*Update: Hey girls! Because I promised it and because a few have asked, here is the link to the podcast from last Sunday, “Kingdom Come”. Be blessed!

Girls, would someone explain to me how it is already July 8th? We are now into the second half of the year. Is it just me, or does it feel like 2013 just started? I always feel like I’m just starting to get a hold of a year when it slips through unnoticed and wham, another year has come and gone. In fact, July 4th always tries to throw me into a tailspin, because I know I have as much time from now until the end of the year, as I did from then to the beginning of the year. Does that even make sense? Sheesh. Basically, I’m either depressed or elated depending on how the year is going thus far based on what I thought it would look like, or what I wanted it to look like. Seriously, are you following? I think I’ve confused myself.

Which is what brings me to this post.

Do you remember at the beginning of the year when I tried, not so gracefully, to recap Passion 2013? If you don’t, here’s the post. (Listen, I realize it’s been six months since that post and it’s something I can barely even remember.) Anyway, what I haven’t forgotten that I think of nearly everyday is what Louie Giglio challenged us with the last day of Passion, and then a few days later, what my pastor Curtis challenged us with the first Sunday of the year.

Would you allow me to remind us all? (I’m not a fan of the bullet-point in a blog post, but I will use if necessary. Grin.)

1) Louie asked us, after throwing the Word down on Isaiah 61, “If THIS is the year of the Lord’s favor, what would you like? What would you ask for?”

2) Then Curtis Jones, my pastor, that following Sunday after boldly proclaiming Ephesians 3:20 challenged us that “2013 was the year of getting things done. Why? Because He is able, you are able according to the Spirit and after all, God gets the glory.”

Both to which I so boldly exclaimed, “Amen!” and went along with my day. However, my amen wasn’t a light one, as I knew exactly what it was I needed to get done this year. I knew exactly what I would ask the Lord’s favor over. But after all,  knowing and actually doing are two completely different things. One takes intention, the other takes boldness and action.

I’m not saying I’ve excelled in this, but I can tell you I’ve made progress, and I hope I know some people who could testify to that. I mean, let’s be honest, one simple thing was getting my wisdom teeth removed after putting it off for FOREVER, and boom, just like that, they’re gone. And I survived. I realize that’s a really silly example, but I’m so proud of myself for not letting fear take over again! Of course, there are some other action items and conversations I’ve had, but that’s another post for another day.

So why am I even bringing this up?

Because all last week I was reminded that if this was the year of getting things done, I had six months left to do the work. At least the work for 2013.

And then I went to church. And boom. Curtis, our beloved pastor, nailed it. I think I told him once before that it’s one thing to hear a message on Sunday, feel a little conviction from the Spirit and go on with your day. But it’s another thing when you leave church and know what you need to do, without a Spirit of condemnation, but one of grace. That’s a beautiful thing. To me, that’s what yesterday felt like. Convicting enough without condemnation to do the thing.

Why? Because, “Intention isn’t valued in the Kingdom of God. Obedience is.”

“Intention is not the same as faithfulness.”

Thank you, Curtis Jones, for those nuggets. (If you’re curious where this comes from, read about the parable of the two sons in Matthew 21:28 – 32. And I promise that when the podcast is up, I’ll link it here so you can take a listen if you so desire. I think I have permission to do that, but I’ll ask. For goodness sake, you might as well hear it from him instead of me giving you just some nuggets.I might as well go ahead and thank him for this post, too. After all, I feel like he wrote it. Laughing.)

As the old saying goes, we can talk the talk, but are we walking the walk?

Can we all just be honest and admit that we have a lot of good intentions? We intend to do a lot of good things. Even since January, we’ve all had a lot of good intentions about getting things done. But have we done them? I’m not saying obedience and boldness is easy, quite the contrary, actually. But in 100 years, our fruit will be the only thing that matters. So let’s bear a little fruit, y’all.

We have six months to do the thing. Time isn’t out yet. And praise God our God is a God of patience, compassion, slow to anger, rich in mercy and abounding in steadfast love. But let’s just ask ourselves what we’ve put off thus far? Your God is able, Sister. Let’s turn our intention into action. The longer we all delay, I promise you, the harder is gets!

I love y’all. I’m on this road WITH you.

