A Minimalist in the Making

In 2008, I really felt the need to clean out the basement.  It was full of stuff.  Well, before I was able to selectively clean it.  It was filled with 6 to 7 feet of flood water.  The decision was made, everything had to go.  I promised myself I wouldn't become over run with "stuff" again.

Since that time, I have read a few books on decluttering, that have been very inspiring.  I have joined the trend of people who are purging their homes of unused and unneeded belongings.  We have had 3 very successful garage sales and, if something didn't sell it was donated.

I have always tried to keep my clothes under control by donating items that I no longer wear.  Now, if I buy something new or new to me, I will remove something from my closet to be donated or discarded.  This should keep a nice balance.

But I admit there have been "collections" that have gotten out of control.  I had a collection of decorative tins.  You know, the kind with product names on them.  Typically, they have no real purpose they just sit on the shelf, in turn collecting dust.  Well, I probably had close to 100 at one time, but they are gone now.  Either lost in the flood, sold or donated.

The word 'minimalist' has been used a lot in the last several years.  It doesn't take much effort to find a book on decluttering, purging, organizing or minimalist living.  There is even a trend for Tiny Houses.  It seems like more and more people are tired of being strapped with stuff. 

So what has inspired me the most?  My favorite book for simple living was actually written in 1979 long before the minimalist trend started.  Living Like A King: A plea and a plan for the simple life. written by Bishop Edward W. O'Rourke.  This book gives practical advice on living a simple life unobstructed by material possessions.

It's my favorite because it's based on the principle of living like Christ and isn't that how we are to model our lives?

Christ said in Matthew 6:19-21 (NKJV) "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Our focus in life isn't meant to be on our belongings!  Our focus should be on living like Christ. Loving and serving others as Christ loved and served.  We should all ask ourselves, "where is my treasure?"

Blessings to you.

When Bitterness Creeps In

Martin and I have gotten into the habit of enjoying a cup of coffee in the evening and on Sunday afternoon, along with the usual every morning pot of coffee.  We have tried a couple different flavors. One of our favorites is Highland Grog.  It smells so good.  It has a hint of butterscotch flavor in it and is yummy.  

Most times, though, we have a hearty dark roast.  Just black, no sugar or creamer.  I have even gotten to the place where if I take too long in drinking it I can drink it cold.  My dad would do that and as a much younger person I didn't see how he could, but now I can without any problems.  Funny how we change over the years.

Have you ever noticed that if you reheat the coffee too much it can take on a bitter flavor?  Which is still drinkable but not very pleasant.  The bitter flavor takes away from the enjoyment of a good cup of coffee.  It can also leave a nasty aftertaste in your mouth that can hard to get rid of.

Bitterness can be a flavor, which ruins a cup of coffee.  Or bitterness can also be a feeling or attitude that gets into a person.  Have you ever known someone that you would describe as bitter?  They have had some bad experiences or have been hurt and it has made them bitter, angry, or mean-spirited.

"Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled."  Hebrews 12:14-15 NKJV

A root of bitterness...  So we've talked about bitterness,  Let's talk about a root.

A root to a plant or tree typically grows underground so we don't see how massive, twisted and long they can be.  Some trees can have a root system up to 20 feet.  Most of us have probably had to pull weeds out of a garden or yard at some point.  Sometimes the whole root will come up and other times when you pull, it will snap off, throwing you off balance and leaving the rest under ground.  

The root that is left behind can cause problems with the next plant if it's in your garden, so you really need to dig for the rest and get rid of it too.  Tree roots can cause problems if they grow into the foundation for a house or they can cause upheaval to a sidewalk as they grow underneath it.  They can also grow into the sewer system and cause blockages and problems there too.  This all happens unseen, under the surface.

What if a root of bitterness is allowed to grow in a person.  What are the problems it will create?  It's on the inside, but it will come out.  Anger, unhappy, sullen, hatred,  Eventually, this root of bitterness will consume.  The attitude can be contagious and spread to others.  Sometimes the person will say, "I can't help it! That's just the way I am!"  Maybe they can't help it but God can.  If you know someone with a root of bitterness, pray for them.  But if you feel a root of bitterness taking hold of you,  Cry out to the Lord!

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:30-32 NKJV  

Even as God in Christ forgave you.  Dear Friend,  Don't let bitterness rob you of a life of peace, love and joy.  God bless.