hands, more or less?

Hands. Have you ever wondered why we have two? We wouldn't get through the day the same without them. Without those fingers typing, tying, pushing, holding, without our palms lifting, carrying, patting, pressing.

Now that the holidays are here, my hands have been in full force--Knitting, baking, stirring, wrapping. Simple tasks but without hands--open hands--impossible. And isn't it strange to think that the very things that create, that bring life and share love can also bring destruction? The same palm that hugs can hit. The same fingers that write words of affection can type words of poison. The same hand that reaches out to welcome can be folded in arms of frustration. The same hand that opens to His gifts can fist up against them.

And why just two? Wouldn't four be better for navigating airports or ordering coffee for a group? Couldn't Ashley or my mom use six or eight as they hold, pat, play, read to get through the day with three under age five? Perhaps if we had more we could be more.

But that's just it. Maybe, as is always the case, God gave us two on purpose. Because if we had more we wouldn't be inclined to reach out. We wouldn't need to ask for help. We wouldn't have to put down one thing in order to pick up another. We could have it all and do it all, but perhaps God did not intend for us to have it all and do it all with our own hands. Perhaps He meant for us to corral more fingers, find more open palms as we reach for His. Perhaps, as we stretch our palms, extend our fingers, open our hands, we can point to the hands that were always open for us--even to nails on a cross.

xoxo.

truth for today.

This verse in Hebrews stood out to me this morning. God has been gently and subtly placing things on my heart lately, and I believe He's preparing me to produce vegetation, not just to cultivate for myself, but for others. As I came across this verse, I was reminded that part of the preparation is rain.

This week in Greenville has been filled with rain. We started our long run yesterday morning on a trail covered by trees, and they were already dripping from heavy rainfall earlier in the morning. A few miles into my run, I came out of the trees onto an open part of the trail just as the rain was picking up again. It came streaming over my face, into my eyes, over my mouth, making it difficult to see the trail as I wiped my face to keep going.

Rain makes things unclear and uncomfortable. When you're caught in it, it covers you completely, offering no escape from its cold, wet heaviness. It is at times beautiful, and at others dismal, but it is always necessary. Without rain, there is no life.

My prayer is that I would welcome the rain in my life, knowing that even in its heaviness it is good, and trusting that at the right time, the rain will give way to the harvest.

xoxo.

the gift of being together.

This Christmas will be different than others. In Christmases past, I've given Landon books, movies (documentaries, of course), clothes, and shoes. He's given me clothes, journals, washi tape, and books. He even gave me a ring one year.

But this year, we're not giving each other anything. We're giving each other everything. No gifts, no wrapping paper, just time, honesty, and intention. Time to enjoy just being together, honesty as we face the future, and intention in the way we shape our days, putting God's holy work first and each other second, which leaves everything else in a race for third.

We will surely give gifts again in the future, but this year, we're learning how to be generous without purchasing, and how to give without expectation. It's not something we've discussed much, it's just sort of happened in this season of our lives. And it's been exactly what I've needed. No distractions, no holiday stress, just the gift of being together.

xoxo.

our mini-thanksgiving.

Landon and I are celebrating Thanksgiving a little early this year--and since it's just the two of us, I'm keeping the menu pretty simple (just our favorites!). The turkey and trifle recipes are both new (to me), and I'm really excited to try them. I made the twice baked sweet potatoes last year (to die for), and the creamed corn is my all time favorite dish. Really. It's that good. That's why I've deemed it "world's best."

And, on another note, I'm so very grateful for the things I've been learning this year, and the things God continues to reveal to me through His word, the people I meet, the books I read, and the conversations I have. He is so good, and His goodness takes on new meaning for me everyday. It's strangely beautiful how we can be changed in something so constant--His love.

xoxo.

_____________________________________

Thanksgiving Menu

Cranberry Apple Roasted Turkey Breast | World's Best Creamed Corn | Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes | Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifles

why i haven't shampooed my hair in seven weeks.

You read that correctly. The last time I used conventional shampoo was seven weeks ago. And no, I'm not dreading my hair (although I considered it in college). I decided to give the no-shampoo method a try after reading several blog posts about the impressive results. The posts promised baby-soft hair, less frequent washing, and saying goodbye to greasy hair. How could I not give it a try? 