Remember, it’s going to be a GOOD year. Grin.

“You crown the year with Your goodness; Your ways overflow with plenty.” Psalm 65:11 (HCSB)

WINNERS: Girls, are you ready to see who won our 20 copies?! So exciting! If the winners could email me (Lindsee) as soon as you get a chance at [email protected] I will get your book to you as fast as possible. Go ahead and send me your name and mailing address! We can’t wait for you to have this book in your hands!

Thanks to random.org, the winners are… (the number by your name is your comment number, which is on the right hand side of your comment. So, be sure and check that your name lines up with that comment number!)

#4 – Amy Park
#12 – Danielle
#17 – Katie Frogge
#51 – Karalee Littleton
#53 – Madeline Noll
#66 – Corinne Jordan
#84 – Anna Phillips
#90 – Marleigh Jones
#114 – Halona Luna
#124 – Madison Dowling
#138 – Emma Madonna
#149 – Kelli Swisher
#179 – Lindsey Fair
#192 – Rebekah Vallejo
#194 – Emily Erwin
#203 – Maci Daves
#204 – Larissa Hilstad
#210 – Alexa Alexander
#219 – Laura Tidwell
#222 – Molly Swartz

Congrats, girls! I’ll be checking my inbox to hear from you. Have a great weekend!

*Update: Good Friday morning, girls! And happy belated 4th of July! Just wanted to let you all know that comments are now closed, but winners should be up by days end. And just a friendly reminder, it’s one book per winner! See you in bit!

Hey, Everybody! Beth just got something so fun in today’s mail!

Last summer I took a group of high school girls through Beth’s book, So Long, Insecurity. Many of you have also read and not only benefited, but also been changed by the book. I have no doubt these young girls took away truths that all of us wish we would have learned at their age. They loved it! What many may not realize is that the book also has a workbook companion, and it is equally as wonderful and organized.

In fact, nearly everyone that reads it has said something to the effect of, “I just wish I would have read this as a teenager!”

Well, your prayers and wishes came true!

On August 1st, Tyndale will release So Long, Insecurity, Teen Edition! Can I get an amen?

I get asked three questions nearly once a week. 1) Is there a teen edition for So Long, Insecurity? 2) Will Living Proof ever create or publish materials for high school girls? 3) Where can I find good, solid, biblical material for teens?

I don’t know the answer to number two, I always just tell them that we’re doing the best we can to serve these young girls, but since this is so new at Living Proof, only the Lord can know such a thing. The beauty is, I do have places and resources I can point folks to for resources that are helpful and biblical for high school girls, but as you can imagine, it’s just a really small pool to choose from!

So, I think you well know that we’re just as excited as you that Tyndale saw the need for this book and met it!

As I mentioned before, it doesn’t officially release until August 1st, but we wanted to do a giveaway! (You know we LOVE a reason to host a giveaway around here!) We also wanted to point you in some other social media directions for the book release and how you can own it if in fact you’ve been searching for this very thing.

So, for right now, we have 20 books to giveaway! Eeeek! All you have to do to qualify for the giveaway is to be just the right age  for it (13-19!) and simply enter your name (first and last are preferable) in the comment section.

For more information you can can visit:

Tyndale Teens

Sample the first chapter online

Purchase So Long, Insecurity Teen Edition here

Secure Girls Twitter Page

Tyndale Teens Pinterest Page

What a wealth!

Let’s hear from you!

Like many of you, I grew up in a Christian home and from the time my parents could put me in nursery, I was at church. Born and raised, you might say.

I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world and I think that is largely in part because I didn’t know any better. Every time the church doors were open, I was there. Quite simply, I really love the church. That’s a miracle.

However, I grew up believing a really big lie.

I grew up believing I didn’t have a worthwhile testimony to share. That even if I did share my testimony, it would fall on deaf ears. That it wouldn’t make a lick of difference to those I was sharing it with.

The fact is:

I did grow up in church.

I pretended (and looked) to have it all together.

I do come from a stable, loving home and family, though we’re as messed up and crazy as they come.

I was the teacher’s pet.

I attempted to follow all the rules. (That only works for so long.)

I liked looking like I had it all together. That is safe. That is not vulnerable. Hurt doesn’t happen when you fake it.

