Helping Hurting People

Simple Presence: With so much pain in the world one might feel helpless in trying to relieve the suffering. It's true that there is only so much one person can do, but I am one person and my simple presence does make a difference.

Last week, while walking to a Fargo Starbucks, I prayed that God use me for whatever came up there. Since I was serious in this request and God was serious in hearing me, I was prepared for a worst case scenario such as a robbery or a lunatic gunman. But, all was quiet at the coffee shop while I prayed and read the Bible.

After getting my second cup of coffee, a gentleman made eye contact and said, "Hello." That was all it took to begin a serious discussion about faith. This isn't the first time something like this has happened.

In summary, we are able to help others by simply talking with God, saying that we are ready for direction and know that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. After that, it becomes God's doing.

Thrive on Neglect Flowering Plants

Tip 24: Plant a "Thrive on Neglect Flower Garden"

Do you love flowers but dislike fussing over them? These are my recommendations.

Sedum: Sedum are succulent type plants that come in all types of interesting shapes, sizes, colors and flower varieties. They thrive on little to no care, spread without becoming invasive and can be propagated easily. Some are great for ground covers while others make beautiful specimen plants. Share them with friends to expand your collection. I like to get a couple of new varieties every year. I live in North Dakota and they even survive our winters.

Lamium: This is a ground cover that spreads easily, comes in a variety of interesting leaf varieties and flower colors. Some varieties may become invasive to take care with the type you grow. Tolerates shade.

Rudbeckia: This sun-loving plant can really take the heat, but tolerates frigid winters. Most are yellow and orange in color although new colors are coming out every year. They reseed on their own but do not become invasive.

Heliopsis: This tall plant puts out yellow flowers all summer and into the fall. It reseeds on its own. Other than occasional dead heading, it needs nothing.

Reblooming Day Lilies: This is another hardy, plant and forget flower. Plant a few bulbs in the spring or fall and just watch them grow, never needing another thing.

Song of Songs 2.12:

The flowers appear on the earth;
the time of singing has come,
and the voice of the turtle-dove
is heard in our land

A Vow of Simplicity

As a Sister in the Anglican Order of Preachers, AKA, Anglican Dominicans, I vow to live a simple life. My goal is to help others live simply. There will be no fancy anything on this site, just practical tips that have helped simplify my life, thereby, allowing the time and environment for those things that are a priority.

Tip #1 Shed the stuff. Do you still cling to stuff and does it own you? Choose to shed one thing at a time, recycle, reuse or toss.