My Truth is Found in Him

Have you ever heard your parents’ voice in your head, warning you, supporting you, cheering for you, telling you to pick yourself up, telling you that they love you? That is how I started hearing Him.

As a parent I try to speak love and light into my children every day. Sometimes, I know what is best for them but they have to explore their own path or solution until they make a choice they feel good about. It's odd because even though I may know what is "good" for them, I may not actually know what is "best." The difference in this Parent / Child relationship and the one we have with our Heavenly Father is that He DOES know -- there is no imperfection in His way.

This past weekend at Mighty Waters opened my eyes to the power of listening. If we pray with the expectancy of an answer, then we must make time to listen, to hear the answer.

Yesterday, I placed my prayer stone on my heart and listened -- for the response to my unspoken prayer, the one God hears from my heart.

I heard Him, I saw Him. He was the most loving Father, smiling at me saying, "My child, you are mine. I am here. I am so proud of you. I have always been here to love and comfort you the way you are always there to love and comfort your children. I am here with a warm blanket of peace. Doesn't it feel good when you wrap it around you? Isn't this a better way? Why stand in the bitter air of anxiety and worry when you can be wrapped in My comfort? Why doubt yourself when you can live in My celebration of your magnificence. My child, you are extraordinary. I know. I see you when you don't see yourself in My image. My child, love yourself and those around you the way I love you. Feel Me here. Choose My comfort the way you desire your children allow you to comfort them. Choose My vision for your life. Stand here, next to Me, in front of Me, behind Me. I am here."

And that, my friends, is my truth. It’s found in Him.

If you are a parent and can imagine your most perfect self speaking life into your children, put yourself in their shoes and realize our Father is even better at this than we are -- but like our children, we must choose to receive it.

The Promise of Pain

I’ve heard two things are guaranteed in life: death and taxes. I'd venture to say we can all add pain to that list. I've yet to meet a person who hasn't endured pain. It's here. It's around us. It's caused by us. It's within us. And, while we may make decisions that have painful consequences -- we don't often choose our tragedy and we rarely feel prepared for it.

The most beautiful thing about any trial or tribulation -- the painful moments that last minutes, hours, months -- is the showing of your true strength. The demonstration to ourselves and those around us that we can survive. We will survive. And, maybe for the first time ever, we will thrive. It's the promise of a better tomorrow that perseveres through the pain.

Pain is such a part of this life. And, while we may not choose our tragedy, we most certainly choose how we show up and how we survive it.
The most important thing I've learned:

Rely on God -- for all things, in all things, before you think you need to. Not sure how? Start with time and thoughts.

Your thoughts become beliefs. Your beliefs manifest into your life. Your thoughts become things. We all think -- but what we think and how we think can totally change how we feel, what we do and ultimately, our life. So, give yourself the gift of time -- time to read, listen, learn, absorb. Notice how just a few minutes makes a huge difference.

Put on the Armor of God long before you need it friends. It's the most important lesson I've learned this year.

Tastes of the Carmichael Casa

Ever tried to "eat healthy" and simply feel deprived, like it is impossible at social functions or like any healthy recipe is hard, perhaps time-consuming, or simply too risky to try? Yup, me too. 

When we decided last June that we had to make changes, we also knew we needed some balance. Like most people, life is crazy, we are on the go, and need a lifestyle that works for us. 

Thankfully, through the Shred 10, we have developed healthy habits that are practical, sustainable and affordable. We have a JuicePlus Complete shake every day. During the shred, we have two. When we started using the Complete plant powder, I knew we could do more than make shakes with it.  I was hesitant, and frankly, making the time to try new recipes wasn't at the top of my priority list. But, one morning, Tyler made pancakes with the complete. It inspired me to try some muffins I had seen a recipe for. And then Pinterest happened, which led to Complete Cookie Dough, Complete Banana Chocolate Crumble, Complete Power Balls and Complete Pudding. 

