Love Fights Fair: Notes from the Love Dare

I've been SLOWLY working thru the Love Dare since the start of December, and by slowly I mean one chapter every couple of days.

It's been such a humbling experience that's challenged me by uncovering so many of my prideful and selfish downfalls as a woman and wife, when I originally planned to use this as a tool to fix Nate and I as a couple. (HA)

Each chapter (day) discusses a topic about what love IS.. actively. Love is a verb. It's a choice we make in marriage every day.

Oh man.. I could go off on a tangent here about the excuse people use for ending a marriage because they simply fall in and out of love. The truth is, we DO. We are imperfect people, loving imperfect people. If love is simply based on circumstantial emotion, feeling and opinions then you better BELIEVE your feelings of love will fluctuate. But we can't choose to start OR end a marriage based on that alone. It's like building a house on a foundation of sand!

This is what sets God's solid institution of marriage apart. We are imperfect people, loving each other through our faults and imperfections to ultimately glorify God. Marriage REFINES us as individuals, putting us in sometimes HOT, fiery places that can make us BETTER if we seek Him though it. We will stand firm and come out stronger, because we started with a proper foundation.

A loving marriage can last a lifetime if you CHOOSE to love unconditionally. Guard your heart. Base your love on commitment for life, rather than fleeting feelings. If YOU pursue a true agape love (the Love of Christ) towards your spouse, then phileo and eros love (that of friendship and sexuality) will follow!

I digress :) Back to my journal notes from today's dare about fighting fair..

If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. Mark 3:25

Love reminds us that our marriage is too valuable to let it self destruct. And that our love for our spouse is more important than whatever you're fighting about.

Love PROTECTS our "one-ness." It reminds you that conflict can actually be turned around for good and result in greater unity- not less.

Fight clean. Establish rules of engagement as a way of protecting each other.

There are two types of boundaries: WE and ME

We: rules you BOTH agree on that apply to any fight. Each has the right to enforce if broken.

example: NEVER mention the word divorce. Avoid bringing up past resolved issues.  No fighting in public or in front of children. Call a "time out" if escalating to a damaging level. NEVER touch each other in a harmful way. Don't go to bed angry. Agree that FAILURE is NEVER an option.

Me: rules of personal practice.

example:

I will listen before I speak

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:9

I will deal with my own issues up front and apologize first if needed

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:3

I will speak gently and keep my voice down, lacing speech with love

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

Fighting FAIR means changing our weapons, disagreeing with dignity & building bridges instead of burning them down.

LOVE itself is not a fight, but it's always worth fighting for!

Be challenged to discuss healthy rules of engagement with your spouse and resolve to abide by them. If your spouse if not ready, you must still do this yourself.

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Romans 12:16

I hope this speaks to your heart, like it did mine.

Time to talk: Shakeology {video tell all}

I've written several times before about Shakeology & I'm sure by now you know that Nate and I really value it.

But what's really in it?

What's so special about it?

Is it a simple protein shake?

Or just a run-of-the-mill meal replacement shake?

I get it.. you've heard a little.. and seen a lot of opinions.

It's time to break it DOWN so that you can decide for yourself!

*be sure to watch this bad boy in HD*

To ask more questions or to learn more about how to order shakeology, email lindseykollar@yahoo.com .

Best Kept Protein Secret: Cottage Cheese

Okay peeps... I tried cottage cheese for the first time today & I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised!

I knew the health benefits were spot on, but was curious what the taste/texture would be & if it would be something I'd want to eat regularly.

Let me break it down for ya, friends.

Nutritionally:

It's rich in protein!

It's recommended for expectant mommies and athletes because of the essential nutrients it contains.

 It's an excellent source of B12 vitamins that aid in various metabolic activities within our bodies.

It also contains lots of other vitamins and minerals that:

 help with digestion

aid and improve various biological functions

decreases stress and even cramps (thanks potassium)

maintains blood sugar (magnesium)

&

strengthens bones (calcium)

Taste/Texture:

 It's thicker, like Greek yogurt.. With some chunks like feta cheese. It's a mild taste that can be used for sweet or savory combos.

Serving suggestion (for newbies especially):

Go sweet. Pair with granola for crunch and fruit for a natural sugar.

For my folks with no heart.. I mean SWEET TOOTH 😂 go savory: serve with tomatoes, cucumber and avocado- season with pepper!

Cost:

Cottage cheese is CHEAPER than Greek yogurt. So add another protein option to your fridge and you wallet with thank you ✌️

Try new foods that FUEL your body.. You might even realize that you like them. ..

Roasted Butternut Squash & Bacon Soup

Recipe courtesy of:

DamnDelicious

Roasted Butternut Squash & Bacon Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash (about 3 pounds), peeled, seeded and cut in 1-inch chunks
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the soup:
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 1/2 cups chicken stock, or more, to taste
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
• Place butternut squash, onion, bell pepper and bacon in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Add olive oil and garlic; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Gently toss to combine.
• Place into oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until butternut squash is tender, stirring at halftime.*
• Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add butternut squash mixture and thyme, and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in chicken stock and puree with an immersion blender.
• Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5-10 minutes. If the soup is too thick, add more chicken stock as needed until desired consistency is reached.
• Serve immediately, garnished with bacon, goat cheese and chives, if desired.

Notes:

*Baking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size of the squash.

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Found this recipe today on Pinterest and KNEW I had to share..

With it FINALLY getting cold down here in Florida, I can't WAIT to try this recipe out & eat a big bowl cozied up on the couch under a blanket!!

Let me know what y'all think!