So, for the past seven weeks, I've washed my hair with a mixture of water and baking soda as shampoo and a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar as conditioner. You know what's crazy? It works. It really, really works. The baking soda absorbs grease and grime and the apple cider vinegar keeps your hair soft and silky. 

What I do

1. Before showering, I mix 1 Tbsp baking soda with 1 cup warm water. Then I mix 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar with 1 1/2 cups warm water. I pour the mixture into two empty glass olive oil bottles (it's easier to use a container with a lid so you can shake the baking soda shampoo before applying to your hair to be sure its fully mixed). 
2. To wash my hair, I pour the baking soda shampoo on my scalp and roots and massage it in a circular motion, and then rinse. 
3. To condition, I pour the apple cider vinegar conditioner onto my hair, except on the scalp/roots (it can make your roots more greasy). It instantly makes your hair feel smoother and softer. Then rinse.
4. I wash my hair this way about three times per week. Don't worry, I still shower regularly, and I promise I don't smell like vinegar (at least not that I've been told). 

How it works and why it's awesome

Because conventional shampoo strips your hair of its natural oils, over time your scalp begins to create more oil to compensate. By switching to this method, your body will begin to produce less oils after a time. Which means, of course, that your hair may be a little greasy for anywhere from 2-6 weeks. Mine was fine for the first week, and then between days 9-14 it was feeling pretty gritty. Once I got over that hump, though, it's been great. It feels better, it styles better, and it doesn't get greasy nearly as quick after washing. Also, have you seen the price of baking soda and apple cider vinegar? Cheap, cheap, cheap. I know this method isn't for everyone, but I've been pleasantly surprised with the results. Let me know if you give it a try!

xoxo.

P.S. Before starting this method, I read this, this, and this post.

P.P.S. During the first couple weeks, I brushed through my hair a few times per day, which helped cut down on the greasiness. 

oh, november.

...you can start cooling down like real fall weather anytime, so that Spur will stop trying to escape the 80-degree temps by climbing in the fridge.*

*He really does climb in the fridge, and he goes all the way to the back and lays down, just like this photo**, but we don't let him stay in for long. Just long enough to laugh at him.

**No produce was harmed in the making of this photo.

xoxo.

diluted.

This post is mostly about questions, not answers. 

Lately, I've been convicted about the things I say, and the way I say them. And I'm starting to wonder if what I say is diluting what I mean. 

I grew up in a part of the country where many people don't believe in absolute truth--that is, that what's right for me isn't necessarily right for you, or anyone else. It's a great place for skeptics, independent thinkers, and your everyday, run-of-the-mill weirdos. And it's quite the opposite (with a few exceptions) from where we live now. Here, you can assume that most people have been to church and know at least the general version of the gospel.

But whether I'm in a culture of skeptics or followers, I tend to dilute the truth. I don't know how to say what I really believe, so I talk. I don't know how to deal with a frustrating person who is also a child of God, so I talk. And it's as though my words have their own form of non-absolute truth. That what I say is only valid right now. That when I speak out of frustration, pain, or greed, it's really just a momentary expression, and nothing to be concerned about. But as those tensions grow, so do my words. And as those words quietly take flight, my character--and honestly, my belief that God is for all--is slowly chipped away.

Because if my words are only right for me, in this moment (which is just a cheap excuse to say them), the how can I trust that my faith can change those around me? And how can I be a witness when what I say gets in the way of what I mean?

We've been able to cut down on a lot of things this past year (clothes, driving, processed food, etc.). 

Next up on the list: diluted words. 

it was cold.

It was a lovely 50ish degrees most of the weekend.  So, we drank tea, made soup, went for a chilly evening walk, and a did little of this...

There's just something about cool weather, it brings a certain clarity of mind (for me, at least). Especially after these ridiculous Abilene summers. It's going to be back up in the 80s in a few days, but I'll be happy when these cooler temps are here to stay.

And there you have it. A entire blog post about the weather.

xoxo.

loved and needed.

Isn't it strange how often we operate out of our fears? As I think of some of my decisions in the past, or even the things I contemplate now as we plan for the future, I'm realizing how much my thoughts come from from a place of fear. Fear that I won't be comfortable, fear that I won't be accepted, fear that I won't be loved, and fear that I won't be needed.