I'm posting some recipes here. There are even more in our JuicePlus Community page. Most of them take minimal effort and minimal ingredients. We make them for social gatherings, pack them as snacks for outings and Tyler even uses them to help fuel the athletes he works with. As a Mom, I'm relieved and thankful to have plant-packed options for my kids, family and friends. Give them a try. Tell us what you think. 

Feeling Free

I miss my husband. I miss my babies. And yet, part of my excitement to return is knowing that when I do they will get a better version of me than the one that departed three days ago. 

This trip, this time, these moments -- a dream come true. 

About 6 months ago, during a rare text exchange with Leslie, I said, "Can we just have a night at Conference? Or South Beach? I don't care which." (These are bars we frequented in college. A lot of dancing. A lot of memories. A lot of fun. No stress.) We giggled. Obviously, this wasn't going to happen.

Life is hard. It is stressful. So. Much. Stress. But I wanted time -- time with my friend to talk and share and just love. When in the world would we get that time? Would we ever? We have demands, responsibilities, families, and distance.  

Instead of dismissing my desire (aren't we all guilty of that?), I held on to it and kept hope that there would be an opportunity. It will happen, I thought. And, there was an opportunity. No more than a month later I saw that someone I had really been wanting to hear speak would be sitting on a panel and doing a keynote speech in Dallas. Instead of making excuses (the kids have swimming, we have to work, I can't leave the kids, Tyler has a demanding schedule ... there are a lot), I talked to Tyler. We decided I would book a flight to Dallas. I put on Facebook that I would be in town and quickly received a message from my very first college roommate that she wanted to get together. Wow, what an unforeseen blessing. And, I called my friend Lyndsay, "I am coming to town and I want to see you."  Flight was booked, plans were made, bags were packed ... dreams were coming true. 

Leslie and I spent a morning together. It was almost spiritual as we gathered around her perfectly set table. I thought I could cry. I couldn't believe I was there. The two of us, our Moms, one of her babies, our memories, our shared experiences. Our love for one another. It was all there. 

Lunch with Linsey brought back memories I had forgotten, rekindled a friendship from more than a decade ago, and presented opportunities to get together in the future. Our lives have changed, but we were there for each other in special seasons of life and this time it won't be 13 years before we see each other again. 

My sleepover at Lyndsay's, our conversations, and my time playing with her kids on the floor provided the comfort and assurance that the geographical distance between us wouldn't create the space I had allowed with Leslie and Linsey.

Four days. Three friends. Two-day health event with amazing speakers. One big 'ole dream come true. I am bursting. And, I am so thankful. My husband, my kids, my friends, my job ... all so incredibly special and important. I have enough to give, to share, to offer. I am enough. My cup is full. And, I have the power to make my dreams come true. That, my friends, is more than comforting. It is freeing. 

What is your dream?  

Victory, Defeat and the Power to Choose

Several Sundays ago, I was the image of victory. As I sprinted toward home (wrapping up my three-mile run) I longed for someone to capture the feelings and emotions bursting inside: gratitude, pride, motivation. I hadn’t run three miles in almost 10 years. I wasn’t sure I could do it. But, I knew I wanted to. I really, really didn’t want this run to be like so many before (only a block from my house, already walking, deciding this wasn’t all that necessary anyway.)

In the middle of my run, I flashed back to an image that sits prominently in one of my past offices. It’s the image of victory and defeat. I’ve felt both. But, in retrospect, most of the feelings of defeat come from a lack of intention, the absence of action and most importantly the lack of a deeply rooted “why” for doing anything at all. Our decision to take action is what delivers our results. But, WHY make decisions in the first place? 

Throughout my run, these thoughts kept racing through my mind:

• I’m thankful for my health and for my freedom to author my own life story. 
• I’m proud of my determination to do what matters to me, proud of the physical strength I have developed, and the mental strength I exercise.
• I’m motivated by the people I’ve chosen to surround myself with and by the results I’m seeing and feeling.

What does your personal victory look like? What are your small wins? What’s stopping you from achieving your own personal victory? Has it occurred to you that you are more powerful than you imagine? 

