Reason for the Season

Dear Readers,
       Today is Christmas Eve! My life is pretty chaotic during the week of Christmas. A whole lot of church and a whole lot of people to see. And oh the secrets! "Don't go in the closet!" "No, the other closet!" "Don't come out of your room for a minute," and, "I don't think you want to buy that right now." It gets a little confusing all the don't's and also keeping track of who gets what and what rooms they can and cannot go into. It's crazy all the lengths we go to in order to surprise someone for one day for about a couple hours. There's something about the element of surprise that drives us all to do crazy things and go to crazy lengths for that one day.

-- For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -- Isaiah 9:6 

        This season can be totally crazy and viewed from a lot of different perspectives. There's the perspective of the getting gifts and giving gifts. There's the perspective of Christmas lists and trying to check it all off. Then, for some people, Christmas is just a major source of stress and jealousy. It's crazy what Christmas has turned in to. I can think of another occasion where Christmas was crazy: the very first Christmas. A virgin, about my age, was visited by an angel and through the Holy Spirit became pregnant. Now, that doesn't sound crazy; it sounds impossible. To Bethlehem they went with the virgin and and the Son of God. No one had room for the Savior so, to the stable they went. And there the greatest gift of all was born. The Son of God, the awaited Messiah came into this great big world small and humble. He had big plans to accomplish and so little time to do all he needed to do. He had a mark to leave and a name to live up to: Immanuel. He came into he world he created already knowing it's end. But He was sent into the world the exact same way I came into it: helpless and tiny, unable to anything for myself. Jesus came to us as a baby and grew up to be this perfect man knowing his fate. 

        The way Jesus came was highly unexpected, but his coming was highly expected. People had been waiting for centuries for a Savior and Messiah to come, and he did. But he didn't meet their expectations. The Savior of the world was born in a manger. He entered the world like all of us, but with a purpose unlike any of ours. He came to us low and humble. Little did they know He would become our LORD and Savior. Little did they know He was the awaited Messiah. I think He came the way he did to set an example, to show us we shouldn't let our expectations dictate what we believe. Just because His birth wasn't an elaborate event, doesn't mean it wasn't one of the most significant events in all of history. 

        As we know, God does all things for a purpose. He sent his son down to be in this world, He could've done it any way he wanted. God chose the lowliest of ways, in a virgin, in a stable, in a manger. Our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace came into the world the same way I did. That's crazy. Jesus came to this world with a purpose and for a reason. I know God knew what people were expecting, so instead he sent what they weren't. A helpless Savior and a vulnerable Messiah. He did this to see if we'd still believe, and I do. 

        So often we focus on the way a gift comes and how it looks instead of the actual gift sometimes. Jesus came into this great big world in an impossible and unimaginable way. He didn't come to us like a King, but he is.  He didn't come the way we all thought, but He did everything He was prophesied to do. God watched his only son grow up only to die- then come back, so that he could watch me and you all grow up with his son in us. Isn't that wonderful? This Christmas, let's add on another perspective, one that revolves around Jesus. One that has us look at Christmas the way God did so long ago. So, yes, this time of the year is prolly the craziest of them all. But let's go through this crazy time with Jesus as our perspective, and our reason for this season. 

XOXO- Em

A Peaceful State of Happiness

Dear Readers, 

con·tent

kənˈtent/

adjective

In a state of peaceful happiness

Keep this word and definition in mind while reading.

-- I know what it is to be in need, And I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives me strength. -- Philippians 4:12-13

  To be content is to be in a state of peaceful happiness. To be content is to be grateful. To be content is to be aware of what you have. So often, we are constantly not content as a result of the fact we are constantly wanting. We live in a world of instant gratification and can get almost anything we want with the simple click of a button. But, what happens when we can't get the thing we want? What do we do then? The world doesn't come to a stop when we're unhappy and start again once we're satisfied. That's not how it works. Our happiness and contentment isn't one of those things we can pull off a shelf whenever we need it. We need to search for it ourselves. Contentment is an easy thing to achieve if we know where to look. Notice how I said achieve. Contentment is the end goal, for the definition is a state of peaceful happiness. It's the state you're in. So how do we achieve contentment? It's when we find happiness in what we have. When you look around you and realize how blessed you are, are grateful for it, and are happy with your circumstances, then you reach contentment. We have been blessed in numerous ways, and will continue to be blessed. We just need to notice.

