Wordless Wednesday

I don't even have to hunt for happy faces anymore...they just pop out at me.  Maybe you too will start noticing the simple things and remember - don't take life too seriously and always know you are Loved!

This little one was in zucchini I cooked up.

Last Sunday in church, I was telling a joke I heard to a fellow who is a natural joke teller (I am not).  He didn't laugh at my joke and I was bummed.  Only to look down at my feet and there on the floor was a smiley sticker. I love stickers! So a smiley sticker was a double blessing.  I think God liked my joke :-) Want to hear it:
"Need an ark?"......"I Noah guy."

This happy one fell into place when I was eating my crackers for snack. 

And this one, I will leave it to you. Do you see it?  It was in last month's Victoria magazine.  I just had to smile.

Have a blessed week!

Embracing Rhythm

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"You have set all the borders on the earth. You have made summer and winter." Psalm 74:17

Recently with the changing of seasons I have been thinking a lot about rhythm. God created a rhythm to the seasons.  And within each season there are herbs, plants, veggies that are available.  From my past years of studying herbs, there is a reason for each where and when you find them.

Such as root veggies.  These are typically more abundant in fall and winter.  This is to help our bodies store the nutrients needed for cold weather.  While we still need greens, they aren't as readily available.  Also root veggies give a comfort when roasted or mashed.

Here is another example: dandelions. These little gems are EVERYWHERE in spring.  Why? Because they are good for the liver and help "clean out" the stored stuff from winter.  Those foods that can create heaviness in our bodies in the spring and summer season. (And we thought they were weeds!)

I love to sit and ponder God's creation.  This brings me to the Rhythm of the Home.  I know many friends through the years that just "wing it". They don't bother with lists or they have a list but choose to not have a weekly rhythm that gives the home a feeling of "all is taken care of".

I have tried their way and found it's not for me.  There is nothing wrong if you are they type of person that can "wing it" and keep your homemangement...manageble.  I need rhythm.  There is a part of me that loves nature, loves to be in nature, loves to pick up a fall leaf and know - the earth is settling in for a long winters nap.

Through the years I have found my Temperament   and that I need lists and to be organized.  It's part of my makeup.  Now that I've learned this, I've stopped trying to embrace "others ideas" and learn to embrace my own.  It's part of my self-acceptance.

I have long been interested in the Waldorf system, mostly because the system uses rhythm and routines, nature and a less "structured" approach to educating children.  I also love several others, but that's not my topic today. I need reminders to not get too ridged - that too is from learning my temperament.

Learning and embracing rhythm, it's easy to follow a pattern in my homemaking day.  When I have a weekly rhythm my home feels more balanced (my Word for the Year) and my husband and I can find most anything because things are caught up and we know when something will get done, God willing.  We know when and where, just like the things God sets in the seasons.

I used to fight against rhythm, I wanted things exact.  People say rhythm feels stifling.  I say it creates self-discipline.  A virtue that I have let go in recent years...trying to follow others ideals.

My home is coming back to order and beauty and I am loving having a weekly rhythm.  I pray that we each listen to our heart and follow what method works for each of us and not what someone has posted is "THE" way to manage your home.

Have a blessed week.  Enjoy the next season...November brings much to embrace. What will your rhythm be as we enter into the last of the Fall season?

Wordless Wednesday - Smiles

While I haven't been posting regularly, I do think of many things I want to post.   This is one of them. Wordless Wednesday!

I have read about this on several blogs I have followed through the years. Since I love to capture creative Happy faces I would love to share.  I see them everywhere.  It's like God reminds me...don't take life so seriously, just smile.  :-)

Here are a few recent ones:

Most of the time the picture is just as I saw it...this is one of those times.

Love it! This was on the road.  Someone doing patch work did the smiley face then someone came by later and added the teeth.  I had to laugh out loud at this one. This is by far my favorite.

I hope you enjoy the pictures and that they inspire you to keep an eye out for ways God sends a smile.  

Have a blessed day!

PS Please don't copy my photos without asking first.  It is most appreciated.

Being Creative in the kitchen

I have always enjoyed making do with what I have. It brings me such great joy.  

Today was no exception.  

My husband likes apple cinnamon muffins for breakfast and since Fridays are usually my baking/kitchen prep days, this was on my To Do List.  As I prepared the gluten free batter and already had the butter melted...I realized I had tossed my muffin pan a few weeks ago because it rusted.  I was so frazzled.  

We don't live close enough to town to just make a run, so I got on the internet to do some searching.  There are so many creative women and blogs out there that I just knew someone has run into the same situation.  

LifeHacker.com had the answer.

They suggested using the rings from your mason jars!  I got so excited because I just knew I had plenty.

I was so excited my husband came out of his office to ask what the commotion was.  Being that I had the butter melted and batter ready and no pan, I was upset.  But now!  Now I discovered a way to make do with what I have and it worked!!!

Check it out...

I like to use the brown parchment cups, as they don't stick with gluten free baking.

They came out beautifully. I am so grateful.  

There are days I just curse the internet because the ways things are set up to get you to "click", I get lost.  Way to easy.  

I am learning and trying to practice one of the Fruits of the Spirit, Self control.  I will save that for another post, but I will say, it's tough.  

Anyways. I hope you enjoy this little tip for being creative in the kitchen.  It was so much fun to try.

Wishing you Peace,

Dee

Tea Cup Exchange

Hello!  I am so excited to share of a wonderful Tea Cup exchange I got to participate in.  Below is the amazing gift I got from Denise.  She was so thoughtful and I love all the wonderful things.

Tea Cup Exchange hosted by The Enchanting Rose

This is the 10th annual Tea Cup exchange and though I had just heard about it, it was so much fun.  I shopped for the woman to receive my gift at the local antique shop.  The ladies there were so excited I had 3 of them hunting for a small silver spoon and doilies.  They even let me in before they were open, to help me hunt!

I must say, my favorite is the book Tea Time with God.  It is all about an afternoon break, with God, and resting and rejuvenating before the evening hours.  The amazing teacup and tea have been a wonderful treat to use while reading it.