I have deep desires of my heart that have yet to be met.

I do have trials, hardships and life experiences to share.

I have not been given everything I’ve ever wanted and my life is not peaches and cream. Blessed, yes.

I’ve lied. I’ve gravely sinned. I’ve lusted. I’ve been angry. I’ve gossiped. I’m insecure. I’m helpless. I’m needy. And the list goes on and on.

I do have a testimony. I know my sins. I know my shortcomings. I need Jesus.

My attempt at holiness was lame to say the least. My attempt at producing any good in me to cover up the dark was helpless. My good was simply not good enough, though I desperately wanted it to be.

I don’t want to point fingers or blame any one person or thing, but I think we as a church have done a less than stellar job at portraying what a worthwhile testimony is. A testimony, as we have so endearingly coined it, is simply a public confession regarding the ways Jesus has changed your life.

My sins, no matter how big or small they may seem, still sent Jesus to the cross. My attempt at living a charmed life was feeble and frail.

Our testimony is what makes us authentic. Real. Relatable.

The truth is, everyone has gone through something that has changed him or her. If you have confessed Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savor, you well know that the old has gone and the new has come. You are a new creation. You’ve changed. Whatever it was that brought you to repentance in the first place, is the very thing worth sharing. Whatever it was that was once holding you captive that no longer has a hold on you, that’s worth sharing.

Need I list the things that hold us captive?

Legalism. Sexual Sin. Drugs. Addictions. Alcohol. Perfectionism. Insecurity. Lust. Greed. Jealousy. Hate. Pride. We could go on and on as this is clearly not an exhaustive list.

Where we as a church have strayed is that we glorify the big testimonies. We glorify the folks on the platform that have sinned “big”. We glorify the stories that seemed absolutely hopeless, but ended in victory.

Can I say something? Salvation through Jesus Christ is a miracle, regardless of where you have or have not been. It’s still a faith walk for every individual.

We were all hopeless. We all have victory in the end when we choose Jesus over _____________. (You fill in the blank.)

You, if you are in Christ, have something to offer. You have hope to offer.

If you’ve grown up in the church, don’t believe the lie you have nothing to share. First, yes you do.  If you are a living, breathing human, you’re flawed and need Jesus. Own up to that! But for you, maybe what someone needs to hear is that your good, despite all your failed efforts, wasn’t good enough to make it into the kingdom of heaven. There is one way, and His name is Jesus. You may be a really good, nice, sweet, charming, never-hurt-a-fly kind of person, but good doesn’t get you into Heaven. Jesus does.

To my young friends, don’t go looking for way to mess up so you have a story to share.

Share your story of less-than-perfect faithfulness to a God that has been nothing but perfectly faithful and loving towards you, despite your efforts of trying so hard. Share that even your goodness wasn’t good enough. Therefore, the good kid who has the works thing down, if they can’t do it, who can? That, my friends, is the gospel.

We’re justified by faith alone in Christ.

All sin keeps us from God. It keeps us bound up.

It just goes to show that there is no one good, no, not one. Can we emphasize that? Though from the outside it may appear I have little to confess day in and day out, that’s far from the truth. I lay my head on my pillow each night knowing how dearly loved I am in Christ, yet painfully aware of my shortcomings. Painfully aware of the areas that only Christ can change in me. Painfully aware of my ugliness.

Do we need the stories of God’s dramatic salvation and redemption? Absolutely! Do we keep sharing those and telling of how God has transformed our lives? Yes and amen! Do we continue to put them on the platform? By all means! May we all come humbly. Those stories also tell us that no one has out-sinned God, not matter how much they think they have! We need not be shocked or judgmental of anything or anyone. We should extend grace and love.

It reminds me of the Prodigal Son. One son did everything right (false) while the other was out doing everything wrong and yet they still needed the same grace. And if we’re honest with ourselves, we’re all more like the elder brother than we care to admit.

But let us be aware of the girl or boy that feels worthless because they didn’t have a Saul-to-Paul conversion.

My goal isn’t to deny what Christ has done for you and where He alone has brought you and rescued you from. Nor is my goal to magnify how good you’ve been. My goal is to glorify Christ.

Conversion is conversion regardless of the pits we’ve been in.

Salvation is salvation regardless of how we’ve acted.

