The Making of a Health Nut

 It all started with the webinar we watched.(Which I would love to write a review on! If you can, you should definitely order it!) Then it was the nutrition book for school... and it went from there. I've been reading up on all sorts of healthy foods, cosmetics and exercises. I'm only at the beginning of my nuttiness, but I'm pretty much obsessed with health now.

So I've switched soaps, shampoos, exercises and I'm trying my best to eat healthy. After I discovered how many toxins, (I mean many, many toxins) and chemicals are in what we eat, drink and put on our faces and hair I was definitely more willing to try to be more healthy. I have pretty bad acne so I've cut out sugar, been drinking more water in hopes that it will improve. (Next is gluten!) It was hard at first. Trust me! I love sugar. After a while the cravings are not as strong though. There's a book I'd recommend reading called Green Beauty Guide. And this one with natural body care recipes. (Both I found at the library) I do not endorse or agree with everything in these books, but both are good resources.

I switched shampoos and soap. I've only been using baking soda for my shampoo and apple cider vinegar for my conditioner. (You can read about how to use it here..) My hair feels great!

I've been learning more about healthy food choices and how to create delicious meals with them.
Very slowly I am growing my knowledge. It's been a fun adventure and I hope I will continue learning on this brought subject of health. I hope to post more of my experiences, too.

I would encourage you to look into what your putting on and in your body. I thought I was pretty healthy, but there are so many toxins in the food and cosmetics that we use! Just remember although it might be overwhelming at first, start where you are and start small. Maybe just start by cutting out soda or switching soaps or shampoo.

In all that we do we must remember that healthy living should not be an idol. Healthful living should be inspired by the fact that our body's our God's temples and we should be good stewards of them and the resources He blesses us with.

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?  If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. 1 Corinthian 3:16-17

 Do you have any advice or good resources on how to be healthy? I'd love to hear them!

New Beginnings: rain and sunshine

The picture above is of the house plants on the front porch back in June. We had a large rain shower and put all the house plants out to be properly cleaned of dust. The last few days have been filled with rain. Rain, gray skies, and gray moods. Plus the yard does not look nearly as green as it did in June, but before I finish my thought:

I've noticed that many people (and myself) tend to take the holidays as a time to slack off, eat what they shouldn't, stay up late, scratch schedule and productivity with excuses for celebrating and "...But it's Christmas!". Then when New Year's eve ends we get back to the grind, frantically looking for a sheet of paper to scribble our resolutions on as we start over...again. I am not trying to write a guilt trip-I'm to blame, too.

It's a new year! January is a special month to refresh, rejuvenate and reevaluate our life and priorities.
Schedules begin their familiar hum and holiday sweets disappear. No. It's not a good thing that we slacked. (I am talking to myself here) We should be constantly guarding ourselves against laziness and making each holiday and break, more about Christ and less about our enjoyment. Let us not be discouraged or weary.

The past few days have been making me think that sometimes God sends rain on our lives.  Refreshing? Yes. Rejuvanating? Yes. Sometimes God sends hard times to strengthen our faith. If we get into bad habits and get out of good habits, God will continue to grow us, strengthen us, stretch us and discipline us. When your nice and healthy with foliage and greenery, rain is wonderful. Growth is seen quickly. When plants are dead and rain comes -especially in the Winter- growth is slow and sometimes the rain might even freeze the plants. But as with rain and clouds the sun will come out and joy, health, and strength will abide in our hearts.

As we spend each day serving God, we will all grow and learn. (Maybe learn a few lessons the hard way) Through this year there will be rain, clouds and sunshine, and God will be our strength and our joy.

So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 
                     1 Corinthians 3:7

How is God growing you?

Just Peachy

 The little crop of peaches from our peach tree. We made delicious peach sauce out of them.(The next best thing to apple sauce)

You may have noticed a few changes around here. I've changed my blog design up a bit. I have very little computer design skills but I like how it's turning out so far. Our summer has been consisting of a lot of organizing, crossing off check lists and as we're learning: A lot of frog eating. My mom's been reading a book about getting things done and being productive and it says eat the ugliest frog first. My sisters and I are working on organizing our room. We've been cleaning and getting rid of things. It's sort of like a jig saw puzzle. If you move something around you have to move something else around. I hope to be putting a few more posts out soon, but for now it might be a little quiet around here. 