And you see those cute note cards...she made them! WOW!

Thank you so much for stopping by.  I love the idea of a teacup exchange, even if it's with someone at church or a couple neighbors.  I'm learning that women don't give themselves "permission" to enjoy the little things in life, like a beautiful tea cup and a quiet moment with God.

Cutivating Happiness

In recent days I am reading "The Joy of Living" by Orison Marden and the chapter that has caught my attention is called Happiness can be Cultivated.

I am so moved by this that I have pondered a lot about what he writes and am starting to put this into practice.  I have already seen a difference.  Let me share a bit with you.

Early on in the chapter Mr. Marden writes: One of the most difficult lessons of life is to learn that we are largely the product of our thought.  This got me to thinking of the phrase I've heard "Change your thoughts and you change your life" and "Changed attitudes can aid recovery".  Mr. Marden goes on to talk about how the brain CAN change.  Even if we were brought up with "stinkin thinkin" as I like to call it, we can practice and choose to look for the positive or happiness in daily events.

It's hard, no doubt.  But possible.

I love this thought that Mr Marden writes:

 "It is a curious fact that most people think that while they are obliged to spend many years preparing for and developing a specialty in there careers, happiness, which means more to them than almost anything else, should be a haphazard development that it should come with practically no training, no special study, while everything else in life is worth while requires such infinite pains.

It is a great thing so to cultivate the art of happiness that we can get pleasure of the common experiences of every today.  The happiness habit is just as necessary to our best welfare as the work habit or the honesty habit."

The habit of complaining, criticizing, grumbling, or wallowing is unfortunate.  And while most naturally tend to lean on the negative, it is of great virtue to practice looking for the blessings and happiness in things.

Our hearts get lifted and before we know it, happiness is the product of our work.

Today, as I said, I am practicing this.  We lost our beloved little dog Koda 2 weeks ago, and the same day my husband injured his back.  Now, with my physical healing still and limits, this was a lot to take in. I found myself over tired, overwhelmed and sadness kept trying to take over.  I found myself in sweats and wanting to give in to the sadness.

Then I read this chapter.  Um, finding happiness?? In the loss of my dog, and my husband injuring his back (and I had to drive all the time for about a week).  I struggled, so I turned to my husband and asked.  How? How do you do this?

My husbands says "Well, Koda is not in pain anymore.  He was very ready to go.  And my back, well, I get the chance to live a much slower pace of life and give praise to God for the days when my back is great.  There are many people who live with this."

I was stumped. Why couldn't I see that?  So I have made it my work.  To cultivate happiness.

Today I found I was in a lot of pain and wanted to stay in sweats all day. I did too much yesterday and my body is letting me know it. (Also learning to cultivate a slower pace of life)  But as I lay there resting, all I could think of was a pact I made with myself.  No sweats or lounge clothes from lunch on.  No matter what.  I am to get dressed and do something that makes me feel pretty.

Wow! What a shift in my thinking and attitude!  I immediately got up, showered, dressed, did my hair, and even a spritz of my new favorite perfume. And with it I have been able to look for the happiness in my pain and discomfort.

Making lunch for my husband and me.

You see, in my change of clothes, my thinking started changing and rather than focus on what I can't do or how much pain I'm in, I have been practicing looking for what I can do.  Like practice my new hobby of silk ribbon embroidery, or read the rest of this chapter, or sketch out some ideas of craft projects I am wanting to make, or even get the little crochet Easter baskets done for my grandkids.

I see happy faces in the oddest places, but they always make me smile.

You see, I could cultivate happiness.  But it starts with making the choice.  For me, today, that choice was to stick to my pact of no sweats by lunch.  (I usually change after my walking in the morning) And always make sure the laundry is hung to dry by lunch.  If I do those 2 things, it shifts my attitude.

We almost have a duty to ourselves, to our spouse, to our kids, but most of all to God to cultivate happiness.  To find ways to chase off the negative and give Him praise for all His gifts.

I will close by this quote from Abraham Lincoln (who I have learned in recent years is a relative!)

                "Most people are only as happy as they make up their minds to be" 

Whatever is pure, lovely and true

Seeking shelter from the rain. 

"What danger is there if you don't think of any?" Thoreau

I have been pondering this for days.  I am working my way, slowly, through Walden and I came upon this.  He was speaking of those who worry.  Worry about sickness, worry about others...what ever we may think of that is not right now.

If we don't think on those things, we can change our thinking to "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure and whatever is lovely." Phil. 4:8

Think about that for a moment. I have.  What ever my mind is on, what ever future worry or future conversation, or whatever is not right now...is a worry.  And I am missing what is happening right now.

Thoreau's writings on being present to what is going on right now, the sun rays through the trees, the visitor that happens to drop by.  He is present in that moment.

As my journey to listening to Him and "balance" continues, I am learning to be in this moment.  To be mindful of my thoughts and to practice or choose to think on those things that are pure, lovely and true.

Enough hours in the day

zazzle.com

I have been thinking a lot lately about the Scripture verse in John 11:9 "Are there not 12 hours in a day?"

Though He was using it in a different context, God put this on my heart for a reason.  I tend to try to squish 20 hrs in my "12 hour day".  And as a result have struggled with adrenal and hormonal imbalances.

You see, I have learned that even though we may not have physical stresses, we can create them in our mind.  Pushing ourselves to do more, getting that checklist done, rushing here and there.  Truly though,  we don't get anymore accomplished and we are actually harming ourselves physically and emotionally.

Lydia of HomeLiving often writes on the need to do some work, but just as important is to take time to rest and rejuvenate.  As women we have a lot on our plates.  It almost becomes imperative that we do take the time to rest and rejuvenate, each day.

For example, I can create a "perfect" schedule that I can accomplish all the things I want done that day at home, an errand or event at church, and try to cook 3x that day.  At the end of the day, where does that leave me when my husband gets off work.  I'm exhausted, grumpy, and really not interested in him or his day.  How does that help me, or my marriage?

Yesterday the Lord put the hours of the day subject on my heart again.  I am seeing how much I try to force me will into the day and hardly have time to "listen" to Him and see where He wants my attention and work.

