It took us years to get here. We sold our big house, sold anything not nailed down, and bought a tiny barn in the country. We built the staircase with our own hands, and our kids raised a wall into place. It’s really simple here. The footprint of our house is 30’x30,’ and eight of us do all our living under this one gable roof. But it’s everything we’ve ever wanted. We sit on a little ridge of land with big trees and big breezes. The kids are growing up and we are growing older—not much else happens out here. While we were still tearing out walls inside, we painted the outside black and named the place Ravenridge with this verse in mind:
Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than the birds? (Luke 12:24).
Our thirties were hard years for us, and we truly learned that God’s provision was our only hope and security. In the testimony of Scripture and in our own lives, we saw again and again that God provides for His people, giving us everything they need. We work hard, we do our best, we plant seeds, but the Lord makes them grow. And then we realized we have nothing to fear in life or in death because He is our security. We are so tempted to “set [our] hope on the uncertainty of wealth” (1Timothy 6:17), but that’s not where true happiness lies.
When you are anxious, remember: “Don’t be afraid… because your Father delights to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). Small living might not be for you. (Goodness knows, I’m so grateful for my friends with pools and big spaces for hosting!) But the discipline of simplicity is for everyone. Our Father loves us and He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10), so don’t sweat your one cow—or car. Can you think of a time you have seen the Church as the hands and the feet of the gospel in hand-me-downs or casseroles?
Consider the ravens. Consider the flowers of the field. Consider the fatherly kindness and provision of our God. Indeed, Christian simplicity is rooted in God’s fatherly love. He desires to give us the kingdom. Therefore, we may have childlike faith, and not be ruled by the worries, fear, or desires of the world. Simply seek Christ and His kingdom. Hear Him whispering to you now:
Don’t be afraid, little flock.
Aren’t you worth much more than the birds?
How much more will your Father do for you—you of little faith?
We need much less than we think. And our Father provides what we need. Sometimes it is just enough, and sometimes it’s abundantly more than we could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Practice walking in faith and simplicity, for your Father delights to give you the kingdom.
Written by Caleb and Rebecca Faires
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94 thoughts on "Simplicity"
Simplicity is on my mind all the time but I haven’t seemed to figure it out yet! In my busy calendar, closet, possessions, etc. I crave it constantly though so this is a big nudge to work toward it!
I have always wanted to be a minimalist. I think it’s time to learn.
Love this xxx
Lovely thank you
Where can we simplify? This is such an invitation!
This weeks disciplines are soothing my soul!
I love this message of simplicity and how it equates to trust. What a wonderful lesson.
God will show himself to be faithful
A real honest struggle – You’re right in what you say “ Am I willing to give up this worldly, perishable thing, in order to serve and love the One Who gave it all to me?” And the answer should always be yes, but our hearts sometimes need time to catch up.
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When I feel anxious about something or not sure about a decision out of fear…this verse oh yea of little faith always comes to mind as a reminder of His promises❤️
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@Betsy Cain, thank you so much for the book recommendation. I was able to download a copy from my public library’s digital collection. When I saw the title of the book God put it on my heart to read it.
The pandemic has made our budget tighter since I had to take a year of leave from my job to support my kids in virtual learning. This has made me reflect on each purchase and taught me about what I need to buy and what I just want to buy. God has continued to meet our needs each month and provided joy in simpler activities as a family.
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This is a lesson I’m constantly having to relearn and redirect my spending and desires. I’m enjoying this season of wanting less and spending less. But it usually comes after a spending spree or two for me. But slowly I’m learning and adjusting my lifestyle. Having less things to clutter my space, mind, closet, and deductions on my bank account feels good. But I am also someone who falls in love with things, not even expensive things. But I can catch myself loving things for sure. My self esteem and self worth get very low when I feel like I’ve been “bad” with my spending/money. But I know that’s not right either.
Dianne, thank you for sharing your story about your trip to Honduras. Your statement about wanting to make everything better or figuring out how to have better, struck a chord with me. It moved me to tears. I have been struggling with worry about some loved ones lately, and instead of seeing God‘s provision for them, I have taken on the burden of always figuring out how to make it better, and wondering if what they have is the best and trying to figure out how I can provide that. I am praying for the Holy Spirit to give me wisdom about this tendency to assume all responsibility. I know that means that I am not trusting Him and taking too much of a burden upon my shoulders. I can, thank you for sharing your story. It prompted me to examine my own attitudes toward God’s provision and care.