 Have you all been enjoying your summer? Have you eaten any frogs?

Journal writing

  I've found journaling to be a very satisfying pastime. I've kept journals for years. Many are filled with daily happenings, thoughts, study notes, a few song lyrics here and there, doodles and most recently added- to do lists.

My sisters and I like to look back on what I've written and giggle at my countless grammatical and spelling errors from years ago. It's so fun to look back and remember daily events and fond memories. I like to write down small blessings that give me joy. A conversation with my little brother, something new that my baby sister has learned to do, a funny event of the day, even what's made me thankful that day. Looking back reminds me of what I've learned and am learning. If God is teaching me something writing it down helps me internalize what He is revealing to me.

The thing I find the hardest is to make it a habit. It's hard to keep up with a journal and finish it. It's hard especially if you don't like to write. It's not my number one priority, but it does keep me organized and productive in my daily plans and my mind's thoughts. 

Do you journal? If so, what do you like to fill yours' with? 

The Back Burner

It's been quiet around here. Life has been taking up much of my time. Recitals are over for the spring, more journaling and list making, photography, more school to finish up and other summer blessings. Blogging has been put on the back burner. But for now that is were it will stay. (Don't worry it won't burn.) My family is enjoying the very close summer. Spring is on it's toes! Less activities and more time to slow down, re-evaluate, and re-plan. Summer is so exciting! Before I go I thought I'd share a verse with y'all.
  
  ^"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."  NIV Colossians 3: 15-17

 This verse is so important to internalize. With all that we do we should do for Christ.
 The scripture by itself is more powerful and profound than anything we could say. =)

What have you all been up to? What's God been teaching you?

Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice

 Spring: coming to a town near you!
The smells, the sounds, the sights. Spring can not be caught, captured, or told. It has to be experienced.

"The grass withers and the flowers fall,
   but the word of our God endures forever.”
                    Isaiah 40:8

Silver Lining

"Bang..crash...phooosh...whirl, zooooom...rrrrrr...chug--- screech....." That was my week.
Sometimes life just seems to go non-stop. Crazy-stressful days outnumber the normal days.

 But those busy days and weeks make me thankful for the quiet peaceful order of boring old home days. Wacky days make me relish the simple, ordinary things. Sometimes I get caught up with all the zooming and crammed schedules.

 Those hard days remind me of stormy cloud-filled days. The gloomy clouds. The thunder clouds. But hidden under all the stuffy car rides and stuffy weeks, the sun shines. When ever our schedules lighten up and the rain stops there's the gleaming sun. Always reminding. Never failing to show us there's hope and joy in sight. And when we see that sunshine we can be assured of the important necessities of life. The silver linings of each day and each week. Music lessons, school work, tennis lessons are keeping our schedule busy. But I am still enjoying simple silver linings. Bluegrass, chocolate chip cookies, photography, writing, fellowship with family, friends, neighbors and of course the first day of spring!

Perspective

It was dark outside. My family and I had just finished family worship.
There were deadly tornado reports in many states and tornado warnings near us. We turned on the television and watched the weather radar. The storm was headed our way. The red blobs on the screen were ominously close.

We heard the tornado siren warnings outside.
But it was also very quiet. No thunder, lightning, or wind.
Silence.
I was prepared for the worst. Waiting for all the of that weather to fall down upon us.
I prayed. We waited.
We kept looking out the windows, watching the weather channel,... waiting.

But the storms around us and near us seemed to be missing us. It was peaceful outside. Nothing stirred. Nothing happened. Through the night we had sparse amounts of rain and thunder.
We were safe, protected, and alive. While some of the country around us was hurt, we were safe.

