Happy New Year, Simple Livers!

Well, it's almost here. I can't believe it is December 30th already. God has blessed me graciously this year in so many areas. He is so good to me. I am humbled and awe struck. Thanks, Dad.

For this new year, God has placed on my heart to downsize. So, starting on January 1, 2009, I am going through every box, every closet and every dusty hidden shelf to go full throttle "out with the old, in with the new." I need to clear the air and by getting rid of some clutter, I feel I am on my way to truly a simple life. I can't breathe in all this mess, and if I can't breathe, I can't think and I can't be all that God has for me to be. So, here I am Lord. Use me.

And, as a good steward of God's stuff, I am donating everything to charities that is still worth using. All the clothes I wish I still fit into. All the novels I've been planning to read since 1989. All of it is going to where God tells me to send it so someone else may be blessed by all that God has given to me.

Now, with more space, Dad can give me more stuff. LOL Okay, maybe that is not quite what He had in mind, but I'm am still human after all. :o)

May God bless you richly in 2009. May His desires be your desires, and may all your wildest God dreams come true and may He receive all the glory.

To be used by Him in 2009 and always,

DMM :o)

Jesus' Simple Love

Hello, Simple Livers!

A good friend of mine sent this to me today. She felt as a fellow writer, I needed a dose of encouragement. Who doesn't, right? The words are so simple, just as God's love is for us. We make it so complicated, yet He offers us peace, love and the desires of our hearts if we put our lives in His capable hands.

The passage is from the book Jesus Calling, written as though Jesus us speaking to you.

I am working on your behalf. Bring Me all your concerns, including your dreams. Talk with Me about everything, letting the Light of My Presence shine on your hopes and plans. Spend time allowing My Light to infuse your dreams with life, gradually transforming them into reality. This is a very practical way of collaborating with Me. I, the Creator of the universe, have deigned to co-create with you. Do not try to hurry this process. If you want to work with me, you have to accept My time frame. Hurry is not in My nature. Abraham and Sarah had to wait many years for the fulfillment of My promise, a son. How their long wait intensified their enjoyment of this child! Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.

I know I need a reminder that Jesus is my bestest friend, so I wanted to share this reminder with all of you. Enjoy. :o)

To be used by Him,

DMM :o)

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr, Simply Spewing

I seem to be a spewer. When I get mad or frustrated, I come unleashed. I yell, vent, and say some ugly things. And, if I don't say them, I'm most likely thinking them.

Anger is a nasty, nasty thing.

In November, our pastor spoke on the Seven Deadly Sins. And, yet again my eyes were opened to just how human and unworthy I am. I'm not writing today to get us all depressed about how grumpy we can be at times. I am writing to help us all with some little frustrations that make us less of the Simple Living Christian we try our best to be.

The Bible does not speak too highly of anger (major understatement). Ecclesiastes 7:9 states, "Don't let your spirit rush to be angry, for anger abides in the heart of fools." I definitely don't want to be considered a fool. Do you?

Proverbs 14:17 explains that "Fools have quick tempers, and no one likes you if you can't be trusted." And the kicker for me:

Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. ~ Proverbs 18:13

This one was a double-whammy Ouch! for me.

So, today we will look at some simple ways to curb our anger.

First, let's look at the frustrator. (That would make us the frustratee) :o)

For me, it's my little white puffball. Do not let his sweet little picture fool you. I tell him often, "Thank God you're cute!" He has a way of getting on my very last nerve. I've been told by numerous people throughout my life that I must have the patience of Job. But, for some reason with my sweet little doggie, I can't seem to control my temper at time. Let's just say he has a few psychological doggy issues such as barking incessantly to get my attention and flat out throwing a temper tantrum when he doesn't get a carrot fast enough. The Dog Whisperer would be utterly ashamed at how well-trained my dog has me. Sorry, Cesar. ;o)

Anyway, he gets me boiling sometimes. So, these are my new steps to turn my anger into dancing and turn my weeping into joy.

1. Pray. Simple right? But, in the midst of anger, this is the last thing I think of doing. From now on, I will turn to God first.
2. Breathe. I will take three deep breaths as I pray and tune out the barking.
3. Love. Remember how much I love my Little Man regardless of what he is doing right now.
4. Have carrots ready. LOL

At times I feel this is a dress rehearsal for when I have children. Lord, help me. LOL

So, I pray God's peace flows over all of you. That your anger is extinguished, and that God's glory can and will be seen in every situation. Even with an OCD dog, crazy drivers, or teenagers. :oP

As James puts it, "My dearly beloved brothers, understand this: everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not accomplish God's righteousness." (Chapter 1, vs. 19-20)

To be used by Him,

DMM :O)

Simple Blessings and a Happy Thanksgiving

Good afternoon!

It's the day before Thanksgiving, and I have two things on the brain:

Cranberry sauce and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade!

I am so excited about nestling on the couch with a cup of coffee and watching dancers dance and Snoopy float by. Awwwwwww...Thanksgiving.

