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Messy Adventure

A place for people who want to live well.

Faith Family

Me first, me first

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So the last will be first, and the first will be last. Matthew 20:16

My four-year-old had this habit of shouting, “Me first, me first!” The two-year-old soon followed suit, and I often found myself with two little people dancing around my legs, hands wildly in the air, wrestling one another and chanting, “Me first, me first.” 

One day out of the blue, I bent down and told my oldest that Jesus said, “The last will be first, and the first will be last.” He was puzzled, but soon after, I heard a new chant from him,  “I want to be last, SO I can be First!” And so this continued for some time, not exactly the lesson I had intended. Weeks went by, and he stayed devoted to the lesson given by Jesus. I overheard him once telling his older cousin, “Jesus said, ‘Whoever is last will be first.’”  The cousin quickly responded, “That’s not right.” And honestly, it doesn’t seem right, or fair, or like it would even work out for us in the long run. What we believe as God’s Word can seem contradictory to common sense at times. How could I explain this very complicated lesson to a four-year-old, when I did not always get it or attain it myself? 

He was the winner for helping others first.

We check out books from the library regularly. Some that just have cute covers or that the librarian picks for us, always a little random assortment of dogs, dinosaurs and cars. The particular book we were reading before bed was about a fast race-car-driving dog that always came in first place. The dog was in the lead when he saw a pack of chicks crossing the road.  He could swerve around them and stay in the lead, but what if the other drivers could not stop and there was an accident? The fast race-car-driving dog stopped and ushered the chicks to safety as he watched the other drivers zoom past. The dog got back in his car and headed toward the finish line. He heard cheers from a distance and assumed they were for the winner, but as he drew closer, he realized the crowd was cheering for him. They saw his good deed and could not wait to welcome him across the finish line for putting others first.

The book was a gift from the Holy Spirit, and I was able to turn to my son and attempt to connect the moral of the story with Jesus’ lesson of serving others.  I do not have it all figured out, and I am thankful that as I share God’s story with my children, He is always present and at work. 

 Father, regardless of whether we are sharing the story of Your faithfulness across the ocean, across the street or across the dinner table, I pray we are open to boldly proclaiming Your Word and truth. Help each of us have the faith to serve and put others first, in a world that shouts – me first.  Amen.

Live well friends,
Christy

FYI: Some of these links are Amazon affiliate links. What this means is that by buying through these links, Amazon gives me a little bit of money at no extra cost to you. It’s one little way you can help me keep Messy Adventure up and running! I only endorse products I love and buy myself. Thank you friend.


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Hi friend, this is a place for people who want to live well.

My name is Christy. My love language is storytelling. I am a momma of two and a wife of one. People make me happy, and that includes you. Let’s get to know each other! Read More…

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Even if I fail, I want to look back and know I tri Even if I fail, I want to look back and know I tried. 

After talking with my mentor Tammy of @footprintsofinspiration a few months ago, she gave me the healthy kick in the pants I needed to start my long time dream of writing a book. My first goal is to finish a (very) rough draft by the time my kids get out of school. I’m halfway there. Some days are incredibly overwhelming, and I feel like it’s an impossible task. Other days, I keep putting one foot in front of the other. I much prefer to tackle this project in the secret depths where my vulnerability would not be threatened; however, the book I’m reading, “Published” by Chandler Bolt demands you tell your friends, family, and the lady checking you out at the grocery store. Much like running a marathon, the accountability is a crucial piece of the puzzle. 

My goal is to help and encourage you here in this small corner of the internet. And because I call you friends, I hope the same from you at times. 

For those who have a dream. 
Try. 
Not trying is the only real failure. 

#livewellfriends 😋
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If I can grow plants, trust me, anyone can do it! If I can grow plants, trust me, anyone can do it! 

This is so fun, I truly can’t believe we get to do it over and over again. The kids demanded we go straight in and make a salad. In the morning we are using the mint for smoothies! 

Let me know if you have questions about the 
@towergardenofficial which is available through the @juiceplus_us which I have been partnered with for the last several years. This company and the people that surround it are the real deal. 💚🌱💚

#livewellfriends 😋
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Quinoa- I still have the darnedest time spelling i Quinoa- I still have the darnedest time spelling it correctly. 

Here’s a simple way to prepare it that will make quinoa something you actually want to eat, and three ways to use it up!

What are your feelings on the healthy ancient grain that’s loaded with many important nutrients, including fiber, protein, folate, and magnesium? Or possibly the more important question, can you spell it? 

#livewellfriends 😋
#messyadventure  #quinoa #messyadventurecommunity 
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Jesus’ actions on the cross and his resurrection Jesus’ actions on the cross and his resurrection three days later moved the church from a building to a body. A body of people. Broken people that He is constantly mending and saving over and over until He comes again.

A lot of people believe in God. A lot of people pray to God. But people still need Jesus. And the plan has always been Jesus. 

Happy Easter friends ✝️🐰
Perfect for lunches. We have all enjoyed theses Perfect for lunches. 

We have all enjoyed theses healthy zucchini brownies by @ifoodreal . 
I used the @jovialfoods #einkorn whole wheat for the flour which I have recommend in a few of my other recipes. 

