tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55600714092522524482024-02-09T13:59:01.081-08:00Biblical MinimalismCherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-33504750756710194212023-07-29T04:46:00.004-07:002023-08-03T10:39:52.508-07:00Minimizing the Opinions of Others<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3aZ5ssuVCE12BSztjp3Mkft6omfEfllfVST3iNOTGOlF9uRL_3RQ1Y0ykOaCRwdaSqRx4839hEtOMgQCC2Ns56tSEgOryXoy69FIV4gQgzOKXOOctJ9QEICEeVvzQGEIvR4PsK2fouq9n4p0ol8xYgx7qGMcliAok-escUOEQx5Y0jfv82G1Yif-EDHB/s700/Philippians-4-12-KJV-I-know-both-how-to-be-abased-and-I-know-how-to-I50004012-L01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3aZ5ssuVCE12BSztjp3Mkft6omfEfllfVST3iNOTGOlF9uRL_3RQ1Y0ykOaCRwdaSqRx4839hEtOMgQCC2Ns56tSEgOryXoy69FIV4gQgzOKXOOctJ9QEICEeVvzQGEIvR4PsK2fouq9n4p0ol8xYgx7qGMcliAok-escUOEQx5Y0jfv82G1Yif-EDHB/s320/Philippians-4-12-KJV-I-know-both-how-to-be-abased-and-I-know-how-to-I50004012-L01.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><a href="https://www.scripture-images.com/bible-verse/kjv/philippians-4-12-kjv.php" target="_blank">Source</a></p><p>Before I get into today's blog, a couple of things~</p><p>#1. Welcome, new subscribers! </p><p>#2. I apologize for my long absence. I never intended to take such a long sabbatical, and I deeply appreciate your kindness and understanding. I once heard someone say, "I don't have to say something, but I do have something to say." Today, I do have something to say.😄</p><p>If God spares time and my life until October 1, 2023, I will have blogged at <a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com" target="_blank">Homespun Devotions</a> for 12 years, and the Lord has helped me publish three books—<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Minimalism-Following-Abundance-Abundant-ebook/dp/B088P597CB/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1644548708&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Biblical Minimalism</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Homespun-Devotions-Cheryl-Smith-ebook/dp/B09BTJYG2X/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1644548770&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Homespun Devotions: Volume One</a>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BR699VK2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=USAQ3L460EEK&keywords=homespun+devotions+volume+two&qid=1672209151&sprefix=homespun+devotions+volume+two%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Homespun Devotions: Volume Two</a>.</span></p><p>One of the many things I have observed as a longtime online writer is the ebb and flow of the opinions of others. Putting yourself out there, being real and transparent, and sharing from your heart opens the door for others to react and respond. The freedom of speech that enables you to say what you want/need to say works the same for those who want or feel the need to offer their opinion on what you said. Social media and online platforms provide ample opportunity for us all to give feedback and voice our opinions, both good and bad, and so often, things are said online that would never be said face-to-face.</p><p>I so admire the Apostle Paul's outlook in Philippians 4:12, and I was especially intrigued by the word "abase" in this verse. Here is what I found on <a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/5013.htm" target="_blank">Bible.cc</a> about it.</p><p style="text-align: center;">"<span style="color: #2b00fe;">Abase = to make low, to humble, to level, reduce to a plain</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">With the believer, 5013 /tapeinóō ("show humility, true lowliness") happens by being fully dependent on the Lord – dismissing reliance upon self (self-government) and emptying carnal ego. This exalts the Lord as our all-in-all and prompts the gift of His fullness in us.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Metaphorically, to bring into it humble condition, to assign a lower rank or place to; to be ranked below others who are honored or rewarded; of one who stoops to the condition of s servant. </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Philippians 2:8.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">To lower, depress one's soul, bring down one's pride; to have a modest opinion of oneself, to behave in an unassuming manner devoid of all haughtiness, to confess and deplore one's spiritual littleness and unworthiness</span>." </p><p>Paul had reached a place in God that enabled him to keep pressing forward regardless of whether he was being abased or abounding. No matter what others said or did, he continued to fight the good fight, unscathed and undeterred in the mission God had called him to fulfill. One minute he was being exalted by those who thought he was a god. (Acts 14:11,12) Soon after, he was stoned and dragged outside the city, and left for dead. (Acts 14:19) All because of the opinions of others.