tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29409578889677108022024-03-05T00:14:03.925-05:00BeEmbracedDedicated to helping others be embraced by the journey.Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-22682891312853595912014-02-21T17:53:00.001-05:002014-02-21T17:54:12.653-05:00Update: New Blog!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-weight: 300; line-height: 26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I’m so excited to finally have my own self-hosted blog! I’ve been blogging over here at Blogger since November 2011, and I thought it was time to get serious and have my own domain name. This is definitely one way I wanted to<a href="http://beembraced.com/2014/01/my-2-themes-for-2014/" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.1s; -webkit-transition-property: all; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a24759; text-decoration: none;"> dream big this year</a>! I’ve been working hard to redesign an all new <a href="http://BeEmbraced.com/">BeEmbraced.com</a>, and I hope you enjoy it!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 26px;"><b>I won't be posting on this site anymore, so please head over to <a href="http://BeEmbraced.com/">BeEmbraced.com</a> for all future updates, thanks!</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpB4cgk-HA88fJKBbMOtMLkaahiDqQ44i38ig45t13dC1GWGTGgJTrCLNNZbz-TP06hg0ZWcj3eKT81Pqr8UEQ6y9draI8CFnSkrFCQ9oBWq9bOK7caK2v6foqaLqBPOTHp-5ZmlIOJY/s1600/dare+to+dream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpB4cgk-HA88fJKBbMOtMLkaahiDqQ44i38ig45t13dC1GWGTGgJTrCLNNZbz-TP06hg0ZWcj3eKT81Pqr8UEQ6y9draI8CFnSkrFCQ9oBWq9bOK7caK2v6foqaLqBPOTHp-5ZmlIOJY/s1600/dare+to+dream.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 26px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-4919053328492342322014-02-19T08:46:00.000-05:002014-02-19T08:46:05.375-05:00What brings me joy (Plus a granola recipe worth rejoicing over)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Grilling out for lunch on a snow day...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The warm sunshine spilling out from between the blinds after a week of snow...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">An encouraging conversation with a friend that lasts two hours...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Watching a client's eyes light up with realization during a coaching session...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The taste of sweet-n-saltiness in my morning granola (see recipe below)...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">All these things and more bring me joy.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I experience joy in the small, unexpected graces of every day and also in the big realizations when I am fully living into who I was created to be.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Yet it's not necessarily these things in and of themselves that bring joy but rather the recognizing and paying attention to them.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWmTxu0z1iE_PgwnlLOh9g6cOUiLyAIxp_hDGu-afazEWS9XBQZvMXyAfNoUiHeFzYb6k6412OhosUF_SQmSEej8KiP-Odnh0ogqO59d0FGEz1It0dj0XepuBCIfSL5fq-WAkbMSiE6A/s1600/blinds+joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWmTxu0z1iE_PgwnlLOh9g6cOUiLyAIxp_hDGu-afazEWS9XBQZvMXyAfNoUiHeFzYb6k6412OhosUF_SQmSEej8KiP-Odnh0ogqO59d0FGEz1It0dj0XepuBCIfSL5fq-WAkbMSiE6A/s1600/blinds+joy.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When I go about my day and eat that same cereal as a means to end... </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When I ask the same coaching questions as a sense of responsibility not opportunity...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When a date with a friend runs long and I view it as throwing off my schedule... </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">These prevent joy. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Instead, it's the <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2014/02/do-you-rest-after-work-or-work-out-of.html" target="_blank">change in perspective that brings the joy</a>. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As author Ann Voskamp says, the height of our joy depends on the depths of our thanks. "As long as thanks is possible, then joy is always possible." </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Yet so often I start the day with expectations and standards, and then I'm only thankful or joyful when those are met. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What if we stepped forward into our day expecting nothing but<a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2012/01/finding-joy-in-work.html" target="_blank"> uncovering joyful moments</a>? What if the only expectation that we had was the expectant hope found in Christ?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="text Phil-1-4" id="en-NIV-29366">"</span></span></span><span class="text Phil-1-4" id="en-NIV-29366">I always pray <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29366H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>with joy... </span><span class="text Phil-1-6" id="en-NIV-29368">being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29368K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:3-6). </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">As the footnote in my <i>Crossway ESV Bible </i>says, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">"The joy that Paul calls for is not a happiness that depends on circumstances but a deep contentment that is in the Lord, based on trust in the sovereign, living God, and that therefore is available always, even in difficult times." </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">There is deep joy found in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/02/what-would-you-do-if-you-couldnt-fail.html" target="_blank">living out the mission that God has called you to</a> and abiding in His every day graces.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">To celebrate the every day small joys, here's some pictures of the snow day last week and a delicious new recipe for granola. (Despite John initially joking that the granola was "birdseed," he actually loved it and ate it for a snack every day.)</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGgULOafGvWQ9AYc1kFWT9pT6XwSsQZxyJflmDxRDenJTHdNo-_X0yOe5sUQgCLEcBuyv08sA5mVWBdF2cVMx6e71HeTUpulFawxajAZOq_UPKSY2v2wGO4ZWf7zHV8Yhw88ej9yCYUc/s1600/IMG_3263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGgULOafGvWQ9AYc1kFWT9pT6XwSsQZxyJflmDxRDenJTHdNo-_X0yOe5sUQgCLEcBuyv08sA5mVWBdF2cVMx6e71HeTUpulFawxajAZOq_UPKSY2v2wGO4ZWf7zHV8Yhw88ej9yCYUc/s1600/IMG_3263.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilling out on snow day last week</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEEJbxV33ULTVWptuYBLgQuNxvJag0QkDLONireY6Jl_iKcj95dPtfY3pUHx_fo_FhLoELB237PPqrLr8x2aY77uogpvaf8S628XQnRd-7Xqjbwtvws2djtQEEWutx199mneRuzXO858/s1600/IMG_3254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEEJbxV33ULTVWptuYBLgQuNxvJag0QkDLONireY6Jl_iKcj95dPtfY3pUHx_fo_FhLoELB237PPqrLr8x2aY77uogpvaf8S628XQnRd-7Xqjbwtvws2djtQEEWutx199mneRuzXO858/s1600/IMG_3254.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The parking lot to the zoo by our house.<br />I wasn't overly joyful about the snow itself, but <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-i-ate-during-snowmageddon-other.html" target="_blank">John being home this time</a><br />and taking an evening walk in the snow together were reasons to be joyful.</td></tr>
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<b>Sweet and Salty Granola</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsrcVoYF70lsDKeyYR4hK42JSIHF9Mf18FFMhbDkr8PyRGk78UKtTQADoUuJ8BXDds5-i-hpnijDnmrpC7zTXhryfrPiVtSCUk2XZDS7DdR1_iRngfZilzTxbuPiGgh9mL4zRQ7amczs/s1600/IMG_3269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsrcVoYF70lsDKeyYR4hK42JSIHF9Mf18FFMhbDkr8PyRGk78UKtTQADoUuJ8BXDds5-i-hpnijDnmrpC7zTXhryfrPiVtSCUk2XZDS7DdR1_iRngfZilzTxbuPiGgh9mL4zRQ7amczs/s1600/IMG_3269.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><i>I based this recipes off of <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/a-better-granola" target="_blank">Bon Appetit's granola</a> but then made it my own.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><i>Serves 12</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">3 cups oats</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">1 1/2 cups chopped nuts (I did a mix of walnuts, cashews, and almonds)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">1/4 cup pumpkin seeds</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">2 Tbsp. flax seeds</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">2 Tbsp. chia seeds</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">2 Tbsp. black sesame seeds</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">1 egg white, beaten</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">1/2 cup honey</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">1/4 cup warmed coconut oil</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">2 Tbsp. light brown sugar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">1 1/2 tsp. sea salt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">1 cup mix of raisins and golden raisins</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b>Preparation:</b></span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Preheat oven to 300 degrees.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Combine oats through sesame seeds in a large bowl. Add in egg white, honey, coconut oil, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. Toss to combine.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Spread out evenly on a rimmed baking sheet, sprayed with cooking spray.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Bake granola, stirring every 10 minutes, for 30 minutes or until granola is golden brown. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Remove from oven and let cool for 30 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Stir in raisins and store in an airtight container.</span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEql5y8J_HMgi7CttuESKJ1LCubBnfvPbzZbcZPoK6vZPE6vxh2S3fKoZBhKjOAm42thmIPEP8CHpxOMV1KB13tANGoafc2eYqmJTUfB4HMGRnkFpiCTPJL6vjyLA3dx9n8BHieHReCfM/s1600/Coffee-for-Your-Heart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEql5y8J_HMgi7CttuESKJ1LCubBnfvPbzZbcZPoK6vZPE6vxh2S3fKoZBhKjOAm42thmIPEP8CHpxOMV1KB13tANGoafc2eYqmJTUfB4HMGRnkFpiCTPJL6vjyLA3dx9n8BHieHReCfM/s1600/Coffee-for-Your-Heart.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today I'm linking up with Holley Gerth's<a href="http://holleygerth.com/coffee-for-your-heart-love" target="_blank"> Coffee for Your Heart </a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span>Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-35610874622610477132014-02-15T09:09:00.000-05:002014-02-15T09:09:02.562-05:00Twitterature: 3 book reviews, Twitter-styleSince the New Year, I've finished reading three incredible books in three very different genres. I recommend all of them, but if I had to choose, start reading <i>The Ocean at the End of Lane</i> now and you won't be able to put it down.<br />
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Today I'm linking up with <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/2014/02/twitterature-february-2014-edition/" target="_blank">Modern Mrs. Darcy's Twitterature</a>: book reviews Twitter-style.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkD5KkssqN8xgzjAk9y2AxQ-h7VQXaLRdnGyqgIQppUhGK3PTYl5fsYoUrO0aelOLuHcngK45-B4WBdjws4aNEqujUaFlZjkRSO6uA2f4sMXWYkJIAqSbJokw9HhHR9Y8cH7X_UITmOwA/s1600/ocean+at+the+end+of+the+lane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkD5KkssqN8xgzjAk9y2AxQ-h7VQXaLRdnGyqgIQppUhGK3PTYl5fsYoUrO0aelOLuHcngK45-B4WBdjws4aNEqujUaFlZjkRSO6uA2f4sMXWYkJIAqSbJokw9HhHR9Y8cH7X_UITmOwA/s1600/ocean+at+the+end+of+the+lane.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ocean-at-End-Lane-ebook/dp/B009NFHF0Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392389532&sr=8-1&keywords=ocean+at+the+end+of+the+lane" target="_blank">The Ocean at the End of the Lane</a></i> by Neil Gaiman </b><br />
<i>Genre: Adult Fantasy/Fairytale </i><br />
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Back at his childhood home, the narrator replays fantastical
adventures with his next-door neighbor. Leaves you thinking: what is reality? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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#AlreadyWantToReRead<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaWWKsDnFv-rTISGYjU7SIp0P9IsYem-fz-HJoVr6Tb0uygnA33UQLQ2nyXvcK0Zdd_MUJqCZoots92mjavM3WjXBZCWYDDtO5Pk1-LYN51sUZ4IfjGWF91B0tr6GZag_AzG735nSSSI/s1600/guernsey+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaWWKsDnFv-rTISGYjU7SIp0P9IsYem-fz-HJoVr6Tb0uygnA33UQLQ2nyXvcK0Zdd_MUJqCZoots92mjavM3WjXBZCWYDDtO5Pk1-LYN51sUZ4IfjGWF91B0tr6GZag_AzG735nSSSI/s1600/guernsey+book.jpg" height="200" width="143" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Guernsey-Literary-Potato-Peel-Society-ebook/dp/B0015DWJX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392396024&sr=8-1&keywords=the+guernsey+literary+and+potato+peel+society" target="_blank">The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society</a> by Mary Ann Shaffer</b><br />
<i>Genre: Historical Fiction/Epistolary Novel</i><br />
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An author visits her pen pal, finding quirky, book-loving
friends & a sobering perceptive of WWII’s German occupation of Guernsey
island.<br />
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#Charming #WantASequel<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Youre-Made-God-Sized-Dream-Opening-ebook/dp/B00AHY0TUA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392396819&sr=8-1&keywords=you%27re+made+for+a+god-sized+dream" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">You're Made for a God-Sized Dream</a><i> </i>by Holley Gerth</b><br />
<i>Genre: Christian Non-Fiction</i><br />
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Through encouraging words and memorable messages, you’ll discover
the big dreams God has planted in your heart & courage to pursue them.<br />
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<i>(Also- </i>You can print out questions and exercises to go along with the book from Holley Gerth's website.)<i> </i><br />
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<br />Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-40317464219317647262014-02-12T11:15:00.003-05:002014-02-12T11:15:39.786-05:00Do you rest after work or work out of rest? We wake up and immediately think, "I didn't get enough sleep." As we rush to get ready and head out the door, we're already thinking how there isn't enough time to get everything done that we need to do today. And it's only 9am. We live in what researcher <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/11/are-we-there-yet.html" target="_blank">Dr. Brene Brown calls a "culture of scarcity</a>."<br />
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There is never enough (whether time, money, accomplishments, etc.). And by default, <i>we</i> are never enough.<br />
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What if instead we changed our perspective?<br />
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<a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2014/02/encouraging-words-for-hard-day.html" target="_blank">On Saturday, I wrote about the need to shift our gaze and take in the whole picture</a> in order to gain a better representation of who we are and to recognize our growth. This perspective change is the same for other areas of our lives too.<br />
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What if instead of resting after you work because you're exhausted, you work out of your rest because you're energized? Author Ann Voskamp includes a <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/12/a-grace-plan-a-doable-life-change-plan-for-a-new-year-a-new-you-with-printable/" target="_blank">"daily stillness appointment" as a part of her 25 Point Sanity Manifesto for the New Year</a>. She says, "For 5 minutes midday, be still and cease striving... Slow down: You only pass by this way once."<br />
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It can appear to be merely semantics, but changing your perspective can result in noticeable differences. When my coaching clients set goals, I often have them reword their action steps to change the perspective from a negative to a positive.<br />
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For instance, do you have a daily thought of "I need sleep because I'm exhausted," or "I need to sit quietly because life is so chaotic"? These can be true statements, but what if you reworded them and said instead: "I am going to bed earlier so I can wake up energized for the day ahead. I am going to meditate because it will refocus me for the remainder of the day."<br />
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Rather than living out of never having enough energy or time or space to recharge, you live out of what do you have. You recognize that no matter what is going on in your life, you're going to be ok because <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2014/01/dont-let-your-to-do-list-define-you.html" target="_blank">you already are enough</a>.<br />
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Today, stop and consider: Are you fueled by what you lack and are rushing around, trying to make up for the deficiency of time, energy, money, etc?<br />
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Remind yourself:<br />
<a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-tree-in-snowstorm.html" target="_blank">You are not alone</a> in feeling this way.<br />
<a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2014/01/dont-let-your-to-do-list-define-you.html" target="_blank">You are more than your To Do list</a>.<br />
