The Duck Commander Family - Book Review...

Finally back to reading and writing some book reviews on a blog that has been silent for a little while.  I am sure most of you have fallen into the craze that is Duck Dynasty.  What is not to love, a great family of American people with great beards and even better hearts.  Still unsure how women like that would fall for bearded country folk like the Robertson men.  For all of you Parks and Rec fans, it brings to light the same confusion that takes place when you think of Jerry & Gale Gergich.  Anyway, this post is specifically about the Duck Commander Family book that was released a couple of years ago, authored by Wille & Korie Robertson.

It is an interesting read that brings you into the lives of the entire Robertson family before they were apart of the reality show Duck Dynasty.  Thus giving the reader some insight into what makes their family and business work the way it does.  One of the most unique parts of the book is each chapter is named after a famous Robertson family recipe, which at the end of each chapter is shared with the reader.  But what I appreciated most from this book was the brutal honesty that can be found within the pages.  They were very truthful in the words that they shared about where their family came from whether it been good or bad.  All the words were shared as honestly as possible and in a world filled with "reality" tv, this is something to be appreciated.

The book brings to light some of the marital/family issues that took place among Phil & Kay, the tough starts for Willie & Korie, as well as a birth of the Duck Commander franchise.  Overall it reminds the reader of how family always comes first.  You may love what you do, but if you are not able to come home at 5pm with a family who loves you know matter what your first quarter numbers were, then it is not worth it.  This book brings back the importance of family before business, something that the working american must be reminded of on a daily basis.



till another day,



normallyINDIE.

Our Little Family...

Last year my wife and I were lucky enough to make our family a little bit bigger.  As we were packing up to move to Michigan from Cincinnati we found an add on craigslist fro a wonderful mini-dachshund puppy.  After traveling just north of Downtown we found our beautiful puppy, Indie.

Our beautiful puppy was just under 3 lbs and we fell in love.  We were so happy to have him in our lives.  Although the first week of raising him in an apartment in downtown Cincinnati was pretty rough, we got through it on 10 hours sleep and a lot of patience.  We then traveled to Michigan and we could not be happier.  

Sleepy Boy

He loves playing w/ clean sheets 

Working @ TF Studio, LLC

Indie's 1st Christmas, 2012

1st Road Trip to Michigan

After 1.5 years of life we could not be happier to have a wonderful puppy.  He is such an amazing, mini part of our family and we could not be happier.  I am so happy to continue to watch our family grow (maybe more puppies or kids in the future) and I hope that he continues to enjoy our life here in Indy.  He sure does love his Colts, Cardinals, Pacers, & Gators.  

till another day, 

normallyINDIE

What I am looking toward...

The next couples of months are an exciting time, the holiday season is coming and with the holiday season comes great music, great food, & great traditions.  Some of the things I am looking forward to for the next couple of months is my wonderful wife's caramel apple cupcakes, caramel apples, apple cider, christmas cookies, Aunt Gwen's homemade caramels, hot chocolate, & a great cup of coffee.

Although there are things that I am going to miss, the golf season, warm weather, shorts, & tank tops, I am looking forward to the fall/winter months, hoodies, snow, & family.  Most of all family is the thing that should tie us all together and no I am not talking about just blood family, but I am talking about all family.

I am looking forward to the Seabird Christmas Album, listening to Bing Crosby's Christmas classics, watching all our favorite classic Christmas movies, & not to mention each of the Office Christmas episodes.  

Most of my life I have spent the holiday season dreading it because of the cold, the required moments of seeing family when it wasn't convenient, but now I am finally at the point in my life where I am beginning to value my time.  I am hoping this holiday season to truly value my family, my extended family, embrace the cold weather, & truly allow holiday season to bring out more love.  I do not want to be considered a Scrooge, I really want to be considered more like a Kris Kringle (aka the beard that I seem to be growing).   That being said as the holiday season is coming, I would like to say happy holidays and that I am looking forward to the season.



till another day,




normallyINDIE

Boy Meets World...

For my birthday I had the idea to go back to my childhood and purchase a great set of DVDs from the 90s.  The TV show being one that I spent much of my time enjoying after school with a snack (the good old days), Boy Meets World.  If you grew up in the mid to late 90s you knew what Boy Meets World was and it had the same premise of most of those after school family drama/comedies.  Great family, goofy brother, & funny teacher that seem to always get in trouble, but most of all have a story to tell in a quick 30 minutes.  Watching all of the seasons in a row makes me realize the cheesy nature of the show, but it also reminds me of the life lessons that I learned while I was young.  Even more it reminds me of the lessons that I need to learn now.

