Lisa Jacobson's Blog, page 52

How to Restore Your Soul…When You Feel Like You’re Losing Your Mind

To this day I don’t know just how it happened.

She was the most adorable baby girl you’ve ever seen and I was beside myself with gratefulness for her.

First there was her big brother who was very busy and all of 18 months old.

Then there was this tiny pink thing.

My very own sweetheart.

She was beautiful alright, but not the greatest sleeper. She wanted to nurse all night long and it took some of the fun out of it, if you know what I mean?

So I’d been doing this all-night party thing for several weeks when I started getting delirious. A little loco.

One night I found myself walking with her in circles until 2 am  when finally . . . at last . . . got the baby darling to sleep. I gently tucked her in bed and quietly crawled in next to my sound-out husband.

And collapsed into a deep sleep.

For about 12 whole minutes.

That’s when I heard her soft cries starting up again.

I roused myself and leaned over the white, lacy crib and I . . .w ell, I screamed.  

Something like this: Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!

My poor husband bolted upright in bed, immediately on high-alert. “What is going on here?!”

I stared at him wide-eyed—nearly as shocked as he was. Disbelief at what I’d done. Ashamed and embarrassed.

“I dunno, Honey. I guess I kinda . . . snapped.”

And so her daddy tenderly picked up our baby-doll and took over where I left off. But as he left the room, he gently admonished,

“Hey, don’t let yourself get in that place again, okay?”

Ah yes, That Place.

I can assure you that I never intended to “get there”.

Since then – four boys and four girls later – I’ve learned more on how to avoid getting to That Place.

Here are a few tips on how to restore your soul when you feel like you’re losing your mind. A mix of spiritual, physical, and just plain practical ways to keep from yelling into the baby’s crib and other crazy-mama moments . . .

What to Do When You Feel Like You’re Losing Your Mind

1)  Get the rest you require. Make it a high priority because it can make all the difference. Sleep deprivation is a terrible thing. Go to bed early or take a nap. Ask friends or family to take over and curl up in a quiet place. Get serious about getting some sleep.

2)  Do this in Christ’s strength. Not your own. Don’t convince yourself that “I” can do this, but minister in His power rather than your own. Place Bible verses around the house, sing praises, and pray as you go throughout your day. Motherhood is a spiritual endeavor.

3)  Don’t neglect your own needs. Sometimes a mom gets so busy she forgets to eat right, to shower, and even go to the bathroom. She forgets to love with her husband or talk to a good friend. My dear, how can you fill up your child’s heart if yours is on empty?

4)  Be willing to ask for help. At first it felt rather stupid and weak, but I figured it was better than a break down. So one older lady folded clothes for me. Another teen girl came over to play with the children. We even sacrificed for a season and had a cleaning lady come in.

It’s now been 19 years since I yelled into the crib.

That baby girl is now a lovely young lady and I’ve asked if she remembered me losing it with her?

She put her arms around me and said she only remembers snuggling together, reading stories aloud, and splashing in mud puddles.

And I’m beside myself with gratefulness.

My very own sweetheart.

Resting in Him.

*How about you? What kinds of things do you do to restore your soul? I hope you’ll share with us!

*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).

The post How to Restore Your Soul…When You Feel Like You’re Losing Your Mind appeared first on Club 31 Women.

News That Just Can’t Wait

So this is a bit unusual.

I might occasionally send out a newsy note, but not typically on a Monday.

And not in the middle of the month.

But I’m so full of news that I felt it just couldn’t wait!

Besides the holidays are almost upon us and before that season gets really rolling, there are a few things that I thought you’d want to know about . . .

Preparing for the Holidays

So speaking of the holidays, they are coming up soon! I know that for many, this can be a stress-filled and/or difficult time of year – even if it’s not the way anyone ever wanted it to be.

I’m hoping to offer encouragement, inspiration, practical tips, and some delicious recipes to make your holidays a true celebration that everyone enjoys.

