adulting - 5 things I learned

This past year I went on a little adventure (if you've been following my blog you already know this.) to Colorado for almost 6 months. It was apart of my 'gap year' I highly recommend taking a gap year or just a summer in between school to really dig deep into your identity in Christ. Do things, be challenged, be without your parents provision for a little while (we will always need out parents no matter our age). This journey taught me a lot about me and where I stand on things. It didn't take long being a conservative christian with fellow believers who had very diverse convictions for things surface and questions on 'the why' with different subjects. The way I dress, why I didn't or did this and that, etc.... I began to see what I did in my fathers house because it was the way my father was convicted to raise his family. I began to learn to answer either "I" believe this because____ Or  it's not a big deal to me,but my parents really prefer I that I do that,so while I am living under their roof I want to show respect to them and be an example to my younger siblings. I began to see how things effected Christians being raised in different environments, what made their faith strong through this or that,what I don't agree with,but why they believe that way. I wanted to share 5 highlighted things in the 5 months as I challenged and began to adult in life.
       
           5 Things I learned living temporarily away from home.

1. Learning how to stand on your own beliefs and not "its what my family beliefs' and hiding behind your parents. Know the what and why you do what you do and believe the way you do. Stand firm on truth,but be opened as God uses others to pour into and challenge aspect of your lifestyle. Sometimes we do things because its how its been and don't do things cause of fear. That why when challenged in areas of conviction and truth, fall back to the bible, research draw a conclusion to what God has shown you in His word and not what you are being told what to believe on that subject, whether a close friend, popular idea in the church, make sure its a grounded truth from Gods word. I think of the verse in 1 Peter that says:
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear"

2.  Problem solving and working through it. I had health issues while I was away and I didn't have my mom to help. Although I wasn't feeling the greatest I had a job to do in ministry at a working ranch. I didn't have time to mope,complain and pause life because I was facing a few minor health challenges and just wait as my mom would tell me what to do to fix everything. Problem solving,working through the health issues and various problems that came up with my own discernment was a great growing aspect. To work through a problem with little aid felt so good to do as scary and challenging as that sounds. (Although a shout out to some awesome girls who prayed over me, helped find me some meds, etc..)

3. Relationships. Hello, I am Blythe and I am a recovering people pleaser and recovering controlling peace keeper. I was making friendships and growing in my relationships with various ages,both genders and its no longer in a family groups or at church. It was room mates, dorm mates,leadership. 'co-workers'. Diverse personalities, different convictions/biblical beliefs, even different cultures (my room mate was from England). So it was great to use discernment, to be confident and myself, learn how to not just be friends with everyone or 'try' to be best buddies with everyone.
 

4. Seeing your own flaws. I feel like I was challenged with seeing a lot of my flaws. I saw being a people pleaser made me a follower. I didn't stand strong on things that weren't a sin,but weren't right,pure,true,Christlike aka they weren't a 'big deal',but things I just kinda went along with and went the flow of it, because I didn't want to be dramatic or make people annoyed with me because I was being  "sensitive to it." holding them to an extreme standard!!! Gossip was another huge one I got easily pulled into different sides and different views, I would mainly listen to different groups who were mainly struggling to get along with so and so etc.. Instead of saying hey we shouldn't be talking about this, lets focus on their good qualities. Instead I would again try to be a people pleaser and keep quiet add a few comments cause inside I agreed with what that person was saying (no one is perfect, everyone has flaws and when living with them you will see them). But even if stuff is true doesn't mean it should be said. Whats that saying, "If you don't have anything nice (positive) to say don't say anything at all."

5. The blind walk. Being away from home challenged my faith in ways I cannot explain. Christ is my identity without Him I am nothing,I would be purposeless and so lost. I honestly cannot imagine the unrest and lack of peace those must feel not knowing out Father. Being away from home as I said at #1 challenged my convictions,but also the homesickness,following through with my commitment there, just all the big changes going on in my life, lack of knowing the future just challenged me to cry out and lean on my Abba Father all the more and for the first time in a while I felt so at peace at where I was placed after each 'struggle' knowing where I am placed is where He wants me in that moment and I don't have worry about the future that He already has planned for me. I was awakened to spiritual warfare while working at a ministry trying to minister in Jesus name next to a Buddhist group who prayed to their god against us. If we aren't having our faith challenged pushing us to our Father and strengthening our relationships then we aren't growing. Those struggles can just be little daily challenges that pushes you closer to Him,to walk by faith in obedience to Him. God blesses His children,He is faithful and loves them,but as we seek to live as His children in a world that hates the name of the true King and Lord we will faces challenges. He is peace, He lives inside of you and I, our faith gets us through it. Life is tough and that's all there is to it,but when we have Him we have nothing to fear.

