Back in the saddle again..

I have not blogged in quite a while, and had been so embarrassed that it had been so long, that I did not want to...but here it is!!

 It has been quite a summer! We sold our rentals (can you hear the angels singing??), I went on a mission trip to El Salvador, and I survived the summer with my children out of school and record breaking heat!!!

First, El Salvador. It was hot, but the people were fabulous. There were always people out and about, selling food and goods, and just walking around. The food was great and the people we met will be life long friend, including the friends that I traveled with. There is nothing like getting up in front of friends, new and old, and telling how God has changed your life. We each learned things about each other that we did not know before. We went to the beach and that was great. I walked along the beach looking for shells with friends, not saying anything. You know, that is one of the things that was so great is even if we speak the same language, we don't always need to be talking. Also, how we dont understand each other sometimes, we worship the same Father. Was awesome! If you have not ever played Pass the Pigs...you need to!! I bought a game when I returned home and we play while we are out to eat waiting on our food. I think the biggest adjustment I had was coming home! It is so quiet here!!!

Well, I hope you had a great summer! We are back to blogging and back in the saddle again! There will be some changes to this site, hopefully....If I can figure out how!!

I'm moving on...

Well, I haven't posted anything lately, so in my exhausted state...I thought it might be a good idea. In the last several weeks, which is why there have been no post, we have been working on our rentals...again...

We are about to put them up for sale, so its another chapter of "when this sells..."..again.
But, I think this venture of the last 6 years has taught us a lot. Hard work, and repetition, haha. My kids will be good renters one day, I hope. They get very annoyed when they have to help clean up other peoples mess. I think they will learn some valueable life lessons when they look back at these years.

I am not sad to leave this part of my life behind,..I will not lie. I will def throw a party when these papers are signed. Not because it has been horrible, but a learning process, and the moving on to other things. When you say yes to one thing, you say no to another. This will be saying yes to more time with the family, and that is great.

One bonus...I got to talk to my cousin all the way to Stillwater and back. Priceless.

Is it well?

I grew up mostly in the Lutheran church, and one of the things I loved, were the hymns. I love them more reworked into newer versions, but they hold a special place in my heart. I bought a Selah CD that they do hymns, but they talk about each one on the inside cover. I found a story that I had never heard that really makes me stop and think over the last year when I have come into trials. Read the story that I found.


HYMN HISTORY:

This hymn was written by a Chicago lawyer, Horatio G. Spafford. You might think to write a worship song titled,
'It is well with my soul', you would indeed have to be a rich, successful Chicago lawyer. But the words,
"When sorrows like sea billows roll ... It is well with my soul”, were not written during the happiest period of
Spafford's life. On the contrary, they came from a man who had suffered almost unimaginable personal tragedy.

Horatio G. Spafford and his wife, Anna, were pretty well-known in 1860’s Chicago. And this was not just because
of Horatio's legal career and business endeavors. The Spaffords were also prominent supporters and close
friends of D.L. Moody, the famous preacher. In 1870, however, things started to go wrong. The Spaffords' only
son was killed by scarlet fever at the age of four. A year later, it was fire rather than fever that struck. Horatio
had invested heavily in real estate on the shores of Lake Michigan. In 1871, every one of these holdings was
wiped out by the great Chicago Fire.

Aware of the toll that these disasters had taken on the family, Horatio decided to take his wife and four
daughters on a holiday to England. And, not only did they need the rest -- DL Moody needed the help. He was
traveling around Britain on one of his great evangelistic campaigns. Horatio and Anna planned to join Moody in
late 1873. And so, the Spaffords traveled to New York in November, from where they were to catch the French
steamer 'Ville de Havre' across the Atlantic. Yet just before they set sail, a last-minute business development
forced Horatio to delay. Not wanting to ruin the family holiday, Spafford persuaded his family to go as planned.
He would follow on later. With this decided, Anna and her four daughters sailed East to Europe while Spafford
returned West to Chicago. Just nine days later, Spafford received a telegram from his wife in Wales. It read:
"Saved alone."

On November 2nd 1873, the 'Ville de Havre' had collided with 'The Lochearn', an English vessel. It sank in only
12 minutes, claiming the lives of 226 people. Anna Spafford had stood bravely on the deck, with her daughters
Annie, Maggie, Bessie and Tanetta clinging desperately to her. Her last memory had been of her baby being
torn violently from her arms by the force of the waters. Anna was only saved from the fate of her daughters by a
plank which floated beneath her unconscious body and propped her up. When the survivors of the wreck had
been rescued, Mrs. Spafford's first reaction was one of complete despair. Then she heard a voice speak to her,
"You were spared for a purpose." And she immediately recalled the words of a friend, "It's easy to be grateful
and good when you have so much, but take care that you are not a fair-weather friend to God."

Upon hearing the terrible news, Horatio Spafford boarded the next ship out of New York to join his bereaved
wife. Bertha Spafford (the fifth daughter of Horatio and Anna born later) explained that during her father's
voyage, the captain of the ship had called him to the bridge. "A careful reckoning has been made", he said, "and
I believe we are now passing the place where the de Havre was wrecked. The water is three miles deep." Horatio
then returned to his cabin and penned the lyrics of his great hymn.

