Day 3: Simplicity Counts

Today I will be writing about a holy discipline that is still in progress in my own life.  I would call it under construction and possibly on the chopping block for demolition may be more like it.  I am constantly re-evaluating my "simplicity" level.  It is a lifestyle choice to live simply or to simplify ones life.  I love how Charles Swindoll writes in his book, Intimacy with the Almighty, he states, "To reorder one's own world, the need to simplify is imperative.  Otherwise, we will find ourselves unable to rest within, unable to enter the deep, silent recesses of our hearts, where God's best messages are communicated.  And if we live very long in that condition, our hearts grow cold toward Christ and we become objects of seduction in a wayward world.  What perils await us in that condition!" I have found this to be so true and God's word backs this up. 

"God made us plain and simple; but we have made ourselves very complicated" Ecclesiastes 7:29 TEV

Embracing the discipline of simplicity is a lifelong commitment one makes to self.  In a world of constant and instant demands firing at us, being armed and ready for battle is crucial to winning the war.  For some reason my life had spun out of control before cancer was even in the picture.  I said before cancer.  Yep.  I was super woman. I put on the act like I was Mary, but in reality I was Martha...busy, busy, busy. I did it all.

Weekly Beth Moore Bible Study
  Baked cookies for the bake sale
    Served in the nursery at church
      Delivered meals to the hungry
        Scrap-booked on rainy days
          Canned veggies from my garden
            Sang in the choir
              Volunteered in my sons classroom
                Kept house
                  Farmers wife
                    And the list goes on...

When we allow ourselves to be so busy with life's demands we become cold and jaded to the very heart of God.  I saw the warning flags, but I chose to ignore them.  I didn't want to slow down.  God had other plans.  I am not saying that he gave me cancer so that I would simply slow down...no that's not the point here.  I just know that part of my out of control busy crazy life effected my health.  I wasn't taken care of me.  I was so busy serving and being in leadership roles that I wasn't truly hearing His voice.  You see I was more concerned about my Martha Stewart pie photos on Facebook than the family I was bringing the pie to.  I was more concerned about how I looked arriving to school and impressing the other Moms.  You get the point.  When we allow our schedules to become so cluttered with things to do - even good things - we often miss the point of why.  This was me.  So I began a journey to find simplicity.  I began to weed out some of the jobs I had taken on.  I began to look introspectively at my to do list.  I began to make some changes.  I am so grateful I did.  As I began to say no to more things, God began to speak more clearly to me.  I could hear that still small voice affirming the things I was spending my time on.  He kept speaking over and over...I need you to say no to some really good things, so you can say yes to one big thing later.

Later arrived on May 13, 2011 in the form of you have cancer...and the sound of bombs dropping and exploding around me was heard.  I have learned that embracing simplicity allows for the storms of life to blow on by.  Yes they are rocky and turbulent for a period of time, but eventually the storm moves on.  During surgery, recovery and chemotherapy life went on.  My husband still went to work, my son still went to school.  Bills got paid, grocery shopping was done and my house was cleaned.  Maybe it all didn't happen the way I wanted or planed but we all survived.  I choose to not stress out and do it all.  I choose to be simple.   Today I have to remind myself to keep it simple sister or KISS.  I can sense in my Spriti when I am taking on too many tasks.  I have caught myself many times.  The key to overcoming this is to be honest with yourself.  Know your limits.  Seek wisdom from above.  Keep your personal life simple and the discipline of simplicity will radically change your intimacy level with Christ.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding.  But in all your ways acknowledge the Lord and he will direct your path. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones." Proverbs 3:5-8 NKJV

Amen

Day 2: Embrace Serenity

I'm writing to express the gratefulness in my heart because He has helped me beat stage 3 colon cancer.  So I will continue to declare His greatness in the flesh, on paper and in this cyber blog world.

Until the whole world hears...

Embrace Serenity

A HUGE lesson I learned through my diagnosis and treatment was to take one moment at a time.  This is often a cleaver cliche or phrase we hear often that bounces off the wall, then in one ear and out the other.  The funny part is it does work if you choose to apply it.  Taking one moment at a time gives you perspective to see what is right in front of you.  How many times a day do we spend worrying about the future?  Do any of those worst case scenarios play out, actually happen?  No they don't happen.  In fact they don't even come close.  I can't go back and change the past either.  So why sit and sulk over it?  It is a waste of time and my energy. 

