Faith Moves Finances

           Faith may not always move mountains, but this past month it has moved our finances. God has miraculously provided above and beyond our expectations and needs. Again. He alone has given us more than we had ever hoped. We find ourselves in moments of anxiety and doubt but He takes us by the hand and whispers "Trust Me, I have a plan.". Time and time again He shows us that He is the one who breathes life into us, He is the one who carries us. Nothing, not anyone person, circumstance, or situation is too great to thwart the will and power of God. He is great and worthy of praise.

          While God has provided for us again and again, I have to be honest and admit that we still often struggle with fear and a desire for control in our lives together. Our struggles have strengthened us in our faith considerably more than we imagined, but they have also left us weary of the blessings that pour out of the heart of God. We find ourselves wondering when things start to ease up,  'This is a wonderful blessing, but what is going to happen next? What great struggle is going to capture us in it's relenting grasp next? '.  What we fail to fully understand is that life is going to be filled with struggles, trials and tribulations, but just as we continue to walk this road and push through these rough patches, we also continue to experience the grace and joy of walking with the Lord as He pours out blessings and mercy. We walk hand in hand with a God who is greater than anything we could ever face (even when we can't understand the pain in the moment), yet we still forget and struggle to believe that God will take care of us (spiritually and physically). We try to do it all in our own strength (granted most of the time we just can't do it on our own),  but God still uses us and ministers to us, and we continue to grow in Him.

       I feel like an Israelite somedays; God preforms miracles in my life that are beyond me, only to have me turn a bling eye as soon as things become difficult. I grow weary and complain when I should be exalting and praising with faith and surety.  The beauty of Jesus and God's grace is that even though I fall short of the glory of God, He still made away for me. We grow and learn day by day. Sometimes we forget the goodness of God and sometimes we forget we are only here for a season. Today is another opportunity to rise above my insufficiency's and embrace the power of faith and Gods gracious mercies. I thank God that He is not done with me yet!


    *******************************************************


     We are two days away from our move and the official beginning to our year long entertainment fast. In two days we are walking into a new door to face another day as disciples of Christ. We hope and pray that as each day comes and goes we will walk closer to God, each other and the body of Christ. We pray that our lives continue to change radically for God. We want to be challenged and experience a real living relationship with the Lord of our hearts. Even if that means we have to struggle.

    My heart is aching and crying for more of God. I want to serve Him more, know Him more, and be a true reflection of Him. One of my greatest fears is to walk through this life only half invested in laying my life down for Him. I want our lives to be radically invested in Jesus. I want to be crazy for His sake. Less of me and more of Him. This is what I hope waits for my family around the bend.


What things are you looking for has your life rushes by? Where is your heart today? Leave a comment and let me know. I'm always happy and encouraged to hear from you.

With an Earnest Love,
Leah






       

Monday Posts and a Book

I didn't make it one week this month in my attempt to post something for you every Monday... Pathetic...I know.

In the process of moving, packing and getting Charlottes Dr. stuff figured out my project completely slipped my mind. I totally completely forgot. This following week we will not have internet access so I won't be able to really get on top of this until the week of the 7th of February. As of then there will be fewer distractions and plenty of time to pray and focus on you.

Until then, I simply have to recommend this book by Amy Baker Getting to the Heart of Friendships (which you can find here ). A very dear friend of mine handed me this book last week and in just a few days I feel like my whole perspective and understanding of relationships has taken a dramatic U-turn.  Amy Baker has a refreshing and challenging view on relationships. Her book takes a look into the heart of our hearts-the center of our relationships, bringing to light the heart issues and then offering God's view on authentic God ordained relationships. I have been so blessed by the words and insight of this woman of God; both being deeply challenged and encouraged. There is hope my dear friends to have deep fulfilling friendships with our husbands (or wives), our children, our parents and siblings, and our neighbors. I cannot say enough about this book.


With an Earnest Love,

Leah

A Year Without Entertainment

Lord willing we have a moving date! While we have a lease and the funds we never fully know the will of the Lord. So as James implores the believers: “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, :If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” - James 4:13-15

In the meantime we are making plans and preparing to move into a place of our own! It has been a long run, but we are finally close to the end of this road. Only weeks away and we will be unpacking boxes that have been in storage far too long, and refurnishing the empty pallet that awaits us. We are elated and nervous as we anticipate the deadline for the needed funding. We are at a point where we have to trust that the Lord will provide what we need. Though we know that our budget says we should be fine, the numbers are quiet daunting. So this time around- we are choosing to put the anxiety behind us and trust the Lord with our finances. I am quiet proud of the stand my husband is taking in this matter. The Lord is doing a good work in his heart. I’m seeing faith I’ve never seen before evident through his decisions, words and confidence. 

(It is such a blessing to have a husband that desires a relationship with the Lord)

There are going to be a lot of changes for our family in the next years apart from an apartment and a minimalistic approach on life. Starting the first of February, following my post :We Need A Radical Change, and many hours of prayer and discussion, we have decided to take a year long fast from ‘electronic entertainment’. It was not an easy decision by any means and we are far from prepared to embrace this drastic culture shock. However, it is far more important to us that we put aside from ourselves this mundane routine we have fallen into. We are determined to banish from ourselves this idol in our life- whatever it may take. 