In the scripture above, Paul shares the secret of being content in every situation, whether he has plenty or is in want, he's figured it out. He was gracious enough to share this dazzling secret with me and you. The answer: I can do all things through him who gives me strength. That's it, that's the simple answer to the life long problem of finding contentment. When you're in want, think of him who gives you strength. When your jealous, think of him who gives you strength. When you don't know where your happiness comes from, think of him who gives you strength. Let this be your source for joy which will lead you to being content.

Especially through out this holiday season it's vital to find joy in what you have and in what you've been given. It's so easy to become wrapped up in wheat everyone else has and/or what they're doing. I'm guilty of such things. I see things I want and people I strive to be like, but I have to remind myself that's not my happiness, that's someone else's. Your happiness, Emma, comes from somewhere else. I need to find happiness in what I've been blessed with in order to live a content life. Your holiday season will be more simplified when you find contentment in the things given to you, and the things you've been blessed with. I promise. This week, I encourage you to live in a state of peaceful happiness.

XOXO- Em

Disciples

Hey Friends,

        Sorry I missed last week and this Thursday too, With Thanksgiving, birthdays, and Christmas decorating it can get a little chaotic. I'm super excited about the holidays and everything they include. This year, as a family we are going to really embrace the holiday season by baking, decorating, traveling, and becoming more centered on the reason for the season. 

--So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.-- James 2:17

        This verse is a wonderful verse to live by. It is a daily reminder and motivation for me. There are so many reasons I love being a Christ follower. There are the obvious reasons: eternal life, God consistently answering prayers, baptism, and God's promises made to me. But there is one aspect of being a Christ follower that I love most of all: serving. Serving is something that fills me up every time whether it's helping my mom with chores or going on a mission trip with my church. The reason I love serving so much is because of the result: all glory goes to God which leads to enhancing the kingdom of Heaven. I love the outcome of serving, because when I look back at it I realize that God is using me to enhance the kingdom. That blows my mind. With the little things I do and with the right motive I am directing more people to Jesus and showing more of Jesus through me. I do not serve for selfish reasons and to let everyone know what I just did. That is not serving. When I serve, I strive to have a cheerful heart and a servant's heart in all I do. 

        When you serve, you should do so with a cheerful heart. A cheerful heart is one that does things for the kingdom with a willingness and an eagerness that displays cheerfulness. We are called to act as Jesus did and I'm pretty positive Jesus did things with a cheerful heart.  (2 Corinthians 9:7)  Serving with a servant's heart ties back into that whole willing to serve aspect. A servant is someone who serves someone in higher authority. The person in authority often directs the servant in what to do, and the servant should do whatever he/she is told. We are the servant and Jesus is our person in authority over us. When we were baptized we accepted Jesus as our LORD and handed him the reigns of our lives. Jesus calls us to serve him and others, and when we obey we should do such things with a servant's heart, a willing heart. 

         During my summer camp, I really felt God's presence for the first time. I knew exactly what he was calling me to do. I think right then and there I was getting a glimpse at God's purpose for me. He was calling me to be more of an active disciple. He was calling out for me to serve more and I answered with obedience and patience. I felt the spirit alive in me and acted upon it. That week God created a passion within me that I would never lose. From then on I've gotten more involved within my church and looked at the way I serve in a different way. I want to serve in such a way that people know I do it with a cheerful heart and do it willingly. I don't serve for attention but rather for the glory of God. 

