I have to laugh.
Kurt and I have been praying to simplify our life and also, hopefully, move into a lower rent house that still fits our family.
Moving would entail ridding ourselves of excess furniture and other things as most likely the house we rent will be smaller than the one we have now. I look forward to that. It is so easy to accumulate stuff, even without meaning to.
A week or so ago, while Kurt and some of the kids were watching a movie at night, the television quit working. It was a used TV when we picked it up from another missionary family over 4 years ago. I smiled and said "GREAT!" when Kurt told me the tv had died!!!!
Good bye, TV!!!!
Two days ago, while microwaving something, the microwave gave a loud pop and went black, no longer to work.
Good bye, microwave. I'm thankful for more counter space!
"Simplicity is the joyful unconcern for possessions we experience as we truly "seek first the kingdom of God and
his righteousness" (Matt 6:33). Persons living in simplicity realize freedom from anxiety by viewing possessions as gifts from God, remembering we are stewards to care for God's
gifts to us and making our goods available to others.
Simplicity is a declaration of war on materialism and it reorients our lives, perspectives, and attitudes.
To simplify means "To make 'simple' or 'simpler': as a : to reduce to basic essentials b : to diminish in scope or complexity" - Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary
Living a simplified life means learning "how to say yes to the things you want in your life and no to the things you don't want in your life - your life becomes simpler."
Anyway, it seems that part of the journey God has me on here in the mission field is to learn to prioritize what is truly important and let go of the non-essentials. This is both in relationships, choices on how to spend my time, and on material possessions.
I'll be blogging more about my journey and our family's journey into a more simplified lifestyle! Stay tuned!!!!!!
If you want to read more about simplifying life, check out these websites. There are many on the internet, here are a few:
http://www.renovare.us/SPIRITUALRENEWAL/PracticingLikeJesus/Simplicity/tabid/2587/Default.aspx
http://zenhabits.net/simple-living-manifesto-72-ideas-to-simplify-your-life/
http://www.becomingminimalist.com/2011/02/08/40-ways-to-give-more-life/