God's grace is always there. His hand is holding us steady. He's stronger than any storm, more powerful than any weather forecast. His mercy is mighty. His love is everlasting. And every day is a blessing. Even if that includes the grumpy, bad days, when milk spills, legos scatter about the floor, toddlers screech, cars break down, library books become over-due, muddy foot prints mark the carpet.
 No matter the panic, the worry, the chaos. No matter the perspective. God's grace can and will be sufficient.

The ongoing goings on

 

 I got a gift card to Dunkin' Donuts and splurged on a cappuccino. It was good. =)


I've been busy with the regular, random happenings of life....
Working on school. Finished reading Twelfth Night by Shakespeare a couple weeks ago. I never thought Shakespeare's writings had happy endings!

Music... I've been listening to lots of bluegrass. Hand bell choir rehearsals. Violin lessons.  Playing an instrument is refreshing and satisfying! 

Jumbles of sewing. Right now I am trying to figure out (how to make a dress)+(for my baby sister)x(out of a peasant shirt pattern.) That's an equation. It should be fun though. (That's an iron btw.)

Photography. Oh yes. I'm always taking pictures.

Fun reading. I am in the middle of reading the book Start Here by the Harris brothers.(very motivating!) Finished It's (Not That) Complicated by the Botkin sisters. It's a great book. So much insight and wisdom. I am on the yearbook committee with our home school group. I've been learning a lot. It's a great experience.

 ...And so much more. God's been so good!

So what have you been up to? ..And do you drink coffee?

A heartsy kind of day...

 A day of celebration. The celebration of love.
May this be a day to dwell on family, friends and most importantly God's love. His grace and mercy toward us. Let us turn our hearts to our Creator, to remember the blood He shed for us. The pain He bore for us. We are white as snow because of our loving Savior.

 Entering this one in Shelley's giveaway.

 Inspiration for decor from here and here.

But I trust in your unfailing love;
   my heart rejoices in your salvation.
 I will sing the LORD’s praise,
   for he has been good to me. 

Psalm 13:5-6

Happy Valentine's Day!...

Starting fresh each day

 

  Although spring begins in March, the past few days have been pleasantly warm. I was cleaning the outside of the front windows, reflecting on spring. (pun intended) When life grows and God's glorious creation blooms. A time when the term "spring cleaning" is heartily used.

 It makes me think of our own lives.We ourselves need to spring clean- soul and all. To clean the grime and dust from our hearts and refresh our souls with fresh air. Warm our souls with golden sun. But not only this... We should be daily cleaning through all seasons of life. Brushing off all manner of sin. Taking every thought captive. Breathing in each truth. Renewing our minds.

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded...Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. 

James 4: 7,8,10

What's in a year?

Photo source:Pinterest

Seventeen is sort of an in between number. It's stuck in the middle of what they call "sweet sixteen" and the big eighteen when you're "officially" an adult.
When I was younger I never really thought about one day being a teenager.  I still can't fully grasp it.
My perception of teenagers was always warped. I used to think they knew everything. With their cell phones, their cool cars, bad attitudes and privileges.
And although being a "teen" is different than being a kid, it's not what I expected.
Being mature is more than I thought it was. Having privileges takes responsibility- that is if you want to be productive. Sure, many people have freedom. It's what you do with that freedom. You have to back up that freedom with morals and values. Or your freedom will be taken away. And in the real world, that could even mean jail. An age is more than just a number. More than just another year. It's time we have on earth, and lived wisely, could be used for good. This is more than just my seventeenth year. It's a year of learning, growing, discovering- and impacting.

Making History

                                                       Source: agoodyarn.net via C.j. on Pinterest

It comes once every twelve months. The beginning of a year. The end of the previous. Memories, adventures, many experiences, lessons learned. It makes me realize... everything that I think, every action, every word that I say, effects the future.
It might sound scary in a sense. It might sound exciting. Every choice made, makes history. That's why it's so important to take every thought (2 Corinthians 10:5) captive. (Because a thought becomes a word, and then an action.)  So my question to you is...
What do you want history to say about you?

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3: 20-21 

 ...Happy New Year!

