Wow! I can’t believe my last posting was October 31st! Where did the time go?
Actually, as I read over my previous words, I realize that one of the things I needed to drop for a bit was my blog writing. I was heading into the last weeks of my first semester at seminary, and between final papers and exams, my focus was elsewhere. Part of learning to live with simplicity is understanding what areas can and should be shed to lessen the load. It is a constant reassessment of priorities as the demands of life change.
Over the Christmas season, I was blessed to spend the month in Hawaii, visiting with my parents (who currently live on Oahu). It was an amazing time of reflection and relaxation; something I desperately needed desired after a long and challenging school semester. I can’t fully explain it, but there is just something about the Hawaiian culture that makes my soul sing. The fiery sun. The soft sand. The magnificent blue skies. Yes, it truly is a magical place. It’s almost as if God shines His smile on this tiny piece of the world year-round and for a moment, we glean a sliver of heaven.
Most of my visit consisted of trips to the beach, although a visit to Oahu isn’t complete without spending at least a day in Honolulu and Waikiki. Personally, the crowds and tall buildings bring me more anxiety than they do pleasure, but nevertheless, it’s always a memorable experience.
One afternoon, we ventured into a shopping mall to check out dresses for my mom to wear for my sister’s upcoming wedding. Honestly, it was my first time visiting some of the brand name stores, and I almost fell over from price tag shock! A tank top, for $432? Really?? And, that was the sale price! Store after store, the outrageous prices continued to flash before my eyes. I could feel my stomach knotting up, knowing that some people easily justify these types of purchases. And, while I’m not one to judge, I can’t comprehend the mind that sees this as okay. I have a hard enough time spending $30 on a top.
“It is preoccupation with possessions, more than anything else, that prevents us from living freely and nobly.” ~Thoreau
Priceless.
Shortly after the reminder that the gap between me and upper class society is larger than the Grand Canyon, we headed outside to spend the rest of the evening doing something I could afford. Watching the Sunset. As the colors of the sky began to twist in color and magnify in intensity, I began to feel myself melting into my chair. I couldn’t help but exclaim to my parents, “This is way better than the mall!” For me, this is where simplicity speaks loudly. I found so much joy from this wondrous site. No piece of clothing or material thing could ever compare or replace the splendor of creation. And the best part: it’s free, for all to enjoy!
“Let us treasure up in our soul some of those things which are permanent….not of those which will forsake us and be destroyed, and which only tickle our senses for a little while…” ~Gregory of Nazianzus
I look forward to posting more in the weeks to come as I continue to experience and learn about the many benefits of a simple heart. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas!
What parts of your life are stolen or diminished by the endless pursuit of material (temporal) things?
I had a vision the other day. I was standing in the eye of an intense storm. All around me, swirling faster and faster, were things representing my life today. God, school, church, work, responsibilities, hobbies, and relationship commitments. And, although everything was twisting around me rapidly, I realized I was planted firmly in the middle of it all. With this realization, I was reminded that I chose many of these things and at any time, I had the ability to drop them. When this happened, the spinning began to illustrate a slow motion clip from the movies. As this took place, I started to see each object more clearly, completely defined. My sight and focus came back. God most definitely showed up to reveal something important. He was offering me the gift of being present. It was imperative that I see these things and know the choices behind the chaos.
How will you step into this season?
For the past several weeks, I’ve been noticing the pace of life picking up rapidly. One of my favorite things to do is people watch. I often wonder where everyone is going and what they are doing. As always, the speed of life is fast, especially as we approach the holiday season. Our ability to stay present, mindful, and in the moment is tested to its breaking limit.
As we enter into November and December, I’m beginning to sense the tyranny of the urgent in many lives. Thanksgiving and Christmas become one more thing on the “to do” list. Between turkey roasting and present searching, it’s all too much for some. Whatever happened to the spirit of the holidays? Where have the hearts of gratitude and joy gone? How did this time of year become something that so many people despise or dread? When did it become a time of selfishness and hostility?
“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.”
~Hamilton Wright Mabie
Working at the YMCA, I’m experiencing a bit of the holiday, economic, and political frenzy. It’s almost as if the attitudes of some individuals switched sourly with this season. Honestly, some people are just plain rude, aggressive, and mean. Taking their frustrations and negative energy out on a complete stranger seems to be a strategy they are willing to expel. In fact, anyone working in the service industry can attest to this right now.
So, who will you choose to be this season? What attitude will you manifest? If last year didn’t go so smoothly, what things will you change this time around? How will you bring your spirit back into the Spirit of this sparkling, magical season? Maybe going out for dinner is an option, instead of the traditional (often stressful) home cooked meal? Maybe the gift of your time and presence could replace the material things you wrapped so meticulously last year? Whatever it may be, our ability to step back and clearly see each day, one moment, is a gift. Will you openly receive it?
