life... fresh off the backburner: 2010

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Decluttering for Christ: Day ... err... 13!

Progress looks slow-going right now, but I know the "behind-the-scenes" sort of work is going on.

My husband has been furiously listing items on Ebay, and we're really seeing the payoff! It's a huge blessing from God for sure. There are items that he has listed before in the past that didn't sell, that are now selling for way more than we thought they'd bring. I absolutely believe the way things have been working out to be blessings. We've continuously prayed over our situation, financial situation especially, and we have faith that God is guiding us through all of this. Medical bills, debt, financial bondage, and financial stress, prepare to meet our Master!

"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." --Matthew 6:24

We're organizing our house, but it's actually helping to declutter our minds and hearts. All of the chaos of belongings got in the way of what was important. A year and a half ago, we moved into this house and loved all the space. In just a few months, we were claiming we needed more space, and that we may have made a mistake in not buying a bigger (thus more expensive) house! Looking back now, I thank God we didn't buy the amount of house the bank said we could afford. Our lives couldn't afford it.

Read more: Bible Verses on Debt

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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Decluttering For Christ: Days Two, Three, & Four

I spent most of this past weekend trying to catch up. Well, let me rethink that statement... I've spent the past 29 years trying to catch up, and this weekend was no different! :)

I trdeught about posting before pics; rwever, the house was so atrocious that I couldn't bring myself to do it! I'll just post the final results. You'll have to trust me that the difference is night and day!

I feel hope in this process. My husband and I discussed what we should do and how to get it done. Having an idea of what we wanted to accomplish and a general time-frame was important for us to discuss. It's important to be on the same page about the project.

We agreed that we needed to go through the kitchen and get rid of excess glasses, dishes, flatware, plastic containers, (especially those without lids or even the bowls in some cases) dish rags, etc.

In the living room, we decided to sell our current, matching set: sofa, chair, and ottoman. We have a sleeper sofa shoved back in the office that is a junk pile resting place at the moment. We will put in in the living room and keep the other chair and ottoman set that we had. They don't match in the sense that they are part of the same furniture line or collection, but it's our style for sure. That's what's important, you have furniture that fits your lifestyle, tastes, and of course, your room. Ours did not fit our room at all.

In the master bedroom, we decided to sell the dresser and move the desk out. The desk has a new home in the dining room area. It's serving as a family computer/ homework area. This arrangement has multiple advantages. The space in our bedroom is at a premium, so we gain so much more room in there. The computer acts as a family hub now for pictures, family files, etc. Our son has access to the computer, but it is restricted and supervised access. That is a key advantage. He is nearly 8 years old and very impressionable. I can easily monitor his computer time and activity, while he enjoys the priveledge.

To replace the dresser in our bedroom, we have a closet unit that we purchased on clearance at Lowe's. My husband put it together in an afternoon, and it's wonderful! I recommend something of this nature for anyone. We don't have a very large closet at all, but it maximizes the space we do have. The one we purchased has four, deep drawers that we'll now share for folded clothing and such. These sort of items we've pared down as well. All worn out or unneeded bras, underwear, socks, tees, etc. will be thrown out or donated. What can be put on hangers, we've done so.

Going through our clothes has been an intense process, especially for me! I have gone through them several times actually. Each time, removing more and more pieces that I thought I needed to keep in the last sort. I think it's been important for me to do this and stay diligent in doing so. Otherwise, I might not pare down enough. It's easy to have that notion "oh, I'll fit into that soon enough" or "oh but my friend gave me that, I can't give it away," but you have to understand, it's about simplifying. If you honestly don't need it or wear it, then it's time to get rid of it.

I had no idea just how many articles of clothing I had! It's sad really, that people in this country, in our own towns, go without proper clothing. Meanwhile, I have a closet, dresser, and even boxes in storage full of unused items!

God blesses us so that we can bless others. God has shown me that truth, and I vow to keep it in my heart and mind from now on. I am so grateful for his blessings, and the least I can do, is not hoarde them, but rather, pass them on.
"God can't get to you what he can't get through you."
--Pastor Benny Tate of Rock Springs Church in Milner, Georgia

To be continued...

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Friday, September 10, 2010

Decluttering For Christ: Day One

We've been struggling for the last few months with keeping things organized and clean at our house. It's felt like at times, that we spend more time maintaining and organizing our "stuff" than we do being a family together.

Letting things take over our lives has been a gradual process. My husband and I were married almost two years ago. When he moved in, the house he, I, and our six-year-old son shared was barely over 700 square feet in space, and not near enough of that was closet space! Combining our lives was challenging to say the least. We thought when we moved into our new house last spring, that things would be easier. However, once we started bringing in things that had been in storage all that time, it quickly became a cluttered mess as well.