We wanted to do more than put strict rules on ourselves (which by-the-way, are easily broken). We wanted to utterly destroy and sacrifice the very thing which we have until this point been unable to part with. So we are giving it all up...for not just a week, month,  or months, but for an entire year. We will be left with twelve beautiful months battling for something deeper in our relationships, lifestyle, and thinking.  

So as of February first, we will not have access to Netflix, Amazon movies, TV, video games, movies (except for on occasion as a family night), Wii games (except for occasional date nights or friend nights), Facebook scrolling, Pinterest scrolling, and so on. I will write for my blog but I won't be wasting time on media sights just glancing here and there.  Our phones will be for texting, calls, and emails only. We are putting our computers on a shelf in a closet and our TV will be set up so that in order to watch our occasional family movie we have to move our seating so that we can see the TV. We don't take lightly what we are trying to accomplish here. Call us extremists...it's probably true. 

Since my goal this past year is to be as honest with you as possible, I do want to note that while we are desperate for change in this area, I am terrified and anxious over what I may discover along the way. What on earth am I to do with myself? How will I pass the long hours of these early years of motherhood? What will I do in addition to cooking and housework? Have I gone so far into the modern world of entertainment that I have completely forgotten the richness of learning and discovering? Yes...I think to a point, I have. 

It does scare me to think of putting away all of our forms of electronic entertainment, but it also excites me; as if there is some grand adventure to await. As hidden gold, we are seeking out the riches and treasures of our own hearts and the heart of Christ. We are on an expedition to rediscover ourselves. No wonder the impending sacrifice is so tantalizingly daunting! 

As we wander this road and rediscover ourselves and our family, we want to share that part of us with you. We want to share with you the raw unedited version of our story. How greatly vexed we might become and the great unfathomable jewels we may stumble upon as we walk.  After all- I should have more time to write...and maybe something worth writing about. 

With an Earnest Love,

Leah

The Gift of Food - Green Chili Nachos

I love food. Who doesn't? God has created so many things in this world that are beautiful and incredible. Food is no exception. While in the earlier years of the world we haven't always had a choice of the kinds of food we could eat, in the past decade, in America particularly the choices of food we have are far beyond comparison. For the most part, anything our hearts desire are at our finger tips, ready to toss in a pot, fry, bake, poach, or however else you choose to cook it. We are so blessed! So many people in the world even today, don't have a choice. Some don't even have a meal. It is really humbling when I sit down to think about my grocery list for the week. Even with our meager budget, we have the opportunity and a quantity of food that some people will only ever dream of, and yet I still struggle with moments of discontentment and a lack of "inspiration" for dinner.

Alex and I are really determined to change our attitudes and the way we think about the things we have and the way we choose to live this year. Food and our grocery budget are one of the main areas we are working on. How do we eat and plan our meals in a way that honors God with our choices? I know it may seem to many of you that Alex and I are taking our desire to bring God glory through all these little things too literally. Maybe we are? Maybe we aren't though. We so desperately want to honor God in every area of our lives however big or small. It isn't that we necessarily believe that God is watching every little thing we d
o with a scowling, judgmental stare.  It is only that we have so little time, so little money, so little to give and do in the moment that we want to make the very most of what we do have. If changing our focus on the way we eat can effect our budget and health...maybe our hearts too, then we are willing to make a change.

Food has such a huge impact on our lives. We need food to live. Our bodies need nutrition to function. Food is yummy too. God has given us an incredible gift to be able to enjoy what we eat which in turn gives us life.

Right now we are trying to find health and inexpensive meal ideas. We are learning a lot about cooking in the process. Even the husband is getting in kitchen determined to learn how to cook and eat well. (I am so tickled to see how excited he and involved he is in the process!) 

One of our favorite new dishes is our Green Chili Chicken Nachos. Yum!

I have had an intolerance to tomatoes for quiet a while so this recipe was created with that in mind. However you can add and substitute wherever you want!
(The great thing about this recipe is how versatile it is.)

Green Chili Nachos 

1lb. Chicken Breast (Shrimp and ground beef are great substitutes as well)

Lime Zest and Juice

Pinch of Salt and Pepper

Sprinkle of dried ginger root

8oz Cream Cheese

1 Can Green Chilies

1 Can Green Enchilada Sauce

1lb Mexican Shredded Cheese

1 Can of Black Beans

1 Can of Pinto Beans

1 Bag of Tortilla Chips

*Fruit Salsa (or regular) 

Directions:

Brown chicken breast in skillet with ginger, salt and pepper, and a little lime zest and juice until cooked through, then temporarily turn off stove. Shred chicken and cube your cream cheese. Place cream cheese, Green chilies, and Enchilada sauce in skillet and bring to a slow boil, turn down heat and let simmer for 5 to 10 min. Sauce should be creamy and decently thick. On a cookie sheet, place tin foil and then layer chips and beans, spoon chicken mixture over top and cover with cheese.  Place in broiler for about 3 to 4 minutes or until top is bubbly and slightly browned. Serve immediately with *Fruit Salsa 

Fruit Salsa

Frozen fruit of your choice, thawed or fresh

*Pineapple, Mango, Papaya, Peach and Strawberry are all great options

Lime Juice

Dried Ginger root

Place desired amount of fruit into food processor with some lime and a good pinch of Ginger. Process until slightly chunky, and add lime and ginger until you get the taste you want. (You can also add fresh green chilies if you want a little spice.)