         My church, C.C.V, is joined with an organization called 1Mission. They find families in need of shelter and build a house for them. But they don't just build it and leave. The families get involved in the process: they put up their brand new door, they help put on a roof to a house they never thought of having. They are all about community, helping it and being apart of it, and bringing Jesus into it all too. We all may not speak the same language, but our purpose is easily communicated throughout the mission trip. Recently I got to go on one of these fabulous mission trips with 1Mission and C.C.V. Our high school program went down to Rocky Point, Mexico to build a house in three days. This whole trip moved me in way I knew I needed to be moved. I may have not started with a cheerful heart, but I redirected my motives and mindset, and started working from a selfless point of view. God was using me to change this family's life and show them the power of our Savior. I think I saw how powerful he really is throughout that weekend too.

         Serving is as big of a part of being a Christian as saying "I believe in Jesus." We have faith but we need to increase our deeds. We are not saved by works, but we have a faith that works. The only way it'll work is if we put it into action. So this week I challenge you to begin to serve more with a cheerful heart and a servant's heart, which will result in a more active faith. 

 XOXO- Em

P.S. I promise there will be more frequent posts to come :)

         

The Closet Clean Out

Dear Readers,

It’s that time of the year. The time of the year when we receive so much and give so much as well. It’s that time of the year when it gets cold and all my sweaters are acceptable. It’s the time of the year when lots of coffee drinking is encouraged. And it’s time of the year when everything is unnaturally crazy, at least for my family it is, I just assume a general chaos is implied for the last two months of the year.

--Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.-- Matthew 6:19-21

I have to admit, I have prolly somewhere near twenty sweaters. It’s bad, I know, but I can’t help it, I just love sweaters. And I continue to want more. I tell myself this simple equation; if it’s cold outside then I need sweaters. Not the best equation, because then it causes me to spend any money I have for the holidays to buy more sweaters. Sweaters aren’t evil, not at all what I’m saying, I just think it’s my amount of sweaters that may not be the healthiest. It’s not just sweaters that I have an unnatural amount of, it’s a lot of things actually. It is all stored up in my closet, as is most miscellaneous junk. I have a lot of pairs of shoes that don’t fit me, clothes I don’t even look at, and nail polishes that are beyond dried up. That’s my cue for time to clean up now.

Recently, on Monday,  I did a necessary closet clean up. I found piles of dust behind storage bins I don’t even use, so I got rid of  some storage bins. I had about ten shoe boxes I swore I was going to use and threw them all away. And who knew how many bobby pins could fit in one corner? I do, because I found nearly thirty in my clean up. As I finished I was satisfied with my work, but now I don’t think it’s enough, I think I need to do a closet clean out.

What I mean is taking a good look at not only my closet , but also my room, and see how much of this “stuff” I really need. We are told that we need this and we need that, so get this and we get that (and sometimes never use it.) We are buying stuff we don’t need with money we don’t have to please people we don’t know. That’s what it comes down to, is this idea of having to please people by our quantities and not our qualities. We gain all these possessions, and while some may hold some sentimental value and are necessary, a lot of the stuff “we need” is just there for us to have comfort and security. Now this is prolly the most stereotypical form of simplicity you’ve heard. Get rid of the stuff you don’t need in order to achieve a simplified life. I agree 100% with that statement. All these things that we think we need are just crowding our life and determining our social status, when all they really are are distractions from God. God is to be our number one and what do we do? We buy something to replace him and end up putting it in our closets.