“For many of us, sadly, the spirit of Christmas is “hurry”. And yet, eventually, the hour comes when the rushing ends and the race against the calendar mercifully comes to a close. It is only now perhaps that we truly recongnize the spirit of Christmas. It is not a matter of days or weeks, but of centuries – nearly twenty of them now since that holy night in Bethlehem. Regarded in this manner, the pre-Christmas rush may do us greater service than we realize. With all its temporal confusion, it may just help us to see that by contrast, Christmas itself is eternal.”
~Burton Hills
How will you be present to those around you this holiday season? What practices or disciplines will you adopt to invite the Spirit back into your heart and home?
Paper, paper, paper! How many of you feel buried or overwhelmed by the task of keeping up with the piles of paper? As we approach the holiday season, I’d like to offer some organizing tips and a bit of Paper 101. With a little know how, the stress involved with understanding and conquering household paper can decrease dramatically.
So, where do you begin? First, you need to recognize your habits. Do you pick up the mail, walk in the house, carry it to the counter, and set it down on the pile from yesterday? I know that some families have stacks and stacks of unopened mail, cluttering their eating and kitchen areas. It’s a common place for paper to fall when decisions are not made on a regular basis. And, while mail is a large contributor to the clutter that lands in our home, paper can come from a variety of other places. Become aware of these places and consciously make an effort to minimize the amount you allow into the home.
Types of Paper.
Beside recycling or trash, there are four different types of paper: Action, Project, Memorabilia, and Reference. If you make it a habit to sort through the mail as soon as you pick it up, you will dramatically cut down on your paper clutter. About 70% of the mail coming into the home needs to fall straight into the recycling bin, trash, or shredder. If you don’t own a shredder, I highly recommend investing in one for identity theft purposes. I would also encourage you to set up a paper sorting system (inbox, recycling bin, shredder, and trash can) close to the area you initially tackle incoming paper. Personally, I have an attractive basket that holds the paper I have decided to keep. Each Sunday night, I carry the basket into our home office and sort each piece of paper into one of the four types.
Taming the papers on the kitchen counter!
TYPE ONE. Most of the incoming papers require a quick ACTION. To Pay, To Call, To Review, To Discuss, To Enter, To Reconcile, and To File are a few options. Over the course of a few weeks, determine the actions you use most and then create a system to capture and house this type of paper. Personally, I have an Action Center with four drawers labeled: To Do, To Enter, To Review, To File. They are positioned by priority, so the “To Do” items are to be handled earlier in the week, working down to the “To File” papers at the end of the week. The discipline needed to maintain this system is heavy, so if you tend to view items as “out of sight out of mind”, an open drawer product will work best for you. TIP: Recognize that your paper can go through a journey. The first action may be to call someone for advice. Once you have an answer, the next step may be to enter this information into your computer. After this is complete, that piece of paper may either be filed or thrown away. By breaking it down into manageable steps, the daunting task of making decisions about what to do with your paper is much easier.
TYPE TWO. The second type of paper is called PROJECT paper. This can be items that you are collecting over a longer period (months) and require large amounts of energy, research, and time. Examples might be a room remodel, hobby, upcoming trips, events, etc. Project papers can be organized into desktop files, wall bins, boxes, or binders.
TYPE THREE. Another type of paper is something called MEMORABILIA. This is anything that sparks a
memory or invites emotion into your home. It might be a favorite art piece from one of your children, a special handmade card, concert ticket, quote, or certificate marking an important day or landmark. This type of paper can be displayed openly, in a container, or a frame. Personally, I have something that I call a WHY box. It holds cards and handwritten notes from people that I love and meet. On a rainy or dark day, my spirit is lifted when I pull these pieces out and remember all the people God has placed around my life.
TYPE FOUR. Type four papers, called REFERENCE can be divided into two categories: Above and Below Ground. Above ground papers are those that your refer to often. Restaurant menus, contact information, sport schedules, school papers by child, calendars, appointments, etc. These items are best stored in a binder. The second category of reference paper is called Below Ground. This is the material that should live “out of sight” in your filing cabinet. Major categories might include Household, Medical, Financial, Professional, and Personal. Underground reference paper is rarely touched, but it is important to have a system set up that allows you to retrieve information quickly and efficiently. A filing cabinet or boxes work best.
By breaking paper down into smaller pieces and truly understanding what needs to happen, you minimize the piles of unknown paper in your home. Don’t be afraid to make decisions! If you have some catching up to do, start small. Maybe one or two piles a day. Retrain your mind and before you know it, you’ll be on your way to taming what some call, the paper tiger. Good luck!
“I write down everything I want to remember. That way, instead of spending a lot of time trying to remember what it is I wrote down, I spend the time looking for the paper I wrote it down on.”
