Live Simply

Lately, I have been feeling overwhelmed by "stuff" [probably because we are moving at the end of the month and I need to pack up all our crap]. While packing up some of our kitchen, I realized we have a lot of extra plates and cups, that we really do not need.

Conveniently I came across this Facebook page and I've decided to attempt to play this minimalism game all month long. You have to get rid of one thing on the first day, two things on the second day, three things on the third day, etc.

I should let you know, that I have been asking God "How can I live joyfully, everyday?" and he responded with "Live simply".  So this is an attempt to listen to His word that says not to store up treasures on earth.

I'll check back in at the end of every week to let you know what I am letting go of!

Want to join in on the fun? 

One of Those Days

Today was one of those days. 

One of those days that when Emmah woke up, I rolled out of bed and said "we're going to Starbucks!"

It really has been one of those months, to be honest. Emmah has refused to nap lately and is waking up almost every two hours at night. This mama is getting no sleep. On top of this, I am struggling to find the balance. 

The balance I have been so deperately seeking since Emmah turned 6 months old. I finally felt like I was [somewhat] back to my normal self, but here I am 3 months later feeling less than adequate. The day I feel like the best Mom, I feel like a terrible wife [did I even say one kind thing to my husband today or did I only ask him to take the garbage out?] Other than yesterday, I couldn't tell you the last time I cooked dinner. Our poor furbabies probably think I hate them. I wear running shorts and a t-shirt most days [Do I run? Not most days. But I do walk! Most days.] And "me-time"...who is me again? [seriously, who am I?]

Starbucks didn't help this morning. 

Exhaustion combined with a fussy baby who didn't want to leave Mama's side brought me to tears. Mike took Emmah, told me to take a few minutes to myself, and reminded me to run to Jesus.

 I opened the good book and God spoke. 

"The LORD sets prisoners free"

[Psalm 146:7]

Freedom.

This is what God offers me daily. 

He offers me freedom from the pressures of being the best at everything. He tells me that I am enough. Even if dinner is PB&Js three nights this week, I am enough. He tells me that we have enough. He tells me to live more simply. He tells me that comparison is the thief of joy.

He sets me free.

We're working on finding the balance. 

Mamas, did you struggle with finding balance? What did you do?

Like Walking on Water

I don't know about you, but every so often I find myself nervous and unsure about the future. 

I find myself hesitant when uncertainty is around the corner, when things do not go as planned.

If you don't know, I am a planner.

I keep a budget, make lists and stick to them.

I make plans.

When things do not go according to the plan, I start to panic.

I start to doubt who is in control and who holds my future.

My husband reminded me of the story when Peter walks on water.

Peter and the other disciples see Jesus walking on water and are in shock. Then, Jesus calls Peter to step out of the boat and walk to him. 

Peter does the unthinkable, trusting and putting his whole life in Jesus' hands and steps out of the boat. 
(Keep in mind, they are in a storm with waves crashing all around them)

Like Peter, I think I have stepped out of the boat. I have verbally, whole-heartedly committed myself to Him, putting my life in His hands.

But then the next part of the story comes into play.

Next, Peter realizes that he is walking on water and becomes afraid.

For one second, he allows fear to overcome him and he begins to sink. 

Peter cries out "Lord, save me!" and immediately Jesus reaches out his hand and pulls him from the water. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt".


Like Peter, I doubt.

At the drop of a hat, I doubt.
I believe that God's plan for us is whats best, but then life throws a little curveball and I question my entire life.

So how do we put total faith in God and rest in His peace and His plan?


I think that it involves living life in the moment. 


Living life day by day, enjoying the small treasures that He reveals to us daily, and being thankful.


I want to live life in the moment. Not worrying about tomorrow. Fully dependent on God.

Like I'm walking on the water.

Instead of panic, I want choose to rest.

Will you join me?



"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own"
Matthew 6:34