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You can dare to live out your dreams when you live out of the place in your heart that brings you energy and restores your soul.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdf_6UFkhdnDjwCsrtPdeOXrj5Oqh88eTOF-QWFr9SLd02rmZPNOQwbMg0gLK-vF2bPwFfNzqJ_JIpMOl74WSYNJv8V-ZBo6NKXfhyphenhyphenaTsc7kFlJWbO3aCo6Qn8wiLsy56r-am_kqFpT0/s1600/Coffee-for-Your-Heart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdf_6UFkhdnDjwCsrtPdeOXrj5Oqh88eTOF-QWFr9SLd02rmZPNOQwbMg0gLK-vF2bPwFfNzqJ_JIpMOl74WSYNJv8V-ZBo6NKXfhyphenhyphenaTsc7kFlJWbO3aCo6Qn8wiLsy56r-am_kqFpT0/s1600/Coffee-for-Your-Heart.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today I'm linking up with <a href="http://holleygerth.com/coffee-for-your-heart-love" target="_blank">Holley Gerth's Coffee for Your Heart</a></td></tr>
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<br />Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-55664647561384908152014-02-08T11:54:00.000-05:002014-02-08T12:03:44.924-05:00Encouraging words for a hard day<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The snow in my backyard melted in patches, the greenish brown turf poking through snowy footprints. I was amazed at how little snow had actually melted until I looked to the far right of our yard. Green grass with only remnants of yesterday's snowflakes spread across the yard.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This shift in perspective is similar to our development: In bits and pieces, part of the new you shines through the patches. If you only look at the covering - the parts of you that haven't changed into fertile ground for growth - your perspective would be wrong. You'd fail to see all of the new developments and areas of growth that have taken place inside of you.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Without looking at the whole picture, you limit your understanding of the truth.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When I am having a hard day, it's often because I'm only looking at snippets of a situation. I make blanket statements, like the snow blanketing the ground, about my lack of growth or how unfair a situation is or all the reasons something isn't right.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">At these moments, I need someone to remind me to step back and get the whole perspective. Where are the green patches, the opportunities, the things that are going right?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes others can see growth in you before you recognize it yourself. But other times people will make blanket statements or assumptions about you that don't take the whole you into account. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Remember: you are not others' perceptions of you. But you're not your own perception of yourself either. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Only our Maker, the one who is able to see the entire picture, the Alpha and the Omega, only He has the correct perception of you: Daughter or Son of King. Redeemed. You can see this whole picture when you realize you are made whole in Him.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As a <a href="http://shereadstruth.com/2014/02/02/living-hope/" target="_blank">She Reads Truth devotional states</a>, "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">It means I am a new creation, renewed daily by His grace and mercy." W</span>e're already a new creation yet we're also continually being made new.</span> Keep this encouraging picture in mind next time you're having trouble seeing the bright patches in your life.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.holleygerth.com/" target="_blank">Holley Gerth's</a> <a href="http://holleygerth.com/coffee-for-your-heart-love/" target="_blank">Coffee for Your Heart</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c4d4f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"><em><br /></em></span>Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-72988958188823792282014-02-03T13:32:00.002-05:002014-02-03T14:02:42.096-05:00What I ate during #snowmageddon & other adventures With the temperature getting to 60 degrees today, it's hard to believe that almost a week ago my backyard was covered in snow. Thankfully, last Tuesday, I got back from the grocery store just before the snow started in Atlanta, so I hunkered down inside and weathered the storm fine.<br />
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John was in Memphis last Tuesday for what was supposed to be an up and back business trip. When his return flight got cancelled, he and his coworkers tried to drive back. After getting to Birmingham and realizing there was no way they would get home in "snowmageddon," they turned around and drove to the nearest hotel that had available rooms, which landed them in Athens, Alabama. Thursday afternoon he made it home safely, and we were just thankful he was "stranded" in a hotel and not on the road for 20 hours like many people. Despite John having no change of clothes and using whatever toiletries the hotel had on hand, we weathered the storm just fine. (<a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2014/01/frozen-pipes-fit-friday-circuit-training.html" target="_blank">And no frozen or burst pipes</a> this time either: success!)<br />
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On Wednesday, I ventured outside with some friends and went sledding in the park with their Flying Saucer. It was lots of fun, evidenced by my smile in the picture below. Though not being able to steer, I ran into a tree about three times... all part of the adventure!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to hit the tree...</td></tr>
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Since I was stuck at home alone, I made two hearty meals that lasted me the week. One was a variation of my avocado quinoa, which is a staple in our house and a favorite of John's. Once John returned, I served this with cod topped with a salsa. The other was a sweet potato and butternut squash sweet and spicy stew.<br />
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Before I get to the recipes, the other notable occurrence in our life was watching Chuck, our great friend from middle/high school, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7L5QByvXOQ" target="_blank">get recognized in a Super Bowl commercial!</a> Budweiser threw Chuck a surprise parade and celebration for his homecoming from serving in Afghanistan as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7L5QByvXOQ" target="_blank">John even made a cameo in the commercial around second 28</a>... so I suppose even though <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2014/01/frozen-pipes-fit-friday-circuit-training.html" target="_blank">he wasn't home the week our pipes froze/burst</a>, it was all worth it since he was in Orlando at that time, attending Chuck's homecoming parade! I can't think of a better person for Budweiser to have surprised and honored than Chuck. He is truly inspirational, a wonderful friend, and an incredible leader. We're all so glad to have him back home! Check out this <a href="http://video.foxnews.com/v/3145080322001/budweiser-gives-soldier-a-welcome-home-in-ad/#sp=show-clips" target="_blank">Fox News interview of Chuck</a> to see his genuine humility.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John's one second of fame :)</td></tr>
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Now onto the recipes...<br />
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<b>Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Sweet and Spicy Stew</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I baked gluten free bread, which was an excellent addition for the stew.</td></tr>
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<i>Serves 6</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
3 small sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
1 - 2 Tbsp. olive oil</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
Salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs to taste</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
1 onion, sliced</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
1 Tbsp. olive oil</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
2 cloves minced garlic</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
1 jalapeno, diced with seeds</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
1 cup red lentils</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
2 cups chicken broth</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
2 Tbsp. sunflower seed butter (or peanut butter)</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
1 -2 cups kale</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
1/2 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
Fresh cilantro for topping</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
<b>Preparation:</b></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
<ol>
<li>Heat oven to 400 degrees. Toss sweet potatoes and butternut squash with olive oil and salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs, to taste. You want enough to top each piece but not be covered. Lay out sweet potato mixture onto a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, stirring after 15 minutes.</li>
<li>While sweet potato mixture roasts, heat a Dutch oven over low-medium heat. Add in olive oil and onion. Caramelize the onion for 25 minutes or until browned.</li>
<li>Remove sweet potato mixture from oven and let rest. Add in garlic and jalapeno to onions. Stir for 1 minute. </li>
<li>Add in lentils and chicken broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and cover. Let lentils simmer until softened, about 12 minutes. </li>
<li>Add in sunflower seed butter and stir to combine into soup. Add in kale and chickpeas, stirring until kale wilts. Add in sweet potato mixture. </li>
<li>Let simmer for 10 minutes then remove from heat. Top each serving with fresh cilantro. </li>
</ol>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Avocado Quinoa</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2012/07/diet-is-dirty-word-summer-edition.html" target="_blank">I've been making this recipe for a while now</a>, but the version below is my new and improved recipe.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGQy8YucFR02GOziv6aT67v8dnMdJDVBKtQNQAqET3ZS-SMddOeDH64A322lwXCfL4_fGZIf4M3Hk1p_69CevZf3Nq8NvNC3czPwvO1u5-NUs_f3-5Otdo9zb-0vE-rxiKg0IBsTkqXc/s1600/cod+and+avocado+quinoa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGQy8YucFR02GOziv6aT67v8dnMdJDVBKtQNQAqET3ZS-SMddOeDH64A322lwXCfL4_fGZIf4M3Hk1p_69CevZf3Nq8NvNC3czPwvO1u5-NUs_f3-5Otdo9zb-0vE-rxiKg0IBsTkqXc/s1600/cod+and+avocado+quinoa.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Serves 6</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 1/2 cups quinoa </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 cups water</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 small avocados, mashed</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tomato, chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 green onions, chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 red onion, chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 bunches cilantro</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 jalapenos, diced and with seeds</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Juice of 1 lime</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dash of paprika</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sea salt and pepper to taste</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Preparation:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li>Rinse quinoa under cold water. Cook quinoa in 3 cups of water according to package instructions.</li>
<li>Once quinoa is done, remove from heat and into a bowl. Add in avocados, mashing with a fork to combine into the quinoa. Mix until quinoa is coated and avocado is fully mashed.</li>
<li>Add in remaining ingredients, expect spices. Stir together. Add in spices, tasting as you go until it's the right saltiness/spiciness. </li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Cod with Yellow Pepper Salsa</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Serves 4</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4 cod fillets</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 cup corn meal</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Salt and pepper</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Tbsp. dijon mustard</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Tbsp. maple syrup</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 Tbsp. olive oil</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 yellow pepper, diced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 cucumber, peeled and diced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 onion, diced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Juice of half lime</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 tsp. olive oil</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Salt and pepper to taste</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cilantro for topping</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Preparation:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix salt and pepper (to taste) with cornmeal in a shallow bowl. Coat cod pieces with cornmeal mixture. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and put cod onto the baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until done and cod flakes easily with a fork.</li>
<li>While fish cooks, whisk together dijon, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. </li>
<li>In a separate bowl, combine yellow pepper, cucumber, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil, lime juice, and salt/pepper to taste. Toss to coat.</li>
<li>When fish is done, place a fillet on each plate and drizzle each fish with dijon dressing. Top with salsa and fresh cilantro.</li>
</ol>
</div>
<br />
<br />Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-20653504648626362652014-01-29T08:09:00.000-05:002014-01-29T08:09:03.738-05:00A tree in a snowstorm On the tree outside my window, squirrels jump onto snowy limbs and a cardinal perches just long enough to collect white dots on its red feathers. The tree's trunk divides the white landscape in two and its branches stretch into the snow-speckled sky. For a Florida girl (an even for a now-Atlanta girl) this is a scene to soak in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8O9hBXK6EFc7bfkCrhWkU2VPCVeAmBLl63BG8o72KhBOnsv8lJPh_0fLrx4dY1oSBJ791DPNxR1DObjwDJGCr69nMJTtepaq73NERHlYaGZAJpmSCkAlnli-tqcD_Noruvvmz5gcHuw/s1600/winter+tree+b:w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8O9hBXK6EFc7bfkCrhWkU2VPCVeAmBLl63BG8o72KhBOnsv8lJPh_0fLrx4dY1oSBJ791DPNxR1DObjwDJGCr69nMJTtepaq73NERHlYaGZAJpmSCkAlnli-tqcD_Noruvvmz5gcHuw/s1600/winter+tree+b:w.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In the nearby park, parents show little ones snow for the first time. Children (and adults!) sled down the same hills that I ran over the day before. Yet here in our backyard, the quietness of this beautiful landscape almost feels lonely. <br />
<br />
It's often the same feeling when you're <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2014/01/wisdom-from-chocolate-how-you-spend.html" target="_blank">pursuing a dream</a>. When there's lots swirling around you, the chaos can be disorienting. Standing strong like the tree in a snowstorm sometimes feel solitary.<br />
<br />
I want to encourage you today that you're not alone.<br />
<br />
Whatever dreams are tugging at your heart are there for a reason. The road will be bumpy but just take it all in. See the beauty in the chaos. Reach out your limbs and share your dreams with those close to you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdVKSpgqc0SC_9k02_9gr1gAqtxagw9OulAnQHutTOvE-kzC5Bm0RdlJf4E7JtzsjkO2YJcsdnGXv3DpqiHp7uUB_BnbyWgvOSfqJ1T9foJaTs4v5jWuEUAj4XZrC4C_pKaD2DLAaRbY/s1600/winter+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdVKSpgqc0SC_9k02_9gr1gAqtxagw9OulAnQHutTOvE-kzC5Bm0RdlJf4E7JtzsjkO2YJcsdnGXv3DpqiHp7uUB_BnbyWgvOSfqJ1T9foJaTs4v5jWuEUAj4XZrC4C_pKaD2DLAaRbY/s1600/winter+tree.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And let the Light illuminate whatever covering you're hiding behind. Keep soul-ly stretching toward your One focus. He planted that dream in your heart, and others will rejoice in seeing the Ultimate Dreamer in you.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzpRDxf-kc-GVTQWszfwfZ6Yc3bpabzwkJuWuryzSCeoNMPSL1BnjN5P8SZTLiZzWBgjQpKt472GXTx0CH4Mwi2naQuM6kEp5H4NgMzJbhfwtMXbrW4s_oHSUyzT5dHw2ar6Yc2U71Ws/s1600/Coffee-for-Your-Heart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzpRDxf-kc-GVTQWszfwfZ6Yc3bpabzwkJuWuryzSCeoNMPSL1BnjN5P8SZTLiZzWBgjQpKt472GXTx0CH4Mwi2naQuM6kEp5H4NgMzJbhfwtMXbrW4s_oHSUyzT5dHw2ar6Yc2U71Ws/s1600/Coffee-for-Your-Heart.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today I'm linking up with <a href="http://holleygerth.com/coffee-for-your-heart-love/" target="_blank">Holley Gerth's Coffee for your Heart</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-83295159086500779902014-01-23T14:22:00.002-05:002014-01-23T14:22:16.424-05:00Warms meals, cold nights: 2 new recipesOut of <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/12/best-books-of-2013-spiritual.html" target="_blank">one of my favorite books of last year</a> came one of my favorite recipes so far for this year.<br />
<br />
