tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40004198691058961012024-03-05T07:54:15.239-05:00Rewards of the Simple LifeLearning to Live More with LessUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-60228428323826053062013-12-09T21:10:00.001-05:002013-12-10T15:18:14.469-05:00a messy, beautiful holiday season.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm sitting here on our soft, leather love seat, with the lights on our Christmas tree and our few, scattered lamps providing the only light in the room. And as I'm sitting here, trying to wind down after the work day, trying to think about what else I need to do to be ready for work tomorrow, to clean up the house, to make for dinner tomorrow - my thoughts keep going back to how the holidays always seem to bring pain along the joy. It's as if every year, in the midst of buying and wrapping gifts, lighting advent candles, hanging ornaments and putting up greenery, stories of the pain and loss of those we know and love also must come along for the holiday season, balancing out the sense of joy with a feeling of sadness, and calling us to share not only gifts but also the burdens of those we love.<br />
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This season, the tree is as bright as ever, and the holiday season is ever so sweet, but it also brings with it stories of sadness in the lives of those we love…the loss of our friends' father, the loss of a child, and a broken marriage keeps reminding us this season that life is painful, too. At church on Sunday evening, we heard these same sentiments echoed from those around us, sharing the concerns, hurts, and brokenness of loved ones that inevitably share our thoughts this holiday season.<br />
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One thing I've learned in life is that pain and heartache cannot be avoided, and should not be avoided, because they shape and grow us in ways we cannot anticipate until we have gone through them. I feel as though Ben and I have been spared many of the sorrows that others face, but we still feel it for them, and with them, and each experience our own little sorrows along the way. One of my favorite authors, <a href="http://www.npr.org/2012/11/19/164814269/anne-lamott-distills-prayer-into-help-thanks-wow">Anne Lamott</a>, writes that there are three things she has learned to be true in life: that we are messy, ruined people; that we are loved beyond imagining; and that we are in control of so little.<br />
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The holidays this year seem to be a reminder of that for me. In the midst of celebrating the holiday, I cannot hold back the hurt that will inevitably enter the lives of those I love, and I can't solve the world's problems, or even my own, at times. But I can trust that along with the hard times, come good times, and that I am loved beyond what I can understand. <a href="http://www.shaunaniequist.com/project/bittersweet/">Along with the bitter, comes the sweet</a>, and when it feels as though it has been raining forever, the sun breaks through. <br />
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I think it's fitting, somehow, that pain enters the holiday season. Jesus' birth was likely not a beautiful, cozy, peaceful event. It was a birth - and that means messy, dirty, painful, and certainly not silent. There was hay, barn dirt, farm animals, and I'm sure more than a little fear and uncertainty in Mary and Joseph's minds about what was going to happen next. An empire, the status quo, and old ways were being overthrown - and a new way of loving God and each other was being ushered in - with this painful, beautiful, messy birth of a baby boy named Jesus.<br />
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Sometimes I think about what I would say to my younger self, looking back at the past couple years of my life. The thing I usually settle on is something like this - "Don't be afraid. Yes, there are hard times in life, there will be anxiety, fear of not measuring up, and brokenness in relationships and lives. That comes with the territory. But there are also joyful moments, so full of life and love and amazement that you have to be thankful for the painful ones because they help you to realize and fully experience joy with a thankful heart."<br />
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If you're also feeling the weight of brokenness along with the joy this season, let these words be for you too. Experience the bitter along with the sweet, the night along with the morning. Let the hurt draw you close to the One who entered the world to bring a kind of love to your life that cannot measured or held, but must be received and given.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-52931554389646769192013-08-26T21:50:00.000-04:002013-08-26T21:50:49.038-04:00The Little Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When you've made a move to somewhere new, especially when it's somewhere very new to you, you realize how much the little things matter.<br />
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I think it's because there are so many big things going on - like trying to figure out where to buy groceries, which box all your missing shoes must be in, and missing the people who make up your daily life and know you best - that it is small things that make all the difference.<br />
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It's the cards you receive in the mail from family and friends, welcoming you to your new home;<br />
the evenings you get to Skype with family from home;<br />
finding good coffee in your neighborhood;<br />
and weekend adventures to find homemade ice cream. <br />
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It's people at church, making you feel comfortable and inviting you out to lunch to get to know you;<br />
realizing you know how to get home without using the GPS, even if it's just from the grocery store down the block;<br />
and it's the moments of peace in the midst of unfamiliarity<br />
that make the big things seem like they're going to be just fine.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(A card we received from Ben's grandma - isn't it sweet?!)</span></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-30836322924163736382013-08-25T21:34:00.002-04:002013-08-25T21:34:47.126-04:00The MOVE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Images from our life in NC so far...</div>
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... more to come!</div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-71620114553673076692013-08-25T21:05:00.000-04:002013-08-25T21:05:04.584-04:00We are Broken Fragments<div style="text-align: center;">
(In response to a Sunday evening service filled with sharing, tears, and brokenness)</div>
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We are broken fragments; </div>
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at times, near tears, and sighing </div>
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under the weight of the burdens we carry.</div>
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<i>Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow,</i></div>
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<i>give us peace beyond our fear, and hope beyond our sorrow.</i></div>
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We are broken fragments; </div>
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and we are hurting; </div>
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at times, we are quiet, consumed by our fear</div>
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of stigmas, of vulnerability, of others' opinions of us.</div>
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<i>Come unto me, all who are weary,</i></div>
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<i>and I will give you rest.</i></div>
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We are broken fragments;</div>
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some of us in small pieces, shattered by broken dreams,</div>
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missed opportunities, and daily struggles;</div>
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others rebuilding, mending from past hurts,</div>
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moving toward wholeness day by day.</div>
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<i>Lord, let us be swept into Your current of love.</i></div>
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We are broken fragments;</div>
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some of us reaching out, yearning for Your touch;</div>
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others of us are just here, </div>
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waiting to be seen, known, and understood.</div>
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<i>Your presence is my stay; </i></div>
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<i>a word of Your supporting breath </i></div>
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<i>drives all my fears away.</i></div>
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We are broken fragments; </div>
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but in our brokenness, we are real, </div>
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we are honest with ourselves</div>
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and with You.</div>
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<i>Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow,</i></div>
