Why I (Temporarily) Quit Blogging

This post was mostly written over a year ago. Back when baby 3 was newly in my stomach throwing me into a third and final season of morning sickness and can't think or cook or clean or do anything but try to not feel sick anymore.

I was mostly only posting a monthly update and not much else. I blamed the morning sickness and pregnancy-induced exhaustion as the main culprit.

Or so I thought that was the main reason I wasn't posting much.

Then, I kept not posting much. And I'm still not posting much.

Sure, anemia and a move followed. Then a baby that's now 7-months-old and still not sleeping through the night. I have excuses for days, yet I long to write and share those words. Even so, even as I have so many things rolling around my head to be shared, there's still something keeping me from doing so.

I have no other way to describe it than: Opinion Exhaustion.

On any given day when I log into Facebook, I see countless "this amazing article will change your life" posts for every "look at my cute kids" update. Sure, personal updates get a lot of flack. Apparently, according to some articles I've read, just about anything you post is attention- or approval-seeking.

When it comes down to it, I think I'd like more of that. That's what the updates are for, right? Tell me that you're happy about a good day at work or let me congratulate you on making it to the gym or outside for a run or write a note of encouragement if you're having one of those days.

But the "this will change your life" articles? Or the "this thought/quote/text is rocking my world and it should rock yours too" posts? Or the "I'm convicted of this so obviously God wants you to change too" ammunition?

Those are wearing. me. out.

Even when I agree. Maybe especially when I agree.

Everybody has an opinion about everything (including me), and it seems with a little poignant writing it's worth 50 of my friends re-sharing to assure everyone is affected by it. Even more so lately, it seems these are used like the next rebuttal in any number of debates.

Then, it seems everybody is touched by some text or quote or some neatly created inspiring word art that it'd be selfish not to share. Right?

So, what's the problem with this?

For me, the problem with all of the non-stop opinions: It makes it really hard for me to live.

Maybe you are able to scan, browse, read and take or leave whatever you wish. I, however, can only take so much, until I'm flat out spent. Maybe it has something to do with being an introvert--the need for quiet applies online, too. Extroverts might also feel that need at times.

I'm spent on an overdose of poignancy. Life-changing post after life-changing post that essentially only keeps me from my life. Everyone's epiphanies and viewpoints and ah-ha moments running through my feed, and then my head, all day everyday. Over and over and over, until I shut down into an ugly train-wreck of autopilot that can only see my world through fuzzy eyes.

Sure, logging off, shutting down are partial solutions. I 100% believe that is healthy and essential. I try to log on only set times a day, and that seems to help.

Lately, even when I do finally log in, the overwhelming posts are still all there. The beautiful, talented, inspiring people are still all telling me I'm missing out on "the next big thing," on the best me I could be. That maybe I just need to pack in a little more inspiration, a little more thoughtful understanding to really get the most out of this day.

The truth?

The truth is that I can only get the most out of today, by being in today. Not online seeing beautiful word art or reading inspiring posts about how to be a better _________ (fill in the blank). I can only get the most out of today by being here and now in real life, in my life.

Here's a little of what that has been looking like lately:

Time in God's Word. Not to find a 140-character text to post on Twitter or ammunition for the next Christian debate that unfolds on screen. Simply in the Word seeking God.

Time in prayer. For family and friends and that God's Kingdom comes, please, before trolls completely take over the internet (and thus, the world).

Time in books. I'm so accustomed to scanning and clicking that I catch myself start jumping sites in the middle of a longer post that I'm actually enjoying. I'll even pause and think "huh, I wonder why I did that?" That's the beauty of books. It breaks my scanning and clicking habit to actually delve into a deeper topic and really enjoy the fruit of a writer's labor.

Time at home. I'm slowly learning to embrace these fleeting years of mothering young kids. Better late than never, right? Amazing how fast a scroll on Instagram can make me halt or even reverse the progress I've made in this area.

Time in quiet. I mean, real word-less quiet. I'm starting to notice the true noise volume of a revolving newsfeed of new posts across multiple sites. Even my crazy kids can sometimes feel quieter and calmer than the ruckus online.

Time in connection. This is slow coming, but so worth the effort. For all the times I thought (like Mindy Kaling) "Is everyone hanging out without me?" I wish I would have just kicked myself in the pants and extended an invitation. Because others are asking the same thing... while we all sit at home scrolling through Facebook or Instagram.

Back when I wrote most of this post over a year ago, I also included in this list the time spent on baths. I'd throw some epsom salts and a few drops essential oil in the warm water, and let my achy body relax. I'd lay there just watching my large belly (and the baby inside) rise and fall with each breath.

Oh, how truly freeing it is to have space to breathe. Space for that underrated essential of life.

And just so you know, I see the value in the online. For me, the value generally comes when it reaches beyond the screen.

When a comment turns into an invitation that gets people together in real life.
When bloggers meet in a living room to talk about the changing online culture.
When a grace-covered comment builds a bridge.
When a room full of women who hardly know each other discover the joy of vulnerability.
When an uplifting package comes just when it's needed from a relationship formed online.
When a "me too" email assures the struggle of writing was worth the effort.

And so the struggle continues. I am a writer and I want to write.

But I have to be honest and say I don't know what that looks like anymore. I'll likely continue to post bits and pieces here on the blog as I feel inspired. This isn't my fair-well post by any means. (At least I don't think it is ;)

I'm still evaluating how I use this online space of mine. And even more so, how / when / why I'm involved elsewhere online.

Even if there was something really good to say, would it just get lost in the ruckus?

And is the ruckus drowning out what I really need to hear?

I'm deaf and mute to it all,
ears shut, mouth shut.
I don't hear a word they say,
don't speak a word in response.
What I do, God, is wait for You,
wait for my Lord, my God--
You will answer.

Psalm 38:9-16, The Message

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also read:
new? start here...
online interactions + the people they represent
replace gazing with growing
100 things to do instead of watch tv scroll newsfeeds
monthly dose of simple

Embracing Epic Beginnings

Six years. That's how long I've had this blog--my little corner of the internet. It all started with Journey to Yes, a post I wrote on December 29, 2008 after watching Yes Man on Christmas Day with the family. Starting this blog was my hope for trying new things and uncovering the unknown one yes at a time. Of course, back then, I titled it TrinaCressDotBlogSpotDotCom, replaced by a couple other similarly cringe-worthy titles.