So let’s clean out our closets, let’s get rid of all the stuff we don’t use and ultimately don’t need. When I clean out mine, I’m bound to find trinkets from years ago I told myself to hold to, childhood toys I played with when I was eight, and clothes...Oh the clothes. I’m going to need a large trash bag for this. We have all cleaned out our closets before and gotten rid of the stuff we haven’t looked at in a year. But this time it’s going to be different. What I encourage you to do this week is to dig deep into your closets and inside your rooms and clean them out. If you haven’t worn it give it away, if you haven’t read it give it away, and if you have forgotten it, give it away. What I’m saying is don’t get rid of pictures you've had since you were a child, but get rid of the sweater that has turned into a three quarter sleeve shirt. It won’t be easy, going down memory lane and choosing what is worth keeping and what really isn’t, but the result is very much worth it. Your result is more than satisfaction; it’s accomplishment and contentment and a step to a more simplified life. Without all the distractions placed in front of us, it’s easier to see God. With all these chaotic holidays coming up, we should go into them seeking simplicity and with not only an emptier closet but an emptier mind. Without all the things we “need” it’ll be easier to receive and love the things we have, because we see how important they are to us. Let’s clean out our closets so we can find the joy in what God has blessed us with already instead of finding joy in what the world tells us we “need”, even if it’s a whole bunch of sweaters.

XOXO- Em

Liking Myself and Unfollowing the Crowd

Dear Readers,

I’ll be honest, social media has become a dictating part of my life. I’m prolly (a.k.a probably) not the only one who can relate. Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and Facebook have taken over our time, opinions, and minds. We live in a constantly wondering society. Wondering if we’re doing the right thing, posting the right thing, commenting and captioning the right thing. I’m wondering and wandering too.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

Ok, I don’t think Instagram is evil and possesses us to do horrible deceitful things. I think we’re the ones at fault there. But, I’ve been in a convicting place lately on the whole social media matter. I’ve been thinking a lot about this and a lot of realizations have come to the surface. At 271 followers and having the top be 68 likes, I’m not content. How messed up is that? I realized something had to change quick or else I’d be discontent for a long time. Social media has created a mask for everyone to wear and feel "surfacely" comfortable. Pressure is involved, and soon all you want is approval of people whom you barely know and who barely know you too. The likes become a scale, if they’re high you’re on a high, and if they’re low, you’re on a low. The picture you posted is merely a vessel for self worth and no longer a memory you just shared.

Social media is a tricky thing, it’s such an easy trap for us all to fall into if we’re not careful. We get sucked into the world of a fake reality and you should look this and talk like that. Social media has been taken over by people who think they have authority to tell us how we should feel and act today. Our generation is one fueled by approval and likes and not simplicity and satisfaction. It is quite a difficult thing to change and take control of, I’m still trying.
        As I try, here’s what I’m doing. I’m in the process of creating a better mindset for when I go on my Instagram. When I do that, I’m in a more secure place and will start to look at it as a source of fun and not a scale of self esteem. Also I unfollowed a bunch of people who only caused discontentment with myself and jealousy too, now I won’t be as easily exposed to that trap. Finally, I post what I want to post and caption what I want to caption. I make my Instagram my own and don’t model it after someone else’s account. Instagram was intended to show people who you are, and now that we’re all posting the same thing, everyone is predictable and boring. With my account, what I’m doing is posting in such a way so that you know it’s me. I’m modeling it after my own interests and personality. It’s not easy to drastically switch your views on social media, which isn’t what I’m saying. What I’m saying is gradually begin to make it your own and enjoy it in such a way that glorifies God and makes you happy with yourself.  Instagram isn't a bad thing, we just have to be in a positive place when using it. Find joy in all you do. 

This week, look at your social media accounts and start to make it one that looks more like you and not someone you follow. As difficult as it sounds, we can make social media more simplified, we just have to let go of the number of likes and winning-approval game. Comment below where you are with your simplifying social media. You could be where I am, in the raw stages where you’re trying to figure this all out, but want to do something about it. Or you could be a little more ahead of the game, you prolly have a hold on the whole make it more my own, but maybe you’re still caught up in the likes and followers. I’d love to know where you’re at, and hope this helps you along the way.

XOXO - Em

Being Me Around You

Dear Readers,

Ever since I left school, the only thing I’ve missed are the people, well most of the people. The people I met at school changed me, sometimes not in the best way and in other times (most times) in the very best way possible. A lot of people at my old school helped me see and be the person I am today.  