But, I'm reminded of something this year that I haven't been in a long time. Maybe if ever during Thanksgiving. For so long it was just a holiday with turkey and dressing to me. But this year, something has changed.

I truly have gratitude. Gratitude to God.

Gratitude that God has blessed me with a wonderful husband, cherished family and friends, and a church family that I truly adore and honor. God is so good and I am so thankful. Without Him, I am nothing and nothing matters. Thank you, Father, for delivering me and seeing me through everything. You are AWESOME!

May each of you have a joy-filled Thanksgiving full of God's blessings and thankfulness in serving the One True God.

Take care and God bless! Gobble Gobble. Or, in my case tofu, tofu!

DMM:o)

Fun Fiction Friday featuring Marcia Gruver

Hello, Simple Livers!

I'm online today to tell you about a great book for Fun Fiction Friday. Fellow writer Marcia Gruver signed a three-book deal in 2007 with Barbour Publishing. Go, Marcia! What a blessing! Her first book, Diamond Duo is now on the shelves. Click on the book title to be sent directly to her site on Amazon.com.

Here is what a few of my friends are saying about the book. I actually know these women and trust their opinions. :o)

With lyrical prose and a cast of characters that will remain in your heart long after the last page is turned, Marcia Gruver’s debut novel is a must-read. Whether you’re seeking a romance, a wonderful Southern story or an escape to another time, Diamond Duo is a masterpiece waiting to be found. ~ Kathleen Y’barbo author of the Fairweather Key series


Marcia Gruver’s writing is witty, charming and historically accurate. She pulls you into the lives of the characters and makes you feel as though you’re actually walking and talking with them. Best of all, she captures the true feel of the setting, (a real strength in her stories). I can’t recommend Diamond Duo strongly enough! ~ Janice Thompson author of the Bridal Mayhem series

Well-written, delightful characters—Diamond Duo is the most entertaining historical to come around in a long time. ~ Elizabeth Ludwig author of Where the Truth Lies and Died in the Wool

My favorite part about this book is Marcia based this fictional account on a true-life unsolved murder case in Jefferson, Texas. I love historical unsolved mysteries, so when I found this tid-bit out, it made this book a must-read for me!

I began reading this book and fell in love with one character in particular -- Sarah. She stands out with superior dialogue and likeability. I am eager to keep reading and find out her fate. I hopes she doesn't die in the end. I just hate that. LOL


While you are out in cyberspace, check out these other witty bloggers and their interviews with Marcia Gruver. And, be sure to check out Marcia's personal blog by clicking right . . . here!

Take care and God bless!

DMM :o)


A Latte and Some Words

A Little Bit of Sunlight

Anne Greene

Be a Barnabas

Book Splurge

BookingIt

Cara’s Musings

Erica at ShoutLife

Fictionary

God With Us - Finding Joy

Horizontal Yo-Yo

Janice Olson

Lighthouse Academy

Marthawrites

Mary Connealy - real life

My Christian Fiction Blog

Net’s Notes

On The Write Path

Pam Krumpe

Patti’s Porch

Readin N Writin

Relz Reviewz

Tamara Lynn Kraft

Terri Tiffany

The Friendly Book Nook

The Writer’s Tool

Writing by Faith

Laundry Detergent - The Simple Living Way

Hello, Simple Livers!

I mentioned to several people over the last few days that I make my own laundry detergent. It is so easy, and believe me, it would have to be for me to do it! So with great Simple Living style, here it is. If you have any questions, please post them below. I'm sure if you have questions, other people will to and you can help them out.

I got this recipe from my new friend Michelle. I met Michelle while writing a piece for Focus on the Family on Getting Back to the Basics. If you would like to read how Michelle and her family live the simple life with Christ, click here.

What you'll need:

Large pot and spoon - designate one pot big enough to hold 4 quarts of water and one spoon to solely use for laundry detergent making. I use a big wooden spoon. It feels more rustic that way. :oP

2-3 gallon milk or water jugs (or any containers you like to put the soap in)

1 Funnel

4 quarts of water - any ol' water will do
Ivory or Fels Naptha bar soap - I always use Ivory since I never can find Fels Naptha in my super market. If you want to purchase Fels Naptha, visit a great site called SoapsGoneBuy.com to purchase any soap you can imagine!
1/4 cup 20 Mule Team Borax - I find this in the laundry aisle.
1/4 cup Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda - In my market, it is right next to the 20 Mule Team Borax. God made it easy for me. LOL Make sure you use the WASHING soda and not BAKING soda. I am not responsible for results with use of baking soda. :oP

Alrighty...

Pour 4 quarts of water in your pot on medium heat. With a grater, shave one-half to three-forths of the bar soap into the pot. Stir as you desire and allow the soap to completely dissolve before the next step. Believe me, if you have any chunks of soap, they will never, ever, ever dissolve. At least they don't for me. I know. . .it's a conspiracy. It will not take long at all for the soap to dissolve.