It's fun to reflect on all that has changed since then. I mean, cloth diapering was a distant thought I hardly believed we'd follow through on, and now we've been there, done that. My photographs have improved, I've done all of my own blog design, and I've created products I would have hardly believed came from me back in 2008.

2008. When I was working full-time for the college from where I graduated. When we had one sweet little one-year-old. I clocked in, clocked out, and dreamed of one day staying home with her (and future kids) and doing work I loved. Somehow, I saw those coming together. Something like at-home writer for Real Simple magazine while the kids played. What, a girl can dream, right?

Fast forward a few years. Six, to be exact. And I'm reluctant to admit my mixed emotions. Don't get me wrong, I'm proud of where I am. I'm so in love with my three crazy children and so thankful to spend my days at home caring for them and all of the little details that keep our lives moving while my hard-working husband carries the burden of clocking in, clocking out. I'm also humbled from what has come of this little corner of the interwebs. This place where I've discovered a little piece of God-given creativity that I've spent a lifetime denying.

It's truly wonderful. I'm blessed. And thankful. And I imagine Trina of 2008 would have been thrilled to have all of this. Meanwhile, Trina of 2015 has mixed emotions.

I didn't have the same comparisons back then. Posts about where people have come in their years of blogging are hard for me to ignore. They start around the time I did, maybe a year or so off. And in their more focused time, they've published books and booked speaking engagements. They've paid off all of their debts and finished simplifying their homes. They've created online businesses that have replaced not only their own income, but their spouses, too.

It should be obvious by now I'm describing a "them" only in my head. These fictitious people are hardly human the way I perceive the perfect details of their perfect lives. They started where I was in 2008: broke, exhausted, and ready for a change. Except they got their change. Here we are still broke, exhausted, and ready for a change.

The journey to yes isn't an easy one. Not for this girl, anyway.

All of those things that I'm not, and that lifestyle that we don't have, isn't really the point. I never started blogging to make a career out of it. (I still cringe when people call me a blogger or when real-life friends talk about my blog.) I never imagined it would pay off my debt or make my home all I dream for it to be. So I shouldn't have any disappointments there.

For me, it's always been about the journey. Following the process. There's no end point of arrival here on Earth. That's reserved for Heaven. The yeses here are just tiny little steps in that direction. Not about finding the one Yes to end them all. Just a continuous habit of Yessing. (The one Yes would be Jesus, and even He calls us to live this life and live it well in Him.)

And so, we start over and over. Many of those starts hardly looking any different than the starts before. Until we let time pass, then look back and realize the starts of 2008 (including a little nameless blog) are far different from the starts of 2015 (including a simple blog called Beginner Beans and lots of unknown).

It almost seems as if I'm getting ready to submit my resignation to the blog. I've seen lots of those going around, too. Posts of people (again, starting around the time I did) realizing their work here is done and they're on to new yeses. Quite the opposite, actually. I'm just trying to find words for my mixed emotions. To acknowledge somewhere that while I technically started in 2008, I'm here in 2015 just getting started.

Working out the journey with more words than can fit into a tweet. Allowing the time it takes for yeses to become something of meaning.

Like Joseph from pit to palace to prison back to palace. Years of journey before the story was worth telling. Because Joseph's story wouldn't have been much if it ended in the pit or in prison, would it? I mean, that's kind of depressing and not at all what God is about.

Or like Moses from river to palace to field back to palace. Years of journey evolved to make his story one for the Book. Can you imagine Moses dying in the river? So much for Jochabed's faith, am I right? Or even if it ended after his escape from the palace. Murderer. That would have been it of his reputation. God had bigger plans for his story and there was quite a journey of yeses to get him there.

I could go on. The Bible is full of them. Noah and Jonah, Esther, the disciples, and prophets. So many examples of Yeses. Not just one per person. Many yeses each, over years, and trials, as God worked His power in and through their lives.

That's what I'm here for. Here in this life and on this blog. Working out the journey. Allowing the time it takes for God to transform my yeses into something of meaning. Because it didn't end in 2008 or 2014, and so far it hasn't ended in 2015 either.

How about you? Are you ready to refresh your journey of yeses? To give them to God and renew in your faith in Him that He is making your life mean something?

5 Statements for Embracing Epic Beginnings

I created a little 35-day ebook and journal about this journey to yes called Epic Beginner. I'm giving it away for free to new subscribers for a limited time. Sign-up at the end of this post. Here's a quick snapshot to get you started (from day 1 of the journal). Complete the following statements for yourself. I'll share a few of my quick responses to share a glimpse of where I'm beginning 2015...

1. Things I'm STARTING (or soon will be)...

Better eating. Simple daily exercise. Reading through The Message. Weekly posting here on the blog. Weekly date nights. Dividing my spending money into thirds: Give, save, spend. A couple e-products. Supporting my Main Man's marathon training. Listening--lots of extended solitude to listen for God's leading.

"Are you going to do something or nothing? That is the epic beginner difference."

2. My current or most recurring EXCUSES and FEARS...

Unsure of next right steps. Not making money. Too tired or overwhelmed. Looking like a fool. Being "just a blogger" and not finding real value (connections, service, income, etc.). Missing my real purpose. Wasting time.

"Our fears are often unfounded. Even the craziness of the unknown usually turns out far better than we imagine."

3. My current or most common CHALLENGES...

Waking up with baby every 2-3 hours at night. Still dealing with occasional epic fits from the preschooler. Read: Difficult to muster time and energy to do anything besides basic mothering. Lack of money stressing me out. Too many "good" things consuming that limited time and energy too quickly.

"The grass is greener where you water it."

4. My recent or most regretted FAILURES...

Selling only a couple ebooks (feels like a failure when people ask how many I sold). Resorting to frozen pizzas for too many meals. Not doing date nights or making my Main Man a priority. Wasting valuable writing time on social media. Getting hung up on stuff and not just letting go.

"Your next epic story may not be far off from your last epic failure."

