Simple Christmas

Sorry this post is a little late. But I have been having such a good time.

The Christmas spirit finally got to me and I was having so much fun looking at lights, singing Christmas songs, and spending time with my family. I was able to sit back and enjoy the festivities with a contented heart. Complete with a candlelight midnight service on Christmas Eve, this year ended up being perfect.

Even more than that God helped free my from the anxiety and worry that have been plaguing me for the past few months. Nothing miraculous, just an amazing God working in ordinary places. Life is good.

Now as we clean up the Christmas decorations and get ready for the new year, I'm excited to see what God does. I have a feeling this is going to be a busy fulfilling year. And I'll enjoy seeing what it holds.

I'll be writing up a post soon to tell you all about my goals. Until then I'll leave you with this thought, which has nothing to do with my post, but I wanted to share it with you anyway.

There is no such thing as a small act of goodness. Each one touches a life for the better.

Simple New Horizons

As I look toward the new year, I am getting excited. God is leading me some places I have never been before.

I'm getting to learn ASL. And interact with deaf people.

My writing continues to get better and I have hopes of publishing some of my work over the coming year.

Ministry (both at home and for others) continues and I hope to do more with it as part of the MOHL Live It! Challenge.

From books, to writing, to volunteering, to ASL, to family, everywhere I look I'm getting excited. I look forward to the new year.

But for now, I'm also looking forward to the rest of this Christmas season. Giving presents, enjoying time with family, lights, sweets, and remembering the love of God.

So many things to think about so much to do. And I'm enjoying it all.

Merry Almost Christmas

Simply Time To Get Ready

Hello there everyone.

These past couple of weeks have been crazy for me. Between parties, ASL class, helping a neighbor, and doing things around the house, life has been pretty crazy.

But over the past few days God has been giving a lot of peace about the future. We've been talking about what I am going to do next year. Now we are working on finishing out the year well.

I'm trying to finish the challenges that I set for myself last year. Memorizing 1st Peter (almost there), writing more (done), trying out 1 new recipe a week (done), read all the books people have given me (almost there), enjoy more time with family (Happy to say yes).

Let's try to take the last few weeks we have in 2012 and finish well. Complete the challenges we gave ourselves. Finish what we started. It's never easy, but it's always worth it.

To be honest this year turned out very differently than I thought. But I am so happy for all that I got to do. I'm so excited to see what God has for me in 2013.

Simple Christmastime

About this time of year things get wonderful and crazy busy.

Parties, cooking, cleaning, presents. Goodness for 31 days December holds so much activity. It can get overwhelming.

But I do enjoy this time of year. The lights, the nativities, seeing friends, and spending time with family. It's a great time to slow down your busy schedule and enjoy life.

Lately, my life has been kinda complicated. I've been struggling with emotions and what God would have me to do next year. Through tears, prayer, and searching the plan is coming together. God is good and He's very patient with me. We are getting through.

Now I'm looking forward to enjoying a simple Christmas with family. And enjoying lights, trees, fun food, and remember the simple reason of Christmas. Our God came down in human form.

Happy Holidays!

Simply Grateful # 30

Day 30

That I can count all these blessings and post them. I enjoy recounting all the things that God has given to me. Anytime I make a list like this, I feel so full and blessed. Besides I know that this is just scratching the surface of all I have to be thankful for.     

Simply Grateful # 29

Day 29

Movies. They are so fun, relaxing, sometimes encouraging, and enjoyable. 

Simply Grateful # 28

Day 28

Bibles. I have 3 different translations and I enjoy all of them. 

Simply Grateful # 27

Day 27

The ability to relax. Time to kick back, play a game, watch a movie, enjoy a walk, or do a fun project. 

Simple Sparkle

Dear Readers, I went all sparkly! Thanks Julia for the beautiful background.

Simply Grateful # 26

Day 26 

Cookbooks. I love going through them and trying new things or pulling out an old favorite and whipping up something fun for my family. 

Simply Grateful # 25

Day 25 

Sundays. I’m thankful for days to just relax, take a break, and spend time with God and my family. 

Simply Grateful # 24

Day 24

Jewelry. To remember fun memories, or someone’s love, or to accent an outfit I love the collection I have. 

Simply Grateful # 23

Day 23

Grandparents. They are very kind and I enjoy the time I’ve had with them.