~Beryl Pfizer
How have you tackled and controlled the paper in your home? What works best for you? I’d love to hear any tips or ideas not mentioned!
What is authenticity? Realism, Honesty, Truth, Genuineness. We all want to live openly, yet how many of us truly do? We walk around saying, “I’m fine, just fine” when in fact our lives may be falling to pieces. What happened to our world? Why is it easier for us to mask our truths than to actually express how we really feel? I would equate much of this to the busyness we have created and invited into our lives. For many, time is as valuable as money. The gift of listening is slipping away as the pace of living gets faster. Personally, I feel that our current situation and crisis of economy is a blessing. It is forcing many to reevaluate their true priorities and spending habits. Unfortunately, many individuals and families are getting hurt along the way.
Lately, my life has become incredibly busy and chaotic. I love to write, and yet I have no time to write. I love to read, and yet all of my energy for reading goes to my homework. I should be excited for school, yet I feel exhausted, stressed, overwhelmed, and frustrated. My ability to focus and become centered is missing. I have said “yes” to a lot, and neglected giving my best to my bests. My sweet, beautiful husband has suffered from my current state of stress, and yet continues to support each part of my day. When we visit with friends, only half of our current realty comes into conversation. For the most part, it’s just too scary to admit how truly broken our past week has been. It makes me wonder how many secrets are behind each wall and house we so easily pass on our leisurely walks. So much of our true self is hidden in the commotion, distraction, and reactions to daily life and struggles. While an organized home and a smile reflect a calm and controlled surface, my mind and heart are clumsy and fiercely spinning. Too often, we silently carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. We refuse to let anyone in.
Prior to starting classes, I had a conversation with one of my professors. He said that my life would need to become chaotic and unpredictable for my spirit to grow and be stretched. At the time, I couldn’t understand the truth and necessity behind his words. Yet, in less than a month into seminary, I’ve been flipped upside down. And honestly, the one way that I’m steadly stepping through this is by being completely authentic in my most precious relationships. I have to admit when I’m tired and need rest. I have to be willing to talk about my fear and insecurities. I have to be willing to ask others for help. I have to be bold in asking for guidance. I have to listen and be listened to. I have to love and allow others to love me back.
Today, as I was preparing to step into work and study, I experienced an overwhelming feeling of exhaustion. In a minute of reflection, I was reminded that God answers many of the negative things we say throughout the day:
- “I’m so tired”: “I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28-30)
- “I’m not able”: “I am able” (II Corinth 9:8)
- “I can’t forgive myself”: “I FORGIVE you” (John 1:9 and Romans 8:1)
- “I’m always worried and frustrated”: “Cast all your cares on ME” (I Peter 5:7)
- “I’m not smart enough”: “I give you wisdom” (I Corinth 1:30)
- “I’m afraid”: “I have not given you a spirit of fear” (II Timothy 1:7)
When I turned my attention to Him, the darkness in my heart became light. It’s important for us to be authentic with each other and to show genuine compassion, but it’s even more important for us to be authentic in our walk with Christ. Ask Him to direct your steps. Invite Him to sustain you and give you courage. I understand that many people are struggling today and feeling incredibly weak. If this is you, I hope these words from Josh Groban lift you up and encourage you to open up and reveal your brokenness to family and friends. I invite you to be bold and bring authenticity into your words, actions, and prayers.
Have you been wearing a mask with family and friends? How will you invite authenticity into your life this week?
I love Recipes.com! It’s a community of people, sharing fabulous ideas and tips for the modern kitchen. It is also a great space to organize and keep track of your own favorite meals, drinks, and desserts!
In keeping with the fall theme from last week, I wanted to share the best recipe I have found yet for Apple Crisp. It is the epitome of “Yummy!”. So, gather your family and friends and take a trip to the pumpkin patch and apple orchard!
Apple Crisp II (by Diane Kester)
- Prep Time: 30 Minutes
- Cook Time: 45 Minutes
- Ready In: 1 Hour 20 Minutes
- Yields: 4 servings (Allrecipes.com allows you to change this according to your need)
Ingredients:
- 3 1/3 cups all-purpose apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons water
- 1/3 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons butter, melted
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degree C).
- Place the sliced apples in a 9×13 inch pan. Mix the white sugar, 1 tablespoon flour and ground cinnamon together, and sprinkle over apples. Pour water evenly over all.
- Combine the oats, 1 cup flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soad and melted butter togehter. Crumble evenly over the apple mixture.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 45 minutes.
Couple the warm crisp with a few scoops of ice cream and you have yourself the perfect treat to welcome and celebrate the season with those you love! Enjoy!
What recipes or special treats fill your home with savory smells and rich memories?