5. My recent or proudest SUCCESSES...

Getting a couple collages hung up at home. Newsletter list at 1,075+ subscribers. Getting positive feedback on Simplicity vs. Getting emails from people that find a couple of my posts on Google. Finding peace in a chaotic season of having a baby and moving. Being asked to speak at a women's retreat this year.

"There is always some success--some reason to be thankful and content--in this moment."

Join the conversation on Twitter or Instagram with #EpicBeginner. Would love to hear some of your responses to the above statements, and journey together in our yeses!

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also read:
journey to yes
epic beginner series

Friday Update | Living Simply in November

Here are some things I've been wearing, reading, buying, ditching, and creating this month. Be sure to check out #5 and sign-up below to receive it free ;)

1 | WEARING...

Jeggings. Several years ago I made fun of these As Seen On TV "pajama jeans." Now, I'm practically living in the No nonsense brand I got from Wal-mart last month. They're super thick, fit inside my boots, have real pockets, and mold to my ever-changing postpartum body. Maybe I'll regret this fashion trend when I look back on it in a few years. For now, I'm just thankful to afford something warm that fits.

Warby Parker. Still loving my Sims frames in striped sassafras. My main man is choosing his pair, and I'm feeling the itch to try a new frame :)

Leg Warmers. Another fashion trend I quietly swore I'd never return to, but am loving. I hate socks, even in winter and instead use wool inserts in the bottom of my boots. Leg warmers don't bother my toes, keep me surprisingly warm, and add a cute accent peeking out of the top of my boots.

2 | READING...

Love Skip Jump by Shelene Bryan. My first post on this blog was titled "Journey to Yes." And this book about "living the adventure of yes" really brings it all around full circle for me. This book is about loving God and others, skipping a luxury (a.k.a. living simply) on behalf of someone else, and jumping in to a life with/for God and His Kingdom. That's a way of living I'm on board with!

Authentic Hospitality by Alysa Passage. So perfect for the holiday season. Alysa is a fellowship genius and really helps bring us back to the heart of hosting with lots of practical ideas to maneuver around the kitchen with ease.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan. This is a second read-through for me. A small group of us is reading a chapter each week for Sabbath School. We take turns reading, then stop and discuss whenever we feel so moved. This feels like a step forward after my "Quitting Church" post.

Simplicity vs. by Yours Truly. I know, a little strange that I'd read my own book. I'm actually currently in the middle of the workbook and improving our home post-move and pre-holidays. Slow progress built on the work I've done in our home before is really bringing it all together.

Do Nice. Be Kind. Spread Happy. by Bernadette Russell. This is one we're reading with the kids a little each evening. November is kindness month and this book is full of fun ideas for "ninja niceness." I also bought several other awesome books that I can't wait to give the kids for their birthdays and Christmas! (All within 2 weeks of each other :)

3 | BUYING...

IKEA home goods. It's one of my favorite sources for home ideas with lots of affordable items to satisfy my wish list. We visited one that opened near our friends a couple hours away, and I was thrilled to make a post-birthday stop last weekend. Yellow pillow covers for our living room, a soap dispenser for the kitchen, outdoor welcome mats for the front and back doors, woven cubes for our bookshelf, and a table desk to start creating a little artist nook in Brylee's room. All of it, of course, was first written on the Simplicity vs. Home Wish List to be sure I needed it ;)

Jamberry nail wraps. They're super cute, look neater than my sloppy nail polish, and last longer too. They take a little longer to apply, but not unreasonable. And I can stop in the middle if I need to attend to a crying baby, which I simply can't do with nail polish. I am pleased.

4 | DITCHING...

Complicated Cooking. I've never been much of a cook, but I was definitely more into it when I had only one child and nothin' but time. (I also used to clean a little deeper each week back in those days.) Lately, I'm sticking with a simple weekly meal-plan and I feel we're all better for it.

Over-Blogging. Waking up with baby every couple hours at night and limited writing time means I'm transitioning back into less posting. You can count on a minimum of end-of-the-month updates on the blog (last Friday of the month), monthly e-mails (first Wednesday of the month, sign-up below), and updates on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter throughout the week (follow at bottom of post). Plus another product coming your way in December; keep reading for more info.

5 | CREATING...

Epic Beginner + 2015 Calendar Pack. Most of us are beginners in something we care about. Not just average beginners—epic beginners. Because we sort of learn to own it. To get good at it. The trying and starting. The failing and good-enough succeeding. The eternal process of it all.

And I hope it never changes.

Through this process of embracing epic beginnings we learn so much... we are humbled... we are free to experience more and try new things... and we even enjoy more success when our beginnings are epic.

I'm making a guided journal and 2015 calendar pack for all of us epic beginners. To help us:
» get past our excuses and fears,
» just start already,
» overcome our challenges,
» fail with grace,
» acknowledge our successes, and
» find rest.

Update: Find Epic Beginner >> here.

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also see:

new? start here...

dose of simple emails

Friday Update | Living Simply in October

It's not often I get to the end of a month and think this, but October was awesome! Perhaps a bit of a whirlwind. But definitely one for the books. Or at least for this monthly wrap-up blog post ;)  Here's a little bit of the happenings, lessons, and what's to come.

1. The Simple Blog Series

Today wraps up 31 days of writing about simple-living and counting down to the release of Simplicity Versus: The Ebook and Simplifying Home: The workbook all about simplifying home and life. This month I shared free printables from the workbook, pinnable quotes from the ebook, thoughts on living simply, and answers to anything you might want to know about the ebook and workbook.

Find links to my 31-day series posts >> here.

2. The Simple-Living Ebook + Workbook

I sent the Simplicity Versus: The Ebook and Simplifying Home: The Workbook to my e-mail subscribers at midnight this morning. Yay! If you subscribed before today, be sure and check your email. The PDFs in the email will be available for free download today only.

For everyone else, learn more and see inside the ebook and workbook >> here.