Simply Grateful # 22

Day 22

Calendars and sticky notes. To help remind me of things I need to do and keep me on track. 

Simply Grateful # 21

Day 21

My blogs. Meditations of His Love, I’ve really enjoy writing for you and seeing people be encouraged and strengthen through those posts. Homemade Ministry, you were my first blog and I still enjoy having you around to encourage girl in their craft lives. A Christian Playwright, I enjoy dreaming about all the things I plan to do with you. I love writing plays to put on you and seeing what God will do with you. Simple Thoughts, you in many ways are my personal blog. In you I share my heart and stories of what God has been teaching. And for all these blogs, I pray that God will continue to bless and encourage other through you. 

Simply Grateful # 20

Day 20

Music. To encourage, to inspire, to lift my spirit, to go with my mood, to enhance my writing, to dance to, and to work to. For every time in my life there has been a song. And I enjoy every one of them. 

Simply Grateful # 19

Day 19

Time. Gregg Harris once said, “God gave us time so that everything wouldn’t happen at once.” And I am so thankful that it doesn’t all happen at once. Dealing with it as it comes is hard enough; I can’t imagine dealing with it all at once. Thankfully with the gift of time I can celebrate the victories and work through the hard times. 

Simply Grateful # 18

Day 18

Food. Not only food that nourishes my body, but also tastes good. I know that in many countries people go hungry every day. I’m so thankful for food. 

Simply Grateful # 17

Day 17

Spiritual mentors. My parents, Brennan Manning, Wayne Jacobson, Gayle Erwin, Pastors, Max Lucado, and Nancy Leigh DeMoss have all had a profound impact on my walk with God. They’ve helped me see new things about Him and encouraged me to walk forward in Him. I owe them more than I can ever repay. 

Simply Grateful # 16

Day 16

Plants. I love flowers, grass, ferns, and bushes. I enjoy the color and life they add to my day. 

Simply Grateful # 15

Day 15

Crafty things. I love making something new out of canvas, yarn, or paper. It’s so much fun to create. 

Simply Grateful # 14

Day 14

Dreams that God has allowed me to live out, small and big. Being in a movie, getting a kitchenaid mixer, acting in a play, writing plays, having close friends, making a lovely cross stitched nativity, learning ASL, and growing in the knowledge and love of God. And I’m grateful for the dreams that I still have to live out.    

If I May Simply Interrupt?

Hello there blog friends.

Can I interrupt for a moment from the things I am thankful for?

I hope that you all have been doing well.

As for me, things have been a usual wonderful mix of good and tough. I've been sick for almost a week and my family has been struggling with the flu. While this hasn't been great, we've all been working together to take care of each other. It reminds me again that I have a great family.

I have been thinking a lot about my spiritual walk lately. I feel more like a child of God who is stumbling her way through life, then a confident saint following her Lord. I make so many mistakes and fall down so many times.

Yet for every mistake, His Grace and Love for me are so strong. He refuses to call me anything less than beloved and friend. Oh, Father help me to know this love more and more and to share it with others.

God is so good to me. Even on days (like the past few) where my brain function has been fuzzy and I have been sick, He has shown me Grace and given me strength.

If you are stumbling or afraid, remember the Love of your Father. No matter what (fill in whatever your what is) His love and care for you are unending. Let your father remind you of His love once again.

Simply Grateful # 13

Day 13

Writing. Whether writing a play, blog posts, a skit, or a film script, I enjoy writing. Being able to take something from my head and put it onto paper, is an great feeling. 

Simply Grateful # 12

Day 12

Living in the country. All my life I’ve lived out in middle of nowhere, but I loved it. Surrounded by trees and nature, it’s a perfect place. And I love being able to call it home. 

Simply Grateful # 11

Day 11

Clothes. Not just something to cover our bodies, but clothes that make us feel pretty. A pink flowery shirt, a pleated white skirt, fun handbag, a lovely blue dress, dangle earrings, or a pair of white sandals.  I’ve been blessed with lots of clothes and fun ones at that.

Simply Grateful # 10

Day 10

Pictures. To bring back fond memories. To savor the flowers of spring. To help us capture beauty. To enjoy moments for years. And to capture the beauty of our family. 

Simply Grateful # 9

Day 9

Books and Audiobooks. I enjoy and challenging my mind. Besides it’s fun to get caught up in a good story, especially a good romance ;). 

