Happy summer! Summers are always a great time of the year: graduations, retreats, mission trips. So much of my formation happened in the summer – and so did a lot of FUN.
 
People often forget that serving God should be fun. No matter what we do – whether we’re working our jobs, raising our families, growing our businesses, or serving in ministry – His joy is supposed to be our strength.
 
So much of what’s out there these days lacks personal connection. Most people are simply afraid to really be themselves. I thought I’d have a little fun with this update, put away the polish, and share another side of me and the work we do in order to prove I’m not a robot that stays locked away working all day. Here are 10 of my own quirks, habits, and closely guarded secrets…
 

1. I have a HUGE family with plenty of fun relatives! If you’ve ever seen the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” you’ll get an idea of what our family gatherings are like. Loud. Crazy. And I wouldn’t change it for a second.

2. I take a notepad and pen everywhere I go. In the car, by my nightstand, at my desk. You never know when a great idea is going to strike. I’ve filled countless notebooks with sermon ideas, quick prayers, and to-do lists to last me an entire lifetime.

3. I love waking up to the smell of coffee brewing – nothing says good morning better. But truth be told, I don’t actually like coffee.  In fact, I can’t stand coffee in any shape or form.  

4. I loved climbing trees when I was little … in addition to building forts in woodpiles, and swimming at the creek. 

5. I feel happiest when I’m living in my passion. And two of my biggest passions are sharing the gospel and spending time with family. 

6. If I could get rid of just one thing – it would be the need for sleep. I’m always wishing for more hours in the day.

7. I like the small-town life. I grew up on our family farm in Ponteix, SK.  Although I live in the city now, there’s nothing like the wide open spaces and fresh air that only the prairies can provide. 

8. I guard my emotions like a hawk. It’s incredibly hard to break through my shell but I’m eternally grateful to the people who have. 

9. I’m really good at waking up early without an alarm.  I grew up on the farm, getting up early doing chores before going to school. And I liked it.  The early-morning hours are my favorite time of day.  That being said, I crave sleep and my bed by 8:30 p.m. at night! 

10. I think ‘Being Yourself’ is one of the biggest keys to living a Godly life. When you’re honest about yourself and who you are, it gives you a starting point to let God in.

Okay, I’m headed back work but I’d love to hear a bit about you! Here’s to summer fun. 

Have a great rest of the week,
Renée

Happy summer! Summers are always a great time of the year: graduations, retreats, mission trips. So much of my formation happened in the summer – and so did a lot of FUN.
 
People often forget that serving God should be fun. No matter what we do – whether we’re working our jobs, raising our families, growing our businesses, or serving in ministry – His joy is supposed to be our strength.
 
So much of what’s out there these days lacks personal connection. Most people are simply afraid to really be themselves. I thought I’d have a little fun with this update, put away the polish, and share another side of me and the work we do in order to prove I’m not a robot that stays locked away working all day. Here are 10 of my own quirks, habits, and closely guarded secrets…
 

1. I have a HUGE family with plenty of fun relatives! If you’ve ever seen the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” you’ll get an idea of what our family gatherings are like. Loud. Crazy. And I wouldn’t change it for a second.

2. I take a notepad and pen everywhere I go. In the car, by my nightstand, at my desk. You never know when a great idea is going to strike. I’ve filled countless notebooks with sermon ideas, quick prayers, and to-do lists to last me an entire lifetime.

3. I love waking up to the smell of coffee brewing – nothing says good morning better. But truth be told, I don’t actually like coffee.  In fact, I can’t stand coffee in any shape or form.  

4. I loved climbing trees when I was little … in addition to building forts in woodpiles, and swimming at the creek. 

5. I feel happiest when I’m living in my passion. And two of my biggest passions are sharing the gospel and spending time with family. 

6. If I could get rid of just one thing – it would be the need for sleep. I’m always wishing for more hours in the day.

7. I like the small-town life. I grew up on our family farm in Ponteix, SK.  Although I live in the city now, there’s nothing like the wide open spaces and fresh air that only the prairies can provide. 

8. I guard my emotions like a hawk. It’s incredibly hard to break through my shell but I’m eternally grateful to the people who have. 

9. I’m really good at waking up early without an alarm.  I grew up on the farm, getting up early doing chores before going to school. And I liked it.  The early-morning hours are my favorite time of day.  That being said, I crave sleep and my bed by 8:30 p.m. at night! 

10. I think ‘Being Yourself’ is one of the biggest keys to living a Godly life. When you’re honest about yourself and who you are, it gives you a starting point to let God in.

Okay, I’m headed back work but I’d love to hear a bit about you! Here’s to summer fun. 

Have a great rest of the week,
Renée

Scripture. There’s nothing as life-giving as God’s Word, and during my time in ministry I’ve tried to apply “The Hand” illustration to making Scripture an everyday part of my life. 
 
If you haven’t heard of “The Hand” the premise is that each of these 5 practices gives you a strong “grip” on the Word of God, as if each of these represent one of your fingers (and thumb, of course):
 
1.       Hearing
2.       Reading
3.       Studying
4.       Memorizing
5.       Meditating
 
While I try my best to quote Scripture the most, I’ve also been encouraged and inspired by several quotes I’ve read in books or heard in sermons throughout the years. 
 
These don’t take the place of Scripture (obviously!) but these quotes have given me perspective, hope, and encouragement in my day-to-day life, and I hope they do the same for you wherever you are reading this from. 

Here are five of my favorite quotes:  

1. We can make excuses or we can make a difference, but we cannot make both.  Craig Groeschel
2. If we don’t quit, we win.  Al Purvis
3. Testing always precedes promotion.  Kelly Stickel
4. More often than not, being brave means doing it scared.  Michael Hyatt 
5. People who blame things, don’t change things.  Andy Stanley

If you’re looking for some other great reads, don’t forget to check out my previous letter: 3 of My Favorite Books – Have You Read Any of These?

What are some of your favorite quotes? I’d love to hear them – comment below! 

Enjoy!  

Nopparat & Renee Treeyanon