Wait. Did she really say delicious recipes?

I did. That’s my first surprise!

My friend and fabulous food-blogger, Chelsia from CatzInTheKitchen, is going to be sharing some of her incredibly yummy recipes with us, starting this Friday.

I’m telling ya, this lady likes just about pumpkin everything, so you can see why we’d get along so well. Yep. I can hardly wait!

And Guess Who’s Coming?

Are you ready to be greatly blessed?  Because some of the most lovely people will be sharing with us over the next month or two. Look at who will be joining us…..

My long-time  friend, Randy Alcorn – best-selling author of Heaven and many other books – will be sharing with us later this month. You can simply count on being both encouraged and challenged by him!
Also, Sara Hagerty, my sweet friend and author of the newly released Every Bitter Thing Is Sweet: Tasting the Goodness of God in All Things, will be a guest with us as well. Be prepared to have your heart touched by her beautiful words and touching story!
Another new and gifted friend, Tricia Goyer, the author of many inspirational books, will be sharing with us too (far right of photo). I was able to spend an amazing week-end in Montana last month with her and and several other dear writer-friends.
And then our own Christy Fitzwater (far left of photo), who writes for us regularly here, has another heart-warming story coming up. I’m always blessed by what she has to share!

So you can see why I’m so excited now, can’t you?

Lots and lots of good things coming our way!

An Uncommon Love

“I eagerly read the first 5 chapters and can’t wait to read the rest! This is such a refreshing love story that is based on God, prayer, and actual love!” ~ A Reader.

Most of you have been following our true-life love story, An Uncommon Love, and we’ve been encouraged – and a little surprised – at your enthusiastic response! So thank you, friends.

Matthew will be be posting Chapter 6 this coming Wednesday and I confess that I’m as eager as the the next person because I don’t get to to see what’s he’s written until after it’s done. Makes it rather fun for me too.

And for those of you who’ve been asking if we’re going to turn our story into a book?

The short answer is YES! We’re just praying now on the best way to go about that. We’d appreciate your prayers for us too—for wisdom and direction.

LAST DAY for the Ultimate Christian Bundle

And for those of you interested in the Ultimate Christian Living Bundle, this is the LAST day that it will be available.

If you’re unfamiliar with  the Ultimate Bundle, it is a collection of eBooks, eCourses, and music that is designed to equip you to strengthen your faith and celebrate your love for Christ as a family. It’s only offered once a year and this sale ends Monday, Nov. 10th at 11:59pm (EST).

I wrote what I like about it HERE. Or you can learn more details HERE.

*And when you buy through this link, you’ll help support Club31Women—so thank you.

On Instagram:  A spectacular double-rainbow from my week-end in Montana – a double blessing!

So on this chilly Monday morning,  I hope you’re blessed and encouraged!

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers… ~ I Thess.1:2

Thankful for you,

 

P.S. You might have noticed that I recently had my photo updated. Not my favorite thing to do, but it needed to be done. So here’s a fall-ish and a little older me!

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

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FREE Printable: 21 Questions Your Daughter Really Needs You to Ask Her

So how do you develop a close relationship with your daughter? 

How do you get to know her heart?

That’s what I shared with you a couple of weeks ago (you can read more HERE).  It’s one of the ways that I’ve been able to grow close to our girls.

I ask questions.

It’s not so much that I have the answers —mostly I have questions.

And I ask these – and more – from our daughters and then do my best to listen with all my heart.

You can download this FREE printable by clicking the link below:

Printable – 21 Questions Your Daughter Really Needs You to Ask Her

Blessings on you and your own dear girl!

In His grace,

Also:  21 Questions Your Son Really Needs You to Ask Him (Printable to come)

*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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The Best Answer If You’re Ever Invited on an Adventure (An Uncommon Love: Chapt.5}

*Here’s Chapter 5 of An Uncommon Love – our true-life love story. If you’re new here, you can catch up by reading Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three, and Chapter Four.  