The words which Spafford wrote that day come from 2 Kings 4:26. They echo the response of the Shunammite
woman to the sudden death of her only child. Though we are told "her soul is vexed within her", she still
maintains that 'It is well." And Spafford's song reveals a man whose trust in the Lord is as unwavering as hers
was.

It would be very difficult for any of us to predict how we would react under circumstances similar to those
experienced by the Spaffords. But we do know that the God who sustained them would also be with us.

No matter what circumstances overtake us may we be able to say with Horatio Spafford...

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.


As a mother- I can't imagine. But as I am facing challenges of life, I have the phrase " It is well" go thru my mid. As if God is asking me if that is the cry of my heart. Some days, my response is no. It's not. But then, when I really stop and think, yes. Yes, it is. I am a blessed woman. My circumstances are not always wonderful, but it is well with my soul. I have everything I need. How about you?

The Perfect Love

What this is not: a post with a pic of the flowers that my husband bought for me. Not that that is bad, however, this is different. When I think of Valentines Day, I question: What is love to me?

I guess where I am in my life, it's not about the huge bunch of flowers and ballons. Its the little things. Sharing in each others struggles, good and bad. Building something together. My friend wrote on her facebook "love each other DEEPLY. For love covers a multitude of sins."
1 Peter 4:8. I think the world(us) have completely screwed up what it means to love each other. It is so conditional it seems. We love how we "feel" when we are in love. But love is not a feeling. It's an action verb. People are so quick to leave when their feelings change. But love is sticking around, putting in 100% when we don't "feel" like it. Not that we will always act sweet all the time-but don't stay that way!!!

I have a Father who loves me. And if I was the only one..he would have gone on that Cross for me. That is love. He redeemed me from the dark side and bought me back. So that I could have life. And a GOOD life, at that. THAT is love. People mess up. They let us down. They fall short of our expectations. Learn to give people a break. You never know what they are fighting inside. Let your home and heart be a place that people want to be a part of. I want people to say that I was a person who loved. Everyone.

The Table

I don't know about you, but I have been making my meal plan for the week and hitting the store. I have noticed two things. One, when I am ready to cook a meal,I have everything I need. Two, I know what we are eating every day. A bonus: I actually save money because I am getting the meals we need and a few extra things. I like to save money, haha. I have 5 men to cook for and they eat a lot. I want to feed them quality meals, as non-processed as possible. I know I talked a lot about meals, and planning, but I firmly believe that what happens around the table is so important. A home cooked meal, a dining experience is something that your family will always remember. My parents were not married for most of my early childhood, but the first thing I think about when I look back, is dinner at the table. I think it is a time where our day stands still, and we can be together. We can pray together, and open up. It may seem like just another dinner to your kids, or spouse now..but it is a time to connect together. The food is a bonus, but why not make it as tasty and planned out easy as possible?

Probably 7 years ago, I got frustrated and wanted an easier way to keep my recipes where I could access easily. Took a little time, and is not a huge invention (huge to me!), but here it is. A giant cookbook that I have spent time making. All( or most) of my fav's are in here. I have them separated by category, some are typed out, some are pulled out of magazines. So, every time I go to decide what to cook, I don't have to go to 7 different cook books, or search for some recipe that gets lost. I have given these for wedding gifts to family members, as they have done also. Many family recipes have been included, and what a keepsake!

I believe there is a huge significance to The Table. God spent his last meal, a sacred time, with his disciples at the table. Let's try and do the same.
Love always, Amy

It's a new day...

It's actually the end of one, but it was a good one. I am in awe of how God can speak to our heart in a way we can hear. I don't know why I doubt God. I don't doubt his ability, only his desire to do so. When the Word says that we who are evil, give good gifts to our children..and he is GOD!! We can never be good enough. We can only believe. God is able to part water, and grow money on trees, lol. I think one of the ways to get to Simplicity in our lives, is quit trying to figure things out, to place blame, or hate where we are in life. It is what it is. Make a choice to be happy. I think 90% of our trouble is our attitude. Choose to be happy, to have a good attitude, to stop complaining. I think this is the challenge for the week. Even when conditions are not perfect, choose to have a good attitude!
Have a good week friends! I have been slightly derailed this week, I apologize. But I guess I don't really know who is reading, so maybe no one is disappointed, haha!! If I can figure out how to upload a pic..that would be helpful!!

Always, Amy

Walk of faith

I wont lie. I am not thrilled with where I am at in my life right now, or the circumstances I guess. I thank God that this is not where I will stay, but traveling thru is not fun. But, on the other hand..having to trust the ONE that can take care and provide for us is not a horrible place either. I remember years ago the Lord speaking to my heart saying, "It is easy to believe Me when your pocketbook is full." Sometimes I think it is easy to walk the walk of faith when your not actively facing challenges of life. Lately, it seems like most days I am in a battle for my belief. I share this because I don't think that I am alone. But God's Word says not to worry. He has taken care of our needs, and we have what we need for today. Tomorrow has worries of it's own. These are moments of temporary affliction. God provides for the lilies of the field and birds of the air, and he loves us so much more. He knows what we need before we even know. He knows our bank account and down to the penny what we need. Thank God that we have Him to go to.

