WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life

Ep 17 Marriage is a Marathon, Part I

A wise friend told me at my wedding shower, "Marriage is a marathon, not a 50-yard dash!" I may have smiled indulgently at her words and immediately forgot! I was aglow with love and felt like our love could and would conquer all!
I remembered it later and she was right.
These tips continue to help me and bless our marriage.
If you'd like to print this out, here's the link.
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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
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Ep 16 Do You (Really) Believe You Matter? with Brittany Couch

Brittany Couch believes you matter.
What's more important, God believes you matter.
Thoughts on Legacy living from Brittany Couch:
 
* You matter. We need you here. I want every person I meet to know this. 
 
* Your legacy is not something you achieve, it’s someone you are. In other words, it’s not about checking the boxes and getting a gold star in achievement. It is who you are, not what you did. There is a big difference. 
 
* In a healthy community, you are heard, you are needed, you are missed, you are equipped, you are empowered. Those in healthy community receive all these, and at the same time give all these as well. 
 
* Characteristics of a healthy community:  
Listen and ask good questions, with the intention of really getting to know someone. (They will instantly feel they matter, which leads to trust). 
Trust. Creating a safe environment. 
Collaboration. Unity and working together with a common goal.
Surrendering my expectations and judgments of a circumstance or person, and trusting God to work His perfect plan and perfect timing. 
 
* I would say my biggest obstacle is me.
  -What I mean by that, is my stubbornness, my lack of patience, my expectations, all get in the way of really seeing people. Man, I’ve come along way. I can kinda of laugh in embarrassment, but I hid expectations and disappointment in so-called love. You know, that’s not even possible. Think about it, if you judge someone or their circumstance, you miss out on loving them, listening to them, understanding them, being with them. 
  -This past Fall some unhealed ugliness reared its head in my life. I shuddered at my actions, but when I owned those ugly actions, sought forgiveness, a deeper aspect of the abundant life we get to live was revealed. It’s kind of like an aha moment, a revelation, or a gift. 
 
* If you don’t believe you matter or that you are needed, do the work: hire a professional life coach, a therapist, ask a trusted friend, and take steps to explore what you believe about yourself, God, and what I think you’ll discover is a legacy life. A legacy life, as I said above, doesn’t start when you reach come older magical age, it starts today.
 
brittanycouch.com
 
Hello, Locals!
Brittany and Jenni, a dynamic duo, are offer coaching seminars. The first one was last week, but they will do it again. Just contact them at me@brittanycouch.com  or hello@jennilanier.com
1/29 Visioning and goals • 2/26 Boundaries • 3/26 Creating a life you love
 A community of inspiring women. Motivation for the future. $39 per event or $100 for all threeReserve your spot at http://venmo.com/coaching_youLight appetizers and drinks • 5:30–8 pm • 777 Mission Street, SLO Questions: me@brittanycouch.com or hello@jennilanier.com
 
 I love Brittany's go-to recipe which starts with gluten-free, dairy-free frozen meatballs and makes the house smell like her mom's! 
 
Meatball Sliders from Brittany
 
I keep the big bag of frozen Italian meatballs from Costco (GF dairy-free, but you could use any other frozen meatball) in my freezer and jars of Rao’s spaghetti sauce in my pantry ready to put in a big pot on the stove (I add a cup or 2 of chicken stock because it simmers better)… and if guests are coming over it makes the house smell like my mom’s. 
I usually do meatball sliders, using the big bag of Costco dinner rolls, or Hawaiian rolls. Put a piece of mozzarella on top and sprinkle with parsley or basil. Add a salad on the side. Bon appetite! 
 
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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
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Ep 15 Exchanging Angry Triggers for Gentle Biblical Responses with Amber Lia

Amber reminds us that our legacy can change with different seasons, as well as the surprising twists and turns of life, but one thing remains constant: the more we act like Jesus, the better our legacy will be. We can ask ourselves each morning: "What does the Lord want from me today?" How we treat just one person, in kindness and love, not surrendering to the normal "triggers" that are our natural bent, is how we show the love and grace of Christ on a daily basis.
Get this book for yourself and for a friend: Marriage Triggers: Exchanging Spouses' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses
Release date 1/28/20http://bit.ly/MarriageTriggersBookPreorder
A former high school English teacher, Amber is a work-at-home mom of four little boys ranging from 3 to 13. She is the best-selling co-author of Triggers: Exchanging Parents’ Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses and Parenting Scripts: When What You’re Saying Isn’t Working, say Something New. She and her husband Guy own Storehouse Media Group, a faith-friendly and family-friendly TV and Film production company in Los Angeles, CA. Their book, Marriage Triggers, will be available in February 2020. When she’s not building sandcastles with her boys on the beach, or searching for Nerf darts all over her house, you can find Amber writing to encourage families on her blog at Mother of Knights (www.motherofknights.com).
You can find Amber in all these places--
Blog:
http://www.motherofknights.com/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MotherOfKnights/
Video Resources for Triggers and Parenting Scripts:
https://amberandwendy.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/motherofknights/
 