@HEIDI – Thank you for your perspective. I absolutely agree that much of the pain and struggling around the world is due not to God’s shortcomings but to ours. So thankful that people answered His call to help your family.
I recommend the book ‘The Hole in our Gospel’ by Richard Stearns – it’s about how much poverty could be eradicated if many of us Christians lived less selfishly and less extravagantly. https://www.christianbook.com/anniversary-edition-expect-answer-changed-change/richard-stearns/9780785228677/pd/228670?event=CFCER1
@kelly, do you personally know someone from Hondurus that is a righteous person that is starving? Yes Job suffered, we were never told the righteous would not suffer. Show me an example in the Bible where God allowed a righteous person to starve. God promised us He would provide for our basic needs and He also promised us we would face harships
and trials, those are not starvation for the context of the scriptures. He also said if a man would not work he should not eat. I never said we should close off out hearts to those starving. We also must be careful not to enable laziness or other sins that lead to starvation. I do agree with you that corruption leads to much of the starvation we see but I also know that God will see that the righteous will have food and clothing from the promises in the word. I believe this is what the word teaches but I respect your perspective on it and I think we should all have more compassion on those facing hardship and sufferings of all kinds.
I needed this message today. For too long of my life, I’ve lived in my own desires. I have found that in pursuit of those desires, I have found myself not only wanting more, but anxious and depressed. Since finding God and listening to His word for me, I am happy to say I am seeking freedom from my own selfishness and praising Him for what He has given me. I am resting in the truth that He will always provide what I need. I don’t need to desire because He provides. Amen!
Amen, Kayla ❤️
Simple trust. Contentment. Grace.
I love how you put that – “worshiping at the altar of worry and anxiety.” As someone who also struggles with anxiety, I need to recognize when I’m at the wrong altar and cast those worries to the One who will never abandon me!
We recently moved and I was shocked to see how much things we had stored away in our small home (out of sight out of mind). It was a reality check, and the move was extremely stressful. Though one year before moving, I had decluttered lots of things from home décor, kids toys, clothing, garden accessories, etc. but we still had loads. I was so stressed in the process and was robbed of the joy to celebrate moving into the new home God provided.
I am thankful for this topic and all the beautiful comments and thoughts you have shared. Truly one’s life is not consisted of what we own. I am glad that the verse today, the rich man thought to himself, I ran out of rooms to store my stuff, surely that is a big sign isn’t it? I also ran out of rooms in my kids’ closets to store their 4 season clothing and hobbies stuff. I need to stop and reflect! Wait a minute, time to let go, time to sell and give alms, time to pass on to kids who don’t have enough winter jackets, mittens or hats in winter. Thankful for this reminder. Thankful for everyone’s wisdom.
Thank you Tina for your so very lovely story, brought tears to my eyes (almost every time!). So much wisdom in what you shared. Joy is found in simplicity through the eyes of a child. I pray I will INTENTIONALLY live simply (buy less, give away more) and teach my children to do the same. Bless you all dear sisters.
I have struggled with anxiety all my life. As I have grown in my Christian walk, it has lessened in my life. Although, it is something I still struggle with. Being reminded that God cares for us, as he cares for the birds, is just what I needed to hear. I pray this next year I can truly trust in my savior to meet my needs. I know he always has.
I never thought about connecting Luke 10 to simplicity- but that makes so much sense! Sometimes I get so caught up in serving or trying to get things done or doing the “right” thing that I miss Jesus right in front of me!
I have been trying to simplify my life the last several years because I am by myself and don’t want to have a lot or do lot. I remember when my father moved out of his house into a senior living place. My sister, my son and I all started two months before he moved going through the house. Yes some of the items were mine but some were my brothers’ and sister’s, some were my son’s but oh my, my father had forgotten some of the things he had stored away. This experience made me realize happiness is in memories and living day-to-day not things.
