by kathilipp | May 17, 2016 | Podcast, Praying God's Word |
Is it hard for you to reach out for prayer? Do you feel guilty or like you are being a burden?
I took some time to talk with my good friend, Renee Swope, and ask her about a blog post she wrote about asking for prayer called, “When You Need Prayer But Hesitate to Ask“.
She shares why we fear asking for prayer, what we are missing out on by not asking, and what baby steps we can take in order to ask without feeling like a burden.
Mentioned in this episode:
Renee’s Office in what was her master bedroom:
Renee Swope is a national women’s conference speaker and best-selling author of A Confident Heart. Like having coffee with a friend and mentor, Renee’s authentic style and soul-stirring messages draw women closer to the heart of God and each other.
Through her written and spoken words, Renee shares from a heart that has been transformed by the power of God’s love and grace. Weaving in personal stories and spiritual life lessons, Renee’s topics speak to the challenges women face, the heartaches and joys they share. Sprinkled with humor and saturated with Truth, Renee’s messages are filled with Biblical insights that are powerful and life-applications that are practical as she seeks to help women identify paralyzing self-doubts and replace them with transforming truths.
by kathilipp | May 16, 2016 | Blog, Clutter Free |
by Bethany of Kathi’s Clutter Free Academy Team
Although my kitchen is now clutter free, I can still find plenty to feel insecure about. After sixteen years of marriage, my dishes are showing some wear, and our silverware has morphed into a hodgepodge of unrelated utensils. I have become proficient in the kitchen, but not exactly stellar.
It’s so easy to focus on all the things we want to make just a bit better before we invite anyone over for dinner. But this habit can lead so quickly to perfectionism: an unwillingness to do anything we can’t do just right.
Magic happens when people gather around a table to eat and chat together. If we fret about the details and try to cover up the shortcomings that are obvious to us, we’ll miss out on the beauty of communing.
Here are five reminders to help us kick perfectionism out of our kitchens:
- Dinner is not a photo shoot for a magazine.
- A cooking show isn’t filming in your kitchen as you cook.
- A professional organizer will not be present to evaluate your progress in your clutter free journey.
- Your food, service, and decor will not be rated by Zagat.
- It’s all about the welcome, the hospitality, and the food.
Think about the around-the-table moments you treasure in your heart—moments threaded together with conversation while forks clinked on plates. You likely remember these snapshots because those occasions were special and you felt cared for. You don’t treasure these memories because you sat in the midst of perfection; you treasure them because despite imperfect people, the burned chicken, and a wobbly chair, you felt included. This is our aim when we welcome people into our kitchen: to make them feel like they belong.
If this is all true—if hospitality really isn’t about being perfect—then we are all capable of hosting a fantastic dinner party. We are all more than qualified to love on people by inviting them over for conversation and a bite to eat.
So be brave! Go ahead and invite friends over, despite the fact that imperfection resides in your kitchen. Don’t let the goal of perfection warp your idea of what it means to be hospitable: don’t allow it to taint the food you serve. Confidently invite friends and family into your home and decline to feel shame about the imperfect. (After all, every home has it.)
Show perfectionism the door, and make room to welcome people at your table.
Kick Perfectionism to the curb in every area of your life! Check out my book, The Cure for the Perfect Life, where we deal with the 4 P’s:
- Perfectionism
- Procrastination
- People-Pleasing
- Performancism
Embrace your imperfect self and go change the world!
by kathilipp | May 13, 2016 | Blog, Friday Favorites |
This mashes potatoes like nothing I have ever used before. It’s spring-loaded. It’s FUN! I look forward to mashing potatoes!
When you need to get a little aggression out, this is the potato masher.
Recommended by Kathi Lipp
Link to purchase
I’ve always had a blender and a food processor, and I hardly ever used either of them. The food processor was so heavy it was a pain to lug and the blender was a pain to clean. The mega kitchen system has one base, a great processor bowl, and great blender/blade combo, and individual cups for blending a single-size smoothie to go.