You can also top with whatever you like, such as olives, tomatoes, or green onions. Be creative, be inspired and let me know what you think! You are all welcome to use and print and revise! 

With an Earnest Love,

Leah

We Need A Radical Change

I remember the days when I was a young girl and would spend countless hours reading and writing in the privacy of my room. I remember when I could find rest and contentment in sitting still with no means of entertainment. I would think. I would pray. I would dream and dare to imagine what my days to come would hold. I savored my quiet moments scribbling in my journals. I cherished the hours by my bedroom window watching the world pass by me while having conversations with the Lord. 

It was romantic, peaceful, and above all it enriched my heart and filled my soul with worth. I wasn’t just wasting away or shutting my thoughts away from myself; I was discovering God and the woman I was becoming. I was discovering people and invested in unveiling the mysteries of the world around me. I didn’t need entertainment to console and satisfy me. I was already richly enthralled with the things that spoke to my heart, both in quiet and in the chaos, I found a purpose that drove and filled me.

When I was young, my parents had strict rules about the TV, internet, and computer game usage. It was possibly one of the best things they could have done for me growing up, with the great exception of teaching me about the Lord. I grew up learning how to entertain myself apart from the things of today. Instead of wasting my time and thoughts in a world of games and the latest sitcoms, I was growing closer to the Lord and discovering the world around me as it is. 

I wasn’t given the opportunity to have a Facebook or Myspace page. I didn’t even have a cell phone until I started working. Instead of pinning a thousand pins on Pinterest that I would never do anything with again, I was repurposing the things around me. Today I find myself in such a different mindset. 

I don’t like it. I don't like who I’ve become, or the way I spend my time. I don’t like how empty I feel. Instead of pursuing my walk with the Lord, or with my husband, I find myself in front of a TV wasting hours growing further and further away from the ones I love.

One of the things that truly instigated the drive to simplify and minimize was Alex’s and my own obsession with entertainment. We started recognizing patterns of laziness, a lack of drive to do anything meaningful with our time and a desire we couldn’t seem to break. 

The reality is: entertainment and the media have become an idol in our lives. 

I start my day with one thought: I am not going to touch my phone, turn on my TV, or start up my laptop. I am going to spend my day thinking and doing things that matter.

10 AM - I’m on my phone. 

I am realizing how big of a problem this is in my life. It is robbing me of the joy and peace I could have investing my time and energy into my God, husband, daughter, friends and family. My prayers grow fewer day by day. My thoughts are mush and my energy and drive to live is slowly disintegrating. 

I am not saying that entertainment is bad in all circumstances. I'm saying that when it starts to have such a pull on our heart and mind that we cannot bear to live without it, then my dear friends, it is a problem. 

After so many months of trying to make changes in our life of our family over specific issues- the fact that we still struggling so desperately causes me to think that maybe we need to do something radical. Maybe the answer is to do something that will force us to break the bonds that media and entertainment has over us. 

I don’t have the answers yet. I only know that something needs to change and that we have to be the ones to do it. 

Denial and half-attempted ideas will not make changes our hearts need. It will not force us to address the heart of the issue. 

If we are to make God the King of our hearts and thoughts then we have to be willing to put aside the things that are robbing Him of His throne. In my heart, entertainment is stealing the throne of my King. 

I’m not okay with it anymore.

If you guys have any radical ideas that could help us break this bond on our lives we welcome and encourage them. 

With an Earnest Love,

Leah

Faith Can Move The Mountain 2015 -

I started blogging when I was 16 years old. I didn't really have much of an objective or reason for blogging, other than I loved to write. It became a way to voice what I was thinking and feeling without being judged. It was a safe place for me.

You can see more here: (if you are really interested) HeartGiggles.

By the time my husband and I got married, my blog had morphed into a place to share my walk with Christ. Unbeknownst to me at first, my stories and struggles were testaments of encouragement and hope to my friends and family members. It became apparent to me that my story is was not so different from every other persons. We all have our own unique struggles and trials, but in turn we all struggle with so many of the same things. We all experience doubt, fear, heartbreak, and joy. We all have sin in our lives; none of us have it all together. To my readers I think it was a window into another persons heart and it showed all of the raw parts of a humans soul as we learn, grow, mature, and walk through this world. I was so surprised when people started messaging me and pulling me aside to tell me that my blog was helping and encouraging.