Waiting has never been my strong point.

Seems so useless. Time wasted.

And, what’s worse, makes me feel helpless.

Yet I found myself waiting for two whole days.  Waiting for him to call.

What a rotten deal.

Here I’d known since Friday night at that life-changing dinner party that this was the guy I was going to marry and – as I was staying in town for only eight days – why would we throw away two of those precious days?

Or to be more precise, why was he throwing them away?

And if I was so certain he was the man for me . . . what was taking him so long to realize that I was the woman for him?

 All Grown Up Now

So he finally called.

Late Sunday night and I answered in my best attempt at a nonchalant voice.

“Hello, Matthew! Monday night? Dinner and a movie. Hmm….let me think. Yes, well, that should work fine. See you then.”

Click.

Good thing he couldn’t see my heart pounding over the phone. He couldn’t see my eyes sparkling, or my toes wiggling in happy anticipation either.

Ridiculous.

I mean, I wasn’t a child anymore. I was 26 and all grown up. And he was a grown man at 31 years.

You understand, don’t you? We’re not talking about a couple of young kids here. The stakes were high now and we couldn’t afford a mere “crush.”

We were both looking for the Real Deal.

Yes, this was big stuff with serious consequences. I needed to get a grip and approach this thing from a mature perspective.

So why wouldn’t my feet stop from dancing . . . ?

Chopsticks and Life in Little Saigon

I shouldn’t have been surprised.

Although he couldn’t possibly have known beforehand that I was crazy for Thai food, he picked out this wonderful little hole-in-the-wall restaurant that just happened to serve the tastiest Thai food in Portland.

It was a smart move.

Then I’m not sure how the conversation began, but I believe it was when he remarked how adept I was with using chopsticks. So he asked me about it. And that got me started.

I told him about how I had been living for the past two years with a Vietnamese family down in Little Saigon, a Vietnamese community in Southern California. About the church there. The fun and gracious people. Then all about these youth that I loved so much.

How they affectionately called me Mi Trang. 

How I taught them to sing “Our God Reigns” and “Lamb of God”.

And how they had introduced me to chopsticks and the wonders of eating phở, the best Vietnamese soup in the world.

How they had captured my heart.

But I quickly caught myself. What was I doing? How could I go on and on like that? Pouring out my story in such a way. Without pausing for breath or stopping to consider.

I shut my mouth and looked up at him. Wondering if I had scared him away with all my passionate enthusiasm.

And that’s when I saw it.

This guy across the table from me was completely engaged and listening. Truly listening. He didn’t seem bored at all. He actually seemed interested in my thoughts, my experiences, and how I felt about life.

He was genuinely interested in me.

The Best Answer

My cheeks felt suddenly flushed – and it wasn’t merely the hot peppers that made it so.

As if he could sense my discomfort, he picked up where I had trailed off. He began sharing some of his own adventures of speeding across the Autobahn in Germany. Trekking through the bush near the Yukon border of Northern Canada. And spending a summer sailing through the Gulf Islands.

And that’s when he popped the question.

Oh, no, not THE QUESTION.

Just the question.

“Hey, why don’t you come with me? What would you say to going with me to a small island in British Columbia where good friends of mine are staying for a few days? They’re on holiday and it’s beautiful there. I know you’d love it.”

I never even blinked.

I simply said, “Yes! I’d love to go with you.”

And we continued the conversation as if it was just the kind of thing we did. You know, sail off to small islands together. Him and me.

Because when the Right Guy asks you to go on an adventure with him?

You say YES.

(Unless you’re one of my daughters and then you say, Okay, but I have to ask my parents first…and they’ll probably have to pray about it. But thanks for asking.)

But all I said was yes.

Yes, I will go with you.

To the ends of the earth. (Except I didn’t add that last part – not aloud, anyway.)