Recommended by Jessica Fall
Link to Purchase
I love that I can toss frozen chicken breasts into the InstantPot (with salsa to make chicken for taco salad or with chicken broth to make soup) and have dinner ready in about 30 minutes. It has saved me numerous times when I’ve forgotten to plan ahead or plans have changed last minute.
Recommended by Brooke Martinez
Link to Purchase
I cannot live without my cast iron skillet. Reasons include:
1) Cooks beautifully
2) It goes from the stove top to the oven seamlessly
3) It is non-stick
4) No toxic fumes that go along with most non-stick cookware.
Recommended by Amberly Neese
Link to Purchase
I’m a runner and this is an absolute must for my post-run shakes and smoothies. I’ve tried a regular blender and the Ninja and none perform like this one. Absolutely a must for my kitchen.
Recommended by Edith Pont
Link to purchase
(Affiliate Disclosure message)
“If you purchase the product or service I referenced next to the link you just clicked, I will receive an “affiliate commission.” I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
by kathilipp | May 10, 2016 | Home, Podcast, Recipes, The "What's for dinner?" Project |
Wouldn’t it be great to come home from a busy day and know that dinner is already planned and prepped?
With a little work ahead of time, meals can be A LOT easier and less stressful.
In this episode, Erin and I talk about delicious meals and easy ways to have a freezer full of meals ready to go, including LOOP (Left Overs On Purpose) and the Six Chicks Freeze and Fix co-op strategy.
Mentioned in the episode: King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese
Soy Vey Teriyaki
Erin MacPherson lives in Austin, Texas with her husband Cameron, her sons Joey and Will and her daughter Kate. She is the author of “The Christian Mama’s Guide Series“, a staff writer for Dun & Bradstreet and a freelancer for publications like Thriving Family Magazine, MOPS MomSense, FamilyLife Magazine, Daily Guideposts and BEMag. She blogs about her life, her kids and her faith at ChristianMamasGuide.com.
by kathilipp | May 6, 2016 | Blog, Books, Friday Favorites |
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
I so rarely read fiction these days because it feels like an indulgence. This book has letters between an American and a British used book store owner. It’s during the war and she sends them food and treats. She does things that only an American would do. He searches for books for her. It’s lovely, charming and wonderful! Recommended by Kathi Lipp
Purchase Link
Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen
Two Harvard Professors unpack the mysteries and agonies of giving and receiving feedback effectively. It is a practical approach for anyone who struggles to use feedback to their advantage and view it an an invaluable tool for growth. Recommended by Amberly Neese
Link to purchase
The Longing in Me: How Everything You Crave Leads to the Heart of God by Shelia Walsh
Shelia Walsh immediately captured my attention when I saw a video promotion of this must-read book. The Longing in Me will help you see that your longings are built from the blueprint of your needs: for protection, for love, for God. And those needs aren’t going anywhere. Your cravings are not the problem. It’s where they lead you that makes all the difference. Recommended by Mary Lou Caskey
Purchase link
Rising Strong by Dr. Brene Brown
Rising Strong offers an opportunity to see that failure is not to be feared, but used to rise stronger. God uses people who feel unqualified to do amazing things. Recommended by Mary Lou Caskey
Purchase Link
Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want by Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy
Each of us has but one life to live on this earth. What we do with it is our choice. Step by step instructions on how to stop letting our lives slip away and making the most productive use of your time and your life. I love the message in the book and how it encourages action. Recommended by Robin O’Neal Smith
Purchase Link
“If you purchase the product or service I referenced next to the link you just clicked, I will receive an “affiliate commission.” I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
by kathilipp | May 4, 2016 | Blog, Recipes, tips and ideas |
(This recipe was first seen in The “What’s for Dinner?” Solution ~Kathi Lipp)
Recipes to Crave
It’s Spring and yummy, fresh recipes are an absolute necessity. Try these amazing Asian Chicken Wrap Ups. They are healthy and so tasty. While this may not be the fastest meal in the west, it’s “no cook” if you buy the chicken precooked. And everyone can construct their own wrap, saving you even more time!
Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
(Cut your prep to next to nil by making the chicken mixture ahead of time)
Cook Time: None!
Serves: 4 as appetizers or 2 as a main course
Ingredients
2 cups skinless chicken breast, cooked and chopped
(save time by using precooked chicken breasts)
3 T. rice vinegar
1 1/2 T. light soy sauce
1 1/2 tsp. sesame oil
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Seasoned salt and pepper
1/4 cup crispy rice noodles
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup shredded broccoli slaw
4-6 butter lettuce leaves
1/3 cup Peanut sauce (store bought)
1/3 cup Asian salad dressing for dipping sauce (store bought)
Directions
In a medium glass bowl, combine chicken, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, and almonds.
Mix well.
Season to taste with seasoned salt and pepper.
Cover and refrigerate for an hour.
On platter, arrange lettuce leaves and small containers of peanut sauce and Asian dressing. Place a mound of chicken mixture on each lettuce leaf. Top with crispy noodles, carrots, and broccoli slaw. Roll up the leaf and dip in one of the sauces.
Enjoy!
For more recipes to enjoy, check out Kathi’s The What’s for Dinner Solution in her book shop!
by kathilipp | May 3, 2016 | Podcast |
Do you feel crazy busy or busy and fulfilled? What’s the difference?
Most of us say yes to way too many things and then we find ourselves burnt out and frazzled. There are many factors to take into consideration before saying yes to an opportunity. In this episode Erin and I talk with Alli Worthington, author of Breaking Busy: How to Find Peace and Purpose in a World of Crazy, to help us keep our calendar decluttered.
**We have two copies of Breaking Busy to give away. Leave a comment below and two people will be chosen to receive their own copy!
Here is a link to the free Breaking Busy Digital Toolkit including discussion guides for each chapter, printables, shareable images, tweets, Bible reading guide, Time Diary, and so much more: http://alliworthington.com/breaking-busy-digital-toolkit
Buy the book and get a free Breaking Busy Guide eBook: http://alliworthington.com/breaking-busy-guide
Did you like this podcast
FREE DOWNLOAD
When it’s time to make a decision, ask yourself how you will feel about your answer in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years. Download this PDF and put it next to your calendar as a reminder.
Alli Worthington is the author of Breaking Busy, she’s a speaker, a blogger, and the Executive Director of Propel Women. Her goal is to help women live the life they were created to live.
Alli co-founded BlissDom Events and has helped individuals, small business owners and Fortune 500 companies be more successful. Alli’s no-nonsense, guilt-free take on motherhood, parenting and balance has lead to appearances on The Today Show and Good Morning America.
She lives outside Nashville with her husband, Mark, their five sons, rescued dog and cat who moved onto their doorstep.
Alli spends way too much time on Instagram at @AlliWorthington and you can find out all about her at AlliWorthington.com
by kathilipp | May 2, 2016 | Blog, Clutter Free, The Me Project |
by Sharon Jaynes
Kathi Lipp is the queen of showing us how to de-clutter our lives. And if there was ever an area I needed to de-clutter in my heart, it was in the area of shame. I wonder if you can relate.
One morning I sat on my back porch, wrapped in my fuzzy worn robe—the one that’s twenty years old but I just can’t seem to get rid of. The birch tree leaves shivered in the cool morning crispness and the gerbera daisies that had been sleeping beneath the soil through the winter months, stretched their faces to the sun . . . just a bit higher than the day before.
Then I heard him. The rooster.
ER-er-ER-er-ERRRR. I’m not sure where he lives, but it’s within earshot.
ER-er-ER-er-ERRRR. I thought of Peter. I thought of me. I thought of you.
You know the story. At the dinner table, on the night before Jesus went to the cross, He had a chat with his friend Peter. He referred to Peter in his pre-disciple-days name—Simon.
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”
Don’t you know Jesus thought…sure you are, buddy?
“I tell you, Peter,” Jesus said, “before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
A few hours later, Peter did just that. Denied that he even knew Jesus. Three times. And then the rooster crowed. ER-er-ER-er ERRRR.
