Poor in Spirit

After a few light hearted posts I thought I would lay some heavier thoughts on all you lovely readers. :)

This current season in my life has been trying yet beautiful.  I'm slowly gaining a greater knowledge of grace and all that it entails.  All I know about grace is that God gives it everyday and I'm now accepting it as a child, without reservation and guiltless gratitude.  I feel so often I must come to the Lord already put together perfectly having figured out my purpose, mastered the ability to love others as myself, and created a selfless life to be admired.  We wouldn't need a God if we could do all of that on our own.  Grace, so much grace.

I am reading The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning and it's words are speaking with conviction and clarity.  It shares the not-so-new-yet-valuable idea of becoming poor in spirit.  At first glance we wonder why anyone would want to live in any sort of poverty. 

"Awareness of our poverty and ineptitude cause us to rejoice in the gift of being called out of darkness into wondrous light and translated into the kingdom of God's beloved son." 

Poverty in a worldly sense creates a humble spirit.  I have seldom met a poor person with an ego.  It introduces a simple life void of meaningless items that we forget we have and collect dust in our closets.  It creates a heart of gratitude for the small things and more compassion to give to those who share in this poverty. 
Poverty in a spiritual sense is knowing our lack of goodness and flawed existence.  Poor in spirit is acknowledging this state and accepting the grace without feeling the need to prepare to be accepted.  We are accepted just as we come.

We are to become poor in spirit but where to go from there?
"...the disciple who is truly poor in spirit always leaves the other person feeling, My life has been enriched by talking to you.  This is neither false modesty nor phony humility.  His or her life has been enriched and graced.  He is not all exhaust and no intake.  She does not impose herself on others.  He listens well because he knows he has so much to learn from others.  Her spiritual poverty enables her to enter the world of the other, even when she cannot identify with that world.  The poor in spirit are the most nonjudgmental of peoples... "

We become poor in spirit to fully love those around us.  To pass on the compassion that we received by grace so that may love at all.

Love,
  Nicole

DIY Fabric Peonies

I would consider myself a homemaker at heart.  I love having projects involving creativity that will make my home more comfortable and beautiful.  Since Mother's day is coming I thought I would get a head start on some ideas.  I now know what I'm going to create but for fear one of my mother's may read this I'm not going to share. :)  Although, I did make an embellishment as a gift topper I found from one of my favorite blogs.  Check it out here. I spent a total of $1.28 for this goodie and I have enough fabric and string to make 5 to 7 more!

 

You could even put this on a headband, make it a broach, a gift topper, or combine it with others as a centerpiece to liven up a room.  Speaking of needing to bring a room alive.
This is my next project:

It's ok, you can say it.  This is boring.  Everything is hand-me-down (which I love) and the lampstand was a steal at Wisteria because it has no shade and no appliances to connect the shade to it.  Don't even ask me how long it has been like this.  It's embarrassing.  I can't wait to show you the makeover to be done on such a blah space.

Happy Wednesday,
  Nicole

Easter

Easter encourages so much reflection.  The weekend was full of sweet time spent with family and an opportunity to reflect on how good our God is.  I'm a bit late but here are some highlights of the weekend.

My first ham!

Mom's homemade strawberry cake with strawberries picked by her own hands!

Cadbury eggs = my favorite Easter treat

Dad's typical state past 12pm

Joyful mom

Handsome husband

What's Easter without deviled eggs?

I hope everyone enjoyed Easter.  May is just around the corner. ;)

Love,
  Nicole

Happy 26th Anniversary!

Mom, Dad and me enjoying my first Christmas

My parents have been married for 26 years today.  Now that I am married my appreciation of their commitment to our family has intensified.  I feel so lucky to be a daughter to such a selfless couple so abundant in love.  They encouraged me to laugh, instilled self confidence and covered me in love everyday.  Most of this was done without words.  My mom's thoughtfulness taught me the importance of community and the significance of the small things in life.  My dad's sense of humor and kind heart encouraged me never to take life too seriously and the ability to love others as you love yourself.

My parents union of marriage has exaggerated their natural gifts and made them a powerful team.  I enjoy the loving banter between them over the work in the garden or what to eat for dinner.  I love when my dad calls me a few days prior to any holiday wanting advice for a special treat for my mom.  His tone and urgency for the perfect gift after all these years validates his love for her.  I love when my mom makes a remark about the silliness of men and then always ends the conversation with how lucky she is to have someone like my dad.

I love my husband, have self confidence and see hope in a lifelong union because of this beautiful relationship I got to witness all my life.  Cheers to a one-of-a-kind couple!

I love you both too much,
   Nicole

Best moments of the week

Most unexpected. I got to see my brothers this past weekend.

 

Most bizarre.  Inappropriate?!  Maybe.  I was so intrigued I had to take a picture...or 5. :)

Most adorable.  This is my sweet friend Brittany's new boy, Levi.  Love him.

Most exciting.  

 Love,
    Nicole