Live with Less

One of the most influential books in the simple living movement was Doris Janzen Longacre's "Living More with Less."  Published in the 80's, this book not only called everyone to live a life of less in order to care for those who didn't have enough, but called Christ Followers to this life as well.

In a day and age when Christianity is often linked to heavy consumerism and capitalism, this is a radical call for Christians.  While I continue to hold to the belief that Jesus was a hippie, many still continue to think that following Jesus no longer means "sell all your belongings and follow me" but "take all you can."  While this may be a severe blanket stereotype, it does hold some weight.  With elaborate church buildings, fancy car-filled parking lots and still a huge portion of starving people, it seems as though the majority of God's children are no longer attempting to care for those who are less fortunate.  But Jesus' message has not changed.  People have twisted it.

Longacre's challenge to those who claim to follow Jesus is a serious one.  And with the problems severely increasing since the 1980's, over 30 years ago, we need to take on this challenge.  We need to not let our consumerism get in the way of caring for others.  One would think that with the internet we would become more aware of those who are in need all over the world.  Instead we turn our heads, telling ourselves that we are helping those by supporting the sweat shops they work in.  "At least they have jobs" we say.

This book can also be a very helpful resource for those who claim no religion, or even a different one from Christianity.  Do Justice.  Learn from the World Community.  Nurture People.  Cherish the Natural Order.  Nonconform Freely.  These are Longacre's Five Life Principles, with which she challenges us to live by, and can be taken on by those of any faith.  While living with less can commonly be brushed off, we should at least try.  Start thinking of the these life principles when you make simple purchases.  "Does this item nurture people?  Does it cherish the natural order?"  Starting small can bring you down a path of simplicity out of caring for others.

Beautiful Things

I have quickly discovered what draws me to something--beauty.  Looking through decor8 by Holly Becker, Once Wed by Emily Newman or even various shops around Etsy, the one thing that ties them all together is the elegance and beauty of the photos.  Simple elements and beautiful photos make me long to be capable of recreating such beauty.

Holly Becker at decor8 recently showed a little bit of Twig Hutchinson's work, which incredible.  Her interior design and prop placing has a completeness to it, something that flows and makes you want to have for yourself.

 

  

Once Wed is constantly bringing in beautiful pictures of weddings already happened, elements of weddings to come and ideas that will bring your once-in-a-lifetime day together.

Photos: Our Labor of Love by David and Kendrick

What I have discovered about Etsy is that even if an item is extraordinary, it won't appear that way unless the photos are beautiful.  A picture says a thousand words.

Plate by BailyDoesn'tBark

     Clutch by JuliaSherryDesigns

Painting by Claire Elan

These are only a few of the many things that inspire me.  These are artists who continue to create beauty in the world.  This is what brings me encouragement day after day.

  

I'm an Auntie--Many times over!

On February 25th at 10:50pm, Autumn Rayn Jeffers was born to Alan and Brittany Jeffers, my little sister and her husband.  At 6lbs 11oz, she was a small bundle of joy who has already brought a whole lot of happiness to her immediate and extended family.

I'm incredibly excited to be the proud Auntie of my first niece.  I've already had two nephews (one biological and one "adopted") and completely enjoy playing the aunt role.  It's fun to enjoy holding babies and making them cute little baby things for those new, cute little babies.  In fact, yesterday when I should have been resting I chose to make baby blankets!  I used a simple pattern I found at Abmatic.

This one is for Luke, the new big brother.  I thought that he might want something new too :).

This is for Autumn.  Brittany didn't want too much pink for her, so I thought this was a good in-between.

I also pulled out some of my scrapbooking paper and the stamps my Grandma gave me a while ago and made a few cute little cards.  Clearly I got really bored.  It's so difficult for me to sit still for days on end!

Flu and snow - A perfect combo for March 1st

Today I'm stuck home with the flu and over a foot of snow.

That's right.  Yesterday afternoon while I was sewing a tote bag for Christine ( a smaller, neater version of the on I made for myself) and I was suddenly hit by the body aches.  Eventually after realizing it wasn't just my imagination, as I had started a fever, I called in sick, took a bath and went to bed.  And when I woke up this morning, not only was I still incredibly ill but there was snow--everywhere!

I'm happy to be stuck indoors today, as tromping through the stormy area to school can become a little treacherous.

Here are some natural home remedy resources I've found to treat flu symptoms:
1.  WebMD has some excellent remedies
2.  Organic Nutrition provides a little more information about using vitamins and herbal supplements

Essentials for fighting the flu:
1.  Fluids, fluids, fluids - You lose a lot of fluids when you're sick, either from fighting a fever, sneezing and coughing.  Replenish your body's fluid resource by drinking water, tea or broth.  As difficult as it may seem to down liquids when you feel terrible, it will help.
2.  Garlic - This one isn't so well known.  Garlic has been known to have anti-viral properties, and while this is better done before you actually get sick, it could help your immune system and shorten the length of your cold or flu.
3.  Vitamin C - Known to help boost your immune system, take in some extra Vitamin C if you feel you're getting a little scratchy throat.  You can get Vitamin C through citrus fruit and juice if you don't feel comfortable taking a supplement.
4.  Take a bath - Add 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to your bath with a cup of epsom salts and soak for 20 minutes or more.  This will ease your aches, which is one of the most obnoxious symptoms of the flu.

I hope someone finds this helpful!  Everyone keep well :)

Meet Me on Monday

Through CouponQueen over at Living on Less I've found about "Meet me on Monday" by Java at Never Growing Old which is a neat way to get to know other bloggers through five questions every week.  Here goes!

Questions: 

1.  What are you wearing right now?
2.  Do you have any freckles?
3.  What is your favorite Lifesaver flavor?
4.  What is the last movie you saw in the theater?
5.  Would you rather live without tv or without music?


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1.  Considering I woke up half an hour ago and decided not to attend any of my classes, I'm still wearing what I went to bed in.  In fact, I'm still in bed!

2.  I no longer have any freckles, likely due to the fact that I'm not in the sun 24/7 like I was when I was younger and did have freckles.  Unfortunately it appears that those who don't have freckles are star-less.  I had no idea I would be discriminated against due to my lack of freckles..

3.  Seeing as how it's been years since I've had a Lifesaver, I really only have memory to tell me what I liked.  I do believe it was cherry, as I'm a sucker for the "red" flavors.

4.  Boy was this a tough one.  I think it was "Inception" which I thoroughly enjoyed.  But it also could have been "Harry Potter 7: Part 1" or "Due Date"....... clearly my memory is not the best.  And we don't see movies too often, as you can tell since all of these were holiday season movies.  We were stuck in Moscow for Thanksgiving and Christmas so we had to do something!

      

5.  While I am an avid viewer of medical dramas, I definitely could let it go.  Music, on the other hand, is an incredibly huge part of my life and I don't think I would ever choose to live without it.  The connection with our mood and music is something I take full advantage of (and no one wants me in a bad mood!).