Have a blessed day my sisters in Christ.
So good, a much needed practice. I really need to work on this.
That’s awesome! Proud that you are choosing to focus on God and allowing everything else to line up for you. God will bless your obedience
I love today’s reading! It is so easy to get caught up in wanting the things of this world. God will give us what we need when we need it!
This reading reminds me to appreciate my little house that is bursting with laughter from my grandchildren’s visits. I miss my old house that I shared with my husband who passed away a little more than a year ago but I’m so grateful to God for this new beautiful simple life that He has given me.
Ladies, just a few days ago-Day19, I wrote this in my study book- “The Buy Nothing” group. Purpose is to give something away. Thankful for that post which generated a “peace of simplicity.”
Awww so good to read your words sisters! A name God gave me for himself, when I was struggling in many ways years ago, was Abundance. He is my God of Abundance and even in times when I had little He showed me how to be generous. He has met me over and over in my need. And yet there was a time when I thought if I just had enough money, everything would be good. Thought I could save a loved one from addiction, save my grands if I just had a lot of money. What a lot of hooey I told myself for quite a long time. And, in His grace and mercy He showed me the lie of this. My God is the God of abundance and He cares for my needs, answers my prayers for others and let’s me give to bless others and be a part of His abundance, what joy is this that I too can be an answer to someone else’s prayer as others with their open hands have been so often to me. I believe He meets us right where we are, and He is caring for the poor, the homeless, the sick, Yes He is. Can we join Him in this with our money, time and love and prayers, Yes we can and He will bless it and multiply it, because that is who our Jesus is. Our God is big enough, in a sermon I once heard the pastor said, sometimes we make Him so small in the things we ask for, we need to let God out of the human sized box we put Him in and pray for others and keep in mind He is all powerful, all resources are at His disposal, He is omnipotent, He can do all things. Let us pray that He moves mountains with our tiny mustard seed of faith and be part of the earth shaking as and when He calls us to, lift our hands and hearts to be a part of moving it. So grateful that the One who rose from the dead is still raising us to life. And providing for our joy, one cherry topped biscuit at a time. (Thanks Tina, loved the story of your grandson!)
I have been a longtime reader and love reading everyone’s comments, although I I have never commented myself. As most have been saying, this message is so timely for everyone in different ways. This past week I have been really wrestling with my job and if I should leave it. It is causing me the type of stress that keeps you up at night and working long hours. I have been given new roles that are legally and time sensitive. All this to say, I am beyond overwhelmed. The idea of just quitting the job I have had for seven years and all I’ve ever known is very unsettling. Where will my income come from? How will I find a new job that pays as well in the midst of a tough job market? Will I even be able to find a job that I have the type of experience for? I know so many are struggling with worse than me and I have been consistently praying for those. But I am praying for the right answer and the correct direction. I know that the Lord will provide no matter what but if I’m being raw, the unknown is very scary. I would covet your prayers as well.
I’m also incredibly fearful of the unknown! I will pray for you! ♥️
Amen. Powerful reading
@jerod, I would caution against the idea that righteous people are not starving right now. Job is very righteous but God still lets him suffer. The entire country of Honduras is suffering right now and being driven away, for example, and most of them are Christians and much more devout than most Americans. Here in the US the people waiting overnight at food banks are the ones who lost their jobs, not those who didn’t follow God. I do agree hardness can lead us to God, but I also think this kind of suffering breaks his heart. we mustnt just accept someone else’s suffering so we can keep living in comfort. In many cases their suffering is due to someone else’s sin, be it greed or a society set up for others to fail. When we ask of God how he can allow it, perhaps he asks the same of us.
Simplicity is the state of being uncomplicated
Several years ago I went to Honduras and saw people who I thought of as poor (they were), who had little and searched the roadside dumps for needs (not worried but looking for what was provided), they lived simply (using what they found to make their home) and grew what God made grow.
They lived uncomplicated lives. They looked to God for what was next. It was not comfortable for me. I wanted better for them and for me. However, I tended to worry about what was next and over-plan how to have better, looking at my circumstances all the time. Seeing how I could help God make everything better.
