Rural Simplicity

Giving gifts isn't always the easiest thing to do, especially when we continuously add more and more holidays in which we give gifts.  This is my third Valentines day being married and the second annual Valentine's Basket gift giving from myself to my husband. I save the biggest nicest gifts for Christmas, then his birthday, and lastly Valentines Day (Anniversaries are usually split between us and sometimes are not all that expensive). Last year I e-mailed my husband a questionnaire form about a month before Valentines Day asking what was his favorite this and favorite that. Most people could probably figure it out by just paying attention, but I guess I've got my head in the clouds to much for that! It was a good thing I did though, because I didn't know most of his answers. Thankfully this year I've wised up (or just had longer to observe) and pulled together a package without a single hint. 2013 pkg: 1) 2-3 of his favorite candy bars 2) 6 cans of Verno

"I really need to find an apartment closer to work but the process of moving and finding a new apartment is so long and tedious!"   It's true there are a lot of places to rent and they are all a little bit different in aesthetic, price, location, management, etc... So I'm here to help! Let's look at it from the perspective of the Apartment office manager (Yes, that's me!) I get all sorts of people in my office everyday. I can tell you what they forgot to ask, what kind of people apartment owners are looking for, and how to organize all of that information. So let's get started! 1) Make a list of items and amenities that are important to you . List them from greatest importance to least importance. Work hard on this list and once you have it just right, don't waiver from it. 2) Put your list in a notebook.  Bring your notebook with you everywhere!  If you need to, leave it in the car or in your purse so it is with you at all times. 3) Treat i

Questions are the best way to get you started on the new year, on a new project, on a new diet, on anything. Questions, it gets your brain thinking and starts you out on a miniature quest of life. So as we welcome 2014 lets ask ourselves a few questions...even if it's just for the fun of it! Question1:  Why do you listen to the music you do? How does it effect your life?  Question 2:  Do you actually listen the words of the music or just let it play in the background and follow along with the beat? Question 3:  Who do you follow as a role model? (That's who plural, because you probably have different people for different areas.) Why do you model them? What is so inspiring about them? Question 4: Who are your mentors? What have they taught you? Question 5: What things in life inspire you? What makes you light up? what makes you want to conquer the world? Question 6: What do you work hard at? what makes you sweat and you love it? Question

"spiritual wisdom proceeds not so much from the mind as from the heart and soul and from fellowship with Christ." ~Fanny Crosby Did you catch that? Did you skim over it? Read it again! "Never ask yourself is this rational? Is this logical?, but Is this from God?" ~Fanny Crosby Fanny Crosby was an amazing woman. She was a die hard fan of God. She didn't let religion or denomination get in her way. She didn't let materialism take over her life. She didn't let physical ailments interrupt her progress. She didn't let other peoples opinions or advice pull her away from God. How much time do we spend reading books about the Bible, instead of the Bible, or consulting pastors and counselors instead of consulting God. How much time do we waste making sure we have what we need and planning for the future, when God explicitly says he will supply our every need. How much time do we waste praying without hope or faith that God will provide? Is making a