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<i>give us peace beyond our fear, and hope beyond our sorrow.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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We are broken fragments;</div>
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fragile, but like glass, we reflect Your light,</div>
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shining on us, warming us, giving us comfort and courage;</div>
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working in our brokenness to form us </div>
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into stained glass works of art</div>
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that will reflect Your hope, Your grace, and Your love</div>
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to all who will see.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Lord, make us instruments of your peace. </i></div>
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<i>Where there is blindness, we will pray for sight;</i></div>
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<i>where there is darkness, we will shine His light.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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We are broken fragments;</div>
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but daily we are being transformed into Your likeness.</div>
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In our brokenness, make us humble;</div>
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in our brokenness, make us vessels of Your love.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><pre style="overflow-x: auto; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div class="sdArtistBold" style="text-align: -webkit-auto; white-space: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">1, 5 - by Marty Haugen, 1987, GIA Publications, Inc.</span></div>
<div class="sdArtistBold" style="text-align: -webkit-auto; white-space: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 - Matthew 11:28.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">3 - © 1993 Expressions Of Praise Music.</span></div>
<div class="sdArtistBold" style="text-align: -webkit-auto; white-space: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">4 - Isaac Watts, 1719.</span></div>
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</pre>
</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-29092897989155163332013-01-25T14:24:00.001-05:002013-01-25T14:24:44.339-05:00My $3 Home Office MakeoverAfter reading <a href="https://www.citibank.com/womenandco/article/6-tips-for-designing-a-cheery-home-workspace.jsp">6 Tips for Designing a Cheery Home Workspace</a>, I looked at my "home office" and realized I need some color and organization on my desk. Although I don't actually work from home, as a full-time graduate student, I spend a lot of time writing and reading at my desk.<br />
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When I took a hard look at my desk, I realized how little workspace I actually had.<br />
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As you can see, it is lacking color, organization, and my post-it notes hanging on the wall are not exactly classy. But I don't have money to spend on revamping my work area, so I decided to see what I could do with what I already had.</div>
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The first stage was de-cluttering. I took the non-essential items off of my desk and into the rolling cart I have next to my desk (from my teaching days).</div>
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The rest of my papers went into my desk drawers, which were also cleaned out and reorganized. </div>
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Next, some color was needed. I started by looking for colorful things that I already had on my desk that I use as more prominent centerpieces.</div>
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<br />After cleaning up my desk, moving things off, and pulling a few more colorful items that I had around the house, I came up with this:</div>
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The last step was where my $3 renovation came in. I purchased two black frames from the Dollar Tree, filled them with two inspirational quotes from Pinterest, and hung them up with picture hanging supplies that I also got from the Dollar store. All together, this is what I came up with!<br />
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I'm enjoying my clean, organized, and colorful desk already!</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-70915712407983766662013-01-22T16:41:00.000-05:002013-01-22T16:41:08.128-05:00Abide.<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/">Ann Voskamp</a> shared this song a few days ago, and ever since, I've been singing it constantly throughout my days.<br />
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Singing in the shower, singing while I read, humming while I rinse the dishes and do the laundry. <br />
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It is <i>the</i> most beautiful song. I go to a church that sings hymns, so I have an appreciation for the meaningfulness of the words usually found in hymns. But I love when someone can reframe a hymn in a beautiful, creative way.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/54ALmQZ_NiA" width="560"></iframe>
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Maybe you'll start singing this too...<br />
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...Lord, abide with us.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-10787804867773245752013-01-11T09:07:00.001-05:002013-01-11T09:08:41.107-05:00How to Feel Better on a Down Day: Tips from a Natural Worry Wort Trying to Live More Faithfully<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUGGd8XkihXYM7rtJ7hMzygk4b0FvyX27dKLe6gDr5t3Ts0YcyfMIbgteSMMO0It4r8QcDUPg5qYGxK_UdYLhibDOjqTp144xtUxsHf40U2qlqP5prt2TL9mmgFmjwxcpcUv27LQ7NR8/s1600/photo7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUGGd8XkihXYM7rtJ7hMzygk4b0FvyX27dKLe6gDr5t3Ts0YcyfMIbgteSMMO0It4r8QcDUPg5qYGxK_UdYLhibDOjqTp144xtUxsHf40U2qlqP5prt2TL9mmgFmjwxcpcUv27LQ7NR8/s320/photo7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Distract worry with music, or an audiobook - using noise to drown out the ‘noise of worry’ works!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Memorize Bible verses that comfort and remind you that character is built during hard times</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Take care of yourself - exercise, stretch, and eat well.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Listen to the news or a boring audiobook to fall asleep at night</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Don’t be afraid to wake up your spouse or call a friend if you can’t sleep.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Don’t look at Facebook when you feel bad about yourself!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Don’t compare yourself to someone else.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Watch a funny movie or sitcom.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Watch a serious movie - the cry will make you feel better.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" />Drink a small glass of wine before bed.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Don’t blame your spouse for not understanding how you feel.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Think of how you give grace to others when they make mistakes, and make the decision to give that same grace to yourself.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Go out to lunch with someone.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Take yourself out to a coffee shop to enjoy a good, hot drink, and a good book.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Love those around you, and yourself.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-77448475270715251712013-01-09T16:51:00.002-05:002013-01-09T16:51:51.327-05:00Why is it so hard to redefine beauty?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXKjKUp93_AIuNiVQrds3lhmxin19jHRxmzuZqw3RjGRAGY7T2YKWyhguXZOqrquxNL78Si3bzOxZ-eOQnpGkzf9Id7Pi8RmpuXaTtraB8mdOSnKGBFExSL365S4CtArMQ9srJt5yFIM/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXKjKUp93_AIuNiVQrds3lhmxin19jHRxmzuZqw3RjGRAGY7T2YKWyhguXZOqrquxNL78Si3bzOxZ-eOQnpGkzf9Id7Pi8RmpuXaTtraB8mdOSnKGBFExSL365S4CtArMQ9srJt5yFIM/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="145" /></a></div>
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I wrestle, almost daily, with the concept of beauty. Am I trying hard enough to be beautiful? Am I trying too hard? Should I care?<br />
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Whatever answers I come up, the truth is that I flounder. My resolve to not care about others' perceptions of beauty crumbles a little each time I see a women's magazine claiming to have the secret to thinner hips, fuller lips, and bigger eyes. And then a little more when I walk by Victoria's Secret in the mall. And the final hit comes when I turn on that darn tv and see women that look more like preteens than fully-grown women.<br />
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Although I don't care much for the media's perception of beauty in women, I don't fully blame it for the way I feel. Instead, I think of the twenty-first verse of Matthew 6: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (NIV)." Or as the New Living Translation frames it, <span class="text Matt-6-21" id="en-NLT-23280"><span class="woj">"Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.</span></span>"<br />
