I have lived in the PNW for my entire life, minus four years of college in gross nasty desert California.
Because of this, I sometimes take for granted the cleansing power of the rain.
Think about it for a moment, don't you often find yourself taking for granted that which brings great value to your life?
Especially if it's something that happens often?
I know I do.
While I have always enjoyed the rain, I lately have found myself craving and basking in the glorious heat wave that has hit Seattle.
June has a tendency to be a little rainy, so this heat wave has been a pleasant surprise. At least for me.
But yesterday and this morning it was wet and cold and a little miserable.
Like, it was raining, but not really. It was light enough that you didn't need a jacket, but when you go to pump gas, giant drops of water hit you aggressively in the eye. #rude
Which is the most annoying kind of rain. And to be perfectly honestly, I was inwardly really salty about it.
Because I want to be outside and when it is rainy, I don't.
I know, first world problems.
I came home from some errands this morning, drank some coffee, ate mac and cheese (always a good choice) and fell asleep on the couch (it's been a long week, don't judge me for taking a nap at 11:30 in the morning).
I woke up to the sound of POURING rain outside my window.
And instead of being pissy about it (apparently the nap fixed that), I felt oddly calm and at peace.
I realized in that moment that rain has this incredible cleansing affect on not just the earth, but also on my soul.
When I was in southern California, it didn't rain very often.
And when it did, it stunk and just made a huge mess.
But here in Washington, while we do have floods and the rain can create problems, it more often than not gives the earth this sweet, clean smell of new beginnings.
It was probably because I am so tired, but I couldn't stop myself from crying a little.
I cried as I thought about my Serve Seattle family that just graduated and moved out today.
I teared up yet again as I thought about having to move. #stresscentral
And I teared up as I realized that Jesus created this simply, yet beautiful way of giving us a fresh start.
Maybe we mess up and do something stupid.
Maybe we are in over our heads and are not sure how to get out.
Perhaps we just have too much going on and need to simplify.
Regardless of the need, I am realized that the solution is often the same.
Rain.
Specifically a cleansing rain.
I think that's why the old hymn uses the analogy of all our sins being "washed away."
And maybe that's why God used a flood so long ago. To give the world a fresh start.
However, this afternoon, I am basking in the cleansing nature of this therapeutic rain as it compels me to slow down and breathe.
As it reminds me that tomorrow is a new day, and I have the opportunity to start fresh.
That no matter what I face, I serve a God who is in control and loves me enough to send a cleansing rain.
The cleansing stream I see, I see;
I plunge, and O it cleanseth me!
O praise the Lord it cleanseth me!
It cleanseth me, yes, cleanseth me.
#simplicity2016
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
simplicity 2016: hanging plants and baby birds
Back in April, I wrote a post about my long procrastinated project of planting a garden.
I planted some herbs, potted some lavender and hung a fuchsia basket that was supposed to have magnificent purple and dark pink blooms.
And has it ever blossomed! It's quite possibly my favorite part of my little garden.
And today, I discovered that it is also the favorite place of my two new neighbors.
The most adorable little birds I have ever seen!
Unfortunately, I think I scared a few months off their lives when I went to water my fuchsia this afternoon....
I turned on the hose, carried it over to the basket and started watering the plant.
Then, as soon as the water hit the soil, a tiny bird SHOT out of the basket and perched on the ledge underneath the upstairs desk.
He just sat there, puffing his chest and staring straight ahead, hoping I wouldn't see him.
I walked over to inspect the basket a little more closely, and he got extremely agitated and flew away, squawking vehemently at me.
When I peered inside, I realized why.
His woman was inside and I was invading their space.
I didn't see any eggs, but I am almost positive she is pregnant or the eggs are hidden. Otherwise she would have left the nest too.
I had to snap a photo, but tried to be super quiet and careful. Then I creeped away. Well, I had to shoo the crow away. He was being a douche and needed to leave.
If you are still reading, you know I am about to tie this to simplicity in some way, shape or form.
