Book: Simple Living

This was another one that went on my favorites list. The subtitle says it all Thirty Days to Less Stuff And More Life.

These easy to read chapters give you things that you can do each do to move toward a more simple life. Each day covered a different area of life and encouraged you to step up and enjoy what you've been given and eliminate things that you don't need.

I got this book for free on Kindle, But if you have the chance to pick it up for a few dollars it's worth the read.

Simple Book Reviews

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By Rose H.

This month I decided to do something different. I’ve been thinking about this awhile and finally got around to writing the posts and posting them.

All during May, I am going to be posting books reviews of simpleness books I’ve read.
Here’s a few books from this month’s line-up.

Home Made Simple

A Place Called Simplicity

The Simple Home

Keep It Simple

Simple Living

Tell Your Time

When Life's Not Working: 7 Simple Choices For A Better Tomorrow

Where Did My Simple Life Go?

Maybe not out loud, but I have been wondering this lately.

In the midst of classes, volunteering, deadlines, cleaning, trips, and the craziness of life, where is this simple life that I long for?

Yet even as I write these words, I'm reminded of the fact that simpleness doesn't have anything to do with my to-do list or calender. It has to do with what's getting done.

One simpleness book asked it's readers to look what got done over the last week. That was a good indication of what was most important to you. You'll get that stuff done. Even if you say that baking cookies for the family is more important than writing the book, if the book get's written, but the baking sheets go unused, you have just proved which was more of a priority.

So what was important to me this week? What actually got done? Some time spent with family, quilting with my sister, a lot of editing, two days of volunteering, and a visit with a friend. Even with all the crazy, I'm thankful  for all the wonderful moments that this week has contained.

God's working out so many wonderful and amazing things in my life. I may having some growing pains, but I know the end result will be worth it. And that is a simple truth that I can carry around with me as I go about my crazy, busy, wonderful, amazing day.

How have you found simple lessons in the midst of your crazy life?

Simple White Space

I was running at a frantic pace. With everything that needed to get done, who had time to rest? I ran from one event to another not taking time to catch my breath and listen to God and family. My bad.

It came to an end one night when I came home emotionally exhausted and getting anger with family members. I had a long talk with my parents that night.

One thing that I realized is that I'm  not superwoman. I can't be running around 24/7 and expect to have any bad side effects. I'm human and I need rest. The other thing I'm realizing is that the world will go on without me. Just because I don't do a review or write a blog post doesn't mean that the world will fall apart.

Another thing I realized is the need for what we like to call white space. White space is simply time where you don't have anything scheduled. Time when you can rest, goof off, enjoy some down time, recharge your batteries. Time to chill is so important. It prepares you for the work ahead and helps you stay grounded in what's important. Never underestimate it.

So if you're feeling a little warn and breathless, just take a moment and plan some white space. It can be as simple as playing a game with your siblings or watching a movie. Just plan some time just to breath.

Well, I have a few things to do before my white space kicks in. But after the list is done, it feels like a computer game kind of day.

Simple Pardon

Please excuse my lack of posts.

The last few weeks have been a wonderful mix of crazy and wonderful.

Challenges have been going well. I continue to read, crochet, and love family. Hospital volunteering is becoming more fulfilling than I ever could have imagined. I enjoy watch how God uses me to touch the lives of others with life and love.

Spring is coming back to Texas. Ah, my soul always feels better when the green returns to the trees and the flowers bloom.

Take some time today. Enjoy spring. Soak in the life that is blooming all around you.

Simply Going The Extra Mile

Yet again, with how busy my life had become, my poor little blog has been neglected. Sometimes doing what God has called you to do takes energy off of other things.

Yesterday I went in for an extra day of hospital volunteering. I ended up working all day in the gift shop. And I so enjoyed it.

One of the things that volunteering has taught me is that it's so important to "go the extra mile". Take on a hard job without being asked, be kind to a patient even when they're being cantankerous, help a patient do something even if it isn't in the volunteer description, and so on. I'm amazed at how surprised people are when I go the extra mile. For me doing things just to make the patients or nurses day better is a pleasure.

In life there are plenty of opportunities to "go the extra mile". To do something extra and kind for someone else. Take advantage of them and love others with everything you have.

For me I come home everyday from volunteering exhausted, but I feel good inside. Content that I was able to make someone's day a little brighter.

Of Simple Goings And Doings

Yes, so yesterday I looked up and went, "I have a blog that people look at on occasion and if I don't post soon they might think I have fallen off the face of cyberspace.

Life has been really good lately. I've had a lot more peace even though my schedule has been hectic. God's helped me to focus on what I am working on and do my best there. It's been very freeing.

Last week I did my first day of hospital volunteering. That was so much fun. I like the people I get to volunteer with and they were very kind to newbie me.

And this weekend we had some dear missionary friends from Africa come over for a visit. I haven't seen them in 4 years and it was a real treat. Hearing about things through e-mail and facebook just isn't the same as a sit down talk. We had a great time hearing their stories and sharing what God was doing on this side of the Atlantic.

This week I have a lot going, but I'm not really worried. I know that God is going to give me the strength and courage to do all that I need to do. For now I can rest in that.