We left the restaurant without saying much more to each other. Each of us lost in our own thoughts. My thoughts mostly swirling around a small island off the coast of Canada.

A place I’d never been to.

With a man I’d only just met.

He drove us over to the cinema and we caught a late showing of some popular movie. Not that I remember anything about it.

I mean, how can you concentrate on a romantic comedy . . . when you’ve just begun living your very own? (The comedy part is still yet to come.)

It was well past midnight by the time he dropped me off at my parents’ home. Although the hour was late and I was drop-dead-tired, for some reason I had a difficult time drifting off to sleep that night.

He loves me . . . He loves me not . . . He loves me . . .

Or not?

As for Matthew, he went home and called his good friend from college and told him . . .

Well, I should really let him tell you what he said. Because it’s very important.

To be continued . . . . See you next Wednesday for Chapter Six then?

In His grace,

*Hint: That phone call is one of my favorite parts of our story!

*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

*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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The 3 Benefits of Being the Budget Queen {& What I Like About the Ultimate Christian Living Bundle}

His Budget Queen.

That’s what he’ll sometimes call me.

Oh, it’s okay. I actually don’t mind at all.

Because he usually says it in his little lovey tone – like it’s something he really appreciates about me.

He appreciates knowing that I’m looking after our family. He’s happy that I care about how we spend our money and what we spend it on. Even our children are coming to respect this quality and our older kids are learning to manage their finances well too.

So we all watch our budget.

But I’m still the reigning Budget Queen. 

And there happens to be many benefits of being one. Here are three of them:

1.      I enjoy watching out for the best interests of our family. It’s my pleasure to make sure my family has what we need and not spend more than we actually make. I’m not saying it’s always easy, but I know it’s an important part of serving my family.

2.     I find satisfaction in stretching our budget to make it work for all of us. For instance, this month we’re going without a few extras so that we can afford basketball shoes for our 12-year-old son . . . who has somehow grown 18-year-old feet. (Did you realize how expensive sports shoes are? Yikes!)

3.     I’m glad for the opportunity to teach our children the value of money – in a world that tends to idolize it. So our children are developing a fairly solid sense of the dollar and recognize the freedom that comes from living within your means. What a blessing!

That’s why when he calls me his Budget Queen? I only smile and offer him a kiss (that one’s free!).

It’s a terrific job . . . that comes with some pretty special extra-benefits.

Why This Budget Queen Likes The Ultimate Christian Living Bundle

So I love being the Budget Queen.

Because I like staying within our means.

And I like finding really good deals, (Have I ever mentioned that we have 8 children??)

You know what else I like?

You already know this, but I’m going to say it again anyway: I like reading.

And I like growing as a person. As a wife, a mother, and a believer in Christ.

And I like you too. (You know I’m going somewhere with this, don’t you….?)

Well, this week, all these likes are coming together into one giant bundle and I want to tell you about it.

Are you ready?

You see, there’s this thing called the Ultimate Christian Living Bundle and it only happens once a year.

The bundle includes over 75 eBooks (limited to digital books only) and it’s really quite the deal!  I began looking through all that is included….and my budget-antennae practically quavered.

SO MANY WONDERFUL BOOKS!

And all the fun bonuses!

So I’m going to share some of them with you today. Not ALL of them because it can be a little overwhelming. I’ll just pick out some of my favorites to give you the idea. Sound good?

*Note: If it’s not in your budget right now to buy extra books – and we’ve been there – then simply skip this post and maybe read about our love-story instead. As my husband says, “If we can’t afford it, then it doesn’t really matter what a fantastic deal it is, okay?” And he’s right. Of course. 
A Sampling of Books in The Ultimate Christian Bundle

*Woo-hoo! Did you see those marriage books in the top-center row? Highly recommended!

While I’ve only mentioned these 4 categories, you’ll find other categories available too, such as Christian Classics, Inspirational Novels, Business & Personal Finances, and Christian Living. And you can download as few or as many as you’re interested in, so it’s really completely up to you.