My thought might be a little jumbled, but here they are:
1) I am stressing out about moving, but these little babes know and expect to have a temporary home.
2) How am I going to protect these little babies when I move?!?
3) I strangely feel like I have my own little bird family and it's weirdly comforting?
4) I am totally naming them. Mr & Mrs Fitzwilliam and Geraldine Peabody
5) I really hope the babies come before I move. Otherwise I am leaving the plant here and just getting a new one. Because I am not going to be responsible for killing baby birds. Or making them homeless.
Those were the main thoughts.
The other main thought I had hit me when I walked inside and stopped annoying them.
I guess this is where simplicity ties in...
When I realized they were in there, everything stopped.
I mean everything felt like it stood completely still.
There was this beautiful moment when it hit me that new life was happening right under my nose.
Right by my front door, another story of life was taking place.
You see, life is busy.
At least where I live.
And I don't see it changing any time soon.
And amidst all the chaos and busyness, I often forget I have control over how crazy my life gets.
I can't control all of it, but I am realizing I have a lot more say in my schedule than I think I do.
My little neighbors reminded me of that important fact. They reminded me that life at its core is truly about the day to day.
Vision and long term goals are important; but, if we don't have time to stop to smell flowers and watch pretty birds, then we are too busy.
I know they won't stay forever, because they have other things to do; but, I really hope we stay for the same length of time.
Because they are cute and are keeping me company. And I am selfish and want to peek at baby birds!
They are also reminding me about practicing simplicity. So that helps too.
"a bird is safe in its nest - but that is not what its wings are made for..."
#simplicity2016
I planted some herbs, potted some lavender and hung a fuchsia basket that was supposed to have magnificent purple and dark pink blooms.
And has it ever blossomed! It's quite possibly my favorite part of my little garden.
And today, I discovered that it is also the favorite place of my two new neighbors.
The most adorable little birds I have ever seen!
Unfortunately, I think I scared a few months off their lives when I went to water my fuchsia this afternoon....
I turned on the hose, carried it over to the basket and started watering the plant.
Then, as soon as the water hit the soil, a tiny bird SHOT out of the basket and perched on the ledge underneath the upstairs desk.
He just sat there, puffing his chest and staring straight ahead, hoping I wouldn't see him.
I walked over to inspect the basket a little more closely, and he got extremely agitated and flew away, squawking vehemently at me.
When I peered inside, I realized why.
His woman was inside and I was invading their space.
I didn't see any eggs, but I am almost positive she is pregnant or the eggs are hidden. Otherwise she would have left the nest too.
I had to snap a photo, but tried to be super quiet and careful. Then I creeped away. Well, I had to shoo the crow away. He was being a douche and needed to leave.
If you are still reading, you know I am about to tie this to simplicity in some way, shape or form.
My thought might be a little jumbled, but here they are:
1) I am stressing out about moving, but these little babes know and expect to have a temporary home.
2) How am I going to protect these little babies when I move?!?
3) I strangely feel like I have my own little bird family and it's weirdly comforting?
4) I am totally naming them. Mr & Mrs Fitzwilliam and Geraldine Peabody
5) I really hope the babies come before I move. Otherwise I am leaving the plant here and just getting a new one. Because I am not going to be responsible for killing baby birds. Or making them homeless.
Those were the main thoughts.
The other main thought I had hit me when I walked inside and stopped annoying them.
I guess this is where simplicity ties in...
When I realized they were in there, everything stopped.
I mean everything felt like it stood completely still.
There was this beautiful moment when it hit me that new life was happening right under my nose.
Right by my front door, another story of life was taking place.
You see, life is busy.
At least where I live.
And I don't see it changing any time soon.
And amidst all the chaos and busyness, I often forget I have control over how crazy my life gets.
I can't control all of it, but I am realizing I have a lot more say in my schedule than I think I do.
My little neighbors reminded me of that important fact. They reminded me that life at its core is truly about the day to day.
