I truly love my life! I am so thankful that the Lord created such a place for us to live, however temporary it be, that is filled with such beauty and wonder. Sometimes even as an adult I get so excited about things; a sewing project, a picture, a good book, a cup of coffee, time with friends, my children's discoveries, a good movie, date night, beautiful flower beds, lavendar scented dish soap and fragrant candles... and the list goes on. I'm so grateful that I do not get more cynical and stodgy as the years pass by. I do not let life sweep me up and carry me off where I can't enjoy the everyday things. Something I am passionate about, especially since having my last two children, is slowing down. I am just absolutely enamored with the simple life! Go ahead and laugh, but I am talking Little House on the Praire simple. I thrill at the thought of a quaint house in the country with little more than a wood floor, broom, fireplace, stove and some great books! Sometimes I feel like everything we have clutters up our interactions together. Just last week I decided I was going to let each of the kids pick 15 toys a piece and the rest were going in bags to the basement. I had steadily seen those piles of toys as barriers to them living in harmony with each other. The excess is just too much! As I strive to be the woman that God has plans for me to be, I am learning much along the way. It is incredible the way He has changed me and the desires of my heart, and I am so thankful! I love making a home for my family, and making that home peaceful, lovely, simple and full of Christ's love. What a challenge and at the same time, what an honor. It thrills my heart to get that opportunity!
I love good music, books, and especially great quotes! Here are some things to ponder and enjoy, I know I have. Enjoy this treasure of a day~
"The ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest." -St. Thomas Moore
"The secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life, and in elevating them to art." -William Morris
The family is the place where loyalty, dependability, trustworthiness, compassion, sensitivity to others, thoughtfulness, and unselfishness are supposed to have their roots... -Edith Schaeffer, The Art of Life
"Simplicity of life, even the barest, is not a misery, but the very foundation of refinement; a sanded floor and whitewashed walls and the green trees, and flowery meads, and living waters outside.” -William Morris
The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family. ~Thomas Jefferson
"Pooh began to feel a little more comfortable, because when you are a Bear of Very Little Brain, and you Think of Things, you find that sometimes that a Thing which seemed very Thingish inside you is quite different when it gets out into the open and has other people looking at it." -The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne
lovely nikki! i resonate an "amen" with you! good for you to go against the world we live in - busy and crazy and get back to simplicity! another quote - "don't miss the blessings of today by wishing for tomorrow!".
ReplyDeletegood job on rejoicing in the little things and seeing joy in candles, flowers, and all the things you listed. i love that too! i have so enjoyed spring this year - watching the grass pop, leaves grow and flowers blossom. i dont' think i realized it before as i did this year - i think i was slow enough this year to just look and enjoy it! simple pleaseures!