A daily reader I use says this:   "We forget we need deal with only one day at a time, and try to crowd too much into the waking hours of that day - or we even extend it beyond the point of weariness."  Later it speaks of living in the 12 hours we are given, slowing our pace and, this part I love, "If I am under pressure and setting myself deadlines ...I will stop and think, for this one day what can I do."

This too was a recent addition to this insight: Chinese medicine says we should live according to the day given, the seasons.  Rising with the sunrise and resting when the sun goes down.

All of these are really causing me too look at all the things I try to get done, according to my will.  And seeing how I feel at the end of the day, how my body reacts to such constant stresses.  As a homemaker, I joke that I am busier now than I was when I worked full time!  How true, but a shame.

When I worked long hours I used to dream of keeping a tidy home, decorating, a nice simple meal set at a table with a pretty place setting and being happy, dressed with feminine flare, and a smile when my husband came home.  As soon as I started making a schedule that was too full, I lost that.  All of it.

I'm not saying don't make a schedule, they are invaluable to me.  I'm saying God gave us 12 hours to do work and be active, the other times are meant for resting and rejuvenation.  Quiet time reading a book with my husband reading his book is an amazing way to end the day. Or he watches football to unwind and I do some crafting.

Just two nights ago my husband shared all the "things" he got done that day, and while he got a lot done he felt frazzled and was looking forward to down time.  Thank goodness I had dinner done and I too was needing quiet time.

Changing my thinking, changes my choices in my day. Another tip I've learned from Lydia is to make a list, just a few things, get them done before lunch, then I have the afternoon to myself.  That is what I try to do.  That gives me a chance to rest in the afternoon and do something that lifts my heart.  Like tea time with a pretty cup and snack!

I'm seeing that so many things I want done, really don't need done, I just want it that way.  Is it worth the stress on my body? Is it worth loosing my peace and my smile over?

Light in the midst of Winter

Today I want to write about a neat idea that relates to Christmas.  Christmas is traditionally right around the Winter Solstice. The time of year that is the darkest and cold.  Seems awfully dismal.

Yet when we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate Jesus' birth, the Light of the world.  The One who brings promise and love beyond our imagination.  He IS the Light of all. How appropriate then, that Christmas (the Light) is near the Winter Solstice (the darkest day).  Jesus is our Light in our darkest times and our coldest times.

Now, growing up, the weekend after Christmas we took down decorations and the house was empty.  After all the beauty and twinkle lights for weeks, gone.  Blank. Empty.  Right after we just celebrated one of the two most important holidays of the year.

Several years ago it was brought to my attention about the 12 days of Christmas.  These days are the days FOLLOWING Christmas.  They go to Jan 6th when the Epiphany is celebrated, also known as the day the Three Kings came.

The continued celebration (hundreds of years ago) went until Feb. 2nd. Traditionally known as Candlemas or the Presentation of the Lord.  The day He was presented to the temple. The day Mary would have completed the required time for Purification (Old testament) after giving birth.

We have in the past left our decorations up until Feb 2nd.  But I am WAY over all the decorations for that long.

I have found a new way to celebrate the Light of Christ coming during this long winter.  We take down everything except the white twinkle lights on the tree.  You can see from the picture, no decorations, just the tree.

It is so bright and cheery every night to turn on.  This is something I enjoy and so does my husband.  We will leave it up until Feb 2nd.

Then on Feb 2nd, Candlemas, we have beeswax candles (or any candles if available) blessed...enough for the year, and each night during dinner we light it. As  a reminder that Christ is our light and we give thanks.  The candle is worked into what ever table decoration we already have, or one I create.

It is such a joyous time.

I share this as a way to bring joy and light to the home in the midst of what we hear "the dead of winter".  Winter is the time to snuggle in, to rest, to ponder what we will grow, or places we will go.
It's also a time to find joy and celebrate Christmas beyond one day a year.

Blessings.

New Year

I am so excited for this new year.  Many people talk about resolutions, but I have learned that resolutions for me equals failure.  I like the term I have heard about goals.  Having goals and working towards them.

Last year I met most of my goals, except camping.  We only camped once...the week before Memorial Day and it was 30 degrees.  That sort of put a damper on my camper spirit.  The other goal was to find the root cause of why I have felt so bad for years.  I did.  It was two layers.  The first being, I had Lyme. Note the word HAD.  Please praise God for His goodness.  The second layer is that I have a hormone imbalance that I have had most of my life, and these last few years I have experienced worse symptoms, but never knew because of the Lyme.

God is so good!  Now that the Lyme is gone, I have found a practitioner to help me with the imbalance of hormones, and she understands hyper-sensitive people.  Yeah!

This year, I am looking forward to balancing those hormones, decluttering our "stuff" to the things that bring joy or are useful.  My mottos is "Beauty and Useful".   Another goal is to read more inspirational books and less health related.  I find the power of inspiration to be....inspiring. 😊  I love how we can change our world by changing our perspective.

I hope to turn this journey into a blogging adventure.  I don't get on here much anymore, but have enjoyed looking back at years past.  A sort of online journal.  Not someone else's thoughts, or trying to please the reader, but honesty and simple.

I pray this new year will bring many blessings to you.

Wild flowers from roadside

It's so exciting here to see the changes that slowly occur just before the seasons change.  Little signs that the earth is preparing for winter...at least in our part of the world.

Each year just before Fall the roadsides are sprinkled with these cute little sunflowers.  They are wild and grow everywhere.

The closer Fall get the more there are.

Just today we where in town and the tips of a few trees are turning yellow.  And neighbors say a trip farther up into the mountain reveals the trail paths are full of color.

We try to take a trip farther north to see the colors, they are so bright yellow, orange and red you almost need sunglasses to go sight seeing.

I love to find ways to bring nature inside and decorate in some way.  This is my centerpiece this week.  I love to be creative and try something, even if it's a small thing that no one else notices....I do.

It's those small things that when we listen to our heart and honor them, the joy that fills us is Grace!

The county Fair!

