What Simplicity Means To Me

We Christians must simplify our lives or lose untold treasures
on earth and in eternity. Modern civilization is so complex as
to make the devotional life all but impossible. The need for
solitude and quietness was never greater than it is today.

-- A. W. Tozer

Simple living is not staying in your own little shell away from the world but embracing your community and volunteering with the time you have by doing only the things you love and saying no to the things you don't.

Simple living is not going without. It's enjoying the things you do have and not constantly needing to update and purchase bigger and better.

Simple living is not being 'cheap' but saving until you can afford the best and then using it until it can be used no more. There are far too many usable items being thrown into the landfill due to the consumerism views of America today thinking we constantly have to update to the newest items out! Think electronics, cars, children's toys, houses, the latest clothing fad and more!

Speaking of children's toys...what happen to the stick and ball of yarn? Most toys or gadgets out today do not require any imagination. Purchase dress up clothes, legos, art & craft supplies, blocks, puppets, and doll houses. What does a young child do with a new present? Play with the crinkly papers and put the box on his head! Imagine that. ;) Keep the junk out of your home and the land fill!



Simplicity is downshifting so you are able to turn your long work hours into fun with who matters most, your family and friends! If you have a large mortgage payment, 2 vehicle loan payments, as well as all the bills that go along with that you will have to work longer hours to pay for it all! It seems to me like the more you get the more you want. Discontent.

True happiness, I believe, comes from making a difference in your home and community. When you establish good relationships you will be a happier person. This requires quality and quantity time.

Simplicity requires you to think about your values. Some of the most important issues for me are spending time with God, growing to know Him more and more and knowing His Word. I work towards this by attending church reguarly and having a daily quiet time.

Spending time with my husband and children are important. Sitting in front of a television is not quality or quantity time. Playing games, working in the yard together, camping, fishing and boating are fun family times that help us grow closer to one another.

Being good to the environment is something I feel we should all do our part in. I try to reduce our trash by not buying products with lots of packaging such as individual bottles of water or snack packs. Reusing items by purchasing second hand or thinking of new ideas to use or restore what we already have. Taking your reusable bags to the grocery store is a simple thing you can do each week. I try to reduce our energy consumption by opening windows and using fans as much as possible in the summer as well as keeping lights turned out and using the energy saving bulbs. Making homemade cleaners is not only better for the environment but better for your family's health! This is a whole other topic that I won't continue with but you get the idea.
Simple living is this and so much more! We are all individuals that can do what we feel lines up with our family values. It's a continual process and a regular 'values check'. Don't despair! Take the time to have a family discussion and see what steps you can take towards simplicty.

I would love to hear what you are doing. Is simple living new to you? Have you been doing it for years and want to share some tips?