I recently had a conversation with a great friend and that friend reminded me of the amazing life that I truly have.  I have been blessed for the past 5 years to have known an amazing woman, introduced to her in October 2008.  We were two different people back then, young and stupid, but little did I know that she would be the person I would have the honor of spending the rest of my life with her.  A young 19 year old kid who was blessed with an 18 year old girl who was loving enough to give me a chance.  5 years later our love continues to grow daily, our family continues to grow, but most of all we continue to understand and value the fact that our love is what is most important.

A great friend of mine reminds me that even if everything in your life seems to be in shambles, you must understand that love is the thing that reigns true through all things.  It reigns true because it was love that God ordained from the beginning.  The love that he made an example of when he sacrificed his son for the entire world.  This is the example that we have the opportunity to follow and I am so blessed to have a wife to share this type of love with.  Life may be stressful, life may be hard, but love is all i need.


till another day,



normallyINDIE

Chemex - Chemistry & Coffee

If you know anything about me you know how passionate I am about coffee and the experience that it provides.  Much like a good book or great meal with your family, there is nothing better than coming around a great cup of coffee together.  It brings people together in a way that is unlike any other.  If you are passionate about coffee and people then coffee brewing is something that you must be a part of.  Over the past couple of years my passions have grown and so has be coffee cabinet.  Some of the methods of brewing that I enjoy most are Chemex coffee brewing & the aeropress coffee method.  Today, if I could suggest anything, if you enjoy a wonderful, smooth cup of coffee then you must grab a 8 - 10 cup Chemex coffee maker.  

Things you need: 
                 Chemex Coffee Machine - $50 
                 Chemex Coffee Filters - $15 
                 Stove Top Tea Kettle 
                 Kitchen Timer 
                 Espresso Thermometer 
                 Ground Specialty Coffee 
                 Quality Coffee Grinder 
                 Clean Filtered Water 
                 Liquid Measuring Cup 

Step One:

Measure Water

Start by measuring out your clean filtered water. Always use a two tablespoons of coffee for every 6 oz. of water. We are going to brew 30oz. of coffee in our Chemex. All the water will be transferred to a clean and empty water kettle. Bring your water to a boil.

Step Two:

Measure Coffee

Measure coffee. Remember two tablespoons/ 10 grams per 6oz. of water. As we are making a 30oz. Chemex, we will be using 5 coffee scoops (10 tablespoons/50 grams).

Step Three:

Grind Coffee

When making a Chemex we prefer a coarse grind similar to a French Press.

Step Four:

Set Up Chemex

When brewing with a Chemex you can only use Chemex brand filters. The thick, sturdy cone fits the large opening of the Chemex. Open filter into a cone shape and place it in the Chemex with the three-layered side facing the pouring spout. This keeps the filter from collapsing into the spout, which constricts air flow.

Step Five:

Rinse Filter

Rinse the filter by pouring approximately 10oz. of hot water through it into the Chemex. Pour water out.

Step Six:

Add Coffee

Add your fresh, coarsely ground coffee to the filter in the Chemex. Shake gently to level the grounds.

Step Seven:

Remove Water From Heat

When your water comes to a full rolling boil take it off the heat and let the kettle rest for about 20 seconds (water temperature will drop from 212 to 200 in this time at sea level).

Step Eight:

Pour Water

Wet the grounds with about 4 fl. oz. of water and let the coffee bloom for 30-40 seconds. (Fresh coffee will have a larger bloom, or foam-like head. )

Step Nine:

Ensure All Grounds Are Wet

Slowly pour the rest of water over the coffee in a circular motion, avoiding the sides/edges. Ensure all the grounds are evenly wet.

Step Ten:

Remove Filter

When all the water has dripped through, carefully gather the coffee filter and remove before serving.

Follow these steps and you will create an amazing cup of coffee not to mention have an amazing experience of brewing.  It takes the monotony of brewing a cup of coffee in a drip pot away and brings the excitement back into coffee.  Not to mention it is going to be quite impressive for all your guests.  If you would like more tips on coffee and new brewing methods comment below. 

till another day, 

normallyINDIE. 

InstaUpdate...

Now that Instagram is popular this is not as exciting to do, but I still enjoy it.  What makes this so great is that I can look back on all the amazing moments that I have had, most of which with my beautiful wife and puppy :)  I love sharing pictures from one of my favorite apps and let me know if you enjoy any of them.