I just love the county fair!  Any county fair.  It's so much fun for me to get to wonder around and see all the hard work people have put into raising animals, and the handmade items on display.  It is so inspiring and fills me with admiration.

When I see handmade articles done by children it makes me happy and is uplifting.  Their creativity and talent!

Last year I entered a handmade basket into the Fair and won a blue ribbon!  My first entry and my first blue ribbon!  It was very exciting.  I will post a picture of the basket if I can find it.

This year I saw 2 sisters entered a basket each.  I was so proud of them for trying.  They did a pretty good job too.

My husband and I saw this:

By far in my few years of attending a county fair no matter where I was, this was the most creative!  An old sewing machine (hopefully non-working) disassembled to make this cute tractor and wagon.

People are so creative.

When we lived in Ohio, we would venture across the river to WV to the Hancock County Old Time Fair each year.  Complete with Apple pie eating contest, hay bail tossing (my husband won a blue ribbon one year for that. I was so proud of him and his strength). They even had a hay ride wagon to take you to the fair from where you parked.

The best part, the entrance was $1.  The way things used to be.

Here in Colorado, the ranchers and the 4H is the big thing.  I hope to see some more old fashioned fun events at our fair someday.

Sunday drive and an Elk

An elk grazing with a herd of cows.

Today was one of those Sunday drives and it always inspires me how things just work out.

While we were out in the country side near where we live, right in the midst of a herd of cattle was this beautiful Elk.

I had never seen one before and asked my husband to turn around so I could figure out what kind of animal has no tushy.  At a glance it's tushy is all white and no tail!

We turned around and she was unfazed by our presence on the side of the road.  It was my whistle to get her attention that caused her to look up.  Grass must be tasty to capture her attention that much.

I have to wonder, does she know she is NOT a cow!

Sunday outings. Gotta love them! You never know what you will see in southern Colorado.

Wishing you God's peace,
Dee

Creating Beauty

Lately, as I am recovering from a chronic illness, I am finding I am slowly gaining energy and clarity.  I find I am looking for my interests, after 12 yrs of managing my health.  I will still have to continue managing my days, but it's much different now.  Now I have the energy to create!

I love to make something from nothing, so to speak.  Like scraps, or recycle or the hanks of reed I buy and create a basket.

Recently there is a book that has caught my eye.  It's called The Artist's Rule .  I am not really one to work through a book that has you different tasks each week, but the concept of this is interesting.

If I learned nothing else after the few chapters I've read it's this:
"The artist (part of you) speaks to that part of you which yearns for beauty and creativity. "

I love that! It makes me think of the beauty within us that wants out in some way.  We want to be beautiful (women naturally desire this), we want to create something beautiful.

I realized in my basket weaving I have created based on patterns and a mindset of "get it done".  I like basket weaving, but it doesn't always seem "beautiful" to me.  It's actually a bit messy, but fun.

Recently I popped over to a friends blog, Flower Lady  and when I saw the silk ribbon embroidery it was the definition of beauty from within that I was readying about.  She is so inspirational to me.

I have decided to hunt for a beginners silk ribbon embroidery kit and teach myself.  She told me once a couple years ago, if I can crochet I can do embroidery.  I think she has more confidence in me than I do.  I'll lean on that until I get going with it.

Have you ever seen embroidery with flowers and beads and just enjoyed how beautiful it is?

What is that part of you that longs for beauty?  Is it fresh flowers on your bathroom counter?   A creative way to make a centerpiece (challenge: from what you have!).  or is it trying your hand at what speaks to your heart?

Beauty is from God.  When we create something beautiful we are thanking Him in return.

Old Fashioned

 Does anyone else notice what's wrong here? Sorry it's backwards :-)

Ok.  Call me old fashioned....or Traditional, but isn't there something wrong with this picture above?

I got this in the mail yesterday from a company that I won't use their name because that's not the point.  Look at each member of the family...during "family time".

What are these kids learning?  How is the couple keeping communication alive and their relationship?  How are the kids learning social and interpersonal skills?  Are they learning to take care of the home?  Are they learning how a daddy loves his daughters by spending time with them?

Are the girls growing closer together and learning to "be there" for each other later on in life?

All this is telling me is that each person has their own life (how lonely) and each person is not interested in what the other has to say, what their feelings are, what their interests are (besides electronics).

It seems very cold and unloving.

It's hard to go against the grain and not do what "everyone else is doing".  I know...believe me on many levels I know!  It's not easy.  When I choose different I have to hold to what I value...not what someone else is telling me I need to value.

Think of the example you set by holding on to Traditional ways of socializing.  Like picking up an actually phone to call a friend. The anticipation of waiting for a phone call.  The patience of knowing you missed a call or are waiting  for a call to be returned.

I have an older flip phone and have struggled many times over with whether to "update" my self and get a so called smart phone.  I really don't think they are that "smart".  I actually find more people frustrated that the phone or device does what it thinks you want it to as you are using it.  You spend more time trying to "undo" what IT did.  Sounds a bit like codependency to me.

We also don't have a cordless phone in the house. Yep! I have what I lovingly call a Piggy tail phone in the kitchen and in the back of the house.  We don't have Wi-FI in the house, and yes we have cords that go to my computer and my husbands work computer.

I won't go into all MY ways of doing things different.  I encourage all my family and friends to look at things in their life and how they may or may not be affected by the way "society expects" us to have or use certain things.  Or Dress, but that's another post.

Jesus teaches that we are to be different.  That others will know us by our Love.  Will these kids above know how and when to act on this Love that is offered to them?

**Note - I am not saying that smartphones are bad. My husband has one and we have used it in circumstances that I was grateful for it.  My point is having boundaries with devices or at least questioning motives behind using what ever it is.  The family pictured above really is losing valuable connection time, and I don't mean electronic connection. Please, take what you like a leave the rest.

Our Sunday Drive

This little guy let us back up to tack his picture. Only about 3 inches tall.

Last Sunday my husband and I went for a drive.  This wasn't your ordinary "let's go meander the country".  We were going for a drive to provide an atmosphere to talk.  There has been much on both of our plates, but as of late, it's been about life.

Where are we going? What interests do we still have together? What are our hopes for the last 10 - 20 yrs of our life?