Shauna Niequist's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bread-Wine-Letter-Recipes-ebook/dp/B008EGV68M" target="_blank">Bread & Wine</a> recipe for Real Simple Cassoulet cannot be beat. I wasn't even sure what a cassoulet was before I started making it, so John and I were curious to see how it'd turn out. It ended up being a delicious, hearty, sweet dish that is perfect for a cold night. It's easy enough to make, serves a lot, and would even be a wonderful dish to serve for a casual, winter dinner party. Here's my take on it:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvTt6lwi8Cs5t5Mup1UlcLg4q0beSanFf8RrVNwN9sMvURBkB6wi6lcmyoNx_GYxyWP1GGn7f_DDnN4QZLQmcye4FXaOrKTudlfXLmwVnhm5gjluSSKMoz1yucYyng6CVUxRAhhbcEnQ/s1600/cassoulet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvTt6lwi8Cs5t5Mup1UlcLg4q0beSanFf8RrVNwN9sMvURBkB6wi6lcmyoNx_GYxyWP1GGn7f_DDnN4QZLQmcye4FXaOrKTudlfXLmwVnhm5gjluSSKMoz1yucYyng6CVUxRAhhbcEnQ/s1600/cassoulet.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFxsIMMTc3iNtJVca-7WahEybzNaS9VjR7bJCTUCclHa4kMVWwp3qoGvMS-d4n2gEA98u49MVlfKoxhoDMQnBxLPQHUCGGEd_RN1w9kWSJ0gtaPp7QZY4WqrYK3ZClRcKi0EBtV65tBQ/s1600/cassoulet+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFxsIMMTc3iNtJVca-7WahEybzNaS9VjR7bJCTUCclHa4kMVWwp3qoGvMS-d4n2gEA98u49MVlfKoxhoDMQnBxLPQHUCGGEd_RN1w9kWSJ0gtaPp7QZY4WqrYK3ZClRcKi0EBtV65tBQ/s1600/cassoulet+2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>My take on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bread-Wine-Letter-Around-Recipes/dp/0310328179/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0" target="_blank">Bread & Wine's Real Simple Cassoulet</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Tbsp. olive oil</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4 links pre-cooked Italian chicken sausage (my favorite is Trader Joe's), chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 1/2 cups chicken broth</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 onion, thinly sliced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 carrots, peeled and diced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 parsnips, peeled and diced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tomato, chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Tbsp. tomato paste</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tsp dried thyme</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp sea salt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/8 tsp pepper</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 cloves garlic, minced and divided</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 cup gluten-free bread crumbs</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 cup parsley, chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 Tbsp. European butter, melted</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Preparation:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li>Heat a dutch oven over medium-low heat, add olive oil and onions, stirring occasionally until they are almost caramelized. </li>
<li>Once onions are done, add the sausage, chicken broth, vegetables, beans, thyme, salt, pepper, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Bring to a boil.</li>
<li>Reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.</li>
<li>Heat oven to 400 degrees while cassoulet simmers. </li>
<li>In a bowl combine the bread crumbs, parsley, butter, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over top of cassoulet.</li>
<li>Place cassoulet in oven and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until top is golden.</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For Christmas, I received the new <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/book/" target="_blank">Smitten Kitchen</a> cookbook, which has gorgeous photos. Some of the recipes seem a little complex at first glance, but the one below is very easy and tasty. It was the first one from the cookbook that I tried, and it's a keeper. While Smitten Kitchen's photo is so much more beautiful, these tacos were still delicious!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmjqHf5QHD-NSCKpgmCR5_Tt1tqoh0xyngeSnJSmwZKK3Qitu10lonsog2y1EjNTO9BjyoLZOgyeEWecBE_HJ7Z1LJRz-NYWWIX_oW_WAl7D4OU6gmSHdDJHO96dJLAV1siRUoSkjJGY/s1600/spaghetti+squash+tacos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmjqHf5QHD-NSCKpgmCR5_Tt1tqoh0xyngeSnJSmwZKK3Qitu10lonsog2y1EjNTO9BjyoLZOgyeEWecBE_HJ7Z1LJRz-NYWWIX_oW_WAl7D4OU6gmSHdDJHO96dJLAV1siRUoSkjJGY/s1600/spaghetti+squash+tacos.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>My take on <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/book/" target="_blank">Smitten Kitchen</a>'s Spaghetti Squash and Black Bean Tacos</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 large spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeds scooped out</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Juice from 1 lime</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tsp chili powder</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp ground cumin</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp ground coriander</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp sea salt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Corn tortillas</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 cup chicken broth</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dash of cayenne pepper</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 link precooked Trader Joe's jalapeno chicken sausage, diced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 cup white onion, diced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4 ounces crumbled queso fresco, optional</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Preparation:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ol>
<li>Heat oven to 375 degrees. Place squash, halved side down, on an oiled baking sheet. Cook for 40 minutes or until done (soft enough to scoop insides out).</li>
<li>While squash cooks, add beans, onion, sausage, chicken broth and a dash of cayenne, pepper, and salt to a pot. Let simmer, covered, until softened about 20 minutes.</li>
<li>Once squash is done, let it cool slightly then using a fork, scrape the squash flesh into a bowl. Discard the skin.</li>
<li>Wisk lime juice, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and salt together in a small bowl. Pour over squash and toss together to coat.</li>
<li>Assemble tacos by placing beans, squash, cheese, and cilantro on top of tortillas. </li>
</ol>
</div>
Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-36347588979645535942014-01-22T09:47:00.001-05:002014-01-22T09:47:18.996-05:00Wisdom from a chocolate: How you spend your days determines how you live your dreamsIf you're a Dove {dark} chocolate lover like me, you know the excitement of unwrapping the chocolate, careful not to tear the tin foil. The chocolate is creamy, rich, and delicious and the message on the wrapper makes the sweetness linger a little bit longer... even if most of the messages are a tad dramatic or trite.<br />
<br />
Yet as I savored a Dove chocolate the other day, the wrapper's message stood out. It simply stated,<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"Engage, embrace, enjoy."</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaERGR4qExJvZiLPyOGERyDFhHdnlJurZoMf67bLjxXQtNKtyQha0ausALEYv1yNrUh9qmY0PF3wkZ4CDxREjEs_poVGMMzGEqt5ziVl2JNTIk2_cRW5gBc0aLRjm7t7YwdhoVcP0Pw0/s1600/dove+chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaERGR4qExJvZiLPyOGERyDFhHdnlJurZoMf67bLjxXQtNKtyQha0ausALEYv1yNrUh9qmY0PF3wkZ4CDxREjEs_poVGMMzGEqt5ziVl2JNTIk2_cRW5gBc0aLRjm7t7YwdhoVcP0Pw0/s1600/dove+chocolate.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
It caught my attention because it included my blog's namesake, but then I began thinking how the message actually included some wisdom. I love when unexpected people, places, or things reveal something to you.<br />
<br />
I think the saying stood out because at this time I was setting up the dream jar that I received for Christmas. <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2014/01/my-2-themes-for-2014.html" target="_blank">I was considering my focus for the New Year</a> and how I wanted to be intentional with my days because how you spend your days determines how you live your dreams.<br />
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<b><i>Engage.</i> </b> What dreams for your life have been planted in your heart? How do you desire to add value to this world?<br />
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<ul>
<li>First engage yourself with those ideas. Why do you have these dreams? </li>
<li>Then engage others. Who can help you with your dream? Who can you bring on board to your vision so that it becomes their own as well? Who can hold you accountable to the work that will precede the dream? </li>
<li>Next, engage your calendar. How will this dream come about? What daily or weekly actions do you need to take to realize your dream?</li>
</ul>
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<b style="font-style: italic;">Embrace.</b> If you're like me, I have many dreams that I feel drawn toward. Which one(s) are you going to embrace right now? Some dreams are for a season so which one is for <i>this</i> season in your life? </div>
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<ul>
<li>Remember, even though it's your dream, it won't always be easy. Be embraced by the journey.</li>
<li>Remember why you're pursuing your dream. Keep your focus on the reason (the past journey that led you to the dream) and on the vision (the future journey where you are headed). This focus will keep you motivated in the present.</li>
</ul>
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<i><b>Enjoy.</b> </i>Since we live in a broken world, paths to your dream will be blocked. People will oppose your ideas. This confusion can often lead to doubt, which can produce despair. Instead:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Celebrate the successes along the way. One practice that I want to implement is a time of reflection at the end of every week. Marking your accomplishments (however small) will prevent time from blurring together and will show you what traction you are making toward your dream. </li>
<li>Celebrate that you<i> get</i> to work toward your dream. Be grateful for the opportunity to<a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2014/01/my-2-themes-for-2014.html" target="_blank"> dare greatly</a>.</li>
</ul>
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<div>
Being fully <b>engaged</b> toward a dream, <b>embracing</b> it as your own, and <b>enjoying</b> the roller coaster journey will make you stand out in only the best way possible. Because not many people have the courage to embark on a journey after their dream. Many will stop halfway. But your engagement with and excitement over your dream radiates through you, and this makes you beautiful.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJbGCMSkk5BovbGnPNJ26PToS0cE7PsnPXL_uxzyONIox-IhOpgasB2GEc42GGHrOlzc8mEPhBTjx-xHuXFbwNdiG7t3_ahn1uEC48J472qJ973r4HL_GOcE_tfRhrOI4iNT9tJ68X84/s1600/Coffee-for-Your-Heart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJbGCMSkk5BovbGnPNJ26PToS0cE7PsnPXL_uxzyONIox-IhOpgasB2GEc42GGHrOlzc8mEPhBTjx-xHuXFbwNdiG7t3_ahn1uEC48J472qJ973r4HL_GOcE_tfRhrOI4iNT9tJ68X84/s1600/Coffee-for-Your-Heart.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today I'm linking up with Holley Gerth's <a href="http://holleygerth.com/coffee-for-your-heart-love/" target="_blank">Coffee for Your Heart</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-3791574679265113132014-01-15T13:34:00.002-05:002014-01-15T13:36:25.854-05:00Don't let your To Do list define you<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As I was reviewing some coaching blogs this morning, I <a href="http://coachfederation.org/blog/index.php/1806/" target="_blank">came across a question</a> that I thought would trigger some interesting discussions: "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">If I gave you an extra hour every day, what would you do with it?"</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When I try to answer this question for myself, I get overwhelmed. There is so much I'd want to fit into an extra hour every day. Part of this dilemma is probably attributed to my top strength on StrengthsFinder 2.0 being Achiever. I derive a lot of satisfaction from being busy and productive. This is the double-edged sword of your strengths. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">With an extra hour, I'd see more friends throughout the week, I'd write in my journal every day, I'd experiment with more recipes, I'd brainstorm ideas for a book, I'd go on a date night with John, I'd have our neighbors over for dinner...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">All of these things are good and are pursuits that I desire to fit into my schedule in 2014. But I can't possibly fit all this into one hour, or one day for that matter.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYaCmzTi4k3oTYsZ-dkG06IXK0dBqbuBzJSzWU3qPS1wEJ-Ja-kqbPtbqtmxEFl5nlmS6mYEwae4_iNWkv9umc5w8ssVBXAAUIv1iIKbYoSQW72yVfU0ggvH4rc7e293g7gx3LxXksLU/s1600/youareloved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYaCmzTi4k3oTYsZ-dkG06IXK0dBqbuBzJSzWU3qPS1wEJ-Ja-kqbPtbqtmxEFl5nlmS6mYEwae4_iNWkv9umc5w8ssVBXAAUIv1iIKbYoSQW72yVfU0ggvH4rc7e293g7gx3LxXksLU/s320/youareloved.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">This simple question made me pause to consider my response to how I do spend the hours I have during they day. Oftentimes, if </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I don't accomplish all of the things on my list, I feel like I haven't made progress on my goals. The start to 2014 has felt like a whirlwind, and I've noticed this thinking creeping in. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-holidays-in-13-pictures.html" target="_blank">After returning from Florida</a>, I needed to get the house in order, organize, put away Christmas decorations, and start making plans for leading my small group, catching up with friends I hadn't seen, and spending time with John. I also wanted to <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2014/01/my-2-themes-for-2014.html" target="_blank">stay on top of my goals</a>, make progress on my business, and intentionally write more. These are all things that I enjoy, but I felt overwhelmed with my growing To Do list. Then the <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2014/01/frozen-pipes-fit-friday-circuit-training.html" target="_blank">freeze and broken pipe hit</a>, putting everything on pause for most of the week. So this week feels like playing catch up instead of being proactive. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">But then I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://holleygerth.com/youre-loved-coffee-for-your-heart/" target="_blank">read this from Holley Gert</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://holleygerth.com/youre-loved-coffee-for-your-heart/" target="_blank">h</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">: "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">You can be free from continually pursuing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><i>more </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">and yet never feeling like enough." </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">And I wanted to encourage you (because I need to give myself this encouragement!) that you - and I - are more than a To Do list. I think it's <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2014/01/my-2-themes-for-2014.html" target="_blank">important to set goals</a> and track your progress, and in fact I wrote a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://studentlaunchpad.com/blog/2014/01/15/goals-into-action/" target="_blank">blog post about this today over at Student Launch Pad</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">. But tracking your progress doesn't mean you should be defined by your productivity. Measuring your progress helps you stay on top of your goals that will hopefully lead to a transformed life. But you are not the measure of your progress and shouldn't measure yourself based on how much you accomplish in a given day. Again, I'm writing this more for it to sink into my own soul and to fully remember that you and I are deeply loved. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Neither accomplishments or lack of accomplishments can add to or subtract from that love.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRjXkt8k-R_eYqrwRlQImEUB9F9f3lPlp7NnmmVohidpiK8enC4i9QnNVlsY0Xj-lln1xsm3ALcajhp9bcQSjxX_CzMcDHm32Gw7rorB5O3gBUI_MFtN3uqxIETSmfrz97sAk1wEt9Uc/s1600/Coffee-for-Your-Heart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRjXkt8k-R_eYqrwRlQImEUB9F9f3lPlp7NnmmVohidpiK8enC4i9QnNVlsY0Xj-lln1xsm3ALcajhp9bcQSjxX_CzMcDHm32Gw7rorB5O3gBUI_MFtN3uqxIETSmfrz97sAk1wEt9Uc/s1600/Coffee-for-Your-Heart.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today I'm linking up with Holley Gerth's <a href="http://holleygerth.com/coffee-for-your-heart-love/" target="_blank">Coffee for Your Heart</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-90327538969810030092014-01-10T13:01:00.001-05:002014-01-10T13:01:19.014-05:00Frozen Pipes & Fit Friday Circuit TrainingLike most of the country (except Florida I'm looking at you!), Atlanta had freezing temperatures this week. With John out of town, I relied a lot on the generosity of neighbors and friends (and my dad on what he started calling the "Home Helpline") to deal with frozen pipes. When one burst underneath our house, friends came to the rescue to help me turn our water off (thankfully Dad had told me what tool I needed to buy ahead of time). Another friend let me shower at her house and everyone was offering their assistance, homes etc. I'm so blessed by our community here!<br />
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With John calling our builder, the plumbers who did our house originally were able to come repair the pipe that day. Since I had a class that evening, my next door neighbor stayed up until 11pm after I got home to help me turn my water back on and test everything out. I'm happy to report that as of now everything is working properly and there seems to be no damage! Plus, I'm very thankful that John is home now too!<br />
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Although I had no time to exercise while dealing with the house issues, this cold weather in general has encouraged me to switch my workout routine to the indoors. Plus, I received some awesome workout equipment for Christmas! Take a look at my workout room below, updated with an exercise bench, kettlebell, new shoes, a bosu ball, and new workout DVDs.<br />
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To test out my new bench, bosu ball, and kettlebell I did the following workout:<br />
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Here are links or explanations to the exercises:<br />
