Helpful Little Hack of the Hour: Change-Up

Surprise, I’m changing things up! This time, I’m asking for a few helpful little hacks of the hour from you. It’s my birthday, so I hoped maybe you’d be willing to indulge me today. What do you say?

I’m particularly looking for input from parents, bakers, and world travelers. But I’d love to hear from any of you who have insight to share. I have full confidence in this Back Porch family. You all know a lot about a lot!

Do you have helpful hacks for any of these 3 topics?

1. Youth Ministry

Wednesday officially kicked off the new year of youth ministry at our church. My husband and I volunteered after God used the huge spider and the word search puzzle to help clue us in. As we pray about the opportunities we have in the lives of these precious young people, I feel Jesus nudging me to pose a question to you parents.

What kinds of things would you like another Christian adult to make themselves available to address with your kids?

What topics do you think they might want to discuss? Where do they need Godly encouragement? For which of your efforts in their lives would you appreciate backup?

When my kids were younger, there were truths they didn’t seem able to hear from their father or me. But when their youth leaders said essentially the same thing, it got through. I saw their relationships with Jesus flourish through those interactions and I pray to be useful in the same kind of way.

2. High Altitude Baking

I am desperately wanting baking hacks from those of you who live in high altitude. More specifically, I need recipes.

^{Photo by Jenny Galloway on Unsplash}
My recipes will not tolerate the change in altitude. I’ll have to buy a birthday cake this year!

I previously considered myself an adept baker, but my sea-level recipes refuse to cooperate with the change to 7000 feet. I’ve tried the modifications Google suggests with no success. If you have any tried and true recipes to share, I’d sure appreciate them!

I’d love to make fluffy cakes, soft breads, and thick cookies again. If you’re willing to help, post your favorite high altitude recipes in the comments, or use the “Contact” button at the top of the page to email me. My family and I would be ever so grateful!

3. Cork, Ireland and International Travel

Wow, it feels completely unbelievable to me that I get to ask about this one. I’m traveling to Ireland this Fall! I work with colleagues across North America and Western Europe, and our next team meeting will be in-person (for the first time in years!) at our facility in Cork.

My husband is able to join me, and we’ve extended our stay a few days beyond the business agenda. Has anyone ever been there? What do you suggest? Is there anything we simply must see? Any watch-out warnings?

I’ve never been to Europe. In fact, I’ve never wandered outside North America. I’d love any wisdom you have to share! What helpful international travel hacks do you know? I want to hear them all! I’m a complete novice.

^{Photo by Brian Lazo on Pexels.com}
I’ve heard Uber and Lyft are not popular in Ireland, so we will mostly use taxi services.

Precious friends, I praise God for you! As I reflect on my birthday blessings, you immediately come to mind. Thank you!

I appreciate you for indulging my change-up and sharing your helpful little parenting, baking, and traveling hacks with me today. May God lavish the deep decadence of His everlasting love upon you!

Wondering why am I publishing helpful little hacks of the hour? Read the Introduction and Intent post here.