Baptism of 3 of my favorite students 

Group Prayer in Santiago, Republica Dominicana 

Chemex, Favorite at home brewing method

Saying goodbye to a group of amazing people 

Throwback Cardinals Logo 

My Beautiful Wife

Each of these pictures have been important to me.  I miss our amazing friends from Michigan, am so excited for this postseason and my Cardinals.  But most of all I am blessed with an amazing wife who not to mention is beautiful.  Be checking up over the next couple of days as there are going to many changes to normallyindie.com.  



till another day,



normallyINDIE

24 & Counting...

My birthday on October 9th was a great one.  I turned 24 and began to realize that I am almost a quarter of a century old, WOW.  I am beginning to understand that I will be in my mid-twenties soon and those people that seem too old to relate to us are now going to be us.

Anyway, my birthday was not all depressing as I grow old :), but my wife & family gave me some amazing gifts.  They are as follows:

All 5 seasons of Breaking Bad

Hario Buono Kettle (Debbie & Bill)

New DVDs/Blurays (Zachy & Emma)

Andrew Luck Jersey (Mom & Dad)

Florida Gators Jersey (Mom & Dad)

Studio Beats by Dre (Jenny) 

Coasters (Kyle & Laura)

Gift Cards (Mom, Duane/Susan, & Kyle/Laura)

New Backpack (Grandma Jeanie) 

DVDs & Coffee Tools (Duane & Susan)

What a great Birthday and what a great month.  I am so excited to share these gifts with my wife and family.  I am so blessed to have these things and friends and family who care about me.



till another day,




normallyINDIE.

My Little Brother...

Last week my wife and I had the privilege of being apart of my little brother Zachary's High School Graduation.  I guess what seems to baffle me most is the fact that he is old enough to graduate High School.  To me my little brother will always be just that, my little brother.  The person I talk with, the person who is my best friend, the person who was the best man at my wedding, and the person I will care for till the end of my days.  We have spent so much time together over the years and despite the fact that we are 5 years apart, we have always had a bond like no other.  A bond that can only be understand if you have a brother or sister of your own.  

But of course, my brother is no longer little.  He is actually a couple inches taller than me and I am pretty sure he can now beat me at basketball.  He has a girlfriend, Lindsey Peoples, of 10 month who is a great addition to our family, he as agreed to pursue of life of ministry at Johnson University in Knoxville, TN, and he could not be more wacky (check out his posts on vine).  But despite all of that, what I love most about my brother is he has never been afraid to be himself.  He would never change his character or personality for anyone and if you didn't like it, well then tough luck.  I admire that in him and strive to be more like that in my life.  I strive to stick to my convictions and character even when it is not the popular thing to do.  I strive to be the person God has created me to be, preach the word God has created me to preach, and lead my family the way God has called me to lead.  He may not know it, but I learn that from him and I look up to him everyday of my life.  I admire is outlook on life, I admire his courage, and I most of all admire his heart for relationships.  

Zachy, I am so excited for you and your future in ministry and in life.  I want you to know that I have and always will look up to you and most of all, no matter what, I am here for you.  You and Lindsay will always have a home at the Tod household (Alec & Jenny Edition) and we will care for you no matter what.  Thank you for your fortitude, your leadership, and your example.  I am so excited to be able to say I will have a true brother in ministry and I am here for you as you begin your journey.  I love you. 

Jenny, Alec, Zachy, Lindsey

till another day, 

normallyINDIE

Cousin Eddie's Big Day...

I have had the honor of getting to know this man, my cousin, Edward J. Schmidt for the past 10 years of my life.  He is an amazing man of God and has always been one of the main influences in my life.  I am so honored and blessed to have him as a part of our family and could not be happier for his Ordination tomorrow.

Many of you reading this may have met Eddie before, but if you haven't let me explain a little bit about who this man is.

I first met Eddie in Shop class in 7th grade at Chiddix Junior High School.  At the time Eddie and I both were a bit nerdy, but he had a way with words and especially telling jokes.  He was definitely the class clown of the Chiddix Team Titans and was so funny to be around.  I continued to get to know Eddie as we both started to get involved with Remix, mentored under Joel Craig, at Eastview Christian Church, Normal, IL.  We went on our first missions trip together to Cincinnati, OH in 2003 (Know Sweat) followed by a trip to Mexico, 2 Trips to DR/Haiti, & 5 Trips to CIY Move.  We spent so many hours together getting to know each other, but it really wasn't until we decided that we were both going to Cincinnati Christian University that we became family.

