I look forward to Thursdays when I can publish thoughts on my spiritual journey and hear the thoughts of others on a weekly basis. It has become a space for an encouraging and fortifying community to come together. We welcome anyone who would like to join us!
We have been writing about each other's One Little Words. Please join us! We have been writing about each other's One Little Words. Please join us! If you have a One Little Word this year and would like to explore the spiritual aspect of it, let me know, and I will add you to the schedule! Today's OLW is Linda Kulp 's word, SIMPLIFY.
It's also Day 17 of the March Slice of Life Story Challenge, and I'm writing a goodbye letter to our house in a series of memories since we will be moving in April.
It's also Day 17 of the March Slice of Life Story Challenge, and I'm writing a goodbye letter to our house in a series of memories since we will be moving in April.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1,2
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)
What a perfect time, in the midst of our move to downsize, to reflect on Linda's OLW, SIMPLIFY. When we started preparing our house to sell, we had to do a lot of purging. Because we had lots of space, things never seemed to get sifted through - we just kept everything it seems! The basement was the biggest culprit, so I started there right after Libby's wedding. I found my baby clothes, the girls' baby clothes, unfinished projects, outgrown toys, LOTS of books, art supplies and crafts, even a juggling kit...
Baby clothes - mine and the girls'
One of Libby's favorite books when she was little - now I know the author!
Yes, a juggling kit...
Ah, the dreaded Bratz Dolls phase!
Everyone needs a magic wand.
A wall hanging from Libby's Peter Rabbit themed nursery.
Unfinished projects from my cross-stitching days.
I think this might be the halo I wore as the angel in my first grade Christmas pageant.
If you read Libby's blog about cooking, this would make you laugh!
So much stuff! It will be a miracle if we get it all, even after selling, donating, and trashing a ton, in our condo (and a storage unit)! My husband and I couldn't help but feel like hoarders. And all the paper! He's been shredding papers for a week now. How does all that accumulating and piling happen?! We've promised ourselves not to let that happen again. We need to SIMPLIFY and gain back control of stuff instead of stuff gaining control of us!
Even though some of these objects symbolize precious and special memories (except for maybe the juggling kit?!), they are just things. Matthew 6: 19-21 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Our treasures and hearts should be in heaven, not in our basements!
January 14: Carol Varsalona - BELIEVE
January 21: Margaret Simon - PRESENT
January 28: Michelle Haseltine - SELAH
February 4: Justin Stygles - (Blind) FAITH
February 11: Leigh Ann Eck - INTENT
February 18: Irene Latham - DELIGHT
February 25: Violet Nesdoly - MINDFULNESS
March 3: Julieanne Harmatz - ADMIRE
March 10: Holly Mueller - WAIT
March 17: Linda Kulp - SIMPLIFY
March 24: Doraine Bennett - SHINE
March 31: Donna Smith - BOLD
March 17: Linda Kulp - SIMPLIFY
March 24: Doraine Bennett - SHINE
March 31: Donna Smith - BOLD
Here's my link: http://1gratefulteacher.blogspot.com/2016/03/simplify.html
ReplyDeleteLove the pics of all of the baby clothes and toys! Simplifying is hard work, isn't it?
Thank you! I need to print and post where I can read--often; daily! The photos are so beautiful, as are all the "things" and the memories behind them. I don't envy your task, but I do envy (with a holy envy) your determination to purge. Thank you for including the Scripture quotes that I didn't connect with this challenging word--especially "Martha, Martha..." and "Do not store up..." I especially love your "punch" line (It really hit me hard!) "Our treasures and hearts should be in heaven, not in our basements!" Thank you for all the reminders/inspirations! Please let us know how your purging progresses and please share any tips along the way!!! God bless you!
ReplyDeleteHolly, the words from scripture frame this post beautifully. In our "busyness" to live life we tend to accumulate "things" that speak of the past. I am also in the midst of decluttering so Matthew 6:19-21 speaks volumes to me. A lifetime of memories should be seared in the heart not in my basement: YES!
ReplyDeleteSimplifying and downsizing is big on our list now, too. We'll move to our smaller home by this summer if all goes as planned. Storing THINGS and dragging THINGS around is cumbersome and tiring. And "you can't take it with you".
ReplyDeleteLove your treasures and the verses you share for Simplify. I know the feeling. We moved in 2007 and went through the same process. Sadly, I think we need to do it again... we kept far too much. I really like the quote that you start this off with. Simplicity brings the important to our attention!
ReplyDeleteHolly, we did the same thing almost four years ago. We had a huge house, but now that it is just the two of us, we needed to downsize. We said we'd never allow ourselves to collect so much stuff again. But, "stuff" seems to accumulate so fast. This time, we're trying to stay ahead of it. : )
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I forgot to link up this morning. Oh well, better late than never. I am amazed at how much stuff we humans can accumulate. I hope to do some purging over spring break.
ReplyDeleteLove the pics of your stuff. Sometimes it's easier to say goodbye when you can take a pic. Blessings as you continue the process. "Throw off everything that hinders." I may have to make a little note for myself with these words.
ReplyDeletePrecious memories for you as you went through those items...Reminders of many blessings...
ReplyDeletePrecious memories for you as you went through those items...Reminders of many blessings...
ReplyDelete