Also in the @bentgo 
Mini sweet peppers
Cucumbers 
Carrots 
@traderjoes Animal crackers 
And Blueberries

Save for later when you need lunch box inspo! 

#livewellfriends 😋
#messyadventure  #lunchbox #messyadventurecommunity #zucchinimuffins 
#feedthemwell  #gimmeveggies #toddlerapprovedfood #foodmatters #foodismedicine #cleaneating #recipe #blog #healthyfood #goodeats  #familyfavorite #momlife #eatrealfood #foodadvocate #livewell #eatwell #colatown #momblog #columbiascmom #mommyblog #sodacity #Columbiasc
On Palm Sunday crowds gathered to see Jesus enter On Palm Sunday crowds gathered to see Jesus enter Jerusalem. During His 3 year earthly ministry he told many NOT to testify of His messehanic kingship. But now the time had come for his triumphant entry and the crowds shouted, Hosanna. God saves! They threw their cloaks on the ground symbolizing their submission to Jesus as their coming King. The King they waited for, and hoped would save them from the oppression of the Romans. 
 
Only days later many of the very same people who shouted Hosanna, shouted to crucify Him.
 
They believed in Jesus who performed miracles, healed the sick, fed thousands, resurrected the dead, cared for the broken, poor and destitute. But refused to surrender to a king who showed us how to surrender it all. 
 
Sometimes, a lot of times, it is much easier believing in Christ than it is to surrender to Him and His perfect will. 
 
Maybe we are not the fickle crowds quickly trading praise for prejudice, but how often do our hearts refuse a full surrender?
 
My prayer for myself, my family and yours is that we may be the same people on Psalm Sunday that we are on Good Friday and beyond. 
 
So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” John 12:13 

#palmsunday #messyfaith #hosanna
What crazy questions are your kids asking?! Live What crazy questions are your kids asking?! 

Live well friends 😋

#livewellfriends
#messyadventure  #messyadventurecommunity
Is it still Monday? Been one of those days, week Is it still Monday? 

Been one of those days, weeks, years where you can’t get ahead. 

These herbs on my window seal are a simple joy. When the storms keep coming in waves, simple joys bring in the sunshine. 

Here’s how I keep my basil alive. Buy one of the small plants in the soil, available most grocery stores. Stick it in a small glass cup in a window or your kitchen where you will see it and water it every other day. Basil is thirsty! 

Cilantro, is a beast to keep alive. I used to never use it all before it went bad and hated that. Now I keep the bushel like fresh cut flowers right next to my basil. Trim the ends and stick it in a cup of water. This batch has been happy for 2 and half weeks, just keep water in the cup. 

I use them in salads, tacos, garnish, even smoothies! I hope my joy brings you some. 

Will you share one of your simple joys with us in the comments? 👇

P.S. Can you read my painting? Gifted to me by the loving and talented @christiarnettedesignsart 

#livewellfriends 😋
#messyadventure  #freshherbs #basil #cilantro #messyadventurecommunity 
#feedthemwell  #gimmeveggies #toddlerapprovedfood #foodmatters #foodismedicine #cleaneating #recipe #blog #healthyfood #goodeats  #familyfavorite #momlife #eatrealfood #foodadvocate #livewell #eatwell #colatown #momblog #columbiascmom #mommyblog #sodacity #Columbiasc
Hi friends! In this photo I’m pretending to be o Hi friends! In this photo I’m pretending to be one of those easy breezy type of people who effortlessly wear hats. But since I hate internet introductions, I’d also like to share this second photo, which more accurately represents my most natural approach to life.  Hands bracing for likely falls, eager for adventure but also terrified, layers of sunscreen, plus big shades to cover up evidence of sleepless nights, and possibly my favorite, deep laugh lines, proof I have so much to be grateful for. 

I consider most of you old friends and am thankful for your presence here. My goal has always been to share practical real life info that helps your family live well. Not because I’ve got it figured out but because life is messy and we’re better together. 

A couple of years ago, I created a family wellness plan. How to clean up your family’s food choices in 3 months, with 3 major tenet’s, which I named, “3 to Clean.” I have been working on it again and hope to launch another group at the start of the coming school year. I’d love to hear from you if this sounds like something you’d be interested in. 

Until then wear sunscreen, hipster hats, and eat big salads like your life depends on it, because it does.

I’m kidding, it doesn’t. 
Live well friends, Christy 

#livewellfriends 😋
#messyadventure  #3toclean #messyadventurecommunity 
#feedthemwell  #gimmeveggies #toddlerapprovedfood #foodmatters #foodismedicine #cleaneating #recipe #blog #healthyfood #goodeats  #familyfavorite #momlife #eatrealfood #foodadvocate #livewell #eatwell #colatown #momblog #columbiascmom #mommyblog #sodacity #Columbiasc
My go-to $9.99 bottle of wine. Pairs beautifully w My go-to $9.99 bottle of wine. Pairs beautifully with chicken nuggets, or my personal favorite, cereal after the kids got to bed. 

May the parenting odds be ever in your favor my friends. 

#livewellfriends 😋
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