At the time I did not know Eddie well, but we thought what the heck, we might as well room together.  There is no other people from our hometown going to CCU so at least we had that going for us.  We could not have been more right.  We spent the rest of our senior year/summer getting to know each other and by the time we came to CCU we were joined at the hip.

While at CCU we created traditions like Friday Naps, Movie Nights, & Roomie Playlists (Power of Love).  Not to mention became known as those "two annoying guys that always are with each other".  We were a lot to handle, but we had a group of friends that fit like a glove and we could not be happier to still have those relationships today.

Eddie then went our separate ways, as Eddie ventured off to Australia, England, & Florida, I went to work with Bloc Ministries, & met my beautiful wife Jenny in Indianapolis.

Our journeys have led us so many places (Detroit, MI), but one thing is for sure Eddie and I are family and we will stay that way.  Eddie is one of the most kind-hearted, genuine, loving, and comfortable people to be around.  He lights a room the second he walks in and he is a diligent scholar when it comes to understanding God's word.  I look up to him in so many ways and I am so honored to call him my brother in Christ.

Eddie, I am so happy for you and congratulations on your ordination.  Welcome to the ministry my friend and it is going to be such an exciting journey.  One thing is for sure, there will be highs and lows, but you know that Jenny and I will always be here for you.  We love you so very much and couldn't be more proud of our cousin Eddie.



till another day,



normallyINDIE

the Presence Tour...

I had the honor of spending last weekend returning to my wife and I's first home, Cincinnati, OH, to attend the Believe Conference for Junior High students.  God blessed us with 9 students that joined us for an amazing weekend of growth and fellowship. 

This was not my first rodeo as this was my 8th time at Believe and 3rd in Cincinnati, so like before, the conference was top notch.  High level illustrations, great worship, awesome graphics, not to mention amazing, practical speaking.  But it wasn't all of this that made the biggest impact on my wife and I this past weekend.  What made the biggest impact is what makes ministry life so great and that is the relationships that are formed.  

If you had been following my tweets over the weekend, @normallyINDIE, it seemed as though we were running into someone left and right.  And I know what you are thinking, "what else is new? Any pastor runs into tons of people he knows at christian conventions?"  But this time was different.  I feel God placed these people in our path this past weekend to remind us the value of relationships as well as the value the people have in our lives.  The weekend was like an impromptu family reunion.  My wife and I got to see one of our best friends Sarah Brown, who was integral in us getting together, my brother & his awesome girlfriend Lindsay, Ash, J-Trav, Reverend Katie Brown, Papa Brown, Court, Post, not to mention the GUMC crew and the giant crew from Eastview (just so happens to be my home church).  All of these people have had such a huge impact on our lives and it was so fitting to see them in the place that Jenny and I called home at the beginning of our marriage.  It was a weekend of memories that will not go forgotten and all I can do is thank Believe for making it happen.  

I learned so much this past weekend and have seen a huge change of heart in our student's lives through the testimonies that were laid out by God this past weekend, but in the midst of that, what God continued to speak to me was that ministry is all about relationships.  Not only ministry, but life is all about people and Jesus came to this world to save people.  So often we can get focused on numbers, budgets, church sizes, logistics, when God may be screaming at us to say "time to seek after my people who are lost".  

He has placed so many people in our path both to have an impact on and for them to have an impact on us.  If we are willing to take to time to stop and listen.  God is bringing his people to us and I am so thankful to be a small part of that.  

till another day, 

normallyINDIE. 

Going on a Trip...

I have been blessed over the last 7 years of my life to visit the Dominican Republic/Haiti Island three times, two of which included trips with G.O. Ministries and their amazing staff.  These are opportunities to both grow spiritually as well as serve the Dominican People.

I am so excited to announce that we will be taking another trip to the Dominican this August with 5 High School Students from Twin Oaks CC.  It is our first trip with the Uprising and it is going to be an amazing opportunity to again serve these people and grow together as a group.

Some of what I am so excited about it:

Reconnecting with Missionaries
Meeting new Friends in DR
Remembering my 5 years of Spanish
Sharing God with our Students
Telling stories of life change with our Families

We leave for our trip August 6th - 13h and I could not be more excited about it.  I have attached a video below that was created by GO Ministries.  It only excites me more to join them in August.

till another day,




normallyINDIE

Burning my Plows...

