what I'm grappling right now

The Trouble with Dave Ramsey
How Much is too Much? 
and Part 2 

I love Dave Ramsey, but I also am being pulled to remember our kingdom is in heaven and not on earth.

Project Simplify!

Pantry Before

Pantry After

Fridge (before and after below)

I have discovered a wonderful set of blogs that resonate with so much I am passionate about in this time of life. Check out: http://simplemom.net/ This month, she challenged her readers to Project Simplify...a focused area of decluttering. And I love to declutter! Less stuff=less stuff to lose, pickup, walk on=more peace, order=one happy mama! One area I actually took pics of was the fridge and pantry. And it brought me a lot of joy!

What Are You Living For?

raindrops on roses

These are a few of my (latest) favorite things.

Daniel Study: This has been a great, though convicting study for me. It's amazing how similar our culture is to the past Babylon. I'd encourage anyone to do this. It'll forever change you!

Beyond the Sling, Mayim Bialik: I have loved this book! It's so refreshing to find a mama who is living the attachment parenting method. I thought this would just be reinforcement on how we parent, but I have been pleasantly surprised to be encouraged and challenged by new ideas regarding bedsharing, discipline and children "stuff". Love it!
Real Marriage: I just checked this book out from the library, but love it already! I love that the authors are transparent with their relationship. I also love that they speak so much about friendship in marriage. It seems most books skip over this!
Strong Stride DVD: This is a great workout to complement running. I have always hated that when I'm training for a run that I inevitably give up pilates and yoga. This brings pilates and strength training back to my life, specifically designed to improve your running. It's a tough workout, but that's what makes it great!

So I have tons more favorite things but I have a little one who needs me and this will have to do for now. :)

a thought on marriage

So I recently started listening to more Focus on the Family broadcasts, probably because

#1 Marriage is always a work in progress and

#2 I don't want to settle for a good marriage, and I should say "we" want a great marriage!

So, I realized I start a lot of sentences with "so".

So, the thought that stuck out is that marriage is a sanctification process. I've never thought of it that way, and it's a good thought to ponder. Marriage, just like God will not settle on leaving you unchanged. It's a tough thought and a wonderful thought all at the same time.

If you'd like to check out the broadcasts, go here and find the series, "God's blueprint for a healthy marriage." I hope it blesses you!

rich

worldly

Last night I started the Daniel study (Beth Moore's study) at church. And boy howdy, did it get in my business! In a good way...but an oh so tough way. I am grappling now with am I this world's or am I Christ's? And I question...is it ok to spend money re-decorating our house, as opposed to say giving it away? Do I spend too much time dreaming about my dreams instead of asking the Lord what His will is? Now I do believe that the Lord gives us desires and desires that are good and pure. I truly believe that my love of house design and photography are given to me by the perfect Creator. What I am struggling with is when do they take the place of God? I'm really hoping this bible study will bring me clarity. I so want to honor God with everything. But this world can pull you away and you don't even know that you have another lover.

I was listening to a Rich Mullins' song today and it said, "The world can't stand what it cannot own." And I wonder, "Does the world own me?"

This might be way too deep, but it's what is going on in this little brain of mine. I know that the spiritual gifts God gives are way better than a perfectly designed house could ever give me. What is the right balance?

(end of deep thought for the day...does anyone else smell something burning?)

not so carpe diem

So, I know this blog is quiet for my 1 reader out there. But honestly I don't have much to say. Late at night I think about writing a long post on what's been going on. But that's at night and I decide I'd rather get sleep so I'm not a grouchy mama bear. My heart feels quiet and contemplative. My heart is full of joy but also a bit of shocked sadness. God is so good. Gosh, He's so good.

But I read this today and it really resonated. I love being a mama, but sometimes in my day, I think, "Am I really serving God's purpose when my ugly self comes out in parenting complications?" And then I read this, and I thank God for those special times. It makes it worth it.

child of love

One of my favorite Christmas songs. It touches my heart as I think of simply a mom holding her new baby. A miracle in so many ways. A miracle that he was even born. A miracle of a new life. A miracle of our savior!

ponder

So I came across this blog post from another blog and I'm trying to digest it.

Check this out.