Ten things I’m absolutely SURE OF now that I’m 40….

(Why did it take me 40 years to learn/apply some of the most simplistic concepts that have greatly contributed to a transformation in my life?)

1. Chasing after what you think you want or what you think you deserve won't actually give you what you think you want or think you deserve. It's actually a trick. Don't fall for it. You will completely waste part of your life....

2. How you feel in the moment actually has absolutely nothing to do with how you should act in that moment.

3. If you’re not there yet, you are going to love the “in-between” stage of life. You know, being over the tiny kids, yet before the grandkids start showing up....(What that really means? I've seriously never actually seen the movie Frozen and have no idea what it's about....maybe a girl who wants to let go of snow?) This season is perf because: basically you and your husband can drive to anywhere you want, whenever you want, to get whatever you want, stay there as long as you want, and come home whenever you want, and basically no one even notices you were gone. (Except maybe the dog)

4. You do what you do and feel what you feel because you think what you think.

5. A true friend doesn't lie to you to make you "feel" better about yourself, or to avoid having confrontation with you....they may actually think they are "helping you" and "being there for you," but what they are really doing is "feeding" your selfish nature, and this is of no gain to you.

6. Be your husband’s biggest fan….set the pattern for others to respect him.....take my word for it when I tell you if you can start with this, blessings will follow – for you and him. Don’t know how to start doing this? Make a marker board with a picture of the two of you – “I love you because…..” – and write on it. Every day.

7. Working out is not actually fun. I don't care how you people describe it to make it sound better or disguise it to try and make it look pretty. I hate it. Running. Biking. Yoga. Kick boxing. Sit ups. Push ups. I don't even like going up the stairs at work....(I do, however, love work-out clothes. They are cute. I don't believe they were only created for people who work out. Were they?)

8. In life you have choices to make. You have responsibilities to fulfill. Don't skirt around the "small" responsibilities on a daily basis. Do the little things, make the right choices. Don't slack in the small areas, as it quickly leads to big areas of your life....

9. If my ultimate desire is to please God. And my actions, and thoughts demonstrate that in my every day life, then (I'm going to be pretty blunt here) It doesn't really matter whether or not I am pleasing all of you people.....I'm actually extremely thankful for that. Because sometimes, the people I love the most, become my biggest critics. Thankfully, I have one Person to please. That just makes my life way easier.

10. Life is not about me. It's not about my self-esteem, whether low or high or average....By the way, it's not about the people I love either. Or what I do for them, or what they "want" from me or “do” for me.....it's only about one person, and the grace He gives me is sufficient for handling each day as it comes.....When life is about Him, you have peace.

Talk to me if you want PEACE, and you can't figure out how to get it….

She said yes!

She said yes! The Cook Fam will soon move from a family of 5 to a family of 6...

10 reasons why today is a great day:
1) #6 LOVES, LOVES, LOVES Jesus!
2) He also LOVES, LOVES, LOVES our #3!
3) They are perfect for each other!
4) He will make a wonderful husband, protector and leader for our girl!
5) He has the sweetest, caring, joyful spirit!
6) He will make a GREAT daddy to my grandkids, someday!
7) He eats every, single thing I make and always politely asks for 2nds!
8) He can carry my entire trunk of groceries into the house in one trip!
9) He empties and takes out the garbage WAY before anyone notices it needs to go out!
10) He LOVES, LOVES, LOVES Jesus-I may have mentioned that already......

Moments missed with my camera, but captured with my heart

Today is: when you wake up on Monday morning and totally realize that this past weekend was the best weekend ever, and you only took one photo.....

Here is my attempt to document the top-ten moments I missed with my camera, but captured with my heart.....

#10 - it was Sunday morning. My vantage point was from the stage on the choir risers. Although our 9 am service is typically smaller, we were singing our first song, and the people kept pouring in.....you could probably hear the beautiful organ from Grand Haven....it became evident that we would run out of space quickly. The ushers were rushing around trying to find more chairs. People were sitting on the floor in the balcony. People were lined up against the back wall. Awesome! So many people wanting to celebrate our risen Savior with us!

#9 - it was Sunday night. I was reflecting on the weekend, and watching the recorded livestream of the 11am service. As the camera panned over the choir, I caught sight of my sweet girl who I couldn't see for all three services, because she was behind me. She stood with her hand raised as we sang about the King on His throne. Precious. Precious. Precious. Precious.