3. Simple Living + #Write31Days

This is my third October linking up with "The Nester" for her yearly 31-day series. I've saved quite a few series I'm hoping to check out now that I'm done writing my own. Browse the Simplicity category >> here. Here are a few shout-outs to fellow bloggers who wrote about simple-living in October:
31 Days of Simplicity | our yellow door
Simplify, a 31-day series | brown sugar toast
31 Days of Tiny Apartment Tips | wildflowers in my honey jar
31 Days to a Clutter Free Life | the latina homemaker
Exploring Minimalism | tico & tina
31 Days of Simplicity | corie clark
The Simple Closet | one simple thing

Note: some of these series are not completed. Writing and posting everyday for 31 days is a huge feat! But I feel even the posts completed are worth checking out. Enjoy!

4. In "Real" Life

I turned 28 this month, and, no joke, I thought I was turning 30, or maybe 29, or something other than 28. Not even sure what to think of that. Our big-girl Brylee is loving first grade. Our big-boy Ian is probably needing some time away from mommy in the form of a preschool or something. We're sticking with home-preschool for at least a little longer. And our little-guy Oliver is 3 months old and smiling so much--it just melts my heart! We're enjoying having our Northwest family in town for the season. And of course enjoying quality time with my sister's fam and parents who already live in town. Our home and my family need some TLC, so those are some biggies I'll be focusing on over the next couple months.

And now that my huge writing month is over, I will be spending some time reading, listening to inspiring things, and refueling. Top of the list is this Authentic Hospitality guide by my friend Alyssa of Kitchen Fellowship. Can't wait!

5. Coming Next

If you haven't signed up for my e-mail list, now is a good time to do so. Even if you missed getting Simplicity Versus and Simplifying Home for free, I have ideas for more freebies to come. The next one should be sent just in time for the New Year and an epic beginning for 2015!


For future freebies, and support in living simply where you are, sign-up here:

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linked up: chatting at the sky

Friday Update | Living Simply in September

I heart planning. It's probably the primary reason I do the 31-day series in October. I can't not do it. Sure the writing is good, but the planning. Oh, the planning! It's my favorite part.

Earlier this month when I shared my latest "epic 31-day series plan" with my husband, he made an observation (probably around the point his eyes were glazing over): "You're a really good planner. You should just tell people how to plan."

He might have been teasing me... just a little. But the truth is I really wouldn't know how to tell you how to plan, because it just comes natural for me. So, Daniel went ahead and listed the steps he's seen me take:

1. Make a plan.
2. Use the word "epic" a lot.
3. Tell someone all about your plan in great detail; make sure to point out how epic it's going to be.
4. Do the plan (optional).
5. Plan some more!

So, that's what I've been up to this last month. Sure, there's been a little writing and designing, putting plans into motion, learning about our new essential oils, settling into our new home, and enjoying family. But there's also been a lot of sweet, indulgent planning.

The plans include:

31-day countdown

31 days in October counting down to the release of Simplicity Vs.--my first simple living ebook and workbook especially for reluctant simplifiers. I will introduce you to it throughout the month with some pinnable quotes and excerpts from the book, perhaps a free printable page or two from the workbook, and more.

free ebook + workbook

The Simplicity Vs. ebook (for when simplifying is not easy or natural) and workbook (with a checklist, guided journal, and printable pages for simplifying home) will be sent to all of my e-mail subscribers on Fri Oct 31 and available for free download for one day only. Let everyone know that you think might be interested. All are welcome!

It all starts with the first day of the coundown on Wednesday October 1. Hope you'll come back then!

Subscribe below to receive the Simplicity Vs. ebook + workbook FREE on Friday October 31 only:

Email Address

First Name

What would you most want to see in a book about simplifying home?

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linked up: casey leigh // lauren elizabeth // christian mommy blogger // chatting at the sky

Friday Update | Living Simply in August

A little update to wrap up August. Be sure and sign up below for the simple-living resources (and freebie) to come!

1 // pausing on purpose

I took a bit of a maternity leave after welcoming Baby 3 (Oliver) into the world. While I don't have traditional work, I put all my extras on pause to focus on baby and family for a few weeks. (I wrote about pausing on purpose >> here.) It was amazing to have that time covered in grace and freedom from obligation. Sure, laundry and dishes still begged for my attention. But I mostly tuned everything out to just focus on breathing--for my family and myself. Maybe a maternity leave isn't on your calendar right now, but I encourage you to take a moment--an evening or weekend or whatever you can muster--and pause to catch your breath. You'll be glad you did.

2 // online favorites

While I took my maternity leave from all things, I shared guest posts from some of my favorites around the Web. Here are those posts in case you missed 'em:
Our Yellow Door // Kitchen Fellowship // Where the Green Things Grow // Becoming Minimalist // Message in a Mason Jar // The Simple City Life // Marriage Readiness Project // Have Mercy

3 // back to school + cloth diapers

My oldest started first grade (I've temporarily become a coffee-drinker to get us all out the door in the morning), the middle is doing a makeshift preschool at home (more to come on that in October), and we got the youngest started in cloth diapers (more to come on Prefolds Love). Love our little arrows and blessed to now have our quiver complete :) // (Psalm 127 was my focus text for my pause; hence the arrow analogy.)

4 // the big move

Did I mention we moved recently? We're still in our same town in The Good Life of the Midwest. We're just in a bigger space with a little bitty garage, porch and yard--yay! This big move happened on the same day Baby 3 and I came home from the hospital. It was a crazy whirlwind. I have my season of Pausing on Purpose to thank for maintaining sanity through that. Stay tuned, pics of our new place to come as we continue to get settled.

5 // the next big freebie

As I'm easing out of my makeshift "maternity leave," I'm transitioning back into writing and designing. Which means fun things to come throughout October and a big freebie going to my e-mail subscribers the end of October! Signup below. An e-mail is going out this next Wednesday with more info.

Signup for monthly encouragement and more to come on the simplifying journey:

Email Address

First Name

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linked: casey leigh // lauren elizabeth // jenni mullinix // christian mommy blogger // chatting at the sky

Friday Update | Pausing on Purpose in June

This month, while I haven't been posting here, I've been pausing on purpose. Taking a little intentional slowing to enjoy this season that is otherwise tempting me to rush past it or hurry through it. Here are a few specifics of what that has meant for me in the last month and what I'll continue in the months to come...

