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?
Monday, April 15, 2013
Friday, April 5, 2013
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.
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.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
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.
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.
Friday, March 1, 2013
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.
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.
Monday, February 18, 2013
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.
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.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Making Simpleness out of The Craziness
My life has definitely taken a wonderful crazy turn.
Two weeks ago I was wishing for more activity and more to do. I got what I asked for. I now feel like I'm running around like crazy trying to do everything that needs to get done.
Despite all the craziness however, I am enjoying seeing things get up and going. I start volunteering at the hospital on Tuesday. And I'm pleased to report that ASL has been going very well. I'm on schedule for goals so far.
In the midst of everything, God has been teaching me to breath and let Him be in control. Knowing I'm not in charge makes life so much more simple. In the midst of the craziness, I can look to the One who is in control and be at peace.
I pray that you are all doing well and that you have a great weekend. Rose
Two weeks ago I was wishing for more activity and more to do. I got what I asked for. I now feel like I'm running around like crazy trying to do everything that needs to get done.
Despite all the craziness however, I am enjoying seeing things get up and going. I start volunteering at the hospital on Tuesday. And I'm pleased to report that ASL has been going very well. I'm on schedule for goals so far.
In the midst of everything, God has been teaching me to breath and let Him be in control. Knowing I'm not in charge makes life so much more simple. In the midst of the craziness, I can look to the One who is in control and be at peace.
I pray that you are all doing well and that you have a great weekend. Rose
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Simple Fragments
Some of them hurt as I pick them up. The memories piercing deep into my heart. Others feel beautiful and smooth like polished glass.
As I pick up these fragments of my life I wonder at their meaning. A friend who turned on me. A group of homeschoolers that never accepted me. People who would call me names in front of my back. A drought of more than just rain to dry earth. People who didn't come through. These fragments have cut deep, slicing away opportunities, killing dreams, and causing more pain than I can tell.
Through the tears I see other fragments. Shards of beauty. Singing in the spring sunshine. Dancing in Daddy's arms. The warm hugs of my family. A performance done well. The loving touch of a friend. A teachers laughter. A song that lifted up eyes heaven-ward. I could go on like his forever, maybe one day I will.
As I cling to this fragile shard called now, I think about these fragments of my life. All of the seemingly unrelated and broken things that make up my life. What is God doing? All I see are fragmented pieces of a seemingly meaningless story.
But as I look closer I see love. Like tiny steel rods that can't be broken crisscrossing through the fragments of cut glass. God's love crisscrosses through all of these fragments binding them together in some mystical and wonderful way.
I stand back and look at these fragments framed by love. Light spills through illuminating the truth. All these shards come together to create a picture of His love and grace. And I am on my knees praising God for the fragments that show His love.
As I pick up these fragments of my life I wonder at their meaning. A friend who turned on me. A group of homeschoolers that never accepted me. People who would call me names in front of my back. A drought of more than just rain to dry earth. People who didn't come through. These fragments have cut deep, slicing away opportunities, killing dreams, and causing more pain than I can tell.
Through the tears I see other fragments. Shards of beauty. Singing in the spring sunshine. Dancing in Daddy's arms. The warm hugs of my family. A performance done well. The loving touch of a friend. A teachers laughter. A song that lifted up eyes heaven-ward. I could go on like his forever, maybe one day I will.
As I cling to this fragile shard called now, I think about these fragments of my life. All of the seemingly unrelated and broken things that make up my life. What is God doing? All I see are fragmented pieces of a seemingly meaningless story.
But as I look closer I see love. Like tiny steel rods that can't be broken crisscrossing through the fragments of cut glass. God's love crisscrosses through all of these fragments binding them together in some mystical and wonderful way.
I stand back and look at these fragments framed by love. Light spills through illuminating the truth. All these shards come together to create a picture of His love and grace. And I am on my knees praising God for the fragments that show His love.
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