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<b>Side to side bench steps: </b>Stand with left leg on bench. Reach right leg to the right to touch the ground. Swing right leg behind standing leg to touch the ground on the left side of the bench. That equals 1 rep. Repeat on the same leg for 12 times then switch legs.<br />
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<b>Lunges with bicep curl: </b>Lunge forward on your right foot while curling your bicep. Step left foot forward to lunge with the left leg while curling your bicep. Repeat 15 times per leg.<br />
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<a href="http://fitnessista.com/2011/12/focus-on-stability-balls/" target="_blank"><b>Push up and curl in on stability ball</b> </a>- Watch the first video on this link. I added a roll-in after the push-up by drawing my knees toward my chest then rolling the ball back into pushup position.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBudvRkPGAw" target="_blank">Step up on bench with shoulder press</a> </b>- I left the curl out and went straight to the shoulder press<br />
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<b><a href="http://woldfitness.com/2010/11/kettlebell-exercises/" target="_blank">Kettlebell bench row</a> </b>- The second exercise on this link.<br />
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<b><a href="http://fitnessista.com/2011/12/focus-on-stability-balls/" target="_blank">Glute roll-in on stability ball</a></b> - Fourth video on this link.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qevCUk6HikU" target="_blank">Swimmer on bosu ball</a></b><br />
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I hope everyone is staying warm and has a wonderful weekend!<br />
<br />Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-45365959389964451272014-01-08T13:35:00.001-05:002014-01-08T13:35:29.881-05:00My 2 Themes for 2014<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Last January, I chose the words <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/01/whos-telling-your-story.html" target="_blank">Grace and Courage</a> to guide my year. Those words were nudged towards me until I took notice and embraced them as a defining narrative for my life. Throughout ups and downs of 2013, it was humbling to continue going back to those two words until they steeped inside of me. Little did I know how much I would rely on the encouragement and truth that they offered,<a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/03/practicing-presence.html" target="_blank"> especially as John and I battled through his health issues last year</a>.</span><br />
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<!--StartFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As I was reading an Advent devotional last month, I felt the Spirit
prompting me toward two new themes for 2014. Remembering how much I relied on my Grace and Courage words from last year, I was hesitant to entirely jump on board with two new lessons. And yet, here I am declaring 2014 as the year to “Pray Big” and “Dare Greatly.”</span><br />
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Dare Greatly</span></u></b><br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></b>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The theme to "Dare Greatly" is influenced by <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/12/best-books-of-2013-series.html" target="_blank">my favorite book of last year, <i>Daring Greatly</i></a>. And ironically it is very connected to my word "Courage" from last year. As author Brene Brown says, "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Daring greatly is not about winning or losing. It's about courage." </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Then when I read <a href="http://holleygerth.com/you-can-handle-whatever/" target="_blank">Holley Gerth's first Coffee for Your Heart prompt</a>, I knew these were the encouraging words that I wanted</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"> the people I care about (<i>you!</i>) to hear as they begin a new year. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxsZZMUG0lXqp4bTzZpPdmmrURXoodJ2XHbdsxpyc7T_WQNrbNUH0bOTIEVoOTDU6wqAsUhjwP2zpsc2x8C8K27sdzpmYWQNURdEpfj8ZdUexqpxZRZa2Uucn13mtQ6imLLmdCGwjU5I/s1600/Coffee-for-Your-Heart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxsZZMUG0lXqp4bTzZpPdmmrURXoodJ2XHbdsxpyc7T_WQNrbNUH0bOTIEVoOTDU6wqAsUhjwP2zpsc2x8C8K27sdzpmYWQNURdEpfj8ZdUexqpxZRZa2Uucn13mtQ6imLLmdCGwjU5I/s1600/Coffee-for-Your-Heart.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm linking up with Holley Gerth's <a href="http://holleygerth.com/coffee-for-your-heart-love/" target="_blank">Coffee for Your Heart</a><br /></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Daring greatly in this new year doesn’t mean that I have to embark
on a grand adventure in the world’s eyes. Instead, by intentionally seeking
more of what God already has planned for me day-by-day, I will live His great
adventure. As Holley Gerth says in her book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You’re
Made for a God-Sized Dream</i>, “It’s not about what you do as much as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">how </i>you do it. It’s about pursuing life
with passion and purpose and going with God wherever he leads.” </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What about you? Do you dare to grow in your desire for the
daily adventures that God is calling you to? </div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">I want to encourage you today that wherever you are in life and wherever you spend your day, you can <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/11/are-we-there-yet.html" target="_blank">dare greatly right where you are</a>. Join me in <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/11/are-we-there-yet.html" target="_blank">pursuing vulnerability</a> over fear. In <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/11/are-we-there-yet.html" target="_blank">knowing your worth</a>. In believing that <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/11/are-we-there-yet.html" target="_blank">you are enough</a>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">If we truly showed up everyday believing that we are enough, we could be excited about our daily opportunity to dare greatly. The journey would become a daily destination in and of itself in pursuit of ways to love others boldly and follow where the Spirit leads <i>right where you are.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm starting to decorate my nook space upstairs. Welcome to my little writing area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7muqW_yO56pCd3KV5iI35VV7HbvchCAzernVL3JVnghZNVIFXYIzjVqM2IaD6BsyFrRx9wq_hC4Z6K6OYdBx0Wy3DTGJN2P819L5yvv-zYCCx_aYfW_wVNNe0520XKI6LZttEFVI8xRU/s1600/quote+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7muqW_yO56pCd3KV5iI35VV7HbvchCAzernVL3JVnghZNVIFXYIzjVqM2IaD6BsyFrRx9wq_hC4Z6K6OYdBx0Wy3DTGJN2P819L5yvv-zYCCx_aYfW_wVNNe0520XKI6LZttEFVI8xRU/s1600/quote+wall.jpg" height="134" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above my writing desk, I've hung these quotes to reinforce my two themes.<br />Part of praying big will be <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2014/01/scripture-memorization-for-the-rest-of-us-the-jesus-project-memoryproject2014/" target="_blank">memorizing Scripture with Ann Voskamp's project</a>.<br />The other quotes are from <a href="http://holleygerth.com/free-words/" target="_blank">Holley Gerth</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Pray Big</span></u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">For me, I know that I can’t dare to follow the dreams God has for me without
lifting up big prayers. I can't dare to love my neighbors, seek mercy and justice for the city of Atlanta, and joyfully work every day without praying big. Consider joining me in this too? And we can watch the powerful results when we take steps of faith, dare to believe we're already enough, and step out on this incredible journey.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What is your theme for this year? </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">For a step-by-step process on how to turn your themes into goals and your goals into daily actionable habits, <a href="http://studentlaunchpad.com/blog/2014/01/06/theme-2014/" target="_blank">read my Student Launch Pad blog post here</a>. </span></i></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-45037381601661115122014-01-02T16:47:00.001-05:002014-01-02T16:52:53.512-05:00The holidays in 13 pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Before I write about my dreams for 2014, I want to reflect on the blessings of this holiday season. I spent 12 days in Florida (hence being MIA from this blog) and think it's always important to pause and be thankful before diving ahead into the new year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our Christmas season started off better than last year's because we went straight to Lowe's for our Christmas tree instead of risking getting another "Devil Tree." (If you don't know what I'm referring to, then you can <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2012/12/oh-christmas-tree-take-two.html" target="_blank">read about last year's debacle here</a>.) We also had a fun White Elephant party with the funniest gift award going to our friend Will, who blew up photos of John's and my faces from 9th grade Homecoming and put them on ornaments. A close second was a life-size knight made of tin... it was a fun night! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before our White Elephant party, posing in front of our tree that is still standing: success!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura, me, Caitlin, and Amy <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The funniest gift</td></tr>
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<div>
When John and I headed home, our time in Orlando was filled with family and friends, including many annual traditions such as candy making with Grandma Shack, a Shackelford family/friend reunion complete with an intense volleyball match, singing Christmas carols with Dad playing the piano, and riding in the truck bed to see the lights on Christmas Eve. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candy making with Amy and Claire</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post candy making with Grandma Shack</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bundled up before the truck ride</td></tr>
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<div>
In addition to these traditions, we also had an incredibly fun night celebrating my 25th birthday (early) with a lot of high school friends. It was wonderful that so many friends were in town and that our families could be a part of the celebration too! The next day, I took Mom to the Orlando Ballet Nutcracker for her Christmas gift, and we enjoyed a nice dinner beforehand.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With John and Emma before my birthday dinner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDfrapZcLYvDb_gXXCJZKUnB9qes1GHLHyUzXVwbaVn0MxWqWVX6e6pgUBG9_yDltWEnFHcLImUl8oTlnA-40UcB3BMXCEz84BRZthdrTRKKJrU4Wi4giyM6f17RgH7lpGCyPaxthRBw/s1600/DSC00559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDfrapZcLYvDb_gXXCJZKUnB9qes1GHLHyUzXVwbaVn0MxWqWVX6e6pgUBG9_yDltWEnFHcLImUl8oTlnA-40UcB3BMXCEz84BRZthdrTRKKJrU4Wi4giyM6f17RgH7lpGCyPaxthRBw/s320/DSC00559.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wonderful reunion of old friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeeGDD1rK86MQPmRDPaiKdE6IOvq9W8FZsjSXpfhSzDkHRT2hqOQPI0ohmgFOfYEyf1jbtq1FA9XC_j5QscfCMQd-hom-XEGEBro_mQDdqMS2phtT1w0adRcV36Xgn6gfUQdU5YFGffg/s1600/DSC00564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeeGDD1rK86MQPmRDPaiKdE6IOvq9W8FZsjSXpfhSzDkHRT2hqOQPI0ohmgFOfYEyf1jbtq1FA9XC_j5QscfCMQd-hom-XEGEBro_mQDdqMS2phtT1w0adRcV36Xgn6gfUQdU5YFGffg/s320/DSC00564.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So blessed to have amazing parents and in-laws!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhfYCgJULA7Q1dVYFDwerH50zruZwbNLmCLNgIuSU0IydQvAUm0C_X585_yKJxrDhVX6duRGMbALXRRjtAVi3mUgqKIiH80odrVlolQrtSCmMcaG1FBHDcMCUb8MruGyN2TZaUvSYEM0/s1600/IMG_2948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhfYCgJULA7Q1dVYFDwerH50zruZwbNLmCLNgIuSU0IydQvAUm0C_X585_yKJxrDhVX6duRGMbALXRRjtAVi3mUgqKIiH80odrVlolQrtSCmMcaG1FBHDcMCUb8MruGyN2TZaUvSYEM0/s320/IMG_2948.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At dinner with Mom before the Nutcracker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Then on Christmas, John gave me an incredibly thoughtful gift. He commissioned my friend Becca to paint <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/11/gathering-hope-poem.html" target="_blank">my poem <i>Gathering Hope</i></a> on a canvas. She's been working on it since October and I had no idea! Plus it's beautiful and I can't wait to hang it in our home. </div>
<div>
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<div>
The day after Christmas John headed back to Atlanta for his work with the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Since he's always so busy that week, I stayed in Orlando and caught up with more friends. Aysha and Alex drove from Tampa for a short visit and it was great to catch up on the boat like past college times! My mom and I also had a wonderful brunch with Kim, Isha, and their mom's and again it was just like old times and so fun to catch up on everyone's adventures post-college.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllo6wioVW6tlHyCQo7yqfawOrl-UHT0ZW3KPzsCgs6z2W5wstW-pco453ui_OErE8eogAaf_hWz8BSeo31WmgLnSEOP9yBHixXezktzxcu7J1QH36MRsdrNdi6XBgUM60-I4N71szBDg/s1600/ashya+alex+me+on+boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllo6wioVW6tlHyCQo7yqfawOrl-UHT0ZW3KPzsCgs6z2W5wstW-pco453ui_OErE8eogAaf_hWz8BSeo31WmgLnSEOP9yBHixXezktzxcu7J1QH36MRsdrNdi6XBgUM60-I4N71szBDg/s320/ashya+alex+me+on+boat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophomore year of college to now: Aysha, me, and Alex</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_izknnJxH3akUsgaL0G1bZpmUZcYnxlTqK_w5jfE4N11emlFzJbj_4eia5SPqTseadCj8bZZaNHu9Qm-9s3xscgJHbvE3gm67Up_PW_MuKUVfBEEoBAzGAqIM_kH4bAleqtdi2AVleU/s1600/kim+isha+me+brunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_izknnJxH3akUsgaL0G1bZpmUZcYnxlTqK_w5jfE4N11emlFzJbj_4eia5SPqTseadCj8bZZaNHu9Qm-9s3xscgJHbvE3gm67Up_PW_MuKUVfBEEoBAzGAqIM_kH4bAleqtdi2AVleU/s320/kim+isha+me+brunch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Senior year of high school to now: me, Kim, and Isha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
After brunch with Isha and Kim, Mom and I picked up Dad and headed to celebrate my grandfather's 80th birthday. Despite having a bad cold, it was great to spend time with several family members. From lunch, Mom, Dad, and I drove to Vero Beach where we spent the night and next day before boarding Dad's new boat <i>Rhythm 'n Blues. </i>The weather wasn't sunshiney Florida, but I enjoyed sleeping, recovering from my cold, and finishing my third book since being back in Florida.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the 31st we took the boat to West Palm Beach for an (almost) annual tradition of watching the fireworks. Watching the fireworks from the water gives us a front row view which didn't disappoint! And while trying to stay awake to midnight, we of course watched the Chick-fil-A Bowl. On the 1st I flew back home to Atlanta where John picked me up and took me out for a nice New Year's Day brunch... a wonderful way to kick off 2014!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcf5ecmOISM65FeRpkb8S0qfUfNjZtVj0Zmcu1sv3AqmEju8CafNmvW6yTkMfYKHvm7wzYhm58XBakiJgsBK0zvW2hS_mFo4PduURXZWtUcB4hxyWD70g77w4cgTzZcaigJYQoC_Nc4Q/s1600/IMG_3021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcf5ecmOISM65FeRpkb8S0qfUfNjZtVj0Zmcu1sv3AqmEju8CafNmvW6yTkMfYKHvm7wzYhm58XBakiJgsBK0zvW2hS_mFo4PduURXZWtUcB4hxyWD70g77w4cgTzZcaigJYQoC_Nc4Q/s320/IMG_3021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireworks from the waters of Palm Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-3678237665265844542013-12-19T10:44:00.002-05:002013-12-19T10:44:22.251-05:00Cooking Comparisons: Making a meal my ownMy favorite way to cook is to read a recipe, get inspired, and then make it my own.<br />
<br />
With the following recipes I did just that:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Oven-fried Chicken Sandwich </b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGFhS1FEIum2WPFpwi645tnPNiERBiXqwEuheV5Qs8FkcReUWAGRyqMbIWdvmkWjloi4_6___kfRR4bA3qeK-CBFsr9ctJgMs6xzIE0Uf0lUp2t8Zk-e9ph6ArNVdsdg0JQAd51cLm5k/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGFhS1FEIum2WPFpwi645tnPNiERBiXqwEuheV5Qs8FkcReUWAGRyqMbIWdvmkWjloi4_6___kfRR4bA3qeK-CBFsr9ctJgMs6xzIE0Uf0lUp2t8Zk-e9ph6ArNVdsdg0JQAd51cLm5k/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John's sandwich, inspired from <i>Bon Appetit </i>and <i>Cooking for Isaiah</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2KthIeU47HiVj1-CkGrhfj1E0-Qg8cv7KX0bWEUI7bUbbvKQZbToZu47GVa9rVtDLSYB95zr0uYXdOnle2uQnL-7Cd0x-6lJtK0DdEC5s3N8JPwSWeVZJJ30P3kROVm2li2ViU5IpmU/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2KthIeU47HiVj1-CkGrhfj1E0-Qg8cv7KX0bWEUI7bUbbvKQZbToZu47GVa9rVtDLSYB95zr0uYXdOnle2uQnL-7Cd0x-6lJtK0DdEC5s3N8JPwSWeVZJJ30P3kROVm2li2ViU5IpmU/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My chicken tenders without the bun, served with slaw and a kale salad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
John wanted the <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/fried-chicken-sandwiches-with-slaw-and-spicy-mayo" target="_blank">Fried Chicken Sandwich with Slaw and Spicy Mayo</a> on the cover of April's <i>Bon Appetit</i>, but since the first piece of equipment that you need is a deep fry thermometer (which I obviously do not own), I altered it a bit. Plus, I wanted to make it somewhat healthy and gluten free. Instead of frying the chicken, I used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Isaiah-Gluten-Free-Dairy-Free-Delicious-ebook/dp/B00BBQ2PQE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387465506&sr=8-1&keywords=cooking+for+isaiah" target="_blank"><i>Cooking for Isaiah</i>'</a>s oven-fried chicken recipe and sauce, and I changed the coleslaw recipe for what I had on hand. Here's what I ended up making:<br />