When I first started blogging I hadn't even considered the idea that God could use my story to impact others. But as I have continued writing and sharing God has been showing me how all of our stories have the potential to bless and impact the people around us. I am no one special, I am not an unending fountain of wisdom. I am just me: Leah- a struggling disciple of Christ trying to figure everything out as I go.

Today when I write here my goal and heart is to share honestly what God is teach me and where He is leading me. I want to be open with you and to give you a look into the world of an ordinary family with common struggles and trials. Ultimately if my stories and struggles can bless and encourage you then I will keep sharing. I am not afraid to put it all out there...to expose myself.

I want you to know that you are not alone as a person, as a Christian, wife or mother. There are people all over the world, all around you that struggle with the same 'things' that you do. There is another person in this world who can understand, imagine, and sympathize with your plights and your great joy's and miracles.

This year as I have prayed and sought God's guidance through my blog I am changing some of my focus. This year I want to reach you as my readers. I want to connect with you, get to know you, give back to you as you have each given to me and blessed me through the years, through all my trials and triumphs.

While the focus of my blog has always been to share my life with you, I will also be adding a few other elements. Starting on this coming Monday, every week I am going to share something with you be it recipes, DIY instructional, devotionals, recommendations for products, books, or anything else we really find to be a blessing, and ideas for a minimalist approach. (If you have anything else you would really like to see send me a message or comment below and I'd be so happy to oblige)

In addition my husband will start joining me more regularly sharing from his point of view things that he is learn or on topics that he feels passionately inspired by. We will also continue sharing our journey through simplifying and going more natural.

There is going to be lots coming this next year! Most importantly we just want to be as
real and honest with you as we can.  

To a new year and another day on the road!

With an earnest Love,
Leah

Christmas Grace

This year, we spent our Christmas celebrating the grace God has shown us the last few weeks. Almost overnight somehow, everything has managed to work together against every odd and impossible situation. After working several (way too many) jobs in the last year, bouncing from one to another trying to provide for our needs, a job finally fell into our lap as if a gift from God. We aren’t even sure how the company got his application or where they came from, but we aren’t about to question the hands of God. One thing we are sure of: God provided even when we didn’t have the means to provide for ourselves. This job not only pays what we need to meet our financial obligations, but it also introduces doors and possibilities we couldn’t have dreamed of. Alex has discovered a joy and passion in his work He didn’t know He could have; He is excited about where this job could take him- and take us. 

Due to the nature of this job, we will be sticking around in New York for a while longer until we have more direction from God - then who knows where we may end up. He may have us stay in New York for the rest of our lives for all we know. As much as we desire to be in Tennessee, we want to be where God wants us even more. So we are settling in for the next year and then we will see where God will lead us after that. We have started an exciting search for our own place! 

After a year of living with my parents, and then living with Alex’s parents prior to that for a time, we are so ready to be on our own. As selfish as it is, we crave time with our daughter alone, and our own private space for awhile. While we are so grateful to both of our parents for their help and patience along the way, it hasn’t been an easy time. Compromise and sacrifice have to be a daily focus on the parts of both parties. It is never easy to live as an independent family under someone else's roof-neither is it to have an independent family under your own roof. But God has been exceedingly gracious to us giving us the patience and continually convicting our hearts when we grow weary and wayward. None-the-less we can’t wait to be in our own home with our own little family again. It will truly be a honeymoon phase all over again. 

Here is to more adventures! Our story is only growing and our lives just starting! Where will we go from here? What waits down this narrow road?

With an Earnest Love,

Leah

A Miracle Year - Charlotte is One

I can't believe our baby girl is a year old. Time has taken wings and discovered flight and like a bird we have watched the world below us pass by, pushed through turbulence after turbulence, weathered storms and sunny days both cold and scorching hot as we began this incredible journey through parenthood. Looking back now is amazing to see where we were compared to where God has us today. 

We knew going into parenthood that it wasn't going to be easy, but we had no clue what that meant or how it would challenge and effect us both in our walks with the Lord, our marriage and our outlook on life. The moment that perfect little bundle was placed in Alex's arms our whole life changed. 

This past year has been filled with miracles, hardships, fear, joy and a greater understanding of what is means to love sacrificially. Being Charlie's Mamma has taught me so much about God, love, endurance, patience and faith. I see God the Father in a new light now that I'm parent too. It brought and depth and closeness in my walk with Him than I hadn't experienced before. Loving a child of my own has taught me so much about what it means to joyfully sacrifice and endure patiently.

I've learned that I don't have all answers and I'll never be a 'perfect' parent, but have also been shown that there is beauty in the imperfection. God's grace is for me and my husband as we flounder through this new experience together. Everyday holds new discoveries, accomplishments and adventures. 

Watching Charlotte grow; seeing the sparkle in her eye as she uncovers new treasures and discovers life is more thrilling and magical than almost anything else I've ever experienced before. She is growing so fast before our very eyes. Embracing each day with excitement and enthusiasm we embark on adventures and travel time hand in hand - often times stumbling along the way, but that's what makes a good story I suppose. 