Simply Grateful # 8

Day 8

Each new day. A fresh day. With new possibilities and dreams. 

Simply Grateful # 7

Day 7

American Sign Language classes. ASL is like doing a dance with your hands. And I’ve so enjoyed learning about to do it better. 

Simply Grateful # 6

Day 6

Friends. My Texas Friends, my blogging friends, my film-making friends, and my facebook friends. I am blessed and encouraged by you every day.

Simply Grateful # 5

Day 5

My laptop. I could live without it, but it makes so many things so much easier. It helps me to communicate with friends and helps me do a lot of writing. 

Simply Grateful # 4

Day 4

Mail. Isn’t it so fun that we everyday can get letters and packages from all over the world? I enjoy it so much whenever I get mail. 

Simply Grateful # 3

Day 3

For an amazing Family. Dad, Mom, Nicole, Sarah, Michael, Rebekkah, and Mikayla, you mean the world to me. You make my day brighter. You love me and care for me like no one else does. You are the best friends I have. 

Simply Grateful # 2

Day 2

Seasons. Both in weather and in life. Times of rest and business. Times of work and of relaxation. Times of cool and of warm. Times of sunshine and of rain. Times when I have a lot to say and times to be quiet. Times to be with friends and times to be alone. And most of all, spiritual seasons. 

Simply Grateful #1

For the next 30 days, I'm going to be telling you 30 things I am grateful for. 

Day 1

A God who loved me enough to call me His own. Throughout my whole life I have seen His love and care for me. And as I walk on His hand guides me. 

In 100 Simple Words # 2

An all too familiar voice called to Kelsey. “Kelsey. How’s life.”

Kelsey took a deep breath before turning around. Why did Megan feel the need to talk to her every time they met? We used to be friends before …

“So how’s life?” Megan asked.

“Fine.” Kelsey managed, not wanting to commit to anything.

“How’s your project coming?” Megan pressed.

Kelsey stood shifting uneasily. How can I get out of this one? How could Megan be so thoughtless? Why do I have to be here?

Kelsey couldn’t take it anymore. Without explanation, she turned on her heel and walked away.  

In 100 Simple Words # 1

The other day I started writing a short story and thought that I might share it all with you. In 100 words I’ve tried to tell the first part of a story. I already have an idea for the next few parts of the story, and I look forward to seeing what you think of the first part of the story.

Time seemed to drag on. Kelsey took in a breath and exhaled it slowly.

How had it come to this? She asked herself for the hundredth time.

The party continued around her, the guests talked and chatted on happily. But Kelsey inwardly groaned.

I have to get through this. I can’t disappoint my friends. She mustered her best plastic smile. I have to act my way through this party.

Still it was getting harder to keep up the charade.

Kelsey stood and walked over to the punch bowl. Her cup was still half full, but she needed something to do.  

Simple Progress (If You Want to Call It That)

I'm not perfect.

Sometimes I feel so human and so weak. I mean I write a blog about living simply, I've  read books about it, I've asked God to help me be more simple-minded. Yet somehow, most of the time I still find myself getting caught up in this crazy world. I still catch myself running around trying to make things work.

But lately, I've  been surprised and pleased by the stirrings in my heart. A few weeks ago, I was worried about my future and trying to sort it all out. But then through the help of a friend and through listening to God, I find myself more relaxed. I haven't sorted it all out, but I know God will and that He will show me what I need to do.

So where I am I right now? I'm a strange mix of sorting out living simply and working out my journey with God. It's never easy, but it's always a wonderful adventure.

Simple Honesty: Part 8

Being honest all the time

Honesty isn’t easy. You have to admit that you don’t always measure up. You have to burst some bubbles. You have to tell it like it is.

Through this blog series, I’ve tried to just tell you some of my journey. I mean, let’s face it, life is messy. We aren’t perfect, but the sooner we accept that and move on the sooner we can start living the rich full and abundant life that we were meant to lead.

If you struggle, it only means that you are trying to serve God. Don’t worry about the pace of the process. Let God lead you on the journey of love. Let Him lead you on a journey of simplicity. Let Him lead you on a journey of honesty.

I hope that you have been encouraged by these honest confessions, thoughts, and ramblings. May God continue to bless and help you in your journey of simplicity.  

Simply ... Me

Hello to all my dear blogging friends.

This has been a crazy wonderful couple of weeks.