When your soap is sufficiently dissolved, slowly pour in 1/4 cup of 20 Mule Team Borax and 1/4 cup Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda. One time, I poured this in when the pot was at a raging boil. It overflowed and I had a yucky, gelatinous mess throughout my stove top to clean up when it cooled. So, please be advised. At least your stove will be really clean afterwards:o)

At this point, I stir and let it all dissolve together. The mixture will not be thick so don't expect laundry detergent consistently yet. Let the detergent cool until you feel comfortable pouring it into the gallons jugs. A funnel is a life-saver for this. PLEASE USE ONE. :o)

Fill each gallon jug 1/4 to 2/3 with the detergent mixture, then fill the rest of the way with water, put the lid on (very important!) and shake, shake, shake. I played around with consistency for a while and now I know I like the consistency when I split the soap between two jugs and add water. If the soap is too thick for you, add more water. Please note, the solution will separate when cooled so whenever I am in the laundry room I give it a good shake to keep it all together.

I use about 1/2 cup of detergent with each load. I love this detergent. I tend to have sensitive skin and haven't had a problem at all when using it. I hope you enjoy it!

Live simply God's way!

DMM :o)

Simple Sustainable Living

Today, on a impromptu trip to my library, I picked up a book called The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It by John Seymour. As a Simple Living enthusiast, I'm quite excited to venture through its 311 pages. On a flip through, I accidentally read too far and learned how to kill a chicken.

EEK!! For a vegetarian, I will forever have the text and drawing burned into my retinas. You should warn a person! LOL For all those opposed to the partaking of chickens, you may want to avoid page 121. :o)

So far, I've learned how to grow rice, millet, carrots, beets and how to make mustard from scratch. (My husband will be excited about that!)

Through my reading, I've considered constructing a chicken coop and acquiring a few fowl-y friends to assist me with my scrambled egg habit. But, I'm concerned about city ordinances and wastes. Anyone have any insights?

I'm really feeling led to further pursue ways to guard God's creation. Sustainable living, recycling, and thinking before I buy items are ways I can affect our world and keep it in tip-top shape for Jesus. What are some ways you and your family help out our world? Let me know by leaving a comment. Together, we can come up with new ways to fulfill our obligation as stewards of God's kingdom.

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

God put us in charge of His creation. Let's do our best this week to do our part.

In Him all things are possible!

DMM :o)

Simply Be

I'm having one of those God days. One of those days where I "decide" to let God lead every step I take.

And, it's killing me.

Evidently, God wants me to sit and be with Him. Not read a book. Not memorize scriptures. Simply be with Him.

Did I mention it is killing me?

As you can see, I resorted to writing about it. :o) Why is simply "being" so difficult? Is it hard for everyone or just me? Are other people able to sit and pass the time with nothing to do without a flitting thought except for God's whispers penetrating their flawless minds? This sitting and reflecting and being is the hardest thing I've had to do in a long time. Why is reflecting so hard?

Maybe I'm too scared of what I may reflect on?

The past mistakes, the regrets, the so called friends who weren't that seem to always pop up when I have a quiet moment in my brain. (I wasn't always a Christ Follower to shed a glimmer of light on the memories.)

This is called healing as hard as it is to swallow. Healing grows new cells, dispenses with the old and makes a new shiny me to reveal to the world. Healing is good. Even though I have this scab that doesn't want to heal, and I keep picking at it like a three-year-old.

Sorry for the visual. LOL

Are you going through a healing today? Trust me. Simply "being" in God's presence may seem hard at first, but when you are sitting on your Daddy's lap cradled in His arms, through His love, all the old bruises go away. He is good. Thank God for Him!

Simply BE today. It is Friday after all.

Love to you my brothers and sisters in Christ~

Dawn Michelle Michals

Simply Me

I returned on Monday from the 2008 American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in Minneapolis. What a glorious gathering of writer's for God. I will forever remember the fun I had, the friends I made, and the God moments that will transform my life forever.

Of all the classes I attended and lessons I learned, one stuck out to me: Allie Pleiter's Late Night Chat on "Getting It Done." Allie taught me the Finding Nemo personality test, and believe me, it was eye-opening. Here is the gist: Marlin's are goal-focused and stay on task until the goal is complete. Dori's (oh, sweet Dori's) tend to be more spontaneous and a little more "all over the place," but in the end get the job done allbeit scattered in bits in pieces throughout the day instead of in one long haul.

God made me a full-time writer in May. Since then, I've had dreams of a writing schedule. My "writer" self would sit firmly in my desk chair from noon to four every afternoon creating prolific prose destined for greatness and transformation. However, my "human" --who tends to lean more toward reality than my "writer"-- would write for a few precious moments and then flitter and flutter away from the computer screen to play with cats, wrestle with dogs and wander into the front yard to see what the flowers had been up to that day. In a nutshell:

I am not a Marlin. I am a wanna-be Marlin trapped in a Dori body.