Because as life goes on and we change, sometimes reconnecting with our spouse is vital.

Accepting humility as the path to truth and closeness, we talked about our fears, our "unknown" desires, and even a bit of frustrations.

This was all possible in a 4 1/2 hour drive after church.   During lunch we were close enough to home that we made lunch to go and continued on.

During our 24 yrs of marriage driving for us has always been our main tool when we REALLY need to talk.  It provides an atmosphere that we are sitting side by side facing the world....just as our wedding day.  Rather than facing each other.

Have you ever tried to face someone, be vulnerable, and NOT be affected by their facial expressions, arms crossed or * Sigh* and lips puckered.  It's REALLY hard to not be affected.

Yet, going for a drive is an amazing way to accomplish all the above without getting affected (too much) by the others affect displays.

Our drive ended about 3:30pm  and we were holding hands and laughing.  Something we haven't done together in a few weeks.

Did our problems get resolved, some of them.  Most importantly, we were vulnerable to each other and we grew together in understanding our hopes, fears and concerns.

Some areas we are on the same sheet of music, but not all.  And that's ok.  It leaves room for another drive someday!  :-)

Wishing you Christ's peace!

Peeking through

Well, hello there!

It has been a while since I have posted on here.  I am walking through transitions and lifestyle changes due to battling and overcoming some health issues.  It's a slow process, but thanks be to God,  it is working.

As He has reminded me in my prayer time, do my part and let Him do His.

I love that.  It's also easy to forget.   Day to day events, and when I start feeling better, well,  the wish list and to do list seem to quickly drown out His sweet soft voice.

Once again, I am learning to pick myself up, dust myself off, rest and enjoy the process.

I hope to post here more regularly.  If you read it, great, I hope it encourages you or God touches your heart in some way.  If not, well, that's ok too.

There is much to much intake from the internet these days, and social media in general.  (Don't get me started on that! I have quite a soap box for it.)  My posts are truly just my place to write what's going on here in our little town in southern Colorado and in our home.

It's simple, just the way I strive to be.  Though I am know to complicate even the simplest of things, makes life fun!  My husband often rolls his eyes and lovingly reminds me of Keep It Simple.

I try.

Doesn't always happen.

Todays picture is of a little bird in a side window by my stove.  He peeks out each morning to say Hello and brings a smile to my face.  My heart is lifted and I start to listen to the birds singing outside.  Such a gift.

Take time to listen to the birds.  Their song is LOUD in the morning as the sun is coming up.  Then you may hear little chirps through the day and as the day winds down the birds, in their sweet way, quite down too.  A gentle reminder of how we should live.  The rhythm of the day.

Christ's peace be with you.

Can't take it with you

                                                   

I had the privilege last week of sitting in a meeting discussing turning over our will to God.  I found it interesting that my experiences to contribute were related to recent events of turning over a portion of our finances to my husband.  I have done them for years, given them to him, taken them back, and tried to spilt the responsibility.  This is a controlling aspect of mine.

It is not something I am proud of, but it is what it is.  The reason's why are not what is important for this post. What is important is the lesson I learned that night.

A man sitting across from me, in his sharing, spoke of is experience turning over his will to God and shared a financial stress in his life.   If wasn't until he realized we "can't take it with you" when we go, that God gave me a grace that has stuck in my heart.  I can't take our finances with us.  I won't be asked how well I managed our money, I will be asked how well I loved.

Can't take it with you.  How profound.  This immediately brought back memories of many years ago. I was dating my husband and had moved into my first house, rather than an apartment.  It was closer to the base where he was, but out in the boonies!  I was gone for the weekend when I had learned my answer machine was not working, we went to check it out.  My house had been broke into and they had stolen almost everything.

We came back a few days later with help to move out the rest, and it had been broken into AGAIN. The remixing items were just large furniture and odds and ends for kitchen stuff. All my clothes all my jewelry, all my christmas ornaments, shoes, dishes, everything...gone. Skis.  Blue suede cowboy boots (they were really cool!)

This happened before I knew who God was and Jesus, but a year or so later when my husband (boyfriend at the time) taught me about God and Jesus, I somehow understood the reasoning behind this incident.

I was to learn detachment from "stuff" and learn to keep my heart on Jesus.  The stuff....I can't take it with me.  It's pointless when I'm gone. Now, how I USE it while here, how I love others while managing my "stuff"...that's what IS important.

I am so appreciative of this fellow and his sharing.  It has reminded me of a lesson I have forgotten.  When we surround ourselves with the heirlooms, the valuables, the WOW this is the best view in Colorado!  It's easy for that quite place in our hearts to be pushed aside. Things take over our attention.

For me, I have remembered the lesson.  I can't take it with me.  So I willingly give a portion of the finances over to my husband.  I trust God will always provide and help me with my controlling tendencies.

Peace be with you~

Keeping one space

By a river in southern Co.

This past week I have decided it doesn't make sense to me to have two blogs with very similar content.  So I have transferred all my posts from Traditional Simplicity here.  Only one problem, I don't know how to transfer all the lovely comments.

Has anyone had experience with this?  I am not a computer guru, so I am really like a fish out of water with this. Thanks for any guidance.

Growing is part of life.  Life is constantly changing.  As a person, each of us has our core, our likes, dislikes and generally who we are.  I have written before about being true to myself. Not to blog based on what others are doing,  but me.

Traditional, simple, and a homemaker with a heart to share.

Blessings,
Dee

Whose you are

This last Ash Wednesday our Pastor gave an amazing, but very short, sermon on the 3 R's for Lent.

He went on to explain the three R's:

     Remember: Remember WHO you are  
     Remember WHOSE you are
   
     Repent: Change your mind, not just actions (changing our  mind from sinful ways allows our actions to follow.)

     Return:  You can't fix yourself - only God can do that.  Find yourself in His presence.

The first one, to me, is the one I need the most.  To remember Who I am, and Whose I am.  This brings comforting thoughts in a world that tries to tell me otherwise.  Especially another human being that has their own motives or agenda.

