I’ve been searching for the perfect remedy for clutter, a balance in work & parenthood, and the answer for how God works in my life. Project after project, prayer after prayer, plan after plan..searching.

But, simplicity found me. Or maybe, it was there all along and I just opened my eyes to see it standing under my nose.

I have come to find simplicity means something different to everyone. How to do you view “simplicity”?

Sewing your own clothes or buying the latest fashions off the rack? Paying bills online or sending them in the mail with, gasp, a stamp? Using all home grown organics or shopping with a grocery delivery service?

My simplicity is this: I live in a complex world in failing body with a forgiven soul. I have a dynamic family, a creative bug and a gift for loving my kids. I think of gratitude, hope for grace and a linger in peace (even in the orchestrated chaos that is the current state of my family).

My projects, prayers and plans can all change. There is no formula. Seek simplicity, look to God, and be grateful for what challenges you and what gives you peace.

Love,

Jess

She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction on her tongue.

She Speaks is an annual conference hosted by the Proverbs 31 Ministries organization.

But what is She Speaks 2010? It’s one weekend in North Carolina this summer, hundreds of women chasing their dreams, refining their talents and having a darn good time doing it.

psst…She Speaks 2011 planning folks. Can we have the conference in February next time for this Minnesota girl? Okay fine, maybe not. But hey, at least I can always see something positive. North Carolina Summers = Bottomless Pitchers of Sweet Tea.

Women flock to this conference for the multitude of opportunities to grow, connect and share about their ministry, writing and/or speaking projects.

I have yet to attend a She Speaks conference. I desire a chance to participate, so much so, I can feel the freezing meeting halls already. Seriously, y’all down South sure know how to crank the air conditioning.

Emily, from Chatting at the Sky, wrote a post on her blog about an awesome opportunity for a fortunate blogger -A Cecil Murphey SCHOLARSHIP from Lysa TerKeurst!

Author Lysa TerKeurst is hosting a linking party for her panel of judges to select one blogger to attend She Speaks 2010 Conference for free. I feel like I should be standing on my tip-toes, raising my hand extra high and waving it around as if to shout, “Pick Me! Pick Me!”

Yes, I’m raising my hand up from behind this computer screen, whispering pick me! But, who am I and what do I want with a Cec Murphey scholarship, you ask?

Well, let me break it down for y’all.

Who: My name is Jess. I write a home life blog called Just a Blink. I’m from Minnesota. I have 4 kids 5 years old and under. I have a passion for creating art, teaching children and telling stories.

What: The She Speaks 2010 writer’s track is calling my name! I want to be an author and create a children’s book series to inspire the next generation of girls.

Quick Peek: Dilly is an ordinary 9 year old girl that longs to become something more. Dilly finds herself in extraordinary, daring and virtuous adventures that lead her to find her own greatness and God’s goodness.

Where: I’ve got the joy of the Lord, Down in my heart! Where? Down in my heart! Where? Down in my heart to stay! Enough said.

Why: The She Speaks 2010 writer’s track will allow me to get a firm grasp on the ins and outs of writing, publishing and marketing books for children.

I want all the joy down in my heart to be spread, like a contagious smile, to young girls and all people reading the book.

When: July 30 – August 1st 2010

How: How,  is right!? With the help of Lysa’s scholarship giveaway, that’s how! The conference is very reasonably priced. However, my funds for an event of this magnitude are nil. {Everything we are able to save up is going to our medical bills and mini-van acquired from the birth of our twin baby girls.}

I do have frequent flyer miles to get to North Carolina and I can manage to gather up enough cash for the extra little traveling expenses. All I need is the ticket in the door!

*Lysa’s judges* Please allow my mind to be stimulated and my soul to be nourished at the She Speaks 2010 writer’s track!

Thanks a Bunch,
Jess

I *Heart* empty frames. The transformation power is limitless.

Here is what I did with a pitiful oak 8X10…

Staple a sturdy ribbon to the back of the frame. (this will become the hanger)

Hang and enJOY!

Love,

Jess

I love having a new alphabet printer in the house (Ryan, 5). He sees signs and phrases all over the place, including our home, and asks what the signs spell, and more importantly what they mean.

Ryan posted a sign under his loft bed that spelled out, “NO MOLLY”. Nice brother, eh? The first phrase he ever prints of his own volition is “NO MOLLY”. It was cute, he didn’t want her to get his scissors in case she cut herself….that, and I’m sure protection over his transformers didn’t hurt either.

I made a point of decorating with words this year for Christmas.

Not sure about those silent nights with the twins!

Chalkboard photo frame with lyrics to 'Oh Holy Night'. The photo in the center was a Christmas card picture of Pete and I from the days before kids.

Here is to a meaningful and Spirit led Christmas!

Love,

Jess

This post is linked up with Julia for the Hooked on Holiday House tours and The Preacher’s Wife for How we Christmas: Decoration Edition

Items needed for Sunday Afternoon Fruit Salad:

• Chemical free fruit spray
• Big bowl 
• Watermelon, Banana, Apple, Purple and Green Grapes
• Fruit Dip on the side (just the girls like it)
• Joy to the World –  song by Go Fish

Throughout the rest of the winter (and life for that matter), I will be trying to cultivate or “notice” fruit of the Spirit in my life. 

Bible, Book of Galatians, Chapter 5, Verses 22-23

…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Today I noticed, Joy! I love a Sunday afternoon at home with sunny spots streaming in the window and stray snowflakes trickling down outside.

P.S. Want to try a homemade fruit spray? You can make some with the ingredients and directions printed on the label below. I added some decorations with “puffy” paint and foam stickers. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1 TBSP, baking soda
• 20 drops grapefruit seed extract

Directions:

• Spray
• Leave on for 5 minutes
• Rinse

Join me as I do a little mid-winter heart tune up. Try to notice how the fruit of the Spirit is ripening in your day.