To begin with, I had some lovely wonderful friends visiting. It was wonderful. But they have left now and I am trying to get back into the swing of things.

I splurged a lot this week, but I had fun. You there are times to save up and times to go out and enjoy what you have saved. Whether it's a few minutes to stop and smell the roses or some extra money, there are times to just enjoy the world around you.

Why not take a few minutes today and do some splurging. Save some time for your family or enjoy one of your favorite movies with some chocolate.

Just enjoy yourself and have some down time. I know that's what I will be doing part of the day.

Simple Honesty: Part 7

Movies, music, and more.

I like movies. Personally movies affect me more than books do. Consequently I have to be very careful about what I watch. I try to keep my standards very high.

But since we are being honest, I need to tell you that I’ve failed a lot in this area. I have caved to pressure (even self-made pressure) more than I would like to admit. And each time I’ve regretted it. To this day those images haunt me. Thankfully I have a God who is rich in Love and Mercy. He continually reminds me that no matter how I fail, He loves me.

Yet the question comes to mind, how much should we watch, read or listen to secular media? This is one question I am still trying to work out. Yet even here I think I’m making a mistake. I’m separating the media in my life by if it honors God or not. Everything that’s in my home whether it has a “Christian” label on it or not, should focus on the true, the noble, the lovely, the right, the lovely, the praiseworthy, and the excellent. Sometimes (more often than I would think) I find these things behind secular labels. The label shouldn’t be what we focus on. It should be the content. If the content is demoralizing, depressing, degrading of human life, has a lot of vulgarity, or characters that don’t honor and respect each other, we need to think seriously about whether we should put that into our minds.

It comes down to this. What I put into my brain will come out. If I put in good, good will come out. If I put in bad, bad is going to come out. So I need to be very careful what I put in. No matter what label it wears, we should watch or not watch movies, read or not read books, listen or not listen to music based on whether it puts good or bad thoughts into our head.

For the media that you just want to read, watch, or listen to because it gives you an adrenaline rush, don’t make excuses. There are things that I enjoy just because they’re fun. Enjoy them as gifts from God, just make sure that they are a small portion of what you take in.

Media is a powerful tool for good or for bad. Let it be a tool for good.  

Simple Honesty: Part 6

Life and Dreams – Go with the flow

When I was young I had all these dreams for how life would turn out. I dreamed of being the lead actress in a movie, of being in a play, of meeting a handsome guy and …. The dreams went on.

And through the years, God has helped me make many of my dreams come true. I’ve been able to be in a movie, I’ve been in a play, and I’ve been able to make the strong friendship with other believers that I always dreamed about.

But in-between times of fulfilling dreams there have been times of preparation. These have been some of the hard times. I can’t see how God is going to work things out. I’m waiting for the next step. It’s in these times that God has grown me the most. It’s in waiting for His timing that I know where He wants me to use my talents.

There have been times when I’ve whined. I wanted it all now. I wanted to have the dream now. But some of my worst falls have been when I tried to take what God was not giving. It’s made me realize that it’s always better to wait on God’s timing.

And when dreams do come true, it’s been some of the best times of my life. One of the tricks I’ve learned is to go with the flow. No I’m not perfect at this either, but I’m learning. When you’re waiting, live in the moment and enjoy the growth process. When your dreams come true, live in the moment and enjoy what God is doing in you.  

Just keep living and enjoy what God is doing. Go with the flow. 

Simple Honesty: Part 5

Beyond Logic

Why would God love us? Logically I can’t fathom it.

Why would that same loving God choose to live among us? Logically it doesn’t make sense.

Why would that same God who lived among us chose to die on a cross? Logically I can’t figure it out.

Why would that same God who died on a cross, rise again, and forgive me for all that I have done? Logically I can’t come up with an answer.

Why would the same God who forgives all my sin, raise me up to be one of His daughters? Logically I don’t know.

Why would this same God want to spend the rest of eternity with me? Logically, you guessed it, I have no idea.

It’s only when we strip away logic and look at His heart that we find the true answers. These answers go beyond with the mind is able to grasp, but what the heart cries out to accept. They have made men puzzled for centuries and caused seasoned Bible scholars to be dumbfounded.

The truth – that defies all logic – is this: God loved us so much that He freely gave His most treasured possession so that we could know His love for us. And by accepting that love, we may have life in Him and have it to the full.

