Image "My Friend" by Helen Thomas Robson (Used by Permission)
Minimalism from a Biblical Point of View —

Biblical Minimalism is "a complete, whole-person release of anything unlike Jesus, a letting go of everything that hinders us from following Him wholeheartedly and single-mindedly, and a relinquishing of all that brings us under bondage to this earthly, very temporary life." Cheryl E. Smith

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Update & An Exciting Writing Opportunity!

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony."
Revelation 12:11
(KJV)

First of all, I just want to say Happy New Year to all of you!  I truly appreciate your faithfulness and support of this blog and am so grateful you are here following along.  I also want to apologize for my lack of posting lately (thank you for not giving up on me!) and wanted to give you an update on our minimizing journey.

My family and I continue to get settled into our new surroundings after having to make an unexpected move in 2019.  Our new place has a much better, more open storage space, so it is easier for us to have a visual of the number of our belongings.  This is incredibly helpful, as it is a frequent reminder to keep looking for ways to reduce unnecessary possessions.  Making another move also enabled us to more closely consider what we really needed to keep before loading it on to the moving truck.  Both of these dynamics have helped us to keep on track in continuing our downsizing efforts.

It is hard to believe that this month marks five years since the onset of the identity theft crisis we encountered in 2015.  Looking back, that has become something we praise God for allowing to happen because it served as the catalyst of change we needed to confront and tackle our indebtedness and the excess in our lives and home.  Thinking of our lives then and comparing it with our lives now really accentuates the stark differences and positive change that minimizing has brought about.  We could not be more grateful for every lesson God has taught us along the way, and it is our profound desire to continue to share those lessons here and through every avenue God opens and provides.  Which brings me to something exciting that is going on!

As you probably know, I finished writing a book called, "Biblical Minimalism —Following Jesus from a Life of Abundance to a More Abundant Life," and it has been my dream to have it published for quite a while.  One thing that definitely needed to happen before I publish the book is the book needed to be edited.  That can be quite an expensive undertaking, and it truly looked impossible.  But, GOD!  Through my dear friend, Marilyn, I was recently introduced to the book editor God chose to edit my book!  So, the process has begun, and after it is completed, I will pursue the process of self-publishing.  It will be a huge dream come true when it is finished, and I will let you know when the book is available, Lord willing!

In closing, I want to tell you some more exciting news!  Are you a minimalist who is navigating the process of minimizing from a Biblical perspective?  Have you consistently wished for more Biblical reading material to spur you on in your quest to live a life more closely aligned with the way Jesus lived His?  Do you have a burning desire to encourage aspiring minimalists by sharing the lessons God has taught and is teaching you on your downsizing journey?  If you answered yes to any and/or all of the above, would you like a platform to publish your thoughts?

We, too, longed for more Biblically-aligned content when we first started our minimalism journey, and we have a hunch there are many others who feel the same!  Thus, we would love for you to share your Biblical minimalism stories and lessons learned with us here and are offering you that opportunity!  Every story is important, and your story may be just the inspiration someone else is searching for.

We would love to make this blog a more interactive community where it is not only us talking, but YOU are contributing to the conversation, too!

SO, here are the guidelines —they are very simple:

1.  All content should be framed from a Christian, Biblical perspective and worldview.
2.  Suggested ideas for subject matter -
  • How minimalism has enriched your Christian walk
  • Downsizing
  • Minimizing
  • Debt-reduction
  • De-cluttering
  • Creative ideas for ways to dispose of unwanted/unneeded physical possessions
  • Frugality
  • Simple living
  • How you have learned to be happy with less (less income, less stuff, less conforming to "status quo")
  • Ways to avoid consumerism
  • How you have swam upstream to forge a stress-free life
  • Testimonies of social media elimination and reduction & how it has enhanced your life
3.  No monetary compensation will be provided, but we will be happy to promote you, your blog, website, business, and/or social media sites in the post.
4.  Email all submissions via email attachment to homespundevotions@gmail.com.
5.  Please include a bio and a headshot photo to introduce yourself to our readers. 


May God bless each one of you on your minimizing journeys, and we hope to hear from you soon!

10 comments:

  1. Cheryl, I wasn't blogging with you in 2015 so had no clue that your identity was stolen! I just went back and read that piece!!!! Oh my mercy! We hear of this every day and yet, until we are the ones being victimized we truly have no clue at the depths of the hurt...and even anger. I know that ONLY GOD has carried you through. So glad that you and family are getting settled in your new surroundings Cheryl. May the Lord HIGHLY FAVOR you dear lady. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Yes, dear friend, it was surely only GOD. It was a very trying, tormenting time, but I tell you what, we look back now and actually praise God for it because it was the very catalyst that forced us to face our indebtedness and begin our minimizing journey. I receive your dear prayer for God to highly favor us, in Jesus' name! Many hugs and blessings to you, too!

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  2. Yes, I agree with Cindy above. We are so blessed to reap the fruit here of what God has worked in your lives over these trials. Truly He does bring blessings as we surrender more to Him. My life of minimizing my activities because of illness has become such a blessing of drawing closer to the Lord. He is so good to draw us into His heart. Love and hugs and more prayers for you as you continue to share from your heart.

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    1. Dear Bettie! I am so grateful for your kind words, and it breaks my heart to know that your minimizing has been due to your chronic illness. I am continuing to pray for you and long for the day that the Lord lays His healing hand upon you. I so appreciate your encouragement! Many blessings and hugs and much love to you, too!

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  3. I'm in, Cheryl! I'll be I touch!

    ;-)

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    1. Oh, that is wonderful, Linda! I can't wait to read and share your words!

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  4. I'm so happy you've found an editor to work with Cheryl. What a blessing for you and your family. I'm looking forward to reading the stories that you receive.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. Oh, yes, how we praise God for orchestrating this connection! Our pastor calls them "Kingdom Connections." I love that. I am looking forward to reading and sharing the stories, too. Many blessings to you, too!

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  5. Hi Cheryl, Praising God that you have an editor for your book and are looking to self-publish. Your writing regarding Biblical Minimalism will bless and encourage so many people.

    Thank you for being so faithful to share the lessons God is teaching you on this minimizing journey.

    Sending you much love and gratitude,

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    1. Oh, thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement! I am praising the dear Lord, too. He is SO faithful, and even though sometimes it feels like His timing is not what we would want, His way is always best. I am sending much love and gratitude back to you tonight!

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