I came home different. I came home helping and serving more poor. I came home emptying my home of all that we don’t need so that others can find and use. I am still a work in progress. I have a people I know that are minimalists, and people who are living their best lives in little and people who have decided to live uncomplicated (not comfortable).
I want to live hoping in God and His kingdom, my home not this world I live in now. It doesn’t go with me and most often no one thinks of the “things” the way that people who bought them thought.
Lately I wake up in the morning with anxiety pretty much every day and I can’t pinpoint exactly why. While anxiety is something I’ve struggled with for a while, it hasn’t always shown up in this specific way. It got to the point this morning that I decided to look it up…and then sat down to do my readings. Was not expecting our study of simplicity to include so many readings addressing anxiety and worry! God is funny like that. I realize I tend to overcomplicate things and “out-think the room” as my dad always told me growing up. For me, this teaching on simplicity is less about material things (though I can certainly work on that) and more about how much time I spend worshipping at the altar of worry and anxiety. Everything is simple in the warm embrace of Christ. Usually when things feel difficult or out of control, I am the one making it so. Another thing I’ve realized about my morning? As soon as I sit with the Word, my heart begins to calm. I am learning in this season that beginning with God – keeping to that simple practice – has the capacity to shift my world in so many ways.
Thank you for sharing this Tina, what a beautiful story , brought tears to my heart and eyes.
I cannot remember who said they go back and read comments during the week. But what a great thing to focus on instead of SM!
Timely..please pray for the simplicity that only God can bring to my life right now. Simple pleasures that will honor Him.
Tina, thank you for sharing a piece of your life. How sweet. Love you from across the pond.
Wow @Tina your story really touched me! @Churchmouse I love the idea to pray over the bags I donate! @Taylor “But seek first His Kingdom”…thank you for this reminder. @alicia I also struggle with SM. I have considered deleted my account, but it is how I stay abreast of what others with my son’s illness are going through. I have thought about cleaning up my page. Delete those that are negative or pull me in the wrong direction. I have also made purchases from the ads. It is more impulsive than if I purposely shop online. There I put things in my cart and sit on it. Also it spokes volumes to me when you said, “am I willing to give away a rotting possession to be more like God. Because He has given us everything – His Son and His Kingdom.” Thank you all for such words of wisdom!
Just my perspective on those wondering about the people who are starving. A passage in Psalms comes to mind from David, Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging for bread.
Do you personally know any righteous people starving? I can’t think of one example in all my life. I think God uses starvation as a means to drive people to Him. To me it is a loving act to use hardship as a means to drive someone to salvation and save them from eternal separation from God.
“Sometimes it’s just enough”. That’s pretty much been my life. And I’m sitting here thinking how ungrateful I’ve been sometimes. Not all the time, but sometimes. My life has always been pretty simple. Not too much extra. But God… I’ve been able to see God move in ways that may appear impossible in the eyes of the world (my unsaved friends). These past 3 1/2 years I’ve seen God move in the most amazing ways. He has and continues to provide for my 2 kids and I. Recently my adult son made a hard decision to go exclusively online for college. We were both sad. But it was a smart decision as it will save him from a huge college debt. His campus isn’t even open yet so it wasn’t too hard of a decision to make.. All this to say my Jesus is Jehovah Jireh. My provider. I need to be more grateful for the “just enough“. I am being provided for and that’s all that really matters. I have what I need. I have enough. And I have to add. God replaced my old clunker for a newer car. And it was exactly the kind of vehicle I wanted. Through the generosity of my family and some savings I had, God provided. I am forever grateful.

One of my all time favorite books. “Tis a Gift to be Simple” by Barbara & David Sorenson.
Simplicity is good. I wish my husband would understand that. We are currently in the process of remodeling a bathroom and creating an office space for my husband. Our home is pretty modest. He would love to move into a McMansion somewhere nearby but it’s expensive enough living here and I love my cape cod. I tell him the house would feel
Less cramped if he would just put his stuff away but he never does. Simplicity is what I want but it feels complicated.
