FMF "Reflect" on living on less

We were without a dryer for a little over a week and I thought I might panic. Wet clothes will freeze if hung outside during winter. We own more than a weeks worth of covering and I feel a bit of shame.  Our one income is a pot of gold in some countries, but going from one to two makes my insides still wrench.
   When Jesus calls you to live on less it doesn't feel like a blessing, but it is.  Two years of up-cycling and recycling and thrift stores bring joy. Peace has risen up since I gave away that American dream: the thought that I am entitled to it, where new once reigned and debt was attached to the hip. No debt is freedom.
   Somehow, in the less, I know I am reflecting Christ. Humbled by his sustaining and His penetrating/permeating the very core of me. I deeply pester him to continue the change. He was born in a dank, dirty manger, but never once did it stunt His purpose, His gift or His sacrifice. 

My miniscule amount of relinquishing doesn't begin to compare to His...what he has asked of me these past few years: stay home, home school, coordinate MOPS, lead, share a hidden singing voice, teach babes on Sunday-

holds my heart up high in worship as I know I am

where He wants me.

LINKING UP today at Lisa-Jo's

FMF: How I want to fly

The unrealistic me wishes for one day I could fly. 

Not in an airplane. 

I want to put my arms up like Superman and hang out with the clouds. And like this super hero, I would just circle the earth over and over to turn back time...embrace my mam-maw and mom one more time.

Then, back to present time, take off and speed along to satisfy my desperate longing to see my sister

and my other sister 

(who isn't blood, but knows more about me than most.) 

and

because I need laughter and biblical wisdom from 

Heather over chocolate as her cat finds my lap irresistible. 

And before the day is done, I want to fly above Mount Everest, see the Northern lights and end the day watching God create another brilliant pink/purple dusk.

This is how I want to fly.

Linking up today at Lisa-Jo's for another Five Minute Friday inspiration. Come  and join us here

Prompt# 5: 8 Books that will change how/who you are...

 It seems my parents and teachers weren't privy to the most daunting of relationship snafus or the hiccups in life or perhaps they didn't learn how to handle certain situations themselves. Instead of taking Irish poetry in college, I wish there had been How to Support Those Who are Grieving 101 or How to Politely, but Powerfully Tell Someone No.
Yes, learning to read and add numbers is important, but what about learning to manage our money, communicating effectively or choosing character and honor over anger, wild rage moments?

Moving on...I am one of those people that passionately believes that no one should be content with this so I chose eight books I have read that everyone should read sooner rather than later. I promise these books will change your life forever.  FOR-EVER.  I am not receiving any monetary gain by promoting these books.

1. Don't Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart , by Kenneth C. Haugk.
              The premise of the book is how to support those who are suffering whether it be through a terminal illness, loss of a loved one, miscarriage, divorce, job loss, etc...it gives VERY precise statements/actions to do and not do. When others are hurting we don't need to add to that hurt. I spoke on this very subject (kind of a poster child) at my MOPS group and it helped many people.

2. The Power of Positive Confrontation, by Barbara Pachter with Susan Magee.
      I am still reading this as there is so much meat here that I have to reread and review and remind myself that we can confront others with polite and powerful words. The skills you need to know to handle conflicts at work, at home, and in life. Invaluable resource.

3. 7: an experimental mutiny against excess, by Jen Hatmaker.
   HILARIOUS!! "Seven months, seven areas, reduced to seven simple choices. I am embarking on a journey of less." The author's seven areas are food, clothes, possessions, media, waste, spending and stress. This book reads like a blog you enjoy as the author honestly describes her experience and feelings about living on less-and it is so freaking funny. It really changed how I view what I own and how rich I am even if our family is teetering near the edge of poverty. I laughed out loud several times to odd looks from others. 

4. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, by Dr. Marc Weissbluth.
     Ever wonder why the 2 year old is crying in Target at 8:30 pm? Read on. I can't remember how this book came into my hands, but after understanding how important a good night's sleep is for my children...I realized that my children aren't criers. (unless they are truly throwing a fit for being told they can't have a toy) Why? Because they weren't sleep deprived. Two year old children should be in bed most nights by 7ish. It wasn't always convenient, but I am so grateful for how well we sleep in our home after establishing good sleep habits! We ALL need sleep. :)

5. The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman.
     Okay, maybe you won't believe this until you take the assessment tool and realize your love language. This book helped me understand why my hubby loves quality time so much. This is not a personality test. I have since figured out my children's love languages and it has made our relationship so much better. We could all use more love and understanding, right?

6. Me, Myself, and Lies, a thought closet makeover, by Jennifer Rothschild
  So this is actually a bible-study, but NO matter what you believe...the premise is that how we talk to ourselves is so damaging and not truth. It affects all parts of us. We all know the cliche we are our own worst critics...well, what if we decided to stop that? After doing this bible study, I am much kinder to myself. I confess-I am hard on me.

7. Holy Bible, by God
     How could I forget this book? Really, there is no other book like it. My greatest peace, joy and comfort have come from this wonderful book. My favorite version is the New International Version. I can understand it as it is written in plain English. If you don't believe in God than you will just have to mark this off your reading list.

AND...

8. Good and Angry: Exchanging Frustration For Character...in you and your kids, by Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller
   I just started this book. Wow. I have NEVER heard anyone put anger in a positive light, but it is because it is an indicator that something is wrong and needs to be fixed. I am learning to not do a lot of emotional engaging and to not get into the "arguing" boxing ring with my children. My favorite line? "Obey first and then we will talk about it."

Hope at least one of these books makes it to your hands. You won't regret it. Promise.

Linking up at:  Mamas losin it