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I like the way the <a href="http://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/bible.show/sVerseID/23304/eVerseID/23304#ixzz2HW1mPA5D">Forerunner Commentary</a> explains the verse: "[Matthew] implies money, but the principle includes anything of such importance—apart from the Kingdom of God and His righteousness—that achieving it dominates our thinking, planning, and conduct."<br />
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Does beauty fall in this category for me, of dominating my thinking, my planning, and my conduct? Yes, yes, and yes. <br />
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And this marks the important distinction for me when approaching the issue of beauty. It isn't wrong for me to curl my hair in the morning, or to put on lipstick before going out to dinner. But the worrying, even obsessing, about what my hair, face, or body looks like is where I go astray. When I believe that my beauty is more important than my contribution to the kingdom of God here on this earth, I lose vital focus on the otherworldly priorities that Jesus calls us, as his followers, to cultivate. <br />
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Because no matter how smooth or frizzy my hair may be does not affect my ministry to those around me, and my relationships with my neighbors, unless I am thinking more about the former than the latter. My physical appearance has nothing to do with my spiritual condition and my heart for those around me, unless I let become a hindrance. <br />
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In my "Rachel-reading" of verse 21, I would say it like this: "Where your priorities and thoughts most often focus on, your passion, time, and habits will follow."<br />
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I've already started pinning my 2013 fitness plans and new hairstyles, but I'm going to put those on hold (not the exercise, just the perpetual pinning of ab-flattening routines!) while I focus on my heart and my habits. I am going to practice choosing a definition of beauty that prioritizes a gentle heart, loving spirit, and hands that serve and reach out to those around me.<br />
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<i>Lord God, create in me a new heart, </i><br />
<i>redefine in me a new definition and embodiment of beauty,</i> <br />
<i>and fill my spirit with peace and contentment with who You have made me to be. </i><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-18669802355083339712012-12-19T15:15:00.000-05:002012-12-19T15:49:43.792-05:00Christmastime is here.It feels so good to be back on the blog. I've missed writing more and more, especially recently. I find myself thinking about how I would write something that happened to me during the day, or how I'm feeling, and turning it into my latest imaginary "post."<br />
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I told some friends this the other day, and they asked me the obvious question - so, why don't you start writing again? So, here I am!<br />
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More to come soon - but for now, a few glimpses into the happenings this season at our home:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCMavLhseN9BBAcOp-N-sWKkzVy3plmBbn8cD2w9RVaG7BH2rCwkByBbgPPvokSxL3u91FPvp-JDsJMC-eIp4WE20_mz2YqQG49tKtAs5vZx1QX-Ge9KF_IMi_KLJCxN8LSNeDPNbooo/s1600/2012-12-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCMavLhseN9BBAcOp-N-sWKkzVy3plmBbn8cD2w9RVaG7BH2rCwkByBbgPPvokSxL3u91FPvp-JDsJMC-eIp4WE20_mz2YqQG49tKtAs5vZx1QX-Ge9KF_IMi_KLJCxN8LSNeDPNbooo/s640/2012-12-19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<li>Made a Pinterest craft with rolled magazine pages</li>
<li>Decorated for the holidays</li>
<li>Made Christmas cookies with family</li>
<li>Finished my internship at the Department of Education last week with a trip to the White House!</li>
<li>Worked on papers and applied to grad schools with my husband over many cups of coffee</li>
<li> Visited Amanda, my college roommate for all four years, and her husband Tyler in the hospital to meet their new little girl, Leah! We love her already...</li>
<li>Got our Christmas tree!</li>
<li>Went to the cabin with friends to just relax.</li>
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Happy Holidays to you and yours!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Rachel</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-43340242041061915052012-05-29T19:13:00.002-04:002012-05-29T19:15:29.189-04:00Views from a Summer Garden.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtEG3bIqDSWenO_dXAabh65sGWFJS5mC25zcf6YPaxPMwa9_XBZh6uz72yV4LsGX7uy5c3fxX1xYYgIErISO33NCU_6TMJcTiT0v8o_1HrBnob8vIIFIty0-vSEmLYDBtx1nx-ZI56Jk/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtEG3bIqDSWenO_dXAabh65sGWFJS5mC25zcf6YPaxPMwa9_XBZh6uz72yV4LsGX7uy5c3fxX1xYYgIErISO33NCU_6TMJcTiT0v8o_1HrBnob8vIIFIty0-vSEmLYDBtx1nx-ZI56Jk/s400/IMG_3201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We started our summer garden about a month ago. It's a modest plot in our backyard that we dug up ourselves (with the help of a small rototiller). We planted peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, potatoes, pole green beans, pole peas, cucumbers, onions, and sweet corn! We're especially excited about the sweet corn because it was an experiment we've wanted to do for awhile. So far, we have several small stalks coming up - some got knocked down by a storm, but mostly, they're coming along pretty well so far.<br />
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This is an early picture:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbLkhy8_-yeq5DIZBI6fKF30dWOoYy6x-zV9x4kT1iiRpnuTL5l_rXHukkduGddSszVlFIMiv1w3Tj6ir5CqZamL2CE32PwOS3yq7BELpyYSlwKivU08xiXhDofH-e7fyGxMLx1HoOAk/s1600/IMG_3193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbLkhy8_-yeq5DIZBI6fKF30dWOoYy6x-zV9x4kT1iiRpnuTL5l_rXHukkduGddSszVlFIMiv1w3Tj6ir5CqZamL2CE32PwOS3yq7BELpyYSlwKivU08xiXhDofH-e7fyGxMLx1HoOAk/s320/IMG_3193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our landlords have helped us be more "green" this year - we are using rain barrels to water our garden, and Ben has constructed a string trellis for the beans and peas to climb.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPSlwIUXuy4KBS2yxyW5qjFUvjImIMAwDi8cegOH2Jn2YFffBwJWaV4V8GTM56Q3-vgNlskQk9x7xiwlCVuT5HcJ0kSpvMznSua_HOvr_2G_AFXGxCyL19L6Vekhi-UoT7VnYE9sG1UA/s1600/IMG_3185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRSNGEQ-lOnZtChpgSXS8PRLkMSSsE7jF3Zx-q5-pD7YQu5x_jkg7oIKPtB-x7TxTmThYnvm8C6JjFryyv5UbH7ALugliMp23zGJfeyfmTvCcKDpMnObD2LAgknpnGaeE8qOi0s2x5v8/s1600/IMG_3183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRSNGEQ-lOnZtChpgSXS8PRLkMSSsE7jF3Zx-q5-pD7YQu5x_jkg7oIKPtB-x7TxTmThYnvm8C6JjFryyv5UbH7ALugliMp23zGJfeyfmTvCcKDpMnObD2LAgknpnGaeE8qOi0s2x5v8/s320/IMG_3183.JPG" width="313" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPSlwIUXuy4KBS2yxyW5qjFUvjImIMAwDi8cegOH2Jn2YFffBwJWaV4V8GTM56Q3-vgNlskQk9x7xiwlCVuT5HcJ0kSpvMznSua_HOvr_2G_AFXGxCyL19L6Vekhi-UoT7VnYE9sG1UA/s1600/IMG_3185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPSlwIUXuy4KBS2yxyW5qjFUvjImIMAwDi8cegOH2Jn2YFffBwJWaV4V8GTM56Q3-vgNlskQk9x7xiwlCVuT5HcJ0kSpvMznSua_HOvr_2G_AFXGxCyL19L6Vekhi-UoT7VnYE9sG1UA/s320/IMG_3185.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'll put up more recent pictures soon. We can't wait to see what our garden yields this year!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-19255041003422892302012-05-21T20:45:00.000-04:002012-05-21T20:45:20.526-04:00Coming back....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zZgnb14VivNaC0QizdDBJPb99DWtA1bzE5uhqGLY5d6jS4k5YFpR_z4MQszsxBtOU9VjshD_R0t0wlAEEslvbXUmr3LHbJ_fQ9wSO6aVWN0-5fdWlTBlIi4F44pAJsyft4WZ5-nwZPo/s1600/IMG_2089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zZgnb14VivNaC0QizdDBJPb99DWtA1bzE5uhqGLY5d6jS4k5YFpR_z4MQszsxBtOU9VjshD_R0t0wlAEEslvbXUmr3LHbJ_fQ9wSO6aVWN0-5fdWlTBlIi4F44pAJsyft4WZ5-nwZPo/s320/IMG_2089.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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After a busy, busy semester of seminary, I've decided to come back to
the blog. The inquiries of friends, family, and requests for pictures
of our garden this year have encouraged me to get back to blogging as
way to capture our journey of everyday life.<br />
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Blogging
at Married Living on a Single's Budget has helped me to identify what I
like about blogging, and what I don't like so much. I love writing
about things that can help other people, and sharing new ideas with
others. But I also love being able to use blogging as an outlet - a
personal form of thinking and seeing my thoughts on paper (actually,
screen...). It is a personal endeavor for me rather than an
enterprise. So I've decided to merge the things I love about blogging
and move back to my <a href="http://rewardsofsimplelife.blogspot.com/">Rewards of the Simple Life blog</a>.
I've realized that sharing how we try to live frugally on one budget is
also living simply, and enjoying the rewards of a pared-down life.
This topic feels more true to me and the original reason that I started
blogging.<br />