And now oddly, as I embrace my inner Dori, I've completed tasks, e-mailed e-mails and accomplished astoundingly more than I would have trying to be who I am simply not -- A Marlin.

I am who I am. In that illustrious quote from Popeye the Sailor Man falls all the love, imagination and grace that our Father could pour out in one vessel.

You are who God made you. Fearfully and wonderfully made as shocking as that may be. Be it. Embrace it. And love your inner Marlin or Dori. You and the world will be the better for it. Simply be YOU! Thank you, Allie, for revealing my Dori-ness and letting it shine.

With a task complete, I am off to flitter and flutter. :o)

DMM

Congratulations to Leanna Ellis and her new book Lookin' Back Texas

A devoted wife and mother must return to her hometown of Luckenbach, Texas, to help her mother plan her father’s funeral. Trouble is – he isn’t dead! And neither are the secrets she buried there years ago.

No, I'm not switching from Simple Living, Christian Style to country songs and funeral parlors, but I wanted to shift focus for a moment to congratulate my friend on the publication of her second book.

That's right! It's finally out and on bookstore shelves! My friend and fellow Texas writer Leanna Ellis' new book, Lookin' Back Texas is ready and waiting for you to pick up your copy today.

To learn more about the book, read the first chapter teaser and see a fun trailer, click here.

Congrats, Leanna! May this be the first of MANY more to come.

God bless and READ ON!

Dawn Michelle Michals

Gospel for Asia

Gospel for Asia - Click here for a free book!

Juicy Blogging

In Genesis 1:1, God created the heavens and the earth. In Genesis 1:27, it says that God created man (us) in his own image. In His own image He created us. We are a product of the Greatest Creator and in us, He has instilled the ability and the desire to create. Whether it be in art, music, writing, basketball or gymnastics, God has placed in each of us the need to bring something new to the world just as He did so long ago.

All of us have "creativeness" within us. For some, it is buried deep within our soul aching to get out. For others, it is floating somewhere near the service looking for direction on the road map of Things To Do. And, yet for others it is a free flowing waterfall cleansing the world with its beauty.

I want to introduce you to one of my favorite authors. SARK dispenses her wisdom, kindness and creativeness through books and speaking engagements across the country. She is truly gifted as an encourager, and I urge you to pick up her newest book Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper today. I don't have a copy yet, but I promise you it is on my Christmas list!

SARK is truly an inspiration to me, my art and my writing. I hope I have the chance to meet her in person one day. She is an absolute blessing, and God has used her to open up my road blocks and allow the creativeness to flow.

May God inspire you today to fulfill your dreams, encourage others, and create, create, create for His glory!

God bless~

DMM :o)

Creative Coupon Clipping

With school starting soon, I know school supplies is a big issue for families right now. My friend Tawra offers some great reader comments and advice on her blog, Tawra's Tightwad Tips, Tawra is the person behind one of my favorite simple living sites, Living On a Dime. I interviewed Tawra for an article on simple living for Focus on the Family. Tawra is not only a great person, but she is an inspiration to me on my simple living crusade.

Special note: The Walgreens in my area has phenomenal coupons for 9 cent items. That's right! I said 9 cents! Pencils, folders and other school supplies are on sale with the coupon.

Coupons are an integral tool to save some much needed cash. But, I found out that there are rules and techniques that you must adhere to or your money-saving potential flies out the window right along with your cash.

First, don't buy something just because you have a coupon for it. If you family never eats tuna fish, yet you stocked up and bought 15 cans at a great price, what is the benefit here? (Besides being able to donate it to a food pantry.) If you fall into this trap with perishable goods, then all you have is a decaying mess in your cabinet. Stick to the things you and your family like to eat. That is where the savings count.

Second, be careful with the "buy one, get one free" campaign. This is often a great bargain, but on occasion the price of the item may have been increased to accommodate the sale. For example, I saw those wonderful and ever-useful grill lighters at a local supermarket marked as "buy one, get one free." The price: $3. Good deal? Not if you go to the dollar store where they are $1 each. Watch the original prices of merchandise. How much are the lighters when they are not on sale? A bargain is not always a bargain.

Third, I know for me, buying a newspaper turned out to be a total waste of cash. I never get around to reading it no matter my best intentions, and all I do is clip some coupons out of it. More often than not, the money I would save from my creative coupon clipping did not even cover the price of the newspaper. So, guess what? I spent more in the end in an attempt to save. My mother's friend solved this problem for me. She loves to get the newspaper, so when she clips coupons, she keeps an eye out for items she thinks we will like. She is so wonderful. She brings me soy milk coupons, veggie burger coupons, and all the dog food and cat food coupons she can find. This way, the coupons are being put to good use, my family saves some money and my mom's friend gets the total use out of her Sunday newspaper. A win-win situation. If you have friends who would like to join you on your quest for simple living, form a Coupon Exchange. It's a fun way to get together over coffee and danish (bought with a coupon of course) and trade coupons before they expire.

