I have been thinking for several years now about the idea of simplicity. It seems that we as a culture would be wise to really think about what we consume, why we consume and if we really need to consume. I am especially aware of simplicity when it comes to raising my children. I want to teach them to be good stewards of the earth and the things they are fortunate to own. I want to model this to them. With the addition of a toddler into our home, that is still in diapers, I have been particularly cognizant of the burden that using disposable products places on our environment.

I have come across several blogs, websites, newsletters, etc., that focus on the idea of simplicity. Many of them have given me a wealth of information that really causes me ask the question, “why do we do what we do?” One of the blogs that I have come across recently is one authored by Michelle Kennedy Hogan called Organically Inclined. The range of topics found at Michelle’s blog includes homelessness, homeschooling, simplicity, gardening, raising teens, eating well, etc. She has authored several books as well, none of which I have read, but I certainly hope to in the near future.

Michelle has a contest happening right now:

“Organically Inclined has just gotten some sweet products. From today (July 8, 2008) through next Friday (July 18, 2008) make a comment on any of our blog posts and you will be automatically entered to win an Organically Inclined cotton tote bag (check them out here) filled with a copy of Michelle’s book “Without a Net,” a copy of Michelle’s book “The Big Book of Happy,” a gift certificate for one gDiaper cover of your choice; an Organically Inclined bumper sticker and a variety of green cleaning supplies!”

I hope you will be encouraged to read Michelle’s writing and that you would be truly inspired to simplify your life in actions and in community with others.

Let me first say that photography does not come easily for me. I enjoy taking pictures, especially of my family, but I know that I could get a better picture, if I knew how to “really” use my camera. Speaking of my camera, I have had it for about 3 years now and after taking literally hundreds of pictures (mostly of my family), I still use it mostly to “point and shoot”—even though it has many settings to help me take a more realistic photo—I just have been unable to use it to it’s full potential. Until now…..

I was fortunate to come across a blog recently that is offering lessons in taking Digital Photography, so I am going to try and learn a few things about my camera. Through the Lens- Digital Photography 101 is just what I needed to get myself motivated to take some awesome pictures (hopefully!)The first assignment was to get acquainted with the camera manual and begin taking pictures—anything—the idea is to start playing with the settings on your camera to produce the desired picture. So, hopefully, in a few days, I will be able to post some photos of my practice sessions!

HT: Heather

Today is a special day. It is a day to celebrate another year of marriage to my wonderful husband–four years, in fact.

Our story is one of God’s grace and love. Steve and I have been through much in our early adult lives, but through God’s eyes, He was able to see through what the world would describe as unworthy and clear the way for our paths to cross. Through His grace, we were able to connect and we immediately began seeing the hand of God on our lives together. Many would question whether God could bless our life together, based on our past experiences, but we chose to listen to God’s voice instead of the voice of fear. And we have been blessed because of it…

We are amazed every day at God’s provision for our lives—not just material things, the things that money can’t buy, the things that matter most to us and touch the very core of who we are.

So, today, I express my love for my husband, the one chosen by God to complete the rest of my life on this earth. And I express my love and endless gratitude to God, for taking one so unworthy, yet seeing what could be accomplished in these two lives together.

It is truly a honor to be living this life with you, Steve.

All my love,

Well, here I am, once again, beginning a new journey. It feels good, but somehow not quite complete. It is only in the beginning stages, literally hours, but still a little surreal.

I ended my time working as a teacher in the school system today. It was a decision that has been in process for several years now. When we decided that public school wasn’t working out too well for our son and we decided to homeschool him, I began thinking of changing my path as well. So, two years later, I am at that “jumping off” point. I know it is what I am to do, for myself and my family and most importantly, it is what the Holy Spirit has led me to do. The feelings that I am having at the moment are a little like I am walking away from my identity as a “teacher of children with special needs” and walking toward completely embracing my identity as a “follower of Christ”.

I think the natural feelings I am having right now are just that, “natural”. They will pass soon and the picture of who I am and who I am going to be will begin to look much clearer to me. My family needs me—all of me. And I need to be completely surrendered to my Father, who has many wonderful things planned for me and for my family.

There is freedom in following the leading of the Holy Spirit. There are also unknown experiences awaiting. I like that….I like knowing I can totally trust my Father with EVERYTHING in my life and know, have confidence and be assured in his love for me.

I already see things a little clearer by simply writing these words…

Hey, everyone. Steve here abusing my administrative login to Christy’s blog to say:

Happy birthday, sweetheart!!

I love you so much, and am so glad that we are on this journey of life together. I hope your day is at least half as special as you are to me.

