Category Archives: faith

life uncomplicated

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I tend to overcomplicate things; life, parenting, faith. It is a reoccurring problem that I have to keep in check. Life is better simplified. Walking by faith and God’s Word alone – aka ditching many/most of those “spiritual” books out there. (Note: because something is labeled Christian does not mean it really is.) That goes for parenting books too. Not that there aren’t a few out there that might be beneficial, but when you have to sort through all the others, it isn’t usually worth it.

All this mass of ideas and theorizing often distracts from what is right in front of us. The best thing – knowing your child; knowing God through His Word. Focusing on life. Once these things are progressing, well, things start to get clearer. I don’t know about you, but I haven’t the time to sort. I need the real stuff. The stuff to live on, survive, and thrive. I don’t want to be distracted or deceived. I don’t desire to waste my time discerning someone else’s “wisdom.” Humanity’s posturing doesn’t really lure me anymore. I am learning to keep it simple so that I can have more time for what is important.

p.s. There is one author who has written on spiritual and parenting topics that I do recommend. But that is for another post.

Next week —> life after a fixer

roller coasters + mushrooms

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It has been a roller coaster ride of emotions and plans over the past few weeks. We have been entertaining and accepting offers on our first house, only to have them fall through. We are  convicted and tested; our goals and ideas changed. Still we have held on. Trusting.

Sunday we leaped. We drove the two hours to our former home and sealed a deal – for now. Then we went mushroom hunting. It was a good farewell to all that we left behind, and a step forward toward our longed-for homestead in the country. Someday. Meanwhile we trust, do our part, and eat mushrooms.

“There are times in spiritual life when there is confusion, and it is no way out to say that there ought not to be confusion. It is not a question of right and wrong, but a question of God taking you by a way which in the meantime you do not understand, and it is only by going through the confusion that you will get at what God wants.”
:: Oswald Chambers

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new pathways

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The past week has brought about significant changes here. The pathways are leading us 2 1/2 hours away, to Portland Oregon. There has been a hurried activity of finishing projects, packing, and figuring out a plan for the next month. The gardening has sadly halted (although I hope to resume wherever we end up landing). The chickens have found new homes. Our lives are about to change, hopefully for the better. Stay tuned as we pack up and discover our next homestead/fixer!

sifted

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sifted

I took a small break from sharing online. Sometimes I need rest from exposing my life. It is difficult to allow myself to be vulnerable in this whole blogging venture. Exposed to scrutiny and judgment, opening up my life, and my family. It is a dangerous, radical thing, especially in this season. That and we have been so busy that it becomes hard to sit down and compile my thoughts and projects coherently without consuming what little and precious time we have left.

If I don’t feel ready to speak, it is helpful to let others do it for me. Below are some of my favorite internet discoveries of the month. I plan to collect these links each month or so, and post them for whoever else may be interested.

: : The disappearance of childhood has been on my thoughts lately. I want my children to grow up slowly, enjoying a connection to nature and simpler things. Too often children skim over their best years staring at a screen or sitting and reciting things in a classroom.

: : As our family transitions to a gluten-free diet we have been loving this recipe. Great for making a large batch and eating leftovers throughout the week or freezing. If you have any favorite gluten-free recipes, let me know!

: : These 5 things are quite important, and I think I will always feel like a beginner gardener.

: : I love these thoughts on parenting and grace. I couldn’t have explained it better.

rearranging priorities – my new perspective

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I hate having projects and items looming on a to-do list. I stress if something needs to be done – it doesn’t matter if it is a month away. It will bother me until I can check it off. Do now, rest later. The only problem with this mentality is: the rest never comes. There is always more to do, forever something to add.

I drive my husband crazy on road trips. I will want to stay up all night to get the drive over with rather than rest and enjoy the experience. This attitude translates into my daily life. I often take on too much, convinced that it needs to be done. With babies to care for and raise, this mindset has become a challenge. Nowadays, if I can keep everyone well fed and content, I have accomplished much.

The past week has been filled with projects and activities, with me stressing to complete them within my unrealistic time-frame. So no informative post today. Just a reminder to let yourself breathe sometimes. There is forever something that needs to be done. It will all be accomplished, when it needs to be. Enjoy the day and the people God has blessed you with. Do something on your list, and then take some time to pick dandelions with a toddler, or giggle with a baby. These are the truly important moments in life.