I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I decided to adopt a couple of plants from a local supermarket. Somehow I got caught up in the houseplant trend and was inspired to add a little greenery to my small space. I wanted to give it a try, even with my past history of having a brown thumb! Little did I know how exciting, but also frustrating at times green leaves can be... Here are a few lessons I've learned about life and myself – all from a struggling houseplant.

1. a gradual process is better than forced progress

When I first picked up my first round of plants last summer, I could blink and there would already be a new leaf growing on the side. Towards the end of the warm season however, things started progressing much slower. Watching them grow became less exciting and tested my patience. Because I was overly focused on seeing a fuller, matured plant, I missed out on the small steps along the way. I missed out on understanding and learning how to take care of each plant individually, instead hurting them by trying to force a process that takes time.

I believe the same thing happens in life when we try to speed up the process during seasons when we need to take things slow. Learn to be patient and witness the beauty found in the smaller steps.

2.  see things how they are, not how I expect things to be

When I picked up my colorful friend, I had it stuck in my mind it was a variegated rubber plant (which was a huge and silly novice mix-up to make 😳). This mistake led me to care for it in all the wrong ways, all because I perceived it to be something it wasn't. Unfortunately, until the plant had a near death scare, I did not realize what it actually was to care for it properly. As a result, leaves starting curling in all the wrong directions and the soil swinging between being either too dry or soaked.

3. failing sucks

As the weeks continued, my plant's progress kept inconsistently wavering, losing its leaves one-by-one. It was time to let the dying thing die. This was not only hard for the fact that I failed at keeping yet another plant alive. But also it made me feel like all the effort I put into trying to revive it and keep it happy was wasted. But looking back now, I know a lot more about what not to do the next time which is still better experience than none.

In the end, there are some things to be learned from even the tiny details in life. I guess my next step will be making a quick stop at the nearest plant nursery. Wish me the best and a green thumbs up! 😳🌿

The first half of this year has been a whirlwind of so many transitions and changes that I did not always know how to adjust to (- still figuring out some too haha). I just graduated college and am moving onto a similar, but different season in life as I head to grad school. It's exciting to almost be doing what I'm interested in doing for work in the future, but also a little nerve-wracking with the bit that is still left to come.

For now, I want to try and take it one day at a time.

Waking up each given morning, and overcoming the rut of the mundane. I want each day I live to not feel like it was wasted at the end of the day. I want to feel alive and excited about God and for that to show. I want the gifts and passions placed in me to overflow and contribute something beautiful to the world.

Hope to share more in the coming weeks.


jem.

Spring is right around the corner, which means spring break is either here or will be in a few weeks! Even if you're not traveling to somewhere bright and warm, planning a staycation can be just as fun. Plus, it's so much more college-budget friendly!

1. Try a New Recipe from Pinterest 

Let's be honest... Out of the hundreds of recipe pins you have on your food pin board, there's probably less than ten you've tried. I know I'm guilty! 🙋‍♀️
If you need a place to start on some simple recipes for inspiration, check out my board snack shack. It's categorized by breakfast, lunch, dinner meal times and other labels, with desserts included!

2. DIY Home Theatre Marathon

Almost everyone's had a good Netflix or movie binge at some point in their life. Why not add a twist? Using only a magnifying glass, shoe box, and your phone, you can make your own at home movie projector! It's an easy DIY to follow if you search "diy phone projector" on YouTube.

3. Write a story

This may sound like a weird staycation idea, but for someone looking to get their creativity flowing, this one's for you! Writing from scratch may come easier to one person than other, let alone writer's block being in the mix. Challenge yourself using writing prompts from random story generators. You might get some pretty wacky plots to guide the story, but it all adds to the fun and challenge.


4. Spa Day

It's a classic, and never ceases to fail! Light a candle, turn on a relaxing music playlist, and mix yourself a pleasant aroma using essential oils.


5. Paint Night with Bob Ross

If there's one thing on this list you're debating on trying, setting up a paint night following Bob Ross' painting series is not one to miss!

Explore creation!

6. Eat at a locale restaurant

It doesn't even need to be a fancy sit-down place. Try out that new donut shop or cafe around the corner. Support a small, family-owned pizza shop. Bring a friend along in the experience!

7. Explore nearby nature trails

Sometimes taking a break and disconnecting from all things digital is well needed. Hike a nearby trail with a friend. If you are up to a challenge, plan and pack for a day trip for longer hikes.

8. Picnic n' Potluck

Instead of eating out, host a picnic, potluck-style with some friends! Plan out who is bringing what and possibly have an impromptu photoshoot... 📸



9. Visit a local flea market

With warmer weather approaching, flea markets come along with the season. You never know what treasures you may find!

10. Food crawl 

Treat yourself to a food crawl across your city. Donuts and ice cream, and cupcakes, oh my!