Whatever season of life you are in, I hope you are able to keep sight of what matters most to you. I hope you see that you are writing your life story now, in everything you do. I hope you are exercising your power to moving past the defeat and toward your victory.

Why Don't We Share?

This past weekend was all about sharing and caring. Perfect strangers gathered around my living room sharing what was on their heart, their challenges, their personal stories. More strangers gathered around my kitchen island doing the same. Even more enjoyed the chaos of kids running, babies crawling, lots of talking and, you guessed it, more sharing. I think the only thing in more abundance than sharing was caring. 

One friend shared something so personal and then immediately said through tears, "I'm sorry." And you know, everyone else felt blessed by her. There was no need to apologize. There was only appreciation and care. 

On Friday, a friend mentioned this post from Glennon Doyle and I can't help but think of it now. Why on earth do we not share? Our stories, our situations, our perspectives, our voices ... they are so incredibly valuable. You never know who might benefit from what you have to share. So I challenge you: speak up, share yourself, share your story, use your voice! And, when others are brave enough and bold enough to share with you, care. Sharing and caring really makes the world a better place. At least it sure makes my world a better place.  

You Are Not a Tree.

While you are likely a grounded individual deeply rooted in your beliefs, you are obviously not a tree. We know this and yet sometimes we stand still in our ways — frozen in our habits, unable to move. I’ve been there. Small choice after small choice I stayed put when I really (REALLY) wanted to move into a new and better place. Why? Why do we stay put when we desperately want to be somewhere else? 

Maybe because the end goal seems unattainable. Maybe because moving seems too hard. Maybe because nobody around us is moving. Or, maybe we envy those making big moves and just doubt our ability to do the same. Maybe we have so many reasons to stay put we can’t count them.

For me, every single time I thought I was "staying put” I was wrong. I was going backward. When I wasn't growing, I was wilting. It’s like "staying put" while you float on a raft in the ocean or lake. You may not be actively moving, but you are still going somewhere. You just aren’t taking control of where. 

If you are feeling stuck, please know that you are not alone. Repeat that, “I am not alone.” Make one simple change at a time that moves you. Start a “win” journal. Document those small wins and trust me, they could be ANYTHING that is a simple but positive change for you. My hope is that you find someone (if nobody comes to mind, I'm raising my hand enthusiastically) to make small moves with you, to encourage you, to believe in you, to empathize with your struggle. 

Wherever you want to go, please don’t be daunted by the work it will take to get there. Instead, be excited about one small move at a time. Keep it simple. Keep it manageable. Celebrate your success and acknowledge when you aren’t being your best you so that you can be intentional about self-correcting. 

It doesn’t matter if you want to move into a more positive place, a more nutritionally fit place, a more physically fit place … no matter where you want to go, it’s up to you to take steps to get there. And you can. You are capable. You are not a tree. 

Balancing Budget, Convenience, Taste and Nutrition!

Have you ever caught a glimpse of the cover of Food Magazine? Everything looks amazing. Ever looked at a recipe, wondered what half of the ingredients are or been curious about what it means when they use cooking terms like … me too. 

Many of you know my Mother is an amazing cook and my Dad is a grill master. And, I enjoy both. But, with two little kids and a husband that works until almost seven every evening, I balance budget and convenience daily. It’s why we grow some of our own food on the Tower Garden, make a weekly trip to the Farmers Market, and mix in the appropriate canned food and store-bought produce/protein, etc. 

Today after church, going out to eat seemed like a great idea. Two things: 1. It’s not in our budget. 2. The previously mentioned budget was spent at the grocery. Slightly disappointed we arrived home, opened the fridge and realized I had everything I needed. What’s funny: it was nothing special. Even better: it was quick. EVEN BETTER: I prepped two other meals while cooking this one. 

Warning: Advice ahead. Skip  to recipe if you don’t want advice.

Pack your pantry and fridge with food that makes sense for your family and not with specific ingredients for one magazine-worthy meal. Cook extra of a staple one night (like farm fresh corn) so you have it for another meal. Grow what you get tired of paying for, eat a lot of, or get tired of running to the store for. 

