Simpler Times

This entry is for many of us who, during Sunday's sermon, recognized the need to simplify our lives, and would like to pursue the challenge a bit further...

Suggested Scriptures for cultivating simplicity:
"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10
"Follow Me" Mark 2:14 (that cuts through the clutter, doesn't it?)
"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation... I can do everything through him who gives me strength" Phil. 4:11-13
"The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it" Matt 13:45-46
"Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life" John 6:27

Additional resources for cultivating simplicity:
- Simpler Times by Thomas Kinkade - highly recommended!
- Freedom of Simplicity by Richard Foster - in-depth call to simplicity
- check out this Discipleship Journal article (copy into browser): http://www.navpress.com/EPubs/DisplayArticle/1/1.112.2.1.html
- go to: www.discipleshipjournal.com, click on "online archives" on the left, and type in "simplicity" for more great online reading

Suggested "first steps" for cultivating simplicity:
- take a personal retreat (a morning, a day, a 24-hour getaway), just you and the Lord.
- if you aren't already, begin a daily quiet time with God and His Word.
- use your lunch half-hour or hour to seek God's realignment in your life
- step by step, begin to uncomplicate your lifestyle - from your menu to your schedule. Don't say it can't be done. Just do it!

And in the process may we learn the secret sung by the simple Shaker people:
"Tis a gift to be simple, tis a gift to be free
Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
Twill be in the valley of love and delight..."