Now that Charlie is one, we are seeing a whole new side to her. She has an opinion about almost everything, strength beyond her age and a passion for anything musical. She loves to read almost any book especially if there is a cow or two involved, and has a special place in her heart for her stuffed Bunnies. She is a die-heart daddies girl and loves loves loves beards. Give her pears and cucumbers and she'll be your friend forever but give her cake and you will have made a true enemy. This child may be the only kid in the world who HATES cake, icing or anything of the like. If you want proof:

All in all it is so much fun to see her little personality blossoming and to watch her become a little girl- our little girl.

As much as we are so enjoying our girl grow and mature, there is still a battle she fights every day that we still don't have answers for or a way to help her through it. God has given this little miracle a fighter's spirit. She is so strong and so brave; I am so proud of her. We keep praying that the doctors will be able to figure out what is causing her so much pain some days. We keep looking for answers and try to understand what she is feeling and dealing with, but we know ultimately God will take care of her.

Our next steps include a thorough MRI and meeting with a neurologist next month. We have been really blessed with some amazing doctors who really listen and care for our daughter. A good doctor and compassionate nurses make a world of a difference when you are working through a diagnostic. We are so thankful to be in the care such understanding hands.

Reality check: Charlotte is a whole year old and time has begun to fly.

We wouldn't change a thing about this past year. Our journey have been an incredible adventure and though it isn't easy the rewards are great. As this next year begins we simply pray for wisdom and hope to embrace each day as it comes.

Off we go...

With Earnest Love,

Leah

My God of Today

I’m learning to embrace the glory, power, active and living magnificent display of God’s work in me today. Not only what my future may hold or the next hour- right now, in this very moment God is living, alive, real, and present. I’ve spent a lifetime looking into the future, waiting and anticipating what I dreamed for, longed for, prayed for and I’ve missed out on hours, days and years of God’s very present work in me and my life.   

One of my greatest struggles is looking to God in the future days; I loose sight of Him in today, and yesterday. My God is not just a God of the future, He is my God of today. His power and magnificence is not only for my future - it’s for now; in the midst of diaper changes, dumped bowls of cereal, and lack of showers. 

I catch myself so often thinking thoughts of “someday”. ‘Someday God will use me, someday God will speak to me, someday I will learn that, someday I’ll be living the life as the disciples of Christ did, someday God will lead me exactly where He wants me and I’ll be able to work and serve Him.’ 

But what about today? Can’t God use me even when I’m tired and need to sleep? Can’t God use me now even though my little family is living in my parents house? Can’t God use me even though I don’t have everything figured out? Deep in my heart I think I believe that God can’t use me because I still have so much to learn and I still struggle with sin so deeply; it is overwhelming. I don’t believe I have enough to give, I don’t have the means to serve the way I’ve envisioned myself serving. I don’t have enough. I’m not where I need to be. 

Wow... What happened to nothing is impossible with God. He calls the weak, the unprepared, the nobody. He has the power to use me, work in me, through me, and calls me to Himself today. I don’t know where He will lead me in the future or that I’ll even have a future. Maybe I’ll go home tonight, maybe I’ll live a hundred years? In either case I don’t know what waits for me down the road, but I do know that I don’t have to wait to discover and serve God where I am today. 

I may have very little and not be in a position to pursue what I believe God may be leading me to do someday, but today I do have an opportunity to give what I have, learn and pursue God with all my heart; broken, messy, weak me. 

Jesus Saved Me

So I’ve taken this 500 word challenge for everyday through the entire following month, and though typically I am one to love words in plenty - tonight I am left with a quiet heart and an even less active mind. I am so simply content. I am content with where God has us. Thankful for how He is leading us and providing for us. I am blessed with my marriage and the intimate and deep friendship I share with my husband. I am listening with joy to the noisemaker in the room next to me drowning out the sounds from the house while my very own miracle sleeps. I have clothes and food and so much more than I actually ‘need’. More than anything else I have peace through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. If I had nothing else in this life the peace and grace of God would be enough to leave me as speechless as I am right now. 

I don’t know where I’ll end up in this life, but through the last several years I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter where I am, God is there. As long as I give my heart completely and I strive to walk as a living sacrifice for Christ, there is nothing in this world that can pull me away from where God wants me, or come in between His plans for my life.  I’m learning over and over again that God is so much greater than this world. He is greater than me, you and everything else under the heavens. I am learning that when I am not enough, He is ever more. I am learning that though I fail, fall and sin over and over, Jesus not only payed the price for it, but sent the Holy Spirit to continue teaching me, helping me and drawing me closer to God. 

I may not have everything all together. The truth is, most of the time I am a real mess. But I am a broken, messy creature, who is being made new every day. When I judge harshly, without mercy, or grace, God shows me and teaches me. When I struggle to find the words, or to love selflessly, He covers me and leads me by the hand. When I cry out for wisdom because my fallen mind cannot fathom, God gives it freely. When I pray- He hears me. He puts people in my life to hold me accountable, to encourage and admonish. He is for me. He gave for me.