Vision and long term goals are important; but, if we don't have time to stop to smell flowers and watch pretty birds, then we are too busy.
I know they won't stay forever, because they have other things to do; but, I really hope we stay for the same length of time.
Because they are cute and are keeping me company. And I am selfish and want to peek at baby birds!
They are also reminding me about practicing simplicity. So that helps too.
"a bird is safe in its nest - but that is not what its wings are made for..."
#simplicity2016
Saturday, June 11, 2016
simplicity 2016: receipts
At the end of December, when the Lord gave me this theme of simplicity, He also gave me three specific areas in which He wanted me to cultivate it.
They were/are: finances, technology and stuff.
January was a solid month. I was on my phone less. I was watching my budget. And I told myself I would start purging through my things soon.
But I didn't.
You see, I am not a hoarder or someone who is messy.
I am organized and tidy. I try to live simply.
So, I didn't see the need to rush through purging and cleaning because I was already so organized.
(insert eye roll)
However, the Lord gently nudged me and said I would need to have the plurging done by June.
At this time it was March, so I knew I had better get started.
And I did.
Partially.
As in three boxes. One night when it was raining and all my friends were busy.
Because for all my order and love of structure, my house can sometimes be procrastination station, and I put off the things that I don't love doing.
Like dishes. Or laundry.
But last month, my landlords came to me and said they were going to be putting their house on the market and it would probably be sold by the end of the summer.
This was in May.
The Lord said by June.
Now it's making sense...
But moving....gross.
Not my most favorite pastime.
Sure, the new adventure will be fun, but right now I am in Whine Town.
Tears about not wanting the stress of moving.
Inward fits about the hassle of finding a new place to live.
Because, I live in Seattle.
And everyone and their mother wants to live here right now.
So that means that any and all available housing is expensive or unavailable.
Rude.
Also, ambiguity of any kind is super annoying to me. As well as being in limbo.
Which is how apartment hunting feels to me.
Some people love it, but it's just not really my thing.
I like my lists and my order and the consistency that it all brings to my life.
So needless to say, this moving thing had me feeling all out of whack....
And when I feel out of whack or have a problem I cannot solve, I clean.
And organize. Purge and throw all manner of things away.
Don't ask me why, but it helps. Every time.
So Wednesday night I cleaned. And binge watched "Rizzoli & Isles." And ate tater tots.
I only intended to go through one box of miscellaneous papers and then settle in for the evening.
Since I don't have that much stuff.... (imagine this said with sarcasm)
6 hours, yes.... 6 hours later, I sat down on my couch.
Pretty pleased with myself.
Also ashamed.
Why?
Well...
Once upon a time, I kept every receipt known to man because, identity theft is a thing.
And I was convinced that someone out there wanted to steal my identity.
It didn't matter that I had no credit history and made barely $1,000/month.
I thought the only responsible thing to do was shred all of them, therefore and forevermore removing the temptation for someone to steal my identity.
And maybe it would have been.
Except that I never actually made time for that.
I made time to put them all in a box to be shredded later.
But I never actually did it.
Well, there was that one time I took a bag to Office Depot and paid them $1/pound to shred it for me.
So that's something.
But all the rest were put in a box six years ago. Never to be heard from again until Wednesday evening.
In comes the shame....
At the end of the night I had two and a half bags of receipts, to do lists, old planners and car insurance paperwork for a car I haven't had in five years.
Disgusting.
Now that it's done, I feel tons better.
Moving feels a little less overwhelming, packing doesn't seem as stressful, and I feel like a total boss for all the work I got done.
Still ashamed of the clutter, but proud nonetheless.
It's almost the middle of June, I only have a few more spaces to clean in my apartment and I am waiting to hear back from a few housing opportunities.
Things are feeling manageable.
All because of this practice of simplicity.
This year is teaching me that simplicity isn't necessarily about having less stuff. Or even in doing fewer things. Although I think those are definitely parts of it.
I'm realizing simplicity for me is about uncomplicating my life.
Boxes of receipts are complicated.