Crockpot French Dip
Crockpot Beef Dips!1 eye of round roast
1 can of cream of chicken and mushroom soup
1 cup of beef brothPlace roast in crockpot and season with salt and pepper as desired.
Mix together the soup and broth. 
Pour over the top.
Cook on high in crockpot for 6 hours or low for 8.
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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
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Ep 14 Are You in a Mentoring Relationship?

To mentor and be mentored is a sure-fire way to live a legacy life. God is all about people and He loves us to draw alongside a sister in the faith, and share what He's been teaching us in His Word and showing us about His character. There is no more exciting way to live.
As a mentor, we need to direct others to Christ, but we can’t do that well unless people feel safe with us. So that they know they won’t get hammered with a sermon or hit over the head with your headful of Bible knowledge. When Mark and I were first married we both knew a lot of Scripture and we could throw it at each other rather than let it us change us instead. That’s one reason Paul wrote: Knowledge puffs up. (I Corinthians 8:1) Yes, it does, and causes damage when used as a form of making us feel like we’re better than the person who knows less than we do.
The whole concept of mentoring is that someone knows less than the mentor – they need you and your knowledge, but they need your love all at the same time.
Oswald Chambers said: "All of God's people are ordinary people who have been made extraordinary by the purpose he has given them.”
The role of a mentor is to be an introduction to God and help usher another into His presence. Sounds like a purposeful way to live our lives. 
To learn more about how to mentor, check out my book: Table Mentoring: A Simple Guide to Coming Alongside
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To hear Mama Mabel on my Legacy podcast, listen here.
More on her "Two sheets" metaphor here. 
 
Mabel's Triple Fudge Brownies (can be made with one arm!)
 
2 cups sugar   1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour1/2 cup baking cocoa (I use Hershey’s special dark)1 tsp salt 5 eggs1 cup vegetable oil1 tsp vanilla extract1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
** Assemble all ingredients ** Spray 13x9x2” baking pan** preheat oven to 350 degrees(You May add a cup of  your favorite chopped       nuts, if you desire)**Pour into greased pan**Sprinkle with one cup chocolate chips** Bake at  350 degrees for 26-30 minutes From Mama Mabel: I always set my timer for 27 minutes to make sure they are not over baked......but I’m at a high altitude** Cool on a wire rack before cutting(Actually, you can cut the entire pan of brownies into four segments and freeze in freezer bags to thaw and cut later......like just baked brownies!)
 
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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
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"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31 
 

Ep 13 Intimacy with God in a Time of Transition with Pat Fenner

Today we get to hear from Pat Fenner's legacy of blessing:
Embrace your worth in Christ--"He loved you enough to die for you!"
Listening as an act of love
Called to deeper intimacy with God in a time of transition
"There's nothing that you can experience that God is not aware of, drop in His lap and He will hold you and meet your every need." -Pat
Pat's blog this week brings our attention to the plight of human sex trafficking and offers a practical list of things we can do as individuals or ways to include our families to fight this war. Check out her Action Guide to Fight Human Trafficking here.
Thank you, Pat, for helping us help others.
 Author and veteran homeschooler Pat Fenner feeds her passion for encouraging and inspiring homeschooling moms by writing at her blog Breakthrough Homeschooling. Catch her excitement about parenting and homeschooling middle and high-school-aged young people and get practical help when you subscribe to the site.
 
Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/patfenner
Personal website: patfenner.me
Homeschool blog: https://breakthroughhomeschooling.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/c57109
These are just two of Pat's books:
Blessing the Next Generation: Releasing God's Best in your Child's Life
The Empty Homeschool Nest: Next Steps for Mom After Homeschooling is Over
 
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Recipe from Pat:
 
I got an Instant Pot for Christmas one year, and I just love it! Whether I prepare something in advance to have on hand or whip something up for last minutes guests, it's such a "hospitality help"!
 
This recipe comes from the book "Instant Loss Cookbook", by Brittany Williams. I prepare a pound of chickpeas (recipe also inside) at a time and freeze them. When I want or need to make some homemade hummus, I measure out a cup and add some pantry staples. Plate flavorful crackers with cut-up sweet peppers, carrots, cukes, and whatever, and voila! A healthy snack to share with friends.
 
