All this leads to a social media fast...

I feel like the big theme of my weekend was about identifying the idols in my life. I hopped online yesterday to write this exact blog post, only to read this post by my friend Jennifer. Since she puts her thoughts oh so well, I thought I would let her words speak for me. (Hope you don't mind, Jen :) Please take time to read it here before you continue on.

Recently when I was having problems with my computer not working, I had decided that since it was only going to be a week or so (or so I thought), I would enjoy my time away. Well, one week turned into three, and needless to say, the ugliness inside of me was coming out. I was very frustrated and angry, thinking, "If this is what I'm supposed to be doing with my life- running an online shop & blog, how am I supposed to do it without the internet? What are you doing, God?"

Now, I don't believe that social media is bad (though obviously there is evil available), and I think God can use it for His glory. I want Him to use my space for His glory.
However, when the desire of our hearts becomes to make much of Jesus through social media rather than desiring Jesus himself, there is a problem.

Nothing. Nothing. NOTHING can take up residence in our hearts ahead of Jesus. And I don't believe we can just think we will keep Him first, and then the other things we really love can have a little part as well.
He has to have the whole heart.

All of this to say, I've decided to give up social media (blogs, facebook, twitter) for a time. I'm planning on two weeks, but I want to leave room for God's Spirit to make that decision. I need time and space to really seek after God for answers. I need wisdom and direction. I'm praying about attending this conference, as well. 
I need to get rid of the clutter in my life in order to refocus.

My shop will definitely still be open, and I plan on listing some new things over the next few weeks. I will still be answering emails, and will make exceptions to this fast when I receive updates that someone is trying to reach me via social media, but the everyday updates and ramblings and reading everyone else's updates and ramblings is not going to fit in these next few weeks.
I'm counting on God to speak, and I'm not settling until He does.

Hope you have a blessed day, friends.
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The winner of the Dream Big giveaway is...

Congrats! Email me at schlabachpottery[at]yahoo[dot]com, and I'll connect you with Heather.

Another random side note- Only one of my shop credit giveaway winners has claimed their prize, so if you are Nicole {Home for Hire}, please email me! I'll have to pick another winner if I don't hear from you because you don't have any contact info available.

Sweet & Savory Kale

It's Friday, and I am so excited to continue my Health Food Fridays series! Today, I'm sharing the recipe for Sweet & Savory Kale (the yummy side dish pictured with last month's Maple-Glazed Salmon). Like I shared before, kale is so super good for you, and it's yummy too! This recipe is my favorite way to prepare this nutrient-dense green veggie. (Pair it with Maple-Glazed Salmon, and you have one of my favorite meals! :)

SWEET & SAVORY KALE (serves 3-4)
- 2 TB. olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 TB. dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tsp. sugar (I use this whole cane sugar, found in natural food stores)
- 1 TB. balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 cups (packed) chopped kale
- handful of dried cranberries or raisins
- salt & pepper to taste
- sliced almonds

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat, and saute onions and garlic for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in mustard, sugar, vinegar, and chicken stock, and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in kale. 

Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes until wilted. Stir in dried cranberries (or raisins) and continue simmering uncovered until the liquid has reduced by half and the cranberries have softened, about 15 minutes.

Season to taste with salt and pepper and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Serve and enjoy!

P.S. Look for the winners of the big birthday giveaway coming later today :) (You may still have time to enter if I haven't announced it yet!) There's still time to enter this Dream Big giveaway, too!

Jennifer Blair Photography

A couple months ago I sent some pottery to the highly talented Jennifer Blair for her to photograph. Jennifer and I "met" through our blogs about a year ago, and it has been amazing to watch her develop her mad photography skills during this time. She undoubtedly has a gift!

Isn't her sister gorgeous?!

If you want to see more dreamy photos, head on over to Jennifer's blog. It's one of my favorite reads :)

Dream Big

A few months ago when Heather Boersma asked me if I would be interested in doing a review of her new book Dream Big, I was totally surprised. Not only would she give me her book, but she would want to hear my opinion of it? I was in.

Dream Big is a 30-day devotional that focuses on discovering God's unique dream for your life. While it's aimed at the young-adult crowd, there is so much good in it for a Christian of any age. The Lord particularly spoke to me in several areas in my life through this book- (1) I need to be more open/friendly/personable and not just live in my own self-centered world (being shy is no excuse) & (2) I need to spend more time listening for His voice rather then having one-way conversations where I do all the talking (How annoying is that?! Yet, He is so patient...) 

Here's a short video of Heather sharing more about her book...



Heather is being so generous to give a copy of her ebook to one of my readers today!

To Enter (comment for each):
-Become a public follower of my blog via Google Friend Connect
-Follow Heather on Facebook
-Follow Heather's blog on Bloglovin'
-Follow Heather on Twitter
-Tweet about the giveaway (counts for 2 entries- comment twice)
Feel free to use this: Enter to win a copy of #DreamBig by @HeatherBoersma on @NSPottery blog http://bit.ly/KFC4vV

(Update:) Winner will be chosen on Tuesday, May 29! (taking Monday off for Memorial Day :)

If you don't win, you can also snag a copy of Dream Big (ebook or hard copy) and get 10% off with coupon code: HEATHER

Good Luck! And thanks for your heart and generosity, Heather!

P.S. There's still time to enter this birthday giveaway!

24

Today I turn 24, so to celebrate, I thought I'd do a giveaway! First I want to say thanks for reading my blog and showing me love and support over the past year. It really means so much, and I'm so grateful for all the amazing people that I have met through this blog! ♥

Now on to the giveaway :)

To Enter (comment for each):
For my real-life non-blogging friends, entering is easy. Don't be afraid :)

(1) Visit the shop & tell me one thing you want to buy if you win!
(2) Follow my blog with google friend connect
(3) Follow me on Facebook & post a link to the giveaway on your wall
(4) Follow me on Twitter & tweet about the giveaway
         Feel free to use something like this for facebook & twitter: Help @NSPottery celebrate her birthday by entering to win one of 2 $40 gift certificates to her shop!  http://bit.ly/L2OAE5

Two winners will be chosen next Friday, May 25!

Good luck :)

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(Giveaway closed)

The winners are...

Congrats ladies!!! Send me an email at schlabachpottery[at]yahoo[dot]com to claim your prize!

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6/13 Update- A new winner was chosen do to the fact that winner #1 was unreachable, so the second winner is...

Congrats, Marilyn!

Life Unexpected

Hey friends, just wanted to pop in and say hello. Life's thrown me some curve-balls lately, and I'm learning to go with the flow and be more present with the people God has placed around me.

I thought my blogging break would only last a week or so, and it has been 3 weeks! I have missed it so much. After my little laptop episode, I was supposed to be getting a replacement adapter since mine had a two-year warranty, but apparently when I shipped it back, it got lost or stolen in the mail (or so they say). I had to order a new one (from a different company, I might add), and finally, it has arrived.

I haven't done a whole lot this week besides being with my family. My grandpa passed away unexpectedly early Monday morning, so it has been a bit of a shock for everyone, yet I know that he couldn't be better then he is right now. We have been overwhelmed with support and generosity from our community, and we know that we are truly blessed. It will take some adjusting for everyone, but if you would keep my grandma in your prayers, it would be much appreciated. I can't imagine what it would be like to lose my best friend and constant companion of 61+ years.

He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; the rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken. And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

Isaiah 25:8-9

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Generosity is contagious. Because I have been blessed in so many ways, stay tuned for a surprise birthday giveaway coming at you tomorrow and another giveaway on Monday! Regular blogging (including Health Food Fridays!) will resume after that (Lord-willing).