Unused decorative pillows are complicated.
A digital camera I haven't used in eight years is complicated.
Not being able to get into my hall closet because of boxes is complicated.
So in getting rid of/gifting/shredding/throwing away stuff, I am clearing space (both figuratively and literally) for anything the Lord wants to bring into my life.
And that's more important than any of those old receipts.
#simplicity2016
They were/are: finances, technology and stuff.
January was a solid month. I was on my phone less. I was watching my budget. And I told myself I would start purging through my things soon.
But I didn't.
You see, I am not a hoarder or someone who is messy.
I am organized and tidy. I try to live simply.
So, I didn't see the need to rush through purging and cleaning because I was already so organized.
(insert eye roll)
However, the Lord gently nudged me and said I would need to have the plurging done by June.
At this time it was March, so I knew I had better get started.
And I did.
Partially.
As in three boxes. One night when it was raining and all my friends were busy.
Because for all my order and love of structure, my house can sometimes be procrastination station, and I put off the things that I don't love doing.
Like dishes. Or laundry.
But last month, my landlords came to me and said they were going to be putting their house on the market and it would probably be sold by the end of the summer.
This was in May.
The Lord said by June.
Now it's making sense...
But moving....gross.
Not my most favorite pastime.
Sure, the new adventure will be fun, but right now I am in Whine Town.
Tears about not wanting the stress of moving.
Inward fits about the hassle of finding a new place to live.
Because, I live in Seattle.
And everyone and their mother wants to live here right now.
So that means that any and all available housing is expensive or unavailable.
Rude.
Also, ambiguity of any kind is super annoying to me. As well as being in limbo.
Which is how apartment hunting feels to me.
Some people love it, but it's just not really my thing.
I like my lists and my order and the consistency that it all brings to my life.
So needless to say, this moving thing had me feeling all out of whack....
And when I feel out of whack or have a problem I cannot solve, I clean.
And organize. Purge and throw all manner of things away.
Don't ask me why, but it helps. Every time.
So Wednesday night I cleaned. And binge watched "Rizzoli & Isles." And ate tater tots.
I only intended to go through one box of miscellaneous papers and then settle in for the evening.
Since I don't have that much stuff.... (imagine this said with sarcasm)
6 hours, yes.... 6 hours later, I sat down on my couch.
Pretty pleased with myself.
Also ashamed.
Why?
Well...
Once upon a time, I kept every receipt known to man because, identity theft is a thing.
And I was convinced that someone out there wanted to steal my identity.
It didn't matter that I had no credit history and made barely $1,000/month.
I thought the only responsible thing to do was shred all of them, therefore and forevermore removing the temptation for someone to steal my identity.
And maybe it would have been.
Except that I never actually made time for that.
I made time to put them all in a box to be shredded later.
But I never actually did it.
Well, there was that one time I took a bag to Office Depot and paid them $1/pound to shred it for me.
So that's something.
But all the rest were put in a box six years ago. Never to be heard from again until Wednesday evening.
In comes the shame....
At the end of the night I had two and a half bags of receipts, to do lists, old planners and car insurance paperwork for a car I haven't had in five years.
Disgusting.
Now that it's done, I feel tons better.
Moving feels a little less overwhelming, packing doesn't seem as stressful, and I feel like a total boss for all the work I got done.
Still ashamed of the clutter, but proud nonetheless.
It's almost the middle of June, I only have a few more spaces to clean in my apartment and I am waiting to hear back from a few housing opportunities.
Things are feeling manageable.
All because of this practice of simplicity.
This year is teaching me that simplicity isn't necessarily about having less stuff. Or even in doing fewer things. Although I think those are definitely parts of it.
I'm realizing simplicity for me is about uncomplicating my life.
Boxes of receipts are complicated.
Unused decorative pillows are complicated.
A digital camera I haven't used in eight years is complicated.
Not being able to get into my hall closet because of boxes is complicated.