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So I hope you'll join me here at <a href="http://rewardsofsimplelife.blogspot.com/"><i>Rewards of the Simple Life</i></a> and let me know what you think!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-90370505155903205422012-01-25T17:11:00.000-05:002012-01-25T17:16:47.405-05:00Simple Giving Gift IdeasThis year for Christmas, I decided to give only handmade (or thrifted) items. I did this mostly out of panic, at first, thinking I would be embarrassed with how modest our gifts would be because of our budget. So I figured I could give more, and more meaningful, gifts if I could be creative. Once I discovered how many fun and easy ideas there were out there for DIY gifts, I realized I could have fun along the way and personalize my gifts in a way I hadn't been able to in years past. <br />
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I wish that I would've taken more pictures of the gifts I made this year! Somehow in the Christmas rush, I forgot all about pictures for later... I did find a few, which I'll share with you, and try my best to describe and link to any other sources that I used.<br />
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From Left:<br />
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<li> Vanilla Coffee Syrup: A big hit this year! (and unbelievably easy!) Check out the original recipe at <a href="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/11/make-your-own-coffee-syrup-gift-idea.html">A Beautiful Mess</a>. I used a combination of my own, reused bottles and cute oil and vinegar bottles from <a href="http://www.dollartree.com/glass-oil-vinegar-bottles/p310215/index.pro">Dollar Tree</a> that I covered with my own labels and brown paper. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Vanilla Almond Sugar Skin Scrub: A great scrub for winter skin after washing dishes, being outside, and for really any other reason! I found the original recipe at <a href="http://radmegan.blogspot.com/2011/01/soothe-winter-skin-with-this-homemade.html">RadMegan</a>, and adapted it a little by adding both almond and vanilla extracts. I also made a Pumpkin Pie version (with canola oil and pumpkin pie spice) for my sister. It smelled so good that I had to gift a little to myself too! </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>My friend Kensey's homemade Peppermint Vanilla Skin Scrub: I'm guessing this could easily be made by adapting the above recipe with peppermint extract instead. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Apple Butter: This was the easiest apple butter recipe I have ever come across! It is from Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook, a resource for tons of crockpot recipes in one book. The recipe calls for 7 cups applesauce (unsweetened) + 2-3 cups sugar (and then I just added as I tasted it, since I like it sweet!) + 2 tsp. cinnamon + 1 tsp. nutmeg + 1/4 tsp. allspice (or ginger if you don't have allspice). Again, you can add the spices to taste. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker on high for 8-10 hours. For the last hour, take the lid off and stir occasionally. It will smell so good, so start in the morning and you'll have the whole day to let it cook and have your home smell amazing! Ladle into jars and refrigerate. (Makes 2+ pints)</li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZ5zz_3aDdeD3JGgmTVFYcbmN1ey8Jh8t83Zsn6OLw19zqTD0TU4Pw1sW1gPJD9I5aFbTlGOLvlWMtk46wEH5GApEy-ji0i9IRMuqrHps_3SIS3EhBl3vbxmZt1aa79lbKwHG_u409X0/s1600/IMG_2899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZ5zz_3aDdeD3JGgmTVFYcbmN1ey8Jh8t83Zsn6OLw19zqTD0TU4Pw1sW1gPJD9I5aFbTlGOLvlWMtk46wEH5GApEy-ji0i9IRMuqrHps_3SIS3EhBl3vbxmZt1aa79lbKwHG_u409X0/s320/IMG_2899.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peppermint Sugar Skin Scrub - Made by my friend Kensey</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WwcNGyEQnUcDNkz25RASjf1ZjJLlXwk-Se4MQQoVCJdZudkO0KFWh2-9yI6A3eErqx3pEOqk9_o8dKZCVY87Tk8xK_7c1xLcIQt_y97YLE7Z-x5CBWi-1UQzgnn5AtQPYq9mH1H1Dkc/s1600/IMG_2904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WwcNGyEQnUcDNkz25RASjf1ZjJLlXwk-Se4MQQoVCJdZudkO0KFWh2-9yI6A3eErqx3pEOqk9_o8dKZCVY87Tk8xK_7c1xLcIQt_y97YLE7Z-x5CBWi-1UQzgnn5AtQPYq9mH1H1Dkc/s320/IMG_2904.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My own vanilla almond sugar skin scrub</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_QS0tFpTqVfaRFW5H8kOtSlCy2CvxgifgK2Cy2xr6qkb5ZqfnL3gpIzkVkUlf8IymmAoftVlfeBLxuTHeWGBgtWO4iqMLusIlN1qVCsUhAC5RGfxkVgM6F4GYFDYwLzu1-TnrQJm4dI/s1600/IMG_2906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_QS0tFpTqVfaRFW5H8kOtSlCy2CvxgifgK2Cy2xr6qkb5ZqfnL3gpIzkVkUlf8IymmAoftVlfeBLxuTHeWGBgtWO4iqMLusIlN1qVCsUhAC5RGfxkVgM6F4GYFDYwLzu1-TnrQJm4dI/s320/IMG_2906.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Granola</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li> Homemade Granola: This is my favorite thing to gift! We had brown bags of granola that I baked for favors at our wedding, so it always has a spot close to my heart. There are so many good recipes out there, but here are a few of my favorites: </li>
<ul>
<li>From Cooking Light: <a href="http://simmerandboil.cookinglight.com/2010/10/crunchy-granola-and-proud-of-it.html">Classic, Easy Granola</a></li>
<li>From Joy of Baking: <a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/breakfast/HomemadeGranola.html">Granola with Dried Fruit and Maple Syrup</a></li>
<li>From the "Recipe Doctor" (my favorite recipe!!): <a href="http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/222895_RECIPE-DOCTOR--Granola--with-a-twist.html">Coffee Granola</a> (also called Cinnamon Dolce Granola)</li>
</ul>
<li>Other Things that I wish I had time to make but didn't <i>this year</i>: </li>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.lynnskitchenadventures.com/2010/12/homemade-flavored-hot-cocoa-mix.html">Flavored Hot Chocolate Mix</a></li>
<li><a href="http://christyrobbins.blogspot.com/2011/07/wedding-invitation-ornament.html">Ornament for Newlyweds</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.foodinjars.com/2011/12/holiday-giving-burnt-sugar-toffee-with-chocolate-and-toasted-walnuts/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FoodInJars+%28Food+in+Jars%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Burnt Sugar Toffee</a></li>
</ul>
</ul>
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Christmas may be past, but it's never too early to start planning for next year! Most of these would be great birthday, housewarming, and just because gifts. Not only will they not break your budget, but your friends and family will feel the love each time they use/enjoy your handmade gifts!<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-20307044092955596412012-01-24T13:20:00.003-05:002012-01-24T13:21:15.470-05:00A Simple Guy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3Zl1GuNMW3swt2XeaUBJh1xZaaTG3tPe8epJ78GyURCncnKCdYfTaZ55gc_Z1JPsbTA3nTMS3sNQ1CxpuVSQq_-ur74lCaK9a0hxtKr4q7ddAHldezhJ5W4tuvlz63b2-NSa5TqQv1k/s1600/thoreau2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3Zl1GuNMW3swt2XeaUBJh1xZaaTG3tPe8epJ78GyURCncnKCdYfTaZ55gc_Z1JPsbTA3nTMS3sNQ1CxpuVSQq_-ur74lCaK9a0hxtKr4q7ddAHldezhJ5W4tuvlz63b2-NSa5TqQv1k/s1600/thoreau2.jpg" /></a></div>
Apparently Henry David Thoreau was a pretty simple guy. Or at least someone who valued the virtue of simplicity. Today, in the midst of a busy day, I found a few quotes by Thoreau that focus on the value of keeping your life simple.<br />
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Thoreau wrote about a wide variety of topics about civil disobedience, nature, friendship, and philosophy. After a few years of living among society, friends said he grew tired of the materialism around him and went to live in the woods, in a cabin by Walden Pond in Massachusetts, to seek out the true importance of life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hVymrYFRrscb3quXilB-hZ7Mhvtom5-EsNhvbtzAyXid9qS8-OvE2BQdYEay9y2AkMobjFOeFJ8nPt8vRQoBg2ktOLt4bl-y5TpTXM2qVHTtJ4DKnclPcM0skDchligT7_fHOSiLA4c/s1600/titlepg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hVymrYFRrscb3quXilB-hZ7Mhvtom5-EsNhvbtzAyXid9qS8-OvE2BQdYEay9y2AkMobjFOeFJ8nPt8vRQoBg2ktOLt4bl-y5TpTXM2qVHTtJ4DKnclPcM0skDchligT7_fHOSiLA4c/s1600/titlepg.jpg" /></a><br />
There he wrote a book with the same name about his adventures and reflections on life in a quieter place. He grew and ate his own beans, made his own clothes, and cataloged species of birds and plants.<br />
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He stayed for 26 months and then felt he was ready to return to "civil society" once again. Critics often refer to <i>Walden</i> as a spiritual and reflective portrait on nature, life, and the value of quiet. <br />
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Here are a few of Thoreau's own thoughts on simplicity:<br />
<b></b> <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Simplicity, simplicity,
simplicity! I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a
hundred or a thousand, instead of a million count half a dozen, and keep
your accounts on your thumb-nail.”<b></b></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b> </b>“As you simplify your life,
the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude,
poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness weakness.”<b></b> </blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Most of the luxuries, and
many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only not indispensable,
but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind. With respect to
luxuries and comforts, the wisest have even lived a more simple and
