Willingness

Lately I've found myself in a few conversations surrounding the concept of willingness to let God do ____. I shared that often when I see people fail I get "judgementally" upset that they "must" not be doing more/enough or otherwise they would've succeeded! The irony I realized is that they likely were "doing more" which led to their failure because in fact they should've been "doing less!" God gives us strength to do the things He wants us to do... not the things we think we should be doing.

My part is to be willing and open. His part is to make things happen. I need to pray for peace instead of asking God to answer specific prayer requests (like give me a new best friend instead of having peace with the friends I have). Once I'm willing God has more freedom in how He can choose to answer the desires of my heart. When I act out of willingness I build less resentments because God can answer more prayers because I'm open to more possibilities! When I'm willing I can hear better too; I can listen for the words that person needs to hear and speak them. When I'm willing, I can see more areas where I need to grow and make the changes I need to in order to improve. And for somethings, they shouldn't be improved. I need to ask God to remove my character defects, my judgemental and selfish ways, my pride and lack of compassion because these don't need to just be improved upon. These things need to go away.

Simplicity Lessons Continue

So, G has huge feet. At one year of age he's wearing a size 5! Needless to say, we leave for Europe in a week and the little walker as no shoes that fit. A couple of my friends suggested the brand, See Kai Run, which promote healthy foot development in kids. They are of course like $60. I don't even spend $60 on shoes for myself. So, I prayed before going to Once Upon a Child that I would find a pair and I did! For $5 and they look basically new! I'm thrilled and grateful that I'm reminded once again, I don't need to buy things new.

After getting the shoes I headed to a woman's house that had some clothes for sale on yard sale FB page I follow. All of this recent weigh loss has led to a conundrum in the wardrobe department. I don't want to get several things when I want to continue my downward trend. But I did want to a have a couple things that would fit well before we left. So, I picked up a couple sundresses and a jacket. While I'm there we start chatting and I learn that they are selling their men and women's bikes! I've been praying for a bike for S and scouring the sites for the past two months with no real luck. And I've been trying to figure out what to do with my bike since the frame is too small for me, but I wanted to make what I had work. So once again, I can find what I need when I remain open to having my needs fulfilled more slowly and creatively.

Have you run into a situation like mine where you were able to find what you needed just when you needed it for the price you can afford? I'd love to hear about it in your comment below!

Garden Expansion & Challenge

Friday I had five yards of dirt delivered. Everyone kept telling me, "that's a lot of dirt." By everyone I mean, two soil companies, guy at The Home Depot, my mother & my husband. Yes, I'm aware that it's one dump truck full, but I need a place to plant these 192 seedlings I have growing in my guestroom! Speaking of which, while waiting for the dirt delivery my friend and I planted all of the greens (spinach, lettuce, arugula, pak choi, Bok choi), radishes, and carrots. Then we surrounded them with straw to keep them warm and keep the weeds at bay.

My friend and a guy from the time bank were able to finish moving and spreading the dirt in about three hours. Here's some pictures to document the occasion. Now to get cinder blocks to make a border!

I'm planning to weigh my garden harvest this year! Comment on this post of you're going to join me in my weighing challenge!

Feeling Inspired??

Well, my beautiful blog readers... are you feeling inspired yet?! If so, (as I know some of you are), please comment on this post and tell me how! I'd love to continue the momentum I've built.

This is after I just added ten more items to the yardsale pile!

Oh, and my latest challenge is to get rid of 100 books... I have 95 up for sale and 6 out the door!