Chipotle Hummus
 
1 cup cooked chickpeas, homemade or canned, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup avocado oil
1 or 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (I omit this because my family is not a fan of spicy)
1 T tahini (optional, but oh-so wonderful!)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp minced garlic (or a bit more, if you're a fan of it like I am)
4 tsp fresh lemon juice (I squeeze fresh and freeze it in ice cube trays for easy access)
 
Put all the ingredients in a blender (or NutriBullet, which is what I use) and mix till smooth. Keeps about a week in the fridge, if it lasts that long!
 
 
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For more thoughts on faith, legacy, and food--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com
 
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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
Subscribe:
Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:
    
OR
Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!
 
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31 
 
 
 

Ep 12 A Legacy of Goals and Strategies, for Heaven's Sake

Listen to what one young pastor wrote:
Resolve
 I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made—I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly walking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals.
 I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer, and I labor with power.
 
I'm inspired by his faith and commitment. God expects an unrivaled commitment to Him. And in return, He gives us all that we need and will ever want. I can live with that kind of exchange.
 
What goals will you make this year to make it your best yet? Each goal needs strategies. And I always like rewards. Chocolate is its own reward. Here's the recipe from Dora that I promised:
Dora's Brownies
1 box of Fudge Brownie mix, Family size
Follow directions except use 2 eggs instead of 3
Add nuts, if desired
Spread half of batter in a 9x13 sprayed pan
Layer 6 regular-sized Hershey bars on top of batter (SEE WHAT I MEAN?? Surprise treat!)
Spread remaining batter over the top to cover candy bars
Bake as directed
Celebrate your goal-setting, strategy-creating, and the next right thing with these luscious and simple brownies. 
 
Larry Crabb, a Christian psychologist, writes that our anger can be mitigated if we separate our goals from our desires. 
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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
Subscribe:
Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:
    
OR
Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!
For more thoughts on faith, food, and legacy, follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com
 

Ep.11 "One-Armed Bandit"—Legacy of Dependence with Mabel Pittman

Mabel's legacy is:
Boasting in the Lord
Accommodating change in different chapters of life
Practicing joy in spite of circumstances
Mabel Pittman, 84, is a former Pastor's wife, missionary, Bible Study teacher, retreat speaker, and director of women's ministry and is a dear friend, mentor and prayer-warrior. She loves to laugh and she loved my folks--both attributes are good enough for me! She's affectionately called the "one-armed bandit" as she was born short an arm, and went on to do everything she ever wanted to do, including play concert piano. We all need a Mabel in our lives and now I get to share her with you.
Wisdom from Mamma Mabel:
Keep your eyes on eternal values and stay in God's Word.
Be ready to change those things that we can change about ourselves.
Accept the things we cannot change as from a Father Whose heart is kind above all measure.
Do not expect everyone to buy into your lifestyle or belief system, so make it a point to pray and love.
Don't be afraid to try new things or to get out there in the culture with those who are making a difference for God's glory.
 
PS
Since the time my folks went to Glory, Mabel has committed to pray for me and my four siblings, spouses and all our kids - that equals, well, a lot. If your favorite prayer warrior has graduated to Glory, go find yourself a Mama Mabel. A treasure, indeed.
Her favorite go-to recipe: Vive 'la Chicken. She said there are several Vive 'la Chicken recipes (who knew?) but this is her favorite.
Mabel's Favorite Vive 'la Chicken
Mix together in one large mixing bowl:
4 cups of cooked and cubed chicken breast
1 can of cream soup
1 cup milk
1 large jar of salsa
1 bag tortilla chips, semi-crushed
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
pepper and garlic powder to taste
2 cups water
 
Place in casserole. Cover with thick layer of cheese. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees until heated through and cheese is melted.
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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
Subscribe:
Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:
    
OR
Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!
For more thoughts on faith, food, and legacy, follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com
 