At Twin Oaks, we just finished a series centered on the fact that God is Greater Than... the series being loosely based on the fact that we have to recognize that our God that we serve is much greater than we give him credit.  So much of the time we spend thinking about how we are going to do this or what we are going to do can be washed away if we realize that our God is Greater.  

Out of this message from our senior pastor Randy Wheeler, came a discussion regarding the book "Greater" by Steven Furtick and most specifically the chapter in the book regarding Burning your plows.  The chapter is based on Elisha and how he was called to leave his old profession of leading oxen on plows to doing something greater.  The fact is that Elisha could have stored the plows or given them to someone for safe keeping or kept using them, but what he realized was that if he was truly going to follow the call he was given that was much Greater, then he had to purge his life of everything he used to be.  This meant taking his plows and burning them.  We began to discuss as a staff what this meant to us, what plows in our life was God calling us to burn in order to live a life Greater.  

Thinking about these plows can be a humbling experience because throughout the process you rationalize to yourself that this is not needed or that you can be fine with just storing the plows because who knows you may go back to them at some point and you don't want them to be gone.  But what God continues to say to us is that we have to be willing to sacrifice who we used to be in order to be something greater and if we are called to be again what we once were, the plows that are needed would again be provided.  

Personally I have a lot of plows that need to be burned before I am willing to do the something greater that God is calling me/us to.  I am currently in the process of lighting the matches and burning them myself, but even as I write this I am continuely reminded of the importance of this process.  We all are hoping to do something much greater than we can even imagine, but there has to be an element of sacrifice attached to this.  

If you haven't already pick up the book Greater by Steven Furtick and if you are looking for a church home in the Detroit area, join us at Twin Oaks CC in Woodhaven, MI.  What are the plows that God is telling you to burn?  How long are you willing to wait before becoming something GREATer. 

till another day, 

normallyINDIE

Gifts Galore...

As Christmas time is here, we have been blessed with some great new additions to our home w/ gifts that were on our respective Christmas lists.  I would like to share a couple of these gifts with you all and especially say thank you to those who sacrificed whatever it may be to give them.

The Schroeder's
     Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2013 - Masters Edition
     Starbucks Coffee Tour - 6 lbs of coffee over 3 months
     Chemex Coffee Machine
     3 lbs of Starbucks Coffee
     IU Basketball Game
     PS3 Move Controller
     Starbucks VIA - Cool Lime Refreshers
     Date Money
     Starbucks Gift Card
     Orange Cardigan
     Blue/Orange Plaid Shirt
     Bubble Gum

The Tod's
     NBA 2K13
     Urban Outfitters Gift Card
     Starbucks Gift Card
     Ornament
     The Hungers Games Hardcover Books
     Christmas Classics - DVD
     Christmas w/ the Kranks - DVD
     Polar Express - Bluray
     Coffee Hound Coffee
     Bubble Gum/Starbursts

Jenny
     Mustache Mug
     Beard Glass Cup
     Marley & Me - DVD
     Candy
     Starbucks Coffee VIA Christmas Sampler
     Black Boots - Urban Outfitters

We are so blessed to have gotten what we did from our great families and we are so happy to have spent the time that we did with them this holiday season.  Thank you so much for everything you have done for us.

till another day,



normallyINDIE

   

That Time of Year...

Yes, once again it is the holiday season and if you have been paying attention, the radio stations have started to play Christmas music, the department stores have been selling their overpriced artificial trees, & black friday came and went.  It is a great time of the year not only because it is an excuse to ask for things that none of us really need, but it is a great time to be with family.

This year is my first Christmas with my new family, which is made of up of my beautiful wife Jenny & our little puppy Indie.  We are spending this Christmas in the great state of Michigan at our home and it is a wonderful time.  There are a couple of things that really make this time of year great for us and I would like to share those with you:

                     Decorating the Home
                     Buying Christmas Sweaters
                     Taking Pictures together in the snow
                     Watching Christmas Movies (Elf, Home Alone)
                     Decorating Cookies
                     Drinking Egg Nog
                     Buying stocking stuffers for each other
                     Watching All the Office Christmas Episodes on Christmas Eve
                     Opening one Present on Christmas Eve (New Tradition)
                     Spoiling Each other with things
                     Eating as much holiday themed food as possible
                     Layering Clothes
                     Drinking some great Holiday Grogg Coffee

These are just a couple of the things that I look forward to this time of year and I am so excited to be spending this Christmas with my beautiful wife and making new traditions each year.  It truly is a wonderful time of the year and I am so happy to have the family I do to spend it with.


till another day,



normallyINDIE