Sometimes I think I should have grown up on a remote homestead somewhere far from cities and vehicles, where not everything is concrete and crowds. You know, where you live off of the land, growing your own food, but also enjoying the world God created in it's raw form. But then I think I'd miss friends and people.
This is not to say that I don't throw on a pretty necklace or dress once in awhile, or zip up some cute boots. But I don't pay full price and the thrift stores, garage sales, and clearance racks are my stores. My favorite times with my friends are when we're in sweats and tshirts. Sure, I'll dress up once in awhile when we go out (even then I have to force myself), but lounging in my jammies and sweats will never be beat in my mind. Come on over with your sweatshirt and jeans and I'll throw in some hot chocolate for you while we sit on the couch and chat - you'll just have to push toys, books, and probably a fork and plate over first.
I'm not into the latest lotions and potions. As a matter of fact, I usually make my own. It's healthier that way, too, but not exactly easier. There are so many really neat products out there that are supposed to defy age and growing old...but growing old is part of life. If I lose friends because of my many wrinkles or extra rolls on my belly, then maybe they weren't really friends. I'd like to think we look at the inside more so than the outside; at knowledge and wisdom and friendship and spirituality more so than brand name clothes and stylish hair and what lotion we used that morning.
I'm not into the latest lotions and potions. As a matter of fact, I usually make my own. It's healthier that way, too, but not exactly easier. There are so many really neat products out there that are supposed to defy age and growing old...but growing old is part of life. If I lose friends because of my many wrinkles or extra rolls on my belly, then maybe they weren't really friends. I'd like to think we look at the inside more so than the outside; at knowledge and wisdom and friendship and spirituality more so than brand name clothes and stylish hair and what lotion we used that morning.
I don't eliminate a complete food group, knowing that there is balance to everything and eventually you'll become deficient in something. I don't follow a point system, a calorie counting system, purchase vitamin drinks or shakes, remove a portion of a food (like gluten from wheat or juice from a fruit or vegetable), or follow any other of the newest trends in eating. If God made it for consumption, then it is good. If man has tampered with it, then more than likely, it's bad. Keeping food whole and untouched, eating many veggies and fruit, and adding in some meats and wheats is our style. Oh. And chocolate.
Exercising is not done a certain way in order to obtain perfection here. I don't have fancy gym equipment, I don't use a wrap, a pill or run the latest 5k to get results. My philosophy is MOVE! If your body is in movement, it is exercising. I have run 5k's before but honestly, it seems like a fad and research is discovering walking to be better on your joints anyway. Phew! That's more my style. I can walk until the cows come home. I do use weights for arms and sometimes I'll do crunches when my back allows for it. I go with a mix of cardio, weight training, and mix in some work on specific areas when it's needed. But everybody has a different body and they all require different exercises and movement to get the results they need. That's the beauty of it!
Exercising is not done a certain way in order to obtain perfection here. I don't have fancy gym equipment, I don't use a wrap, a pill or run the latest 5k to get results. My philosophy is MOVE! If your body is in movement, it is exercising. I have run 5k's before but honestly, it seems like a fad and research is discovering walking to be better on your joints anyway. Phew! That's more my style. I can walk until the cows come home. I do use weights for arms and sometimes I'll do crunches when my back allows for it. I go with a mix of cardio, weight training, and mix in some work on specific areas when it's needed. But everybody has a different body and they all require different exercises and movement to get the results they need. That's the beauty of it!
I'm not one to use tricks and trends to discipline and/or reward my kids for their behavior. I would rather they know right and wrong for what it is than to have them feel like they get a reward for everything they do. The Bible is our guide on this. We don't give them only four gifts at Christmas that are gifts that we get them all throughout the year (want, need, wear, read). We give gifts that match their personalities. We give gifts that will be loved and appreciated. Gifts in our home are given a lot of thought to the individual - not a system of giving. And yes, they are grateful children. They know the value of money (they earn it and save up for those things they really want), they know to be thankful for something even if it's not exactly what they were hoping for, they understand there are kids who have far less than them and that they are privileged to have what they do.
My house isn't decorated like Martha's. I'll pick things up here and there that I love, and when I put it all together, it usually makes a beautiful display. But there is no theme, there is no style. It's what I love, mixed with things that are meaningful, and things that are durable (there is no such thing as having something delicate in a home with three boys).
I'm not a trend-setter, and I'm not a trend-follower. I run to my own drum beat. But I feel like that's where God gave us creativity. He didn't tell us to do as others do or to keep up with the Jones'. So while I don't follow the latest and greatest, we do approach each challenge using specific creativity with God's help (not man's), knowing if we let him lead us, we'll be following the best trend of all.
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