Finding Simplicity

Tired and busy are two words which have hijacked my vocabulary. I am very conscious when I use either of those words and I am terribly irritated when I let them slip out, (which has only happened once today. Yay me.) 

Mainly because tired and busy are each a self-inflicted state of being. I'm busy because I have either consciously or subconsciously not managed my calendar well, and I'm tired, because, well, I have either consciously or subconsciously not managed my calendar well. 

This is why finding simplicity is my goal this year. 

Longer walks, conversations that linger, margin in my day to be available to others and quiet time to hear from God. I know I can do this. 

I have found in my two short weeks of finding simplicity that it's not so much simple that I crave, but light. Lightness, the opposite of heavy. 

When I am tired and/or busy, things feel heavy. My feet are heavy and my body hardly has the strength to put one foot in front of the other. My counter tops are weighed down by the papers telling me what to do and who to pay. 

I would even venture to argue that dust is heavy. For reals. You didn't see the amount of dust I cleaned from behind the vase on my dresser last week!

When I am tired and/or busy I laugh less, hustle more, and have unrealistic expectations of those around me. After all, if I'm hustling, certainly you should hustle with me. (I'm only half-kidding).

A life of simplicity doesn't mean living a life without. 

"A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life." Proverbs 13:7

A life of simplicity means I get to fill it with Jesus. And I'm trying.

If you want to join me, try this: spend 20 minutes of solitude with Jesus each day. 

• Find a space that is peaceful and without distraction. 
• Get into a posture where you'll be comfortable to 20 minutes. (On your knees sounds like a great idea for about 17 seconds! A comfy chair high enough to support my head is my go-to choice.) 
• I suggest limiting music or any versions of audio prayers. The point is to hear His voice, not the voice of others. 
• Resist the urge to start talking. What if you were quiet and allowed Him to speak first? 
• Don't bail! Twenty minutes sounds like a long time, but you can do it! In my experience, 12-15 minutes in is when it gets good. If you bail early, you may miss what God has in store for you. 

I never, ever, walk away from time with my Savior tired, heavy or weighed down with burdens. Never. 

My bet? You won't either. 

Simplicity: Soup

On my journey to live a life of simplicity this year, I am on the hunt for recipes which offer simple preparation while it providing the greatest nourishment for my soul and my body. 

After three days down with "The Crud," (can I capitalize that? I feel like he's a very unwelcome guest), I hadn't eaten in days and knew I needed to put something in my body besides Tylenol PM and DayQuil. 

A sweet text from the hubby asking if he could get me anything while at the grocery store was my invitation... without delay, I googled simple soup recipes. I found a soup that required only two ingredients... cauliflower and bone broth. 

It can't be more simple than that!

Because I don't believe in a meal without butter. I threw some butter in there for good measure. 

This soup was incredible! Please know, this creamy bowl of heaven got me through some of the harshest days of fever, cough and body aches. It was easy to make, between coughing fits and rest breaks from standing up too long. Not to mention the health benefits of organic bone broth, (have you heard about this stuff? If not, google it right now. Don't worry, I'll wait right here.)

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
1 head of cauliflower, trimmed, cut into florets
1 1/2 cups of bone broth (organic, or pull some out of your freezer, because you know... you make your own. More on that to come.)
1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:
Fill a dutch oven or large pot, with water and place cauliflower inside. Make sure water covers all the cauliflower. 
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer around 15 minutes. Check florets with a fork to make sure they are tender.

Drain pot and move cauliflower to a food processor. Add bone broth and butter. Blend well. 
If you can't fit it all in the food processor at once, start with half the cauliflower and bone broth, then repeat. 

Sprinkle a little salt and pepper into the food processor and mix thoroughly. Keep salt and pepper handy, as you'll season to taste once you pour your bowl.

Voila! And... you're welcome. 

Simplicity

2017 started by committing myself to one word... Intention.

I committed to simple acts of living that would make a difference in my life, my family and those around me. I hope those closest to me noticed, but for myself, as I reflected on 2017, I know that living with intention marked my decisions, my interactions, and the things I spent the most time doing.

Last year was littered with the loss of family and friends, yet new friendships were woven in between losses. Last year we faced financial challenges and watched as God is faithful during the waiting. Last year we rose to the call of intentional discipleship and peacemaking and we gratefully and joyfully are watching the fruits of those encounters.

2017 was hard, there's no denying it. But in the difficulties, I found that on my knees was sometimes the safest and most hopeful times of my year.

Now as I usher in 2018, I can't escape the word "simplicity."

I can't continue living a life of intention without letting go of the clutter around me. The clutter on my calendar and on my counter tops. The chaos in my Tupperware drawer and in my soul.

While chaos, mess and general hodge-podgeyness (yes, I made that up) are somewhat of "buzz" words, I am spending 2018 resting in what Jesus has taught me.

When I am weary and in need of rest... turn to Him. (Matthew 11:28)
When I am feeling empty and alone... He will carry me. (Isaiah 46:4)
When my calendar and to-do list literally take over my life... I will be still. (Psalm 46:10)

So here's to 2018. A year I trust will be filled with fireplace conversations, invitations to the table for stories and soul nourishment, family board games, simple meal planning, a withdraw from technology overload and good 'ole fashion homesteading.

May you find a life of simplicity in 2018.