#8 - it was Friday evening around 10:30pm. Our Good Friday walk-through had just ended. I was standing in the sanctuary staring at dozens of our Harvest20s kids who had just given up their evening to tear down all of the Good Friday preparations to prepare for the Easter Celebration. I stood amazed at the kids' willingness to serve Jesus and love others with pure hearts, all with joyful attitudes.

#7 - it was Sunday morning. My favorite boy was in the audience wearing a shirt with a collar on it! He stood next to the sweetest girl in a beautiful purple dress who warms my heart and loves my boy with her whole heart. I constantly thank Jesus for her and her special place in our family.

#6 - it was Sunday morning. My view was from the choir risers. Although I dont think they could see me from where they were, I could see them both. Some of my very favorite new friends. They sat near the back. Eyes closed. Hands raised. The song we sang had words in it about a God who sets us free from our captivity because He is so Strong to Save. I thought about their journey thus far. I thought about the journey they are still on every day. I thanked God for 3 things - 1) for their salvation from their captivity 2) for their blaring passion to be obedient to our God and 3) for their friendship as all four of us encourage each other in our walk with God and in our marriages.

#5 - it was Thursday morning, the birds were chirping and the sun was shining....My sweet, sweet husband was pulling a huge tree out of the back of his truck and up the stairs of the church, through the sanctuary and onto the stage....why? because he loves Jesus and ME.....The HBCSL Easter Celebration needed trees on the stage, so he spent his day searching for, cutting down, and hauling in beautiful trees.....I love that man and his servant heart for the Lord.

#4 - it was Friday night. My worship leading shift was over and I was sitting up in the darkened balcony alone. My sweet friend was singing on stage about how God chases us when we are His. From my spot I could clearly see my beautiful daughter and her friends were sitting in the chairs below. My husband had found her in the front row, and although so many people remained seated, they both were standing with their hands raised in full worship of the Everchasing God who has chased them both and is keeping them.....

#3 - it was Sunday Morning. My view was from the side of the stage on the choir risers. We were singing Jailbreak - Awesome! When I looked over onto center stage I caught the eyes of some of my friends who were leading us in worship.....this is something I can not describe to all of you with words. To watch my friends, who love Jesus so much, lead 900 people in worshiping our Risen Savior.....to see them smile at each other, or to have one of them smile at me....perfect. indescribable. moment.

#2 - it was Friday evening. My view from the stage was of many people holding their communion cups and bowing their heads in a darkened sanctuary. We were singing about the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, and our hearts were heavy thinking of the debt that He paid for us.....I looked beyond the people, out the doors and out the windows into the brightly lit lobby. And there were my friends, from my Small Group, all dressed up like people in Jesus day - mingling with the people & 'acting' like they were really there when Jesus was turned over to be crucified. Talk about a powerful moment. That is exactly the kind of thing that stirs my affections for Jesus - watching my group serve Him by reminding others of His sacrifice.....goose-bump moment for me.

#1 - it was Sunday morning. My view was from the very front row. Our pastor had just finished preaching his final message of the weekend, and I was listening and singing with the beautifully sweet voice of my very dear friend. She was singing about how The Gospel Changes Everything....I was standing next to my husband who stood silent, with his arm around me.....wow, if there wasn't a more true song.....The Gospel changes everything and it has changed me! So much so that before I posted this blog today, I had to delete almost everything I had in my profile description. Why? because that isn't me anymore. My interests, my favorites, my desires, EVERYTHING - it has all changed. And I can't even begin to explain the JOY that comes with that blessing.....

Happy Easter.....by the way, if anyone happened to capture any of these moments on camera, feel free to send them my way......

We are moving!

The Cook's are moving! :)
Needed: 4bdrm, 2bath, house for rent, yard for 4 vehicles, ANY local school district, we have one cute hypoallergenic dog, (if it was near a Starbucks that would be a bonus)....
Oh, and did I mention we would need it fairly quickly? October 6th is moving day!

And the winner is....

And the winner is.......






#4 - Katie's cupcake has won the 1st annual cupcake wars competition!!





Thank you to all who voted and participated in our birthday fun!
For the curious:

#1 - Kristie
#2 - Dan
#3 - TYLER! (He doesnt like frosting)
#4 - Katie (WINNER!)
#5 - Eyliana (She came in 2nd place!!)

not a fan.

We are working our way through this study in our small group.

not a fan. by kyle idleman

It is a series of videos and a book that is showing me what it means to become a completely committed follower of Christ. Not just someone who is a “Fan” of Jesus, but someone who’s life reflects that I am a “Follower” of Jesus.