Many people we know, including family, can treat us in a way that we start to believe we are unimportant, or that no matter what we do we will never be good enough. This brings on feelings of guilt, anger and possibly sadness.  Detachment and remembering that what is said in their hula hoop isn't what's happening in yours.

None the less, it can be hard to let go.  REMEMBER.  Remember WHO you are.  You (and I) were created in His image.  REMEMBER you have value and dignity just because you breathe.  REMEMBER WHOSE you are.  You are a child of God and though adoption and inheritance through Jesus we belong to the family of God.

Just pondering on this can bring great joy.  Something that is needed when those "lies" start rolling in.

May your Lent be a journey that brings you closer to Him and being able to listen to that peace within.

Making lemonade from life's lemons

Camping in January, how fun!

Recently I had a birthday.  It had been planned for over a month.  Hair cut, dinner out, etc. All the fun girly stuff.  My husband even planned a night out.  Dog sitter was arranged, then...God had another plan.  It snowed, a lot!  So we had to cancel everything the night before since the snow was coming down fast and for the next 24 hours.

I could have let this really bother me, but I learned a few years ago when we lived in Ohio to make the most of the situation  - since I can't change my birthday.

This year my husband asked me what I wanted to do since we cancelled all our plans.  I replied "Camp! I want to camp in the living room!"

And that we did.  We had gluten free graham crackers and natural marshmallows, so we made smores and camped in the living room.  Camp chairs by the fire.

Oh, yummy and gooey!

Oh, and what camp ground could you go to and watch Sense & Sensibility and a TV screen.  We had fun!

The funniest part was when we turned out the lights to go to sleep.  Our boxer Max was not sure what we were doing.  I could hear breathing and felt something watching us, so I grabbed my flashlight (got to have that while camping!) and sat up quickly.  There was Max standing at the entrance of our tent.  Staring at us.

We laughed and laughed!  Then everyone settled down.  It was a rough night, but fun.

I enjoy looking for opportunities that God has another plan and I can make something fun or meaningful out of the situation.

Have a blessed day,
Dee

Christmas Peacefulness

Courtesy of Graphics Fairy

I just love this time of year.  The leaves have fallen, the snow is here.  It's time to snuggle in and be cozy.  It's also a season for celebrating "the most wonderful time of year" - Christmas.  The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As many of us are aware the Christmas season can quickly become chalk full of "to-do's" and "you must go see's" and a sprinkle of fun get togethers with friends and family.  It doesn't help that Christmas decorations are put out in Sept.  to help get us in the mood.  With only 29 days from Thanksgiving to Christmas, that is a lot of events to squeeze into 29 days so I have my own tradition of being done with my shopping by the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Yep!  This year, Nov 21 is my target.  So far I am on time.

This tradition started when we were stationed overseas.  The mailing cut off to get to the states in time was something ridiculous like Nov 30 for standard and Dec 5 for priority.  Anything after Dec 13, forget about it. Unless you wanted to pay more for shipping than  the gift!

I have slipped in my tradition a few times.  And always pay for it in stress and crazy behavior.  I'm not a pleasant person when I have too much on my plate, especially around Christmas.  Christmas means so much to me and I like to enjoy the season.

So, my shopping is done except for stocking stuffers (I'll share what our family does about that later.).  Having my shopping done allows me to go into Thanksgiving with ease and get my cards and packages mailed the first week of December.

When the kids were little we did cards the day after Thanksgiving and each signed their name ( I don't sign for everyone, it takes away the specialness of receiving something with each person taking the time to sign.)

After packages are mailed, I can breath and embrace all the traditions the history of the Church has had the we do.  Like Advent, the Jesse Tree, St Nicholas, St Lucy - I love this one! On this day you plant wheat seeds and they will sprout in time for Christmas.  Just in time for hay for baby Jesus to lay on!

I don't shop on Black Friday, and I usually don't do Cyber Monday either.  Why? I'm done by then.  I save some by the deals I do come across, most of all I save my sanity and peace.  I know a few women that start the day after Thanksgiving and end Dec 24. That is their Advent tradition, and they don't get out to family get togethers or socials or Christmas events like the Nutcracker.  That's for them, not me.

For me, today, I have one more gift for my son-in-law and stocking stuffers for my husband.  I'm looking forward to decorating, and celebrating through the month...and it feels great!

Couples Gathering

Beautiful tulips from a friends garden.

Last night we had a lovely gathering of couples from church.  In todays world my husband and I find it so necessary to be around others who are like minded and seeking the Lord in their life.  One Sunday drive in the country we both shared the desire to start a monthly couples dinner group.  Not for gossip or what ever, but to uplift and support each other. To be able to talk about Jesus and not feel ridiculed.

We had a wonderful evening.  I wish I would have taken pictures, but your imagination will have to do.  We had a tasty grilled chicken made with a homemade rub seasoning mix that I make, a mango slaw that one woman brought, roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli (very delicious roasted), and gluten free brownies since 2 of us are gluten free.  We laughed and shared and the women gathered in the kitchen to share.  Giving tips on kitchen gadgets and past kitchens we have lived in.  My last kitchen in Ohio had 2 cupboards and 1 drawer, so my gadgets were at a bare minimum.

It is so important to gather and support each other in our faith walk.  My husband and I have found this is a wonderful way to start.

Planting Day

A peak into my garden.

Today is planting day for Fall.  I have tried planting by the moon for this garden season and I find it difficult to plant on the EXACT dates for the best harvest. Exact anything is always a challenge since God is the only one that can produce exact.  So, I have humbly learned that my strengths lay with "roughly" and let God handle the rest.

At least the seeds are in the ground!  Isn't this true with many areas of life?  For me as long as I DO IT. It doesn't have to be exact, just starting is half the battle.  This applies to many areas for me.  Like finishing decluttering 20 yrs of pictures.  That's for another post, but finishing is my challenge right now.  Also, jumping back into basket weaving.  I love the finished product, but carving out the time.  

Hmm. Sometimes the things I love and really want to do get put on that back burner.  In my prayer time this morning the words that came to my heart, after meditating on the woman who had the courage in the midst of the crowd to touch Jesus' cloak,  was action with faith.  Take action. DO something! and do it with Faith.  He needs something to work with.  We have to participate in some way rather than sit back on our laurels and wait for Him to work.  

