A Christmas Coffee Date with Big News, and a holiday giveaway!
Friends!! Isn’t this just so typical!? Coffee dates are my absolute favorite and yet somehow they get pushed behind all of the other things. Yet, right about now, in the midst of the holiday lights and shopping and never-ending to-do lists, is when I most crave a cozy coffee date with a friend. So, got a minute?
Grab your favorite holiday beverage and pull up a chair on my front lanai!
First, a quick look back:
-Fall came and went. How was yours?
Kids’ sports?
Fall leaves?
Cozy soups?
I want to hear it all.
Our fall went by quick! But it was so good! We had a fantastic trip to Portugal where we watched Luke surf in a contest and celebrated my parents’ 61st anniversary! (see a few photos below!) Then we came home to my favorite season in Hawaii. It’s been beautiful, and the big waves always add an exciting vibe to our North Shore. And we love having Luke around this time of the year!
I had hoped to write a fall Coffee Date, but we were busy behind the scenes, and I wanted to wait until I had definitive news to share. And now…finally, I DO. 😮💨
Here it is:
Dave and I just signed a 3 book contract! 🥳
I shared this post ^ with news on Instagram yesterday.
Actually, we signed two contracts together, and one is just me. (you’ll see why!) All of them are with Harvest House publishers, and this is a dream come true!
FRIENDS, THREE. BOOKS!!! Can we just take a moment!?
Of course, if you and I were really having coffee, like a good friend, you’d want to hear what the books are about. And I’d be so eager to tell you. I’d probably say, “Well, the quick version is…” And twenty minutes later, I’d still be talking. (haha, I’m super passionate about ALL THREE of these!). And I do want to tell you everything, but first quick refresher:
I sent out a survey last summer, and hundreds of you completed it. (Thank you so much!) Data from that survey really helped me with the direction of these books.
Part of the deal with filling out the survey was that by filling it out you said you’d be up for giving some input into the writing process as well. (Yay!) So, I will be emailing survey takers soon after Christmas to tell you about the books and ask you for your input on a few things. Over time, I’m likely to ask this group for opinions on things like book titles, cover design, content, etc! It’s low-pressure, but super fun if you enjoy that sort of thing!
If you are new around here or somehow missed the survey, it is RIGHT HERE and you are still welcome to fill it out and join the book-support team! (I’ll close this link before the New Year.)
Survey takers will get much more of the book details, but for now, I’ll say this:
Look forward to inspiration for the most important conversations to have with your kids…Biblical worldview perspectives. Healthy habits for kids. And for women! 😉🌺 All of the books will be: practical and reasonable, with Dr. Dave’s evidence-based touch, and my big-sister tough love (and a side of humor.) I’m sooo excited!
The crazy thing is, these are all going to be written in a very short period of time.
Supernatural energy, inspiration, and focus will be required! So, please pray for me!
With that, I need to make some decisions about other things in my actual and online life. Like: The podcast. 🥹🎧 (After 6 years of weekly podcasts, it’s been on hold since last summer.)
I miss it.
Many of you do too (thanks for telling me!)
I do plan to bring it back. – Perhaps monthly in the New Year?
Or just put it on hold until I’m closer to book release?
I just need to figure out how much I can actually juggle safely. 😉
Thank you for your patience! (and I hope you’ll comment at the bottom on that topic!)
ONE important note: I just added a REALLY HELPFUL new video interview about KIDS AND AI in my Raising Tech-Smart Kids Mini-course, AND you can get 20% off the (already low) price of $47 now using code: CHRISTMAS!
If you’re not familiar with the course, be sure to GO CHECK IT OUT HERE.
** This is a great time to get into the mini-course; before kids are home for the holidays and glued to screens and driving you crazy. 😜 The course has practical tech guidelines, video game -specific guidelines, wisdom for teens and social media, and now resources and a video chat all about AI!!
And, over coffee, I know we’d exchange our Christmas plans. 🎄
Where will you be and how are you doing in the midst of this busy season?
I’m so happy to be home with my entire family this year. (Josiah just arrived, and will be running the Honolulu Marathon on Sunday!) He gets to work remotely from here until Christmas! Jonah arrives just before Christmas and this will be our last year as a family of SIX before Jonah gets married and a daughter joins the tribe! 🥰
The other praise-worthy update is that my parents just arrived for a Christmas visit! I’m not sure how long they’ll stay because Dad is now doing his cancer treatments at The Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle. But we receive every good gift from God with gratitude! Continued prayers for Dad are so appreciated!
Finally, over coffee…if we had a quiet table, I’d want to get personal and ask: How is your heart? Your marriage. Your kids? Your faith…How can I pray for you?