<br />
<i>Serves 4</i><br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<i>Chicken</i><br />
4 cups corn tortilla chips, crushed (I used Trader Joe's no salt added ones)<br />
Salt and pepper<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 pound chicken tenders (I used Trader Joe's tenderloins which were thin. I recommend pounding your chicken first if it isn't thin, so then it stays moist.)<br />
Sandwich rolls<br />
<i>Sauce</i><br />
1/4 cup canola mayonnaise<br />
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard<br />
1 Tbsp. honey<br />
1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice<br />
<i>Slaw</i><br />
2 cups broccoli slaw<br />
1 jalapeno sliced thin<br />
1/2 red onion sliced thin<br />
3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar<br />
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar<br />
Salt and pepper<br />
<br />
<b>Preparation:</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. Combine crushed tortilla chips with salt and pepper to taste. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Coat chicken with chips, then dip into eggs, and coat with chips again. Repeat this process with all of chicken and put on a baking sheet. Bake chicken for 15 minutes or until done. (If your chicken is not as thin it may need 20 minutes).</li>
<li>While chicken cooks, prepare the slaw by tossing all of the slaw ingredients together and let marinate.</li>
<li>Mix sauce ingredients together.</li>
<li>Spread sauce on both sides of sandwich rolls and top with chicken and slaw. (Yes the slaw goes <i>on</i> the sandwich.) Or, serve the sauce on the side for dipping the chicken tenders in if not making a sandwich.</li>
</ol>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Black Bean Tacos with Bacon and Feta</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxRN_DFBHAJZZVyhQqQ21HTwmfiXKbpaXJ43FSMsAMtI3mVKZlFodCcibcFUj4iUK3mO2mW-eQjxyCdE2qorG5dGARsaEMdCfTuA8opOeuHVieLz6mMzGZ28wR57bqXIprdPXgAG5lv0/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxRN_DFBHAJZZVyhQqQ21HTwmfiXKbpaXJ43FSMsAMtI3mVKZlFodCcibcFUj4iUK3mO2mW-eQjxyCdE2qorG5dGARsaEMdCfTuA8opOeuHVieLz6mMzGZ28wR57bqXIprdPXgAG5lv0/s320/photo+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My tacos as compared to <i>Cooking Light</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EFU3MxejOUDYR4FRIu0alnqvVLyDd5Lf_TAAZr_regZ9egL7TLtYjQwvVExfY4ZkbGOWnwpGhH1gNhOCbSgmHgZXwetuMKuI1QZJeTGi8nbuAGgsNUnRCm-U8d5GcqdmfsNMpiSBaz4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EFU3MxejOUDYR4FRIu0alnqvVLyDd5Lf_TAAZr_regZ9egL7TLtYjQwvVExfY4ZkbGOWnwpGhH1gNhOCbSgmHgZXwetuMKuI1QZJeTGi8nbuAGgsNUnRCm-U8d5GcqdmfsNMpiSBaz4/s200/photo+2.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John's taco </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqBzUXCDTbf42joocqpWxOSoG4xOvITjs-az_8boY2BZCZkMrgIC1szDL11rQ_IAjqpOeMdfIEHxCQuDTet-6lY35qPfZkY14skiWAicc8b7wnCkwLpziM7-1nA2Lg0ZGRjySGKvvL44/s1600/photo+3_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqBzUXCDTbf42joocqpWxOSoG4xOvITjs-az_8boY2BZCZkMrgIC1szDL11rQ_IAjqpOeMdfIEHxCQuDTet-6lY35qPfZkY14skiWAicc8b7wnCkwLpziM7-1nA2Lg0ZGRjySGKvvL44/s200/photo+3_2.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My tacos without the cheese and on corn tortillas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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For this meal, I followed <i>Cooking Light's</i> recipe pretty closely. <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/black-bean-tacos-feta-slaw-50400000131065/" target="_blank">You can read the recipe here</a>.<br />
<br />
Here were the changes I made:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I didn't cook the onion, garlic, and jalapeno together in the bacon drippings. Instead, I let the onion caramelize in a separate pan while the beans cooked, and I added in the garlic and jalapeno towards the end.</li>
<li>I didn't have seasoned black beans, so instead I mixed in cumin, sea salt, and pepper and let them simmer with some chicken broth for about 10 minutes. I occasionally stirred them, mashing up some of the beans while they simmered. </li>
<li>I also <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2012/10/fajitas-night.html" target="_blank">made my homemade guacamole</a> to put on top of my tacos (since I didn't use feta) and as a nice side with chips.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Thai Basil Beef</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EP2K4VQXjYCvrctYKNAVBHrv9EUZOzYOJ1-ZVyr4pEtqKBpTCBKXWUxUvxgZkqrv-WbfwH-wxRjxxUiEzygGgrO7nq50eRF7pUx5FAAG_DeYtkBqDl8Vj01m-0a0ITqGz-oN8NHUunk/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EP2K4VQXjYCvrctYKNAVBHrv9EUZOzYOJ1-ZVyr4pEtqKBpTCBKXWUxUvxgZkqrv-WbfwH-wxRjxxUiEzygGgrO7nq50eRF7pUx5FAAG_DeYtkBqDl8Vj01m-0a0ITqGz-oN8NHUunk/s320/photo+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My rice bowl as compared to <i>Bon Appetit</i>'s</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For this <i>Bon Appetit </i>recipe (<a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/thai-beef-with-basil" target="_blank">which you can read here</a>) I followed it almost exactly. Here are the few changes that I made:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I didn't have fish sauce, so for the sauce I used Tamari (gluten free soy sauce), lime juice, and about half of the amount of sugar that the recipe calls for.</li>
<li>We happened to have gone to the farmer's market and had red chiles, but when I make this again I would probably use jalapenos since I always have those in the fridge.</li>
<li>I used brown rice instead of white.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Here are some other cooking comparisons that I've made in past posts:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/08/guiltless-pleasures-not-so-nachos-good.html" target="_blank">Nachos</a></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCdSKLbdd_UrF34cIGXlfbUJh5gbRHwtp5mI7HPYPtXhPJkduVCiefTdLkWDCrd5GFP4V7nARwjMbeawvpbgA9Gb9MwsFQ7k1uDiES99fukZ7Mjd6Opn0ciEbPLOzw97JsnRmh8NgCd4/s1600/huevos+nachos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCdSKLbdd_UrF34cIGXlfbUJh5gbRHwtp5mI7HPYPtXhPJkduVCiefTdLkWDCrd5GFP4V7nARwjMbeawvpbgA9Gb9MwsFQ7k1uDiES99fukZ7Mjd6Opn0ciEbPLOzw97JsnRmh8NgCd4/s320/huevos+nachos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/08/guiltless-pleasures-not-so-nachos-good.html" target="_blank"><b>Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup</b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-44175170010299071092013-12-17T11:22:00.002-05:002013-12-17T11:22:14.809-05:00Best Books of 2013: SpiritualMy favorite spiritual themed books of 2013 are not what you may typically think of when it comes to this category. Instead, all three authors weave in spiritual themes throughout engaging stories or powerful premises. So even if you don't normally read books in this genre, I highly recommend these:<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Million-Miles-Thousand-Years-Learned-ebook/dp/B000XPPW50/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387294255&sr=1-1&keywords=a+million+miles+in+a+thousand+years" target="_blank">A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life</a> by Donald Miller</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sLrpcv0pqEc0pAZTkAjaETXzFCVZHGZMw2crmBcUYgY6LTarEONgzqV5R3EcNGBFH6BKodQ5BfZIL04pLCMq0hKr0PwLTOp2b74WvtUHDkyVXo16fRfLP3QY_mevLmD-3vm-mShRY-4/s1600/Million+Miles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sLrpcv0pqEc0pAZTkAjaETXzFCVZHGZMw2crmBcUYgY6LTarEONgzqV5R3EcNGBFH6BKodQ5BfZIL04pLCMq0hKr0PwLTOp2b74WvtUHDkyVXo16fRfLP3QY_mevLmD-3vm-mShRY-4/s200/Million+Miles.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of my tabs show how great this book is!</td></tr>
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If you read Donald Miller's <i>Blue Like Jazz</i> then you'll know he's not your typical "spiritual" writer. In fact this book is about the depression he faced after <i>Blue Like Jazz</i>'s wild success. When movie producers approach him about turning that book into a movie, he has the chance to reexamine his life and learn what makes a story compelling. <i>A Million Miles in a Thousand Years</i> is about him writing a new story for himself that is filled with risk and adventure.<br />
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To read my thoughts on how this book applies to John and I seeking to live adventurously in our marriage, <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/09/living-adventure.html" target="_blank">read my post Living An Adventure</a>. If you want to live an adventurous 2014, this book is a must read.<br />
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<i>"People fear change, she said. Though their situations may be terrible, at least they have a sense of control; at least they know what to expect. Change presents a world of variables that are largely out of their control." </i><br />
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<i>"A good storyteller speaks something into nothing. Where there is an absence of a story, or perhaps a bad story, a good storyteller walks in and changes reality. He doesn't critique the existing story, or lament about his boredom, like a critic. He just tells something different and invites other people into the new story he is telling."</i><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bread-Wine-Letter-Around-Recipes-ebook/dp/B008EGV68M/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387295624&sr=1-1&keywords=bread+and+wine" target="_blank">Bread & Wine: A Love Letter to Life around the Table with Recipes</a> by Shauna Niequist</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8Cw-v4aVANKTy6atc_m4XG4yn1sveUM_eDZ6vDw6Iv-NLumD3E_AD9E8v7LOiGu6DC-OH4mgPkhO0DY_01Rli57JnsbL7TQzVe50kAjSEVPmW_SRa51ZLKrcYx71wiHzlG0yk01nIjY/s1600/Bread+and+Wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8Cw-v4aVANKTy6atc_m4XG4yn1sveUM_eDZ6vDw6Iv-NLumD3E_AD9E8v7LOiGu6DC-OH4mgPkhO0DY_01Rli57JnsbL7TQzVe50kAjSEVPmW_SRa51ZLKrcYx71wiHzlG0yk01nIjY/s200/Bread+and+Wine.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I flagged about every recipe!</td></tr>
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I couldn't put this book down. Shauna Niequist tells honest, vulnerable stories while being hilarious and thoughtful. Plus at the end of every chapter is a recipe, and as you can see from the all of the corners that I tabbed, I want to make almost all of them. <br />
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This book is about the connection with others when we gather around the table and enjoy "bread and wine" together. It is not overly religious; instead she discusses the profound meaning, restoration, and connection that results from a life spent around the table with others.<br />
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<i>"Some of my most sacred meals have been eaten out of travel mugs on camping trips or on benches on the street in Europe. Many of them have been at our own table or around our coffee table, leaning back against the couch. They've been high food and low food, fresh and frozen, extravagant and right out of the pizza box. It's about the table, and about all the other places we find ourselves eating. It's about a spirit or quality of living that rises up when we offer one another life itself, in the form of dinner or soup or breakfast, or bread and wine."</i><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Every-Good-Endeavour-Connecting-World-ebook/dp/B007T8R18K/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387296119&sr=1-1&keywords=every+good+endeavor+tim+keller" target="_blank">Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work</a> by Timothy Keller </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHh0arVOIHalbuWEmPse8g4VG8zRX7ayr25Lzrbs0H8-Djzlmqka7anByQeNNi1YN6Eq207ZF1M0bPQaVn692fl3m6ecDVgYq_cWT0soG3IU6BSog1fqyKw15oMsoufPO6bzQ3i4IojJA/s1600/Every+Good+Endeavor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHh0arVOIHalbuWEmPse8g4VG8zRX7ayr25Lzrbs0H8-Djzlmqka7anByQeNNi1YN6Eq207ZF1M0bPQaVn692fl3m6ecDVgYq_cWT0soG3IU6BSog1fqyKw15oMsoufPO6bzQ3i4IojJA/s200/Every+Good+Endeavor.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
Tim Keller <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-books-of-2012-spiritual_13.html" target="_blank">wrote two of my favorite spiritual books from last year</a>, and he's back with another home run. <i>Every Good Endeavor </i>explores the design and dignity of work and how we can begin to write a new story for work in our lives. Keller shows how the Christian view of work is used to serve others and is an act of worship when done with excellence, integrity, passion, discipline, and creativity. Many churches neglect talking about work even though we spend the majority of week there, and it's often seen as a necessary function to support those doing "God's work." Instead, Keller shows that your job is and of itself God's work and an opportunity to bring God glory.<br />
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If you struggle with finding passion in your work, not knowing how to find meaning in your job, or how to reconcile advancing in your career with your faith or values, then this book is for you.<br />
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<i>"The book of Genesis leaves us with a striking truth - work was a part of paradise. One biblical scholar summed it up: 'It is perfectly clear that God's good plan always included human beings working, or, more specifically, living in the constant cycle of work and rest.'"</i><br />
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<b><br /></b>Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-9002620231824930772013-12-11T10:34:00.001-05:002013-12-11T10:34:39.204-05:00Best Books of 2013: Nonfiction <div>
In addition to <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/12/best-books-of-2013-series.html" target="_blank">my favorite book of the year</a> being included in the top nonfiction reads of 2013, here are other nonfiction books worth picking up:</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Decisive-Make-Better-Choices-Life/dp/0307956393/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386770980&sr=1-1&keywords=decisive" target="_blank">Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work</a> by Chip & Dan Heath</b><div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYSMmZkzqApj5_70eXgCqbV4KnCwdmNGACrHl7KZ6ABaNf7l5j1XhaovSzuFFGjzu2HaGYyAFLc1CI7HkY_u-pMfdd5Ieog1kBDa-yZ80YaGmpTgP29NH92qXuYAJ1twMlFsAZRq1PR8/s1600/Decisive+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYSMmZkzqApj5_70eXgCqbV4KnCwdmNGACrHl7KZ6ABaNf7l5j1XhaovSzuFFGjzu2HaGYyAFLc1CI7HkY_u-pMfdd5Ieog1kBDa-yZ80YaGmpTgP29NH92qXuYAJ1twMlFsAZRq1PR8/s200/Decisive+.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
The title basically sums up the book, which discusses all of the flaws in our decision-making processes. While this topic may sound dry, if you've read any other Heath brothers' books you'll know it's not. The Heath brothers weave engaging stories and very interesting studies on decision-making into their 4 step process to make better decisions in your own life.<br />
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This book was especially appropriate for my work with helping students make decisions about their futures. For my thoughts on this, read my posts <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/05/how-to-choose-college-major-or-career_8.html" target="_blank">How to Choose a College, Major, or Career Part I</a> and <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/05/how-to-choose-college-major-or-career_14.html" target="_blank">Part II.</a><br />
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<i>"Sometimes the hardest part of making a good decision is knowing there's one to be made. In life, we spend most of our days on autopilot, going through our usual routines."</i><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Defining-Decade-Your-Twenties-Matter--/dp/0446561754/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386771599&sr=1-1&keywords=the+defining+decade" target="_blank">The Defining Decade: Why your Twenties matter - and how to make the most of them now</a> by Meg Jay</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cvEZzwu1oguu-w-FKlU3Rt1BZy6NaRw3AaHkiHfTxlLXvEsk5wOQY2nnw4p2QQ7jbRnph6FoarHBcy8fZlYsu4hnDWin2hkVa7mGS6CMP-w6s3pkhAM9_9H284S7JAlQdP5l1YlkdBg/s1600/the+defining+decade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cvEZzwu1oguu-w-FKlU3Rt1BZy6NaRw3AaHkiHfTxlLXvEsk5wOQY2nnw4p2QQ7jbRnph6FoarHBcy8fZlYsu4hnDWin2hkVa7mGS6CMP-w6s3pkhAM9_9H284S7JAlQdP5l1YlkdBg/s200/the+defining+decade.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
I came across this book after watching Meg Jay's Ted Talk, <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/meg_jay_why_30_is_not_the_new_20.html" target="_blank">Why 30 is not the New 20</a>. I highly recommend watching this 15 minute video for Jay's reasons about why the 20s shouldn't be considered a throwaway decade. This book dives deeper in this topic, explaining how waiting until your 30s to take life decisions seriously is holding many back from living the life that they want. Work, relationships, personality, and identity have the potential to be shaped more during your 20s than any other point in life.<br />
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Again, this book was a great read for my line of work. Although I don't necessarily agree with everything that Jay proposes, it's a very interesting look into what our culture says about twenty-somethings. It's a short read and one that I recommend if you're in your twenties or have a family member in their twenties.<br />
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<i>"The one thing I have learned is that you can't think your way through life. The only way to figure out what to do is to do - something." </i><br />