Ha!! Here's a funny image. I can go and sit out in my garden and wait for God to grow something.  Keep in mind, this is a blank slate. No planting no anything.  Just soil.  And waiting.  Sitting back waiting for Him to answer my prayers.  I might be waiting a really long time. But, if I do SOMETHING.  Even if it's just dropping seeds on top, by His grace and choice there will be something that grows.  It may not be all of it, and it may not be what I want, but there will be plants that grow. 

Rather than waiting I can do something.  This is a beautiful reflection that correlates to my health recovery as well.  I can push myself daily past the point of exhaustion and develop all the cascade of symptoms, simply because I didn't take care of me.  I didn't rest, or chase out the negative thinking, or eat on time.  I just push and push.  Yet, I pray "please heal me God."  Please heal me.  Yet let me run around like a chicken with my head cut off all day and do ALL I want.  In the midst of that, please God heal me. 

Am I not doing the same action.  Not doing anything to help my healing, rather doing all the things that keep God from doing any work because I insist in my will being done through the day.  So, today I took 30 min, got my game plan and went to plant. And, today I will be practicing 2 rests a day so as to start with SOMETHING so I can heal.  So I can give Him fertile ground to work with, rather than being dog tired and mentally zipped out!

Today I got Kale, Collards, Peas, Broccoli, Turnips, Carrots, and fun radishes planted.  Some will grow into the early winter, some are an experiment to see how far I can push the growing season.  Hmm, pushing my limits :-)  Sounds like a pattern.

Happy garden day!

Dee

Peace in our Hearts

I am writing about a sensitive topic today.  I had the inspiration Monday, but the day got a way from me.  Upon hearing of the Supreme Court's decision on marriage, my first thoughts were "Oh Lord, what have we done!" Then "May God have mercy on us."  This, interestingly was the same thought of a beautiful young Catholic wife from "The Catholic Lady" blog. She writes: "May God have mercy on us! When people scorn biological truth, natural law and divine order to such an extent, surely we ask for the chastisement of the Divine Providence?!"

My mind started to wonder, far into the future and it scared me.  What, socially, will happen to our country. To families. To morals and etiquette.  The basic principles that founded our country. Then God spoke to me the same words as the title of her post: God's law trumps human law.  This gave me a huge sense of peace.  Yes we will have to go through many trials and tribulations because of this, but as a God fearing woman, I have to keep the reality closer to my heart than my fears. The reality that "God is over the just and the unjust" Mt 5:45.

So, it is not up to me to judge, it is not up to me to control, have a cow, jump up and down and scream, rant, or call others names.  My part, my part is to act the way I am taught.  With charity, compassion, love and peace in my heart.  Quietly.  Not loud like a gong.  For it is the quietness that we can hear God speak to our hearts.  It is in the quietness that seeds can be planted. And it is in the quietness that we are humbled to say "Not my will but Yours be done."

May God's peace reign in your heart.

Taking Tea

Today during my daily break I made my self a tea tray with peppermint tea and a small snack.  I have found through the years many wise women encouraging an afternoon break of some sort before the evening meal and family time.  This gives the homemaker a bit of quiet time to herself.  A time to refresh her self.

Mine usually consists of a short rest and then making tea and a snack.  Sometimes I eat my snack and take my tea outside to just sit and enjoy the afternoon. Sometimes, as today, I sit in my living room and read.

The fascinating book I am reading is by Emily Barnes called " Simple Secrets to a Beautiful Home."  It is stiring the creativity in me, though I do better with pictures for examples, I am enjoyed a different perspective on tending the house.

Mrs. Barnes encouragement to make the home welcoming from the time you walk UP TO the door and inside, really has me looking at my overly plain entry.  There really is nothing there except a cute bench I found at a the Mission when we lived in Ohio.  A great place to start with stirring up some loveliness and sense of welcome.

As she writes about creativity, I find I alway lean towards the thinking "oh, she is talking about painting, or pottery, or the baskets I weave."  But really she goes to explain " you don't have to be an artist to infuse your home and life with creativity." I have struggled to find time to create for the home, create for gifts, and weave the baskets I enjoy making.  This particular chapter brings much joy if you look at it as creativity and be  brought into everyday life.  Whether it's how you arrange a center piece on the table, or re-arrange your furniture, or even making a tea tray for you daily break.

It's a fun way to be creative and give back to the One who created us.  In His beauty all around, the bits of creativity we do, even hand making a card for a family members B-day, these are all ways we can give back.

Check out these creative ways that these beautiful women give back:

FlowerLady'sMusings

Home Living

I hope you enjoyed a break and will consider bringing a bit of creativity in your day.

~Dee

Flag Day

Last Sunday was Flag Day.  As I brought out our rough old flag and set it up, a feeling of being proud came about.  One that brings memories and feelings of people pulling together in rough times.  People really do care, deep down. But how do we show it in our day to day life?

Christ asks us to be charitable, not just in crisis, but daily...when there is a need.  I find my heart moved by the charity and sacrifice of folks as I stood back and looked at the flag.

Traditions are important.  They give us something to ground in, to look forward to, and to talk about and pass down.  I find much enjoyment in pulling out our flag even if only a few folks see it it due to where we live.  It's something that is important to me.  And, I wanted to share that with you.

As I set up the flag, I had to improvise but always making sure it doesn't touch the ground.  Tradition for "flag care".  It's the little things that make the difference.


Peace be with you,
Dee

Happy Anniversary

We celebrated 23 yrs Saturday and chose a very non-traditional way to celebrate.  We went to a local chuckwagon and had a great time. It's one of our favorite places to go when we used to visit here, before we moved here.  The picture is of the chapel on the grounds and they had this beautiful heart made with flowers.  With the waterfall near me when I took the picture, it was beautiful.

We visited some of the shops, but since we live nearby I didn't feel compelled to buy. Funny, tourist shops tend to draw you to spend.  Thankfully, we didn't.