And hopefully we’d talk about some of the really awesome stuff going on in the world. (Because there’s enough talk about the awful stuff. 😉 ) But I’d love to talk about how we see God moving — on college campuses, in families, and online. 🙌🏼 I know that Charlie Kirk’s assassination was a wake up call for many, and like a lot of people, I have been even more inspired to speak Truth with grace and courage. I had some pushback for doing that publicly back in September, and honestly? I don’t mind. (BTW: I think my Instagram highlights about Charlie Kirk are a helpful place to send any misguided critics.)
God is so good, and there is nothing better than the adventure of walking with Him every day! I hope you know that joy in this season!
Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him,”
Now, I will leave you with a few photos, then see bottom for a special Christmas giveaway! 🎄
Below: The engaged couple at our Hawaiian engagement party!
Then a few Portugal shots.
Levi building his 10,000 hours of golf. (so proud of him!)
Also if you missed it, I turned 55 in October and wrote a list of 55 life lessons here.
I normally love to share links to books and clothes and all the things I’m loving on a coffee date, but we’re both short on time (right!?) AND I’ve been doing that weekly in my WEDNESDAY EMAILS. So, instead I’d love to INVITE YOU to join my weekly email list where I share encouragement, and great links each week to books, recipes, clothes or movies, or whatever I’m loving at the moment.
GIVEAWAY TIME!!
Comment below and you’ll be entered to win…
Giveaway is now closed! See below for winners!
TWO OF YOU will get to choose two copies of ANY of my books! (one for you, one to gift!) (Book giveaway for addresses in the USA only!) . And the grand prize winner gets a $100 AMAZON gift card to help with your Christmas shopping (or treat yourself to something special!)
To enter: Comment and answer any or all of the QUESTIONS below:
1. Share what God is teaching you in this season or an area you are growing in faith.
2. Tell me ONE conversation you want to be sure to have with your kids before they leave home! (or maybe one you’ve had that you’re so glad you did!)
3. A goal or habit you want to work on in the New Year! (Personally, or as a family.)
- And of course I’d be happy to hear from you on any of the topics from this coffee date! – -> I’ll choose winners and announce on Wednesday, December 17th
-Be sure to take my survey so I can include you in more of my book writing process! ❤️
Congratulations to Bethany and Renee for winning copies of my books, and to Michelle for winning the Amazon Card! Thank you for so many beautiful and inspiring comments!!
Sending big love and wishes for a Mele Kalikimaka!! (Merry Christmas in Hawaiian!)
I am excited to see these new books that you have coming out. This is so fun for you guys!
I feel like God is teaching me patience and loving everyone through their imperfectness and mine as well. Which leads me into what I would love for my kids to know as they get older is that I love them no matter what. Nothing is too much for my love or for God’s love.
My goal for next year is to heal my hip without surgery. I am determined to fix it despite being told that surgery could be the only answer.
Merry Christmas!
1) Over the past couple months God has been working in my heart about how I am parenting my toddler. He is working on stripping me of my selfishness (it’s a process) and causing me to realize that I need to be more intentional in my parenting.
3) In relation to my first answer, my husband and I had a conversation last week and decided that dinner time until our toddlers bed time is a phone free time. We are working on building the habit of putting our phones up on a shelf away from us on Do Not Disturb mode. We only use them to play music through our Bluetooth speaker during this time. It’s only been 4 days but we already see the positive difference this is making!
1. God is teaching me to let go of control, especially regarding my kids. They are flying to see their dad over Christmas and will be flying without me for the first time, and it’s hard.
2. Lots of conversations need to be had on phones/internet safety. My kids don’t have phones yet (they are 11 and 14) but I know we need to talk about this A LOT.
3. Goal – get my kids set up with a checking account to start working on financial literacy.
Such good thoughts and goals Jennifer. Praying for your heart as you prepare for your kids to travel. Sending hugs!
God has been teaching, or more like reminding me, that I am not in control. He is the one over all. Also, he’s really been convicting me on my words. How I need to use them wisely and that grumbling to myself about things and others is just as bad as saying to their face.
One thing I feel like God is leading me to in the new year is working on to work on what this verse from 1 Thes looks like for me in my life. “and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you,”. Still seeking God for what he has for me in regards to that!
Oh my goodness, Sarah! I LOVE that verse and have pondered it a lot this last year as well! 🙂
God has been teaching me to be on-guard in our marriage and to pray daily for my husband, as the enemy is prowling 😢. God is encouraging me to out-serve my husband and to remember that is what Jesus did and calls us to do! 🙏🏼❤️
wow, powerful. Thank you for that! big hugs.
First off, how exciting about your book deal?! I’m looking forward reading them soon.
1. God has been teaching me patience. Being a wife is hard. Being a mom is hard. Homeschooling is hard. Working from home with kids is hard. Working and homeschooling at the same time is hard. I love my life and don’t want my circumstances to change, but I DEFINITELY need to work on my patience. God is patient with me and I’m glad He’s teaching me to be more patient with others.
