My Facebook news feed overwhelms me.
So does my Snap chat feed. If the name “Kardashian” pops up again, I might get nauseous.
I get emails constantly from baby brands I haven’t even heard of.
It seems like everyone is selling stuff.
And I literally force myself to not bring up the presidential election. Because, duh.
I don’t even have cable. And I don’t have twitter. I rarely listen to the radio and I have given up on watching the news because it’s just, exhausting. I want to be informed, but…blah.
I think some people can filter through the dirt and find gold. But I just end up getting dirt in my eyes and it’s irritating and then I have weird dreams at night. So, I do what I have to do.
We live in a technical world that lends itself to information overload. My reaction to all the drama, pictures of Kim Kardashian’s butt and endless political memes is to find simplicity and order in my life. Be it in my closet or from the words that come out of my mouth.
It’s a process, an attempt to love having little. Living simply and having a baby is sort of a joke. Baby toys are the most obnoxious possessions we have. They light up, make sounds and only come in the most vibrant tacky colors possible. I also have a husband who never wants to get rid of anything, like literally ever. And I don’t know when to keep my mouth shut. So you see, this is a process.
But here’s why I’m trying to have less and live a simpler life. First of all, none of this junk is going to come with us beyond this life. And I’m going to spend a lot more time on the other side than I am on this side. Second of all, I refuse to get caught up in the “Keeping up with the Jones” mentality. I can’t keep up with all the latest brands and trends and honestly, how exhausting?! I care that we eat healthy and look healthy. That we put good things into our body and that we dress like we want to be intentional about our day. Thirdly, I think the world could use some silence. Some time away from our phones just, being. Feeding our minds with good books, music and conversation.
We hardly have time for creativity and growth because we won’t stop staring at electronic screens! We hardly have anything productive and enlightening to say because we’re usually just gossiping and running our mouths. Ya know what I mean?! If I recorded my conversations throughout the day, texting and emails included, I wonder how many of my words would be considered fruitful and meaningful? And how many were used to fill up space? We don’t need more Kardashian. We need more Christ lovers who take time to breathe in the goodness all around them and fill their spaces with things that matter. Until they start overflowing with it and spills out into every conversation they have and every endeavor they pursue. We’re a lot like babies. Wanting things that are flashy and will mindlessly entertain us. But we need more sunshine. More time with family. And more quiet.
Shoo ya’ll. It ain’t gonna be easy. But will you join me?
I’ll leave this here, too 😉
Proverbs 15:16
“A simple life in the fear of God is better than a rich life with a ton of headaches.” [MSG]
Proverbs 13:7
“A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a FULL life.” [MSG]
September 30, 2016 at 1:12 am
my fav post so far
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September 30, 2016 at 2:01 am
Ah! Thanks so much for reading 🙂 Love you!
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September 30, 2016 at 1:33 am
Good stuff! Tonight, Chris and I spent time outside burning limbs that had fallen or that we took down trying to clean up. The kiddos had a blast…running around, playing in their make-believe fort, and helping us. And I thought to myself…these memories will be some of their (and our) favorites. It really is the simple things like sunshine, 70degree weather, and imagination! 😉
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September 30, 2016 at 2:02 am
Yes!! That is exactly what I’m talking about! You can’t make a lot of memories while on your phone or watching TV 😉
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September 30, 2016 at 1:47 am
Love love love this!!! “Simply” beautiful. ❤️
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September 30, 2016 at 1:53 am
Ah thanks!! Love you Rachel!
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September 30, 2016 at 10:43 am
Back to the basics. You are so right! Thanks for reminding us. Enjoy the people you’re with right now,
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September 30, 2016 at 4:00 pm
It’s a great reminder. Easier said than done, but still crucial to a happy life. Thanks for reading!
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September 30, 2016 at 12:03 pm
WONDERFULLY SAID!
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September 30, 2016 at 3:59 pm
You’re awesome Chuck. Thanks so much. We love you!
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September 30, 2016 at 3:56 pm
I live the simple life too. No cable and even though I use my phone I don’t watch things like the news or Kim kardashian because Christ has us well in hand and knows the future. And all that vulgarity with Kim kardashian and others…… Enough said!!!! Not for me. I love ya’ll and am glad we’re friends and siblings in Christ.
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September 30, 2016 at 3:59 pm
Thanks for reading Rachel! 🙂
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September 30, 2016 at 4:12 pm
LOVE IT, Sounds like blue jeans, T shirt and a pic nic are in order 🙂
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September 30, 2016 at 4:24 pm
Oh my goodness; you read my mind!! Not even blue jeans, how about sweat pants? 🙂
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