meagre life than the poor.”</blockquote>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKltDQ83e0jd-MIuOgLJuXx4IYf4Lq_zBlBqiVSzcXGdZssUgnPriBFZyqGz7Y4PCr2FwSxwbym1CQH49vWKILvOWb10VaCOBalEatsG6-NQvJJG7TQahH65e0GeyusqZGffosMd26KE/s1600/cabinwalden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKltDQ83e0jd-MIuOgLJuXx4IYf4Lq_zBlBqiVSzcXGdZssUgnPriBFZyqGz7Y4PCr2FwSxwbym1CQH49vWKILvOWb10VaCOBalEatsG6-NQvJJG7TQahH65e0GeyusqZGffosMd26KE/s1600/cabinwalden.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walden Pond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-4748151135458552942012-01-23T14:22:00.001-05:002012-01-24T17:36:50.102-05:00Video Post: How We Approach Eating Out {Secrets for Dining and Saving Simply}This weekend while snowed in and warm and cozy in my apartment while my husband was away, I played around for the first time with making an iMovie with my Mac. I wanted to see if I could come up with a video that I could use for this post on eating out. After several attempts, I figured out to make and crop a video, but it's no Martin Scorcese work - it's pretty rough around the edges! I definitely need to keep practicing on my comfort in front of the camera. <br />
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But for now, I'll introduce my first video post by asking for an extra measure of grace and patience!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/5NpmFC9rxiM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Thanks for checking it out! I'd love to hear your feedback, questions, and tips of your own for how to eat out (and save!) more simply.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-39053371444445187562012-01-20T10:00:00.000-05:002012-01-20T10:00:10.478-05:00How I Grocery Shop {Secrets to Buying and Eating Simply}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu4mrZ9_Us1dS4MtWCsgVK3aUBUY6FtUAVlabDGxYfIqS6O8qHr0UNNMkawQGjRtQ2KFJIx47-x4Ps6oCtx_ruP3UBdckbP1q_FM2C3F4U6yPpq6oB8o-jU0oyD9mOV4yrkgO5m4IHbQ/s1600/budget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu4mrZ9_Us1dS4MtWCsgVK3aUBUY6FtUAVlabDGxYfIqS6O8qHr0UNNMkawQGjRtQ2KFJIx47-x4Ps6oCtx_ruP3UBdckbP1q_FM2C3F4U6yPpq6oB8o-jU0oyD9mOV4yrkgO5m4IHbQ/s1600/budget.jpg" /></a></div>
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As soon as it was official that I would be heading back to graduate school and instead of bringing in a teacher's salary and benefits, I would be a full-time student, paying for my own health insurance and tuition, it was decided: <b>our budget needed to be simplified.</b> <br />
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Gone were the gym memberships, the cable, part of our Netflix account (now we just watch instantly), and mindless shopping. The change took (and still takes) adjusting to and humility, but it is one we were willing to take and view as an opportunity to learn to appreciate a more simple life. This also speaks to <i>what a guy</i> my husband is - not only did he support my career change whole-heartedly, he actually encouraged it! I feel lucky every day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZB_4_qGQxlm2VUIIfaNOl3qINFQJ19VNGPyVQnPyOIiQKhyNtTh8vCX3fjodirTmjtHQNKkl8LtuOjgWpNvavtaMQuJ1TL3A2dHuN6Mc2jCAttRVasrWiTkxWaq4lfJYa8u3tBYSbdbA/s1600/cannedfood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZB_4_qGQxlm2VUIIfaNOl3qINFQJ19VNGPyVQnPyOIiQKhyNtTh8vCX3fjodirTmjtHQNKkl8LtuOjgWpNvavtaMQuJ1TL3A2dHuN6Mc2jCAttRVasrWiTkxWaq4lfJYa8u3tBYSbdbA/s200/cannedfood.jpg" width="200" /></a>Part of the change we needed to make came in the form of <b><u>our grocery bill</u></b>. I love natural, healthy, fresh food, and am usually willing to spend a little more on it. However, I knew that our bill had to be cut significantly - we just couldn't afford my former eating/grocery habits. At first, I went as cheap as I could be at our chain grocery store - canned goods, casseroles that would last us for almost the whole week, and lots of pasta. And that worked, but it didn't satisfy my desire for <b>at least some degree of freshness in our weekly eating</b>. <br />
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That's when I decided to explore options other than the chain grocery store closest by. I went to local stores, markets, and family-owned shops. I learned that some are convenient, small, and even local, but not cheap. Out of that exploring, I found two options that work really well for us and met my three criteria <i>- </i><br />
<ul>
<li>They offer fresh food,</li>
<li>Have bulk dry options, </li>
<li>And are significantly cheaper and local. </li>
</ul>
For the most part, I now alternate my shopping between the local farmer's market in our small city each week for great, fresh produce, good bread for special occasions, and occasionally flowers or gifts; and doing the bulk of our regular, everyday shopping at a small country grocery store in a nearby town. Although it is about a 20 minute drive to and from, it is worth it for the huge discount on prices we get. Because most of it is from local Mennonite farms and bagged by the workers at the store, it is offered at a very modest price. Also, they offer bulk dry goods, like sugar, flour, oats, and spices at a great price that allow me to go longer without needing to restock. <br />
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Each week, I plan what I will buy and then occasionally change only when I find a better deal on something else. I stick to mostly the same produce purchases each week (and the routineness does take getting used to...) because I've found what works well for our budget.<br />
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<u><b>Fruit:</b></u><br />
I now purchase mostly apples and bananas for our fruit (because they are cheapest) and occasionally berries from Costco. I split half of my berries and often a few bananas and freeze them right away to use for smoothies and oats.<br />
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<u><b>Vegetables: </b></u><br />
Over the summer, it was essential - and enjoyable! - for us to grow most of the vegetables we ate in our city backyard garden. We grew tomatoes, kale, squash, cucumbers, pumpkin, herbs, lettuce, carrots, and eggplant. <br />
<br /> In the winter, it's a little harder. I either purchase lettuce and squash from the farmer's market, or buy a mix of frozen vegetables in bulk to stock our freezer and bagged spinach leaves, potatoes, carrots, or celery, and occasionally tomatoes to use for BLTs (our favorite cheap, go-to meal on the weekends). <br />
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<b><u>Meat/Protein:</u></b><br />
<b><u> </u></b>We rely mostly on chicken breasts to fulfill our meat cravings. We buy it in bulk freezer packs at Costco, and take out as much as we need each time we cook. This lasts us for at least a month or two. We usually rely on gift cards to eat out to have steak or burgers.<br />
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I buy a lot of canned black, pinto, and white beans to use for protein in tacos, chili, and black bean burgers. We also eat a lot more eggs than we used to.<br />
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<b><u>Other Items: </u></b><br />
I buy 2 pks of eggs at a time to last us awhile, and buy locally cut and packaged bacon and cold cuts for my husband. The cold cuts have been a huge savings - I now pay about a third of what I used to pay!<br />
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<b><i>So, what do we eat?</i></b><br />
We eat a larger variety of things than I'd imagined we'd be able to, but we do have a few stand-by favorites:<br />
<ul>
<li>chili (vegetarian) and cornbread</li>
<li>pot roast (with frozen venison my husband's family gave us)</li>
<li>quesadillas (with frozen peppers, corn, and bbq chicken)</li>
<li>BLTs</li>
<li>chicken caesar salad</li>
<li>baked potatoes</li>
<li>grilled chicken w/ any seasoning imaginable!</li>
<li>healthy chicken casseroles</li>
<li>egg and salsa wraps</li>
<li>soupw</li>
</ul>
Although is has been a change for us to embrace shopping and eating frugally, it has been one that we have learned from, continue to work on, and enjoy experimenting with. I love the help and ideas I've gathered from the blogging community on how to eat healthily and frugally on a budget. I've also sought advice from our families, who have had to endure the effects of budget ups and downs on their eating habits as they've experience life.<br />
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<i>More to come on how we approach eating out.....</i><br />
<i><br /></i><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-57217546913856273312012-01-19T09:02:00.000-05:002012-01-19T09:04:10.655-05:00Advocate for Economic Justice<i>15.1% of all Americans are in poverty.</i> <b>That is the largest number since the Census Bureau started publishing poverty statistics 52 years ago!</b> <br />
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Not only that, but <i>20.5 million Americans are currently in "deep poverty"</i> - which means <b>they have an income of less than $11,150 for a family of four. </b><br />
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As many as <i>49.9 million Americans are without health insurance</i>.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<b><i>When will we begin to speak out about the injustice that is happening in our country? The growing gap between the income and wealth of the poor and that of the wealthiest is more unequal than at any other time since 1928</i></b> (right before the Great Depression). <br />