                      _______________________________

    People talk how hard adulting is and being a kid was so care free. This is true, but they never say how freeing and confident building it is and how you have a terrifying adrenaline sensations surge through your body as you make decisions, use your own discernment and feel your body screaming inside that "WHOA, your doing something that the big kids get to do." As you look back a few months later and see how you've grown. 


Is adulting scary, hard work, more responsibility? Yes. But its exciting, challenging in a good feeling sorta way, thrilling, freeing, experiencing things you would never dream you could, opens possibilities. Adulting shouldn't be feared,but walked through with an attitude of confidence inknowing you serve a God who loves you and you can fall into His arms confident that when you walk in obedience to Him with Jesus as your Lord you won't fail at life you will just grow and learn.  A lot of these things would be things I knew,but I in a different way was challenged, I saw things in ways I wouldn't have at home with my family. I barely touched the surface of all the things that I learned,but most is hard to put to words how it impacted and made me grow.

I cannot not recommend enough what an amazing experience it is to plan your trip,make the decision handle all the details in your life and go somewhere from home where you aren't relying on your parents or having hem pay for things. I recommend traveling somewhere by plane or long road trip away without family (where there is some adult supervision/protection) to grow and push you into adulthood.
I deeply missed my family, considered coming home early,but through my reliance on God He showed me where to be and how to be all there. (You can read that story HERE ) 

                                 

The journey of Ruth // Guest post

Everyone has experienced a season in life where the dry places of the heart feel just like a desert. 
Spiritual rain is scarce, bitter pain destroys flowers of hope, and confusion clouds any rays of sunlight.  

As the Book of Ruth opens, we find Naomi trapped in a season like this. The fresh pain of widowhood is piercing her heart, as well as the staggering blow of losing her two sons. 

Hope was nowhere to be seen on Naomi's radar.  

"I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty." {Ruth 1:21} 

All of her cisterns had run dry. All joy was gone. 

She was so deep in the pit of depression that she desired to change her name to Mara, which means bitterness. Naomi felt all alone. But little did she know, that there was someone who could totally relate with her lot in life.

Her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Ruth had also lost everything she cherished and loved so dearly. The husband of her youth was taken from her, and now she had nowhere to turn.

Naomi advised her daughter-in-love to go find a new husband, "I'm going back to my homeland. But you're still young! You have time! Don't waste your life grieving with me. Make the most of what you still have." 

Despite Naomi's compelling speech to leave her and go find a new man, Ruth had something else in mind.  
Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." {1:16} 

Ruth's faithfulness and devotion here goes far beyond a simple act of friendship and kindness. 
This is Ruth pounding her stakes in the ground, setting her firm resolve, making a lifelong commitment to serving this woman. 

"I'm not leaving you. Where you die, I'll die, and where you're buried, I will be buried."

That's some gutsy love. That's the kinda friendship that remains. That's the tenacity that Jesus requires of us, when He commands us to take up our cross and follow Him. {Matthew 16:24.}

This same spirit of devotion urged Peter to follow Christ, even to the point of martyrdom. This same cry, "I'll follow You anywhere!" echoed through the heart of Thomas as he ministered in India, and Asia before being brutally murdered for his faith. This is what kept Paul rejoicing in the midst of his chains and beatings. 

This is what keeps a young girl on her high school campus, boldly speaking out for Christ, despite all the teasing. This is what keeps a young man pure until marriage, in spite of the sinful temptation this world has to offer. 

This is what keeps the missionary going, pouring herself out, and loving until there's nothing left. This is what keeps the pastor preaching truth, on the days when nobody shows up. 

This is what keeps us lifting our hands, singing songs of praise, and seeking His face in the midst of our dry seasons. 

When we cry frustrated tears, and it feels like Heaven is silent, we choose to press on; 
"I will follow You anywhere Lord. Where else can I go? You are the One who has the Words of life. Where You go I'll go, You are my God and my King, and my life is yours forever!" 

Just like Ruth, we must daily make the choice to be committed to our King. 

Ruth and Naomi took the long journey from Moab, back to Bethlehem; despite all the questions, pain and bitterness. 

What they didn't know is that God had something absolutely beautiful in store for them. Just up the road, a grand adventure was about to unfold. 

