giving up

Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life.

I can't waste all my time on this earth trying to solve problems. My hope is not in solutions, but it eternity.

That's a pill to swallow; because I'm all about tasks being accomplished, hurdles being conquered, even problems being avoided. I get so distracted trying to attain a perfect life that, when something goes wrong, it's a slap in the face to remember that Perfect is an impossible life to live. The Lord is much less interested in me having my life in the right circumstances than in right responses when troubles come my way [and they will; I can count on it].

Why do I even think I deserve anything, let alone a problem-free life? The truth about the reality I live in must not be distorted with pointless hoping. Today - and every day I wake in this fallen world - the Lord is asking me to seek Him.

LORD, You are my Perfect One.

Thank you, Sarah Young [Jesus Calling]

boundaries

Extended Stays....

Ah, my opinion on this topic runs very deeply into my sentiments.

I enjoy having company - for dinner get-togethers, even short visits. [short: adj; not extended in time]. But when days stretch to weeks and weeks stretch to unexpected months, this Type A, introverted, OCD, non-confrontational girl has sad issues.

In complete honesty, I sometimes desperately hate my personality. Order. Perfection. My way, or the highway, buster! Get it right or take a flight... But, shh, don't worry, I'll just harbor all these bitter thoughts without you even knowing.

I know that part of it is understandable. This home is my nest. I am mama bird. When another bird tries coming in and residing; my feathers will be ruffled. No, I don't like anyone helping themselves to my linen closet. No, I don't like cleaning up the already-but-very-poorly-cleaned-up-kitchen. Yes, I would like an alone moment with my hubs. Hold up! I'm really not a perfectionist/OCD person in all areas (currently there is laundry seeping out of my room into the bathroom, and crawling down the stairs. Dirty or clean? -- I have no idea.) The point is, even when there are messes, I hate to feel ashamed of them - on my guard - every single day. When I invite someone over, I make the place look good. But in-between, when daily, busy life takes over, things get a little crazy.

I feel weary and heavy laden. Unfortunately, after over six months of people living with us, I've done more than my share of grumbling and complaining. I'll show you what the Lord is telling me.

      But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.
      Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.      ...He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

from James 2 & 3

I'm pretty broken up about my attitude towards hospitality lately -- which is basically summed up in that-there-picture I made; my new motto. Whenever I have a bitter conversation develop in my mind, I repeat "pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, without hypocrisy". I measure myself up to the standards the Lord is calling me to. Of course, I never meet up. I will not lose hope because of my failure, but as I abide in Him, He will transform my heart.

All that being said, (in theory) I think it is a great idea to set guidelines with extended stay "guests". And if I ever, God save me, have to burden someone for a long period these are standards that I hope I would stand to.

• No entering the private family space (bedrooms, closets, etc) without permission. 
• Ask how the host likes things to be done - dishes, cleaning - before performing them.
• Perform tasks with detail and precision, better to overachieve than under.
• Seek ways to finish up projects that the host is incapable of accomplishing (due to time, energy).
• Compliment and share gratitude for invading the host's home.
• Maintain boundaries - people need their personal time together -- don't hover.
• Don't nettle, or eavesdrop, into conversations that are not one's own business. 
• Leave minimal trace of one's presence through everyday messes.

So... when would you like to come over for a visit!?

soothe

I have this wonderful daily devo that a beloved mother[in faith] gifted me for my birthday a few weeks ago. Each entry is a blessing. In answer to yesterday's hopelessness, the Lord gave me this to soothe my soul...

      Seek My Face, and you will find more than you ever dreamed possible. Let Me displace worry at the center of your being. I am like a supersaturated cloud, showering Peace into the pool of your mind. My Nature is to bless. Your nature is to receive with thanksgiving. This is a true fit, designed before the foundation of the world. Glorify Me by receiving My blessings gratefully.
      I am the goal of all your searching. When you seek Me, you find Me and are satisfied. When lesser goals capture your attention, I fade into the background of your life. I am still there, watching and waiting; but you function as if you were alone. Actually, My Light shines on every situation you will ever face. Live radiantly by expanding your focus to include Me in all your moments. Let nothing dampen your search for Me. 

Ps 27:8; Phil 4:7, Jer 29:13 

Jesus Calling; Sarah Young 

I may still not know the definitive course and ways of my life, but one thing I know: when Christ is my goal, all other things will fall into place.