2. I want my kids to know that no matter where they go or whatever happens, they always have a home with us. Sometimes circumstances and choices make life difficult and we think we can’t go back home. I want my kids to know that God entrusted them to us and they’ll always be our kids and have a place with us no matter what.
3. As a family, we will be working on living lives of gratitude, being thankful for what we have been given and content in our circumstances. The Bible shows us that joy and freedom from anxiety are rooted in gratitude. Biblically, we are called to live a thankful life. God knew it was good for us.
beautifully said, thank you Michelle! I am inspired. 🙂 xoxo
Hey Michelle!
Love your comment and happy to tell you your name was drawn to win the $100 Amazon card!! Emailing you now to get you set up! 🙂 Big hugs and blessings-
I love this post and am please to hear about you and Dave sharing more with the world!! How exciting! Also – I’ll keep praying for your dad for sure. Blessings to him and everyone in your family with all the things going on!
1. I prayed and fasted for my husband’s chaplaincy calling and saw not only that God was working on him but also on me in that. I have learned to remember to trust in His promises, to speak the truth and share what God is teaching me, and the biggest one for now: to let God do the work that He’s promised to do…and then wait!
2. Two parts:
1. Mom loves you, Dad loves you, your siblings love you, and God loves you most.
2. You are best friends, you are teammates, and you love each other.
3. Goal: get strong physically and spiritually as an entire family.
Love all of that. thank you Laura!
Question #3: I want to push a little less this next year. I have spent this past year, pushing too hard in all areas of my life, to the limit. It has taken its toll on me, and the perfectionism has eeked out onto my loved ones. It’s time to push a little less and love a little more.
wow, that takes maturity! Thanks for the inspiration! 😉
1. God’s teachings… slow down; encourage kids’ growth in faith
2. Conversation with kids… how to be a supportive spouse and parent, how to be open to different kinds of adult relationships
3. Goal or habit… figure out how to lose the weight gained during peri-menopuase, lift more weights
Other news… so excited for your next books, especially the one focused on women! So glad you are together with all the boys and your parents this holiday season. Merry Christmas.
Thank you so much Colleen. Love your responses!! xo
Vulnerable response…something I’m leaning into more this next year will be figuring out how not to let family (parental) hurt affect how I think God loves me. Even at 46, I don’t think I truly grasp God’s love and I’m having a hard time reconciling all of that. Then throw in all the hard of parenting (teenager down to toddler…so much negativity and pushback) and it’s hard not to feel alone and overwhelmed, especially without any sort of good mentorship/encouragement (I know I need to only get that from God alone, but that’s where I’m struggling!)
Truly appreciate the honest response. Sounds to me like the most important step has been taken – :). Now I pray you find some godly mentors or friends to walk with you through this. But indeed, the Lord is so good and so near always. XO
hi Monica! Thank you for this opportunity and all the time, honesty, love, and humor you pour into every thing you do! These emails are weekly rays of sunshine to my email box.☀️
I have been walking through one of those growing seasons. It’s uncomfortable; the growing pangs hurt. I have found myself so many times throwing up my hands and saying, “Ok, God! Can this be enough already?” But then I find everything I am walking through is bringing to my knees and drawing me nearer and nearer. It’s bringing me to complete surrender. I struggle with control, but my eyes and heart are being woken up in new ways to just how out of control I am BUT how much more I am loved, seen, and known by a Father who gets the last say. Not me.
I want my kids to be aware of how much authority and power they have access to because the Holy Spirit lives in them. I desire for them to walk in the Spirit daily. That they’ll be sensitive to His Spirit and leading and see the people and situations God places in their lives through Love and grace.
A habit I have for this upcoming year (and am starting to put into practice now), is asking before I even start my to-do list, “Lord, what do You want to do in my life today?” Doing this first is bringing me to a place of surrender right away and helping to remind me that I’m not in control.
Wow, Laurin. I love your comment so much. I am inspired, truly. Thank you!! xo
What an exciting update! Congratulations on the books. A goal we have for the new year is to have dedicated scheduled prayer times for our family.
Aloha and Merry Christmas! Enjoy your family time!
God is teaching me to slow down and be more patient in this season.
Excited for the new year – researching my word of the year but leaning towards dedication – areas are reading my Bible and also my health. Getting closer to 50 years old and body changes are real.
In the new year, I’d love to work on praying more intentionally for my kids’ heart’s, salvation, and character. I’m a big systems girl and love all the helpful resources (including your courses), but often forget the most important part while doing all of it and that’s asking and entrusting the Lord to move.
To teach them to do what’s right, not what’s popular.
God is teaching me that I just need to show up and offer what I have- a listening ear, a smile, a song. He will bless it. I am not responsible for how the other person receives what I offer. This has been key as I am often upset when what I offer is not received well or at all.