There are no words to sum up the life, relationship, and passion I have with Christ Jesus. There is nothing that can compare to the pursuit of Christ. No- nothing in this world could fulfill the drive and endless craving to know God more to serve Him more. As long as I live - though I will fall- I will serve Him with all of my heart. It is that simple.  I don’t need five hundred to tell you where my heart is or what petty thing has next captured me in some romantic fantasy. My life and passion can be summed up in three words: Jesus Saved Me.

With an Earnest Love,

Leah

I Will Follow - Words from the Husband

It’s funny how a simple statement can be the difference between death and life. I will follow. Three simple words. What do they mean to you? What do they mean to me? 

Every day is a choice. As a human being, we are constantly forced to make decisions. Decisions to get out of bed on time, what to eat, how to dress, what to say, blah blah blah. When it all boils down though, what’s really important? I think the decision to get up and live is up on the top of the list. But what else is up there? Is there anything else?

For me, my faith is, or should be, on the top of the list. I’m constantly struggling though. It’s so hard sometimes to remember that there is a God looking out for me. It’s funny when I think about it, and I say funny as in ironic. I’m so ready to be like “God is great” when everything is going well, but as soon as life gets difficult, I’m ready to be angry at Him. My whole problem I think is that I feel entitled, like how dare He put things in my life that actually challenge my faith in Him.

The simple truth is that I’m still a baby in Christ. My past life is getting in the way with my present life. It’s like I’m trying to dance with two left feet, while wrestling a bear, solving a calculus equation, repairing a rocket in outer space, and singing the alphabet backwards at the same time. I just can’t do it. That’s the plain and simple truth. When I bring God into everything I do, it’s like he acts like a manager of sorts. He lets in the tasks that He knows I can handle, but only if I trust and rely on Him to do so.

So back to the beginning. The simple statement of I will follow means so much more then it seems. It means that no matter what happens, I will follow Him and His plan that He has for me. I could be facing death, persecution, loss, and whatever else He may decide to try me with, but I know for certain that I will still follow Him. 

I don’t really know much of anything else that I feel like talking about. I know I wrote like what, five paragraphs? So maybe next time Leah decides to have me write about something, I can write more. I don’t know. Maybe it would help if I had questions to answer? Ask away!

The Jaffrey Family Simplifying and Minimizing Project- Update

Since starting our journey through simplifying and minimizing back in June we have struggled, failed, and sometimes found our hearts feeling more frustrated and helpless than before. Let me tell you-it hasn't been easy. (In case you hadn't yet gotten the drift from previous posts.)  

It's been about five months since setting out on this adventure together, now we are looking back at where we were at the start compared to where God has us now and we see nothing less than a dramatic transformation of our sentiments, passions and affections. Our shelves hold less now, but our hearts are heavily laden with the riches we have found along the way.  

We have fought our desires at every turn, sometimes loosing a battle, but ultimately we are winning this war and the spoils thus far are oh-so-beautiful. 

Simple Joy

We have found simple joy.

In giving up little by little, more by more, we are discovering a freedom and contentment neither of us have ever known. The temptations and mindsets we fought and struggles so hard against are becoming less and less. Our goal in beginning this journey was to purge all of the "stuff" in our lives and hearts that were pulling our focus away from living for Christ. What we didn't expect to find along the way was the freedom and contentment we have with what little we have and need. 

It almost felt like overnight we realized that we don't care about having stuff. The approach of Christmas may have something to do with the sudden realization of our total lack of thought and desire for the pursuit of 'things'. We are no longer slaves to the materialism of this world. Through Christ we have found a greater joy; a meaningful, fulfilling pursuit. 

There are empty shelves now, and we continue to empty drawers and simplify our daily life, but it is no longer done with reluctance or drudgery. When we are able to put away one more thing or tackle one more area in our lives together, we are saying 'no' to empty pursuits and 'yes' to the things that really matter. 

We have come so much further than we realized, and yet we still have so far to go. Through the frustrations, struggles and battles, a deep simple joy waits that we have already tasted-so we will continue to seek God relentlessly in all we do. 

*********************************

OH, THE BEAUTY OF SIMPLE JOY - THE RICHES OF LESS

With An Earnest Love,

                        Leah

Update:

I forgot to share this link to an awesome website that have been a great encouragement through this process: http://www.becomingminimalist.com/  Also be sure to follow becoming a minimalist facebook page for great tips and encouragement through the week. It has been such a blessing to me. 

Beauty in Pain

Tears filled my eyes; I could feel the hot, heart wrenching, sobs pulse through my body with every heart beat. My white, aching, cold hands clutched my closed worn bible while shaking and trembling in spasms. My breathing was a wheezy, shallow, hollow sound, as if the pain and panic griped my throat, threatening to steal my voice. My chest heaved within me and tightened with every cry that escaped my dry cracked lips. Darkness swallowed me, emptiness captured my hope, and sent me spiraling into the depths of despair. 

I was broken.

