I enjoy a piece of writing that’s all about one solid topic.
But every once in a while, I really love a conglomeration of semi-random thoughts and lessons all packed into one post. It’s a little bit like taking a peek inside someone’s brain—only not quite as scary.

Here, in true form, is a peek inside my (extremely edited) brain. I’ve picked and chosen seven items to share with you, ranging from life-changing to not-so-much… 

|| Here’s What I Learned ||

Never underestimate the power of 15 minutes.

Don’t want to read that book? Promise yourself you can just do it for 15 minutes.
Hate cleaning up the dishes? Set the timer for 15 and git ‘er done.
Want to help your child shore up some math facts? Tell them it will be over when the timer rings after 15 minutes.

We are doing a lot of things in our home with the 15-minute trick. It is so helpful. (I wanted to put that in all caps, but I didn’t want to yell again.) I’m always amazed at how much time I spend putting off a task when it really doesn’t take that long to complete. Whoops.

Yetis are the Apple product of drinkware.

My husband got me a Yeti for my birthday. I didn’t ask for it. If he had asked me if I wanted it, I would have said no. BUT I LOVE IT. (I’m sorry for yelling.) He has done this sort of gift wizardry for me in the past and it’s quite impressive. Anyway, back to the Yeti. The reasons I like it are…
A) it keeps my drinks hot and
B) it doesn’t make my tea taste like coffee (or vice versa).
(I cannot claim to have thought of the Apple product analogy on my own. HT: Jonathan.)

I’m not super awesome at giving thanks.

I mean, I usually tell people thank you when they do something for me. (That’s because I have good parents.)

But what I’m really bad at is actually being thankful. Living a thankful, grateful life. Praising the Lord with no strings or complaints attached. Telling others about the blessings without feeling like I need to remind them that I have hard things too.

One thing God has taught me this year is that I’m not grateful because I’m always reaching for more. I can never stop long enough to be thankful for now because I’m always thinking, “…but it would be a lot better if only ____________.”

I don’t have a pretty bow to wrap on this one. I can’t tell you it’s something I struggled with last month, but it’s resolved now. It’s still a problem. But the first part of fixing a problem is recognizing it, so I’m thanking God for pointing it out and asking him to change me. Yowzers.

Birthdays are a great time to get free food.

I’m not one to shy away from asking for a discount or using a coupon. On my birthday, my kids and I trotted around gathering free items from nearby establishments and calling it lunch. I must wisely steward this season of life when they’re not embarrassed by their deal-loving Mama. If your birthday is rolling around in the near future and you don’t know that of which I speak, there’s a whole list here. You’re welcome.

Memorizing the Bible is an all-around awesome habit.

These verses from Philippians have been hittin’ me upside the head and slamming themselves repeatedly into my proud, discontented heart:

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing.

I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

I’m working on memorizing Philippians with a friend and the constant review has been so good + convicting at the same time.

Tennis makes for a great couple’s activity.

Two months ago, Jonathan and I packed up our kids and headed to our local tennis court. (Here’s picture proof.) We were terrible and spent a lot of time running for stray balls. But we’ve kept at it and we’re slowly getting better! We’ve been pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable it is to work on a skill together and see gradual improvement. Plus, our kids have done a great job playing together during our games before we hit up the playground nearby. The fact that it’s outside and great exercise is just icing on the cake.

Reading a cookbook is a fabulous way to up your cooking game.

It’s amazing how seeing new and delicious recipes makes me want to cook. I have made so many new things this past month and I owe a lot of the inspiration to the cookbook Jonathan got me last month. I even made my first Korean meal for my Korean-born husband. One meal in ten years of marriage. I might even be able to double that during our next ten years of marriage. But I don’t know…don’t wanna set the bar too high or anything.
Pro tip #1: You can get cookbooks from your library. Just don’t spill tomato sauce on them. Not that I’ve ever done that.
Pro tip #2: It doesn’t even have to be a cookbook. Even a cooking blog will do nicely. Or Pinterest. Yum.

There you have it. In no particular order, 7 things I’ve learned/practiced this year.
What are you learning?

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