@BAILEY- I’ve wrestled with that too. And through and sermon once I gained a lot of clarity. He says over and over- YOU are my hands and feet. YOU are equipped with my Holy Spirit. The fact is, ppl are hurting because other people are doing nothing (or little) about it. If every one of God’s children actually did what they could, sacrificed some things here and there and used those funds to fund others, I have to wonder how much poverty would be eradicated… I believe He is providing for others. I also believe many people see their money and possessions as THEIRS and never pass on the excess that He gives. My own family, as a child, was provided for, more times than I can count, by the generosity of others. THAT’s how HE provided. I often think about what if those people said No to Him.. heartbreaking.
I get so much from what you all share. Thank you all! I think we could sum up the prioritization God has designed for us with I Timothy 6:19, “…so that they may take hold of that which is TRULY life.” Who better to counsel us on what really matters and how we can be fulfilled than the One who designed us and knows us best? Have a blessed day, ladies!
This is my concern also that I posted. I don’t understand if it’s figuratively or in heaven. There are children and adults that freeze to death or die of starvation even right here in America. I have always wanted to understand this.
I will delight in the Lord and let Him be enough for me. I will not seek Him in the hopes that He may give me the kingdom, but with a heart that says Lord, You are enough for me.
@Bailey – ooof, tough question. Got me really thinking. So this verse is about worry/anxiety vs. trusting God right? So those are both mental things. To take it to the extreme, this does not mean be lazy and don’t work to earn an income right? Instead, we work unto the Lord – give thanks – buy food and eat it. The other scenario of starving and the poor – that’s not an issue of anxiety or worry – it’s more about sin and brokenness that has entered our world – maybe their family has suffered from drug addiction and they can’t keep a steady job to provide – maybe they just live in a poor country and food scarcity is just reality. Maybe they don’t even believe in God. There are so many awful things but we trust that God is at work, bringing beauty from the ashes. And sometimes (this is as hard to say as it may be to hear) death may be better for some to remove them from such pain – heaven is better for them! BUT!!! That does not excuse us from being generous and donating to causes which draw our hearts – the Lord will use our faithfulness in our generosity!!! I know that’s not a perfect answer – just some initial thoughts – I’m a perfectionist and I want to solve every problem but that can weight too heavily on me and I have to step back and do the next right thing where I can and trust God has a GOOD plan! & one day He’ll make all things new :)
These verses confuse me so much. This has always been a struggle for me. When He says he always provides and not to worry because the birds and flowers are taken care of…. does he mean He spiritually provides, or one day in heaven we will have abundance? I mean there are people and children that die in the street, in the cold, and starve to death. So I just never know how to read these verses.
Taylor, you are a smart, young woman! I wish I thought more like you when I was 22. God will indeed take care you. Your first job may not be your forever job and that is okay. You will continue to learn what you like and don’t like to set you up for what ever comes next. Praying for you!
God is definitely driving home a message to me lately about learning to find my rest in Him…all of these lessons are speaking to that and I’m so thankful for a community to share and learn with!
I totally relate with your experience @Alicia. It is not easy for me. I have not yet mastered the sweet medium between total abstinence and mindless scrolling. But this year I began the year with 21 days of prayer and fasting. After the initial detox period (a couple of days), I began to question my need to check my IG feed constantly…. now I check it once a day in the morning, and If I feel drawn to go and check again I question my motives… do I really need to? Am I just bored and need a distraction?
Again, this is really new to me, I have just been doing it a couple of days, but it has really helped me find a bit more balance. I hope I can build it as a discipline and not just a nice fad.
“But seek first HIS Kingdom…” I will be reflecting on how I can do just that in my daily life. The Lord will provide, yes He will <3
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Praying for you too!!! He will provide!
I love simplicity. I definitely don’t win a medal for practicing it perfectly, but since becoming a mom, I’ve tried to practice the “present over perfect” mentality with parenting. I’ve learned over and over how less is more and there’s so much joy in the simple.
I fall to the ads too but what’s helped me is to put it in my cart and leave. Wait think about it and real decide if it’s a need or a want. Most times it’s a want and then I just say ok- I don’t need it so I’m not getting it! Maybe that will help! Pray to Hod asking him, is this a need or a want. I’m sure he will help answer it!