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I encourage you, actually urge you, to pre-order <a href="http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3795">Ron Sider's newest boo</a><a href="http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3795">k</a> (coming out in March), <u>Fixing the Moral Deficit: A Balanced Way to Balance the Budget</u>. <a href="http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3795">You can order it here</a> for a low price of <i>$12.00!</i> I work for Dr. Sider as a research assistant, and although he has not asked me to promote his book in any way, as someone who has been able to preview the final copy, I have to say - you will learn <u><i><b>so much</b></i></u><i><b> </b></i>about economic injustice, the current problems that lead to the inequality between the rich and the poor, and a balanced, concrete set of proposals for what we can do as a country to work toward economic justice. <i> </i><br />
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<i>If we want to ensure a better future for our neighbors, our children, and those who are the neediest among us, <b>we must advocate for it.</b></i><br />
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The first step is knowledge - learning about the extent of the problem. Did you know - the average CEO salary in 2010 was 185 times that of an average worker's pay? In European countries, CEOs in similar positions earn 55% less than American CEOs do.<br />
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<b>There are ways we can learn and do more:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Read Ron Sider's new book - <u>Fixing the Moral Deficit</u>. <a href="http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3795"><i>You can pre-order it here</i></a>. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Go to <a href="http://www.evangelicalsforsocialaction.org/page.aspx?pid=439">http://www.evangelicalsforsocialaction.org/page.aspx?pid=439</a> and read more, share it with friends and family, and find out what you can do to advocate for a more just society. For other reading, check out <a href="http://www.evangelicalsforsocialaction.org/page.aspx?pid=280">this website</a>. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Read <a href="http://rewardsofsimplelife.blogspot.com/2011/07/americas-budget-crisis-where-do-we-go.html">an earlier post</a> I wrote about the defense budget and other concerns <a href="http://rewardsofsimplelife.blogspot.com/2011/07/americas-budget-crisis-where-do-we-go.html">here</a>; and in the "Labels" section of the site: mid-right column, check out <a href="http://rewardsofsimplelife.blogspot.com/search/label/what%27s%20really%20important"><i>"What's Really Important"</i></a> for similar posts.</li>
</ul>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-7997625239047071922012-01-18T11:33:00.002-05:002012-01-18T11:33:42.235-05:00{My First Sewing Attempt!}<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslGWBseymJ2y0aXACiHx43_Zhw4cw0NifEjX9E6Hv7Zq-7O6N4KtqsMp6wAXj1IJ6t9llrcaOarln4b1_I-a8FaeTSzHRFtLs5DTp9RTVDw0aFfkAh8fXOVKfZ9XIA1XH934YjvCcvI0/s1600/b8d1225c3af211e19896123138142014_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslGWBseymJ2y0aXACiHx43_Zhw4cw0NifEjX9E6Hv7Zq-7O6N4KtqsMp6wAXj1IJ6t9llrcaOarln4b1_I-a8FaeTSzHRFtLs5DTp9RTVDw0aFfkAh8fXOVKfZ9XIA1XH934YjvCcvI0/s320/b8d1225c3af211e19896123138142014_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Before</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoa5y8_BTvRm8kxnFfV0f2uz2HMv3SQIMQ_skqihdwaTpdrzBSXMoGWOHSy0H-QpdE2lB0ktp3AEFwyknfTYlAkOjEmMppY2CLElOLJkEhyphenhyphen8cftrclyeZEK_zdzsa4Jtcw0yWpua_izag/s1600/newcurtain2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoa5y8_BTvRm8kxnFfV0f2uz2HMv3SQIMQ_skqihdwaTpdrzBSXMoGWOHSy0H-QpdE2lB0ktp3AEFwyknfTYlAkOjEmMppY2CLElOLJkEhyphenhyphen8cftrclyeZEK_zdzsa4Jtcw0yWpua_izag/s320/newcurtain2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The After</td></tr>
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Today I finally pulled out my brand new sewing machine (a gift from my mom this year for Christmas!) and sat down to conquer <b><i>my very first sewing attempt</i></b> - curtains. A few days ... or maybe more like weeks... ago, <a href="http://rewardsofsimplelife.blogspot.com/2012/01/here-i-amback-again.html">I showed the wide open window we have in our living room</a>. I love the big old windows we have in our apartment, but they can certainly be a little exposing when you're stumbling around in your pajamas in the morning... So my first attempt at my sewing machine was to sew a curtain for our living room window. I am not domestic at heart, and although I love artistic endeavors, I rarely am very good at them without either some major help or copying them from someone else's design. Sad, but true...<br />
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So, with that in mind, I'll show you my first attempt - not great, a little shorter than I intended, and quite a bit crooked, but I'm excited just because I threaded my machine (<i>on my own!</i>), made it work (<i>on my own!</i>), and sewed a curtain (<i>on my own!</i>). <i> </i><b>For me - that's a big deal!</b><i> <b>I'll take this little victory for today. </b></i> <br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-28220373685885176512012-01-17T09:43:00.001-05:002012-01-18T11:36:47.409-05:00{Update}: How My Year without Shopping is Going...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTOnS70fMYzRvoqlxjjr3RQ-hF8hWckGcBZMxkPqwHZc4kKIwGg6Q" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTOnS70fMYzRvoqlxjjr3RQ-hF8hWckGcBZMxkPqwHZc4kKIwGg6Q" /></a></div>
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At this point, I am about ten months into <a href="http://rewardsofsimplelife.blogspot.com/2011/07/why-i-gave-up-shopping-for-year-or-how.html">my year without clothing shopping</a>, and so far, I've learned quite a bit about myself, my buying habits, and what has been the hardest for me to pass up. A few observations:<br />
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1. <b>I have to, first of all, admit that I did give in once throughout this journey </b>and buy a pair of shoes on eBay. (I wasn't sure how I was going to handle shoes, and I guess I found out!) They were 99 cents from someone who was trying to get rid of things while moving - I couldn't pass them up! ...which brings me to #2...</blockquote>
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2. <b>I have learned that it is hardest for me to pass up things that are a good deal. </b>I haven't struggled nearly as much as I thought with bypassing the mall or the designer stores (I guess I hardly shop there anyway, truthfully), but I do have a hard time saying no to the steals at Salvation Army, Goodwill, or eBay. I have learned a lot about my temptation: getting a good deal. Yet getting a good deal does not equal needing it. I don't need more greatly-discounted jeans in my closet (I already have a leaning pile, and that's <i>after</i> getting rid of quite a few pairs!), and I don't need more shirts, sweatshirts, or purses, no matter how low their price may be! This is hard for me as a thrifter (or just a cheapskate, however you like to word it) to learn to pass up. But I'm working on it!</blockquote>
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3. <b>Taking this year as an opportunity to get rid of a LOT of clothes that I don't really wear over the course of a year has helped me to actually realize what I do need to have a well-rounded closet.</b> I've realized that I do need some nice skirts to wear for church, meetings, and speaking engagements with my supervising professors. This is an area in which I am lacking. I've also realized that I'd like to get a few more high heels during the next year, because I tend to gravitate toward those throughout the year when I'd like to feel a little better about myself and need a little self-confidence boost!</blockquote>
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4.<b> I've realized what my habits are as a "wearer" of clothes. </b> I don't wear much variety in jeans - if I have a few pairs that I really am comfortable in and can wear with a variety of outfits, I usually really don't wear more than 3-4 pairs from week to week. </blockquote>
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5. <b><i>Finally,</i> I've realized that I have more self-control than I may have previously realized. </b>I have made it throughout these ten months so far with only one indiscretion - my 99 cent eBay shoes. And I feel pretty good about that. Even with my daily Today Show watching habit and love of reading Oprah magazine, I've been able to bypass the temptations of beautiful shoes, clothes, and accessories they feature and realize that <i>I have quite enough</i> in my own closet, and compared to most others in the world, <i>MORE than enough</i>. <u>Also,<i> not having those clothes has not affected my happiness, my relationships, or my sense of well-being</i>.</u> Actually, in some ways, it has alleviated my guilt over unneeded purchases, freed up time that I would have spent shopping to do other things, and has proved to me that I have self-control that I didn't realize I possessed.</blockquote>
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That's not to say that I'm not looking forward to March when I can add a few things to my closet that I've been eyeing up at Salval and Goodwill that I really need. I'd challenge you to re-evaluate your closet and challenge yourself to rethink your buying habits. Even if it's just a month, I can almost guarantee that you'll learn about yourself, your habits, and perhaps even realize you have much more self-control than you gave yourself credit for!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-77589664352584338742012-01-13T12:15:00.001-05:002012-01-18T11:37:03.630-05:00Winner of Giveaway!Using randomizer.org, a random number generator, a winner was selected in this week's giveaway....<br />
