Welcome to How to Live the Little Way. A weekly post here at The Littlest Way where I gather all the ordinary things that happen or are happening in my day to day. Things like what I’m reading or listening to, eating, cleaning, and learning. These are the small moments that make up my blessed daily life and I want to remember them. My prompts may change depending on season and circumstance.
Thanking God for…
::my children
::the power of prayer
::an email conversation with a long distance friend
::Caulipower pizza–it is really good! Y’all, I don’t pay that for my pizza!
::Anna encouraging me to try an essential oil for my headache before the ibuprofen
::Benedictine Women’s Soccer won today–in the last 7 minutes, a little close for this momma
::Anna planting lettuce and spinach in a small container inside
::getting back on track with my health
::pretty, Emily Ley Planners (I was going to put stripped, but it looked like striped and then I confused myself which one was right and which was wrong!)
Praying…
You know we prayed that 63 Day Rosary Novena that ended in October? Well, that Rosary pretty much fried me–emotionally and spiritually. And even though I’ve been a little prayer gun-shy, God is still so good to me. I’m trying to get myself ready to start the St. Andrew Christmas Novena the 30th of November. It’s another long novena and anytime you hunker down in prayer, just like the 63 Day Rosary Novena, the enemy will try to wear you down. I’m getting battle ready.
Pondering…
I’m wondering when we stop thinking we can “unleash greatness.” That’s a hashtag that my daughter’s soccer team uses and we all think it’s totally appropriate right? So why don’t we use that hashtag for our middle age selves when we decide to pursue something? Why don’t we encourage each other to unleash our greatness? Why does it make us laugh or feel uncomfortable? Prideful even?
My writing is part calling, ministry or vocation even, and in a small way helps our family. My decision to use Young Living was based on education first and foremost, but the more I learn, I can see how it can also be a means of financially helping our one income family. And at this point, I don’t mean helping us buy a beach house. My husband drives a 1995 truck with no air conditioning and little heat. And the fact that I just felt the need to explain that proves my point. I know there are many families out there like us. Why can’t we embrace the ways and the means that work for our family without fear of other women judging us?
If I write a Bible Study and offer it for a fee, some complain I should offer it for free; which I do many times by the way. If anyone has ever contacted me and told me they cannot afford something I offer, I gladly give it to them. If I talk about essential oils, some complain I’m just trying to sell something. Is either of those bad things? And if so, why? Why should we be discouraged from using our gifts, talents, and means to help others and our family?
Listening to…
Right now, silence except the little heater in the office with me. It’s nice. Musically, I’m getting ready to start listening to Advent at Ephesus, and Caroling at Ephesus.
Reading…
The One Year Bible – Catholic: NLT
This is my “quantity” Bible to make sure I get the Word inside me each and every day.
Catholic Journaling Bible
This is my study Bible.
I checked out Oola for Women: How to Balance the 7 Key Areas of Life to Have Less Stress, More Purpose, and Reveal the Greatness within You from our library. So far I like it. When I first saw the title I was sure it was some crazy new-age baloney. It’s not, so far, and a rather encouraging read that does acknowledge faith and God.
* I’ve written an ebook to guide you through the whys and hows to get started with Bible Journaling, Bible Journaling Tips, Inspiration and Permission, and to encourage and inspire you in your Bible journaling!
Bible Journaling…
I shared a post the other day talking about using washi tape in our Bibles. It’s the simpliest, most affordable, and really fail proof way to start Bible Journaling.
Around the House…
Laundry, laundry, and more laundry. I need to dust, clean the windows and thoroughly tackle floors. Need versus want…the ever-present struggle.
In the Kitchen…
We should be getting back our venison this week which is good! We have two so far plus some beef from one of our cows. I need to find more crockpot meals. I forget how much I love having dinner basically completed first thing in the morning! I’m always like, “Why don’t you do this more Jenny?!”
Use this link to receive $10 off your first online grocery order.
Self Care
I was super consistent on the treadmill this past week and my body and mind thank me. Just like the crockpot, I’m always like, “Why don’t you do this more Jenny?!” This may be super slow for some of you, many and maybe even most of you, but my goal in the treadmill this week was two miles in thirty minutes. I hit it!
Anna and I are experimenting with different diffuser blends and continuing our essential oils education. I am so happy some of you are learning with us!! Today for Cyber Monday Young Living has Ningxia Red Antioxidant drink on sale so I bought enough for Chris and me to drink two ounces every day for the month of December. He doesn’t know he’s doing this yet, lol!
(I used to purchase my essential oils from Amazon or Edens Garden instead of a distributor. You can read my thoughts on why here, “Where I’m From…” I’ve since decided I don’t have the time or resources to properly educate myself on using the oils to their fullest potential. That’s why I sign up with Young Living under a former Family Practice Physician.)
The Littlest Way
Our Online Bible Study Community enrollment opens tomorrow! We are studying the Virtue of Patience as we wait during the Advent Season for our Baby King. I know I always say I’m super excited for our Bible Study, but I am seriously super excited!
Our Domestic Church…
All things Advent. I love this liturgical season♥
Saving Money…
Remember when I went to the emergency room in June because after a bunch of long hours in the car we thought I might have had a blood clot? Well, the insurance just finished processing the paperwork. And since we have such a high deductible and haven’t met it–a blessing for sure and a slight financial burden, we ended up still owing quite a bit after the adjustments. I called the hospital today and we can pay a reasonable amount for the next twelve months, taken from our Health Savings Debit Card. This is extremely helpful since we still have dental cleanings and vision checks left this year. I encourage you to always, always call and see what arrangements can be made. The worse they can ever say is, “No.” Rather than deplete our HSA and be out of pocket for the remainder of the year, we were able to work out a payment plan.
Captured…
Karen says
You put a tremendous amount of time and effort in what you do for us in the Bible Study Group. Never apologize for charging! It’s like our hand crafted items…people always want something for nothing and seem to gloss over the fact that hours of work were involved getting to the completed moment. Thanks for sharing your greatness with us!
Jenny says
Thank you Karen for your encouragement♥
Lynn says
Unleashing greatness…..I would love to do that. But I sometimes wonder if I have any greatness in me!! This is a good reminder, though.
Kellie Marquez says
We all do! I think a big part of life is finding what that is.
Jenny says
Lynn, I know I replied privately to you, but I wanted to publically as well because I know someone else needs to hear this.
Of course you have greatness in you! The Psalms are filled with references of God’s greatness, and God made you, so you are great♥