I constantly have to remind myself  to Selah.  Selah means to pause, take a deep breath, think and relax.  When you live one moment at a time you can fully enjoy the moment. You begin to see things through different eyes.  The Spirit is able to literally give you eyes to see as you never have before. Circumstances may be unchangeable but I can control my reaction towards them.  I have learned this is not always easy, but it is always possible.  He is able, therefore I am capable.  This enables you to pour yourself into the people around you.  Your eyes are not stuck on self but on others around you.  Bad news seems to be lurking around every corner these days.  I became accustomed to set schedules and protocols based on Doctor's orders.  Yet in the midst of these so called "planned" sessions of treatments the plans changed.  Learning to be flexible was part of my daily routine.  As a result I began to embrace the serenity prayer.  Literally I would recite this over and over in my mind or under my breath.  I wasn't in control of how my body would react to treatments or what my lab results would be.  Based on these results the Doctor's would make changes.  So days that were to be spent at the hospital turned into lunch dates with family and friends or another day of rest. 

Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.  Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as the pathway to peace; taking as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your Will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You in the next. Amen
Reinhold Niebuer

Today I try my best to live one day at a time -- enjoying one moment at a time.  Time is all we have been given.  It is up to us to decide what we do with it.  When faced with your own mortality time becomes your friend and you begin to take time seriously.  None of us know when the end will come.  It is a guaranteed fact that we are all born on one day and we die on another.  It's the fraction of time in between the dash that counts. I live more freely and fully with no regrets.  I am more spontaneous and enjoy a quick wrestle match, a game of soccer on the lawn or a bike ride with my seven year old son. The laundry, dishes and dust bunnies can wait for another time. When these moments arrive I choose to embrace them.

September Joy Dare

725. Gardening
726. Late nights outside
727. BBQ's
728. Grass
729. Fresh Flowers
730. Box Tops
731. Sunflowers
732. Squash
733. Fresh peaches off the vine
734. Breeze early morning
735. Fresh zucchini bread from oven
736. Sun tea
737. 1st Day of School
738. Nip in the air
739. The garden
740. Corn Chopping
741. Dustin!
742. Hair
743. Time
744. Garden goodies
745. Smiles to a stranger
746. Canned dill pickles
747. Discipline moment
748. Seed to fruit - amazing
749. Artwork on fridge
750. Sunrise
751. Family vacation photo
752. Wall art
753. Big hand on the clock
754. School bus
755. Hummingbirds
756. Pain
757. Self-control
758. Tough love
759. Refuge
760. Higher Place
761. Law of the Spirit
762. Lavender
763. Lesson Notes
764. Baby blanket
765. Tree by the river
766. Map
767. Dustin's creations
768. Joy & tears
769. Peanut butter & jelly
770. Cake & ice cream
771. Meals
772. Prayer
773. Chores
774. Rotten Bananas
775. Old scar healing up
776. Lawn mower
777. Towels in cupboard
778. D's nose
779. Honesty
780. Sharing each others burdens
781. Encouragement
782. It's not @ me
783. Free to receive
784. It's all about faith - Believing in Him alone
785. Instant + i____.
786. Knowledge
787. Connected
788. Brakes on white truck
789. Cucumbers in the garden - slowing down
790. A coffee mug
791. Morning - alone Birthday with Jesus
792. Front porch sitting
793. Sunday afternoon nap
794. Dog kisses
795. Pockets filled with rocks
796. Half eaten graham crackers
797. Laundry
798. Bills paid
799. Canning plum jam
800. Heart to grow in truth
801. Cucumbers still coming out of the garden
802. Love
803. Soccer jersey "Coach"
804. Change - again & constant
805. Addressing bullying
806. A toddler
807. A stray dog
808. Chickens
809. Sewing projects
810. Books
811. Dust
812. Pearls
813. A smile
814. The Sun (SON) Glory

Day 1: Rejoice

This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm  118:24

Celebrations can vary in their styles and ventures.  You don't have to have the biggest party or the largest reception hall with the greatest number of guests in attendance.  No an audience of One will do for me.  Just knowing that today is a new day that the Lord has made just for me to enjoy.  So enjoy I will.  The warmth of the fall sun reflecting off the golden leaves flapping in the tall trees makes me smile.  I take a deep breath and exhale.  I'm alive.  I'M ALIVE.  Yes my past haunts me as I sit still in my recliner this morning, reflecting on chemo poison trickling through my veins.  But I celebrate because I am an over-comer.  I drink deeply the light of the morning and embrace what may come before my path today.  Be happy and show it to the world around you.  I smile more.  I laugh more freely.  I love more unconditionally. I live in the moment for that is all we have.  Time to rejoice and celebrate once again all He has done. 