Little Pitchers Have Big Minds

 It was one of those days.
Everything drags. The house is a mess. And an ominous gray cloud floats above my head.
I was in a sour mood. Grumpy at best. I had a few chores left to do and I wasn't pleasant.
Not that I mind chores...Usually. The anticipation of work is the worst of it to me. But when you get down to it it's not bad. (It's amazing how much thinking time you have while cleaning)
I got the vacuum out.
I plugged in the vacuum and was getting ready turn it on.Then my four year old brother walks over and asks, "Can I help?"...
I smiled. How could I be angry with the best brother in the world?
Not only did he help me, but he basically did the whole job. (Of course with a little supervision.)
Not only did he do the whole job. He did a great job.
And best of all? He asked to help. He enjoyed it too.

 It's amazing how unexpected little children can be. And very observant. One thing we've been striving to do is making helping fun. Encouraging work, encouraging help, encouraging learning.
Work can be fun. With the right attitude.
Kids notice an attitude. Sometimes I am not in a good mood and my two year old brother will look at me and ask, "Are you happy?" They notice when I don't want to do something. And when I change my attitude they often do the same. If I put on a smile they get excited about the task ahead.
The main point: attitude counts.  Not just that though. Attitude and our heart. Putting a smile on is important. But making that smile come from our heart is even more important.
I'm learning sincere gladness:

Light is sown for the righteous,
         And gladness for the upright in heart.

 Psalm 97:11

I'm learning that work by itself may be tedious, but with a friend, -even a four year old, it can be enjoyable and rewarding:

Two are better than one,
      Because they have a good reward for their labor.

Ecclesiastes 4:9

Both of these lessons I'm learning from little children.

At that time Jesus answered and said, 

"I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,

that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent 

and have revealed them to babes.

Matthew 11:25

What are you learning from children?

Doors Knobs, Keys, and Roots

  I begin this post with a (sort of) thrown together title. 

In a hope that I'd draw your attention. 

Although what I write in this post has most likely been said before,

what I am writing is something that I am learning and discovering.

I sit on a hard, rough bench. The room damp and dark.

I see the door that is keeping me in to this room.

The door is marred with dents and scratches. I rattle the door knob. Only to find it is locked. 

I rest my ear on the door trying to hear what is on the other side. 

I look through the key hole on the door knob.

I can only see a faint, but bright light. 

I pound my fists on the door, hoping it will open. 

  

This is how I feel sometimes when looking for an answer....

...We all have flaws.

I often try hard to overcome, and correct my own faults. I struggle to let go of selfishness, impatience, pride and anger. To unlock the answer to overcoming. They can all be stitched into a web.

A web that I wage war with.

Some days it’s easy to win the battles.Patience, humbleness, joy overshadow my struggles.

But some days it takes so much work (and battling) to get my anger and other faults controlled.

So, I ask myself over and over how to win the battle...

The desire to keep fighting my sin is there. (Sometimes more than other times)

However sometimes I miss the real reason that I am trying to fight my sin.

One thing that God emphasizes many times in His word is love.

I might want to be a better person. But love should always go hand and hand--

---or rather be the center of my goals. Love for God. Love for my neighbor.

It might seem a simple concept. (It might even be easy to ignore.) But, it might be hard to follow through.

Always loving. Kind. Never hating. Not boastful, not selfish.

³⁴ Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. ³⁵ One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ³⁶ “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”  ³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  Matthew 22:34-40

Did you skip that verse? You should read it.

I never truly took this verse to heart until a few years ago as our pastor preached on it. All the commands of the bible are connected to loving God and loving our neighbor. If we love God, we’re not going to have any other gods, we’re not going to have idols. We’ll keep the Sabbath. We’ll honor our parents. We will not murder, commit adultery, steal, lie or covet.  

That’s an amazing concept. Love is the root to obedience. 

It’s the key.

 Your thoughts?