But the truth is, comfort, acceptance, and love should really come from my relationship with Christ. And while he doesn't need us to accomplish His plans, He can certainly put a willing heart to good use. And so that's been my prayer--that I will seek God and the ways He wants to use my life, and trust that his comfort, love, and acceptance are always with me, even when the comforts, love, and acceptance of this world are not.

xoxo.

[photo by yours truly]

a classic and simplified wardrobe: getting organized.

On to the second step of my journey to a simpler, more classic wardrobe: getting organized. I went through everything in my closet again, purging a few more items, and quite a few pairs of shoes. I also did something really silly but REALLY helpful. I labeled five hangers, one for each day of the week, and planned out my outfits for the week on Sunday afternoon. I ironed each outfit, hung it on the appropriate hanger, and then put the hangers back in my closet in day order.

 It's amazing how this simple step helped me throughout the week. I didn't have those what am I going to wear stresses each morning, and I thought about my clothes much less throughout the week. I even ended up keeping my closet/floor much cleaner throughout the week. I also decided to hang all of my scarves rather than having them folded on the floor (remember, no dressers here).

The lesson for me here is that there is magic in planning. When it comes meals, finances, or my schedule, planning definitely helps to remove distractions of junk food, excessive spending, and wasting time, so why would my clothes be any different? Planning here keeps my focus on what the day will bring rather than what I'm wearing.

Step two is complete: the closet is organized, with hanger labels to show for it.

xoxo.

sometimes i take photos.

 Ah, the desolation that is West Texas.

 Dinnertime!

 You know how we feel about sour cream...

 Us.

Never fear, my brow wax is scheduled for this weekend.

xoxo.

a classic and simplified wardrobe: first steps.

Good news, folks. I started the journey to a simpler, more classic wardrobe. I'll be honest--I'm making this up as I go, but to start, I've made a commitment to do something every weekend in regard to my wardrobe. It may be purging, planning, organizing, or just some simple ironing for the week (all the while thinking, is this how Grandma would do it?), but I've committed to making this a weekly thing until I've created a healthy system for myself and a classic working closet, as Kendi calls it.

This may seem superficial, but I know that I grow most when things/stuff/distractions are stripped away. When we moved to Texas, having to pack up our belongings and trying to make them all fit into a Ford Taurus was embarrassingly traumatic for me (we're talking sweat, tears, shoving, cramming, and long goodbyes to my cake stands in the wee hours of the morning). Looking back, I don't want to go through that again. I don't want to be so tied to stuff that the prospect of being without a cake stand scares me. The real blessings in life are just too good that to allow myself to be sidelined by dishes, clothes, and the like would be foolish. I'll always have clothes, dishes, and the like, but I don't want them to get the best of me. This is less about what I wear, and more about what I bear.

Last weekend, my first step was to take a good look at my wardrobe and do some more purging. I filled up another large bag of items to get rid of and re-organized my workout clothes. I also moved a lot of out-of-season clothes to my closet to free up more floor space. Would you believe we've survived without a dresser for the past 15 months? It's actually much easier than you'd think. It's also much messier than you'd think. For me, a reusable bag, simple wooden box and some neatly folded piles work just as well. As I purged, I asked myself questions like, How does this fit? How many times a year do I wear it? Will I still want to wear this a year from now? These questions are essential, because I have the tendency to think, But I've had this since my sophomore year of high school, it's practically a collector's item! Or, Someday I'll put this in a shadowbox!

So, step one is complete: cut the clutter.

xoxo.

a bad case of the z.

Do you ever have weeks that just make you sleepy? This is one of those.

xoxo.

i'm still here.

Sigh, this poor little blog has been so lonely lately. But, on the up side, I've been spending lots of time with this guy--my new (to me) bike! As my family, Landon, and my insurance agent all know, handle bars suit me much better than a steering wheel. Plus, being outside first thing in the morning is a really relaxing way to start my day as I ride to work.

xoxo.

happy friday.

This print was made for us. 

xoxo.

hey ho.

I love him.

And this song is perfect. Happy Friday!

xoxo.

hello weekend.