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Congratulations to <u><b>Karissa</b></u> for winning the book <i>The Joy of Simple Living</i>! </div>
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Please email me at rewardsofsimplelife@gmail.com with your mailing address to claim your prize.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhuB2_0ngCa3TnL_TeWw9RPZiOdD7INlzCthm1l2YQDElH8zSOja1Fsz0rxC2lUPcyTZlq1Q1T7fC2tUQwf1eO23MyDTZiNtNMROjNBQjXNogvAdPdhUYA-Da_Z82_q5DeOeRCq1dRlI/s1600/Picture+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhuB2_0ngCa3TnL_TeWw9RPZiOdD7INlzCthm1l2YQDElH8zSOja1Fsz0rxC2lUPcyTZlq1Q1T7fC2tUQwf1eO23MyDTZiNtNMROjNBQjXNogvAdPdhUYA-Da_Z82_q5DeOeRCq1dRlI/s400/Picture+7.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<cite class="user">Thank you to everyone who entered! </cite></div>
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<cite class="user">Check back for more giveaways at the end of the month...</cite></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-71081392261299913992012-01-13T11:04:00.001-05:002012-01-18T11:37:37.645-05:00My Daily ScheduleThe month of January has been completely different for me (although it is a lot like my summers when I was teaching). I have long stretches of day without set structure, spend long periods of time reading, researching, blog-surfing and errand-running. Without classes back in session until February, I have a few more weeks to get used to these kinds of unstructured days.<br />
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Last week, I was practically going crazy with the lack of structure - it's funny how much we dream of getting away from it all without any responsibilities, and then when we actually have it, we don't know quite what to do with it! (Just a note - I am doing work as a research assistant/web editor for my graduate school's public policy program - so I do <i>some things</i> to do.)<br />
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This week has been so much better:<br />
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<li> I made myself a schedule</li>
<li>Have found other things to do with my days that I enjoy:</li>
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<li>Checking out books from the library</li>
<li>Gotten back into blogging</li>
<li>Listed new clothing for sale on eBay (you can check them out <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/lesherrm/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25&_trksid=p3686">here</a>)</li>
<li>Set aside certain days to help my mom with housework since she has knee trouble</li>
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My best move though for making this month sane? <b><i>Making a schedule.</i></b> The more structured I am, the better I tend to work and feel. So here's an example of what my weekly schedule looks like:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSDeZ5OvCam7ndmzC63r7evHwlZ4446_Lg5XIG5yjPkRI-BWgmcg1syyf-nuiEzqAFvzdOlMm_vEJwYXO3TeWf32bvCrFu_TsVT9Nn7ZHmgJpeabFuiSF1MIMPjDmT-HvU61TsF65lY8/s1600/Picture+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSDeZ5OvCam7ndmzC63r7evHwlZ4446_Lg5XIG5yjPkRI-BWgmcg1syyf-nuiEzqAFvzdOlMm_vEJwYXO3TeWf32bvCrFu_TsVT9Nn7ZHmgJpeabFuiSF1MIMPjDmT-HvU61TsF65lY8/s640/Picture+5.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Along with that, I have a monthly schedule that helps me keep track of the hours I need to put in for my research work, as well as which days I'm going to exercise (staying with my New Year's goal to exercise <i>every other day</i>).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyLJSfsYcv0VEcRMA0Z7zdWLcWji7RGmtFmdgryxWvcjzpOtcoD8diB4fEqNouposY96MCJL2116dKUmmIvqAvZbw3j3kAMdMS0CEI4BDtfjba-HSWGZNTK36KLWEmTNy0vLWr6B255E/s1600/Picture+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyLJSfsYcv0VEcRMA0Z7zdWLcWji7RGmtFmdgryxWvcjzpOtcoD8diB4fEqNouposY96MCJL2116dKUmmIvqAvZbw3j3kAMdMS0CEI4BDtfjba-HSWGZNTK36KLWEmTNy0vLWr6B255E/s640/Picture+6.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is still just an outline for me to work from, but just having these makes my life so much more productive and less anxious. I'm still trying figure out what methods work for me to stay more organized in my home, life, and work.<br />
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<b>What are your favorite organizational methods/ideas?</b></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-14150572362158899282012-01-12T13:27:00.000-05:002012-01-18T11:37:58.962-05:00New Blog Addition {Books, Blogs, and Breakfast Meditations}This morning I launched a new, very modest (2 posts so far!) blog named <i>books, blogs, and breakfast meditations</i>. This is not a replacement of this blog, but rather an extension to focus on reviewing books, new (or little-known) blogs, and short morning meditations to start off the day for book and blog readers like me! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeMO-LEd-WNxjEalMqkUnWMx8EY-ylai27ZQp-rT8tFjJRZrE7mrMVzcYCgABpSlwQtQYL22-s45a_aHBqZPrEOb9ntYT5-46SLsakpDRmQob-5c5idBc2powmWa5sBSDOPBw1vIsbug/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeMO-LEd-WNxjEalMqkUnWMx8EY-ylai27ZQp-rT8tFjJRZrE7mrMVzcYCgABpSlwQtQYL22-s45a_aHBqZPrEOb9ntYT5-46SLsakpDRmQob-5c5idBc2powmWa5sBSDOPBw1vIsbug/s640/Picture+2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope you'll join me and check it out at <a href="http://booksblogsandbreakfastmeditations.blogspot.com/">books, blogs, and breakfast meditations</a>!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-67826204027721958872012-01-10T15:19:00.000-05:002012-01-10T21:09:12.858-05:00First Ever Giveaway on Rewards of the Simple Life!It's time for the <i><b>first giveaway from Rewards of the Simple Life</b></i>! There is one copy of <i>The Joy of Simple Living: Over 1,500 Simple Ways to Make Your Life Easy and Content - At Home and At Work </i>by Jeff Davidson for a lucky reader. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXj0HILt97JdRk13IFf8vwl6Z0wKba2cIfrnIEbB9-y3gjWWO9acch0sbhhHf_rNLRjp9pzO3WHW7G4fKYT0982t9Gqn-Rqn4HDh-J2k4Aai1KqTRL_v0H9rgXZjuTwU2By0lmrky_Nw/s400/The+Joy+of+Simple+Living+Jeff+Davidson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXj0HILt97JdRk13IFf8vwl6Z0wKba2cIfrnIEbB9-y3gjWWO9acch0sbhhHf_rNLRjp9pzO3WHW7G4fKYT0982t9Gqn-Rqn4HDh-J2k4Aai1KqTRL_v0H9rgXZjuTwU2By0lmrky_Nw/s320/The+Joy+of+Simple+Living+Jeff+Davidson.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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Reviewers of the book write, </div>
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"Not only does it give dozens and dozens of suggestions on how to
simplify every area of your life, it then goes on to simplifying your
office, your desk, your commute, your holidays, vacations and so on."</blockquote>
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"This is the first book I've seen on the topic that takes a methodical
look at how to simplify your life. Rather than offering aphorisms,
one-a-day bits of philosophy and other airy-fairy stuff that in the end,
add up to anything, this book offers concrete suggestion after concrete
suggestion as to how to make things less complex." <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(from Amazon.com) </span></blockquote>
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<i>My review: </i><br />
In an effort to live more simply in 2012 and always, this book is a great guide to help you know where to start. I especially love that the book is organized by room so that it is easy to turn to whatever section you are most interested in without having to read the whole book.<br />
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<b>One lucky reader will receive this book! <u>To enter, leave your comment below on one way that you would like to simplify your life in 2012. </u> </b><br />
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<b><i><u>Someone will be drawn at random this Friday, the 13t</u><u>h</u></i></b> (we'll bring some luck to this unlucky day!). Good luck!<br />
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If you haven't already, check out my latest eBay items <a href="http://rewardsofsimplelife.blogspot.com/2012/01/post-christmas-clothes-for-sale.html">her</a><a href="http://rewardsofsimplelife.blogspot.com/2012/01/post-christmas-clothes-for-sale.html">e</a>!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-53899739808146135362012-01-10T12:13:00.000-05:002012-01-18T11:38:26.857-05:00Post-Christmas Clothes for Sale!Once again, I'm cleaning out the closet post-Christmas and putting some Women's and Kids' clothes (that fit petite women too!) on eBay. Check them out <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/lesherrm/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25&_trksid=p3686">here</a> - if you message me (through eBay or email: rewardsofthesimplelife@gmail.com) that you saw my listing through the blog and would like to purchase an item, I'll discount your shipping to $2.99!<br />
