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.

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…

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.

I came across this quote yesterday and thought I would share it:

“Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God” Jim Elliot

This quote certainly puts into perspective what we do daily. There are many times that I get overwhelmed with the tasks that are before me. I may show from my expressions that I am not happy with my present situation.

Although, when I read this quote, it reminds me to keep my heart fixed on the Father and to allow His light to shine through me and onto the lives of the people around me. This is my calling….may I do it with enthusiasm and joy!

As I was leaving my house today, I looked down to see the flag that we currently have in our front yard. It says “Peace on Earth”. It has a snow covered landscape with a church pictured in the center. I immediately began humming the tune to the song, “Let There Be Peace on Earth”.

Don’t ask me why that particular song came to mind…but I started singing it out loud, listening to the lyrics as I sang:

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me;
Let there be peace on earth,
The peace that was meant to be.

With God as our Father
Brothers all are we,
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.*

Let peace begin with me,
Let this be the moment now;
With every step I take,
Let this be my solemn vow:

To take each moment and live each moment
In peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.

Copyright 1955 by Jan-Lee Music. Copyright renewed 1983. All rights reserved.

I tried to remember when I first heard the song. Was it in my early days in the small Baptist church where my mother took me each Sunday (and Sunday night and Wednesday night…) Was it in Girl Scout Camp? In School? All I know is that I heard it a long time ago and I still remembered each word to that song.

It may sound silly, but today I heard it in a new way…as I sang each line of that song, I realized that it embodied what I want as a member of the body of Christ. I want to live at peace with all people that I come in contact with. I don’t want those words to be superficial. I want to live life with others each moment and each day with the love of Christ as the center.

I have to ask myself the question…Is this possible? Can I be a part of something that is only dreamed of? I believe the answer is “yes!” I believe that as followers of Christ, we can live at peace with one another and even more so, we can share the love of Christ in a very real and tangible way. How I long for that to be a reality in my life!

Has anyone ever had thoughts as crazy as these? If so, would you like to join me in recognizing that no matter what is happening in your life, you can come to the feet of Jesus confidently and know that He will put others in your path that will encourage, edify and motivate you to seek Him more and more each day.

“But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall…” Ephesians 2:14-15

Well, I knew it would happen sooner or later…I have officially been tagged!

I used to like that game in school, it was the one game I knew how to play!

Although, I haven’t really made up my mind if I like it in the blogosphere… that is, until today. I pondered the reasons why I shouldn’t participate, but then I realized it is just one tool that is used to get to know each other a little bit better. I like the idea of creating a space where people can have an actual relationship…no, it’s not the same as face-to-face interaction, but isn’t it amazing that we can get to know each other at all? We can reach across the miles and have a honest to goodness relationship. What could be better?

This particular meme was not new to me, actually.

It started with Jollyblogger tagging my husband..then Steve tagged Phil Wyman…then, Phil tagged John Smulo and John tagged me. See how these things get started?

Thank you, John for bringing me into the loop. I have enjoyed reading everyone’s responses and am thrilled you tagged me.

So, here is my small attempt to answer these deep meaningful questions…

1) What’s the most fun work you’ve ever done, and why? (two sentences max)

• That would be what I am currently doing…homeschooling my 14 year old son. It is so rewarding (and fun!) to see your own child succeeding in areas that have been difficult for him in the past. And I wouldn’t be able to do it without the support of my husband!

2) Name one thing you did in the past that you no longer do but wish you did? (one sentence max)

• Being a mom to a toddler…this is such an incredible time, they are learning and doing so many new things. They remind me of the reality that God’s compassions “are new every morning” Lamentations 3:23

3) Name one thing you’ve always wanted to do but keep putting it off? (one sentence max)

• Start a jewelry business (which I am actually in the process of doing) But…this involves creating a website (that I keep putting off!)

4) What two things would you most like to learn or be better at, and why? (two sentences max)

• Creating a website (for obvious reasons) and strengthening my voice (for recording with my husband!)

5) If you could take a class/workshop/apprentice from anyone in the world living or dead, who would it be and what would you hope to learn? (two more sentences, max)

• Mother Theresa (yes, I know she’s not alive!) I can only imagine that she was able to touch people’s lives in the most profound way. It would have been amazing to walk alongside her and see what she saw (with her compassionate eyes)

6) What three words might your best friends or family use to describe you?

• A. Quiet, patient, giving

7) Now list three more words you wish described you…

• Currently with child

8) What are your top three passions? (can be current or past, work, hobbies, or causes– three sentences max)

• Loving my husband and son

• Creating and maintaining relationships that demonstrate Christ’s love

• Helping and loving those that seem “unlovable”

9) Write–and answer–one more question that YOU would ask someone (with answer in three sentences max)

• When someone is pondering a decision or direction, I might ask: What does God say in His word and through His spirit?

• Usually the answer is : “uh…let me get back to you on that one”

Alrighty…that wasn’t painful at all! It was actually very introspective. I haven’t thought of the answers to those types of questions in quite a while.

So, now, it’s your turn…

Go ahead, give it a whirl!

I tag:

Trish

Practicing His Presence

Amy

Monnie

Flutemom

or anyone else that is reading this and wants to play!

If you don’t have your own blog, you can answer the questions in the comments section.

Amy, since you are using your husband’s URL, maybe he’ll let you write a post on there. I’m just saying…

I’m continuing to read the book that I mentioned in the previous post. To be honest with you, the last several chapters have been extremely hard to read. Stories of GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) that are used on many of the foods that we consume every day, but we don’t know it because the USDA does not require any labeling to alert consumers of this organism. Stories of animal factories for chickens, pigs and cows that are treated in truly cruel ways, not to mention the chemicals that are being placed in these animals to produce more growth. Do we really know what all these things are doing to our bodies? It really is enough information to produce an enormous amount of fear. In fact, after reading this before I go to bed at night, I am having a difficult time winding down enough from all the emotions that surface from trying to digest all the details included in this book.

This book is not written from a spiritual perspective. So, I have had to take what is good from it and ignore the rest. But as I read, I became rather sad just realizing that many people come from the perspective of relying on someone (or the government, in this case) for our security. When reading about all the wrong things that are happening in regard to the food that we consume, it does create a sense of wanting to make better choices in what we intake. For that reason, it is helpful to gain this knowledge. Where I believe it does a disservice, is when it creates fear in what we eat, offering no possibility of hope for our future.

Jesus said:

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink’ or ‘What shall we wear?’. For all the pagans run after these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it’s own.” Matthew 6:31-34

This gives me the assurance that Jesus is aware of our needs and He will guide us in the direction of what foods to eat and to drink. We must listen to His voice and act upon His leading into those choices, but when we do, we have the assurance that He has guided us there and therefore, we have no need to worry of the outcome.

How do we act upon his leading? Some people might ask, “How do we know it is God that is leading us?” I believe that we know our Savior’s voice. When we are intimate with Him, we have no need to doubt whether He is leading us or not. We will know.

I believe this can be attached to many things in life, not just what we eat, but in many situations that we may be wondering which way to go.

Seek intimacy with Jesus. He will guide you and show you His love.