Basic Facts about the Ultimate Christian Living Bundle

When? 8 a.m. (EST) Wednesday, November 5 until 11:59 p.m. (EST) Monday, November 10 (or until 18,500 bundles are sold)

What? 75 eBooks plus eCourses and more, PLUS over $160 worth of bonus products you’ll really use!

How much? Here’s the budget-friendly part: The entire package is worth over $1,140, but is yours for as little as $34.95.

Where? Purchase the bundle HERE. (*And when you buy through this link, you’ll help support Club31Women—so thank you).

Got questions? The best place to get answers is to go directly to the website by clicking HERE. You can read the fine print and read the answers to frequently asked questions about the bundle.

Now for my biggest question . . . which book should I start reading first?

In His grace,

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

The post The 3 Benefits of Being the Budget Queen {& What I Like About the Ultimate Christian Living Bundle} appeared first on Club 31 Women.

Got In-Laws? One Great Way You Can Grow Closer

If you go east on Reserve Street toward the Swan Mountain Range, you can take a left onto our street.

If you go west on Reserve Street toward the Thompson Lakes, you can take a right onto my mother-in-law’s street.

Living only 10 minutes apart you would think we would see each other all the time, but that’s not what happens.

She and her sister live together, and they’re busy with their Bible study ladies and serving at church. They go to water aerobics class and watch my little nephew play soccer.

And we’re busy over our direction, with Matt counseling and preparing sermons, me writing blog posts and Spanish lesson plans, and that 17-year-old who sleeps at our house always on the go.

So we pass my mother-in-law with a quick hug at church and an occasional dinner at her house, but I wish for more.

Well, this week some friends of ours were moving, so we offered them our house while they were displaced for four days.

We packed up and went to my mother-in-law’s and her sister’s house for a three-night sleepover.

It was so fun.

We felt like we were on vacation, with clean sheets and wonderful suppers prepared for us. We enjoyed a slow breakfast coffee and chatting together. One night I graded papers while we all critiqued episodes of Gold Diggers, and then the sports enthusiasts cheered on the Chicago Cubs.

We didn’t even have to take off time from work or spend money on gas and a hotel.

I think about when we visit my mom in Wyoming and how special it is when we go there because we’re all there. You know what I mean? We’re all the way there –not just popping in for an hour or two.

A different kind of connection and closeness happens when we live in the house together for a few days.

I know I would enjoy my daughter and her new husband coming to have an occasional sleepover at our house, even when they live in the same town as us. (Did I say that loudly enough for her to hear? I SAID –I WOULD LOVE FOR MY GROWN KIDS TO COME FOR A SLEEPOVER.)

I’m all about subtlety.

On a sober note, my dad went to be with the Lord just eight months ago, at the age of 67.

Now I am looking at our moms and knowing time with them is precious. There is no promise of how long we will get to hang out with them on this earth.

Of course, I have no idea what your relationship is with your parents or in-laws, but if you have a healthy relationship that you would like to enrich, try pulling out the calendar and planning a few days to stay together.

*Your turn: What are some of your favorite things to do with your in-laws? Your best memories? Please share!

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.



*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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21 Questions Your Son Really Needs You to Ask Him

He is not exactly a big talker. 

That son of mine.

He is kind, thoughtful, and a man of action.

But not necessarily a talker.

More of the strong, silent type, if you know what  I mean?

And I don’t mind it so much that he doesn’t say a whole lot. I tell him that’s fine by me.

He doesn’t have to be a talker . . . but he does need to be a communicator. 

Not merely for my sake, but for the sake of his friendships and future relationships. Because even at the age of 12, this young man already knows he hopes to marry and become a family man someday.

Just like his dad.

And marriage requires communication.

And parenting requires communication.

And friendship requires communication.