So in getting rid of/gifting/shredding/throwing away stuff, I am clearing space (both figuratively and literally) for anything the Lord wants to bring into my life.
And that's more important than any of those old receipts.
#simplicity2016
Thursday, April 21, 2016
simplicity 2016: finally reading "seven"
I've been a reader and a learner almost my entire life.
My parents taught me to read around the age of five, I hated the stupid books I had to learn to read with, and then I discovered Disney.
And that changed everything.
I think my dad was the most proud and also relieved, because the idea of having a child who hated books really bothered his bibliophile's heart.
This love of knowledge is great. And being a lover of books is great.
Except when I keep buying books, putting them on my shelf and reading BuzzFeed for a thousand hours.
Am I learning? Sure. About which Beyonce song best describes my life. Or the 21 vegan spots in London I just CAN'T miss. Or that I can purchase and own Kim Kardashian crying face earrings. Cause we all know that's a priority.
All this brings me back to my theme for the year. And how I've been falling off that wagon recently. Oops.
My friend Renee suggested this book to me about three months ago.
In a nutshell it's about simplifying your dang life.
And in a broader sense... I have no idea, because I haven't started it yet, and it's 6 days overdue at the library.
Which means I will owe the library $.70 if I return it today, and more than that if I actually read the book before returning it.
Oh hey simplifying my finances! That makes tons of sense to have overdue library books. I'm really only fooling myself that I am practicing simplicity by using the library instead of Amazon Prime.
Moving on....
I'm going to read this book. Hopefully by the weekend. I'm going to not watch my shows on Hulu until it's done. Wait for me Olivia Benson!
And hopefully, I will have gained some good nuggets from this paperback self help book vs BuzzFeed telling me which donuts I should eat. I can't eat donuts you horrible cretin!
What kind of sick twisty trash is this website anyway.... (who am I kidding, I will never stop reading).
Signing off to go read now. I'll let you know how it goes. When I've read it. Completely. No skimming allowed.
#simplicity2016
My parents taught me to read around the age of five, I hated the stupid books I had to learn to read with, and then I discovered Disney.
And that changed everything.
I think my dad was the most proud and also relieved, because the idea of having a child who hated books really bothered his bibliophile's heart.
This love of knowledge is great. And being a lover of books is great.
Except when I keep buying books, putting them on my shelf and reading BuzzFeed for a thousand hours.
Am I learning? Sure. About which Beyonce song best describes my life. Or the 21 vegan spots in London I just CAN'T miss. Or that I can purchase and own Kim Kardashian crying face earrings. Cause we all know that's a priority.
All this brings me back to my theme for the year. And how I've been falling off that wagon recently. Oops.
My friend Renee suggested this book to me about three months ago.
In a nutshell it's about simplifying your dang life.
And in a broader sense... I have no idea, because I haven't started it yet, and it's 6 days overdue at the library.
Which means I will owe the library $.70 if I return it today, and more than that if I actually read the book before returning it.
Oh hey simplifying my finances! That makes tons of sense to have overdue library books. I'm really only fooling myself that I am practicing simplicity by using the library instead of Amazon Prime.
Moving on....
I'm going to read this book. Hopefully by the weekend. I'm going to not watch my shows on Hulu until it's done. Wait for me Olivia Benson!
And hopefully, I will have gained some good nuggets from this paperback self help book vs BuzzFeed telling me which donuts I should eat. I can't eat donuts you horrible cretin!
What kind of sick twisty trash is this website anyway.... (who am I kidding, I will never stop reading).
Signing off to go read now. I'll let you know how it goes. When I've read it. Completely. No skimming allowed.
#simplicity2016
Monday, April 11, 2016
simplicity 2016: mark one thirty five
Jesus, teach me to pray like you.
teach me to always have my heart in a position of prayer. so that my actions and my words are consistently and worshipful for prayer.
prayer is an intimate conversation I have with my Father every day.
and it's amazing.
but sometimes I'm not very good at it.
on Saturday morning, early, He showed me how He loves to talk with me.
my heart felt recharged and I felt challenged to make my time with Him more intentional and special.
then last night at church, the Spirit hit me there again.
guess it's what I needed to hear and focus on.
so Lord? please never stop teaching me how to pray....
