Simplicity
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about simplicity and living a simple life. Over the past few days and weeks, the idea seems to be everywhere I look – on blogs I read, in my Bible class at church – pervading my thoughts. My ideas aren’t cohesive enough at this time to write about my perspective on the topic, but I wanted to share a couple of links to blog posts that I’ve enjoyed recently.
Last week Meredith at Like Merchant Ships did a series entitled “How to Live Well on Less”; links to each post in the series can be found here. She writes about budgeting, purchasing, decorating, and finding beauty in what you own.
Then I read a post by Brant at Letters from Kamp Krusty titled “Here’s to Nothing!” in which he writes about how his family’s approach to life has impacted others in their neighborhood.
I would enjoy hearing your thoughts on simplicity as well – what “simple living” means, how it can be accomplished, things you’ve done to simplify your life or household. Leave a comment and let’s see what where this discussion might lead.
Living a more simple life is a goal for me too. I still haven’t been able to to turn the tv on like I used to since my 21 day challenge.
To me, simple living means to live and let live. I try to not get upset by what other people do, say or think… why get upset about it when you can’t control other people?
This is a great topic and I look forward to reading what others are doing to keep things simple.
Jane, Pinks & Blues Girls
Great subject! This is a topic that has been weighing on my mind for several reasons. Now that I am a SAHM money doesn’t flow like it used to. One income can certainly change one’s lifestyle. But most importantly, the more I see the way people living around me and all the “trying to live like the jones” the more the further I want from that mentality. I believe in living well. I believe God wants us to live well. But wellness for me comes from a healthy, get only want you need and not satisfy your want lifestyle. It’s a learning process for me but every lesson learn is making life so much better.
I look forward to reading others responses as well.
I know our way of living changed drastically when Hubbie lost his job September ‘05 and we were hit with the realization that we had too much debt! We had to budget for the first time. We had to learn to live on what we brought it and only that… Save for trips to the zoo, eating out became a huge deal when we did go, etc. I enjoy my stuff more now and have a harder time getting a big ticket item. I definitely think paying off 25,000 in 18 months (essentially my pay check plus some has gone towards debt for the last 2 years)has prepared us for me to be a SAHM. I do think like Sheryl that turning off the tv, reading less secular magazines, books, etc… can help you to became more focused on Christ and living for Him. Its funny the more decorating shows, etc. I watch the more I want to decorate and more I become unsatisfied with my house, lifestyle, etc. If I focused more on books, tv that would draw me closer to God and his desires, then I think you become more satified in Christ. I hope that makes sense. Funny you mentioned this topic…this has definitely been the talk around our house. We want to be pleasing to Christ, and of course, live to glorify Him. I think simplicity and being content go together.
what a good topic for discussion.
we try to live simply, but it’s definitely not easy. one of the biggest things we do is only have 1 car. my husband takes the bus to work most days, which leaves me w/ the car in case i need to go anywhere with the kids.
i try to buy clothes 2nd-hand, esp. for the kids.
i started a little garden this summer and am enjoying that, and i try to buy organic when it’s affordable.
thanks for the thought-provoking blog.
Thank you ladies for your responses. I’m enjoying a glimpse into everyone’s definition of simplicity and ways you are trying to accomplish that in your own lives.
I look forward to reading the other blogs you referenced. In my own life I am constantly overwhelmed with maintaining, organizing, cleaning, arranging my stuff! Think about selling it all (except “FAMILY” stuff) and walking away-buying a small condo with a small backyard or leaving the country for the mission field. Believe I have bought into the culture’s lie -that we are of value by what we do, what we own (or what owns us), or how we look. “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
1 John 2:16 Amazing how the older you get the more intense the battle is to stay focused on what is truly important. Guess the enemy knows that time is of the essence!
I have to admit I’m a little bit of a hypocrite when it comes to simplicity. I yearn for it when my life gets a little hectic, yet I rely heavily on the very things that make life hectic… cell phone, computer, car/traffic, lists, dinner parties, planning a new fall wardrobe, decorating my house. I almost always make things more complicated than necessary. I could really learn from others regarding this topic!
I have enjoyed reading your blog and thoughts. I found you through ask moxie.