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 

Matthew 6:33

best, better, bad

I'm feeling a little overloaded...

                with information. Like I could pull out my hair. Or scream. Or cry.

The importance, even cruciality, of...

eating organic
not eating meats or animal products
not eating dairy products, or soy
not eating sugar - including [whole wheat] breads
not eating processed foods
keeping good finances
saving money for retirement
playing and interacting more with my 2 yr old
teaching my 2 yr old every chance I get
disciplining my 2 yr old diligently to develop her character
starting homeschooling now
not letting 2 yr old & baby watch TV
not using bad cleaning chemicals
not using pharmaceuticals
not using foreign/unnatural chemicals on my body
not using disposable diapers
having goals and passions to pursue (career or hobby)
being educated and involved in politics
supporting humanitarian causes
managing my time (staying organized)
staying physically fit, getting exercise
not wasting, being frugal

How's a girl to do it all!?

Is it even possible to prioritize that list?

What is it that the Lord wants from me?

     What is it that the Lord wants from me?

          What is it that the Lord wants from me?

the Oil Cleansing Method

As part of my Simple new life, I've started a new regimen for my skin. So, let's face-talk!

Through my teenage years, my complexion was fairly clear. A monthly blemish wasn't unusual; but that was really the extent of it.

Around the age of 19, however, something changed. Between the climate change from CA to CO, new side bangs I was sporting, extra compulsive face-washing, and maybe some stress or hormonal changes(?), my face gradually began to bump up. I'll spare all the details, but years later, I am still mourning over the imperfections that the post-teen bout brought me.

Things have toned down considerably. Though, I can't tell you a definitive reason. The only possible contributing factor I can associate is - my second pregnancy. I lost interest in (cow's) milk. My hormones changed. I stopped using strong face cleansers. So, for almost a year now, I've had increasingly healthier skin. You pick a reason.

But there is still room for improvement!!! Hence the Oil Cleansing Method.

HERE is the site that I originally stumbled upon.

After vamping into my Simple Year, I've finally braved up enough to try it. But everything in me tells me

 oils + face = a no, no

I guess it does make sense. Water repels oil. Thus we need strong chemicals to strip the oils. So our face freaks out and tries to [over]reproduce oils; face gets oily, dirty, clogged. Buuuut, take a cleansing oil, and help draw out the natural oils to clear the clogged pores. Voilà! (Or so they say...)

http://scienceblogs.com/startswithabang/2010/11/gimme_an_m_how_the_higgs_gives.php

Tonight will be day three of my oil cleanse [I've chosen to do 1 part Castor oil to 1 part Olive oil]. But let me tell you about day one. I poured a dollop of the thick oil into my palm, heart pounding, I slowly began to apply the oil to my face, targeting my problem areas. The terror of what I was doing made me physically sick to my stomach. After I steamed and blotted off, my face felt great. And still does! I haven't had to use any lotion and, more importantly, I'm not an erupting grease ball (my worst fear).

So far, so good. I'll keep you posted.

a simple year

http://geology.com/articles/bottled-water/bottled-water-vintage-bottles-blm.jpg

I restart my blogging this year two weeks late better late than never.

I have a project I'm working on.

                             And I'm stoked about it.



Did you know that I'm practically a Native American.

Ok....

                              No, I'm not. At all.

But ever since the fourth grade I wanted to become one when I "grew up".

 -- Living off the land, wearing beautiful handmade mocassins, have flowing locks of silky black hair and perfect copper colored skin...

                  Hey, we can all dream, can't we?


Some refer to me as a "hippie". But that just isn't right.

                          I just like simple and earthy

And so, my quest for this life has begun. As I run out of household products, my goal for this year is to replace them with homemade, frugal, [more] natural, simple alternatives -- like vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, etc.

Best of all, my husband has agreed to it.
              Well, that's not entirely honest, I haven't explained
                    to him all the details of the extent of it.
In all reality, I couldn't do it without his participation. I'd get discouraged and lose my steam. I know that he will be satisfied with the new, shall-we-say, "products" that I'll be concocting, even if he labels them as ridiculous at first.

This year is going to be great. Already, I'm looking forward to a wonderful, vibrant, happy 2012
                       - and I haven't even showered with soap for two whole weeks!

To answer your thoughts; no, it's not gross, I am clean, & I don't stink