If a soul could bleed I would have filled a river, my spirit felt like it was utterly dying within me without hope of healing. 

My sobs prevented me from speaking and my tongue refused to move, so in my head I cried to the Lord. I screamed as loud as I could-the very depths of my soul rang with the echoes of my cries. 

"Lord, Lord? Where are You? Do You hear my cry? Can You hear me in this night? I weep and I seek You. Lord, do not let me fall to the wayside. Draw me to You. Hold my broken heart. Tenderly touch me, for I need Your mercy to meet me tonight. I cannot walk this road alone. I feel so alone. I feel so weak. I am utterly destroyed. Lord, Lord, are You here? Please hear me now. Be my rescue." 

   ***********************

There are so many moments in my walk with the Lord when I have come to a place of brokenness; where things truly feel hopeless and impossible. Darkness meets me with open arms welcoming me into caverns of spiritual despair. It is in moments like this when I see and discover God in the most  living, intimate and real way. It is when my 'religion' becomes a living relationship.  

Crying and desperate, in the dark of the night when all is silent, the world stands still, and the pain of my broken heart shatters cages that hold the murky shadows releasing the monsters who rise among me to haunt my desolate soul-in that moment; as defeated as I am, I realize how desperately I need God. I realize there is no more strength in me; only God can rescue my contrite spirit (psalm 34:19). 

Quietly, softly, my aching turns to peace, my weeping to joy, and the presence of God illuminates with words of truth, every darkened, hopeless nook and cranny of my heart. My fears, my desolation is snatched away; a strength and hope greater than my adrenaline could supply calms the storm in my heart and lifts me up on wings of love, carrying me over the crashing waves, embracing me in billows of tender mercies, restoring my joy, filling me with songs and praises. My broken pieces are gathered in His hands as he molds with new clay and begins forming me anew.      

He whispers in my ear, "Be still my child, I am here. Come rest in My arms and let Me refresh your soul. I will give you strength in your weakness. Be still."  

Through my brokenness, through my pain, the Lord draws me to Himself. Every time I come to a place when I can't go on, when I am broken and in need of real living strength apart from myself, God meets me where I am and restores my soul. He turns my weeping to laughter, and my misery to joy. There is so much beauty in my pain - from the depths of my brokenness God reveals Himself to me in small pieces.   

 The psalms of David are such a beautiful depiction of how God meets us where are. Especially in the hour of broken and painful reflections.  

"I sought the Lord, and He heard me, 

And delivered me from all my fears."

...

"The angel of the Lord encamps around all those who fear Him, 

And delivers them."

...

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, 

And delivers them out of all their troubles. 

The Lord, is near to those who have a broken heart 

And saves such as have a contrite spirit. 

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

...

The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, 

And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned. "

Psalm 34: 4, 7, 17, 18, 19, 22

*****

"I waited patiently for the Lord,

And He inclinded to me, 

And heard my cry.

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,

Out of the miry clay, 

And set my feet upon a rock,

And established my steps.

He has put a new song in my mouth-

Praises to our God;

Many will see it and fear,

And will trust in the Lord."

Psalm 40:1-3

*****

(My favorite)

"As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So pants my soul for You, O God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God

When shall I come and appear before God?

My tears have been my food day and night,

While they continually say to me,

“Where is your God?”

When I remember these things,

I pour out my soul within me.

For I used to go with the multitude;

I went with them to the house of God,

With the voice of joy and praise,

With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast. 

Why are you cast down, O my soul?

And why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him

For the help of His countenance.

O my God, my soul is cast down within me;

Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan,

And from the heights of Hermon,

From the Hill Mizar.

 

Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls;

All Your waves and billows have gone over me.

 

The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,

And in the night His song shall be with me—

A prayer to the God of my life.

I will say to God my Rock,

“Why have You forgotten me?

Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”

As with a breaking of my bones.

My enemies reproach me,

While they say to me all day long,

“Where is your God?”

Why are you cast down, O my soul?

And why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God;

For I shall yet praise Him,

The help of my countenance and my God. "

Psalm 42

David gives me such a beautiful picture of how God works in our hearts in the midst of our brokenness.  Through God our brokenness becomes beauty. Our 'religion' becomes a living relationship. 

With Love,

Leah

20 Toy ideas for Families Striving for Simplicity and Less

As we continue this process of simplifying and minimizing, with christmas and our Pumpalumpkin's first birthday approaching we've begun thinking more about how this life style we are pursuing will effect our children in play and hopefully the way they think about things.

There is such a huge part of us that want to simply pour out blessings on our daughter. The world would try to tell us that to truly bless her, toys would rain down from heaven, mounding, providing hours of entertainment and fun. But we know and are learning more everyday the importance and joy of owning less, wanting for less, and finding beauty in simple things. We want our daughter and future children to grow up wanting the important things in life, working hard for what they have, seeking happiness and joy in all the beautiful things God has given them.