1 // prepping for a break

With new baby due in three weeks, I am preparing for a maternity break of sorts. Sure, it'd be easier to just stop everything and drop all duties. But I have a few commitments I am wrapping up so there aren't projects left undone or obligations hanging over my head. For the blog, that means I'm lining up guest posts. I have quite a few favorites online that I don't take the opportunity to mention enough, so I will be introducing you to one a week starting this Monday and lasting into August. I'll likely pop in with my own post or two during that time, but I do hope you'll at least check in for these awesome guests.

2 // meditating

I know the importance of having down time, dwelling on good and positive words (specifically God's Word), and slowing to just "be." And in the busyness of life, it's all too easy to speed through this time and onto the next thing on my checklist. Especially after reading through the Bible in the last 18 months, I am now taking time to dwell on a small section of text. To slow, even stop, each morning and evening, allow these words to soak in, and breathe.

Along with this, I have also been going through positive intentions for pregnancy, and preparing for birth and a new baby. I share these intentions in a Birth Notes printable >> here on my other more baby-related blog. When I'm uncomfortable and facing lots of unknowns, it's all too easy to get discouraged and lost in a whirlwind of negativity. Calmly reading and breathing through these positive statements is just the catalyst I need to basically change everything--because that's just how powerful positive thinking and dwelling on God's good and true Word is.

3 // taking time for the little things

This last week we celebrated National Ice Cream Soda Day. A week before that, the girly and I made cupcakes to celebrate her 6 1/2 birthday. While at my Main Man's softball game a couple weeks ago, I let our little guy run through mud the whole time and stain a new shirt. It's been a breath of fresh air to make time and space to enjoy the little things. To let the kids be kids and not feel so stressed out about it. To let go of my need to control every situation. And to enjoy the little fun joys of life.

4 // doing the essentials

Pausing on purpose and intentionally slowing also creates room to get those things done that need to be done. I feel a little better about using my limited energy on the essentials of running our home (paying bills, balancing budget, meal-planning, etc.). This also creates space for a bigger life change that's coming--our move to a 3-bedroom at the end of July. The timing is less than awesome (any tips on moving with kids and a newborn?), but I am thankful for a cleared agenda to continue Simplifying Home in preparation for less stressful packing and moving.

5 // appreciating the season

Our home gets a little messy when I need to prop my feet up and rest. I'm back to taking naps in the afternoon when the kids do. Our evenings are chill as we enjoy eachother's company. Baby preparation happens in the moments in between. Some seasons come with lots of energy and lots to get done. This season is all about slowing down to enjoy life. Not the things we fill life with--job, tasks, hobbies. But real, breathing life. The people that surround us with love and joy and laughter and support and comfort. I absolutely cherish this season to slow down and really see their smiles, take in their voices, and appreciate them in this season.


Are you needing a season of slow? Whether it's for an evening, a weekend or longer, I hope you'll take opportunities to pause on purpose and appreciate the season and the people that make it special!

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linked up: faith barista

Friday Update // Simplifying Focus in May

For this month's update, I'm sharing my 5 Ways to Begin Growing a Simply Focused Life--in family, work, life, whatever. These are from my free guide Growing a Simply Focused Life. The questions and steps came about in my own efforts to simplify my life as we get ready for a change in season for our growing family, and figuring out what that means for all the things on all my lists.

I've gone through the questions in this mini-journal a couple times and they have worked awesome on helping me zero in on what really matters. A welcome breather for my limited time, energy, and attention. I've already sent the free printable mini-journal with each step and guiding questions to everyone on my e-mail list. If you haven't signed up yet, you can do that below and you'll receive your free download in your welcome e-mail.

Here are those five ways to grow with a little of how they've helped guide my focus over the last month.

1. Identify where I am.

Oh, how my focus has been pulled in so many directions! I have lists of projects and goals I want to tackle: Better meals, blog posts and growth, simplifying home, preparing for a healthy birth and baby, increasing my earnings to contribute financially to our family, increasing hospitality and involvement in our community. Phew. And those are just the bigger projects/goals I dream of tackling!

There are also the daily/recurring  tasks and responsibilities: Doctor appointments (soon to be weekly!), e-mail and online involvement, dishes and laundry, budget and meals, kid entertaining (library and park), and blog upkeep. That's enough to fill my days. But there's more.

I also have to acknowledge our current life happenings: I'm pregnant, Brylee finished kindergarten and is home for the summer, Daniel is still adjusting to his new-ish job, Ian's still not completely over the tantrums and is still anti-potty-training, we're still in a 2-bedroom apartment and really hope to move soon, and we're living on one income with a limited budget.

Yep, there it is--the more complete picture of where I am. Everything that is fighting for my time, energy, and other very limited resources. Most of it's good, but not if it's making me feel guilty for not getting done.

2. Discover where I really want to be.

When it comes down to it, what I want the most is to live well (simply with purpose and contentment) in our own home and family. As I accept the growing of our family (in 7-ish weeks!), I feel a pressing need to get ready. To get our home ready for a possible move or a 5th occupant if we don't move. To love on and care for my kids and husband before we move deeper into survival mode. To live well here and now, because we'll never get this time back.

I want to spend my limited time, energy and money on our home, my marriage, our kids and slowing down to enjoy this season amidst the chaos--nesting and creating family rhythms.

3. Consider what's holding me back.

As much as I enjoy seeing growth in my creative work, that currently adds the least value to my life. Especially when it detracts my attention from these highly dependent littles under my care that won't be little for long. Or when I'm so worn out that I can't maintain home or support Daniel or any number of things currently in my full-time job description as stay-at-home-mom. The creative work will be there when this season settles and will grow naturally when the time is right. Right now, too much focus on creative work holds me back from my focus and calling in the home, in our family, in our "real" life.

4. Let go of good for better.

It's one thing to identify the good things that hold me back from giving my best. It's a much more challenging pursuit to actually let go of those good things. I enjoy the creative outlet of my writing and it's hard to keep my time on it in check. It seems I keep returning to making my next steps in it a priority instead of enjoying a little here and there as I am able--growing slowly and for fun.

The worst that could happen in actually letting this area go as a priority: I'd lose a little momentum. Yep, that's it. But looking at the growth I've seen from when I started, a little bit of effort has gone a long way. Slow growth in these seasons of family and home focus is great. It's just laying a solid foundation for when I'm ready to tackle writing and work more regularly in 3-5 years. (Maybe sooner--who knows.)