And Peter went outside and wept bitterly. He cried and cried and cried.
The next morning, the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered his failure.
And the next morning the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered his failure.
And the next, and the next, and the next.
With every cock-a-doodle-doo came a fresh reminder. First thing in the morning.
Have you ever been there? I have.
I have failed. I have cried and cried and cried. I have remembered.
Shame has poked drain holes in my Spirit-filled confidence and I have hidden behind the wall with Peter…behind the bush with Eve.
And even though I had asked God to forgive me, and I knew that He had, the rooster still crowed in my heart, and I remembered my failure all over again.
Like a trapeze artist who takes hold of the second bar, but refuses to let go of the first, I have hung—dangling over “life to the full.”
Not quite letting go of the life that’s “less than” in order to soar fully and free as God intended.
And God calls to me…Let go. Move forward. Live bold. It’s the only way.
And Paul tells me how… Here’s what I do… I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Forgetting what lies behind and reaching for what lies ahead… (Philippians 3:12,13)
And I see it clearly. For me and for you.
When we finally take hold of, grasp, and make our own all that Jesus has already taken hold of for us and placed in us, we begin to experience life to the full—the faith we’ve always longed for.
But taking hold is not enough. We’ve got to let go.
Let go of shame-filled ponderings and and take hold of grace-filled pardon.
Let go of crippling bitterness and take hold of radical forgiveness
Let go of weak-kneed worry and take hold of sure-footed confidence.
Let go of insecurity and take hold of your true identity as a child of God.
Let go of preoccupation with self-doubt and take hold of God’s power-filled promises.
Let go of comparison and take hold of your God-fashioned uniqueness.
Let go of the lies that hold you hostage and take hold of the truth that sets you free.
Let go of paralyzing doubt and take hold of fleet-footed faith that’s ready to dance to the daring rhythm of God’s drum.
I get excited thinking about it and I’m ready. God has placed lavish promises in the safety deposit box of my heart and fashioned a cross-shaped key just for me…just for you. And letting go of shame and taking hold of grace is where it all begins.
What did Jesus have to say about Peter’s failure? Three strikes, you’re out? Not hardly.
After his resurrection, Jesus pulled Peter aside…
“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”
Jesus removed the shroud of shame hanging from Peter’s guilt weary shoulders, and called him to get back to the ministry to which he was called. And He does the same for me and for you.
Take hold of grace.
But the rooster still crows.
The question is, what will we remember when it does?
Not the sin…but the grace.
Oh friend, don’t let the enemy accuse you of what God has already forgiven you of?
Don’t let him fool you into thinking that the cross was not enough.
Don’t let him clutter your heart with shame and condemnation that God wants to sweep out the door.
Take hold of what Jesus has already taken hold of for you.
And He asks…
“Daughter, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord, you know that I do.”
Feed my sheep.
Is God calling you to de-clutter your heart and let go of something in your life? If so, leave a comment and we’ll pick 5 and give away 5 free copies of Sharon’s book, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For.
Sharon Jaynes has penned a passel of books and loves linking arms with women all around the world through the written and spoken word. In her brand new book, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let Go, Move Forward, Live Bold, she reveals the most common reasons we get stuck in a mediocre faith. By sitting fireside with Moses at the burning bush and looking at his four arguments with God, you’ll discover how to let go of all that holds you hostage to a life that’s less than what God intended, move forward into life to the full that Jesus promised, and live bold with mountain moving faith that is filled with expectancy. To learn more about Sharon’s ministry visit www.sharonjaynes.com. To learn more about Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let Go, Move Forward, Live Bold, visit www.takeholdthebook.com.
by kathilipp | Apr 26, 2016 | Podcast, Relationships |
If someone suddenly needed a place to stay, whether it be a natural disaster or a family “situation,” would you be ready to take them in?
It’s actually a lot simpler than it sounds. Listen as Erin and I discuss the few necessities you can have on hand in case Extreme Hospitality is at your door.
