"Ok, Let me 'Splain" the Blog

Spring

          Spring happens. Despite winter's fierce, relentless attempt to convince us its weight is stronger than the turning of the earth -it is pushed out of the way. Forced to let go -retreating in response to the meek, warm entry of change. Winter looms, and threatens -and no matter what, spring comes. The ice begins to melt and flowers fill the air with wonderful smells and birds sing whether you’re ready or not.  Before it's all the way warm, the birds chant SPRINGiscomingspringISCOMINGSpriNGisCOMING --- if you're anything like me, the welcome of spring comes with a little bit of disbelief. Could it be here already? I'm sure it'll get cold again for a bit. We have been waiting for this for an ever! -Then hope--- I hope it really really is spring. 

          I tend to be very personally invested in the changing of the seasons [all four of them], something new is always beginning or something old is coming to an end. It also seems to be how God speaks to me, through nature (freakin hippie!) among many things, and through the seasons. I love the cozy, I love the snow, I love coffee shops in a sweater, I love Thanksgiving in CT, and Christmas at home more than I can describe. But when winter becomes a weight, a deadness, a weariness, -towards February I'm ready for it to be done. Then it happens. The sun politely enters, not saying a word, and what seemed to be so suppressive -submits; warmth is boss now.

        This year, simultaneous with the coming of spring and summer, God is challenging me to simplify -to be purposeful about ridding myself of excess. Just like spring gently ushers out the heaviness of winter, I am attempting to "usher" out anything that weighs me down. O. My. Gosh. This is not easy. And I am no expert. But it already feels kind of like an awsome idea. Hence, not my idea.


The Break Down:

         It all makes so much sense: Jesus taught us to quit storing up our material things here on earth, and persue things that last a little longer. To give up on worrying about what were are going to wear, or what we are going to eat and focus on pursuing His "Kingdom" (Matt 6). -His kingdom is joy, peace, and righteousness (Romans 14:17). This just means, caring about what Jesus cares about first, and trusting that God knows what we need and will provide it. It's a scary challenge. But exciting!
          This simplicity must be material, mental, spiritual and emotional. Overwhelmed by the thought? I have been thinking of it this way. How much more mobile will I be, to go wherever God leads me, if I'm not weighed down by excess boxes? How much more willing will I be to give to those in need, if I don't hold on to my own money and stuff too tightly (matt 6:19-20), learning the joy of giving? How much more present and free will I be to do my best in the moment (Ecc 9:10; Col 3:23), when I am not distracted by the past or the future? How much more can I help others heal when I myself have experienced healing (2 Cor 1:4)-by letting go? How much more can I experience God when I remove the ideas I have fasley attached to Him over the years? And how many more sentences can I start with the words How Much?! haha.

         Simplify? Ok... where do I start? So the first thing was my schedule. I have always been the busiest of my friends, and as result, the most increasingly tired and worn out. I've been this way since high school, however the tired part didn't catch up to me until more recently. So, as a result of this challenge, I literally started from scratch, quit my job, wrapped up my classes and planned a break (simplicity also involves embracing rest... not always easy at first). The second thing was getting rid of all the clothes I don't wear, and stuff I don't need. These steps accompany the emotional and mental simplicity as well. I want to share first about the tangible stuff. Each of these things is its own process, coming in pieces, running miles deep into my heart.

         This is what this blog is about: my imperfect "Yes" to "Simplify.", telling you the stories (some hilarious), and sharing the analogies I find behind this entire process (or cocoon, as Del Tackett, one of my Focus professors calls it) and bringing you along as it continues. This could honestly be a lifetime endeavor. I will share random thoughts and ideas long the way as well.  I am learning alot, and many upon hearing my adventurous summer plans (Minnesotan organic dairy farm?! --if the Lord wills :), asked that I share stories. I feel like there will be alot to share as I learn these lessons. Welcome to my life blog.


 I'm posting because I hope that you will be as blessed and as challenged by this process as I am, and I love writing.  My not so hidden ulterior motive is support and accountability....and fun! :)