Letting go opens room for community and involvement in real life. Play dates and company and family rhythms. Saying yes to this tremendously important calling I have in this season to train my little arrows--these blessings that need me to live courageously for them. It allows me to actually live simply with purpose where I am. So I'll have that true story to tell later on.

5. Live simply where I am.

My lists are now limited and all focus on this season and the people I'm currently called to serve, making the best use of my limited resources. Moving forward my goals are to live simply (focus on God, family, and others in real life) with purpose (just a couple tasks like Simplifying Home and birth/baby prep to work toward and track progress on) where we are (in our 2-bedroom apartment, with 1 income, while I'm a pregnant stay-at-home-mom to two kids).

That's how these guiding questions have helped me point my focus where it needs to be in this season. It's a challenge and distractions always come up. But it's also freeing to give myself permission to let go of good for better. And maybe that helps explain why my posts here have tapered off yet again ;)

It's your turn.

If you haven't already received the mini-journal, sign up below to get it free or learn more here. Go through the guiding questions and get on your way to growing a simply focused life.


S I G N - U P: Where could you simplify + refocus?

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keep in touch:

My next e-mail will be going out this week (sign-up above). When posting is slow here, I'm usually still showing up on Instagram (@beginnerbeans) and Facebook (Trina Cress). Also, our apartment made it into Apartment Therapy's Small Cool Contest! Check it out and vote >> here.

these points shared in other ways at:

Becoming Minimalist

Thrive Moms

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linked up: chatting at the sky // the wiegands // lauren elizabeth // christian mommy blogger // thrive at home

Friday Update | Living Simply in April

Here is a recap of my happenings in April. I'm really hoping warmer weather is finally here to stay!

1 // pregnancy

I just started third trimester and thankful all seems to be going well. I'm sharing all of my baby and pregnancy posts on PrefoldsLove.com, my other more baby-related blog. I've shared updates on first trimester and second trimester, a printable new baby checklist, ideas for announcing baby, and how we save money preparing for baby. More to come as we get ready for Baby 3!

2 // (in)rl

Throughout this month I got to get creative with my mom and sister in planning our local hosting of (in)courage's (in) Real Life Conference. We covered glass bottles with scrapbook paper, washi tape and twine to use for vases; we created little journal booklets and got scrapbooking supplies for each person to cover their's how they wished; we made circle fans out of scrapbook paper for a photobooth backdrop; and we even borrowed an old typewriter to put with our "your story matters" penant banner. It was so much fun to work on planning this event. And the best part was seeing it all come together last weekend, meeting new people, hearing each other's stories. I shared more about it (with pictures) >> here.

3 // simplifying home

My sister and I decided to work on simplifying our homes for eight weeks. I posted the checklist here in case anyone was interested, and have been sharing weekly posts throughout the challenge here on the blog. Because of other things going on (see #2 above), I haven't done as much as in my own home as I would like. But I've still gotten some cabinets and closets cleaned up, and am excited to jump back into keeping this progress going. I just have two more weekly posts to put up, and they'll all be there to reference later whenever people are ready to jump in. See the Simplifying Home landing page >> here for links to each week and a printable checklist.

4 // marriage encounter

Our church runs a yearly Marriage Encounter weekend. I've told my husband a couple different times that I'd like to go sometime. He picked up my hints and brought home the info for us to register. We did that a couple weeks ago and it was such a special time of growth for our relationship. We didn't necessarily have any big issues to work through or discuss. Just the simple act of spending a weekend focused on communicating and learning how to do so was powerful. I might share more about it here sometime. In the meantime, checkout Merritt's recent guest post >> here on taking regular relationship inventories. Incredible insight on improving communication!

5 // family time

I mentioned last month that my husband recently transitioned to a new job. It's one that has almost no travel and keeps most of his evenings and weekends free. While he of course has the challenge of learning a new job, as a family we are so blessed with a newfound togetherness that we haven't known in a long time. If ever. (His previous job also called for evenings and weekends and occasional trips.) We get to plan our weekends together, have more meals together, and carry our responsibilities together. Whatever struggles we may be facing, our togetherness is certainly something I'm cherishing in this season.

keep in touch

I have been sending out weekly e-mails to encourage you in simple, intentional and contented living. Sign up >> here to start receiving them. This is also how I'll share future products and printables for free before selling them on my site.

For other updates, find me on Facebook (Trina Cress), Instagram and Twitter (@beginnerbeans).


H a p p y   M a y !

Friday Update | Believing God in March

This month, I'm doing something a little different for my update and sharing on the 5 beliefs from Beth Moore's book Believing God that I recently read. Her main goal of the book is to "encourage any Christian who will listen to move to his or her personalized place of divine promise and to flourish."

Um, yes please.

The idea is to devote time to believing God--to taste and see that He is good (Psalm 34:8). Tangible and real in our lives. Here are the 5-statements of faith with small examples of how God has been leading us to flourishing in divine promise.

1  //  God is who He says He is.

I have been more challenged than ever to learn who God is and meet Him firsthand and believe Him—that He is the great I Am and that's all that matters. He's our Creator, our shepherd, our leader, all-powerful and all-knowing. Healer, Giver of Life and good gifts. We visited Rock City in Minneapolis, Kansas and seeing this apparent evidence of the flood was a small reminder that what I've read about Him is real. He's worth believing.

2  //  God can do what He says He can do.

From moving mountains to providing our daily needs, which He has always done. As I started this book, Beth challenged her readers to do an experiment for a set period of time and challenge God to see if He can do what He says He can do—she said we'd see big things happen if we did this. I started it thinking, “Sure, I'll probably have an attitude adjustment and that's the biggest change of all.” And I did have an attitude adjustment, which led me to write my Freedom post at the halfway point.

Then, the last day of this experience, some of my main prayers for our family were all answered in a very real, tangible way. A change for our family that meant Daniel would be home more, improved finances, even leading to a more reliable vehicle for our growing family.

God sees the full picture and has us taken care of. He can do what He says He can do—He is and will continue providing for us in big ways.

3  //  I am who God says I am.