Fourth, I've never seen this anywhere but at my small-town library (I love living in a small town.), but they have a coupon basket at the front door as their Coupon Exchange. I always grab coupons for disinfecting wipes when I'm there and leave behind any coupons that I received from friends that I don't feel I'll get around to using.

I hope this creative coupon clipping tips help you on your way to Simple Living, Christian Style. Saty tuned for tips and tricks to keep your life simpler and your cash where it belongs--safely in your pocket.

Take care and God bless!

DMM :O)

Sometimes It's Hard

Proverbs 11:24 (NIV)

One man gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

Wow. When I heard these words, a weight was lifted from my heart. How simple they are. God's word shows us how easy it is. When you give freely, you gain much. This is what I've been praying about all along. To give freely in time, money, love, everything that God wants me to give to be more like-minded and kind-hearted. To better be His light on earth.

How I pray to be free to give yet my humanness holds on to selfish ideals and society's decision that mine is mine but you have to share yours. When do I get to the point that it doesn't sting in my heart when I give away my last piece of bread? When will I not feel the "want" anymore?

As I work this all out alongside you, I find myself consumed with thoughts of my families finances. Money. I find it hard not to dwell on it, especially when it doesn't seem like I have enough. I feel a lot of people have this same problem. Especially those who do not know our Father at all. I live in God's word yet still find it hard to grab on to His promises at times. Life is hard. That's for sure. But with God, I have hope.

Even the strongest, most faithful Christians fall into the "want" pit. It is easy to do and hard to claw your way out of.

When I read Proverbs 11:24, it all hit home.

How often had I been the one withholding unduly? I suffer from what I recently discovered is referred to as the spirit of want. I come from a long line of spirit of wanters. We hoard our money, our food and our love. I was trained to do it, and it is well-ingrained in my spirit. But, today, if front of all of you, I set it all free and release it to God. I will give freely and gain much in the Lord.

Give freely. Share freely. Hug freely. Love others as Jesus loves them. Ask for God's discernment and provision. He will provide. Be God's beacon of light to His world. He is our precious Father showering us with kisses from heaven. He is singing over you right now.

Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
17 The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."

Thank you, Father, for opening up your world to me. How simple it is to be in Your heart, to be loved by You. So simple.

Patience - Tip of the Week

Last week we reviewed God's teachings on patience found throughout the pages of the old and new testaments. Today, we will revisit it and apply it to our finances.

Yes, I know. I just made a lot of enemies. :o) But, this is where--more so than any area in our lives it seems--we lose patience like we lose that crazy sock that goes into the washer and never comes out. Where does that sock go anyway?

Patience, for me, is a lackluster, anxiety-ridden roller coaster. At times, I am very patient swooshing along the curves with ease. Other times, I am a screaming mess plummeting back to earth at 70 miles per hour. But with God's help (and tests), I am dealing with my patience better every day. (Thank you, God!)

Today, I will share a lesson I learned on impatient purchases-- those spontaneous "must-have" purchases that neither I, nor my budget, planned to make. The $8 perfect black shirt. The greatest skirt I have ever seen! That DVD that I must own and watch every day for a month.

Music. Gaming gear. Books (my favorite temptation). Lattes. We all have that thing we have to have right now. But, when your finances say no, and bills can't be paid because you had to have a latte every day, then patience must become our friend.

Patience is not a bad thing. We just don't like it. No one likes it. It means not having what we want exactly when we want it. But is that how God meant for it to be? Immediate gratification?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6-7 (New International Version)

Apply patience to your finances. Set a time limit. A week. A month. Three months. However long you choose. And, wait. Does that new car with the high interest rate still seem like a good decision? Do you still need that new stereo system? Even though it is a great deal?

Or could that money be used elsewhere? Pay down a debt? Save for a rainy day? Or even to bless God's children? A little could mean a whole lot to your future or to someone else's.

Be patient with your money. And remember the old adage: If it's meant to be, it's meant to be.

Patience My Child

I have no patience today. Well, let's make that every day.

I started out this morning craving a cup of coffee. I opened my trusty coffee can to find a teaspoon-size amount left in the bottom. As panic set in, I remembered that bag of coffee beans I received from a friend. For months it's been on top of my fridge waiting patiently for me to open it, grind it, and enjoy it. Yet now, when I need it, it's MIA. Why? How? How heartless would a person have to be to steal my coffee?


I searched in the highest of heights getting out my trusty step ladder to pillage through upper cabinets. I got on my hands and knees and searched the lower cabinets. Nothing.


The world is a cold, cruel place at 8:30 in the morning.


Then my printer wouldn't print. The dried-on cat food refused to release itself from my cat's bowl. And, I put a DVD in my player when a DVD was already in there. *sigh* It still works, but I had to wait for it to figure out what I'd done to it so it could reset itself.

In all, I've had quite an annoying day. But, why has it been annoying?

Because I let these little things get to me.

In Ephesians 4:2, Paul writes:

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.