Hello, weekend. Won't you stay a while?

Fun colored planters from A Beautiful Mess

An amazing photo shoot by Jose Villa, full of peaches, cupcakes and an airstream trailer

These lemon almond coconut ice cream sandwiches look like just the thing for a June weekend

Happy weekend!

xoxo.

P.S. This is my first ever animated gif. Who knew they were such a cinch?

oops, i did it again.

...a little blog redesign, that is.

This one took me a few hours to plan, but less than an hour to implement (last time around it took the better part of a weekend). And it's squeaky clean, which I love.

Happy last few hours of your long weekend!

xoxo.

the year that changed me.

My texagram (which I just invented).

After more than a week of traveling, we arrived in Abilene, Texas, on May 23, 2011. One year ago today.

Wow. One year. I'm already tearing up.

There's something that happens to you when everyday for a year has some element of the unknown in it. When it always seems like a surprise might be right around the corner. A bill you can't pay. A job you didn't get. A church you've never been to. Even simple things--like a phrase you've never heard (i.e. frito pie). But each day, the unfamiliarity and the worry and the fear wear off a little bit more. And you start to know a new place. You start to be known in that place. And you start to know yourself. And slowly, the surprises change their tune. A check you didn't expect. A job that seemed like a long shot. A church that welcomes you and keeps you. And even simple things--like a dining table for Thanksgiving. 

This is a thank you, and it's been a long time coming.

UBCAbilene, thanks for fooling us with your giant building. Without it, we may have never visited on that first Sunday. And even though there were only about 75 people there that morning, you hooked us with your welcoming Texas charm and spaghetti lunch. 

To our awesome lifegroup, which has walked with us faithfully for a year. Thanks for the conversations, laughs, meals, endless desserts, and prayer. Getting to know people in Abilene so quickly after our move has made such a difference. We treasure you all.

Dear friends in Oregon, San Diego, and beyond, who we miss and think about often. Someday we'll take you all to Fiji or something and all hangout together (that's a totally empty promise). Thanks to those who have called, listened, and laughed at how crazy Texas can be. And rebuked me for turning into a cat lady (ahem...Renee).

My cousins and siblings, who SOMEHOW managed to pull out a Turkey Bowl win even without Primetime (that's my name out on the field). And for live tweeting to keep me posted on the score.

My family (some of whom like to consistently answer the phone with "How y'all doin?"), for the support, advice, prayer and love, even from 1,600 miles away. And for Facetime-ing me during important events, like the Turkey Bowl and Browning Family Easter Egg Hunt. Special shout-out to my mom who, no matter how many times I call her, still picks up the phone every time. She can handle everything from tears and tiredness to questions about roasting chicken, and that takes a special lady.

Landon's family, who shared a special time at Thanksgiving with us that I'll always remember. It's also great that they think the Abilene Chihuahua Gangs (ACG) are as funny as we do. Thanks for your constant love and encouragement. 

And to Landon, for having the faith, wisdom, and insight to bring us here. I think he was a little uneasy about moving to a small town in West Texas with a girl who spent a year being homesick in San Diego of all places. But I wouldn't change a thing. God has given us so many opportunities to grow, and I'm so very grateful to be able to experience that with Landon. A year ago, I remember assuring Landon before we moved that I didn't want a man who was committed to keeping me comfortable. I wanted a man who was willing to help me change and grow, and who would change and grow with me. He's been that, and so much more.

To my faithful Savior, your love, provision and grace never fails. I am yours.

Here's to another year of trials, blessings, and God's faithfulness.

xoxo.

all i need.

Monday, again. I didn't start last week off on the best note. I was tired after working most of the day Saturday, and I felt like I had a million things to do. And as the week went on, it became clear that I needed to relax, take a step back, and look at the bigger picture. I'm learning (albeit slowly) that things are best when I take a moment to recognize the blessings I've been given. When I spend my time being mindful, and not controlling.

These are my prayers as I enter this week...

All I need is your love

To come and fill this heart of mine

My heart is a desert that has gone dry

And I need your love to carry me by

[Shawn McDonald, All I Need]

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands.

...Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear. 

Psalm 112:1, 6-8a

xoxo.


[photo via thisisor.com]