Simple Honesty: Part 4

Worship

It was bound to come up sooner or later. No use putting it off anymore. I set out on a walk to talk with God about worship. Why is this a sticky subject for me? Maybe because I’m not quite sure I like doing it the way I’ve always done it before.

I used to be a great worshipper. On Sunday mornings I was one of the loudest voices in the pews, if I wasn’t singing up front. Now, what can I say? I’m starting to think differently about worship.

What is worship exactly? Worship is praising God with your life. No matter what you do, it’s making God the center of it. That encompasses so much more than just Sunday morning singing. It takes in all of life. Our lives are made to worship God. And we do that every day of our lives.

Now instead of trying to squeeze in worship, I try to live every moment of my life for Him. In making Him precious in the moment, we give Him worship and glory.

Lifestyle worship is, for me, has been so freeing. Instead of trying to perform for Sunday morning services, I am free to be honest to God about how I feel. Now I worship Him in all I do. Sometimes that is hard. Sometimes I get tried. But I find that when I am not trying to perform, when I am free to worship all the time, I find that praise and worship flow more freely from my life. 

Simple Honesty: Part 3

My relationship with God

Photo Credit Mikayla H.

I danced slowly in the moonlight. My Abba whispered His love softly. My heart moved in time to the music. I know He’s there, even though my eyes tell me that there’s only air around me. There have been times in my life – like dancing with my Abba – when I can feel the presence of God surrounding me. And there are times I struggle find Him in the midst of my day. It’s not that He’s not there, it’s just that I can’t feel Him as much. But He and I have the best relationship I could ask for. I’m learning to relate to Him as a beloved to her lover. This is journey that has taken me through many twists and turns, through some of the hardest times in my life, and through some of the most joyful times I’ve ever experienced. Through it all God has been there helping me to see Him for who He is.

This kind of relationship isn’t easy, clean or perfect, But I wouldn’t miss it for the world. It’s one of the few relationships in my life that I feel totally safe, totally free, and totally loved inside of it. The more I open myself up to God and His love the more my life changes for better.

I wish I could find the words to describe how much love and acceptance I have found in Him. I wish I could find the words to tell how much He’s meant to me. I wish I could find the words to describe this wonderful relationship. But since I can’t, let me encourage you in your own walk. God is closer than you think. Keep relaxing into the love that he offers you every day. And don’t worry if you don’t see any fireworks right away. Just keep walking with God wherever He leads and you’ll see more than you ever imagined.     

Simple Honesty: Part 2

At the risk of being real.

When we the last time that you were perfectly honest with everyone? Think about it. The last time that someone asked you, how are you, did you smile your best and answer, fine. Were you really? Or were you just saying that because it’s what we are supposed to say?

This is the generation where pretending is rewarded by praise and applause. Not only on stage and movies, but in everyday life. We shun those who don’t have it all together. We think that being real isn’t cool and look up to those who appear to have it all.

Sadly though, those who seem to have it all together are the ones who lie the most. Life is messy. With my sinful nature, the a broken world, and girl trying to live in God’s love, life is bound to be full or challenges and joys. There are days when I feel less than holy. On other days I feel like I can conquer the world. Life is not a clean and tidy affair. It’s more like a journey that you are learning the way as you go. And sometimes as we learn things get a little messy.

Now I can chose to lie about this messiness and pretend I have it all together, or I can accept the fact and live as I am. But this brings joys and dangers all its own. Yes I said danger. Being real isn’t in vogue. People can more easily handle lies than honesty. Telling someone the truth will either open you up to sharp criticism or harsh advice. But sometimes being truthful can lead to stronger friendships and a fuller relationship with God.

So next time you get the urge to put on a mask, whether for God or others, take a moment a really think if that’s what you want to do. God doesn’t want robots, He wants children. Sometimes kids are human and make mistakes. Embrace the life that you’ve been given. Don’t try to act like things are okay when they’re not. Be real with God and others and watch the transformation that takes place.

I’m still working on this one. I try to be honest, but sometimes I catch myself putting on a mask to impress others. That’s when I have to pray hard and jerk the mask off. It’s never easy and I’ve lost some friends over it. But it’s always worth it. I don’t have to hide behind lies or masks, I can just be me. And believe me the real me that is emerging, is so happy to be set free.

So let’s stop pretending and enjoy who we really are. Be simply honest in all that you  do.     