So this sweet guy of mine is learning to communicate. We’re practicing now with our eye on the future.

And you know what I’ve found? I’ve discovered that what works the best is if I ask him the questions.

He needs me to start the conversation. 

 21 Questions Your Son Really Needs You to Ask

What would you say was the best day of your life so far?
What was the worst day of your life…and why?
If you could pick one meal for me to make you, what would it be?
 What mountain do you wish you could climb?
 What do you admire most about your dad?
  What kind of music really moves you?
  What is your favorite Scripture verse? And why that one?
 What things does your sister do that frustrate (or encourage) you?
 And what does your brother do that annoys (helps) you?
  What do you think you’d like to do for a job when you get older?
  Why did that (movie, song, conversation. etc) disturb you?
  What’s the best thing about being a part of our family?
  What’s the hardest part about being a middle child (or youngest, oldest, only) in our family?
  What sorts of things in this world make you angry? Wish you could fix?
  Can you describe what the perfect day would look like to you?
  What would you say are your top 3 movies? And what is it about them that you like?
  What skill do wish you could be better at? What we can do to help you improve it?
  What kinds of things make you want to cry?
  What character qualities do you especially appreciate in a friend?
  What do you wish I understood better about you?
  Do you know how much I love you?

So I ask the questions and then try to listen with all of my heart.

Because when our oldest son left for college and I asked him what was the most loving thing I’ve ever done for him as his mom?

His said it was that I listened.

I don’t want to ever forget that.

So ask your son what’s on his mind. What’s on his heart?

Then listen to what he has to say.

Communicate and build a close relationship.

He needs you, mom.

Sometimes more than he can say.

In His grace,


* Also:   21 Questio ns Your Daughter Really Needs You to Ask Her

*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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3 Reasons A Planner Makes Me Happy {& Which is My Favorite One}

I am a planner.

You can ask my husband and he’ll tell you. It’s something he has learned about me and even come to appreciate about me.

Sometimes my kids appreciate it too – and sometimes it frustrates them.

And they all like to tease me about it.  Whispering in hushed tones, “It’s Mom and Her Planner” as if it’s sacred or something.

But it doesn’t really matter, because planning makes me happy.

And if you’re wondering why….?

I’ll tell you.

3 Reasons Using a Planner Makes Me Happy
1.    Helps you live a more balanced life.

When you write down your schedule and add your current commitments, then you can better see what you really can . . . and cannot do.

When our kids approach me with some splendiferous (yes, it’s a real word, I looked it up) idea for the upcoming week –end?

But I can see that those days are already covered in pink, green, and blue? Then I can point to the rainbow already splattered across those days and say cheerfully, “I’m sorry. But we can’t. That week-end is too colorful already.”

They might be disappointed, but no one can argue with the visual.

Or another scenario . . . .

Another family in the church invites us over to dinner and I can refer to our handy-dandy planner and see that night is wide open.

“Why, yes! We’d love to come over. What can I bring…?”

I don’t need to panic and try to remember if we’re already doing something that night. I know it’s free!

2.    Helps prevent misunderstanding.

So, umm . . . have you ever double-booked? Hurt someone’s feeling by not showing up? Or by showing up late?

Yeah, me too.

Okay, so sometimes these things happen, but it should never be a way of life.

By writing appointments and commitments down in my planner, all I have to do is look and see what is scheduled for that day and at what time.

Because it’s not that I don’t care – quite the opposite – but with all we’ve got going on, I can lose track of where I’m supposed to be (I’m not the only one who struggles with this, am I??).

3.    Helps you to prepare.

When I can see what I’ve got coming up, then I’m better able to prepare for what is before me.

Maybe someone has a birthday in the family, or a ministry event, or work commitment?

This is my chance to “get my act together” and get things ready.

This step alone has reduced my stress significantly.

So when I feel more balanced, better organized, and adequately prepared?

It makes me happy. 

In fact, it makes my entire family happy.