Fun to hear the updates – congratulations!
Number 1 God is teaching me to find rest in my husband’s leadership in our family
I love hearing all the updates about your family and life! Can’t wait for wedding pictures. 😁 I super miss the podcast but totally understand the need to keep it paused at least until your books are done!
Answers:
1. With all the crazy theories and arguments against the Word and the Truth, I continually see the need to stay IN the Word myself and stay attached to the Vine to avoid getting sucked in.
2. My oldest started middle school this year and we homeschool, but as he gets older and the whole “in the world but not part of it” becomes more prevalent, I want to make sure we keep talking about how to navigate the lies they’ll encounter and always bring it back to the Word. I want to ask them not just what they believe but how they’ll determine for themselves why they believe it.
3. After a convicting message I heard recently, I want to make prayer so second nature and automatic that I gain a reputation for it. I want “Let’s pray about that” my first response to any situation, especially any conflict or issues that arise with my boys.
Thanks for your wisdom! Praying for you and your family!
Wow I am inspired by everything you shared!! Love your heart!! 🌺❤️
Bethany!! Love your comment AND your name was drawn to win two copies of one of my books! (You choose!). I’m emailing you now to get you all set! xo
Hello Monica, thank you for the update! I’m so excited about your next 3 books, I know we are all going to be so blessed by them.
The one thing I feel like the Lord is teaching me in this season, especially Christmas, is to see past the surfaces, and focus on the heart of all of it. It’s
so easy to forget this time of year.
We have two graduating this year, one from college and one from high school. The conversation I want to have as they navigate the next chapter is how vital it is to seek God, inquire of the Lord, and allow Him to lead and guide them.
And lastly a goal I want to keep consistent in the new year is to pray more as a family. I want our boys to know how important prayer is and the more we do it, the more we will see God move.
Thank you Monica for allowing me to share my heart!
Merry Christmas! ❤️
This is all so good, Veronica. Thank you. And bless you this Christmas season!!
goal to work in the New Year: more giving back to the community!
Thanks for the giveaway and for the post 🙂
How exciting! Can’t wait to follow this new journey. Blessings and Merry Christmas !
Hi Monica,
In the new year I definitely have some habits I want to work on! With inspiration from the verse that says we need to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” For me this means saying no to tv and scrolling after the kids’ go to bed, to nourish myself exclusively with study of God’s Word. This will also help me to get to bed earlier, which will result in better rest and less grumpiness the next day! The Father really is in it for our good, isn’t he?!
Amazing. Love that comment! Thank you for the inspiration! ❤️🌺
Loved this post and SO excited for your new books!!! My new year goals are to do one unassisted pull up by the end of 2026, memorizing a chapter of the Bible and reading at least two books a month!
Wow Morgan, love those goals! Thanks for being here ☺️❤️
So thankful for your coffee date posts, podcasts, mini courses…all of it. God is truly using you to encourage and inspire us all. As for what God has been teaching me, it is this -SLOW DOWN and just rest in the everyday ordinary of life. Not everything has to be just right and not every activity has to be a yes. My boys’ socks scattered here and there, the archery equipment everywhere, the countless hours in the car…all blessings, all grace. In all of it, I have learned to go slow, to enjoy the car rides and the tournaments. To take in the socks and shoes scattered about because it means the boys are home. I’m living in a season of thankfulness and slow that I hope to carry from season to season.
And that leads me to something I hope to work on in the new year. I would like to study more and learn more and grow more not in the Word but also in learning something new. Still working on what that will be…
1. God’s teaching…
– Envisioned path and reality are rarely the same, but it’s okay.
– Letting your kids develop their own relationship with God is better than no relationship with God. Sometimes it comes later in life. Sometimes you need a break and realize what’s missing.
2. Kids… Ways to be an encouraging spouse and parent. Why the little stuff matters. How to communicate when you are feeling off.
3. New Year – weight loss. Perimenopause is kicking my butt.
Other news … My 14 year old son tried track and performed well. Playing basketball now, as this will be his last season. Can’t wait to spend the holidays as all five of us (first time since July).
Congratulations to your parents. So glad they can spend the holidays with you. Congratulations on the book deal. Looking forward to reading the Women’s Health one.
Merry Christmas! ❤️
Renee! Love your comment and happy to tell you that your name was chosen to win two copies of one of my books! Emailing you now to get you all set! 🙂
XO
I feel like God is teaching me to be still but not just sitting.. like a posture of my heart.. i am on a mental and physical health healing journey and the biggest thing is it takes TIME. I am trying to stay anchored to THE ROCK THAT IS HIGHER THAN I 🥹 some days it feels like “ I just won’t make it” yet is “ Grace is sufficient” and I am still here.