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<i>"We know that, of any time in life, our twenties are our best chance for change."</i><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Starts-Food-Discover-Whole30-Unexpected/dp/1936608898/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386772252&sr=1-1&keywords=it+starts+with+food" target="_blank">It Starts with Food: Discover the Whole30 and Change your Life in Unexpected Ways</a> by Dallas & Melissa Hartwig</b><i> </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHcgu-QuujQVF5tibweC8QTF7DfTeh0aiJdLC44LCKVZNz5UCuthorZh-QRCZrY0RkKLY90sxBSs77-LtC_xSJl6Dlci9tEG3jsAL_0VmpF4XvwlrS5_xBpfCt1J7h7R1ssh1Em_A_9o/s1600/it+starts+with+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHcgu-QuujQVF5tibweC8QTF7DfTeh0aiJdLC44LCKVZNz5UCuthorZh-QRCZrY0RkKLY90sxBSs77-LtC_xSJl6Dlci9tEG3jsAL_0VmpF4XvwlrS5_xBpfCt1J7h7R1ssh1Em_A_9o/s200/it+starts+with+food.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
I read this quick book at the beach this year, <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/03/r-learning-to-abide.html" target="_blank">when we were resting from John's illness</a>. At this same time, I was feeling sick from <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/04/that-time-i-hailed-cab-mid-race-other.html" target="_blank">extreme anemia</a> (though I didn't know it at the time). This book was enlightening on how the food we put in our bodies affects us. Although I know this in principle, it was helpful to understand exactly <i>how </i>and <i>why </i>this happens. It was also encouraging that I wasn't crazy for having so many symptoms that I've had most of my life go away <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2012/08/to-be-or-not-to-be-gluten-free.html" target="_blank">once I went gluten free</a>.<br />
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Although I haven't followed the strict Whole30 eating plan that they recommend, I found the knowledge of how we digest food and why we need certain nutrients to be very interesting. There are also some recipes at the end. It'd be a perfect read for the new year if you want to start eating healthier.<br />
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<i>"The food you eat either makes you more healthy or less healthy. Those are your options."</i><br />
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<i>"Genetics loads the gun, but environment pulls the trigger."</i><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Maximize-Your-Potential-Expertise-Incredible/dp/1477800891/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386773025&sr=1-1&keywords=maximize+your+potential+grow+your+expertise+take+bold+risks+%26+build+an+incredible+career" target="_blank">Maximize Your Potential: Grow Your Expertise, Take Bold Risks, & Build an Incredible Career</a> by Jocelyn K. Glei </b><i> </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJ6wt-RytVB0OJHPjVaTvBsR8NGpFPnsugxp4zU_sYHpJq9oOmw1TYskO90QOS5rXImse6iARt1I-s7MdWXiL06Qw72vKkdZuU80GjikLpbW9toYwqGTu5F1aNaxPTDxlcX-oCVsCE7M/s1600/maximize+your+potential.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJ6wt-RytVB0OJHPjVaTvBsR8NGpFPnsugxp4zU_sYHpJq9oOmw1TYskO90QOS5rXImse6iARt1I-s7MdWXiL06Qw72vKkdZuU80GjikLpbW9toYwqGTu5F1aNaxPTDxlcX-oCVsCE7M/s200/maximize+your+potential.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
This less than $5 Kindle book is written by contributors to <a href="http://99u.com/" target="_blank">99U, an excellent blog</a> that I daily read articles about "insights on making ideas happen." <i>Maximize Your Potential</i> is about how to live into your full potential. It is written in a series of short essays on topics such as creating opportunities, building expertise, cultivating relationships, and taking risks. Although I haven't finished reading it yet, it's a great book (again) for my line of work with coaching. Yet I recommend it to anyone wanting to reawaken their sense of purpose in their work or life. With short essays, it's an easy book to pick up and read throughout the day or week.<br />
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Also, Cal Newport, an <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-books-of-2012-nonfiction.html" target="_blank">author of a nonfiction book from last year's BeEmbraced book guide</a>, writes one of the first essays in <i>Maximize Your Potential.</i><br />
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<i>"Your ability to realize your potential will depend upon your willingness to hone your skills, to take bold risks, and to put your ego on the line in pursuit of something greater."</i><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Found-Pacific-Crest-Vintage/dp/0307476073/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386774003&sr=1-1&keywords=wild+cheryl+strayed" target="_blank">Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail</a> by Cheryl Strayed</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aBIY2vGjNP_WWFXyTXD08knTZD63ICum2g3V-n4l9PS3Ku87q2NBlyfsZ515KFQB0z9AzoxvWXRsXxWk8WpuHnCMB1EsRxLTUuEZks4w34698kEMV1JyA0XyXQc2fmd0O_V6cwFwBxo/s1600/wild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aBIY2vGjNP_WWFXyTXD08knTZD63ICum2g3V-n4l9PS3Ku87q2NBlyfsZ515KFQB0z9AzoxvWXRsXxWk8WpuHnCMB1EsRxLTUuEZks4w34698kEMV1JyA0XyXQc2fmd0O_V6cwFwBxo/s200/wild.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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This memoir recounts Cheryl Strayed's broken life and her bold decision to hike over 1,000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail... despite no training or backpacking experience. The organized and prepared side of me was on edge most the book as she hiked in the wilderness alone and without adequate food, water, or supplies. Her journey will keep you wanting to read more, though parts of her life and decisions are gut-wrenching. </div>
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The Pacific Crest Trail goes from the Mojave Desert through California, Oregon, and Washington State, and Strayed's depictions of the scenery make you <i>almost </i>want to hike it too... aside from the whole living in the wilderness for months part. What captivated me about her story was the healing power of an adventurous journey.</div>
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<i>"It had only to do with how it felt to be in the wild. With what it was like to walk for miles with no reason other than to witness the accumulation of trees and meadows, mountains and deserts, streams and rocks, rivers and grasses, sunrises and sunsets. The experience was powerful and fundamental. IT seemed to me that it had always felt like this to be a human in the wild, and as long as the wild existed it would always feel this way."</i></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Team-Rivals-Political-Abraham-Lincoln/dp/0743270754/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386774820&sr=1-1&keywords=team+of+rivals" target="_blank">Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln</a> by Doris Kearns Goodwin</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIU9Dl2gW2PyAzkLHFmIKVRT0fES6dUM84W7DkSbaTAYvbPydENLECYV_J-eIdZgfZ1ktUl-lj3AuYNhV8A4n1xAIaoqUQ6ekOdYk4e9MvnZPVw_gzrepcjV8wgKcN159d7K70UTLLH8/s1600/team+of+rivals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIU9Dl2gW2PyAzkLHFmIKVRT0fES6dUM84W7DkSbaTAYvbPydENLECYV_J-eIdZgfZ1ktUl-lj3AuYNhV8A4n1xAIaoqUQ6ekOdYk4e9MvnZPVw_gzrepcjV8wgKcN159d7K70UTLLH8/s200/team+of+rivals.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-quiet-adventure-of-rhythm-of-rest.html" target="_blank">Although I started reading this book awhile ago</a>, I am not quite finished. However, that is not because it isn't a good read. Instead it's about 900 pages long, and I've been reading other books at the same time. </div>
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This book makes my top nonfiction reads of the year because it's a very well-written biography on Lincoln's life. What amazes me the most is Lincoln's patience. Time and again there is a crisis or he's being misrepresented by others, and yet he doesn't act rashly. His calm demeanor in decision-making (see a theme here in the nonfiction picks?) makes him a "political genius." It's also fascinating to read about the politics of the time as well as the politicians' - and their wives' - personalities. <i>Team of Rivals </i>is as much about Lincoln as it is about his political rivals, which later became a part of his cabinet. It's worth the time investment, especially if you enjoy history.</div>
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<i>"...The Chicago Tribune asked Lincoln why he has chosen a cabinet comprised of enemies and opponents... Lincoln's answer was simple, straightforward, and shrewd, 'We needed the strongest men of the party in the Cabinet. We needed to hold our own people together. I had looked the party over and concluded that these were the very strongest men. Then I had no right to deprive the country of their services.' ...But in the end it was the prairie lawyer from Springfield who would emerge as the strongest of them all."</i></div>
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Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-15856621220907642742013-12-09T10:45:00.001-05:002013-12-09T10:45:11.001-05:00Best Books of 2013: Fiction<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In case you missed it on Friday, <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/12/best-books-of-2013-series.html" target="_blank">this book</a> was my favorite that I read in 2013. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This year I seemed to read more nonfiction than fiction books perhaps because I abandoned a couple novels halfway through that were either too boring or depressing to waste my time reading. Life is too short to waste time with a bad book, right?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So here are the fiction books that I read this year that did make it to the top of the list. (Check back to <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-books-of-2012-fiction.html" target="_blank">2012's best fiction books</a> for more great novels.)</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Narnia-Box-Set-Lewis/dp/0061992887/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386602982&sr=1-1&keywords=chronicles+of+narnia+box+set" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Narnia</a> by C.S. Lewis</span></b></div>
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This series was a childhood favorite of mine, and since John had never read all seven books we read them together this year. Although it's a children series, Lewis weaves in deep themes, metaphors, and allegories that led to rich conversations. Whether you read them aloud to your kids, discuss them with a spouse, or enjoy the books by yourself, the story will take you in and captivate your imagination.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Read <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/08/wisdom-from-narnia-on-difficult.html" target="_blank">this post, Wisdom from Narnia on Difficult Decisions</a>, for a peek at my takeaways from one of the books.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Alice-Forgot-Liane-Moriarty/dp/0425247449/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386600446&sr=1-1&keywords=what+alice+forgot" target="_blank">What Alice Forgot</a> by Liane Moriarty</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This book is the perfect beach read and a page-turner, yet it has surprisingly deeper themes that you're still thinking about once you've finished reading it. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The last that Alice remembers is being 29, happily married, and pregnant with her first child. Yet after hitting her head and coming to, she is suddenly 39, getting divorced, and has three children.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As she puts the pieces of her life together, you see the pain and struggle of daily decisions that add up to a lifetime. It leaves you considering your own life and what trajectory you're heading down. </span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"She said that sometimes you have to be brave enough to 'point your life in a new direction.'"</span></i></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shoemakers-Wife-Novel-Adriana-Trigiani/dp/0061257109/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386600936&sr=1-1&keywords=the+shoemaker%27s+wife" target="_blank">The Shoemaker's Wife</a> by Adriana Trigiani</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This beautifully written historical fiction novel will draw you into a story of family, immigration, war, and love. To quote the Amazon summary, it's "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">a breathtaking multigenerational love story that spans two continents, two World Wars, and the quest of two star-crossed lovers to find each other again." The novel spans from the 1910s to the end of World War II, centering around the lives of Ciro and Enza, who immigrate from the Italian Alps to New York. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"...you must dig constantly for meaning in the sorrow of this life, and this sorrow must galvanize you, not define you."</span></i></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mountains-Echoed-Khaled-Hosseini/dp/159463176X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386601552&sr=1-1&keywords=and+the+mountains+echoed" target="_blank">And the Mountains Echoed</a> by Khaled Hosseini</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We read this book for Book Club, and the novel's complexity and interwoven characters led to an engaging discussion about the meaning of our connections with others. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Hosseini is the author of <i>The Kite Runner </i>and <i>A Thousand Splendid Suns</i>, but unlike those books, this novel is not as graphic or shocking. Instead, it spans generations and shows the ripples from the choices that we make in life. It is set in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Kabul, Paris, San Francisco, and the Greek island of Tinos, including loosely intertwined stories but related themes. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"They say, Find a purpose in your life and live it. But, sometimes, it is only after you have lived that you recognize your life had a purpose, and likely one you never had in mind."</span></i></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gone-Girl-Gillian-Flynn/dp/030758836X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386603217&sr=1-1&keywords=gone+girl+gillian+flynn" target="_blank">Gone Girl </a>by Gillian Flynn</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Gone Girl </i>is a suspenseful mystery story that grabs you from the first page. It's strange and twisted yet you can't put it down. It's a tad bit creepy with a lot of plot twists, which made it another great Book Club discussion. I won't give any of the plot away except to say that a wife goes missing on her 5th wedding anniversary. </span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"We are all working from the same dog-eared script."</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Great-Gatsby-F-Scott-Fitzgerald/dp/0743273567/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386602158&sr=1-1&keywords=the+great+gatsby+by+f.+scott+fitzgerald" target="_blank">The Great Gatsby</a> by F. Scott Fitzgerald </span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I remember first reading this book in high school and being drawn in by Fitzgerald's writing and descriptions of the Jazz Age. As I re-read the book this year, in preparation of seeing the new movie with my Book Club, I again soaked up the way Fitzgerald moved the plot along with engaging dialogue and captivating descriptions. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It's worth a re-read if you haven't read it in a few years mainly because of the beautiful writing. Yet the themes, however hopeless, are also worth reflecting on, and read <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-not-so-hopeless-hope.html" target="_blank">my post, A Not So Hopeless Hope</a>, for my thoughts on the book.</span></span></div>
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Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-19291293724724077052013-12-06T09:44:00.000-05:002013-12-06T09:44:07.734-05:00Best Books of 2013 SeriesLast year, I wrote a series on the<a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-books-of-2012-series.html" target="_blank"> best books that I read in 2012</a>... and this year it's time for more! I love to read so it's only fitting that I sum up my favorite books that I read this past year. <div>
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This series won't necessarily be books that were written this year. Instead, they'll be books that I have read in 2013 and that shaped my perspective in one way or another. Similar to last year, I'll write a series of posts based on books in the categories that I typically read, such as <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-books-of-2012-fiction.html" target="_blank">fiction</a>, <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-books-of-2012-nonfiction.html" target="_blank">nonfiction</a>, <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-books-of-2012-spiritual_13.html" target="_blank">spiritual</a>, and the <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-books-of-2012-gift-giving.html" target="_blank">best for gift-giving</a>.</div>
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To kick off the series, here is the #1 book that has become one of my all-time favorite books. </div>
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The best book that I read in 2013 was... drumroll... <i>Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead</i>.</div>
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Our friends are probably tired of hearing John and me talk about this book, but it made a huge impact on us and the way that we think about being vulnerable. It challenged us to confront the way that we were (or were not) vulnerable with each other and how we could start showing up and being seen. </div>
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In Brown's words: <i>"Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness."</i></blockquote>
