was.

Comfortable? What that the operative word?

As we headed into the foothills toward the old logging road that would serve as the trailhead, I made full use of Lisa’s words to drive home my sarcasm in a twisted attempt to salvage my bleeding ego.

“So, Lisa, is the temperature in the car to your liking? I certainly wouldn’t want you to be . . . uncomfortable?”

“Hey, Lisa, look at that beautiful farm house. Of course, you probably wouldn’t be comfortable living in a house like that.”

“Well, what should we talk about? Might be kind of hard to find a topic that doesn’t make you uncomfortable.”

“How’s my driving speed? I’m just so concerned you remain comfortable.”

Etc., etc., etc.,

At the first few comments, Lisa laughed, trying to find the thread of the “joke” but before long, she began to realize the biting sarcasm’s intended target. By the time we arrived, I could see I had been victorious in my petty, squalid, little war. Her spirit was deflated.

My flesh, in full flourish embodied the Scripture, “In my flesh dwelleth no good thing.” It was all so very wrong.

But, that’s what hurting people do . . . they hurt people.

At the Forest’s Edge

There it was, the road we were to hike. By now, both of us wondered why we were there, walking up some random forest trail with someone who doesn’t want to be there.

In moments, a clearing opened its verdant arms before us where new saplings grew out of ancient tree stumps – fresh life from yesterday’s sacrifice. A stirring halfway across the meadow arrested our attention. Eight to ten deer, startled at our intrusion, bounded the entire length of the clearing, passing like spirits through trees at the forest’s edge.

We stood gazing after them, mesmerized by a moment that had instantly filled the space in which we now stood alone, and together, with the essence of transcendent beauty.

And suddenly, there we were face to face, hidden in the forest somewhere in the foothills of Mt. Hood, two spirits desiring, yet fearful of mingled fire.

In that moment, I marveled how we without any apparent effort or intention suddenly appeared facing one another, like apparitions, inches apart. How did this happen? And then, with calm, settled assurance, I knew again what I had known from the beginning.

With total sincerity and devoid of any hint of the sarcasm that had so lately soiled our communication, I said to this beautiful woman,

“Lisa Michelle, I know what I would like to do right now but I hesitate because, in all honesty, I have literally no idea whether or not you would be comfortable with it.”

There is a certain place into each other’s soul only lovers can see. While meeting my gaze into that expanse, she said,

“It’s your move.”

I moved!

I leaned in to kiss the woman I loved.

 Song of Songs

It was the worst kiss in the history of kissing.

Our teeth clunked together like two blocks of concrete. A burst of unrestrained laughter from us both rang through the meadow but soon gave way to a gentler attempt more in keeping with the Song of Songs.

“You know what this means, don’t you?” I asked, fear having fled with the deer, now confident of her response.

“Of course I do.”

We walked through the clearing holding hands, down the trail and to the car holding hands. Winding down the mountain road, we held hands. We couldn’t, didn’t want to, let go.

We still don’t want to.

And if, per chance, you happen to go somewhere with us today, you’ll not have gone far before you see me reach over and slip my hand comfortably into the waiting hand of my beautiful bride.

The End
(Or maybe more rightly, “The Beginning”)

Epilogue

Matthew and I married a few short months later on a beautiful September Day in Portland, Oregon. We’ve been blessed with 8 children and a loving, lasting marriage for which we thank our God and Savior. We quietly celebrated our 22nd anniversary this year and hope for many more together. And, yes, we’re still holding hands.

We’ve often been asked to share this story of how we met and—while it is a wonderful love story—we always add that we’d have done a few things differently, if we knew then what we know now. We’ve encouraged our own children (and others) to consider waiting until marriage for their first kiss. For Matthew’s article on this topic, read Why Christian Kids Should Save Kissing (and other things) for Marriage. Another excellent article, Why “No” Kissing Before Marriage by Alison Wood. More on dating & courtship here: The Essential Do’s and Don’ts of Courtship and Dating.

*Chapter One: If He Was the Last Man On Earth
*Chapter Two: Where Is She? Searching for My Forever Girl
*Chapter Three: What Happens When Mr. Right Walks Into the Room
*Chapter Four: What A Smile Can Say to Him
*Chapter Five: The Best Answer If You’re Ever Invited on an Adventure
*Chapter Six: The Night I Fell In Love
* Chapter Seven: 1,000 Ways to Win Her Heart
*Chapter Eight: A Gift for the Woman I Love
*Chapter Nine: When Love is Silent
*Chapter Ten: What’s In a Kiss?

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.)

100 Ways to Love Your Husband: A Life-Long Journey of Learning to Love

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