- He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. -

Proverbs 13:20

For my freshman year, I was in a new district and had not attended junior high with the other students. As a result, I didn’t know anybody at the high school. This made everything more difficult. By the second semester, everything seemed to get a little better. I made friends in the first semester, but got to know them so much better in the second. The people I ate lunch with were amazing and became some of my closest friends. I adored everything about them. There was one class that ultimately made everything so much better even to this day - 6th hour Spanish. I know it sounds a little dramatic, but it’s true. I didn't know it at the time but the girl who would become my best friend would be in that class. Unknowingly, we were each searching for a true Godly friend and later found it in each other.We quickly became inseparable.

Even though I only attended high school for two months of my sophomore year, it wasn’t great. Yes, the classes were overwhelming, but it was the influence of the others who made it difficult. It seemed this year was more of a popularity game than anything else. It was vicious and time consuming to try to keep up with everyone around me, I had a chance at being with the “popular” crowd and I seized it. Turns out, it wasn't everything I thought it would be, no High School Musical here. We weren't singing in the cafeteria or right before summer break. High school turned out to be a bit of a let down. One great thing about my sophomore year was 7th hour Spanish, because of the girl whom I met last year. Her name is Kaylee Rhoades and we quickly became each other’s best friends.

The term best friend is thrown around so often and so loosely it’s kind of lost it’s value. I admit I’m guilty of calling everyone my “best friend” eventually. But if one good thing came out of high school it was my best friend. For the longest time I’ve been praying for a friend who will always be there for me and not judge me. In the past I’ve met plenty of people like that, but it was only temporary. Then God introduced me to Kaylee Rhoades and a friendship never felt more right.  She was my answered prayer. When I left school to go back to homeschooling, it made me realize and see the true friends in my life and the relationships I’d like to maintain. Kaylee was on the top of that list.

The reason friends, best friends, are key elements to a simple life is because they have a special ability to bring out the real you. Do you ever get that feeling when you’re around a certain person you feel so comfortable you can just be your truest self? I feel that way around Kaylee and that is the definition of a “best friend”. When living simplified, it’s so important to know your true identity and with a personality defined by you. Now, I’ll be honest, it’s not like you wake up and know your true identity, I’m pretty sure it doesn't happen like that. But I think that’s why God created best friends. They help us find who we are meant to be. Kaylee is my number one supporter and encourages me in all things. She understands me and motivates me be the Emma God has created even though I change so frequently. She’s see the person in me I’m still trying to become, which encourages me to keep searching. People like this are so vital to us because, yes it takes you to find you, but we will need motivation and support along the way.

Those are just a few of the amazing qualities of a best friend, but I need to have those qualities as well. The same way Kaylee supports and motivates me, I have to be there for her and encourage her too. This whole best friend thing is not one sided. We have to wear our half of the best friend necklace too. I’ve never had a relationship like this before, so as things progress between us, I’m still learning what it means to be an ideal best friend. I do know one thing, this time; this “best friend” is real.

God presents us with certain people in order to fulfill his purpose and for us to find ours. We weren’t meant to travel on our paths alone. If we did, we would leave our paths the minute our feet touched it and would never return. In order to stay on our straight and narrow path we need accountability, and that’s what best friends are for. You trust them and they trust you, they challenge you and you challenge them, and both grow in your relationship with God and with each other.

It’s honestly a great feeling to have a best friend and know it’s true. I continue to thank God for my best friend, and still don’t know how I ended up with such an amazing friend like her. She’s my Kay and I’m her Em. Your challenge this week is to identify who that person is, but if you already know, find that person and thank them for all they’ve done for you. Also, encourage them and motivate them the way they do for you. You can even comment below who that person is for you, I’d love to know. Throughout this week keep this in mind; best friends are a rare gift from God in this temporary and fake world.

Big Joy in Little Things

Dear Readers,

I just want to start out with a thank you- thank you for reading and being a part of my journey through my blog. I’m so excited about this and your excitement brings me motivation, thanks.

