Simple.

hmmm.

In general, i think we try to complicate our lives too much. We over-think, over-eat, over-sleep, or something similar to those afflictions. Why is it so hard to focus on the simple needs of everyday life and not overdo it? What keeps us from finding "the priority list" that pulls the perfect tension between overspending and being stingy; between being confident and humble; between work and play; between learning and teaching; between self indulgence and self denial? Why do we struggle to maintain a 'balanced' life?

I guess this is on my mind because we talk about it ALL the time as young moms when we are together. This morning was no different. Sitting side by side, stretching out our tired muscles, we discussed how difficult it is to be focused on kids, husband, God, bible reading, prayer, dishes, laundry, hobbies, work, being Doc. Mom, etc-- all at the same time....and be good at it all to boot. haha.
I love learning about how to: be a good manager of the home, build my home, create an atmoshere of hospitality, understand financial wisdom, delve into deeper truths in the Word of God, teach my kid(s) about art, music, geography, scripture, and the like, etc etc....but i find it hard to do this alllllll at the same time, and keep my house in good running order. ha.

I suppose every season has a purpose, and perhaps i am to learn not to do IT ALL, all the time. Like the financial wisdom in Proverbs, saying to build it "little by little", perhaps i need to apply that to my learning and growing as well. After all, wisdom is a LIFE long process and will not "happen overnight", so i suppose i shall try to resign myself to growing over time - not all at once. haha.

__________________________________________________________________
After having this thought stick with me for sooooo long, it is refreshing to have moments of simplicity that teach me what is truly important. It isn't having all of my own priorities in line, but Gods.....and His are simple: Be Holy. (okay so that's pretty tough...but at least it is only ONE main priority?? haha) 1 Peter 1:13-25 is AWESOME.

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."^[a]

17Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. 18For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

22Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.^[b] 23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24For,
"All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
25but the word of the Lord stands forever."^[c] And this is the word that was preached to you."

____________________________________________________________
I find that Julia is so often God's way of teaching me where i am weakest, where i need to ask for forgiveness, and also where i can catch glimpses of His true Joy in life.

For example: who can't but break up in laughter when you are enjoying a lovely dinner and your toddler brings up a very serious matter of discussion -- "Daddy, you shouldn't pee standing up."

hahahahahahaha.

Or this morning as Julia played happily in her little nook, chattering away to her 'friends' and animal toys. I came over to take her for a diaper change and she sweetly asked if she could come back to South America when she was done. (ahahahhaha) Then pointing to her nook, she says, "This is South America, and all my friends are here....Roley, Scoop....Do you want to come to South America?"

Or, on seeing a stray cat meander past, she asks, "is that our kitty?" "no" says mommy. "Maybe we should get a kitty." "yes, that would be fun." says mommy. "we could name it...Otto. Or Pluto. " I voted for Otto . Maybe in the spring we will get TWO new family members. :)
__________________________________________________________
this is long enough now to put you all to sleep....so good'ay and enjoy living simply by God's standard. As one mom put it, by "giving a drink of water without complaining, offering a prayer when no one is looking, giving a gentle answer in return for a harsh taunt. This is how we say "yes" to God. This is how we avoid wasting our lives." (under the post "Greatness") (source)