This was our 10-minute lunch today: 

1. Slice and sautéed leftover white onion from last night’s grilled veggies. (How many times have you tossed out half or a third of a leftover onion?) Season with fresh minced garlic (which we get from Sam’s Club because we use so much.) for garlic seasoning. If you have fresh herbs like cilantro or garlic chives, toss them in the skillet. 
2. Toss in canned black beans (drained) just to warm them.
3. Quickly cut previously grilled corn off the cob or toss in some, drained, canned corn. (We buy corn at the Farmers Market weekly. I grill extra every time I cook it. Stick it in the fridge and then cut the corn off the cob for a quick salad addition or, like today, Mexican meal.) 
4. Then, toss in a little chicken. (Who has time to marinate and cook chicken at lunch? Keep a rotisserie chicken in your fridge for moments like to today, or to top that salad!)
5. We rarely eat tortillas since we started shredding. (If you want to know more on that visit www.healthylivingrevolution.com). Today, we happened to have them. So, over medium heat I warmed a tortilla, sprinkled lightly with cheese and covered with my chicken/black bean/corn/onion mixture as well as halved cherry tomatoes and sliced avocado. 
6. Have salsa from the last time you entertained? Throw a dollop on top. 
7. Enjoy. 

Guess what? Tonight or tomorrow for lunch, we are going to throw the leftover chicken/black bean/corn/onion mixture over greens. Had we not had tortillas today, we would have eaten it as a “bowl." I cut my onions large enough to pick them out for the kids and they loved it too. They snacked on tomatoes, mushrooms and strawberries while I cooked. I have more money in my pocket than if we had gone out, my kids ate healthier than if we had gone out,  (so did I), and we used the groceries on which we have already spent hard-earned money. 

So balance your in-house cooking and grilling, your store bought and fresh grown, your budget and convenience. Don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself by trying to cook magazine-worthy meals (unless you want to) and instead, pack your pantry and fridge for day-to-day convenience. 

You Make a Difference. Make it Positive.

Today, as I lay on the couch with my ankle propped up, I called my Mom. 

“I was doing so well,” I said. “I was staying active.” 

In that moment, my Mom did what she has ALWAYS done — she told me to turn it into something positive. “Meditate, pray and do all of the things you always wish you could do if you had time.” 

Mom reminded me that in big moments and in small, seemingly insignificant, moments we all have choices to make and chances to make a difference. 

One specific individual came to mind today. (As I write this, hundreds of others come to mind and I’m overwhelmed at the idea of creating a list of everyone who has made a difference in my life.) 

1. Mrs. Nowlin, English Teacher, Debate Coach, Unknowing Life Coach
   My first thought is that I don’t know where to start. My second thought is that I better proof this sucker until it’s perfect because any error I don’t find, she most certainly will, and I CAN’T let her down. Mrs. Nowlin, you are the reason I don’t allow my children to end a sentence with a prepositional phrase. You are one of the reasons I believe in myself. You are the kind but fierce gentle soul I hope to be (which also sounds like Diane Masariu if I do say so myself.) I could go on. Maybe I will in a private letter. 

As I said, there are an obscene amount of people God has blessed me with in my life. YOU are a blessing. YOU live with, and among, people you impact every day. It may be some significant conscious choice you make. Most of the time, it’s small and unknowing. In either situation, please do not forget that you are making a difference. And, dammit, I hope you are a making a positive one. 

(I welcome your comments with names of individuals who have made a difference in your life! Send them the link to let them know this made you think of them.)

Can you believe it?

We believe a lot of shit out there. (Excuse my language.) What do you believe about YOU?

In early June, our family made some simple changes. Some might consider them a bit drastic but, for 10 whole days, we really focused on healthy habits. More than anything, I wanted to see what it “felt” like to make decisions that improved my health. Long story short … it felt amazing. Also, I lost 10 pounds. I fit into clothes I hadn’t in years. My body looked different. I wasn’t bloated. 