Lately, we've been drawing ourselves and our family closer to each other and closer to God. It's important to my husband and I that we raise our son in a strong, Christian home with solid, Christian values. The more we pray and study on what to do, the more both of us are coming to realize... we just don't need the excess!

So now the new challenge is where to begin. He and I both have been discussing it for the past week or so. We've talked all around how to start, and I've even already begun to start with going through my clothes. I tried to do a bit of quick research online about how to get started; however, my ADD always kicked in and I found myself on Facebook writing a message to a friend, checking my email, and searching for a wedding gift. What "research" I did get done though, I didn't really find anything specific to decluttering in order to simplify one's life in order to draw closer to God. Thus, this blog entry emerged!

I don't know how long this will take us. I've never been a "get it done in 30 days or less" sort of person. It's like trying to eat healthier. You can't commit to a diet. You have to commit to a lifestyle. That sort of commitment is what this endeavor is all about. We're changing our lives.

I can't shake this belief deep within my heart too, that this is what God needs us to do so that he can use us. Furthermore, in doing this for God and for our family, we can move forward in faith and accomplish his purposes for our lives.

The Ultimate Artist

I seem to be drawn to taking many landscape shots... usually moreso than any other types.

I think it's because I am always so awed by God's handiwork.

God is the ultimate artist for sure.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

"Desperate" by Fireflight

Lyrics:

Seek and you will find, they say
But I've been looking everyday
For a way past this wall
That's in front of my face.
I'm on hands and knees
Searching for my faith.
I know there's so much at stake
But I don't know if I can take
One more pat on the back saying I'll be okay.
Can't you see me whole life is in disarray?
You've got me desperate.
I know You hear me,
Would You give me a sign?
Reel me in before I've fallen in line.
You've put me on a path I don't understand
I'm standing on a ledge waving my hands.
You've got me desperate (do You see me?)
Desperate (do You hear me?)
Desperate (will You help me?)
You've got me desperate.
I know You're my only hope
The only One who truly knows how it feels,
what it's like when it all starts to fall
You're the One I can trust who hears when I call.
You've got me desperate.
I know You hear me,
Would You give me a sign?
Reel me in before I've fallen in line
You've put me on a path I don't understand
I'm standing on a ledge waving my hands.
You've got me desperate (do You see me?)
Desperate (do You hear me?)
Desperate (will You help me?)
You've got me desperate.
Some things I'll never figure out
Until I let hope erase my doubt.
You've got me desperate.
I know You hear me,
Would You give me a sign?
Reel me in before I've fallen in line.
You've put me on a path I don't understand,
I'm standing on a ledge waving my hands.
You've got me desperate (do You see me?)
Desperate (do You hear me?)
Desperate (will You help me?)
You've got me desperate.
You've got me desperate. (Oh do You see me?)
Desperate (do You hear me?)
Desperate (will You help me?)
You've got me desperate!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Fireflight - What I've Overcome

This song speaks to me so deeply...

What I've Overcome lyrics

I've got this passion
It's something I can't describe
It's so electric
It's like I've just come alive

I feel this freedom
Now that my past is erased
I feel the healing
I've found the meaning of grace
(I've found grace)

If only You come see me yesterday
Who I used to be before I change
You'd see a broken heart
You'd see the battle scars

Funny how words can't explain
How good it finally feels to break the chains
I'm not what I have done
I'm what I've overcome

I know I stumble
I know I still face defeat
This second chance is
What will define me

So I'm moving forward
I'm standing on my two feet
I've got momentum
I've got someone saving me
(got someone saving me)

If only You come see me yesterday
Who I used to be before I change
You'd see a broken heart
You'd see the battle scars

Funny how words cant explain
How good it finally feels to break the chains
I'm not what I have done
I'm what I've overcome

I make mistakes and I might fall
But I won't break
I've got someone saving me

If only You could see me yesterday
Who I used to be before I change
You'd see a broken heart
You'd see the battle scars

Funny how words cant explain
How good it finally feels to break the chains
I'm not what I have done
I'm what I've overcome
I'm what I've overcome
I'm what I've overcome

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Digital Art: Tattoo: Ultimate Love

Tattoo: Ultimate Love by ~backburnerstudio on deviant ART

I've designed several tattoos for other people, but never had the guts to get one myself. I figured if I ever did get something, it needed to be something that really represented me and what I was about. So one night, I was playing around on the Paint program in my computer and drew out this design in simple black and white pixels. It just sort of manifested itself amongst the long night of listening to bands like Fireflight, Flyleaf, and Demonhunter. I couldn't sleep, so I just kept working on it... all the while, thinking about God, my life... faith... how he's always been there, guiding me... carrying me a good bit of the way...