Simple Honesty: Part 1

Devotions, quiet time, and the resting of the mind.

Photo Credit Mikayla H.

I used to be very spiritual. I used to get up early every morning, pray, and read in the Bible or another spiritual book. I used to be so proud of my record. For almost two years I kept up my morning routine of devotions. I could count on one hand the times that I had missed morning prayer.

Then one day I realized I was pretending. At first it had breathed new breath into my spiritual life. But over time, in my effort to keep up my record, I was showing up and “praying”, but I was merely going through the motions. In my efforts to keep order to my prayer time, I had lost contact with the one I was there to see. This didn’t come to me all at once, but over time I saw that my heart just wasn’t in it anymore.

So I stepped back. I stopped praying in the mornings. One my life became very busy and I needed the extra sleep. Two I needed realized that because I prayed in the mornings, I hadn’t been praying as much to God all throughout the day. I began trying to spread out what I had been doing in my devotions all throughout the day. I would out prayers whenever anyone asked instead of saving them for later. As I took one of my daily walks outside, I would quiet my heart and let God talk to me. I would try invite God into whatever I was doing.

As I did these simple things I found my days being transformed. Instead of going through the motions I was enjoying time with God. As I invited God into my daily life, things that had once become mundane now became enjoyable again.

In the introduction I said that most of the lessons God has taught me haven’t been in a classroom, but in everyday life. This I have found very true about my devotions. I’ve felt His presence and seen Him work more as I have taken my focus off devotions. As I focus on God, and not getting it right, my eyes have been opened to Him working in my life. 

I’m not saying that you should stop praying in the morning or that you should throw out the devotional books you have. What I am suggesting is to think beyond just the morning as a time to pray and get in touch with God. Contrary to popular teaching Jesus never said, “Thou shalt get up every morning early and pray before beginning your day.” He did say to pray without ceasing, to let praise overflow from a thankful heart, to live and walk by the Spirit, and to be kind and compassionate to everyone. We can have a perfect record of morning devotions and still miss out on having God in our lives.

No and my walk isn’t perfect, there are still days I struggle. Days that I wish there were some easy spiritual fix. But walking with Christ isn’t about feeling spiritual or keeping records, it’s about walking with Him and living our lives with Him. When that fellowship happens, life becomes rich and full.    

Simple Honesty: Intro

For some time God has been taking me on a journey to know Him for who He is. Some of the things I have learned have been hard lessons. Some have been joyful lessons. But more often than not I didn’t learn these lessons sitting in a classroom, I learned them in everyday life. Living the journey of growing in His love is a journey that is constant and doesn’t end with morning devotions.

What I would like to do over the next few weeks is explore some of what God has shown me about some areas in my spiritual life. My hope is that through my ramblings and confessions, that you will be encouraged in your own walk.

I’ll be back in a few days with more.  

Simple Fashion Challenge Day 7

Last Day. Oh, this has been fun. Now for a name for this outfit ....

Mmm

How about Film-maker at Heart? 

My new favorite t-shirt

I unbraided my hair and it was super wavy. 

Oh, so fun. 

What I wore

My jean skirt

Custom t-shirt - Vista Print

Head Band - A gift from my sister Nicole, from Kenya.

This has been so much fun to do. I hope you've enjoyed it. God bless, Rose 

Simple Fashion Challenge Day 6

Name: Pink & Blue

Yes, Pink again. It's my favorite color.

Okay, true confession - I bought these shoes yesterday. I've been wanting some extra shoes for a while and I saw these and thought they were perfect. 

Up close of my hair. It's getting pretty messy, but it's so comfortable. 

What I wore

My Tan Skirt

Pink Shirt - Longwood Gardens

Earrings - Grace H. 

Blue Sandals - Thrift Store 

Simple Fashion Challenge Day 5

For a name? Mmm, how about To Town We go? We went into town and volunteered for a little bit.

Oh, so comfortable. 

I just like this stump. It's so fun. 

I was in an earring mood today. Plus it matched my outfit. 

My jean skirt

Pink and White Cameo Shirt - Thrift Store

Jean Jacket - Walmart

Earrings - Made by my sister Grace H. 

Simple Fashion Challenge Day 4

Memories of D. C. That's what I call this simple outfit.

Very simple, and very nice for a day at the capitol with my sister Sarah.

My braids!