I am a beloved child and a blessed mother. I am saved by God and redeemed for His purpose. I have a calling and a purpose that God has been speaking into my life since I was a child and it comes out in so many ways in and beyond my "day job." And I am worth every bit of attention He has given to creating and molding and growing me.

4  //  I can do all things through Christ.

Through Christ, I have the power to move mountains. Or to encourage and support my husband through the challenges of his new job. Or stay positive and patient and loving when my kids are crazy and my home is a mess. Or be a hands-on mom. Or be an encouraging writer. Or take one day at a time. Or birth and care for another child.

My weaknesses placed in Him are strength. They build a testimony that brings glory to His name. They create experiences that I'll look back on forever as a monument of faith and trust in Him.

I can do all things (not some, or things I'm good at, but all things) through Christ who gives me strength. It leads to an epic, unreal life pointing to God. Really, it's the only way to live.

5  //  God's Word is active and alive in me.

That idea feels more literal now with this little one rumbling around inside me. But it's that real for all of us. We are the implementation of the Gospel to the world around us. And that is powerful. What He says is real. His Spirit, His words, His truth are all real and living in me.

it's your turn

Take each of those five statements above and apply them to your own life. Of course, consider reading Beth Moore's book Believing God to get the full life-changing picture. But, if nothing else, at least take a moment to consider how your life might be different if you remembered, believed and lived these truths everyday.

k e e p   i n   t o u c h :

Follow me on Instagram (@trinarcress) for more regular updates. On Sunday I'll be posting more about week two of Simplifying Home, and sometime next week I'll send an e-mail out with more encouragement for simplifying. You can sign up for the e-mail >> here.


H a p p y   S p r i n g !

>>>>>
linked up: chatting at the sky // lauren elizabeth // christian mommy blogger

friday update | february

Amazon affiliate link used in this post. See full note below.

Now that morning sickness is gone, time is going a lot faster. Here is a little recap of my happenings in February:

1 //  b a b y   i s   a   b o y

Despite all my convictions that this baby was a girl, we found out baby 3 is a boy! We're all excited, but I think Ian's excitement might have a little more to do with the super hero onesies I found :) It'll sink in soon. We're about halfway through, and it's just starting to settle in that I have another baby to get ready for! I'm starting my lists and reading and spinning-wheel preparations that will likely make their appearance on PrefoldsLove.com -- my other, more baby- (specifically cloth diaper-) related blog.

2 //  c o u s i n s   e v e r y w h e r e

Have I mentioned that all three of my siblings and I will be growing our families this year?! It started this month with my sister having her second sweet baby girl--the little thing being doted on in that photo above. Then, in a month, my oldest brother's wife will have their baby girl. In June, my next oldest brother's wife will have their little guy. And a month later, we'll wrap it up with our little one. It's so much fun to be a part of creating the next generation and growing our family tree!

3 //  v a l e n t i n e   g e t a w a y

My handsome guy treated me like a queen this Valentine's. Flowers, peanut butter and coffee chocolates, and an overnight staycation complete with dinner, coffee, and a movie downtown. I felt very spoiled and loved on! But mostly because I realized this was just a bigger production of what he does for me and how he treats me all year long. I don't quite have the words for that peace and gratitude I have with him in my life. But it's worth mentioning, or trying to mention anyway. I am blessed and grateful to be loved by him.

4 //  b e c o m i n g   m i n i m a l i s t

If you're new to the simple-living online community then you may or may not have been introduced to Joshua Becker of the blog Becoming Minimalist. He's written a couple simple-living books. His latest, Clutterfree with Kids, was a best seller from when it first came available last month. And, exciting for me, a small snippet of our story on simplifying our photos is included in the book! I'm "Trina C. from Lincoln, NE" :) To top it all off, he shared his simplify message at a local church, so I got to meet him. It's kind of fun to introduce myself to someone I look up to and in response hear, "Beginner Beans, right?" Why, yes, yes I am. Thanks for remembering :)

Anyway, check out the book. Very helpful and practical in getting things under control with kids--because they certainly have a way of complicating the simplicity scene.

5 //  d a n i e l   t u r n e d   3 0

My main man turned 30 yesterday. Woo hoo! Last month I started asking what he'd like to do to celebrate. He said he'd either like to do nothing or do something big--so our typical small-ish gathering in our apartment was not an option. While he traveled overseas for work, I quickly put together a surprise-ish party. It was fun to design signs, gather simple supplies, and make these >> delicious enchiladas and avocado sauce for everyone. We also had red velvet cupcakes (his favorite), a little photo booth, and a money tree for people to add a dollar bill and a note instead of buying a card. That last one was an idea I felt a little awkward implementing but knew would speak his love language. It was a lot of fun, and worth the week straight of planning and preparing. Happy birthday, hun!


That's the nutshell happenings around here from the last month. Excuse my simple attempts at keeping updated. I look forward to getting back into a posting routine--have lots of ideas on simple, intentional and contented living. No promises when that will be, so these updates will suffice in the mean time.

k e e p   i n   t o u c h :

Feel free to follow me on Instagram (@beginnerbeans) or Facebook (Trina Cress). I've been posting more regularly in those two places.


H a p p y   M a r c h !


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friday update // january

Amazon affiliate link used in this post. See full note below.

Here's a snapshot into my January happenings. You know, just a little effort to keep something current here. Even though I spend hardly anytime writing here, post ideas and such still run constantly through my head. Time will tell if I'll get any of them posted. But at least you can count on a monthly update ;)

1 //  5 - m i n   b e a u t y

This month has been all about 5-minute (or less) effort for me. This includes the 4-minute workout, a makeup routine that is done in 3 minutes, and even trying a new hairstyle or two. In my couch-laying days, I ODed on What Not to Wear on Netflix. Doing so helped sink in the point that it's okay, even good, to put a little effort into myself. It doesn't have to be much or lead to self-absorption and vanity. Just enough to feel beautiful and confident and to look like I care, because it effects the way I act and treat those around me. I'm worth 5 minutes of effort, and I'm happy to finally embrace that.