The same is true for you, sister! The desert isn't going to last forever. This road isn't going to lead you to more disappointment and pain. 

If you're following Jesus, keep moving forward. 

This is only the beginning of the story! The Author is weaving together a most beautiful tale! All it takes, is a few more steps down this dusty road. The page is about to turn, and an exciting chapter will begin! Once the two arrived in Bethlehem, things didn't look much better. They were still hungry, they still had to do life, and they still hurt on the inside. 
The only upside to their scenario, was that they arrived just in time for the barley harvest. 
Naomi advised Ruth to choose a field, settle her attention there, and start gleaning. 
The fields were full of harvesters, hustling and bustling around, leaving an ample amount of grain behind for widows, orphans, and strangers in Israel. Those who had nothing were free to glean and take home whatever they could find left over. 

Ruth entered the field of a man named Boaz, and he expressed much kindness and favor towards her. She returned home with her hands full, carrying more than enough for both her and Naomi. Boaz promised that she could stay there, gleaning as much as she needed, until the harvest was over. 

The Lord is so faithful to provide for us, even in the midst of our most dry and desperate seasons. When we glean in the fields of our Lord, feasting on His Word, there is always more than enough. The Lord's generosity is overwhelming. His kindness is too much to process. His love leaves us speechless. 

Sister, if you are trapped in a season of feeling alone or discouraged, it's time to head out into the field. 

God's Word is RIPE and ready for you to glean from! He desires to minister to you, feed your heart, water it, and refresh your soul. The Lord doesn't want you to feel orphaned and widowed. He wants to generously provide for you; physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You are His princess, and He cares so deeply for you! He has so much to give. All you have to do is step into His presence and receive it. The Lord is faithful to give you everything that you need. But there comes a time in a girls life where she must step into the Royal Throne Room of the King, and boldly petition Him for things that she desires and dreams about seeing unfold in the future.  

Truth is, Ruth couldn't live off manna forever. Harvest season was nearly over, and Naomi wanted to make sure that she was thinking of the future. 
Ruth said, "My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor.  Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.” (3:1-4) 

Boaz was in a special position to possibly rescue Ruth from her widowed state. As a unique family member called a "Kinsmen Redeemer", he had the ability to redeem everything that was broken and shattered in her life. Jesus can do the same for us! 
On the cross, Jesus offered the free gift of redemption for anyone who receives it. 
On the cross, Jesus completely destroyed the curse and written code against us {Col 2:14}, and opened up the gates of Heaven! He has promised every resource of Heaven {Check out Ephesians 1:3}, but we must ask! 
Jesus said, "Until now you have asked for nothing in my name, ask and you will receive so that your joy may be full." {John 16:24}  

It took boldness for Ruth to enter the threshing floor in the middle of the night and risk it all by laying down at Boaz's feet (an act of submission). We must possess the same bold faith when we enter the courts of the King, by making our requests known with whole-hearted faith! It is impossible to please God without faith. 

But how can a girl have faith and expect better things for the future, when in the past, everything has just crashed down around her? 
When life has been difficult in the past, hope deferred tries to make our heart sick, with thoughts of discouragement like, "I've been stuck in this situation for so long. I don't know how things are ever going to change, I feel like God isn't even listening to me anymore." 
But hope must rise up in our souls as we encounter our Kingsmen Redeemer. We must pray with the strength we have left, 

"Lord, fill me with hope! You have promised to care for every detail in my life, and You have been faithful to provide all I need, but these dreams stirring inside of my soul feel so impossible. 
I desire to see You move in my life in such a mighty and powerful way, so that it's totally undeniable that it was You! I'm asking for You to do the impossible, by making these God-sized dreams come true! 
I know that a desire fulfilled is a tree of life, so encourage me Lord, and help my unbelief! Strengthen me when I get weak, and so tired, and don't feel the desire to fight for these dreams. Don't let the lioness of courage inside of me shrink back in fear. Remind me that You are the King of the jungle! I will NOT be afraid because my Daddy is King. 
Raise me up to be all that You've created me to be, to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Give me the courage to fight for the rights of all who are destitute, for the poor, the needy, and those who are in much worse situations than I am. Fill me with Your Spirit of boldness! I give You my brokenness, and ask for deeper healing. Be my swift strength. (That's what the name "Boaz" means!) 
My soul clings to You, and my heart hopes in You alone. I know You will not disappoint me!"