-- Every good and perfect gift is from above --

James 1:17

The world we live in today is far from fair, and it is so hard to find the things and hobbies that define us. So often what we enjoy doing is defined by our culture and not our personalities. We’ve forgotten the meaning of happiness and accepted the world's definition of happiness instead. When reaching for simplicity, we have to be reaching for the kind of simplicity that makes us happy.

While I was in school, I remember my second hour, AP U.S History, being the hardest class I’ve ever taken. Read a chapter each night, take notes, analyze what you’ve read, finish eight worksheets over the material the next day, and take a test worth pretty much all of my grade by the end of the week,and then repeat next Monday. My history class was stressful, tear provoking, overwhelming, and created doubts and priorities I didn’t want. It became the thing I did every morning, afternoon, and night, and quickly my number one priority for school. Now, doesn’t that sound appealing? I was beginning to lose a part of my identity and wasn’t making time to do what made me happy. I hadn’t written a journal entry in weeks, hadn’t taken time to sketch something out, or even get through a chapter of a book that wasn’t about American history. It was a quite depressing and unhealthy time for me. I knew something had to change. Going back to my square one opened my eyes to the things that truly made me happy.

I’ve taken the time to realize the things that put a smile on my face. There are the big things, such as: my family, seeing God work miraculously or answer a prayer, a blessing, my best friends, and inspirational and motivational talks. But what about the little things? There are so many little things in our everyday lives that also put smiles on our faces. Things such as: packing for a vacation I’ve been waiting to go on for weeks, getting my braces off, staying up late, waking up late, homemade pancakes, and cool weather in Arizona ( which is rare for those of you who have yet to experience Arizona). One of the key elements to a simple life is finding joy and happiness not only in the big things but also in the little things. We have to be present in every moment and find joy in every moment. Why should we do this? When we live simply and indulge in things that bring smiles to our faces we see that they are important and we feel more productive. We become a solution to this ongoing problem which is the world stressing us out by telling us what we need and want. When I realized what I wanted and what made me- Emma, and not anyone else -truly happy, my perspective and attitude changed. I choose to see the goodness in all things and the joy in even the little things. It has changed my life, I feel my eyes are wider and my opportunities more open. Just realizing the things that are important to my life and make me who I am is more important than anything a history book or social media site could tell me.

When you’ve identified those little things that just make your day, hold tight. And having something so small like homemade pancakes put a smile on my face puts me one step closer to the simple life because I’m focusing on what makes me happy and not others. We have to be present in every moment because every moment (even the little ones) goes to the glory of God and when we cheerfully live in the moments He’s blessed us with we gain a whole new perspective on life. Every gift, every good gift, is from above, hold on to that thought through out this week.

I have thought of the top ten little things that put a smile on my face every time. So, here are a few of my favorite things:

1. Writing in notebooks with No. 2 pencils
2. Big hugs and smiles
3. Massive clouds of varying colors
4. My best friend’s laugh
5. Taking pictures
6. Hand writing a letter
7. Day-dreaming
8. Roadtrips
9. Breakfast
10. Sweaters

These are only ten out of many more things that fill my tank. So, for our challenge this week, I encourage all of you to stop for a minute and look around you, find the top ten little things that fill your cup of tea. Write down your list (Don’t just stop at ten- keep going) and put it somewhere where you can see it as a daily reminder to find big joy in the little things. I would love to hear what puts smiles on your faces, so let me know your number one little thing in the comment section below. Remember friends, don’t wait for your joy to appear, go looking for it everywhere.

XOXO-Em

P.S.- If you want updates on my blog you can follow me on either instagram (emma_surrett) or pinterest (Emma Surrett)

Square 1

Dear Readers,

For a while, I've been feeling the urge to start a blog so I can share bits of my life with you and I hope you can grow and learn through my experiences and words the same way I am.

