Simplicity

I've been absent, not from life but from blogging.  My friend LISA called me out and she was right.

February 12.

I didn't check if that was the last time I blogged, but I think that LISA would tell me the truth.  (She likes it when I mention her name.) :)  There ya go friend.

Life is in overdrive and some days I'm an amazing driver and others it's like I'm playing Mario Cart and going all over the place.  Three months have gone by and we've learned so many things and grown in so many ways.  There have been times when I've thought about topics to blog about, and others when I didn't want to share what was really going on in my heart.

I'm growing and learning and striving to be the woman that God wants me to be.

This spring I did a Bible Study by Priscilla Shirer about Sabbath.  It was wonderful to think about where God would have me find margins in my life.  Then I read the book "7" by Jen Hatmaker for a book club.  See, I'm getting a restless feeling (Gary is aware.)  When I get this feeling it means that I'll be moving, or getting pregnant, or adopting or getting a job, or changing jobs or some other wonderful/scary thing.  I have the feeling.  I'm ready.  I don't know what it means, but I'm ready to be willing and obedient to God.  I'm making an intentional effort this month to live simply.  I'm calling it the month of ten.  (A friend who would not like to be named said it should be inTENtional month.  Good one!)  We've been living in our house for almost 10 (next month) years now.  It is a good time to lean into this restless feeling and open myself up for what God would have me see.

So. . .

This month I'm only eating 10 foods.
1. Beef
2. Eggs
3. Cheddar Cheese
4. 100% Whole Wheat Bread
5. Broccoli
6. Apples
7. Plain Yogurt
8. Granola 
9. Potatoes
10. Butter

I'm also giving away/selling 10 things every day this month.

It feels great.  There are moments of celebration at sharing clothes and pans and tools with those in need.  We've made many trips to Africa's Child to share our treasures.

Yesterday I went through my closet and created quite a large stack of clothes.  For someone who doesn't like to shop I have a large number of clothes in a variety of sizes.  Most things were easy to donate, but there were a few pieces that I lingered over.  I quickly drove to the store before I changed my mind on the gray and white sweater that I wore to church last Sunday.  I don't need it.

I'm a little teary eyed at this moment though.  I'm such a sentimental sap.  And I'm a little emotional.  I got the hairbrained idea to get rid of the bunk beds in the girls room.  We have a full size bed in the basement that rarely gets used and the girls room is the smallest in the house.  By moving the full bed upstairs it would give them some more room.  We bought a big dresser and will be able to get rid of the three small dressers that are in the room currently.  Brilliant.  I am brilliant.  And living simply.  

And a bit sad.

I prayed that we would find someone who could truly use the bunk beds and after listing them on Craig's List last night Gary got a call from a man in Grand Rapids. . . while he was at our rental.  Jose heard Gary talking on the phone and inquired about the beds.  Guess what?!?  Jose wants the bunk beds.  YES!  We love Jose (one of our renters) and his family.  We have enjoyed building a relationship with all of them.  They need the bunk beds!  Sweet.

Except I have such great memories.  I sat on the floor in the bedroom and cried as I remembered the first time the bunk beds were filled--when Simon came home from China.  We tucked Garrison in and then Simon.  Then Gary and I praised God as we heard them laughing together.  I've hugged and kissed and prayed with my kids in these bunks.  I've disciplined and cleaned up vomit.  I want to keep the beds.  I really like them.

But Jose is coming later today.  I didn't even get my "good-bye moment" because the girls wanted to practice sleeping in the full bed so they slept downstairs last night.  But it will happen and we will sell the bunk beds and it will be good.

God is teaching me, pruning me.  He is good.