In Ruth's story, Boaz was faithful to ride in and save the day. Just at her lowest point, He proved himself faithful. He abundantly answered her request and happily took Ruth as his wife, redeeming all that was lost. They had a son, and Ruth was no longer unfruitful. Her heart was full and satisfied.  Naomi was also so full of joy as she welcomed her grandson into the world.  

Sweet sister, the Lord has GOOD things in store for you. His plan for you is more beautiful than you could ever dream. Don't listen to the voice of deception that says, "It's hopeless." 

Just like Ruth, you are on a journey. Whether you're just leaving Moab, the land of heartbreak; gleaning at the field of God's goodness; mustering up the courage to make a Kingdom Request, standing in the place of faith that He will come through; or rejoicing because your Boaz has blessed your life with joy ... the journey you're on is beautiful. Embrace every moment and bless the Lord with each breath, because no matter where you're at, the King is forever faithful!

   _____________________________________________________________________________
 About the Author:
 
Livy is a dreamer, singer, songwriter and orphan advocate. As the founder of Crown of Beauty, her passion is to teach young women about their royal identity in Christ. She loves fairy-tales, the smell just after it rains, golden retriever puppies, and peppermint ice-cream cones. She just released their new book, Beauty Boys and Ball Gowns, featuring advice from Christian artists (Moriah Peters & Kari Jobe!), authors, (Duggar sisters!) and other guest writers from many different walks of life. She's currently raising funds to build an orphanage for her precious princess sisters in India! Donate or find out how you can get involved by visiting: www.crownofbeautymagazine.com
 

fresh pine // Christmas is here

I can hardly believe its the eve of Christmas eve is and its almost 2016! What a great year 2015 has been!:) Celebrating the birth of Christ is very different this year. it was warm and lacking snow when we picked out our tree, it wasn't the family owned business we've been going to since I was little, we didn't ride the horse wagon out to cut our tree, there wasn't hot chocolate. We won't have anyone coming over/home for Christmas. My sister won't be here...BUT! That following Monday we will be heading up to Ohio!! YAY!! Its like an extended Christmas. Hopefully snow pictures will be happening. :P

                                    Christmas tree hunting has to be one of my favorite traditions.
                                                                          Whats yours?

  I love giving gifts and I love even more wrapping them. Starbucks may hate Christians,but I love them and their gift cards are the best gifts!

    I bought quite a few to mail out this year and just loved all the cute Christmasy designs. Yes, I will forgive them that it says "Happy Holidays." But come on, snow flakes, a mitten, gold happiness. And ITS COFFEE!!!!

 

What goes better with coffee then a stationary kit and fun packaging stickers! 

Thank you Target! (I realllllllly love target!!! :D )

 

And whats the best gift for families at church?! Some prettiness and yumminess!

                                                            This Cinnamon Banana Bread!

 What a Christmas party with an elf movie withut some sugary spaghetti....

Okay, they are cupcakes cause lets be honest that scene in 'Elf' grosses me out and nobody would actually eat really spaghetti with syrup and candy!

       What has been your favorite Christmas gifts and projects?

Tuesday love is as good as Monday love

 

 

                           As the Christmas season is upon us my heart has been just made giddy like a little girl again.  All I want I some good old music while snuggled in the cozy, deep red blanket my mom knitted by a fire as it crackles and snaps from the dry wood we would of set outside to make sure its ready to be burned. Sipping and smelling the delicious aroma of hot coco, dolloped with whipped cream whether a book in hand or pinterest pulled up. I look outside the window being inspired as the snowflakes fall softly like a whisper to the rhythm of  "Silent Night" on the red barn.

         But truth hits. I am in the heart of Dixie.

   My snowflakes and red barn are no longer mine no longer to be seen.

     It is December things are brown and when I get off work I walk out in short sleeves.

         Thought and inspiration of the day; I need to turn our basement into a winter wonderland.

                                        

         1.  quotes.

                            I am a huge quote girl whether its inspirational or just wondrous.

              

             "Little boys should never be sent to bed, they always wake up one day older." -Peter Pan

         "How completely satisfying to turn from our limitations to a God who has none." - AW Tozer

                                                                   2. Water Color. 

Its been awhile since I did other forms artistic expression other then photography.

 Such a good feeling to create and be inspired.

 

                                                               3. Christmas cheer

I thoroughly enjoy Christmas! Gift giving is my favorite. I love finding fun creative ways to give little things to people dear to my heart. This year I teamed up with starbucks and nifty little target items that make wrapping and decorating so much for fun!

 

                                                                                             

                           What has been inspiring you lately?

                         I would love to hear any of your favorite Christmas Traditions?