2 //  h e l l o ,  f o o d

I am so thankful my cravings of processed, packaged foods is basically gone. And, I'm thankful that is what I craved through the sickness so now that's what doesn't appeal to me instead of turning my nose up at yummy whole foods. I am reconnecting with delicious smoothies, burritos, kale salad, all-things avocado, and even a little baking. Mmmm... pregnancy can start being enjoyable now :)

3 //  c a t c h - u p

This month has also included a lot of catching up. Cleaning our home one teeny corner at a time and going through neglected bills and papers. You know, all those things that a couple months of all-day first trimester sickness caused me to avoid. There's no other way to approach this than to just start. Do one thing, then maybe another. Take a break and do one more thing. It's the only way to get anything done really.

4 //  q u i e t   t i m e

Sadly, a good devotional routine also went by the wayside in the last couple months. I'm diving back in with finishing up reading the Bible through (I'm so close to finishing last year's goal), and reading Believing God by Beth Moore. It is excellent and I so needed to let these Bible truths sink in and grow me. If you're looking to (re)start a daily Bible reading routine then I recommend checking out the Soul Detox reading plan on YouVersion or SheReadsTruth.com. Both are great ways to ease back in. Even five minutes a day makes a difference! And, can quickly grow to 50 ;)

5 //  f a m i l y

This month, Ian turned 3! We already did cupcakes for Ian on Brylee's b-day, so we went out as a family on his birthday to celebrate. This might be the last year we can get away with that, so I figured surviving first trimester was a good excuse to take advantage. I started taking weekly-ish belly bump photos of Baby 3 on Instagram with brief updates on how the baby is growing, etc. And, we are happy to still get to hang out with this >> fun family while they're in the area.


January has been good, especially with the hope that I will not be sick this entire pregnancy, our home can be clean, and spring is on its way. Okay, so we have a while left of winter. But I'll take whatever warm days in between that we can get!


*Note: Amazon affiliate link used above. Purchases made through affiliate links could earn me a small commission with no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

friday update // december

I went from updating before each month letting you know what posts you could expect, to now posting only once after the month is over to let you know what's happened. I hope to start doing both at some point, with posts in between--until then, here's my small attempt to keep in the blogging loop :)

1 //  b i r t h d a y   g i r l

Our girly turned six! Thanks to my mom, we were able to have the family and a couple friends over for lunch and cupcakes to celebrate. I'll spare you the "I can't believe how fast she's growing." But, seriously, I very clearly remember being six--this is just getting weird.

2 //  b a b y   t h r e e

We announced that I'm pregnant on Facebook this month, and I loved reading everyone's support and excitement. I had all these ideas for announcing here on the blog, then first trimester all-day sickness and exhaustion happened. I'm lucky if everyone in my family is clean or if we have clean bowls for our cereal that we're eating for supper. So, this will have to do for now. Our third baby is due July 2014! More on that to come :)

3 //  h o l i d a y s   w i t h   f a m i l y

Daniel's mom surprised him and his sister by visiting for Christmas. (She's smart and kept us spouses in-the-know :) We had lots of fun indulging in gelato, homemade corndogs, enjoying a semi-warm day outside, and even getting mani-/pedis. Immediately after that, my whole family got together for a weekend of post-holiday celebrating. It was wonderful to see everyone! And we were able to get some family pics. (The instagram version is what's in the bottom right above.)

4 //  l o t s   o f   l a z i n e s s

I wish that this month was full of the Christmas-break laziness that I remember as a kid. Instead it was laden with feeling terrible and tired, with brief breaks to make memories with family. Otherwise, I've spent a lot of time this month on the sofa, while Daniel cares for the kids and cleans the apartment. That's very slowly changing. In the meantime, I'm so thankful for a loving, caring and understanding husband!

5 //  2 0 1 4 

Sadly, I was asleep by eight on New Year's Eve. But I did enjoy a wonderful pina colada before bed. (Just frozen pineapple blended with coconut milk--so easy and delicious!) I also bought a simple planner from Target. I had dreams of upgrading to a pricier simplified beauty by Emily Ley or entrepreneur's dream by Whitney English. But when much of this year will be consumed with baby (first trimester sickness, third trimester nesting, postpartum, sleep training, teething), a simple planner to keep me up with the basics will do just fine.


Phew, can you tell this little bean in my belly is already consuming my life? I'll try to keep the pregnancy updates somewhat contained and have a few posts more related to my passions for green, intentional, simple living. But I'll just go ahead and warn you, the next year is going to be very unpredictable--in my life and on this blog. But I hope you'll stick around for the fun!

friday update // november

Wow, I've really disappeared from the blog lately. How about I quit making promises for future posts or products until I can get my act together? Deal. In the meantime, here's a quick update on what November has brought.

1 // n e w   w a t e r   c u p

After going through several of the clear Starbucks cups, Daniel bought me the chiseled copper version. It's easier to drink from than the bite tops or the sport tops. Plus, it's beautiful :) Also, he got me a coat this year. I've been wearing a softshell as a coat for a long time, and I complain (more like whine) about winter all the time. Not anymore! Amazing how dressing for the season can make everything better.

2 // t h a n k s g i v i n g

We enjoyed the holiday with some good friends of ours. Lots of lazing around and taking turns making dishes for our wonderful feast. There's nothing like time with family and friends to remember how much there truly is to be thankful for.

3 // b a k i n g

I haven't had energy for much, but when I have baked, I've wondered why I quit. I used to make things all the time when we lived in Florida. I think Susy-Homemaker left me when Ian was born and not sleeping through the night. Well, after enjoying delicious homemade granola, I think it's time she returned. At least for a while.

4 // c h r i s t m a s   d e c o r a t i n g

We decorate for Christmas the Friday after Thanksgiving. I've done a small space solution (see more ideas >> here) the last couple years, because, well, we live in a small space. This year, Daniel really wanted our tree up, and proved to me that it fits. Sure, we don't get much daylight in that window. But it's just one month out of the year, right? We also have mistle toe, a wreath on our front door, stockings hung on a closet, the nativity, and our advent calendar up, although haven't been following the cards very well.

5 // f a m i l y

My favorite moments this month have been with the three special people in the photo above. We've been playing Uno (the kids actually do really good! Ian's throwing down the winning card in that photo above), and watching Planes and Christmas movies on Netflix. It's the simple family time that's the best.