We don't want to cultivate attitudes of entitlement; giving into this idea that bigger and better things are waiting around the corner, all of these flashy toys come and go as the flowers of the fields. We don't want them growing up believe that having more will make them happy. I watch kids today looking through magazines, watching TV commercials and seeing all of the adds for the newest toys, and see a growing attitude of discontentment and a constant need for more. Nothing seems to satisfy. Ultimately kids grow up with toys upon toys, feeling empty and bored.

Don't get me wrong, we are not saying that toys are bad. On the contrary we believe that toys can play a vital role in a child's life developing, teaching and inspiring great creativity. I only have a problem with quantity and the worlds idolization of 'things' that instill seeds of materialism in our youth.

 So that being said, what are we going to do about it; how are we going to attempt to teach our children to have a healthy appetite for play, finding joy in less, and freedom in the simplicity of what they own? How can we possibly go about teaching contentment in a world that screams for bigger, better, newer, and more?

As we have explored our options and the possibilities for our kids here is a simple list of toys we have come up with that we hope will cultivate the imagination, creativity, and life skills they need.         (This list is geared to kids ages 18 months- 8 years old)

1. Building blocks

2. A handful of wooden or plastic animals/ figurines 

3. One or two baby dolls with two outfits, bottle, and 2 diapers

4.  Two or three stuffed animals

5. Wooden Puzzle boards 

6. Baby carriage or sling

7. Two sorting and stacking games

8. A handful of cars 

9. A train and small track set

10. Playing silks

 11. A few dress up items

12. A few imaginative play things

13. A small genderless doll house with a couple dolls and a few furniture items

14. Bike

15. Craft and Art stuff

16. Drum and one other instrument (triangle, shaker, guitar, recorder, whistle, ect.)

17. Wooden play kitchen with a few play foods, pots and dinnerware 

18. Books

19. One toy of choice (something they really want- have them work for it)

20. Outings to Museums, Zoos, Aquariums, field trips, ect.

Our goal personally, is to stay away from all the flashy, light up, decked out toys and try to give our kids toys that will last and not grow into heaps and piles. Honestly at this point our 11 month old daughter prefers her simple toys to her light up, buttons-a-plenty things. She finds more joy and delight pulling clothes out of a drawer and banging on pots and pans than in any of the other play things we have for her. As she grows and we learn I am sure we will revise this list little by little, but for where we are now we are excited about these ideas as a starting place and a guide.  

Do you have any ideas for toys that you would want to encourage your kids to play with?

A Blessing- Nothing More To Say

Dear Readers,

 In truth I had a whole elaborate post planned and prepared. While changing our little Pumpalumpkin's diaper, I indulged in a passionate narration of my pre meditated thoughts throughout these past few days. It was quiet a captivating speech I assume by the distant little grey eyes listening so intently adding the occasional "mmm"' and "daddaddada" to the symphony of my dramatically exaggerated vowels accompanied by the theatric expressions which come so easily to a Mother trying to entertain to keep the tears away for a moment more. In hindsight, perhaps it was only the melodramatic performance that kept her engaged for the moment and not what I had to share. In either case we shall never know, for as I nestled in the great cushions of the parlor grey love seat, cradling the smallest, the most beautiful love I've ever had to hold- the quiet stillness of the evening sunk into my heart, sinking into every nook and cranny; warming my very soul. Peace over came me in waves quenching every thought I had retained. 

     In a moment all I had to say rushed out of my head as quickly as it h
ad come leaving me motionless and staring helplessly in-love at the little face snuggled up against my breast dreaming and smiling sweetly to herself. All of my plans and speeches disappeared leaving me with just four words:

So this is Love. 

    As I carried her to her crib and gently laid her down, as I held her hand for a moment more and kissed her little forehead, I knew there was nothing in the world that could change this love. When I closed the door quietly, and listened for a moment, I heard the soft waves crashing in the distance as her noise maker recreated the ocean sounds, and the silence that reassured me she was peacefully resting. 

   So here I sit. Quietly. Waiting ever so patiently for my thoughts to clear. But I can't get her little eyes out my head. I can't stoping thinking about her little smile, with her singular top tooth glinting pearly white as her dimpled cheeks beg for kisses and mess of curls on top of her head bounce from side to side. She is our own special miracle; an amazing blessing from God.  

Some days can be really hard- being a mom.

Sometimes I have a hard time remembering how precious every moment I have with my daughter is.

Some mornings I'm so tired I don't know how I am going to be able to get out of bed.

Some nights when she just can't stay asleep, I want to curl up and simply cry.

Being a mom is one of the hardest things I've ever done. But it is moments like right now; when I can bask in the bliss of joy being the mom of the most beautiful blessing I've ever received- that makes every difficult moment worthwhile above and far beyond anything I could give or endure for her sake.

The truth is: tonight I am tired, I might have the worlds worst headache, and have nothing truly notable to say-but I am also overwhelmed with love, thanksgiving and irrepressible joy for the blessing sleeping on the opposite side of wall growing big and strong.

Don't forget that our children grow and will eventually leave our homes. Hold them close tonight, kiss them once again, and tell them how much you care for them while you can.

Love Always,
Leah