Mentioned in the episode: Twisting Jewelry
*Win a free copy of The What’s For Dinner Solution book by leaving a comment below! Share an idea you have in order to be prepared for Extreme Hospitality. One commenter will be chosen as the winner!
Baked Ziti
- 1 lb. ground beef
- ¼ chopped onion
- 16 oz. penne pasta, parboiled and drained
- 6 cups spaghetti sauce
- 6 slices mozzarella
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
Prepare: Brown ground beef and onions together. Add spaghetti sauce. Combine sauce and cooked pasta, mix well.
Freeze: Spread pasta in 9×13 pan and cover with foil. Attach two freezer bags to pan, one with the mozzarella cheese slices, one with gated Parmesan cheese. Freeze.
Serve: Thaw casserole and cheeses. Place mozzarella cheese slices over casserole. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for 5 more minutes. Serves 4.
FREE DOWNLOAD
When we have the opportunity to provide food, shelter and hospitality to someone we love or even a stranger that needs help, being ready makes them and your family more comfortable. Click to download.
Erin MacPherson lives in Austin, Texas with her husband Cameron, her sons Joey and Will and her daughter Kate. She is the author of “The Christian Mama’s Guide Series“, a staff writer for Dun & Bradstreet and a freelancer for publications like Thriving Family Magazine, MOPS MomSense, FamilyLife Magazine, Daily Guideposts and BEMag. She blogs about her life, her kids and her faith at ChristianMamasGuide.com.
by kathilipp | Apr 25, 2016 | Clutter Free, Home, Relationships, tips and ideas |
by Bethany of Kathi’s Clutter Free Academy Team
When I make the choice to control the clutter, I find freedom waiting in the living room. A lot of family life happens in the living room, and I want to make it a point to spend a lot of time in there with my hubby and three kids. But I can only do this well if I keep the clutter from sucking the life out of the living room. Our living room needs to be a place where we connect and laugh together, not trip over junk and shift piles of books to find a spot on the couch.
Here’s what I know: The kids won’t remember if the pillows, couch and rug coordinate but they will remember the tickle fights. Guests won’t remember if clean floors or dust bunnies greeted them when they crossed the threshold of your living room but they will remember your kind hospitality. Why? Because these are the things that actually matter, not sparkling floors and not throw pillows.
Contain clutter and gain freedom to live—really live—in your living room. [Tweet “Contain clutter and gain freedom to live #clutterfree”]
Here are seven ideas to get you started.
1. Dance Party
Turn up the volume on some of your favorite tunes and dance until you drop. Learn a line dance together and hilarity will follow.
2. Indoor Picnic
Spread out a blanket on the living room floor and break out the picnic foods, whether it’s 95 degrees or raining outside! Bonus: Dinner is easy peasy!
3. Game Night
Choose a night and invite a few friends over for pizza and games. The invitation and the fun are all that matter. Enjoy your guests. Repeat.
4. Lightsaber Fight
It just doesn’t get much better than a lightsaber fight. Get ready to watch the force in action—everyone is a kid with a lightsaber in hand. For extra fun, make it as dark as possible to stay safe and then record it. Everyone loves to see the action over and over again.
5. Coffee Shop
Make (or buy) a batch of cookies or muffins. Set out books, magazines, and candles. Brew your favorite cup and turn up some background music. Relish the blissful sips of clutter free life with family or friends!
6. Putt-Putt
We have a little putting mat that we bring into the living room now and then because…well, why not? Make a game of it and see who can sink the best out of ten putts. Winner gets to choose the snack.
7. Date Night Movie Night
After the kids are in bed, break out an appetizer extravaganza, whether its from your grocer’s frozen section or an exotic array of cheeses and fruit. You pick the food, fancy or fun, and hubby gets to choose the movie.
Q4U:
• What’s your favorite way to live — really live — in your living room?
• How does becoming clutter-free make it easier to enjoy life in your living room?
While you’re at it, how do you connect with your kids? Each of them has a different personality and each has different needs to feel loved. With 21 Ways to Connect to Your Kids, you’ll learn each of his/her personality traits and how to use that information to create real connection.
LEARN MORE >>>