What I wore 

My tan skirt 

D. C. T-shirt - Smithsonian Museum

Flip Flops - Dollar Tree

Simple Fashion Challenge Day 3

Here I am again in my Pretty in pink!

Sorry about the squint. The morning sun was right in my eyes.

Last night I spent 2 hours braiding my hair into 21 small braids. Just for fun. Besides it helps even out the weight of my hair and I like it. 

What I wore -

My Jean skirt.

A pink flowery top - that I made myself.

A white crocheted belt - that (you guessed it) I made. 

Simple Fashion Challenge Day 2

Sunday. Dressing up is so fun and what better day than Sunday. This one I like to call this one Watercolor Flowers.

Perfect for a day of rest. Plus I like my new heels!

I really like the flare on this skirt. 

 And my earrings. Made for my by my sister Grace. 

What I'm wearing

Tan skirt - I made it. 

Carribean Joe  flowery shirt - A gift. 

My heels - Walmart

Earrings - Designed for me and made by Grace H. 

Simple Fashion Challenge Day 1

It's here! Time to start the Simple Fashion Challenge!

I look forward seeing what everyone comes up with and having fun with clothes. So let's get started.

Here's my first day outfit. I call it pretty and green. I really like this nice comfortable green shirt. Perfect for a day working at the food pantry and working at home.

Thank you to my sister Mikayla for taking these great shots.

Plus I love the necklace because I got it when my family went to Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs. It brings back fond memories. 

 What I'm wearing

My jean skirt - that I made.

Copper Key Green V-neck shirt - Goodwill

Wood necklace - Focus On The Family Store

Brown Sandals - Thrift Store

Dog in the background, he hangs around no matter what. 

Simple Change

Simple Person

Simply Live

Simple Responiblity

Simple Fashion Challenge

By Rose H. 

If you could only wear two skirts (or favorite pair of jeans) for a whole week? How would you accessorize it to make it different for each day? 

This is what I hope to figure out from the 22nd to the 28th of this month. For 7 days I’ll be wearing my 2 favorite skirts and different shirts to see what kind of combinations I can come up with. 

What’s the purpose of this challenge? One of things that I talk about regularly on this blog is being content with what you have. When I am out shopping it’s so easy to justify buying the cute shirt or flowery skirt. I really don’t need it, but I like getting new things. But if you take a quick look in your closet and drawers you’ll notice that you have everything you need (and most of what you want). What I want to do is make the most of what I have. 

So are you up for the challenge? Then let’s begin. Here are the rules.

1.       Choose 2 skirts or pairs of pants, or one skirt and a pair of pants to wear all week. Then choose tops and shirts to go with it.

2.       Post 1 picture every day of your outfit on your personal blog or Facebook.

3.       You can’t buy anything new for this challenge. Use what you have.

4.       Have fun! Mix it up. Try new things. Just enjoy yourself. Rock your own style. 

Here are a few tips to get you started. 

1.       Try to pick skirts or pants that are in neutral colors that way it will be easy to match.

2.       Try setting out your clothes ahead of time if you know that you’re going to be busy.

3.       Grab a friend and do it together.

4.       Check and see what other people are doing. You can play copy-cat if you want.

The whole purpose of this challenge is to simplify and to use what you have. Sometimes we don’t really see all that we have until we challenge ourselves to see beyond what we want.

So are you ready? I’ll see you back here on the 22. And let me know if you plan to do this challenge too. I would love to see what you all come up with.

And keep a look out on Virtuous Girlhood and Bramblewood Fashion to see what they comes up with.     

Simple Quote

Simple Sleep

Have you ever thought about how much time that you sleep? Studies say that on average we spend a 1/3 of our lives asleep.

Yet how many times do we skimp on sleep? Stay up late instead of getting rest? Get up early because we feel we have to?

Have you ever thought that sleep is a gift? Think about if we didn’t have sleep. For 24 hours we would be running around with nothing to make us slow down. Many times, tiredness is God’s way of getting us to stop and rest.  

So the next time you’re thinking of pulling another late, stop and take advantage of one of God’s gifts. The gift of sleep. The gift of rest.   

Simply Done?

From time to time adds will appear on my screen for Word products. One time a slogan popped up that said “Take a short trip to a place called done.” I laughed over this one. Mainly because I realize how few times I really do take that trip.