After the drawing was finished, Kevin ran it through Photoshop and cleaned it up a good bit. I took that black and white, cleaned-up version and started playing around in Photoshop with it myself. This is what I produced.

One day, I may find a tattoo artist who can at least replicate the black and white version. If so, I just may get my first tattoo... one that represents me and my faith.

Jenn's Owl

Jenn's Owl by ~backburnerstudio on deviant ART

My sister, Jennifer, loves owls. I think the mini-obsession probably started with Hedwig when she began reading the Harry Potter books almost ten years ago (hard to believe they're that old now!) I drew this owl, then traced him onto tracing paper, filled it in with black, and then scanned him into the computer. In photoshop, I colored him digitally. (Still learning PS, so I played around a bit.) The original drawing is still just black and white, so that I could color him again for more practice.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Ticket Stub Diary

Love this! Excellent gift idea too :)

Polyvore: "so jesparo"

jesparo by jesparo featuring Junk Food t shirts

TS291-00 Little Miss Sunshine Junk Food Vintage Style Juniors Babydoll..., $25
Utility 70s Blue Poppy Wide Leg Jean, 20 GBP
Owl Be Yours Necklace, $6.80
Amazon.com: Trendy Plaid & Houndstooth Check Soft Square Scarf -..., $1.75
ASOS 2 Tone Lens Aviator Sunglasses, $20
"Armitron Men's 890002 Character Star Trek Spock ""Prosper""..., $23
Amazon.com: Maybelline The Colossal - Waterproof Volum' Express..., $4.99
China Glaze INK with Ultra-Fine Nail Art Brush Nail Polish - 5.50..., $9
SOCK MONKEY BLANKET | Socks, Monkeys, Blankets, Scraps, Recycled,..., $40
Bouquet of Notebooks (Set of 7), $10
Lomography Lenses for Diana+, $50
70s Clock, $18
Mimoco Removable Media - R2-D2 Mimobot Flash Drive, $44
Cox Paint - Lighthouse (2018-60), $3.99
Set of 6 coasters from motherboards - Great gift for IT, computer...
Vintage Board Games - Your one source for 60's, 70's and 80's vinage...

Thursday, July 15, 2010

It's Not About Me

I always loved a fresh, new... clean notebook or journal. The only problem was that I sort of collected them. I began afresh with one and all hopes and dreams lay before me. All I needed to do was notate them everyday in my new notebook... my new beginning. The world was a blank canvas. I have found later in life, that I do this too with sketch pads. Why is the first day/ page so exciting while the remaining pages/ days dwindle to a ... ??
... so many pages untouched.
I'd say, "This is it! Every day I will write. I'll fill up this book this time. It's my committment." Only, months later, the once precious treasure gathered dust as it lay under my bed.

I gave it too much of my faith. That misplaced faith in my notebook's power for a new beginning, belonged in God.

The Purpose Driven Life
--by Rick Warren

Day One: "It All Starts With God"

      For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible... everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.
            -- Colossians 1:16 (Msg)

It's not about me. Wow! That's profound really. It's NOT about me. The more I think about it, the more it starts to click.

I've started over so many times...
Why do I crave a fresh start? Because I've messed up so many times.

It stands to reason as well, that I've continued to get it wrong because my methods and way of thinking were grossly inaccurate. So in that simple statement, I find profound new insite into my overall problem, my focus has been all wrong. It's simply not about me. It's about God's purpose and God's purpose for me.

"You were made by God and for God- and until you understand that, life will never make sense."

egocentric- adjective
1. Holding the view that the ego is the center, object, and norm of all experience.
2.
   a. Confined in attitude or interest to one's own needs or affairs.
   b. Caring only about oneself; selfish.
3. Philosophy
   a. Viewed or perceived from one's own mind as a center.
   b. Taking one's own self as the starting point in a philosophical system

It's natural to have an egocentric view to life. However, "the purpose of life is far greater than personal fulfillment... To discover your purpose in life you must turn to God's Word, not the world's wisdom."

I wandered lost in the darkness of discontentment for too long. I knew there was a path beneath my feet, but I had no idea where it led. It felt as if I were only able to see the path itself, just around my feet, and nothing more. With God, I know that my path is in his hands. My dad gave me something once that had this inscription on it:

"You may not know all the details of your journey, or clearly see where the trail is leading, but God will always give you enough light to take the next step." --Roy Lessin

I have faith that God will show me my purpose. I just have to keep in mind, it's not about me.