Two-thousand years ago, the people of this world were experiencing the same issues, concerns and heartaches that we are going through today. They needed patience just as much as we do, or Paul wouldn't have written about it so often.


In his letter to the Colossians, Paul again wrote:

Colossians 3:12-14

12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 1: 11-12

11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

And, in Galatians 5...

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Now, let's journey back to the Old Testament...

Proverbs 19:11 (NIV) 11 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

It is to His glory. When we react as children of God, we show the world Christ's true nature. One of love, understanding, gentleness, patience and hope. So, today, when unexplained enemies come at you and steal your coffee beans, remember to breathe, reach for the Word, and have hope in knowing that these little things are just little things. They will be soon and easily be forgotten. Yet, your reaction to them could live on for generations.

Be hopeful in the Lord and remember: Patience is a virtue.


DMM

Simply Grilling and Chilling

Hello, Simple Livers!

Today we will discuss the joys of grilling, or as my husband refers to it, the only way to cook.

You can cook anything on the grill you please. And, with practice, you can use it like a traditional oven and even cook pizza. Currently, my husband is outside cooking tilapia for our family.

Another plus to cooking outdoors, you heat up the neighborhood and not your house eliminating the need for more A/C resulting in a lower electric bill. If you live in Texas like we do, this is a major plus!

So, be creative. What can you think of to cook on the grill? Bacon and eggs? Biscuits? Pancakes? I guess I am craving breakfast foods. LOL With a little aluminum foil and nonstick spray, your options are endless.

Happy grilling!

DMM :o)

Simple Kindness

Collosians 3:12-14 states:

12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

When Paul wrote these words to the Christians in Collose, he was sitting in a prison cell bound with chains. Yet, in the midst of his captivity, he spoke of kindness, compassion and patience.

Would you?

I've been thinking a lot lately of how our society tries to harden us. With blatant violence on television, in song lyrics, and in computer games, no wonder we are becoming an "every man for himself" generation as never before.

To show love makes you a weaker vessel. To show compassion is frowned upon. Give money instead but don't get your hands dirty. Money is a blessing, that's for sure, but sometimes what is most needed at the core of hurt is a hug. A simple hug.

For this week, I encourage you to be kind. Be kind to the older woman needing help with her grocery bags. Be kind and show patience to that driver who thinks they have someplace better to go than you do. Be kind to the little dog who has lost his way.

Be kind to yourself. Give yourself a hug, and praise the Lord that you lived another day. Others haven't. Even worse -- others do not know His love.

Simply be kind. Give hugs with abandon. And, have a blessed and joy-filled week.

In His name with great big hugs~

DMM

Free Movies You Say?

Living the simple-living lifestyle focuses on freebies, and I aim to please!

I know on those nights when there is nothing on TV, I would love to drive over to the movie store and pick out the latest release. However, the frugal gal in me hates forking over money for something I have to return in two days.

I found a wonderfully FREE alternative at my neighborhood library. Rows and rows of DVDs to check out for free for seven days. And, don't think they are all black-and-whites with organ music playing in the background. The main library in my town offers newer releases right along side classics such as Casablanca and Mutiny on the Bounty. every so often it is fun to get back to our roots in cinema and sit back and enjoy some popcorn with Humphrey Bogart.

The library also has documentaries (my fave!), and self-help and exercise DVDs. And for those still in love with their VCRs, VHS tapes are available to check out, as well.

Tip: After you sign up for your library card, you can sign in online and check out what selection is available. If a movie you like is checked out, you can place a hold on it and the library's computer will call you when the movie is returned. No wasted time, and no wasted gas!

I am fortunate enough to live in a small suburb so I have not only my small town library but also the main county library not far away. I love living in Texas!

Take care, frugal friends. Check in on Tuesday for more Simple Living, Christian Style.

Have a blessed and joy-filled weekend!

DMM :o)

Simply Stepping Stones

Sometimes something so simple can get really complicated.

I have a tendency to skip steps. I don't like to read directions and don't see why I have to follow them half of the time. Why? Probably because I am inherently lazy. That's right. Lazy. At least I'm not floating down the River de-Nile about it. I'm lazy, and I know it.

But, sometimes these steps are necessary. And, God throws them in there to let us grow. They aren't to hinder us, or to stop us, they are to open the doors and shine the light on what God is doing.

Take for instance writing. Everyone can write, and a popular saying is "everyone has a story to tell." But that doesn't mean it's a good story or that people will pay to read it. Or sadly, what if they don't even want to read it even if it's free?

There is a craft to writing. A step-by-step growth process that God developed when He breathed life into these dry bones. And as much as I try to skip over the steps, God reels me back in and sets me perfectly where I need to be - Learning. And I plan to learn everything the Father has to teach me.

In my quest for the simple life, I discovered Sue Bender's book Plain and Simple: A Woman's Journey to the Amish. In it, Mrs. Bender describes her time living with several different Amish families. I love this book and found simplicity and hope in it.

From page 85...