We brought our own blanket and jackets, as it is still getting down to the 40's at night.  The show is always wonderful and the "wranglers" as they call themselves, always play God bless America in honor of all the veterans present and past.  EVERYONE stands, it's very moving.

They also sing some very silly cowboy songs.  Each season most of the songs are different so it was fun to hear what they came up with in the winter.

Visitors

Baby foxes (or "kits")

I thought I'd share a cute picture of little visitors to our subdivision last night.  My husband and I were coming home and stopped to get the mail as we drove in.  When I looked over to my right, there in the ditch were these cute little mischief makers.  Hopping and pouncing on each other.  They hide in the ground but couldn't help popping up to see who we were.  Curiosity.  As I spoke softly to them their little ears just twitched back and forth very fast, I knew they could hear me.  We think they are living across the large pasture under an old barn.  This guess is because we saw kits (baby foxes) playing under and around the old barn on our way into town a few days ago.  Cute little ones.  They remind me to not take life so seriously. To have fun.

Blessings.

Getting ready for gardening

Well hello!  I have been getting ready for garden season and I had two helpers building my hoops!  My husband and his son were willing to get the work started while he was here visiting us.  I was so excited.

The idea is called a French Chenille system.  I got the idea from Christine and Right to Thrive blog.
It involves making hoops then using either greenhouse glazing or shade cloth and having string criss-crossed across the hoops like a shoe lace.  It easily slides up and down so I can work, yet protects our little gems from the intense sun.

Since the hoop systems are still being built, I started seeds inside.  How fun!  I don't usually do this, I like to keep things simple and just plant in the garden when the time is right, but I found a neat idea I wanted to try.  Taking eggshells, rinse them out, poke a hole in the bottom and fill with starter dirt, then plant your seeds.  When the time is right for them to go into the garden, just gently crush the shell and insert the whole thing!  How cool.

My experiment with the shells is going along nicely. Though I have found the seeds in the little containers are growing more robust than the ones in the shells.  Not sure why, but I suspect it's the soil depth.  There really isn't much depth in the egg shells.  Well, it was a fun experiment.

I am also trying something new this year, gardening by the moon cycle.  So my starts are root vegetables and were started 2 days after the last full moon. (Actually it was an amazing lunar eclipse).  The next day was Sunday and we try very hard to honor the Lord's day, planting seeds didn't fit into that "necessary" category.

Tomorrow the leafy ones are up for the next planting.  I have a few more seeds to get and will probably use what I have until I can order the ones I want.  I am excited to grow a few things rather than the whole list of wants.  Trying to keep it simple.  I have a tendency to want the whole kit and caboodle, but get overwhelmed then stressed because I can't "do it all".  Hence, my drive for simplicity.

I've choose 7 for the cool season the will add 3 more in late May.  I like what I read recently that in gardening you have to have leeway for mistakes and things that just don't work.  I like that it relieves me of the stress to do it all and do it right.  So, plant what I can, enjoy the garden and have fun watching God work.

Yeah garden season is coming and I'm excited!

Hugs to you,
Dee

Easter at our place

It's a neat feeling to be back home, close enough that our oldest daughter wanted Easter at our place.  With enough space for an egg hunt, that was the plan.  God blessed us with an afternoon of no wind.  It was chilly, but thankfully no wind.  I am learning the wind is a normal part of spring here on the mesa in southern Colorado.

We had 15 family members here, what a blessing!  My husband and I stood back and just was moved with gratitude.  Two tables set up side by side allowed us to have a sit down meal.  After, the little ones - grandchildren and our nephew- hunted for Easter eggs.  Then they wanted to hide them for the adults.  THAT was fun!  Even my mother-in-law was hunting for eggs!

What fun, to have adults hunt for eggs too. Each of the eggs was filled with a scripture or inspirational quote, or a little something from the dollar store.

I hope you had a lovely Easter.  We celebrate it for a full 8 days after.  The church actually celebrates Easter for 40 days after. Lent for 40 days before, and celebrate for 40 days after.

Grounding and Gratitude

Kodak standing with me, grounding. Max was nearby, but more interested in getting us to come and play!

Recently I have been introduced to something called grounding. Grounding is simple.  You walk outside, onto bare ground (grass or dirt) and stand for 15 - 30 min a day.  I am told it's suppose to help calm your insides with the earth's energy.   At first I thought it was really weird, but was willing to try it since all I had to do was stand on bare ground.  It sounded almost too simple.  The idea is that we become so enmeshed  with electronic gadgets that our own electrical being gets stuck on "go!". (Yes we are electrical. Our brains, our heart, our nervous system runs like that.)

Anyways, grounding helps to calm that part of our system down that is stuck on go, go, go.  I don't know how it works, but I know it does.  And it's amazing.

I have tried to make a point to walk outside for at least 15 minutes a day to just be, my bare feet and the earth God made.  The very first time I did it, I could FEEL the earth.  The layers of warmth, then standing there for a few minutes the colder layer underneath.  I have always heard that people could tell when Spring or Winter was coming by walking barefooted on the ground.  They could feel the earth's warm layer underneath or the cold layer.  Fascinating.

 My husband has been calling me his gypsy sunflower.  I go outside all bundled up, with bare feet.  In  southern Colorado it's really not that bad.  Especially for this cold natured girl.  Anyways, I stand there, face in the sun, and feet in the dirt....loving life.  All the nervous energy inside me melts away! All of it!  I have sometimes sat down, just like you may have done as a kid. Walked outside, stood there in the warm sun with cool breeze and sat right there in the middle of our backyard.  Then something amazing happened.

Being.  Just being.  Allowed me to look up and thank God for His creation.  His amazing wisdom, to give something so simple the ability to calm my insides and allow healing.  I found myself praising God for the sun, for the earth, for the trees, for the seasons, for my body responding so well to His creation.  All because I stepped outside barefooted.

Like I said, I don't know how it works, but I do know it does.  I don't care how it does either.  It reminds me to take time each day to "be" and give gratitude to God.  None of which can be done while "plugged in".

Try it.  You might be amazed and find your heart singing gratitude to God as well!

~Dee