My thought for today –

Luke 9:23 – If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

A decision to follow Jesus, is a decision to die to yourself – so, when people say yes to following Jesus, they are agreeing to carry a cross, and that WILL be painful at times. Because a cross symbolizes suffering.

My choice to follow Jesus may result in suffering for His sake….

But, I will also remember my definition of FAITH-

1.   Believe in the word

2.   Act upon it

3.   No matter how you feel

      4. Because God promises a good result

Flashback FRIDAY .....*REPOST* for my girl Karley!!!

Originally posted in August of 2009.....Karley, this is for you. :)


You know how you hear a sound
or see an image
and in a SPLIT-SECOND
you are right back
to that time and place
where happiness surrounds you…..

For the next few months,
here at
The LIFE in a DAY of the COOKS,
we will dedicate every FRIDAY
to sharing a piece of OUR
PAST happiness
with you……

Of all the days.....

Of all the days I spent rocking you when you were a tiny baby.
Of all the days I spent listening to you cry in your crib because you wanted to get up to see if you were missing out on something really fun.
Of all the days I spent playing with all of your stuffed animals, even if I didn’t want to.
Of all the days I spent brushing your hair and helping you get dressed.
Of all the days I spent praying that you would just. please. fall. asleep.
Of all the days I spent walking you to preschool, after stopping at the playground to swing.
Of all the days I spent helping you clean paint off of something it shouldn’t be on.
Of all the days I spent hearing you ask me if I wanted to snuggle you.
Of all the days I spent telling you to be quiet when you were whispering in my ear while I was sleeping.
(and you were supposed to be sleeping)
(because everyone was sleeping)
(except you)
Of all the days I spent thinking you were strangely attracted to random bugs and small animals.
Of all the days I spent wishing you would stop wanting to touch me.
Of all the days I spent listening to your very happy chatter.
Of all the days I spent cleaning up the messes you made (I mean the fun you created).
Of all the days I spent watching you play soccer.
Of all the days I spent wondering why you never had to do as many chores as I did.
Of all the days I spent looking at you and how beautiful you are.
Of all the days I spent amazed that you had “yet-again” rescued another daddy long-legs and released him into the wild.
Of all the days I spent hearing other people laugh while you spread happiness.
Of all the days I spent hoping your obsession with lizards would some day vanish.
Of all the days I spent pondering how such a sweet girl could knock somebody over like that on a soccer field.
Of all the days I spent thankful that my kids had the very best Aunt there ever was.
Of all the days I spent watching you design random craft projects that always make other people smile.
Of all the days I spent listening to you sing with your beautiful voice.
Of all the days I spent wondering how one person can see so much innocence and good in this world.
Of all the days I spent listening to you tell me how you saved a bug or random small animal from certain death.
Of all the days I spent wishing my hair looked half as good as yours.
Of all the days I spent drinking coffee with you on the front porch.
Of all the days I spent discussing with you how someday we will take our rainbow back.
Of all the days I spent helping you plan your beautiful day.
Of all the days I spent wondering which guy was the right one.
Of all the days I spent thanking God that you have found the exact right one.
(One who is a blessing and a joy to so many other people…..just like you)
(One who has a giving and caring soul….just like you)
(One who compliments your strengths and strengthens you when you are suffering through your weaknesses)
Of all the days…..Today, I am the most happy for you.
May your beautiful self and your beautiful soul-mate forever be blessed.
I love you. Love, your big sis.

God at Work

Alot has happened in our family over the past year, and I was beginning to wonder if I stopped blogging because I didn't want anyone to "follow" me and my feelings anymore.....Lately, Dan and I have been focusing our attention on putting God first in our lives....here is a small piece of our story....
God At Work: Dan and Kristie Cook from Harvest Spring Lake MI on Vimeo.

Way too fun, not to post....

Kristie's Profile · Jamie's Profile · Kristie's Wall

• Kristie Cookposted toJamie Hulings

  Oh, don't worry....we aren't watching the Batchelorette either...instead we're watching the president.....

  11 hours ago via Android · · · See Friendship

  • • 

      Kristie Cook No. I'm really serious....

      11 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings wat is this i dont even

      11 hours ago ·
    • 

      Kristie Cook He's talking about the debt in the united. states. of. america.

      11 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings Thank the heavens that the internet hates the president otherwise he would have just interrupted my youtube video. VIVA LA INTERNET!

      11 hours ago ·
    • 

      Kristie Cook The Batchelorette isn't on the internet until tomorrow. He may still be talking by then, so that may work.