"It is the enjoyment of every step in the process of doing; everything not only the isolated piece we label art. If accomplishing is the only goal, all that it takes to reach that goal is too slow, too fatiguing -- an obstacle to what you want to achieve. If you want to rush to the accomplishment, it is an inevitable disappointment. Then you rush to something else. The disappointment is reaped over and over again. But if every step is pleasant, then the accomplishment becomes even more, because it is nourished by what is going on."

Value those steps - every one that you may be on, because there is a reason and a purpose for each one. I promise. :o)

May God bless you richly and abundantly this week.

DMM

Simply Encouraging

Happy Thursday, Simple Livers!

Today, I am opening the door for others who love the simple-living lifestyle to share their stories of encouragement. Read Back to the Basics and learn more.

Have a happy and safe July 4th Weekend! And, please be careful. There are a lot of burns bans out there for good reason.

May God bless you richly and abundantly.

DMM

It's Simply About Today

In Matthew 6:34, Jesus states, "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. (NLT) "

God is teaching me a valuable lesson. This week, He has shown me a new way to look at my needs. I got my pen and calendar out and wrote down each bill on its due date. And now, will His prompting, I am only looking at today. Not tomorrow. Not the the 25th or the 31st or to any day in between. I am focusing on today. And, with a nudge from the Lord, I am sharing this with you.

So, let's look on July 1 and see what we have in store for today.

Do I have food for breakfast, lunch and dinner? YES! Praise, Jesus!
Do I have any bills due today? YES!
Do I have money in the bank to pay this bill? Oddly, YES. And, actually, I have exactly the amount that I need to pay that bill.

With God's leading and love, I'm not worrying about tomorrow. I'm giving God my today. God promises in His word that He will provide my needs for today. He promises this to you as well. It says it right here:

Matthew 6:31-33 NLT

31 "So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. 32 Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, 33 and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

And, this is Jesus speaking! Who better to know the Father's heart than Jesus.

Believe me, I know it is hard to live for today. I see the commercials on TV about financial planning. I see the news reports, too, about high gas prices, unemployment and the ever-growing problems throughout the world. But let's live in God's word, His truth, and know that He knows our every need for today, and He promises in His word that He will provide for all your needs if "you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern."

Imagine it! No worrying about things weeks from now. Just being in the present moment, living every second as God intended--fully encompassed in His loving care.

Now, that is simple living.

I believe that you will get out of my blog what God wishes you to receive, whether that comfort, wisdom or a swift kick in the bloomers, but please know that I am not a financial specialist. I am trying to figure this all out right alongside all of you who are sitting with a little worry knot in your stomach wondering how the rent, that is due today, will get paid before they stick that pesky reminder note on the front door. I'm believing in faith and God's word that the check is in the mail for me and for you. May God bless you all richly this week, and may His mighty hand be seen in the simple things.

Living for Him,

DMM

For further study:

Jesus says in Matthew 6:25-34:
25 "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.
28 "And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!
31 "So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. 32 Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, 33 and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
34 "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. NLT

Shopping, the Simple Living Way

Happy Thursday!

I had an idea this morning for a way to go shopping without spending any money, which is a MAJOR part of simple living.

Think of it as "one man's (or woman's) trash is another one's treasure." Get a group of friends together for a swap meet. Bring items that are still in good condition but need to find a new home. This is great for those shoes that didn't fit as well when you got them home as they did in the store or for that pair of jeans that shrunk too much in the dryer. (wink, wink)

Now, let's be polite about it. Don't bring along ripped up T-shirts or those fanciful, puff-painted sweat shirts that went out of style circa 1984. (Unless your friends really like those, of course.)

When the party's over, the snacks are gone, and you have pillaged your friends' closets as much as you can, take what is left over to an assistance organization such as a Goodwill Thrift Store or the Salvation Army. For the tax-write-off savvy, get a receipt and keep a list of the items you donated. You can then assign a fair-market value to each item you donated and get a little break from Uncle Sam for a good cause.

If you try this out, please comment and tell us how it went. And, if you have any tips or hints regarding buddy swap meets, chime in. Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a blessed week!

Check back on Tuesday for the newest update to the blog.

Live Simple, Live Well!

Dawn :o)

Simply Christian

Today, God pointed me to a certain passage in Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes 4:4 reads:

And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man's envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Our world teaches us to "out do" our neighbor. To be better, richer, prettier, smarter. To be above others. To have more. To be more. To do more. But when does it end?

After so meaning years of living for others, seeking approval and for others to recognize my life as worthy, I've realized something. That my love and work for God is all that matters. His approval matters. That He, our God and Father of all, considers me His good and faithful servant. That at some point in my life I will hear, "you are my daughter with whom I am well pleased.”

This blog will now take the turn that God has chosen for it. I've been praying for a while now about what to write about. Should I have author interviews? Contests? Free stuff? All that may happen, but for right now, in this place, we will discuss the simpler things in life. The simple things that God touches me and you with every day. I hope you enjoy it and comment often. I am here to listen.