Rarely do I allow myself to rest. Rarely do I allow myself to be done. To stop what I’m doing and take a break. Truth is, I like activity. I like being busy. Done usually only comes into my vocabulary when one facet of my to-do list is finished and I can move onto the next thing.

But I need to take that trip more often. To rest in what has been done and to put some things aside that need a rest. So come on, let’s take a trip to a place called done.     

Simply 21

I was watching 16 Wishes. A fun-filled Disney comedy surrounding Abby Jenson and her 16 birthday wishes. As her wishes become reality, Abby realizes that sometimes what you want can become a nightmare.

As I turn 21, I tried to think of something that I would want for this birthday. But then I realized that I am becoming the person I always wanted to be. When I was little I had all these things that I wanted to do and be. As I’ve gotten older God has fulfilled my dreams and desires. He’s given me the chance to use what I have for Him. And though some of it has been in very unlikely ways, God’s helping shape me into the person I always dreamed of being.

So instead of wishing for things I don’t need, I’m going to name 21 birthday blessings. 21 things that I am so grateful for.

1 1.       A God who looked through all of time and space and chose to love me.

22.       An amazing family. They support me, love me, and keep me focused on what’s important. My mom and dad are my best encouragers and counselors. My sister Sarah, my best friend, a great cheerleader, and my best listener. My brother Michael, a neat Godly guy, who always defends me. My sister Grace, a great helper with a great laugh and a kind heart. My sister Rebekkah, sweet and thoughtful. She is always thinking of others. And Mikayla (yes, we had a lot of girls in our family :) ) With a youthful spirit, kind heart, and a great sense of humor. Then there’s Nicole (my oldest sister) and her husband and two girls. They are all so kind and fun. I have a big family and they are one of the biggest blessings in my life. And I love them all so much.

33.       Friends. Rachel and Jessica, you both mean so much to me. Rachelle, Julia, Cynthia, Melinda, RJ, Arianna, my online blogging friends, you light up my life. You encourage me in my faith and challenge me to do better. And Debra and Christina, I love getting together with you ladies. Whether it’s at the mall or at your house, I love hanging out with you ladies and talking.

44.       Crafting! Cross stitching, crocheting, scrapbooking, card making, quilting, sewing, and embroidery have kept my hands busy and productive. I love taking things like canvas, paper, or fabric and making it into something beautiful.

55.       Books and audiobooks. Whether reading or listening, I’m so grateful for everything I’m able learn. I have a whole library in my house. That’s a huge blessing.

66.       Texas. I’m so thankful to call the lone star state my home. It’s so beautiful here. With woods and fields to walk in. *sigh* There’s nowhere else I would rather be.

Source

77.       Baking! I love baking and cooking. And seeing my family smile when they taste a new batch of cookies, is a bakers dream come true.   

    

88.       Movie characters to inspire and entertain me. The Narnia movies, the Chipmuncks, Belle, Rapunzel, Cinderella High School Musical, the Visual Bible, Overcome, Period Dramas *Swoon*, romances, and Sue Thomas (to name a few).

Pictures via Pinterest

99.       Journals. I enjoy writing out my thoughts, life, hopes, and dreams.

110.   The ability to dream about the future. I don’t know all of what it will hold, but it’s so wonderful to imagine how my life will turn out.

111.   Facebook (to chat on), E-mail (to communicate with my friends), and phones.

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112.   Flowers. Roses are my favorites, but I have so many that I like.

113.   Teddy bears, dolls, and miniature tea sets.

114.   My laptop. I’m so grateful to have something as nice as this to work on.

115.   Dancing. : D

116.   Music. No matter what mood I’m in, I can find a song that fits it. It also help me to turn my eyes back to God.

Source

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117.   For the ability to write plays. It’s so neat to be able to write down ideas that I’ve had in my head for years.

118.   Blogs. I love having my own little corner of the cyber world that I can post on.

119.   Acting Adventures! It was so cool to act in 2 short films and in a play and in numerous skits. I also enjoyed getting to know the process of making a film.

220.   Great clothes. It’s so neat having pretty, fun, and pink clothes to wear.

221.   And last, but not least, I’m grateful for the journey of life God has allowed me to travel on so far. It’s been an amazing, scary, adventurous, crazy, and wonderful 21 years. And I trust that no matter where the road takes me from here will be perfect. Maybe not everything in my life will be perfect, and I’ll probably do some kicking and screaming about it, but I know that He will be leading me where I’m supposed to go.