God’s redemption is for everyone.

And His story is good enough to be told throughout the ages.

We were all lost. For ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) But Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10) Translation = That’s US. That’s enough. That’s radical.

For the one who has served time in prison, been released and feels called to minister to those in prison. Yes! Go! Share that the same grace and mercy that was offered to you, is offered to everyone. In the name of Jesus.

For the girl who’s had an abortion and feels called to volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center. To you I say go! In the name of Jesus.

For the person (girl or guy) who’s struggled with any type of sexual sin, has broken free, and feels called to minister out of that. Yes! Do it! In the name of Jesus. So that He would get the credit. So that the weight of life change would fall on His shoulders, not yours.

You are redeemed! God delights when anyone comes to faith in Him through Jesus.

Each of our redemption stories minister to different people all over. Not one of our stories will minister to everyone, that’s why we’re the body of Christ. We all have different experiences and stories to share, but the same Jesus.

Putting pressure on the story makes it about you. Putting pressure on the gospel makes it about Jesus

That’s your story. You were once dead and now you’re alive. And that is worth sharing, Sister.

Amen.

Good Monday morning, ladies!

Anybody have a case of the Mondays today? Like this pup?

Seriously made me laugh. I hope you did, too.

I started writing a post late Friday morning then decided to press hold and wait until today. I knew better than to publish anything because seriously, on a Friday afternoon in the summer, who reads a blog? Weekends, though they seem to rush on by in real life, tend to be much slower on the blog. So here we are. Yet another weekend behind us. Yet another Monday ahead of us. Grin.

If you don’t have a case of the Mondays, maybe you feel like this…

Yes, yes, yes! I won’t admit how often I think we need three day weekends instead of just two days. Of course, I’m kidding. Maybe. A co-worker sent me an email forward last week with some hilarious “when dogs talk” pictures and I just couldn’t help but share. I NEVER send forwards to people, but even I had to forward it on to a handful of folks. Anyway, I hope some of us, or all of us, can relate.

I, for one, am happy to see last week go. You know how some weeks you just feel like the enemy is doing everything to make you quit and just feel alone? That’s how I felt. I’m only telling you that because I know for a fact I’m not alone in that, and sometimes, we need to hear someone else say it so that we don’t feel even more alone. Thankfully, His mercies are new not just every day, but every week. Can I get an amen?

However, as silly as it seemed, I was going to wish all of you an official “Happy Summer!” on Friday, as it was, according to the calendar, the first official day of summer. I’m not sure how June 21st rolls around every year having already felt like we’ve had two months of summer weather, but that’s how Houston rolls.

I kicked off the so-called official summer by enjoying my apartment pool for a little bit on Saturday. Otherwise known as my happy place.

That’s a perk of apartment living. (Which outweighs some of the non-perks. Grin.) You get to enjoy the pleasures of a pool you may not otherwise have in your backyard. Especially on a very hot day in Houston. It was good.

Despite last week not being my favorite week, there were some highlights worth sharing.

1) We celebrated our beloved Beth’s birthday!

As you can imagine, she’s easy to love and celebrate! It was a simple lunch celebration at the office, but it was delightful. Could Mexican food brought in be anything but delightful? One thing she’s taught me, besides the million other Jesus things, is the gift of receiving! Quite literally, I don’t know anyone that receives gifts as well as she does. She simply makes you believe the gift you gave her is her most favorite thing ever and receives it with much glee and thankfulness! That alone is a gift, y’all. I think it makes it fun for both the giver and the receiver. If someone gives you a gift, be glad! Receive it well! Shoot, let the giver bless you! We don’t need to feel greedy, just thankful. Needless to say, we laughed, celebrated, then nearly collapsed from a food overdose. Grin.

2) This didn’t actually happen last week, but y’all. I’d like you to meet our resident LPM lizard.

If it is unclear to you, this lizard, whom we’ve not named, is eating a roach in one picture and a butterfly in the other. I hope you’re not eating lunch while reading this post. If so, my deepest apologies. He went for a little sweet and a little salty, and dude can hunt. I’m almost afraid to come back to the office from lunch afraid for fear we’ll find him after his hunt. Anyway, I thought you might find it interesting. Or disgusting. Or both. But I felt it was good blog material. Don’t you? Laughing.