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings Another reason why I'm glad I don't have cable. I bet I could watch the Bachelorette on the internet right now. Give me 3 minutes. By the way Kris, the word Batchelorette isn't in the dictionary...

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings VIVA LA INTERNET

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Kristie Cook He's literally talking about $ and taxes.....and deficits, and food inspections, and unemployment, and debt sealing, and a bunch of other stuff

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings ‎"Tonight at 11:00, President Obama looses the presidential race because women all over America are still upset about that night he interupted the Batchelorette."

      10 hours ago · · 2 people
    • 

      Kristie Cook I can't believe you're missing this, Ton. Its a.w.e.s.o.m.e.

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Kristie Cook How do u spell it, if it isn't in the dictionary?

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings Since it's an American term for an unmarried woman it isn't recognized in the New Websters Colegiate Dictionary as a real word. It's a slang word.

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Kristie Cook So HOW DO YOU SPELL IT? Do you just look it up in the slang dictionary?

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Kristie Cook Oh, wait. now hes talking about slavery.

      10 hours ago · · 1 person
    • 

      Tony Hulings You spell it the way you spelled it, but it's not a REAL WORD.

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings Don't you have a little red underline under the word when you misspell it?

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Kristie Cook on my phone?

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings Yes

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings cause I do

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings VIVA LA INTERNET

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Kristie Cook wait. hes done. I have to watch The BATCHELORETTE now.

      10 hours ago · · 1 person
    • 

      Kristie Cook I mean Bachelorette.

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings ‎"I mean unmarried woman"

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings Have fun!

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Kristie Cook NOoooooooooooo. Now they are interviewing some guy named JOHN CARL......whos that???

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Kristie Cook Im back now.

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings http://lmgtfy.com/?q=who+i​s+John+Carl

      Let me google that for you

      lmgtfy.com

      For all those people who find it more convenient to bother you with their question rather than google it for themselves.

      10 hours ago · · 1 person
    • 

      Kristie Cook Oh my goodness!!!!! Now we have to listen to another guy!!! The speaker of something!!~!!

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Kristie Cook Wait. I am now intrigued. HOW did you do that??? AWESOME! :)

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings lmgtfy.com

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Kristie Cook Wait. look up who is John BOEHNER. No, that's his real name....forreal

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings He is the speaker of the House

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings The House of Representitives

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Kristie Cook But, why is his name John Boehner?

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings They are currently fighting about raising the debt cieling, and since the house majority is Republican, the Senate (which is controled by Democrats) can't come up with anything other than raising the debt ceiling. The Sentate has to have House approval in order to pass a bill, and the Republicans will not raise the debt cieling. How is it that I know this and you don't?

      10 hours ago · · 1 person
    • 

      Tony Hulings it's pronounce Bay-ner

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings not Bone-er

      10 hours ago · · 1 person
    • 

      Kristie Cook blah, blah, blah.....tonight at 11:00, we are now interviewing a highly smart individual, Tony Hulings, who will now explain to all of the women in America WHY president Obama interrupted the Batchelorette.......

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Jamie Hulings Hahahhahahahahhahahahhh! Tony... Someday you will be greater then google.

      10 hours ago · · 1 person
    • 

      Kristie Cook We'll be saying "just Tony it"

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings Because if the Government can't come up with a plan by August 2nd, the United States will default on it's debt and most likely set into motion the world renouncing the US dollar as the World Reserve Currency, thus plunging not only the United States, but several other countries accross the world into financial crisis. Should that happen, there will be no more Bachelorette.

      10 hours ago · · 1 person
    • 

      Tony Hulings or food

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings or electricity

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings or gas

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings or internet

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Tony Hulings VIVA LA INTERNET

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Kristie Cook ‎:(

      10 hours ago ·
    • 

      Kristie Cook k. well its back on, so let me know if that all happens.....k. love ya!

      10 hours ago · · 1 person
    • 

      Tony Hulings I'm sure you'll know, I'll show up at your house with my kids and my guns telling you it's time to head north.

      10 hours ago · · 1 person
    • 

      Tony Hulings Love you too sissy! (s)

      10 hours ago · · 1 person
    • 

      Mara Drake Yeager Cracking up at this entire conversation!! Batchelorette or Bachelorette.....Boehner or Bayner......Google or Tony......hahaha!

      8 hours ago · · 1 person
    • 

      Julie Scheffler-Kalke Who needs cable OR internet when we have the 2 of you? ;) ♥

      8 minutes ago · · 1 person