So, feeling like a rockstar, we took a trip to the lake to visit family friends. For the first time in more than 7 years, I wasn’t worried about my body. I felt confident.

We arrived home and my husband showed me photos he had taken of me and the girls paddle boarding. 

My heart SANK! While I was overwhelmed with joy from the day, I sent images to my Mom and said, "Please, don't share."

Wow, I wasn’t “skinny." I had dimples on my thighs! I wasn’t the image I had in my head. I sent photos to my Mom (so she could see the fun we had) with the message, "Please don't share." 

But here is the deal … I AM sharing ... because I am exactly the image I HAVE in my head: 

I am stronger. 

I am healthier.

Forget the fact that I am not where I want to be, I am a hell of a lot better off than I was. 

I am stronger.

I am healthier. 

I am better. 

I am making better decisions. I am choosing healthier options. I am building internal and external strength.

That doesn’t mean I am perfect. It means I am a better version of myself. And, that makes me proud of me. 

In this moment, I hope you are proud of you. Because you rock, too! Believe that. 

We laughed. And, we fell once or twice. But mostly we laughed. 

Doing it all, on vacation.

We packed up that morning because we had plans the night before we were supposed to leave. As I felt the beginning stages of stress, I reminded myself that we were leaving for vacation with nowhere to be at any certain time. WE had set our planned departure time. Leaving an hour and a half later was inconsequential. And so, we calmly packed and gathered our bags. We solved (what I call) the Pack the Car Puzzle, and it only took two attempts. 

On the way up, Abby just wanted to hold my hand. And so we rode, a large portion of the way, holding hands, from front seat to back seat with me twisted to reach her. I hope she knows I'll ALWAYS hold her hand.

Our week was full of everything, and nothing. We did everything we wanted, and there were no expectations. We had an absolute blast. South Haven, MI exceeded all expectations.

We had locally made ice cream three times, once just for lunch! 

We watched fireworks overlooking the lake. 

We rode bikes, took long walks and took long wagon rides. I can’t help but smile thinking about how much the girls enjoyed their bike trailer and wagon rides. 

We visited the Farmers Market. We made smores. We ate local berries and tried local beers. 

We rode the Sand Dunes with our hands in the air as we squealed. We walked up and ran down the dunes, too. 

We went to the 4th of July parade, waved flags and clapped. 

We rented a kayak and a paddle board. We played in the sand and the lake for hours. Sand castle attempts weren’t so productive, but we dug and piled and dug and piled and crashed into our piles over and over. 

We took a sunset cruise out on the lake.

We listened to live music at Admiral Jacks. 

We rode/walked/drove past houses time and time again just to admire their landscaping. (Maybe that was just me.) But seriously, the landscaping took my breath away. 

I clipped fresh hydrangea and lavender bouquets for our house. 

We splashed in the kiddie pool, laid in the hammock (As Ava would say, “Let’s hammock together, Mommy") and we chased after the dogs when they stole our pool toys. (Abby calls Yogi "YoiYoi" and I giggle when I picture her running around the yard yelling, “No, YoiYoi!”).

We laughed. We loved. We cuddled. We did it all. 

Painting. Planting. Posing. And, a Whole lot of Little Giggles.

If you and a little human in your life are looking for something unique, experiential and affordable to do together next weekend, join us on Saturday, June 23rd from 3:30 to 4:30 at Peace Through Yoga in Zionsville. 

Our last class (at the Speedway stuido) was full and everyone had such a great time. We painted pots, planted our own seedling and did Mommy and Me yoga poses together. Such fun. Such happy memories. 

Please, Find a Farmer. Support Them. And, Thank Them.

Our strawberry plant starts to flower. 

"Congratulations on choosing a profession that is socially, philosophically, ethically, morally and — one dearly wishes — economically satisfying. Few jobs in our society can lead to the pride, pleasure, and sheer fun that comes from growing food for yourself, your friends and family, or for others, in ways that promote human health and protect the environment. 