3) Girls Bible study!

I’m not sure I’ve mentioned it on the blog but as if Gideon wasn’t enough, we’re doing a small Girls Bible study this summer. In the words of our Siesta Mama, we’re afraid of boredom around here! That’s the truth! Last summer, I think I mentioned that I led some girls through So Long, Insecutiry. It was a lot, but so good. Girls ministry at LPM is still something we’re  working on and trying to figure out, so we’re taking it one sememster at a time. This summer, we’re just meeting four times together and each week someone different is joining us to share something unique with the group. It might just be my favorite summer yet. We met for the first time two week ago, we’ll meet again tomorrow, and two more evenings in July. If it comes to mind, we’d love your prayers! Oh, that this would not be in vain and would bear much fruit in the girls coming. They are the sweetest things ever. So timid. So outgoing. (I know, right?) So adorable. So loveable. So much room to grow. I’m excited for what’s ahead!

Well, I think that’s all for now. Just a little random, catch up since it’s been a week since I’ve said hi! Signing off for now. Much to do on this hot Monday in Houston!

Happy Monday!

This past Sunday at church we sang a song called “Bones” by Hillsong United. I was given the privilege to lead it for our congregation. A year ago I would have never even told you that I led a song for our church, rather, I would have just left it at the fact that we sang and I enjoyed it. However, over the past two or so months the Lord has really been doing a transforming work in my mind and when you see fruit from the transformation and taste a little bit of victory, it’s deeply satisfying. That is, the grace the Lord has poured out on you.

I’ve been discovering that when the Lord calls you to an area in your gifting to serve the body of believers He’s placed you in, timidity in entering into that calling out of fear is simply false pride. The gifts He’s given you are just that, gifts. You did nothing to earn it or even ask for it, so step into it with grace, confidence and a humility asking the Lord to accomplish in the Spirit what only He can. How much do we all miss out on simply because fear is holding us back? I’ll be the first to raise my hand and admit I’m so guilty. Lord, help us. And He does! I’m convinced that when the Lord transforms your thinking, it in turn transforms your serving.

Can anyone say rabbit trail? That’s is absolutely not where I was planning on going when I started writing this post, but it’s certainly what I’ve been challenged with lately so I’ll leave it in there and move on. Grin. (I’m feeling a little all over the place today.)

Originally, what I wanted to share with you these simple lyrics we sang.

Oh Jesus, Alive in me.

Short and sweet, yet simply profound.

Isn’t that what we’re all after? That Jesus would be alive in us each and every day?

That we would be different, think different and act different because today He was alive in us? I don’t know how I can tangibly explain that Jesus makes a difference, but He absolutely does, without a doubt. If scripture tells us that it is “to our advantage” that when Christ went away He would send us our helper, the Holy Spirit (John 16:7), then I want to press into that advantage.

In my obsessive, anxious mind, uttering the words Jesus brings me almost instantaneous peace. Only Jesus can do something like that.

“You can calm the ocean, speak peace into my soul. Take me as I am, awaken my heart to beat again.”

When I feel like my world is spinning out of control, the fact that my name is engraved in the palm of God’s hands is indescribable. Translation: He really does care for me greatly and deeply.

“In his hand is the life of every living thing
 and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:10

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” Isaiah 49:15-16

When someone disappoints me, I’m all the more reminded that Jesus is the ONE person that won’t disappoint me. He’ll never leave me or forsake me. Does that mean things always go the way I wished they would? No. That would be a far cry from reality. But I do know that the things I’ve always hoped for that have eventually let me down, He’s not only come through but exceeded those hopes and dreams.

Yes, Jesus, be alive in me.

I recently told my coworkers that worshiping through singing sets my mind in a posture to receive from the Lord and be content in His love.

I sense His love and his pleasure when I’m singing and worshiping. You might not know it from the outside (much like you might not know when I feel like I’m going crazy from the outside), but the way it brings a calmness and peace to my mind, the joy I feel from worshiping, is almost unmatched. It’s simply where I can feel His presence. And it is good.

I know enough to know that feeling His presence isn’t the basis of our faith, but I can tell you it’s important. When we learn to seek God and find Him in our own intimate way, I know He is pleased as well. I’ve well learned that I don’t get any pleasure out of knowing Christ intimately through the faith of someone else.