I am 22, I will be getting ready to graduate this May. I am trying my best not to make my life my career, especially when I see the traps set to take on that mentality all around me. My friends are constantly applying for jobs searching for a high paycheck with the goal being a certain lifestyle. Life is so much more than a certain position at work or a salary. I choose to ignore the pressure and continue putting my life in God’s hands. It is hard not to worry about the next step or what my future will look like but I know God will always provide my needs. I pray for a good job that will respect me and my time, will allow me to grow and continue learning
I sometimes have a hard time with the passage in Luke 12 about not worrying what you will eat or wear since God provides these things. He does indeed provide these things in abundance for me and my family. But how does this apply to those living in extreme poverty around the world? Those dying of starvation every single day? I’d love some godly, Biblical perspective on these lingering questions.
Oh my, when I woke up this morning and read the scriptures this morning, I felt God needed me to read this. I’ve been feeling so sorry for myself. For the past 4 months, my teenage girls and I have been living in a family members 2 bedroom cabin since separating from my husband. I’ve been so depressed staying here. But God has given me exactly what we need right now. I have a warm house and a roof over my head overlooking the lake. It’s not what I want right now but maybe it’s what God wants for us. It’s simplicity at its finest. I need to work in restructuring my thoughts today and be more grateful in our simplicity.
@TINA, oh I just have tears in my eyes reading your sweet story. So true, the simple gifts that impact our loved ones the most!
@ANGIE, absolutely loved your words and wrote a lot of them down in my journal.
We can plant the seeds, but the Lord makes them grow! Reading this devotion made me pause and think about the simple acts we can do for others and the seemingly simple wonders that God created – sunrise, sunset, wildflowers, a gentle breeze – that bring us joy and closer to Him. So grateful for these words this morning and to set my eyes and heart on the spiritual discipline for Simplicity.
This is timely, as many have stated… :)
Not sure how much of “my story” from the last 3 years has been shared on here, but forgive the recap if I already have said it..
In short, due to some massively unseen financial pressures that fell on my husband’s business, we had to make the choice to sell our made-from-scratch “perfect” home we’d just built a couple of years earlier, leave our children’s very expensive private school, and move about a half-mile away in order to be in a top-rated (Free!) public school district. The 2 months that all of this happened within were a whirlwind to say the least. I fought with God over things that He continued to say no and I continued to say “fine I’ll figure out how to get it on my own”… Lots of bargaining. “God, you can have AAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL this…. You just give me this one thing, k???” Still, no.
A few months following this enormous change of home, school, job (I traded my more flexible position for a more demanding/higher paying position at another practice), I find out I’m pregnant. So now we have a tiny space with another human on the way. But I will say- when I finally let some things go. When I finally surrendered NOT just my stuff, but my heart and mind, I was able to see how He was showing up. In the free school we were now attending? Our children were getting the exact same care, education, resources, and support that they were previously for 50k/yr. Due to incredible support from parents in the school, they were able to offer almost an identical environment as what they were used to. God provided for me to leave the mentally-toxic position I had taken out of necessity and go back to a more flexible one that allowed me to see my children more. He moved us up to a much larger unit in our building to provide the space we needed for our growing family. And last night, He put through the sale of our other property we still had on our books. This was the last part of the puzzle we decided was wise to get in place before buying a new home, within the school district we now love. We have stripped down so many of the areas we said were “necessary” for our happy life and happy family. He’s provided so many “wants” along they way. When times got tight, He showed up and over and over again proved “hey, I’m not leaving you alone, k???” He’s brought new families into our lives and new opportunities we would have totally missed.
Now that we are starting our search for our new home, I’m praying God will provide a place that allows us to provide for others. That allows us the opportunity to support people who need it. To provide refuge for others who may need a welcoming table or bed to sleep in. My mind has shifted from “how will this house support and provide for US”, to “how can we use this (next) house to further God’s kingdom into the community we live in”. He just really is so good…
Once upon a time, tv advertisements were all about everything we didn’t know we “needed.” Now they are lawyers telling us what we’re “entitled” to or medicine we surely need. The world drives so many of our misconceptions, but that’s what satan wants. If we’re caught up in fleshly desires, we aren’t focusing on GOD and what truly matters: “ …one thing is necessary, Mary has made the right choice..”
