Before Brian and I had kids, we would drive up the coastal 101 and go to the infamous Farmers Market in SLO. Without fail, our first order of business was to find him. He had long blond hair that made Def Leppard’s attempt look like child’s play. He stood on a pedestal in full Scottish garb, and with his bagpipes hooked up to his amp, he would turn on his giant wind machine and then rock out. We would watch his hair whip around and I was always inspired by his audacity to pursue life.

As the pressures ramp up, Brian and I recognize it is too easy to be driven by demands and routine and lose some of that zest we had. Although Brian would build me a pedestal, we don’t have a wind machine and I cut my hair… so that isn’t an option for us. But, we did decide to change some things up about our time together.  Add back in some of that zest.

And nothing says “fun” like the Ferris Wheel. Neither of us could even remember the last time we were in a Ferris wheel, much less where. So we stood there staring and the flashing twirling lights and decided to go a few rounds high up in the sky and then grab an appetizer at 10 pm just for kicks. Last year, we went to the local amusement park and rode roller coasters until midnight.

If you’ve never gone to SLO (San Luis Obispo, CA) you should. Try to find him. I’d bet my last nickle he’s still there rocking it out. If you can’t go that far… I encourage you to add some fun in the mix. A busy life needs the balance of both relaxation and fun. A wise man once said, “a joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Don’t let stress crush your spirit. Go out and play! Do something that is out of your norm. Kayak. Ride a Ferris wheel. Go mini-golfing. Rent a boat and night fish. Raising kids exposes you to so many options for “fun.” Don’t forget to include yourself too. And then finish it off with some PIE.

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Pray for them

Or, yourself… if the season warrants it.

Father, I pray for (Name) who sees my spirit crushed beneath the weight of life’s responsibilities. I pray you would increase your presence in my life, and place within me “a joyful heart [for it] is good medicine.” As I turn to you, I pray you would help me “find rest for [my] soul… for your “yoke is easy, and [your] burden is light.” In Jesus’ name, amen.  – Proverbs 17:22,

Prayers taken from the BiblicalPrayers mobile app. Download today on the App Store or Google Play store.

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Blackberry Pie

After picking 2.5 gallons of blackberries, we decided to celebrate having family in town with a delicious pie. And, this might be one of the best recipes yet.

• 4 cups black berries (thawed)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tsp lemon
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 pie crusts

Preheat oven to 425. Thaw and drain your berries if frozen. Toss with flour. Mix together sugar, lemon, cinnamon and extract. Gently fold into berries until evenly coated. Pour into one pie crust and place the other crust on top making vents for steam. Seal edges and sprinkle cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 425 for 20 minutes on the bottom rack, change oven to 375 for an additional 25-30 minutes.

Baking Tip: Place a cookie sheet or a sheet of foil under the pie to catch any spillage.