I'm Alive by Peter Furler

31 Posts in the Month of October

I am taking a blogger's challenge.  Today I will start a 31 day challenge to write on one topic for the month.  Each day will be a new post within this topic.

Read More here to join the fun!

The drum roll please...to announce a topic for this 31 Day Challenge...

31 Ways to Celebrate Beating Cancer - 

Things I've learned after facing the biggest challenge in my life.  How my outlook on life has changed my heart and purpose here on Earth.

Stay connected -- links to each day's postings!

Day 1: Rejoice

Day 2: Embrace Serenity

Day 3:  Simplicity Counts

Day 4: Lessons in Waiting - Part 1: Hope

Day 5: Lessons in Waiting - Part 2: Strength

Day 6: Lessons in Waiting - Part 3: Attitude

Day 7: Letting Others In

Day 8: Log-in to the Logos

Day 9: It's All Small Stuff 

Day 10: A Clean Cup

Day 11: Blessed to Bless

Day 12: Courage

Day 13: Bring Beauty In

Day 14: Extravagant Love 

Day 15: Be Pepared

Day 16:Conquering Perfectionism

Day 17: How to Answer the Question of Why

Day 18: Laugh

Day 19:

Day 20:

Day 21: 

Trusting Builds Strength

When I am weak then you are strong.  Why then do I feel so weak?  Why do I feel so inadequate to accomplish the tasks before me?  It's only in this moment that I realize it's because of my weakness I rest upon your strength to carry me.  His sufficiency sustains.  My lack of focus and ability to see the super in the natural sits on the curb.  I allow the pressures of the day and the distractions of the moment keep me from fully trusting.  That is really what it boils down to.  Trust.  Simple faith expresses itself in total surrender of trusting a Mighty God who is able to do more than I can imagine.  I recognize in this moment that I am in a state of neediness so desperate for a Savior.  In rides the white horse...Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father -- he saves the day again.  In my weakness I begin to sing the song of thankfulness.  I am truly thankful for the opportunity of weakness that forces me to recognize my great need for God in my life.  I can't say it enough...in everything, give thanks!  Every obstacle becomes a tool the Master uses to shape us into His image, turning ashes into beauty and making something out of nothing. Once again I know I am just where He wants me.  Totally and utterly dependent upon Him alone for He sustains the weak.

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." James 4:6

"Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for thiers is the Kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3

Fall Links (Ideas to Encourage You)

Ideas for a Fresh Fall

Maybe it's time to re-visit those New Year's resolutions.  Just in case you are like me I have forgotten completly about them and need a fresh start.  Fall is just a perfect time to start fresh again.. With the kids back in school I feel a sense of fresh order in the house.  Its the perfect time to clean out the basement, organize a few closets or do some painting.  No that I really have time to do all that, but the thoughts are there.  So here is a list of a few things I am pondering in my neck of the woods this Fall.

Project tips for the home

Organizing  your child's room (fun times!)

Painting Tips

Talk About Sharing (Money) Kid friendly too!

Autumn Leaves Activity Book (PDF downloadable for the kids!)

Must Reads...or read it again!

1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp

Why study God? An article from Focus on the Family

Improve Your Marriage (How to be Thankful)

Photos to enjoy over and over again

Scripture to meditate on always and forever

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only begotten Son.  That whosoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life. John 3:16

Be joyful always! Pray Continually; Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:12

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

 Philippians 2:3

He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Joel 2:13

For the Lord is the one who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds, and reveals his thoughts to mankind.  He turns the lights of dawn into darkness and treads on the heights of the earth.  The Lord of heaven's Armies is His name! 

Amos 4:13