The last time I made a self-introduction post was about two years ago, so re-introductions are a bit over due! I go by "Jem" here on arise + create, which is short for Jemima (my name). I am currently a college student getting ready to graduate and continue onto more school. I have been a blogger for about five years, but not writing as consistently as I'd like! 😗

Fun (or Not-So-Fun) Facts

⍋ i don't like coffee - the closest I'll get to enjoying coffee is a Starbucks frapp!

⍋ i own five plants: a rubber plant, small round cactus, prayer plant, snake plant, and pothos

⍋ mugs = 💛 especially ceramic-made mugs

⍋ in my down time, I enjoy doodling and painting (check out my DIY watercolor post), watching Youtube videos, taking walks in the park, and creating

⍋ i am a follower of Christ

Get-to-Know Questions

⍋ If I were to describe myself in a color, what would it be?
I would probably be a deep turquoise or teal color. It's a relaxing color to me, and sort of blends into the background most of the time.

⍋ If I were given an extra hour in the day, what would I do?
Maybe spend time planning out how to use the other hours of my day to better help productivity > procrastination

⍋ What is your favorite dessert?
Fresh peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream - hands down 🙌✨

⍋ What is your Meyers-Briggs personality type?
I'm an infp - I found this graphic on Pinterest this week that pretty much screams "this is me":




⍋ What is God currently teaching me?
The joy of fellowship with other believers, quiet times with the Lord in the morning shift the way I see God's world, + each day is a new day to re-submit to God

⍋ In this year, what am I looking forward to?
Graduating, starting a new chapter in life, and new experiences that may be uncomfortable at first but will help grow me

arise + create is a space that is mainly focused on three things: living, believing, and making. I realized one of my frustrations when figuring out how to blog and what to blog about was due to not having a clear focus. The space I created when I first started was great, but didn't easily allow for big changes without possibly starting from scratch. I loved writing as graceboat, but I also needed a name that suits me in my current season of life and allows for some wiggle room!


the writer is a twenty-something year old gal currently in college who enjoys paint nights, non-caffeinated hot beverages (sorry not sorry coffee drinkers!), and jamming to 80's beats

#1 Do Not Wait to Write Down Ideas

The amount of times I’ve been guilty of this one... 😬

My advice: Type a quick note to yourself on your cellphone if you’re not able to write the whole post out in one sitting. Include bullet points of the main ideas you can refer to later, so it’s easier to trace back your thought process from earlier.

#2 Sometimes It Feels Like a Part-Time Job

Mainly because, One: I'm not a full-time blogger: During the school year, classes are my main focus so the frequent updates on my blog dies down over those month, in contrast to the summer time.
And Two: The inspiration to write or place my thoughts into words sometimes doesn't flow as often as I would like to post.

My advice: Take your time and honestly--no pressure! It shouldn't have to feel like a part-time job. Quality is better than quantity, plus it shows to the people who read your posts.

#3 It’s OK to Take a Break

My advice: Don't feel like you need to announce every time you need to take a break, or when you come back. If it has been a long while (more than three months), it would be nice to refresh and update everyone on what you have been up to or new content you are planning. 

#4 Get Ready, to Get Messy

Since blogging isn't a cookie cutter recipe, things can get messy, confusing, and frustrating at times. That's part of the beauty of blogging as well! You can make it into anything you want to be. It can be about your underwater basket weaving hobby, travel experiences, or advice corner (maybe even all three!) –– the possibilities are endless. And the fact that there's no other person on the web that will have the same exact array of experiences is a part that makes your space unique.

My advice: Explore different topics in writing and DO share things you are passionate about. That may change as months or years go by, so feel free to change things up. It WILL be messy!

#5 Share You

My advice: Try posting using your own photography, share your random thoughts (even if it might not make 100% sense), and share what you've been learning. There's always a way to add your own spin on a popular trend/topic, so make it yours!

1. I would be more thankful––even when it’s hard
2. I’d pray more
3. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable
4. Plan my schedule more
5. Be firm in my “yes” and sure in my “no”

6. Less unhealthy snack binges 🍩😛
7. Explore new creative outlets
8. Be intentional in my time with God
9. Have more heart-to-heart conversations
10. Learn a new language (or a couple)

11. Balance my time wisely
12. Less-screen time
13. Listen to more podcasts in the car
14. Hosting mini-events for friends
15. Investing in younger women and girls

16. Really creating a home/niche in my blog space
17. Live like Jesus
18. Caring more about my physical health
19. Learning to care for others well 💕
20. Be prepared to be a real adult (while still being a kid at heart of course!)

21. Being ok with plans going a different direction

1. Growing everyday,
2. Learning different things
3. Taking on new responsibilities.

It's a large part of growing up, that I'm only beginning to understand and starting to appreciate. Not that it will be easy or everything will run smoothly, but it will be worth it later or to someone else I may help one day.