Father, forgive me when I am like Martha and get caught up in things that don’t truly matter. I pray that I will be more like Mary and delight in sitting at your feet and listening to you.
Oh Tina that’s the best!!! Thanks for sharing! God is so so good all the time. ❤️
Here is a question that I have for some of you ladies. One way I have recently felt a tug to simplify recently has been with SM. I at first tried to do screen time limits, cleaning out who I was following, and the periodic fasting, and I think it helps a great deal. But as I start using the apps again, the screen time goes up a little week by week. And I find it cluttering my mind ever so slightly or (gasp) making me think about buying yet another trinket in a targeted ad that I would’ve never know about but now think I want. But I also love some aspects about SM — I love connecting with family and friends. And it’s just not always feasible to call/text some of those more distant members. I also like that I can look at my account as a type of digital family album, seeing saved stories of little moments from many years ago. I’ve tried to have an in-between attitude about SM, but I’m beginning to wonder if it’s just too addicting or difficult to do this? If anyone has experience with doing a type of in-between approach, or if anyone has straight up deleted accounts, I would love to hear your insight!
A few years ago, I purged our 1000 sq ft house because we had picked up an item here and there. I sold and donated items, and we ended up having enough money to go on a mission trip in the US — our first as a married couple. It was an eye opening experience because if I would’ve never picked up the little thing here and there, then we could’ve afforded to join in on a trip with our church 4x over or had a lot more money to use for good. I go through phases of the pick up a little unneeded thing here and there (sometimes I think it’s a stress management mechanism?), then I later freak out when the drawers look clunky and declare war on stuff — Marie Kondo-ing every space in sight. Here’s the thing. I think I have been overly controlling in both extremes. I need to trust the Lord in my daily provision and that He provides enough. But I also think I have that control issue when I have to deep breathe as I wonder if I need 5 forks or 6, which I think is an extreme mentality that self-proclaimed minimalists assume. So my point of this rambling is while I think simplicity is a hard discipline, it’s also more about faith. And it’s a heart thing — am I willing to give away a worldly, fading, and rotting possession, even one I don’t think I’m willing to live without, to be more like God? Because He has given away everything — His Son and His kingdom — to the lowly in Spirit, and His gifts do not fade or diminish
The older I get, the more dismayed I am by all my “stuff”. Working to downsize so that I can support missionaries.
Beautiful reminder of the foundation we have as Christians. Give Him your worries..
Amen!!
❤️
Today’s readings reminded me of the song “Sparrows” by Cory Asbury. A great meditation on the message of simplicity. Blessings to all you wonderful ladies!
I have recently downsized significantly. Not because I wanted to but because of an unwanted divorce. When our house finally sold and I found a new home for me and my kids and it was time to start packing I felt God urge me to be generous. So I gave probably half of our belongings away. I am not saying this to toot my own horn but rather to tell you this was not only a generosity from me to others but even more so from God to me. He taught me so much about stuff. Now I have half the clothes, half the furniture, half the square footage, half the yard… and double the relief from the stress of it all. It. Is. So. Freeing. I am in a unique position to start over and get right what I had wrong and focus on my role in the kingdom. I am grateful for that even through the grief.
Lord i thank you for your protection.
What my spirit needed to hear today!
This pandemic has been a good time to purge. Being mostly homebound has forced me to look at my “stuff” which is way too much. It’s been an unexpected joy to sort and donate. I close each bag with a prayer that the items would be a blessing. The pandemic has made me more aware of what is “enough.”
I had no idea how much I would struggle with the “need” for stuff as we’ve been preparing to welcome our first child into the world. I really want to be prepared, and that desire can quickly become
muddled by all of the stuff the world says we need for a baby. It’s overwhelming. I am grateful for this reminder, challenging though it is, to consider what our baby really needs—the Lord and His love. All the stuff doesn’t matter.
Thank you for this. So beautiful. Time to simplify and declutter my mind/ thoughts ( focusing on God and His Kingdom), my heart ❤️ ( passions, desires, plans, what I love), and simplifying my words too.
@angie, beautiful, thanks for sharing!
