A List of My Favorite Things Right Now

This blog is a little bit more relaxed. Sometimes our social media feed can be filled with negative things that go on in our world, let's fill it with some positivity.

I want to share my favorite things with you and hopefully you'll find some new favorite things too! If you're anything like me, you love finding new stuff to love and seeing what others enjoy too. It's what makes us so unique and the people God has created us to be. The list is in no particular order.

1. Podcasts
It's no secret that I LOVE podcasts. My new found favorite is Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker.

I also listen to Chris Brown's True Stewardship (about God's ways of handling money) and Life.Church: Craig Groeschel.

Lastly, but certainly NOT least, I listen to The Leadership Momentum Podcast. Every church leader, and I really do mean EVERY CHURCH LEADER, pastor, and ministry worker should be listening to this podcast. Amazing content and I've gone back and listened to most of them again

2. The Office 
I love this T.V. show.  I longingly watch it to see Pam and Jim get together and then continue watching it to see their chemistry. Also, it's hilarious.

3. Long Walks With the Family
When Fabian is home during the day, I can't wait for us to go on a long walk together with the boys. When he's not home, Natalie will join me. Or sometimes I love going by myself pushing the boys in the stroller. When things start to get out of control at home, I throw them in the stroller, brings snacks and water, and we go.  We're relaxed and refreshed when we come back.

4. Trim Healthy Mama 
In January, I started this plan and had amazing results. More energy, lost 10 pounds, my skin looked better, everything.  It's not weird and impossible to do. Very sustainable. All in all I really like it.  Although I did get off the past few months, but I'm looking forward to sticking to it with more enthusiasm. I love that it's not a diet. It's really a way of eating that makes you feel great. It just takes being intentional and strategic planning and discipline.

5. Jesus Culture's Let it Echo
I love worship music.  Someone asked me what my favorite genre was the other day.. I said,
"Worship." They looked at me kinda weird, but I like what I love.  And I'm not sorry. This album is all about proclaiming who God is.  It makes me want to shout it out. "You're the God of Miracles!"

6. Elevation Worship's Here As in Heaven
The week this album came out I played the whole thing over 100 times. Benaiah knows every song. This album is all about giving God the highest praise. Being so overwhelmed by his presence and grace as we run to the altar that it makes us completely changed.

7. Running 3x a Week
Have you ever missed running? Probably not. Never thought I would, but I do! I've only been running 3 times a week before Fabian goes into work, we've made it work so I can feel like I'm taking care of myself physically.


8. Writing in my Journals
I struggle with this so much, but I enjoy doing it. I have 3 journals. Lol.  One is for writing about the boys and what happened that day with them. One is for writing out prayers and scripture verses to stick on our bathroom wall. (Not very many right now, but it still counts!) The other is simply a prayer journal where I'll write out prayers, praises, and thoughts to God. Simply, it's my letter to God.

9. Practicing Guitar Again
Our pastor spoke about sitting on talents a few months ago.  The first thing that came to mind was guitar playing. I haven't played in years and started practicing again. It's funny how you forget how much you enjoyed something.

10. Being more Intentional about Hanging out Childless with Friends. 
One of my flaws is not doing this.  I don't take the time to be intentional about hanging out (childless) with friends and then it leaves me feeling so alone. That's what the enemy wants. {h}e wants us feeling isolated and lonely. {h}e wants us to use our pride to not ask our husbands or in my case sister-in-law for help. Well, I'm putting my foot down. No more. I've asked Natalie if she'd help me with this as it's one of my favorite things that I need to do more often!

11. The Book of Proverbs
I threw this in this list because it's my favorite book of the Bible. When I don't know what to read, I go there. It is wisdom for life.


As a mama, it can be difficult to remember to take care of yourself and remember things that you enjoy.  Making sure that I give myself time to do my favorite things makes all the difference for me emotionally and even physically.

What are a few of your favorite things right now?
Favorite book of the Bible?
Favorite podcast?
Favorite song right now that's on repeat?
Let me know!

Love,
Leah

12 Books for 2016

One of my goals this year is to read 1 book a month.  The following are my picks for books this year.  I found them from various places.  Some books are from authors/pastors/speakers I've come to respect.  Some books are recommendations from friends. 

Reading helps me to engage in my life more as it has me thinking about how to become a better Jesus follower, wife, mom, and simply an all around better person. 

All of my reads this year are non-fiction.  Don't let me fool you, I love fiction books too. Though in this season of life I have a desire to know Him more.  I have a desire to successfully steward the opportunities I've been given for Him. 

So here goes! 

1. Instructing a Child's Heart by Tedd and Margy Tripp

• I got this book for Christmas from a dear friend of mine. 

2. Strong Mothers, Strong Sons by Dr. Meg Meeker

• I've read this book before and loved it so much.  The subtitle is, "Lessons Mothers Need to Raise Extraordinary Men."

3. Undaunted by Christine Caine

• Been meaning to read this book for years. The subtitle is, "Daring to do what God calls you to do." 
• I heard Christine Caine when I lived in Missouri and fell in love with her zeal for the Lord and her teaching style. 

4. The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor

• The subtitle is, "The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work." "When we are positive, our brains become more engaged, creative, motivated, energetic, resilient, and productive at work."
• I listened to a podcast called Entreleadership Podcast, Episode #121.   Shawn Achor was the guest speaker and my mind was blown.  I cannot say enough about it. I'm looking forward to reading this book.

5. The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko

• It's about average millionaires and how most of them start from nothing, live very frugally, and end up being entirely successful.  It slams the millionaire stereotypes of flashy cars and big houses. 
• I've read some of it, but I'd like to read through the whole thing.

6. The Legacy Journey by Dave Ramsey

• Many of you know, I am a Ramsey fan.  This book is about what the Bible says about money. I got one from the library, but I'd like my own copy so I can highlight and underline all over it. 

7. The Good Fight by Les and Leslie Parrott

• It's a marriage book about how conflict is good in a marriage when it's handled correctly. 

8. For the Love by Jen Hatmaker

• I've never heard of this author. I had a friend, Sharon, post a picture of this book way back.  I screen shot it and forgot about.  Decided to give it a look. 
• The subtitle says, "Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards." 

9. Ever After: Life Lessons Learned in My Castle of Chaos by Vicki Courtney

• This one is kind of random.  Saw it on online as a Bible Study and decided to read the book instead. 
• It's about being a wife and motherhood. Basically my life. It's about my life. 

10. Start by Jon Acuff 

• Fabian has been raving about this book. 
• The subtitle is, "Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work that Matters."

11. Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin

• The subtitle is, "What I learned About Making and Breaking Habits--to Sleep More, Quit Sugar, Procrastinate Less, and Generally Build a Happier Life."
• I heard her on the Entreleadership podcast, Episode #101.

12. #Stuggles by Craig Groeschel

• I listen to Groeschel's sermon podcasts very frequently.  Love his content.  The subtitle is, "Following Jesus in a Selfie-Centered World." 

Let me know if you decided to read one or more! I'd love to read them with you so we can discuss them. :)