There are few things I can do that allow me to surrender my frantic thinking and enjoy the Lord’s presence. Reading a good book allows me to do this as well. It doesn’t mean I never worry again, but it’s in these moments that I can breathe a sure breath and know God really in in control.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I want more of His presence. More of His Spirit. More of His peace. More of His mind.

I don’t know where and when you most sense God’s pleasure and presence.

For some it’s singing.
Reading.
Worshiping.
Running.
Memorizing scripture.
Dancing.
Gardening.
Bible Study.

Whatever it is, wherever it is you feel most at home in the presence of God, I’d encourage you to find it, cultivate and practice it often. Finding Him as our refuge and shelter is of utmost importance.

You can ask my coworkers, I don’t go a day without listening to music while working in the quietness of my own office. And rest assured, nearly the minute I walk away from my desk, I’m either humming or singing something. It’s true. And maybe annoying. But it is for my good.

We know this to be true; the nearness of God IS our GOOD.

Oh Jesus, Alive in me.

Yes and amen.

“But as for me, God’s presence is all I need. I have made the sovereign LORD my shelter, as I declare all the things you have done.” Psalm 73:28 (NET)

“Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” Psalm 95:2

Have you ever loved something so much that you annoy the folks around you because you won’t stop talking about it? While this is so true of new budding relationships, I’m really talking about materialistic things. You know, things like a new pair of sandals, your favorite chocolate milk that you can’t get enough of and well, I think you’re getting the idea.

Needless to say, I think I wear my friends out with my obsessiveness.

Let’s have a little fun, shall we?

I’ll share a list of my recent favorite things, and you share some of yours.

Boom.

After all, it is summer, and for those of us who don’t get a summer break, we all need little things to keep ourselves happy and entertained. Grin.

1) BIC Velocity Pen

Y’all. I do have an unusual love for pens. But I’m beginning to think it’s actually not that unusual.  It’s just that not everyone admits their love for such small, random and possibly nerdy things. But I needed a new batch of pens, because I don’t know about you, but my pens tend to wander. It’s hopeless to try and retrieve them all, so new ones it was. I surveyed the thousands on Staples.com and landed on the BIC Velocity Pen. When I say it took all the self-control in me to not just doodle all day yesterday, I’m not even lying. In fact, I did do a little doodling. So, if you’re looking for a good, inexpensive pen, BIC is your friend.

2) HEB Almond Chocolate Milk

If you do not live in Texas, I realize you have no idea what HEB is, but it is simply a local grocery store. In fact, HEB owns Central Market, which is another Texas gift. I guess we could say that HEB is the generic brand of Central Market. If we were ranking grocery stores (because we never do that) I would place HEB in third place, right behind Whole Foods and Central Market. In fact, it carries many of the Central Market items and that is a beautiful thing. Side Fact: Whole Foods originated in Austin, while the Central Market division originated in San Antonio. It’s ALL a Texas thing. And now I’m laughing because you could care less about all of this grocery store trivia. It’s hard being humble when you’re from Texas. Needless to say, HEB Almond Chocolate Milk takes first prize. I can’t vouch for any other brands since I’ve not even attempted to try any others. But what a waste it would be if I bought a ½ gallon, only to strongly dislike it. I’ll stick to what I know. I’m so addicted I may have to have a glass every night before bed. And maybe every morning. But, hey! It’s better than a bowl of ice cream, right? It’s a little taste of love and joy in a cup.

3) L’oreal Telescopic Mascara

If your eyelashes mean nothing to you, then at this point you might be rolling your eyes at me. If so, feel free to move on. But the number one question I get asked is what kind of mascara I use. I happen to love me some mascara, so I’m delighted to share it with you. And selfishly, I’m not sure what I’ll do if they ever discontinue this particular tube.  So maybe my sharing will get more people to purchase it which might mean it will last forever and ever. But L’oreal Telescopic Mascara is where it’s at. For me, the mascara is all about the wand, and I happen to love the skinny wand it provides. Plus, you can purchase this mascara at virtually any grocery or drug store. Which thrills me to no end.

