About Me

I’ve never been an amazing cook. I’m a good cook. I like to cook. I even collect cookbooks, hoping they will rub off on me. I have a beautiful kitchen that makes me look good while I’m cooking in it. I watch cooking shows to get inspired. Other women and men in my family are wonderful cooks. I have friends that are experts in the kitchen. I’ve had great teachers. But I’m just a good cook.

When I began dating my high school sweetheart, Patrick, I thought it would be a good idea to cook him dinner. My mama always said food was the way to a man’s heart. The problem was that I was only 16 and had never really cooked before. I had helped my mom around the kitchen when she asked, but it wasn’t something I knew a lot about 

or was even interested in.

I put together a beautiful table, using my mother’s China, and then set out to cook the perfect meal. I chose a grilled sandwich from one of my mom’s encyclopedia cookbooks. 

How can you get a sandwich wrong? Right?

I carefully followed the instructions, layering on the meat and then the cheese. Then, wait for it, I put the sandwich in the oven to broil.

You can already guess the outcome. I cried and cried. I was so embarrassed. My heart was in the right place, but that did not make up for my lack of knowledge and experience.

I plated the burnt sandwiches and we sat down at the table. Patrick was sweet enough to suggest that the sandwiches might still taste good. 

We both took a bite. 

Turns out you need to thaw meat before you broil a sandwich.

BURNT on the outside--FROZEN on the inside!

Fast forward a few decades and I find myself writing a book with recipes in it. It’s laughable, I know. But, I’ve gotten better. I know more. 

I have more experience.

I grew up in a loving home in the mid-cities area of Texas, right between Dallas and Ft Worth. I’m the oldest of three daughters born to Jimmy Dale and Peggy Jane Jobe. We had a wonderful and seemingly privileged middle-class life. Dad was a printer and a family man. He loved his wife and his daughters so well. He taught me the importance of perseverance and hard work.  But mostly, he taught me how to have fun and live joyfully. Dad left this life too early at age sixty-two. I miss him dearly. My mom is beautiful, creative, gracious, and kind. Since my dad’s death, I’ve learned that she is strong, courageous, and independent. 

I love being with my mom; she is truly inspiring.

I met my husband in middle school. 

My version of our story goes something like this:

Our paths crossed every day at Colleyville Middle School. I was an awkward, shy sixth grader. He was this cool, loud, obnoxious seventh grader.  Patrick had Geography before me in the same classroom and his desk was directly behind mine. For some reason, he was always the last to leave and I was always the first to arrive. He would tease me in front of his friends and pull my hair. Every day I couldn’t wait for him to leave for his next class. I didn’t like him much.

Years later at Grapevine High School our paths crossed again. I was a junior and he was a senior. One day, he called my name from across the commons. Flashbacks of sixth grade came flooding over me. Humiliated and embarrassed, I pretended like I didn’t hear him 

and quickly ran into dance class.

A few days later there was a folded note and a yellow rose waiting for me on my homeroom desk. The note said:

Lisa, I really think you are pretty.

Will you go out with me? Check Yes or No

(signed) Patrick

We dated for six years and got married in February 1988. Just a few weeks after the wedding, I became a flight attendant for Delta Airlines and still fly for my wonderful airline to this day! Patrick and I thoroughly enjoy the benefit of flight and have been fortunate to travel all over the world. I still get butterflies of excitement every time I board an airplane. Like a child, I know another exciting adventure awaits.

God blessed us with four amazing children in a short three and a half years: Keaton, Dylan, and twins, Madison and Matthew. At the time of the twins’ birth, we had four in car seats, three in diapers, and a brand new minivan! Keaton is now married to our beautiful daughter-n-law, Alyssa. They have given us the greatest gifts, our first two grandkids, Beau and Ella. We hope and pray more are to come--grandkids that is!

In 1997, Patrick and I started River Pointe Church in Fort Bend County, just outside of Houston, Texas. It has been one of the greatest joys of our lives and one of the biggest adventures! Today we have three church campuses and one online campus, 

and lead crazy, busy, exhausting, amazing lives.

That brings me to the present. I couldn’t get it off my mind and heart that I should spend some time reflecting and giving back. That’s what the words on the pages of this book are all about. A grateful offering of myself. An outpouring of Thoughts that were planted in me 

by the people around me and by my Heavenly Father.

The Recipes I’ve included are, for the most part, fool-proof, with short prep times, and most importantly, taste good. Many recipes have been shared with me by friends and family. Some I’ve created. Some I’ve borrowed. But all the recipes hold for me a memory, mark a moment, or provide comfort. At the very least, these recipes are a part of my past and now, I pass them on to you.

I’d be thrilled to hear from you, to know your stories, 

and to experience your recipes!

Lisa Kelley

21000 Southwest Frwy

Richmond, Texas 77469

Lisa@lovesoup.me

@mylovesoup