Rural Simplicity

Below are the thoughts and yearnings of a Christian fighting the battle of life. I have not even remotely begun to win the battle or even get the upper hand. I find myself to be in a humble position of writing on such a topic as I struggle to learn the true meaning of a relationship with God. Relationships: No checklist, new reading plan, or another Bible help book is going to make your devotions what they ought to be. There is only ONE thing that will keep you going back to your Bible every day - A relationship with God.  There are three kinds of relationships: 1) One that doesn't exist yet.  2) One that has been broken 3) One that is growing So choose which relationship best describes your relationship with God and let's get started! If you have no relationship with God I encourage you to start reading the Bible in the book of John. If you have access to someone locally that you know can answer your questions about God and spiritual things then do that. If n...

Sometimes the Bible can feel really big. Like the difference between a well organized thriftstore and a 150 booth antique store. The Bible feels more like an antique store where each person/author has his own booth/book, but I'm looking for a problem dealing in a specific area. That's when I need the Bible to feel more like that organized thriftstore. That's where memorization comes into play, or google, or your Strong's concordance. In this case you've probably used google to locate verses on encouragement. Let me just say that just reading through these seventeen verses is not going to encourage you in the long run. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stop a moment and read straight from the Bible. Use one of these verses as a starting point. Or, take one or two of these verses and write them down on something that you can take with you. Read them often, memorize them and most importantly mediate on them and pray over them. Reading a few Bible verses won't ch...

I was born and raised in the Kansas City area. I've learned through the years just how much awesome stuff there is here. I am also quickly finding how many things I haven't gotten to and making a list of places to hit before we move at the end of the summer. Most of the places I've listed below I have been to and highly recommend. There are a few that family members said needed to be added because they are great places. Those are the places that are now on my bucket list. For those of you who live in the area, have visited or used to live here, please add some of your favorite places in the comments, because I know I haven't even begun to include everything. For all of you who don't live in the Kansas City Area...how about taking your summer vacation here?! Restaurants: 1. Succotash     Located at 2601 Homes St. Kansas City, MO 64108, this breakfast and lunch place has been visted by Food Network's Guy Fieri. I've personally devoured a delicious pl...

Spring is quickly making it's way north, melting all those stuffy feelings and bringing a breath of fresh warm air. Spring is when I tolerate extreme colds and hots because I can't bring myself to close the windows. Spring is when I start rearranging the decor and furniture for a fresh look. And when I just die for some fresh flowers to put on my dinning room table! Spring just begs us to be busy, even if it's just piddly stuff. I'm going to share a few tips to bring a fresh look and feel without breaking the budget. Some might be in your department some might be in your husbands department. You might even be able to create one for your kids to do or at least help with. 1. Purge Out the Old. Plan one free day or multiple free evenings or afternoons and do a little bit of purging. Box up the clothing that doesn't fit, things that haven't been used for over a year, and items that are broken or just not what your family is into anymore. Give items to friends...