Monday love // family

              
        Hello, there! I didn't mean to disappear,but family, a wedding and a holiday within week is a lot.
       People were literally sleeping every where pre and post wedding, so that made for a fun week.
                                               I hope you all had a fantastic thanksgiving!

 Can you all believe its the first of the last month of 2015 starting tomorrow? Wowza, what a year!

              I am technically smashing 2 Monday loves into one today I also want to announce a special blog series coming soon! :)

1. big moment with a big family

        My sister got married!! What! Lots of tears were shed I pretty close to lost it when I saw her coming down the aisle with my dad, tears brimming his eyes. Agh,and she walked down to This.

                          It was a beautiful day and family photos went better then I expected.

                                                 It was a big day for our big family! :)

                                      

2. Thanksgiving hike

        What a great idea to not only burn off that delicious turkey meal before pie, but also to get out

with family enjoying each others company in Gods creation and just be in awe, standing in this world He blessed us with and time to thank Him.

3.  This shot.

I was so excited with this adorable shot of my brother in law and niece.

Nothing beats a daddy and daughter moment.

I cannot help think of our Fathers deep deep love for us that is unfathomable. As we hunger for a relationship with our earthly father that hunger is even stronger with  our heavenly Father as my heart cries to know Him deeper, to truly know His heart.

4. Ice skating

I am not amazing at skating, but I do love it. It was great to find a place somewhat close by to go as a family before everyone has to go there separate ways.

5. Leftover wedding flowers.

     I absolutely love flowers. There is something about a pretty bouquet that just lightens up a room and says your life may be chaotic, but take a moment to breath, smile and know that you are loved. Flowers I think are Gods way of saying I love you.

                  ______________________________________________________________

                                                What have you been loving lately?

                                         Please let me know in the comment below.

                                                 Stay tuned for a new blog series.

the real beginning // Monday love

            I don't know about you, but I always feel like Monday is the real beginning of the week and Sunday is actually the end.  Sunday is my peaceful time of stillness before my busy week begins. I work almost full time plus with working on the house, wedding prep and other daily toils of life make for a pretty busy week for my non-multitasking self. But regardless of when the week really starts and how busy life is I always appreciate a week that I able to spend time in the word and get to check things off a check list.... (even if its just one thing on the list.).
       

1. A Sunday sermon on missions.  I have dreamed of going to India since I was 10. Years have flown by and now that I am old enough I feel God is saying wait,even though its so close I can taste it {I literally just ate a spicy rice dish that imagined was Indian. Even though the heat intensity is nothing close to curry} My heart's desire to visit India has increased today. Not only is it constantly in my prayers,but since God said "wait.". I decided I can at least put one foot in the country by going through compassion to sponsor a child from India. (and this kiddo is the cutest ever,of course I am slightly biased.) Whether I go to India on a short missions trip one day, adopt an Indian child or God calls me to serve in India, India has enraptured my soul

 


2.  Video Project.
      My sisters wedding is happening in less then 2 weeks and I technically only have this week to really do the video. Life otherwise after this week is going to be insane. Moving into a fixer upper and then having a wedding, plus being apart of a big family when the whole clan gets together life is anything, but normal.










                  3. A still quiet starbucks morning.
   My brother and I work at the same place,so we ride together. Saturdays though he goes in a hour earlier, so I've taken the opportunity to get coffee in the empty starbuck's to do journaling and bible time. I don't know about you all,but hot chocolate and reading psalms is the best. Psalms 63:3 was a verse I pondered that morning.

"Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise you" 

We spend so much time complaining on how we wish things would be in our life,the government, the world, that we forget that we are overwhelmingly blessed by the King of Kings. Think before you speak. Thank God for the little things and the great things He is doing and has done in your life. Let praise to our amazing Savior flow from your lips for He who had the most to complain about complained not once and took it a step further and did it with joy.



 

4. Letter writing.
     I absolutely love social media and how I can keep in touch with friends with it,but there is nothing like buying cute note cards writing your buddies notes and then heading to the post office to buy some stamps. A little thing to brighten your friends day. I found a pack of smiling food note cards. Target has the cutest cards if you want to head over and find some adorable ones to send out! 





5. Early morning drive.
     I am not an early bird by any means, but getting up early for work has gotten me able to enjoy the sunrises in all their glory. Reminded of what a beautiful world God gave us to enjoy from sunrise to sunrise.











                              What Monday love can you share this week?
              Comment below with some things of last week that your loving this Monday.