Ep10 Making Room for What Counts

It's easy to let everything and everyone get in the way of making room for what really counts at Christmas: the baby Jesus! Here's a reminder to help all of us live with God first and foremost, filling up our lives the way we were made to live. 
The funny thing is when we make room for Jesus, He makes room for all that we need and want. 
Making Room Printable.
ZUPPA SAUSAGE AND BACON TOSCANA SOUP (printable version here)
A great soup for Christmas Eve Soup and Bread Potluck - easy to make room for stray lambs when soup is in the crockpot.
Ingredients:
1-2 T. olive oil6 slices bacon, diced1/2 lb. ground Italian Sausage (Mild or Hot)1 brown onion, diced2 cloves garlic, minced1 qt. chicken stock3 baked potatoes, cut into chunks1 c. heavy cream (I use half-and-half)salt and pepper2 c. kale (I've used spinach in its place on occasion)
Directions:
Heat oil in a large potAdd sausage and bacon and cookWhen almost cooked through, add onions and garlicCook until onions are soft, stirring oftenStir in diced cooked potatoes and creamAdd kale and cook 5 min. longer
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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
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Ep 9 Legacy of the Word, Aimee Walker

Aimee Walker from Auckland, New Zealand, a former pastor, writes for The Joyful Life Magazine, serves as their community leader, and writes Bible Studies so that women grow up in Jesus. 
You can find Aimee here:
https://www.aimeewalker.co.nz/
 
And her Bible Studies here:
 
https://joyfullifemagazine.com/product-category/bible-studies/
 
Order your copy of The Joyful Life Magazine here 
 
What Amiee says about our spiritual legacy:
 
"Slow and deep."
Maturity can't be rushed. Don't feel the need to race through the Word--there are times and seasons for doing things like reading through the whole Bible in a year, and grasping the big picture. But there's also much to be said for slowly and systematically reading through books of the Bible. We gain understanding as we repeatedly read and as we take the time to meditate and dig into its truth. 
 
The same is true for those we're reaching out to and ministering to--don't be discouraged when there are not instant results. Just be faithful to sow what God is asking you to sow.
 
I was reminded of this recently with one of our kids who had been struggling to integrate into our new church and make friends based in our community. We moved and started going to a new church just over a year ago, and then six months ago we started hosting a family-friendly life group in our home every second Saturday to try and help us all establish connections. We were excited that one of the families had a daughter the same age as ours and hoped they'd hit it off--but we've struggled to even get them to say "hi" to each other (for six whole months)! Then last weekend, with the start of daylight savings and lighter evenings, the two girls asked if they could walk down the road for ice-cream. We said, "yes!"--and the other mother and I celebrated as they walked off together. The next day our daughter also enjoyed church--after months of stand-offs about attending. God used these shifts in attitude to remind me that it's not a race. Just keep being faithful and trust Him to bring the fruit.
 
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Aimee's Caramel Slice Recipe--She says: "It's not quick but, boy, is it worth it!" 
 
Ingredient List:
 
Base 
1 cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
2/3 cup plain flour (if using a gluten-free flour you may want to use closer to 1 cup)
1/2 cup desiccated coconut 
pinch salt
 
Caramel
 
11 tbsp. butter
1 cup brown sugar
4 tbsp golden syrup 
1 tin sweetened condensed milk
4 tbsp plain flour
 
Icing
 
7 oz. dark chocolate (I use 85% cocoa solids)
3 tbsp butter
 
Method:
 
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease and line a slice tin with parchment paper.
 
Cream the butter and sugar together until thick and pale. Beat the egg in and then add in the flour, coconut, and salt. Beat until well combined. Spread the mix in an even layer into your prepared tin and then bake for 18 minutes. Remove the base from the oven.
 
While the base is cooking, make your caramel by melting all the ingredients in a saucepan/pot over medium heat. Stir continually to avoid burning on the bottom until the butter has melted and the sugar is dissolved. Pour it over the hot base and then return to the oven for another 10 minutes.
 
Remove from the oven and then cool in the tin before icing.
 
To make the icing, gently melt the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water, stirring gently to combine. Pour over the top of the caramel and place in the fridge to set. Cut into slices and serve. (store the slice in the fridge)
 

Ep 8 What Does a Joy-filled Woman Look Like?

The sure way for joy and peace is talking everything over with your Heavenly Father. He's in the details and He's into you! My gift for you: "Five Prayers to Get You Through the Holidays."
God knows all about expectations, communication, peace, forbearance, and celebration--and He loves hearing from us!
And here's your bookmark: 10 Facts of a Joy-filled Woman (Print below)
 
To print click here.  
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Christmas is all about Christ, right? I can struggle with allowing the Lord Jesus to have the main stage. Subscribe to my blog today and receive:
 "5 Ways to Keep Christ as the Centerpiece of our Holiday Entertaining"
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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
Subscribe:
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OR
Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!
Read Sue's blog -- Make it Count: Living a Legacy Life
Subscribe to my blog at WelcomeHeart.com here to receive weekly thoughts on faith, legacy and a good recipe or two. Welcome, welcome! So glad you came!
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