. . . even though it doesn’t stop them from teasing me about it.

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?

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 HomemakersFriend.

So get happy!

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.

The post 3 Reasons A Planner Makes Me Happy {& Which is My Favorite One} appeared first on Club 31 Women.

21 Questions Your Daughter Really Needs You to Ask Her

Close.

That’s how my friend described my relationship with our daughters. “She’s really close to her girls,” she informed the woman across the table. She said it as though I wasn’t sitting right there and listening.

Felt a little funny. That personal observation shared in my presence.

But it’s true – we’re very close. Those girls and me. We laugh and hug and talk about most everything.

Close.

So how did we get there? How did we grow so close?

I had to stop and really think about that one. And then this is what came to me . . . .

This closeness comes from seeking–from seeking their hearts and pursuing relationship. It comes from being interested in their thoughts, fears, hopes and dreams.

And it comes from asking questions.

I ask our daughters questions most every day. I wonder how they’re doing, what they’re thinking about, and how they’re feeling.

Because our girls need me to ask them about these things. They won’t necessarily volunteer what’s on their hearts and minds. They need me to ask and they need me to care about their answers.

Your daughter probably needs you to ask her too. 

21 Questions Your Daughter Really Needs You to Ask

Maybe you don’t know what to ask your girl, or where to begin.

If so, here’s a list of questions you might ask that sweet girl of yours….

What’s on your heart?
What happened in your day today?
Why did that make you cry?
What do you dream about?
What would you do, if you could do anything you wanted?
What kinds of things make you feel cared for?
What is your favorite kind of food?
What do you need from me?
What makes you happy?
What did you like about that movie?
Which kind of music makes you want to sing?
What are those things that make you angry?
What would you like to talk about?
Where would you like to visit, if you could go anywhere?
What makes you afraid?
What is your fondest memory?
How does that (whatever the circumstance) make you feel?
What makes you laugh?
What have you been thinking about lately?
What sorts of things are important to you?
Do you know how much I love you?

So go ahead. Ask her.

Start the conversation.

And cozy up and listen to her answers.

Grow close together.  Very close.

In His grace,

*Also: 21 Questions Your Son Really Needs You to Ask Him

*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).

The post 21 Questions Your Daughter Really Needs You to Ask Her appeared first on Club 31 Women.

What A Smile Can Say to Him {An Uncommon Love: Chapt. 4}

*This is an excerpt from Chapter 4 of An Uncommon Love – our true-life love story. You can also catch up by reading Chapter One: If He was the Last Man on Earth, Chapter Two: Where Is She? {Searching For My Forever Girl}, and Chapter 3: What Happens When Mr Right Walks Into the Room.

The years of wondering, of expectation, of hope . . .

were somehow compressed into those moments after Linda left that small piece of paper next to my office phone.

I picked it up, looking at the name and number like a diamond cutter might examine a large, raw stone for the first time. If someone had seen me, they might have wondered, “Why is he staring at that little piece of paper?”

Of course, I wasn’t. I was examining the future, trying to coerce it to reveal what couldn’t be known. When it comes to “the way of a man with a maid” you can’t hedge your bets. It takes commitment.

Commit? Oh, come on . . . it’s only a dinner party. You’re not committing to anything.

Like the diamond cutter, instinctively, I felt there were facets here to discover yet still perceived a sense of warning from some undefined, unsafe place somewhere deep within my soul: Are you sure you want to make this phone call?

But, I was sure and, besides, I had made it clear that I wanted to meet her. One more “Mr. Potato Head” moment like eight months previous and Lisa might put on her angry eyes, followed by a lynching!

Of course, I want to make this call.

“Hello?”

“Hello, is this Lisa?”

“Yes…..”

You can read the rest of this chapter over at Matthew L Jacobson!

*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

*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).

The post What A Smile Can Say to Him {An Uncommon Love: Chapt. 4} appeared first on Club 31 Women.