So, I encourage you as I do myself. Thank God that all your needs are met. When the enemy comes to bring chaos in your mind or home, tell him who is in control. Thank God it is not us!! Be blessed today. Amy

Sorry for the delay..

So, I'm back! With several days of wrestling matches, and being called into work, I have not posted! But never fear, I will make up for being gone.

I don't know about you, but for me the weekends are about finishing up the last week, taking a pause and getting ready for the next week. I am not one of those people that only does laundry on Saturday, but if I waited, I would be doing it till the next Saturday! I will let you in on a tip that saved me so much time in my life concerning laundry.
I was always so frustrated while doing laundry because everyone would come get something out of the bottom of the pile that was folded (waiting to be all done and put away). So, my lifesaver and dear friend Jenni,who has 3 DC(dear children), told me her system..or secret, however you want to look at it. Every person has their medium size basket, with their name labeled nicely or scribbled either way, those DC's don't care! So, as you fold your laundry fresh out of the dryer, or tumbled for the 2nd time..you put right in their basket. Not saving the world, but it is SIMPLIFYING your life. Now, here is the best part!! I am jumping with delight, and you will be too...your DC can take their baskets and put their clothes away!! Now us CF(control freaks) first response was.."but their clothes and dresser will be a mess and their clothes will be wrinkled." Yes, they might be. The world is still going to revolve, and your children will be alive. They will learn responsibility at the same time. I did help my then 3 or 4 year old put clothes into piles and let him put in the drawer and bring basket back to me. He was always very proud of what he did! I try to remind myself that they are not going to do things perfect while they are learning. I do occasionally check to make sure they are in the correct drawer and everything is not a mess, or we have those "Come to Jesus" meetings...lol.
Oh, and Shane and I have one basket that we put up ourselves, hehe. We throw socks into a smaller drawer that whoever gets in trouble, or wants to earn $2 gets to sort!! This has saved my life! Hope it helps you too!!

So, I hope you did well on your dinners together this week. Leave a post and tell me how you did!! See you all tomorrow!

It's a new day..

Oh how the challenges of life can try to de-rail us from new changes that we are trying to implement. I won't lie..it has been one of those days. I will spare you the sad, frustrating details, but I can do one of two things...sit down and cry(which sometimes we need!!)..or I can get my body moving and go run or do something physical. I am going to resist the urge to lie down and cry, and get my bootie moving out the door. I KNOW after a run, I will feel better. Notice I said after. Exercise even if you are just starting or always work out, is hard. But after your done, you feel great. And I know that some that were watching The Biggest Loser last night secretly wanted to be there..even with those bon-bons in your hand(I have been guilty of that). ALL change has to start somewhere. Walk or run one mile. You can do it!!
If you need a plan, go to C25k(couch to 5k).it's a plan that is very do able at any level!

P.S. How did that dinner go last night? Ours was great! Candles and everything. Cooking to cleaned up was 1 hour and a few minuets. Remember, it's all about being together and making memories together :) Happy running( or walking) my friends!!

Let's Begin

As I started my reading the Bible thru in a Year and was in Genesis 2, I noticed how God told Adam to not eat of the tree before he even created Eve, but the Serpent went TO Eve. Why is that? I believe it is because women have so much influence in the home. We have the ability to bring peace or chaos, we can be the encourager or the accuser. We have such a responsibility and the pleasure to create a HOME. I think all of our souls crave peace. I have 4 sons, and there is always something going on in my house. I love the quiet..where I can actually HEAR.

So here is a challenge! For one week, yes 7 DAYS, no eating out! Make that shopping list. Plan meals (at least dinner) and set that table. Make that meal where everyone is PRESENT. No TV, no cell phone. Bring out the conversation and see what happens! Let's make dinner an event. Let the kids set the table(my kids love that),use serving plates! Now, this does not need to be expensive, just special!

Don't have any killer recipes? Go to Food Network online? Or better yet, call your Mom or your Grandma and ask on of their favorites! (and your building relationships at the same time!)

Have a great day!

Starting out right in 2011

Well, HELLO! I have been thinking about starting a blog for about 3 months, mulling it over in my brain. Would people read? Do I have anything interesting to write? But as I prayed about my life and where I want to be in 2011,I just need this journey to be about me and maybe inspire others to be better.I love home design, remodel, cooking and just making my life easier. I invite you to come along on my journey of A Life Simplified. Over the last several years I feel like my life is screaming from the inside SIMPLIFY ME! So here I go. I welcome your comments and feedback! There will be several changes I am sure to the site, as this is my first blog, so please be patient! Blessings, Amy