-- TURN MY EYES FROM WORTHLESS THINGS AND GIVE ME LIFE IN YOUR WAYS. -- PSALM 119:37

My name is Emma, but I so often go by Em which is something I adore. I adore a lot of things like my Savior, CCV (which is my church),  Kate Spade, Audrey Hepburn, coffee, a good book, and simplicity. I’m actually quite fond of the idea of a simple life. I think a live a semi-simple life. My Daddy is the pastor at our church and that can be crazy and it also makes me the pastor’s kid, so there are high expectations there. But personally I see it as a way to grow and strengthen myself. My dad is the leader I’m always striving to be like. My mom stays home and takes care of the home front. She is so supportive and encouraging, I couldn't ask for anyone better in my life. She’s also pretty much my closest friend. I tell her everything and lean on her for support. She’s my granola and my twin, and I’m her applesauce and her mini-me. (We’re a little weird). Then there’s Jill my 12 year old little sister. She is amazing even though we easily get on each nerves at times, I wouldn’t trade her for the world. Whether she knows it or not I do rely on her as much as I do my parents. She is so uplifting and encouraging and handles all her problems in such a mature way. We, the Surretts, are 4th generation native to the hot and lovely state of Arizona and have recently began homeschooling again.

One of my biggest goals in life is gaining simplicity. I feel that so many people try to gain simplicity but ironically just over complicate things. In my opinion I think to reach simplicity you need to go back to square 1, but you also have to identify what it is too. Recently we have discovered ours as a family- Homeschooling. 1st through 7th grade I was home-schooled and during those seven years, I grew in my faith differently and grew up differently then many of my friends had. In the 8th grade we were sent to public school. My sister and I were thrown into that environment because we felt that is where God was calling us at the time. We recently realized we were standing too close to God’s big picture, so we did the natural thing to do- we stepped back. When we did, we didn’t like what we saw. Jill and I were sent to the public school environment to change the culture and make it one more honoring to Christ, but the culture ended up changing us. Our personalities had changed to. I was lacking motivation to do the things I loved, and worst of all my priorities were out of order, and by that I mean God wasn’t first. September 18th, 2015 was our last day, I’m in 10th grade and am home-schooled once again, and nothing ever felt more right. The reasoning behind that is because homeschooling is my square 1 and my start line for this amazing journey God has put me on to find and gain simplicity. We were patient and trusted God along with his process, which resulted in a marvelous blessing. God is great that way.

Gaining simplicity is a tricky thing in my opinion, it requires commitment and also determination. It takes a lot of effort to constantly strive for that lifestyle especially in the world we live in today. In our world we care too much about what people say and think. When I began sophomore year people’s opinions slowly became my number one priority, which isn’t healthy. Now, I’m pretty sure anyone who is reading this has felt what I’ve felt and has been where I’ve been at some point in their life or is currently in that position. Well, I’m here to encourage you that there is way out of that unhealthy predicament. I’ll be honest, it’s hard to totally drown out everyone around you including everything they think about you. People’s opinions have easily taken over the minds of people. We have all decided to put away who we are in order to put a smile on the faces of those we don’t truly care about. Once upon a time there was a generation that lived out the simple lifestyle that I dream of to return. Their lives were beautiful, there wasn’t media to tell them how to live, if they wanted something they actually worked for it. What happened? Well I think I’ve figured out a pretty logical answer. Pride become more dominant and insecurities flourished which caused the judgement of others. You’re probably asking how this applies to my philosophy of simplicity- you and I cannot pay attention to what others say about ourselves. God made us unique and beautiful because he thought about you when he thought about Eve. So when we put God first and go back to our square 1 we are already on our paths to simplicity. I’d rather focus on the next chapter of a book instead of focusing on the opinion of the person next to me, trust me the latter is not worth it. 

What my goal is for this blog is to make this relatable and applicable to you, so that you may grow and grasp the simple life as I am doing. So I'll be issuing challenges each week for you to think about and help you accomplish simplicity as well. For our first challenge, I'm asking you to identify your square one, understand it's importance, and to go back to it and start your simple life from there. If you feel comfortable doing so, I'd love to hear about your square 1 in the comments below! Remember, the simple life isn't out of reach or forgotten, just simply over complicated.

     

XOXO- Em