As of yesterday, December 21, it is officially Winter, which means it's time for another Cirkles Check-In to let you know the things we are loving and learning this season.
Ryan
Faith Lesson:
I am a son and therefore am led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14). This does not mean, however, that I should miss out on the fellowship that comes from asking my Lord what He thinks! Sometimes the thing He's always led us to do might not be right in this moment. Only He knows that. Do not copy/paste your daily or seasonal life with Jesus. He must be leader. If you'd like a read to challenge this part of you, find a copy of "Follow" by Floyd McClung.
Life Lesson:
That God is so right about everything. Is that a spiritual truth again? Yes. I couldn't help it. Everything in my life has been amplified by the arrival of Oliver and I'm so grateful for a God who goes before. He was right to say that "two is better than one (Eccl. 4:9)" and that "he who finds a wife finds a good thing (Prov. 18:22)." I know this because my wife is the most amazing mother to our son, all while being more wife than ever. I know this because she continues to grow in beauty and wisdom. I know this because our strength together and the protection of covenant has been on display. I know this because we're raising a son and all around I see those fooled by "evil being called good and good being called evil." I've never been so grateful for the Holy Spirit given by Jesus and the Holy Ghost wife given by God.
Things I'm Loving These Days:
Salted Cream Cold Foam Cold Brew - Starbucks (Although I'm a general cold brew fan as well.
Dr. Squatch Natural Soap (Internet Ads. They worked. Go figure.)
My wife
Oliver crawling. Oliver laughing. Oliver talking to himself and then laughing. Oliver laughing in the face of inanimate objects.
Social Media Shout Out : I don't frequent social media much, but it would grow you to follow:
Robert T. Kiyosaki | @therealkiyosaki
Sean Cannell | @seancannell
Entertainment Being Enjoyed:
Dallas Stars Hockey
Dallas Mavericks Basketball
Dallas Cowboys Football (when it's played properly)
Youtube: DFBGuide, TheTimTracker, MickeyViews (I need to stay "in-the-know," people)
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker - I know, you all hated it. I enjoyed it. Fan fare? Yes. A garbled mess? A little. Plot points which seemed to materialize out of nothing simply to tie things together? Of course! Still, I had a great time and laughed a TON.
"Next to You" by Dirty Loops...on repeat for 20-hours, please.
What are you looking forward to most about Winter? :
Sweaters, finally
Fireplace fires with my lady-friend (My wife, Abigail)
Buying cold-weather golf gear for the first time and knocking 5 strokes off of my average.
Serving and training leaders at The Leadership School of Texas Bible Institute
My son's first birthday and seeing him walk soon!
Forsaking anything it takes to follow Jesus in the way He designed.
Abby
Faith Lesson:
I recently learned that the true translation of Phil 4:13 is "I can do all SEASONS through Christ who gives me strength." Whoa! Swapping the word "things" with "seasons" in my brain has been a profound thing. I'm learning to look at life season by season and ask the Lord what my life should look like in the stragetic season He has me in now. My prayer has been "Lord give me Your heart for this stage and season on my life. I'll never have it again and it won't last long, so empower me to do it well."
Life Lesson:
I've recently learned that podcasts help me do house chores. I love a good sermon, but I've learned I can only really listen to podcast sermons on a drive, but conversational podcasts have been extremely enjoyable while cooking in the kitchen, or folding some laundry. I don't watch television around Oliver to limit screen time so this is a great way for me to have some "mom entertainment" while still letting Oliver play. Some favorites of mine have been : (*Disclaimer - Remember that seasons lesson I'm learning. Most of these won't be enjoyable to you unless you are a 20-something year old new mom :) )
Happier by Gretchen Rubin (Frivolous fun on the habits of happiness)
At Home with Sally Clarkson (Discipleship/Mom goals to the max)
Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker (Parenting dialogues through the eyes of a pediatrician.)
You're Welcome with Hilary Rushford (Girly fun/inspiration)
Conversations with John & Lisa Bevere (Enjoyable wisdom)
Things I'm Loving These Days:
Dates with Ryan
Chai Tea Lattes
Neutrogena Moisturesmooth Lipdtick in Plum Perfect (This is more than a tinted chapstick but less than lipstick. Perfect for waking up your face without looking dolled up.)
Safe 2 Save app. (This app pays you with free food for not using your phone while you drive.)
This dress from Talbots. (I got it 50% off, but it's definitely not a bargain buy. However, with a new body and new sizes from post-baby, it's the first time in a long time that I felt pretty when I put something on, and that felt worth the splurge.)
Oliver's morning hug when I get him out of his crib, and Oliver's little "patter-patter" hands on our wood floor when he's chasing me around the kitchen.
Social Media Shout Out :
Sean and Kate Feucht - this family fires up my faith in the best way! | @seanfeucht @Kfeucht
Kate Bryan (Mom of 3 who gives great beauty tips) | @K8_smallthings
Entertainment Being Enjoyed:
Natalie Bennett Vlog - I find great encouragement in her motherhood content.
Bucket List Family Vlog - The World is beautiful and they capture it well.
Any and all of the Holiday Baking competition shows!
What are you looking forward to most about Winter? :
Seeing family and spending lots of time with family.
Oliver's first birthday!
A new Jesus Journal and new 2020 Bible Reading Plan.
More laughter with Ryan
Oliver :
Oliver just celebrated 11 months of life. His sweet, fun personality is coming out more each day. We genuinely love being around him; he’s a great guy! He’s crawling, standing and climbing on everything. He loves waving at any and all friends. And he is quite fascinated with any cozy fire in a fireplace he sees.
We are so grateful for another season of life to live and love, and share with you.
Until Next Check-In,
Ryan, Abby, and Oliver *Don't Forget, The Cirkles are cheering you on!