4) Essie Nail Polish

I think I’ve mentioned before that I am a nail polish freak. My nails and toenails are painted at all times, and as much as I love getting a manicure and pedicure, typically the painting is done by me as I’d rather not break the bank. In fact, for me it’s slightly cathartic. My favorite color right now happens to be watermelon. It’s the perfect pink summery color. But currently Essie has no lack of fun and summery colors.

5) Volcano Candle

As much as I love candles, I’m awful at remembering to light them. That is until the store Anthropologie introduced me to the Volcano candle. The aroma is both inviting and intoxicating. And oh, so addicting. This isn’t necessarily new to me, but rest assured, it will always be a favorite.

6) All Sons & Daughters Live CD

You know how sometimes a musical group sneaks up on you and surprises you with their gifts? That’s how All Sons & Daughters was to me. A few of their songs had been on our rotation at church, but it wasn’t until right before they released their new recorded live CD that I fell in love with them. It was love at first listen. If you’re looking for a new worship CD that is worth your money and one you’ll quite possibly fall in love with every song, look no further. Be blessed. Be ministered to.

7) Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

I’m nearly speechless when it comes to these babies. All I can say is it might be a little taste of heaven on earth. Every other peanut butter cup pales in comparison. They’re just THAT good.

And these, my friends, are just a few of my favorite things.

What are some of your favorite things recently? I love finding new favorite things!

A few nights ago I was in the middle of getting ready for bed when I decided I should turn on my little portable fan that sits on the floor and blows cold air on me all night. My entire reason for turning it on a little early, as opposed to right before I actually hopped in bed, is because in my quirky thinking I just knew that the 10 minutes extra it would blow would cool down my room to the perfect temperature. Listen, when you have two roommates, you all have to make sacrifices and compromise here and there. So while turning down the air conditioning would be my preference, I’ve decided it’s best not to freeze out my roommates.

Anyway, this is getting really long. And so far I’ve only discussed turning on my fan.

What I’m trying to get at is that when I turned the knob to “on” all it did was run its puny little motor and almost caught fire. By almost caught fire I mean it smelled a little like smoke so I freaked out, turned it off, and unplugged it right away.

Immediately following I announced to my roommates and to the world that my fan had just died. My faithful, portable fan of nine years that lulls me to sleep every night. Yes, I am co-dependent on my fan and not the least bit ashamed.

It may have died of old age and over-use, or all the dust in the motor, but I’m just going to believe its time was up.

Needless to say, I slept in silence with only a ceiling fan. Thankfully, I was so tired that I feel asleep pretty quick, but I did wake up nearly every hour both sweating profusely all the while wondering if the noises I was hearing was somebody trying to break into our apartment, or just normal, nightly noises.

My white-noise producing fan is my best friend.

I didn’t wait 24 hours before I marched myself to Target and stood in the “fan” aisle for nearly 30 minutes while researching every last portable fan. Eventually, I threw the “Vornado” in my basket, purchased it, and took it home for a test drive that evening. I have labeled it the Lexus of all fans. Listen, y’all. I have issues.

But if I know one thing to be true, I know that we here at LPM are serious about our sleep.

Although I am a big fan of sleep, I also tend to be a night owl and am one of those folks who can run on five or six hours of sleep, but it’s obvious I tend to be a snob about my sleeping situations.

I got so tickled about all this fan drama that I decided it would be fun to publicly display our quirky sleeping patterns. We know we all have them.

For instance, on top of the must-have oscillating buzz, I also have a ceiling fan that runs all night long, and I sleep with a total of three pillows, one for my head and two on either side of me. It’s so complicated, y’all. And we all know there are things I’m keeping to myself. You’re so welcome.

I know you know what’s coming next.

What are your MUST HAVES for a good night sleep? Do tell. I’m dying to know. If only to make myself feel so much better about my drama this week revolving around a little fan. Grin.

Oh, and happy Friday. May your weekend be full of sweet, uninterrupted sleep.

Friends! We’re back to the Monday grind! The Lord has given us some unusually cooler weather for the beginning of June, and we in Houston are so grateful. I loved, loved, loved stalking twitter this weekend to see all the LPL updates and tweets. I think we had a handful of “original” siestas that got to attend so it was really fun to hear from them. When I say original, I just mean they’ve been around since the very beginning. We clearly love every Siesta just the same and are so grateful for the way we get to interact, but it’s kind of fun to get to see people “grow up” virtually. You know what I mean? Anyway, twitter was so fun, but what is more fun is Rich’s recap video!