Your adoring husband,

steve

What does it mean to be a believer in Christ? Should we follow the example that he set before us?

A song that has resonated with us in the past year or so, is certainly still speaking to us today…..

I am paying close attention to this stanza:

’cause my Jesus bled and died

He spent his time with thieves and liars

He loved the poor and accosted the arrogant

So which one do you want to be?

If this is true, and I believe that it is, how can we ever push to have our rights validated? How can we seek to be correct in everything? How can we seek our own purposes?

When there are so many people in this world that are crying out to just be loved, how can I turn my back on them? No matter what their sin…..they still are loved by God. They do matter to Him. How can I love them any less?

My prayer is that I would never get to a point of being looked at by God as arrogant and self serving—may I always be open to loving whomever is placed in my path and that I would do so by the example of My Jesus.

Listening to the radio this morning, I heard a familiar song, one that I hadn’t heard in quite a while. As I concentrated on the lyrics, I was reminded of how fragile life can be. I was also reminded that without a relationship with Christ, how lost we are….and how confusing and difficult this world can be to us. Thank God for His grace and his love that is with us at all times. What an incredible gift….may we live each day basking in His love for us.

My, it has been a while since I have written here! Life has certainly gotten busy and I am finding my time just slipping through my fingers. We are in the process of adopting a beautiful little girl, which you can read about here and I am entering the end of my time in the school system. After the month of May, I will be walking a little bit lighter and how good that will feel!! Until then, I will sprinkle my sporadic thoughts here and there.

There are some thoughts that I would like to just put there really for the sake of getting them off my chest and if it provokes any thoughts in you, I would love to hear them.

I have read some thoughts recently about what the “biblical” Christian or church should be doing in the lives of others. Most of the content relies heavily on speaking biblical truths to people no matter how much it hurts, when–of course– speaking it in love, because the heart behind this biblical motivation is to encourage them in their relationship with God.

My question is this…

Should we be describing our way as “biblical”? Isn’t that implying that all other ways are not biblical—and isn’t that placing ourselves above others–and these are brothers and sisters in Christ, mind you–and making them feel intimidated, guilty and unloved? It seems that Jesus’ goal was to bring people to himself and love them unconditionally– wherever they are in their life.

I am reminded of the woman who was caught in the act of adultery and was face to face with Jesus. Here is how he responded:

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

“No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:3-11

I read this as an example of speaking to another in love. I do not think that throwing people’s sin in their faces is an act of love. Jesus showed love to this woman and yes, gave her a direction to leave her life of sin, but after seeing the love come through the eyes of Jesus, why wouldn’t she?

In this same passage, Jesus speaks to the Pharisees very bluntly, which I believe is an example to make note of when people are judging others by human standards:

“Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.” John 8: 14-18

Jesus backed up these words by not placing judgments on others. He sets the example for us…the life of a follower of Christ should not be to judge, but to show love. That is our role.

But let’s really get down to the definition of Christian….what does this mean? In my opinion, if we call ourselves Christians, we should be just that…..followers of Christ. A follower of his teachings, his example, his life. I’m not sure this means being a follower of a particular doctrine or procedure for living. If so, where does the Holy Spirit fit into our lives? What if the Spirit is speaking to us to accomplish something that goes against the grain of our structure? Do we ignore the voice of God?

My intent in this post is not to point a finger at anyone. I am simply someone seeking to know what it means to live a life in a deep and meaningful relationship with Christ and with those in my home and community. I just tend to believe that the idea of condemning and judging others with the label of a “biblical” Christian, goes against everything that Jesus taught and lived out.

Just a word to let you know the current standing with our foster/adoption journey. Thank you to those who have been praying for us through this adventure. It isn’t quite over yet, but we are so very close to our dreams becoming a reality!

http://www.loveeachchild.com/2008/02/18/a-breath-of-fresh-air/

“Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed and overflowing with gratitude” Colossians 2:6-7

As I am reflecting on this day of Thanksgiving that was spent with family and an overabundance of food and fellowship, my mind has drifted toward all that I am thankful to experience in my life.

I have a beautiful family.

I am blessed with all that I need.

Each day I am encouraged by at least one person.

I have a desire to love those around me.

And I am loved by those around me.

I have a very talented son.

I am surrounded by the beauty of the Father’s presence every day.

I have the most incredible husband.

I pray that your Thanksgiving Day has been an encouragement and a blessing to you. As you reflect on your day, may your focus be on the Giver of life and may you be thankful for all the great things He has so freely given you.

In Gratitude,