A Simple Life - Part One

We are bombarded each day with thousands of advertisements for products we probably don't need.  Our culture is characterized by consumerism on the grandest of scales.  I personally know many people who are overwhelmed by the clutter and busyness of their lives.  Our closets, basements and storage units are packed.  And there's no end in sight.  Ads, stuff, pressures, expectations, junk mail ...they just keep coming at us.

What can we do??  I'm going to make some simple suggestions for the next few weeks.  I hope these help you as they have helped me to navigate our busy, consumer-driven, cluttered lives.

1 - Be content with what you have.
I often think about the millions and millions of people on this earth who don't have the simple conveniences I count on every day.  Clean water coming out of a faucet, a safe and clean home, food easily available...you get the idea.  When I start being thankful for those things, it's hard to be discontent about anything trivial.

When was the last time you truly gave thanks for a good meal, a hot bath, or a good friend?  I try to make a habit of it. Blessings are all around us if we will just take notice!

A.A. Milne wrote that Piglet noticed Winnie the Poo's heart could hold "a rather large amount of gratitude." Doesn't that inspire you?  Is your heart like Winnie's?

Hebrews 13:5  says, Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'  Money isn't evil, but the love of money will lead to all kinds of evil.

Ann Voskamp made a journal of a thousand gifts that she could be thankful for.  I was so inspired by her example that I tried to do the same thing.  I'm up to number 247 in My Gratitude Journal.  I need to keep going!

So instead of piling more stuff into your already full life, be content with what you have, give thanks, and...

2 - Give generously.
I firmly believe that with prosperity comes great responsibility.  I started out my married life with a few nickels and a bunch of dreams. For many years we were never really sure we could make ends meet and were overwhelmed by the generosity of those who gave to us, sometimes out of their need.  It's humbling to receive, but it's good for our hearts.

We've always tried to give what we could to good causes, to those in need, and to our church.  Putting treasure in heaven is by far the best and safest investment we will ever make.

I am so thankful that now I actually have some money to be generous with.  I support a young boy in Haiti through Compassion International. They do wonderful work in many countries working with children and families trapped in poverty.

Here's a photo of my boy, Jovadson.  Please pray for him.  I can't wait to meet him someday, for sure in heaven, maybe here on Earth.  I try to write to him at least 2 times per month.  I send him photos of flowers, trees and pretty skies. I encourage him to work hard at school and obey his parents.  I remind him that he is very, very special to God and to me. One of the most damaging by-products of poverty is that children feel forgotten, completely meaningless.  This young man is made in the image of God and was made for a purpose.

There are so many reputable organizations to donate to that do good for those in need.  World Vision, Samaritan's Purse, Wounded Warriors...just to name a few.  If you've never considered anything like this, I strongly recommend it.  You probably won't even notice the money spent, and the benefits of becoming involved with supporting someone in a daily battle against wicked reality are amazing.

Robert Murray M'Cheyne once told his congregation "I fear there are many hearing me who may know well that they are not Christians, because they do not love to give.  To give largely and liberally, not grudgingly at all, requires a new heart; an old heart would rather part with its life-blood than its money."

You can be generous with more than just your money. There's your time, your talents, your attention, your help...If you don't think you have much to give, you're wrong.  Every person has some gift from God that can be used for good.  

Part 2 next week:)