For all you Duluth girls, here it is!

Living Proof Live | Atlanta from LifeWay Women on Vimeo.

Also, and this will make you all so happy, tomorrow morning be looking for a post on all things summer Bible study! We’ll be one week out and will give you all the information you’ll need. We love y’all! Have a wonderful Monday!

*Hey Ladies! Lindsee here, hopping on really quick to let you know we have given all of our tickets away. We love y’all and are praying for a fresh outpouring of the spirit over each of you this weekend. Happy Friday!

Good Thursday morning, Sisters! Has this week flown by for anyone else? Anyway, we actually have another post that you should be looking for later in the day. It may or may not involve your siesta mama and a little hello. She loves y’all too much to just leave you all hanging all week! Grin.

But, before we could post that, I wanted to make you well aware that we have 20 tickets to giveaway from our Siesta Scholarship Ticket Fund. If you’ve known about the Duluth LPL but just knew you didn’t have the finances right now to swing it, then this is your opportunity! As usual, if you would please please call the office and ask for Kimberly, she’ll get you all ready to go. You can call 281-257-3344 or call toll free at 888.700.1999. If you happen to call during the lunch hour, please leave a message and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

We love y’all so much. See you in just a bit! (Be looking for the new post around noon CST.)

Hey Y’all! We have left this blog to be silent for an entire week! Gasp!

Sometimes this blog is extremely busy, and other times, it’s eerily quiet. I know it’s past time to check-in when I start seeing comments wondering if all is okay here at LPM or with our Siesta Mama. Just know that when we say we think about you every single day, we mean it with every ounce of our being. It’s just that sometimes you have to live life instead of write about life, and both Beth and I were doing that last week. She had a much deserved and needed week off after taping for a solid week, and I got busy with a few other things at work, then had a few days off myself as some of my family from Colorado came in town. Plus, with the long Memorial Day weekend, I just wasn’t on my computer much at all. That’s just life.

Speaking of Memorial Day, I did enjoy a four day weekend after playing hooky (and by playing hooky I mean I asked for the day off) from work on Friday. A couple of my cousins who are now of college age came to Houston and on Friday we had a pool day and literally had the entire apartment pool to ourselves. It was heaven! My grandparents also tagged along, which is always a blessing, but at 85, they move at a different pace than they did 20 years ago. However, in my nearly 28 years of life, I don’t think I’ve spent one Memorial Day with my grandpa, who is a veteran. It was fun to get to be with him. He didn’t say very many words last night, but I know he had a lot to think about. I took him to a custard place near my parents house last night after dinner and he ordered a kids size vanilla with butterscotch. He told me he didn’t want to overdo it. Bless him. I got tickled but thought it was the cutest thing. He even paid for my custard. What a stellar date!

Anyway, after four days of sleeping in, playing, shopping and spending time with my family, today it was back to life, back to reality. So, that’s just a little bit about what’s been going on!

This coming weekend our dear Beth is back at it with Living Proof Live in Atlanta. Are any of you getting to attend?

We’ve been waiting to share with you that during the Greensboro LPL event, which also doubled as the 15 year celebration, LifeWay asked Rich, our amazing photographer, to create a memory book that both Beth and Travis could take home. For lack of a better term, it is stellar. (I’ve now used that word twice in this post. Overkill. But I’m keeping it. Word of the day anyone?) The book is so much more than a scrapbook! It is a representation of the past 15 years through pictures and Rich worked so hard to make it excellent. However, not only did he do that, he then went the extra mile and put it into vimeo format so we could share the book with you all. You might want to know that it’s about eight minutes long, but worth every bit of your time. So, if at any point this week you have a few minutes to spare, be blessed by this book!

Rich, thank you so much for your hard work!

15 Year Album from Rich Kalonick on Vimeo.

I think that’s all for now, but just wanted to say hi.

We love y’all and hope you have a fantastic Tuesday!

P.S. I was tempted to say terrific Tuesday simply because of the alliteration, but thought you all might make fun of me. But it’s fun nonetheless!