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You may be familiar with author Brene Brown's extremely popular Ted talk, <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html" target="_blank">The Power of Vulnerability</a>. If not, go watch this 20 minute video now and then go order the book.</div>
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<i>Daring Greatly </i>is such a powerful read because Brown confronts societal and cultural stereotypes head-on and discusses how instead of living into shame, you can embrace vulnerability. She argues that only through taking the risk of being vulnerable can you live wholeheartedly. Otherwise, you'll be the one standing on the outside of the arena looking in and missing the true adventure of living fully. </div>
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To hear more of my thoughts on why <i>Daring Greatly</i> made such an impact on me, you can read my post <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/11/are-we-there-yet.html" target="_blank">Are We There Yet?</a>.</div>
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Reading this book would be a perfect way to kick off your 2014 and dare to live greatly...</div>
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Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-82421717769352901202013-11-25T11:15:00.000-05:002013-11-25T11:15:07.371-05:00People are more important than changeDuring one of my runs last week, I passed by one my favorite views of downtown Atlanta, and I stopped to snap a quick picture.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGxFs-0CtCEKdIcu_6wx4B16RAjqTEdxZQg6IjZJ5MeHWHpPqIV1jz1S3xnY4UXVRI39QTA2F2x6TbYkjv1h6ISYP7zfHPTFgelamny60Ge4L6qHFxVlXNYRBFTuZ8ILzQZFtAGiEB04/s1600/Atlanta+fall+skyline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGxFs-0CtCEKdIcu_6wx4B16RAjqTEdxZQg6IjZJ5MeHWHpPqIV1jz1S3xnY4UXVRI39QTA2F2x6TbYkjv1h6ISYP7zfHPTFgelamny60Ge4L6qHFxVlXNYRBFTuZ8ILzQZFtAGiEB04/s320/Atlanta+fall+skyline.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlanta skyline through the haze and Fall leaves</td></tr>
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As I approach this view on each run, I look forward to seeing the beauty in every season.<br />
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Seeing the city skyline and fall trees brought to mind a training that John and I attended last weekend. The training was called <a href="http://dignityserves.org/" target="_blank">Dignity Serves</a>, and it teaches you how to give and receive with dignity, especially in the context of the inner-city.<br />
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Throughout the remainder of my run, I meditated on one of the key principles of Dignity Serves: <i>People are more important than change</i>.<br />
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We often long for change: "When are the leaves going to change color?" or "When is she ever going to change?" or "When will changes start happening in our city?"<br />
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Yet at the same time, we are so resistant to it. We like the comfortable. We live in the status quo. We often don't change until it's too uncomfortable not to.<br />
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What do these opposing views mean for my life? What do they mean for yours?<br />
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As a resident of Atlanta, it's tempting to give up on change with so many systemic problems that cloud progress. But usually when we give up on change, we give up on people too.<br />
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This can also be true for family members. Is loving them more important to you than seeing them change? This doesn't mean that love doesn't call people to change. But you must remember that you are not the one responsible for their change.<br />
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And what about for yourself? Just as it's tempting to give up on others changing or on the inner-city being renewed, we can lean toward self-contempt when personal change is slow. Instead, we must remember what our identity is in and who brings the change.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">David praised the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,</span><br />“Praise be to you, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, the God of our father Israel from everlasting to everlasting.<br />Yours, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.<br />Yours, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.<br />Wealth and honor<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-11177Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup> come from you; you are the ruler<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-11177R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> of all things.<br />In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.<br />Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.</blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 1Chr-29-11" id="en-NIV-11176" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 1Chr-29-12" id="en-NIV-11177" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 1Chr-29-13" id="en-NIV-11178" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup></span></span><br />
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<span class="text 1Chr-29-14" id="en-NIV-11179"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“B</span>ut who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this?<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-11179S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup> Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.<b>.. </b></span><span class="text 1Chr-29-17" id="en-NIV-11182">I know, my God, that you test the heart<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-11182W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-11182X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text 1Chr-29-18" id="en-NIV-11183"><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you."</span> 1 Chronicles 29</blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 1Chr-29-11" id="en-NIV-11176" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 1Chr-29-12" id="en-NIV-11177" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 1Chr-29-13" id="en-NIV-11178" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup></span></span></blockquote>
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When our primary focus is on the One Who Blesses, we are free to give and receive love. He is the one who will bring the change - in ourselves, in others, and in the city.<br />
<br />Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-33874284073915686392013-11-15T10:19:00.000-05:002013-11-15T10:19:41.807-05:00Where's Waldo? And adventures in getting lost<b><u>Halloween</u></b><br />
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For Halloween this year, John dressed up as Waldo (as in the character from the <i>Where's Waldo?</i> books). He originally needed the costume for a "fun bunch" committee that he's a part of at work, so we repurposed it for a Halloween celebration that we attended. When we arrived, our friends Anna and Brant were also dressed as Waldo!<br />
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The costume was a hit among the adults but a lot of the younger children had never heard of Waldo!<br />
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The celebration that we attended was at four of our friends houses who all live in a row in our neighborhood. Every year they go all out for Halloween, and this year they made a haunted house in an empty lot between two of the houses. One neighbor counted that over 700 people came! It was a big hit complete with scary music, a fog machine, zombies jumping out, and someone with a chain saw. This short video clip doesn't really do it justice but you can get the idea:<br />
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I was outside of the haunted house passing out candy to the kids who were too small or scared to go through... since I think I would have been scared myself!<br />
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<b><u>Corn Maze</u></b><br />
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In other fall festivities news, John and I attended another Fall Festival/corn maze this year. Although nothing can compare <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2012/10/4-reasons-to-visit-farm-this-fall.html" target="_blank">to the pig race that we saw at last year's festival</a>, we had a great time.<br />
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This year's corn maze was huge and we were in a time crunch to finish before it got dark. At one point we thought we'd found out way out only to realize that we'd somehow made our way back to the entrance. Towards the end, we found a sign with a map so we cheated a little bit and made it out in time. It's always fun getting lost in a corn maze and has become an annual tradition for us!<br />
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Another tradition is shooting something out of a cannon. Last year's was corn, and this year we shot apples. John was much better than I was!<br />
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<b><u>Fall Leaves</u></b><br />
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Lastly, we enjoyed a weekend in North Carolina at the height of the leaves changing colors. Throughout our three days, the leaves got more and more vibrant. We went on a chilly hike, which rewarded us with amazing views of the fall foliage!<br />
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<br />Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-24228491872723130412013-11-11T09:15:00.000-05:002013-11-11T09:15:03.257-05:00Gathering Hope: A poemI wrote this poem as a response to our church's call for poets/musicians/artists to create a piece that reflects our four themes for this ministry year: Deepening, Gathering, Sending, and Resting. On Sunday, I was invited to read my poem at both of our services. I haven't read many of my poems aloud and so I was a little nervous, but I appreciated the opportunity to speak these words from my heart and hopefully encourage others in their journey.<br />
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I wrote this piece as a reflection of how oftentimes we put our hope in temporal things, whether work, relationships, or in other ways that we define our identity. Yet when we step back, what we put our hope in seems as meaningless as wishing on birthday candles or blowing a fallen eyelash from your fingertip. Though these temporal things are often good, they shouldn't be our ultimate. Gathering in community instead points to a greater hope, one that will not disappoint.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOmWTUT9MbMz2CodkaokkYGRUIltmx8FvbVNAqAZOXnKXSAbfiDqm0C9RynCLamD-sae5zc4pFBALaGifS2bwwU7zFfth0i1Vowh2IdyX2bmfhdDqM2w8x6BChX1yfAgmycZdl8c1uNY/s1600/8-10-2006-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOmWTUT9MbMz2CodkaokkYGRUIltmx8FvbVNAqAZOXnKXSAbfiDqm0C9RynCLamD-sae5zc4pFBALaGifS2bwwU7zFfth0i1Vowh2IdyX2bmfhdDqM2w8x6BChX1yfAgmycZdl8c1uNY/s320/8-10-2006-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me as a little girl</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Gathering Hope<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Stephanie Shackelford</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">How do you capture the smoke<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">from a blown out candle, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">or grasp an eyelash floating to the
ground - <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">wishes rising up and drifting down?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">With one puff, a sigh of hope, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">we breathe dreams into dead air, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">whether dripping wax or fallen hair.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Because empty hopes cannot satisfy
empty souls, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">You require no smoke offering and
already know <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">when one hair falls and another one
grows.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">There is hope unending; <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">just look around, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">where people gather it is found.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The hollow sound of our brokenness, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">the laughter or the sorrow, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">rings with Your redemption,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">freely given, not bartered or
borrowed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And we share in the glory <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">of Your perfect story;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">our hope in an ending already
written,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and our joy in a plot to be revealed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We gather together on this journey <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">to grow into characters unworthy, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">but desiring to live out Your story.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">That is a hope we cannot capture <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and a joy we cannot grasp <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">except through faith <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">in a love that will last.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-86536629213167048582013-11-06T12:16:00.000-05:002013-11-06T12:16:17.399-05:00Are we there yet?Are we there yet?<br />
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Maybe you've uttered those words yourself on a road trip, or maybe it's an internal mantra beating as you move along day-by-day.<br />
<br />
As someone who likes to set goals and dream big, I want a map and to know when I can expect to "arrive." I want a response to, "Am I almost there?" Perhaps this tendency lies behind BeEmbraced and my chosen coaching profession. We oftentimes impart the strongest support for others in the areas that resonate deepest within us.<br />
<br />
Because I want to learn how to be embraced by the journey as I help others along this path too. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"And, like the child who stops asking questions because suddenly the journey itself has become so interesting, we find there's so much to see that we won't worry so much about the 'when.'" -<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Acts-Everyone-Part-One-Testament/dp/0664227953/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383757999&sr=8-1&keywords=nt+wright+acts+for+everyone" target="_blank">N.T. Wright</a></blockquote>
Yet, how do we live into this description?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxc6FdBq-bPngOziJ-hpo28bThNzUUFHl5iNMXynJxmOUgvRp51-GdjJhUDat6XZ3aiQvRsmPD8GtMpyD1feYDp5EdPonN6QUB4R6hbnbYT6le3BA6c5dQEbcrU5MV45Q-fWehAu9yHM/s1600/IMG_2621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxc6FdBq-bPngOziJ-hpo28bThNzUUFHl5iNMXynJxmOUgvRp51-GdjJhUDat6XZ3aiQvRsmPD8GtMpyD1feYDp5EdPonN6QUB4R6hbnbYT6le3BA6c5dQEbcrU5MV45Q-fWehAu9yHM/s320/IMG_2621.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Part of not worrying about the "when" hinges on not worrying about the winning or losing. It's about showing up and appreciating that what is in front of us today is meaningful in the present and is enough for us to be a positive influence.<br />
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I just finished <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms/dp/1592407331/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383758035&sr=8-1&keywords=daring+greatly" target="_blank">Brene Brown's book </a><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms/dp/1592407331/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383758035&sr=8-1&keywords=daring+greatly" target="_blank">Daring Greatly</a> </i>(which I highly recommend!), and she sums this up about our culture of never enough:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"...For many of us, our first waking thought of the day is 'I didn't get enough sleep.' The next one is 'I don't have enough time.' ...Before we even sit up in bed, before our feet touch the floor, we're already inadequate, already behind, already losing, already lacking something... The opposite of 'never enough' isn't abundance or 'more than enough.' The opposite of scarcity is enough, or what I call Wholeheartedness."</blockquote>
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At the core of Wholeheartedness is vulnerability and worthiness: "facing uncertainty, exposure, and emotional risks, and knowing that I am enough."</div>
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<br />
If we truly showed up everyday believing that we are enough, would we worry so much about the "when?" If we were excited about our daily opportunity to dare greatly, wouldn't the journey be a daily destination in and of itself?<br />
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Since Brene Brown spells this idea out in such a compelling way, let me share her words:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Daring greatly is not about winning or losing. It's about courage. In a world where scarcity and shame dominate and feeling afraid has become second nature, vulnerability is subversive. Uncomfortable. It's even a little dangerous at times. And, without question, putting ourselves out there means there's a far greater risk of feeling hurt. But as I look back on my own life and what Daring Greatly has meant to me, I can honestly say that <b>nothing is as uncomfortable, dangerous, and hurtful as believing that I am standing on the outside of my life looking in and wondering what it would be like if I had the courage to show up and let myself be seen.</b>"</blockquote>
<br />