{for prayer - a poem about worship}
the sun went down
the lights are low
the candles lit
for prayer
my phone turned off
the tv dark
my book is closed
for prayer
my pen is ready
my journal open
names are flowing
for prayer
the Father hears me
the Spirit guides me
the family gathers
for prayer
i know He loves me
i know He seeks me
i know He joins me
for prayer
a sacred place
a scheduled time
a somber night
for prayer
#simplicity2016
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
simplicity 2016: peter rabbit's garden
"once upon a time there were four little rabbits, and their names were--flopsy, mopsy, cottontail, and peter." - beatrix potter
over one year ago i made a list. a list to plant a garden.
a list that i named 'peter rabbit plants a garden'
(because if you have never read anything by beatrix potter, then you must.
it is whimsical, delightful and takes you back to simpler times)
but i never planted the garden. i didn't make time, and before i knew it, the winter came and went.
and no garden.
this evening, the sun was too beautiful and the wind too sweet.
i couldn't keep myself from buying seeds and finally planting my garden.
you see, i come from a family of green thumbs, but haven't ever dabbled in it myself.
i'll eat what my uncle grows all day long, and i adore the smell of fresh flowers.
i guess i'm just nervous i'll suck at it. and i don't want too...
i purchased a lavender plant, a white bleeding heart, and three herb packets.
some lovely pots and organic potting soil.
even if my little garden fails, the pure bliss of digging my hands into that soil and walking around barefoot makes it worth it.
so my little seeds are in the ground. covered, watered and tucked in for the night.
and hopefully, in two weeks, little sprouts of basil, parsley and cilantro will erupt from the ground.
life will begin and freshness will burst forth from the earth.
and that's so beautiful. beautiful because we get to see the miracle of life. a miracle that our Jesus gave us when HE created
our world.
it's something that constantly blows my mind.
because it's complex, while still remaining simple.
plant. water. tend. gather. repeat.
simple and beautiful.
#simplicity2016
Thursday, March 10, 2016
simplicity 2016: earrings from africa
One of my favorite characteristics of Jesus is that He is a creative storyteller.
Today I am in La Mirada, California, at BIOLA University's annual missions conference.
I'm here with Serve Seattle, recruiting for our summer program.
Not normally something that falls into my job description, but it's a cool adventure, so I'll take it.
Also... I love talking about Serve Seattle!
We are not the only ministry represented though, and the last day and a half has been spent settling in and getting to know people.
You guys, people who deeply love Jesus are doing amazing things in our world.
And while I do have a tendency to be a little jaded when it comes to "corporate" Christian events, today really blessed me.
Because Jesus wrote me a story.
Our table is set up inside a tent with about 30 other ministry displays.
Yesterday, after we set up, I walked over to the table next to us to see what they were all about.
Correction: they had super rad earrings made from bottle caps on display and I totally wanted a pair....#sorrynotsorry
I started chatting with Chuck and found out he volunteers at this conference, helping his friend recruit teachers for schools in Africa.
Super cool.
And the earrings I was eyeing? Made by a widow in Malawi...
Then I shared what we do in Seattle and he shared what he does full time.
He is a police chaplain in San Diego.
Which to some might not seem like a big deal, but having a dad who was in law enforcement gives all those men and women a special place in my heart.
We chatted for awhile about the law enforcement community and how the Lord is using him in this capacity.
And probably the coolest thing we talked about was how the community of law enforcement is actually a really beautiful example of how Jesus wants us to live with each other each day.
Not a bombastic story at all. But it never fails to amaze me that when we are open to the creativity of Jesus, we meet the coolest people and walk away blessed in ways we wouldn't have otherwise been.
Chuck gave me some earrings, a couple books and a blessing in my heart.
God is cool and I love Him.
#simplicity2016
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