Reflections

 I'm back!...
I have been having an amazing break. My family and I drove to the beach three Saturdays ago and stayed for a week. We were able to walk to the beach every day. We rented bikes for the week and enjoyed riding by the ocean. We made sand castles, slept late, ate cereal, dunked oreos in milk, and my sister found a huge whelk shell.
I took pictures.(You can see a couple pictures here.) Almost five hundred pictures. Pictures of the beach when it was windy, when it was stormy, when it was sunny, as the sun set. Even a few photos of our family in front of the ocean.
I saw sea shells, star fish, sand dollars and seagulls.
I read "happy baby colors" many, many times through the car ride.(Not to myself, but to my baby sister.)
Through the adventures of following a GPS that can't seem to tell us where to go, I am happy to be home.
Vacations are such a blessing.

I've been working on school, coming up with Christmas gift ideas, taking pictures, writing, getting ready for hand bell and violin recitals/performances, and finishing/performing a reformation skit with my two sisters yesterday. My sister wrote most of it. She's a great writer.
We helped tweak it here and there. My sister is so creative. It went well. Although I accidentally skipped one of my lines.

Also, the picture space on my blog is full. So, I am thinking of either paying for more space or transferring my blog to it's own URL. Do you have any ideas as to what I could do? Has this happened to you? Any help would be appreciated. :-)

I love blogging. I have missed it. But, I am really trying to focus on life. And most importantly on God. It's amazing how nice it is not to be on the computer so often. I do have some posts up my sleeve. But I will be posting fewer and especially since I don't have any more picture space.
You all and your blogs are a blessing. I've loved hearing what you've been up to. I've been reading all that you've posted, but not been commenting very much. (I've done many mental comments mind you.)

Before I sign off I thought I'd share the Give thanks! challenge.
You can click the link if you're interested in learning about it or joining.
The holiday season is almost upon us! Cold weather, hot cocoa, and celebrations.

⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9

Have a great day!

A Hopping break

Cold rainy days. That's what the past few days have been filled with. The sunshine today was a cheering sight.
My sister and I are taking a blogging break starting tomorrow.
A time to focus on other things at hand.
I've been dealing with laryngitis. I feel like frog and toad. Coughing, croaking, and squeaking. I was reading my brother a book yesterday. Really trying to get through it. My sister walks in and starts laughing. I did sound  hilarious. It was funny at first but now it's annoying. So I've decided to only whisper today. I am temporarily mute. I guess you could say my blog will be temporarily mute with me for a few days, too. Don't worry it's not contagious. At least my blog isn't. ;-)
I've been working on school work, reading, crocheting, babysitting, and just a few of the common, wonderful things of life.

It will be quiet around here for a little bit. Stay tuned. I'll be back soon!

Don't hesitate to hop by and leave a comment. :-)

So...what have you all been up to?

Life On Hold

 {via}

 The adventures of life are so numerous. The memories are too many to ponder. I am learning that every minute of the day is a minute to serve God. It might seem simple. But my mind seems to wander from the big picture far too often. Other things seem to take up my motivations and goals. I have to constantly retrace my steps. Remembering who I am, where I am, and why I am here. God teaches so many lessons if we'll only listen to them. My desires and my thinking get in the way of God's perfect plan. I am learning how important it is to take God's word to heart. Ponder it. Meditate on it. Memorize it. Taking away all the distractions and living life all for God. One verse that I am constantly turning to is:

...The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit.... 1 Corinthians 7:34

It's a steadfast reminder for my life right now. Singleness. This time in my life is not just for waiting around until life suddenly unfolds. My life is for God always. For His glory only am I living here at home. Serving my family through the hands of my Maker. My life isn't just on hold. I am not waiting for life to pick up the phone. It's already started. If I truly want to be active in a God honoring life, I can't miss the adventures happening right in front of me.

Your thoughts?...

The first page of a journal.

Do you every get excited writing on the first page of a fresh, new, journal? A journal is the starting of thoughts, ideas, events, and life all written in a single notebook. It's the joy of writing what's on my mind and the art and learning of penmanship. I always anticipate the events that will be documented and the ideas that will be charted. How much will I learn through the pages that will be written? How much will God have taught me in a single journal?

 It's a novel waiting to be written.

 It's an adventure waiting to be lived out and recorded.

Do you like to journal?