"At issue, of course, is how to make a living from doing what you love …

“If you are farming sustainably, you are, by definition, an agricultural activist, working with your hands and sweat for a healthier and more sustainable food system. You may not feel like an activist, but because that is how you will be perceived, you might as well start acting like one…

I wish you all the courage in the world to take on this challenge."

-- Marion Nestle, Letters to a Young Farmer

 

Weeks ago my daughter came home talking about the professions she was being taught about at preschool. “I want to be a farmer,” she said. (Now, she has also said she wants to be a babysitter. She is four. Who really knows what she will "be" when she grows up.)

But, I had just learned about Letters to a Young Farmer, a book from the Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture. Thumbing through it I came upon the excerpt above. 

Marion Nestle’s letter is exactly why we purchased our second and third Tower Gardens this month. As a family, we want to move from consumers to producers. I want my kids to have an appreciation for food, for the work it takes to grow it, for the money it takes to buy it ... the list goes on.

Nestle's quote also prompted some research about local farmers and their stories. Providing healthy, nutritious food for our communities isn’t for the faint of heart. It isn’t for glamour or social status. It certainly doesn’t seem to be for those seeking immense wealth. Farming provides a basic need for survival. And, it’s hard work. It made me want to thank each and every one of the farmers I read about. Today I visited my first Farmers’ Market of the season. Again, I just wanted to say, “Thank You.” 

My daughter and I aren’t farmers. It would be inaccurate to call ourselves such and frankly, “farmer” is a title that should be reserved for those who have made it a profession. We have started small. We are Tower Gardeners. But, through Tower Gardening, we too seek to make a difference. We may be starting small but we are dreaming big. And our small start is sustainable! If in doing what we are doing we are seen as food activists, as Nestle suggests, then we will assume the role. 

So here is my humble request to you: Please, visit a Farmers' Market. Find a farmer. Contribute to their ability to make a living (so they can continue to serve you.) Thank them. Because honestly, what would we do without them? 

Growth

Sweet treasures from my little. They didn't last long in a "vase" but the picture remains. 

I wanted to be a Landscape Architect. My parents, who provided for us well but had to count every penny, hired a landscape designer when I was about 11 or 12. It was a big investment. In my memory I followed that team around, asking questions about their work and education. Likely I was the incredibly annoying kid y'all are picturing. They developed and executed lovely landscaping plans and looking back, I was fascinated. 

I was on the FFA Horticulture Team at my high school. I’d have to confirm with Mr. Chesnut that I am remembering correctly, but I think we did pretty well. And, into my early years of college, I took pride in knowing scientific names of so many plants. Weirdo. 

Tonight — as I rocked my little to sleep — those memories I just mentioned came flooding back. Trust me when I tell you I haven’t thought about that landscape design team since probably the week after they left the house. And, I haven’t thought of my time on the horticulture team since the last time I boastfully noted the scientific name of a plant, which was probably the first semester of my freshman year. 

I studied public relations, secured an internship (which became a full-time position) and have had the great pleasure of serving more clients than I can count in my 10-year marketing and communications career. 

But man, I get all jazzed up about gardening ... about seeing things grow and bloom. Fruits, veggies, herbs, flowers, bulbs, perennials … I don’t discriminate. I even enjoy the precious "blooms" my kids collect. 

It all started (or re-started) when we bought a house. Our first year as homeowners we took a trip to our local Lowe’s for $50 worth of annuals which would decorate our front porch. Then another trip for the patio. Another for the back door. Another for the hanging plants … it went on. Our little $50 budget turned into, well, more than was budgeted. A focus on annuals turned into a focus on perennials. Then bulbs. Grasses. Herbs. A Tower Garden. You get the picture. 

Tonight as I rocked my little, I couldn’t help but wonder what squashed my little idea of being a “Landscape Architect.” Maybe that epiphany will come later. But, I’m still a “grower.” While I may grow landscaping plants, flowers, herbs, fruits and veggies by morning and night, I’m growing people and businesses during the day. And maybe that is what life is all about … growth.

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