Let's have the courage to show up, even when we don't know the "when." Maybe nothing grandly significant will come of daring greatly today but maybe one moment of courageous risk will put you on a journey you couldn't have imagined. A journey where you forget to ask, "Am I there yet?"<br />
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<br />Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-38109078813495884412013-10-31T11:13:00.000-04:002014-01-09T11:52:56.324-05:00Five Fall Flavored Recipes: Soups and MuffinsJohn laughs every Fall because as soon as Trader Joe's starts selling acorn squash, butternut squash, sweet potatoes by the bushel, baking pumpkins, and brussels sprouts on a stock I cannot contain my excitement. I love Fall cooking and flavors!<br />
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In honor of these delicious ingredients, here's some Fall recipes that I've made lately and that I highly suggest you should try out:<br />
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<b>Apple Pie - Filled Muffins</b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">John and I devoured these in about 2 days, so I suggest you double the recipe. They are THAT good. When you bite into them you get cinnamon apples in the middle. I followed <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/Dairy-Free-Apple-Muffins-31915577" target="_blank">FitSugar's recipe</a> but used gluten free flour and almond milk instead. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzalNfRqINuPyfLnV1FAJ6dyjW-pXYauEMXsMj2rJgd3O69OVaPIO-gnYYpXBXCUSeTkMATAtWrMnBdjWttPCNDyM0JUhd9nT39-tNY0CSh4EFYaoZ9HlH1De499csP0xsoLeiuDCOfQk/s1600/IMG_2576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzalNfRqINuPyfLnV1FAJ6dyjW-pXYauEMXsMj2rJgd3O69OVaPIO-gnYYpXBXCUSeTkMATAtWrMnBdjWttPCNDyM0JUhd9nT39-tNY0CSh4EFYaoZ9HlH1De499csP0xsoLeiuDCOfQk/s320/IMG_2576.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Pumpkin Muffins with Crumble Topping</b></div>
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As if the apple pie muffins weren't tasty enough, John thought these were even better... probably because they taste like dessert! I used the recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Isaiah-Gluten-Free-Dairy-Free-Delicious/dp/1606525654/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383181929&sr=8-1&keywords=cooking+for+isaiah" target="_blank">Cooking For Isaiah</a>, a cookbook that I highly recommend even if you aren't dairy or gluten free.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglftXoUYME5ExzUtHLZ-cJj4drKHR-K3wxV0gucA_0xySWHW0CUfGuUkAK5QGbG7Auc1wMcrjia4yd4cs5Bb40IFCpPwZWHf3BkLjxQzin6-B06TITG3wCSJsINlF6w5gfvcqTxtz4mz4/s1600/IMG_2595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglftXoUYME5ExzUtHLZ-cJj4drKHR-K3wxV0gucA_0xySWHW0CUfGuUkAK5QGbG7Auc1wMcrjia4yd4cs5Bb40IFCpPwZWHf3BkLjxQzin6-B06TITG3wCSJsINlF6w5gfvcqTxtz4mz4/s320/IMG_2595.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Sweet Potato Soup with Bacon Crumbles</b></div>
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The day after I got my Cooking Light issue this month, I made <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/creamy-sweet-potato-soup-50400000131075/" target="_blank">this sweet potato soup</a>. It was so easy but so good. I used my immersion blender which helped it come together quickly. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EIUB5YQ3ptXFbMWKJFVVpsM-SVgdwyTVY2iR9eVEQTyBpoPSbCBgIvm17hKkhnEi0V8UPoKWjSXIzS8WDsTDJC3-drm3Ebzj-je4yTxO0aXyBV0ixgozMCjseyFVzPt5pfEJZhUVRpc/s1600/IMG_2611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EIUB5YQ3ptXFbMWKJFVVpsM-SVgdwyTVY2iR9eVEQTyBpoPSbCBgIvm17hKkhnEi0V8UPoKWjSXIzS8WDsTDJC3-drm3Ebzj-je4yTxO0aXyBV0ixgozMCjseyFVzPt5pfEJZhUVRpc/s320/IMG_2611.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Pictured Above: Roasted Broccoli & GF Corn Muffins</b></div>
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Roasting our broccoli was revolutionary. John wasn't a huge fan of broccoli before, but now he loves it roasted. <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/10/7-recipes-roundup.html" target="_blank">Bon Appetit's recipe</a> is my favorite. The corn muffins are from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Isaiah-Gluten-Free-Dairy-Free-Delicious/dp/1606525654/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383182604&sr=8-1&keywords=cooking+for+isaiah" target="_blank">Cooking For Isaiah</a>.</div>
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<b>Chickpea, Butternut Squash, and Lentil Stew</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60UwCZMcG8Yzx6SRaNaQkMOspedxEpvkQP-7XkqHLTsd2g3lP05Qx-7pcq_JP7RaTAqF9G307s41UT3VvvNm4fAXY8qFmBhYHKfajDIsauJYAVmdjqzxT5yg7c9-0Gc6d6HjSFNrAvrc/s1600/IMG_2597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60UwCZMcG8Yzx6SRaNaQkMOspedxEpvkQP-7XkqHLTsd2g3lP05Qx-7pcq_JP7RaTAqF9G307s41UT3VvvNm4fAXY8qFmBhYHKfajDIsauJYAVmdjqzxT5yg7c9-0Gc6d6HjSFNrAvrc/s320/IMG_2597.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured with Pumpkin Muffins, recipe above.</td></tr>
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<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
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1 white onion, chopped</div>
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3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided</div>
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3 cloves garlic, minced</div>
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1 jalapeno, minced</div>
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1/4 tsp coriander</div>
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1/4 tsp ground ginger</div>
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1/4 tsp cumin</div>
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1/4 tsp cardamon</div>
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Pinch of black pepper</div>
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1 butternut squash, peeled and chopped</div>
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1 can diced tomatoes</div>
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1 quart chicken broth</div>
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1 cup red lentils</div>
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2 cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained</div>
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1 tsp sea salt</div>
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Fresh cilantro for topping</div>
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<b>Preparation:</b></div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li>Toss butternut squash with 2 Tbsp. olive oil and bake in 375 degree oven for 45 minutes, or until it's softened and done.</li>
<li>While squash cooks, heat oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and saute until it starts to brown. </li>
<li>Add jalapeno, garlic, and spices (through black pepper) and stir to combine for about 1 minute.</li>
<li>Add chickpeas, diced tomatoes, red lentils, and broth to onion mixture. Stir and turn heat to high until it starts to simmer. Reduce heat and cover until lentils are done, about 25 minutes. </li>
<li>Once lentils are done, add in butternut squash to pot and stir everything together. Season with sea salt and cilantro before serving.</li>
</ol>
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<b>Pumpkin & Potato Soup</b></div>
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In case you <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/10/7-recipes-roundup.html" target="_blank">missed it on BeEmbraced</a> a couple of weeks ago, <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/10/7-recipes-roundup.html" target="_blank">this soup</a> is another win for a Fall night.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxgyNZsUz4HXD39eBIqrXQkWlmzw7OVw_q-PVp1svo9-SHGC5Jp0tCDPf0QRWuoNlQgJ7-pAXIjuiR5cP0gAiQeHCbyNlw5okeRjqqYc5TFkfoDnXW7SRWffLQoBt7aQR-DcD7VPnSPM/s1600/IMG_2535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxgyNZsUz4HXD39eBIqrXQkWlmzw7OVw_q-PVp1svo9-SHGC5Jp0tCDPf0QRWuoNlQgJ7-pAXIjuiR5cP0gAiQeHCbyNlw5okeRjqqYc5TFkfoDnXW7SRWffLQoBt7aQR-DcD7VPnSPM/s320/IMG_2535.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I promise it tastes so much better than it looks in this picture!</td></tr>
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Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-29774246647737029752013-10-23T11:43:00.000-04:002013-10-23T11:43:04.104-04:002 years and 1 week, aka anniversary recapI last left off mentioning <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/10/76-years-of-marriage-2-year-anniversary.html" target="_blank">our 2 year anniversary celebration plans</a>, so here's the recap from a fabulous weekend:<br />
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<b><u>On Friday,</u></b> we headed to The Optimist for a 9:45pm dinner reservation, which was so worth the wait. The menu is centered around seafood (my favorite!) and is absolutely delicious. Fun fact: The Optimist was featured on the cover of September's <i>Bon Appetit </i>magazine as one of America's best new restaurants, and I can say that I agree!<br />
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<b><u>On Saturday,</u></b> we headed to our favorite donut shop, Revolution Doughnuts. They have the most scrumptious gluten free donuts on the weekends, and I love their coffee. John always gets a least 3 different donuts (non gluten free), such as the nutella-filled one, caramel and bacon, or raspberry.<br />
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We clearly love donuts, since I just made some gluten free ones for us recently. (FYI they are so good you'd never guess they were g.f.) AND I got John this cookbook as part of his gift. (The gift includes that I'll be doing the baking too! First up to try is the Raspberry White Chocolate Doughnuts recipe.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The donuts I made a couple of weekends ago: <br />Double chocolate espresso (with Christmas sprinkles since that's all I had!)</td></tr>
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We then drove to Calloway Gardens for a day of biking in the beautiful weather. Neither of us had been to Calloway, and it was a perfect afternoon of exploring the gardens, biking, and stopping for a picnic. They also had topiaries of college mascots in honor of football season, but sadly no Vandy Commodore!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our lunch spot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tackling the Georgia bulldog<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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That evening we had a bonfire with friends in our neighborhood and roasted s'mores.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">On Sunday,</u> John had planned for us to explore the Atlanta Botanical Gardens but we ended up wanting to rest since we were tired from all of the biking the day before. So we're going to postpone that gift for another weekend. Instead we went for a walk around Grant Park and threw the football and frisbee.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday</u> was our 2 year anniversary! Many of you probably saw this picture on Facebook, but it's too good not to include here too. I couldn't have imagined that'd I'd be marrying John if you asked me at 9th grade homecoming. And yet now he's my best friend and love of my life; so very thankful for these past two years of marriage...<br />
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John and I exchanged letters (our tradition for holidays), and I made him a crossword puzzle to solve as part of my gift to him. The clues were inside jokes or memories from our years of friendship, dating, and marriage. It was really fun watching him solve it and remembering so many good times!<br />
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And yet this <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/03/practicing-presence.html" target="_blank">past year of marriage has been memorable perhaps more for what we've learned during trials</a>. I think it's often our nature to forget the depth of our pain and despair during afflictions. It's easier to feel in control when we gloss over the hardships. Either I trick myself into thinking that I am to applaud for emerging from trials or I don't want to remember that adversity can overwhelm me.<br />
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So though our anniversary certainly was an exciting time of celebration, I also don't want to fall into the common social media trap of only presenting the glamourous parts of life.<br />
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<a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/03/practicing-presence.html" target="_blank">What this past year has shown me</a>, however, is the growth that happens during difficult times. Through John's health issues (which he's fully healed but still undiagnosed), my anemia, making difficult decisions to postpone trips, and trying to be patient while growing my business, God is shaping us for His purposes. <br />
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And I am so grateful for a best friend-husband that journeys through the ups and downs with me. Together we have learned the <a href="http://beembraced.blogspot.com/2013/03/r-learning-to-abide.html" target="_blank">importance of rest and what it means to abide</a>. It is through experiencing these seasons together that we rejoice in triumphs and are beginning to learn what it means to dig in and welcome growth during unexpected difficulties.<br />
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John proposed after we'd been canoeing in the Florida summer, midday heat. One thing he said to me was that he wanted us to enter into our engagement real - sweat and all - because we'd be doing <i>all</i> of life together, not just the dolled up and glamorous parts. How thankful I am for a husband who desires to "<a href="http://www.theodore-roosevelt.com/trsorbonnespeech.html" target="_blank">be in the arena</a>" of life with me because it makes our victories in Christ so much sweeter.<br />
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<br />Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940957888967710802.post-5967039413201747742013-10-11T14:54:00.001-04:002013-10-11T14:54:36.003-04:0076 Years of Marriage, a 2 Year Anniversary & other storiesA couple of weekends ago, John and I headed out to St. Louis for my friend Alex's wedding. The ceremony and reception were both so intentionally planned, including washing each other's feet and having an open prayer time during the ceremony, and fostering authentic conversations over delicious food at the reception.<br />
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Alex and Will's commitment to God, each other, and their community was evident throughout the weekend.<br />
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Yet one moment in particular stood out to me.<br />
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When it was time for the homily, Will's 98 year old grandfather stood up and said, "Well, you can all breathe easy now because I made it!" He then proceeded with an incredible homily, and with his wife present in the crowd, he spoke of his experience from 76 years of marriage. In a concise yet comprehensive and compelling sermon, he expressed how God rejoices over marriage because it reminds us of our covenant with Him and the ultimate wedding feast to come.<br />
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I can't do his words justice, but just the image of him proclaiming - and living out - the powerful impact that marriage can have made a huge impression on John and me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The newly married couple! (Barefoot from washing each other's feet.)<br />Will's grandfather is clapping on the left.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the bride! Fun fact: Alex wore her mom's wedding dress.<br /></td></tr>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Col-2-2" id="en-NIV-29497">"My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29497C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29497D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> of God, namely, Christ,</span> <span class="text Col-2-3" id="en-NIV-29498">in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29498E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Col-2-6">So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29501K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> continue to live your lives in him,</span> <span class="text Col-2-7" id="en-NIV-29502">rooted <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29502L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29502M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> and overflowing with thankfulness." -Colossians 2:2-3, 6</span></span></blockquote>
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The grandfather's words were a wonderful reminder to us as John and I celebrate our two year anniversary next Tuesday.<br />
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John has been sending me clues throughout the last couple of days of what he has planned for us tonight and this weekend:<br />
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Harriet is in reference to <i>Harriet The Spy</i>, a book and movie that I loved growing up; so much so that I even had a spy-themed birthday party one year. My best friend and I also used to walk around the neighborhood with our composition notebooks and magnifying glasses, recording clues and working on solving neighborhood crimes, like: <i>Why are there footprints in this abandoned lot?</i> or <i>Who opened the neighbor's front gate? </i>Very serious business.<br />
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John and I love donuts (gluten free ones for me, of course!), and tonight we're heading to The Optimist for a very special dinner celebration. I'm excited to see what other plans are in store for us this weekend!<br />
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<br />Steph Shackelfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199661685548463860noreply@blogger.com0