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Check it out <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/lesherrm/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25&_trksid=p3686">here!</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzEyoMdgb_PU5LqCdLIM8oWQVzIPaDXWrct4zedpzM7io38NR3les03kPub7lj1SyyypGpGTUcm-yL36_bNcQ5iH61W8w2mwH4N9qYwelzN0TzVQF4m4J5m_L6LZESGxpbTlvuZcStoY/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzEyoMdgb_PU5LqCdLIM8oWQVzIPaDXWrct4zedpzM7io38NR3les03kPub7lj1SyyypGpGTUcm-yL36_bNcQ5iH61W8w2mwH4N9qYwelzN0TzVQF4m4J5m_L6LZESGxpbTlvuZcStoY/s640/Picture+3.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-73913588191727582452012-01-09T14:00:00.001-05:002012-01-18T11:38:46.939-05:00Here I am...back again.<span style="font-size: small;">It feels good to be back to the blog again. Honestly, I'm not feeling quite up to it yet... the weeks after Christmas have quite honestly been tough for me (although full of wonderful things at the same time). I have battled some anxiety that has flared up again with being more alone and unstructured after Christmas break. I'm working on it in the best way I can, but am seeking out new ways to deal with it even more - I'm committed to being back to the best self I can be! Part of that will be returning to blogging. Not only do I love writing, but it is therapeutic and helps to process what is going on around and inside of me. Paired with more outdoors time, more walking, and more sleep, I think things are going to be looking up. And even if that's a slow process, at least it's progress in my process.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">For Christmas, I got so many wonderful things (more than we expected or asked for!), including a sewing machine. I have to admit, I'm not actually much of a sew-er, as in, I don't know how to! (except for watching my mom as I was growing up, which I'm hoping will come back to me quickly) I am determined to learn how to use it, and I'm excited to try my mind at a few things. First on the list, <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/265344/draft-dodger?czone=crafts/sewing-cnt/sewing-projects&center=326405&gallery=274709&slide=265344">these draft dodgers</a> from Martha Stewart and curtains (I guess more like valances) for the kitchen door and the living room window by my desk. It is a huge window that is wide open and lets in a beautiful amount of natural light (I love old windows!) but is, well.... a little exposing. If you're walking by out of the shower, or wearing pjs, or doing Zumba, it can be a little embarrassing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here's the before:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZVE4B6sjqYtweeIjdtXCQ5yaGUfuCsRYecZHcMzuypXIisttIhDsYlhMBDjXFncz3JKKIjCjkjHVL0kmh7EtopQShSyb5KioaahAnh8SlTpEPeb3Upvb4uimvOMRc1eEwQ9Bx_JEElA/s1600/d1f3e59227f811e180c9123138016265_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZVE4B6sjqYtweeIjdtXCQ5yaGUfuCsRYecZHcMzuypXIisttIhDsYlhMBDjXFncz3JKKIjCjkjHVL0kmh7EtopQShSyb5KioaahAnh8SlTpEPeb3Upvb4uimvOMRc1eEwQ9Bx_JEElA/s320/d1f3e59227f811e180c9123138016265_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Back deck door</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslGWBseymJ2y0aXACiHx43_Zhw4cw0NifEjX9E6Hv7Zq-7O6N4KtqsMp6wAXj1IJ6t9llrcaOarln4b1_I-a8FaeTSzHRFtLs5DTp9RTVDw0aFfkAh8fXOVKfZ9XIA1XH934YjvCcvI0/s1600/b8d1225c3af211e19896123138142014_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslGWBseymJ2y0aXACiHx43_Zhw4cw0NifEjX9E6Hv7Zq-7O6N4KtqsMp6wAXj1IJ6t9llrcaOarln4b1_I-a8FaeTSzHRFtLs5DTp9RTVDw0aFfkAh8fXOVKfZ9XIA1XH934YjvCcvI0/s320/b8d1225c3af211e19896123138142014_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Living room window</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I'm going to be working with some fabric we have from other curtains to make shorter, half-curtain, valance type of curtain so that this window still has lots of natural light. More to come in the next post with after pictures!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Today, I'm praying this prayer from<i> Spoken Worship</i> by Gerald Kelly:</span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Give me grace to not be, gracefully, the
parts I am not called to be and to play with elegance the roles I'm given.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Fill me in somewhere in this giant jigsaw,
God, somewhere in this work of art you're working. Weave your wondrous
tapestry until the twisted threads of me, surrendered to your artistry form an
image that is beautiful to see. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- R.</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more at http://rewardsofthesimplelife.blogspot.com!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000419869105896101.post-22862067777552816642011-12-16T11:23:00.004-05:002012-01-18T11:39:29.841-05:00morning light.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJj_4jfBxt4vVn11Az-14EcGhpCMIA9MIt_e2Ei-5r0SWW-ASOJ1HCOFN46nUrxSpfzkII744_bkhHQhR3Y9PNlpOPzEYYIRn9Bic7mLtePCIuWjQB_8c-y0-lv9h0Lvixa0RSns9FmBc/s320/35dfb1d627f811e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<br />
I have been so distracted lately, and probably rightly so. This past week, I wrote 45 pages worth of final papers, and wrapped up lots of loose ends that stood between me and the completion of my first semester of seminary. <i>What a good semester it was</i>. I learned so much about faith, politics, policy issues, and how to navigate public transportation {on my own}. Actually, realizing what I can do on my own (navigate two trains a day, stay away a night or two a week from my husband, pack on the fly, deal with unexpected complications...) has been a huge boost for my self-confidence this fall.<br />
<br />
It's my second full day without any schoolwork to do (once January rolls around, I have to buckle down and write a chapter for one of my professor's books that will be submitted for publishing in the spring). Yesterday, I woke up feeling like I would have no idea what to do with myself, but I found plenty of wonderful, relaxing ways to fill my time (disclaimer: <i>my</i> definition of wonderful). I had a lazy morning with cereal, coffee, and the Today Show. I went out and stopped at my favorite thrifting stops, and then spent time wandering around the city library. I came home with an armful of books that I can't wait to read. Last night, I practically devoured a "for fun" book (<i>it has been so long </i>since I've read something with no purpose whatsoever). I read all of White Oleander last night between dinner and bed. It is a sad, mysterious book, but it has a lot to say about resilience and the people who make life meaningful.<br />
<br />
Today, I'm being lazy once again, trying to decide which book to read next and where I will ride my bike to today. I had a whole to-do list of plans for today, but I forgot that I was car-less and therefore can only be as productive as where I can walk or bike to. So I will gladly embrace today as a quiet, lazy one.<br />
<br />
Lately I've been taking lots of pictures of the late morning light in our apartment. Although winter days can seem bleak, there is something so still and beautiful about the late morning light of the winter. Taking pictures of the simple everyday spots that are transformed in the morning light helps me appreciate the places that I spend my every day.<br />
<br />
I am so excited for the weekend over here. Ben has had a ton of work lately, so a break is much-needed. We've been taking weeknight mini-trips this week to break up the work days: driving in the country and looking at lights plus a trip to Sonic for milkshakes, stopping by Toys R Us last night (yep, my husband is a kid at heart - and I love it) and getting fountain sodas on the way home, and tonight, we're itching for more lights and I'm itching for a night of <i>no cooking</i>. The last weekend before Christmas! What a good one it's going to be.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4RCeyzGcvtNHq8Sokqe-v3PgjwyAryB6UwqVC3ROSx8An5RsmqzqkQK5gBrhMmFDer2vNRK1atcwnMZJ56KZl5bJ94YH_DYpaeyRl48BkhNpJ66QWUNRN4ADxP6QDGoso5zJTHCJP10/s1600/1ce6384427f811e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4RCeyzGcvtNHq8Sokqe-v3PgjwyAryB6UwqVC3ROSx8An5RsmqzqkQK5gBrhMmFDer2vNRK1atcwnMZJ56KZl5bJ94YH_DYpaeyRl48BkhNpJ66QWUNRN4ADxP6QDGoso5zJTHCJP10/s320/1ce6384427f811e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">“I embrace the messiness of life, I find it so beautiful
actually.” <br />
Brad Pitt</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWvh95hrm2dlMXqp7CZLQkfvq-afJSF2Hymex-Vyv39fi7bpokL5hle59x_YByGI1mr7WhzU_Q9JuK_Xtrvr8ZBKztgyLAuUO7vFiZz6JVwfQXKPiQfDDD6GOR477e-wQ5ziqgwRcr6I/s1600/3f6eb05c275e11e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWvh95hrm2dlMXqp7CZLQkfvq-afJSF2Hymex-Vyv39fi7bpokL5hle59x_YByGI1mr7WhzU_Q9JuK_Xtrvr8ZBKztgyLAuUO7vFiZz6JVwfQXKPiQfDDD6GOR477e-wQ5ziqgwRcr6I/s320/3f6eb05c275e11e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1MVgdqvXPK7HCJRXGkN_wJuMPcFlcfkKGMn-ONOVBgCSWBFjxre6x2sw7ZmTvP3JtqXMjq4S9XE-NADz6YotxXWG_QZ4b-p9sJrPN9QHgljl1lkkTQiXSIwGfJgueSJo0U5Otzs8sWI/s1600/8f4d642027f811e19896123138142014_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1MVgdqvXPK7HCJRXGkN_wJuMPcFlcfkKGMn-ONOVBgCSWBFjxre6x2sw7ZmTvP3JtqXMjq4S9XE-NADz6YotxXWG_QZ4b-p9sJrPN9QHgljl1lkkTQiXSIwGfJgueSJo0U5Otzs8sWI/s320/8f4d642027f811e19896123138142014_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="right"><td class="tr-caption">“I watched the early morning light pass over and through the windows of
colored glass, leaving streaks of red and green and yellow on the stone
floor. Now I know it is like happiness-- it is there or it is not, you cannot hold it or keep it.” Karen Cushman </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In the right light, at the right time, everything
is extraordinary. Aaron Rose</span></span>
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