Me? Prolific?

I read Zen Habits today. If you are not a subscriber of this blog, I highly recommend it. Please note that this is a secular blog that is geared toward zen living. As a Christian, I feel this blog offers practical and noteworthy advice on living life extraordinarily while providing thought-provoking content. From one writer to another, Leo Babauta gives me just what I need each week. He may not know he is a vessel of the Lord, but to this newbie career writer, he brightens my day and gets me revved up for writing. You help keep me going, Leo, and I thank you for it! I particularly enjoyed the May 14, 2008, post by guest Clay Collins from The Growing Life. “Living the Prolific Life: A How-to Guide” will forever be saved in my “favorites” and will most likely be printed and taped to my office wall. To be prolific…wow. To even be described as prolific. This is what I want, Lord. Prolific-ise me! Please. :O)

Pinch me! No, not really.

For many years, I’ve been praying to work from home. My heart cried out to God daily while I passed the time in my hour commute (one way, mind you) to the office. My bureaucratic day job with drama, petty arguments and the typical nine-to-five grind that Americans find themselves in each day.

I write this from my dining room table in my pajamas at two in the afternoon. Did my dreams come true? YES! A resounding “Yes!” leaps from my lips causing my dog to rise from her afternoon nap to see what mom is up to. Along with my exuberance is shock, fright, horror. What if I can’t make it? What if I have to get a “real” job? And, when will I wake up? This is all too good to be true. That is when I realize, my Father is an awesome, amazing, wonderful, tremendous and fabulous God! I am nothing without Him and He truly knows my every need. Jesus says in Mathew 10:29-31 (NLT) Not even a sparrow , worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows. HE knows me. My Father knows me. And, He knows you too. He knows the numbers of hairs on your head. He knows what you did yesterday, He knows what you did when you were five, and He knows what you will do tomorrow. He is omniscient, omnipotent and everywhere. And, He loves you just the way you are. There is no need to come before Him perfect. Jesus said that He did not come here for the well. The Lord knows I’m not well, and the fact that God loves me right where I am warms my heart. He far outdoes my dogs on unconditional love. In fact, He taught them to be that way. If you don’t know unconditional love of our savior, accept Him into your heart today and see what He truly has for you. It is that easy. There are no radical steps. There are no items to buy. Jesus paid the ultimate price. Ask Him into your heart today and see your life change. And not just simple “Hey, I found the Lord” changes. Think CRAZY changes. Changes you cannot even imagine. Like being stuck in a typical day with a typical job and being lifted out into a new crazy-in-love-with-Jesus life where you write about Him and for Him all day. How does that sound?

Say this simple prayer and you will be on your way. Welcome to the family!

"God, I recognize that I have not lived my life for You up until now. I have been living for myself and that is wrong. I need You in my life; I want You in my life. I acknowledge the completed work of Your Son Jesus Christ in giving His life for me on the cross at Calvary, and I long to receive the forgiveness you have made freely available to me through this sacrifice. Come into my life now, Lord. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. From this day forward, I will no longer be controlled by sin, or the desire to please myself, but I will follow You all the days of my life. Those days are in Your hands. I ask this in Jesus' precious and holy name. Amen."

Have you experienced a crazy-in-love-with Jesus change? I must hear all about it! Please tell me about it here.

For His Work,

Dawn :o)
God’s Cheerleader

I love Yiddish

I love the way Yiddish swooshes around in my mouth. The relief I feel when the words pour out. How much better I feel when I yell, "Meshuga!" Why? I don't know. It doesn't even have to pertain to the situation. It flows off my tongue. The strength of the "m." The sureness of the "sh." The harshness of the "ga." Meshuga! It's crazy! Wait..it's meshuga!

Today, I'll share some Yiddish words from this week's e-mails from www.wordsmith.org.

For all you word-nerds like me, don't miss out and sign up for the daily newsletter. Expand your vocabulary and enrich your mind. :o)

This week's theme: Words from Yiddish.

schlump (shlump) noun

A dull or slovenly person.

[From Yiddish shlumperdik (unkempt, sloppy).]

meshuga or meshugga (muh-SHOOG-uh) adjective

Crazy; stupid.

schnook (shnook) noun

A stupid, easily deceived person.

To Write for God is Golden

I have been under the assumption that I need to wait for "this" to happen to fulfill my destiny, or for "that" to happen. For "this" or "that" to reach fruition before I'll have the time to be what I want to become.

Not any more...

I must live TODAY for everything it's worth. And, so must you. If you have a dream, live it. If you want to go parachuting, do it. If you want to learn Italian, learn it. What's stopping you?

Time? Money? Approval?

You are not living anyone else's happiness but your own.

Today, I write for God. I live for God. I am His disciple running through life with my pen, paper and Bible in hand waiting for His word to spill forth onto the pages and transform me, and hopefully those who read it, into all that our Father wishes them to be.

He is faithful and true, and He promises that if you "delight yourself in the LORD; He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)