chapter 6

i can't help but reflect on what Jesus thought of a life well lived.

i recently saw a documentary on netflix called: minimalism: a documentary about the important things. it confirmed a lot of the thoughts i'd been wrestling with for a few months.

the thing that struck me the most afterwards was how not novel this whole idea was. Jesus spoke of it; in every teaching, parable and command, Jesus was always about living a life that was empty of the world but full of the bread of life (John 6:35). i'm not talking carbs here; i'm talking real bread, that fulfills and leaves you satisfied. see, the world will try to shape you to fit into it. but Jesus created us to fit into Him (Ro. 12:2).

i think about this a lot. why did He want for us to express Him, glorify Him, be salt and light...i think it's because He knows we're dust; we're bound to become dust every day. i think His life is much like rain...when that living water and our dust meet, that's when the clay forms. that's when real life begins. He molds us, shapes us to be who we're called to be: a royal nation, a holy people set aside for His good works.

i always thought that by good works it meant that i had to do something. but, the more i pray about it, i realize that it's just not true. the truth is this: He wants us to have a happy life and to do well to others (Eccl. 3:12). i believe that, truly.

i don't have all the answers and i certainly won't find them all this side of life. but, i will always have hope that the one whom i love without having seen (I Peter 1:8) will fulfill the promises He has for our life as a church (Joshua 21:45). because He cares.

so, for all those living a minimalist life and for all those of us who are starting to get into it...

let's take a cue from the real minimalist, Jesus:

Luke 12:15

Then He said to them, Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.

* i will be posting the recipe for this beauty soon...for now, let's enjoy the beauty that is this plate. *
* cilantro is an amazing plant that works as a natural detoxifier for the body; i love to eat it fresh on top of er' thing. *

chapter 5

i've been following caroline joy's instagram & blog, unfancy, for a while now and enjoyed seeing her put together different outfits using the same pieces over a period of time. one of the things i particularly appreciated was how flexible she was. let's face it, sometimes things just happen and you have to adjust accordingly.

while reflecting and planning for a 'less is more' kind of mentality for this upcoming 2017 year, i've decided to try a challenge that she participated in some time back. the premise is for you to pick 10 pieces of clothing (i.e pants, shirts, shoes, jackets), excluding, jewelry, sleepwear and/or exercise wear, with which you'll create 10 different outfits over the course of, yup! 10 days. 

well, i did it; i picked my pieces and today was my first day of this 10x10 challenge. it was liberating to decide what to wear with only 10 pieces to choose from. it cleared my head in a weird way, because i wasn't just standing there in front of my closet wondering what to wear. i just looked at the ten pieces, put jacket, shirt, pant and shoe together and that was it! done, finito, the end. 

now, i don't know how the next 9 days are going to pan out. i do realize that new year's eve is on saturday, but i already know what i'm wearing, choosing from only those 10 pieces. the cool thing though, is that i dug up this super fun necklace that had been in hiding for at least a year! i'm telling you, this is good stuff! 

i don't know how i'll feel on day 5, or even tomorrow. but, for now, i do like the challenge it provides and, hopefully, the conversations it'll provoke. 

*goal: prepare at least one recipe from this book a month *

* link to amazon *

chapter 4

as i make my way to the end of this year, i'm looking forward to what 2017 will bring. while writing down my bucket list, i have already jotted down three books that i will read this coming year.

my goal is to use my public library to read them. the other option i'm allowing myself is to use a swapping book website called, paper back swap. the concept is easy: you swap used books with other readers and earn credits that will go towards future swapping book ventures. i've used it in the past and have received my books quickly and in good shape.

it's my way of promoting my public library, minimize my spending and connect with readers. we call that a triple-whammy (by 'we' i just mean me.)

i love reading reviews for everything i'm considering investing in (including my time)! so far, these three books have consistently been deemed as beneficial and practical.

one of them is focused on health, specifically our food relationship with sugar. the second, deals with what it means to be present, slowing down and enjoying the life God has given us and not focusing on perfection (because that's not what He's about anyway). finally, one of dave ramsey's books on financial freedom will be my third read.

 *each of the photos above includes a link to amazon where reviews can be found, including used book options for purchase.*

*support your public library by looking them up there first!*

chapter 3

a minimal way of life is a powerful movement nowadays; everyone talks about a wardrobe capsule, smaller spaces, decluttering and for some it might even include having a plant-based diet.

it's an idea that has always appealed to me. after praying and looking for wisdom from my parents i've decided to spend the next 6 months without buying anything, mostly. this will include: clothing, school materials (reuse, reduce & recycle is my new motto) and books as much as possible (i plan to use my public library as a source instead and in doing so promote the use of our library system).

instead, i will invest my money in becoming debt free, saving for travel, eating out with friends & family (within a budget) and experiencing adventures (i.e hiking through our national parks).

also, i will be pursuing a mostly plant-based diet and establish a consistent exercise routine.

i will be watching documentaries that promote this lifestyle, as well as books that do the same.

i am putting this out here in this vast galaxy called, the internet, with the purpose of holding myself accountable and reminding myself of why i'm doing this.

my hope is that with a different mindset, i'll be able to pursue God's will for my life more clearly and passionately. that i will chase Him and the beauty of the life He's given me.

this verse helped put things in perspective for me,

ecclesiastes 3:12

i know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.

*pictured above, Seitan with cauliflower rice sautéed with onions and shredded carrots served with cilantro (after cooking; cilantro will get wilted and mushy if sautéed with the rest of the veggies).*

chapter 2

Psalm 119: 103

how sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

*click picture for link to recipe*
*ultimate, indeed!*