“In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of life that is TRULY LIFE”
Awww Tina! What a great story! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you ladies for the times you make me laugh. The times you stretch, challenge, and grow me with your words. And, for the opportunity to lift your needs before the Father. A couple times a week I read back through a days posts and laugh with you, cry with you, and always pray for you. Heidi…you are right, there will come a day when you miss all the chaos and noise and have full sentence conversations with your husband – then, before you know it, will come grandchildren, and you will get to enjoy it all again in slightly smaller increments. God is good, all the time. :) Blessings ladies!
Thank you for sharing ❤️
The foundation of simplicity for me is in contentment, it is an attitude. For so long in our younger years, when it was penny to penny for survival, we lived simply, but not because we wanted to. Now, it is not penny to penny, (maybe nickel to nickel) and we still live pretty simply, but now by choice, and we are thankful for it. There is something precious about gratitude for the gifts God provides in each moment. Conversations with a group of people who know and love Jesus. Playing dolls with my granddaughter or legos with my grandsons. Simply the time we are allowed with them, curled up, looking through pictures or books, coloring, or practicing letters, the hugs and smiles. Being able to see my son who lives close, as a father and husband growing in his relationship with Jesus. It is the prayers for those who we do not get to see or talk with like we desire, and yet rest in the fact that God is limitless and omnipresent in His care for them as we pray. I am human and definitely have my overwhelmed, opps, I picked up the burdens again times but, they are shorter than they once were. So much of what I read in God’s Word speaks to the power of our faith for opening doors for God to work in our lives. To live simply, in the present, trusting in faith the goodness of my Father is the attitude of my heart and I pray the actions of my life. When we get to heaven simply the being in the presence of our Savior, face will be simply everything…
Restless nights, worries, stresses, trying to be perfect, when there is only one who is perfect. Thank you Jesus, for sending me here, today, with a gentle reminder that if I let go, You will take care of it all
Be blessed, my sisters.
❤️
Tina,
Precious memory of what life is about!
Wide awake in the night thinking about what to do. Thank you for the encouragement not to overthink and worry. Lord, guide my steps and set me on the path you want me to travel.
When my second grandson was little, we spent a lot of time together.. precious days for both of us. One of the things he loved to do was bake bisuits with cherries on top with Nanny.. so much love in the weighing, the mixing, the balling, the traying, the baking, the smells of pure joy around the kitchen as they baked. the hot chocolate preparation in anticipation of the delights that would accompany it.. the cherry on top!
This little guy, also loved tools, real life screwdrivers, hammers, if he could lift them, but mainly screwdrivers! So that Christmas in my head i thought I’d get him a tool kit from the early learning. I phone his mum, super excited, she told me she’d already bought one. I then found a small child’s belt to carry the tools, excited I phoned only to be told, she’d got one! This went on with most things I going to get him.. mum already had it! Christmas eve arrived and I am in tears because I have nothing for him. As I walked aimlessly through town, I decided I’d get him a packet of 2 vests.
Next morning I went to church with little bicuit bags I had made friends, then visited them.
I was met with an obscene amount of wrapping paper, little guy who seemed to be buried in it! “Nanny” such joy in his voice! Scooping him up he asked if I had a present for him, I handed over the flat pack, he asked me what it was, I told him. He flunge them into the sea of paper, saying, don’t want it!
My heart, I can tell you, hurt!
But God..
He will use words from people, even the tiniest of people to bring you back to ‘real’ life!
These words, to this day, keep me remembering that life and simple with a touch (or dollop) of presence and love equals absolute joy and happiness!
You ready?
“Nanny, I just wanted the biscuits with the cherries on top!”
Couldn’t get more simpler than that! Right?
It was never about the size, the amount, the price or any of that “man’ instilled stuff Christmas has become or is to many.
Simple and true, and out of the mouth of a babe, it was about the simplest of pleasures that brought so much joy!
To end, so you get the full measure of God and His grace and provision..
I handed my grandson to his dad saying wait there, and made towards my car, in which sat a box of biscuits made for a family that were not at church!
I am telling you..
But God..❤
Amen!
Happy Wednesday sisters, as always wrapped in love and joy!! He is good!