Live Simply

It is no big secret in my family that I have been on a big "Simplify" kick over the last few years. It's a mentality partially born out of necessity, I don't have a money tree in the back yard, and partially out of a genuine desire not to let my "things" define who I am as a person. I have this sign over my door as a reminder:

As I have become increasingly aware over the last year of the plight of children in poverty, my heart has been broken. I'll be honest, sometimes I wish I could un-know the things I know now. Life was more comfortable before my eyes and my heart were opened. I look at a new outfit and think that what it cost me equals four months of a child sponsorship, or that that amount would have been multiplied 6X if I had donated it to World Vision's Plumpy Nut program. Just so you know, vanity prevailed and I still bought the outfit, but it is bothering me.

I shared a quote this week on my Facebook page:  "Sometimes I would like to ask God why he allows poverty, famine and injustice in the world, when He could do something about it...but I'm afraid He may ask me the same question." Anonymous.

Do you ever get the feeling that God keeps sending you the same message in different ways, hoping you will eventually "get it?" Today I listened to a message from Richmond Wandera, in which he encouraged us all to "Live simply, so others can simply live." What a convicting thought when I look at my 4 bedroom house with dissatisfaction because of the old, stained carpet. I have three beds in my house, for one person. I hate to even think about the food that I waste every time I clean out the fridge.

One person who has inspired me is Michelle DeRusha at Graceful. Michelle is winding up her "Shop Not" year. You can read about it here. She has gone a year without shopping for clothes, shoes, jewelry, purses, accessories, make-up, or pj's. I am going to follow her example and do a "Shop Not" year of my own. Since I really am not that much of a shopper anyway, it really isn't that much of a sacrifice, so, in order to make it hurt a little....... I am not going to buy any books or magazines for a year, as well as the previously listed items. You may all hold me accountable. It's time for me to get re-acquainted with my library. I am going to put the money I save towards a trip to Togo next summer to see my girls. Check back here from time-to-time to see how I am fairing!

Linking up today with Michelle Derusha at Graceful: Hear It on Sunday Use It On Monday.

The idea is that we write about what we hear in church on Sunday and how we will put it in practice in our daily lives. We all link back to Michelle's blog and support and encourage each other!