</p><p>Here are 12 lessons I've learned over the past nearly 12 years and some unsolicited free advice that is not only for online authors but can be applied to anyone who deals with the opinions of others. Don't we all?</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. People's opinions are as varied as people themselves.</span></b></p><p>They hold the potential to elevate you to pedestal status one day, then to trample your name (and work) in the mud the next. People's opinions are fickle and as unstable as water. They vary immensely from one person to the next. A thousand people can read your written words and come away from them with a thousand interpretations. Those interpretations can be so completely off-track with what you, as the author of the words, actually mean, or on the flip side, the reader can totally "get" what you are trying to say.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Stay true to God.</span></b></p><p>Remember who you are trying to please. </p><p>"For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10 </p><p>"Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men." I Corinthians 7:23</p><p>If you are 100% certain that you are 100% clear with God in your actions, why does it matter what others think of you? At the end of life when you reach eternity, you won't be standing before others. It will be you and God. His opinion is the only one that will ever matter. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Stay true to yourself.</span></b></p><p>Don't be swayed. Don't second-guess yourself. Stay true to who you are and what God has called you to do. My dear, sweet husband always tells me to do what brings me peace, and following his advice is extremely liberating. Continue to do what gives you peace and allows you to lie down at night with a clear, clean conscience. Don't conform to what others think you should do, say, or be.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Praise isn't always what it seems.</span></b></p><p>There are those who have mastered the art of being able to ruin a perfectly good compliment by adding a subtle insult to the mix. I think the term used for that these days is "passive-aggressive."</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. Jealousy is cruel.</span></b></p><p>Your success can and will bring out the worst in others. Song of Solomon 8:6 says, "Jealousy is as cruel as the grave." People who are driven by jealousy are much more likely to lash out online than insult you to your face. If someone is jealous of you and/or your work, remember it is their problem, not yours. Press on unfazed by the issue(s) of those who criticize you.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">6. Stay grounded.</span></b></p><p>As I prayed one day, the still small voice of the precious Holy Spirit whispered, "There will be highs. There will be lows. The important thing is that you are affected by neither." Whether someone left a one-star rating or a five-star review changes absolutely nothing. I wrote what I wrote because I felt certain God wanted me to. He is pleased. I am okay. Whether I am being "abased" by a scathing rebuke or "abounding" as a result of kind words and accolades, all is well. "The Master's approval is the servant's best wages." <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Author unknown</i></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">7. Toughen up.</span></b></p><p>Grow a thick skin. The reason I have such hard, layered callouses on the ends of the fingers of my left hand is because of the countless hours I have spent playing my guitar. When I was in Bible college, I used to drive home to spend every weekend I possibly could with my parents, and during that time, my Daddy was in the process of teaching me to play the guitar. He would teach me something new on the weekends, then I would go back to school and practice during the week. My fingers would be so bruised and sore that I could hardly stand it, but I persevered and pressed on. Why? Because I wanted, with all my heart, to play the guitar. Now, I can play for extended periods of time with little to no pain because my fingertips are tough and calloused. </p><p>Get used to dents in your armor. That is why you wear it. Every dent shows that it has done its job and protected you. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">8. You're in great company.</span></b></p><p>Jesus dealt with the continual instability of people's opinions of Him. One week they were casting palm branches in His path, crying out "Hosanna! Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord." John 12:13 The next week, they were crying out, "Crucify Him!" John 19:15 People turned on Jesus on a dime countless times throughout His earthly ministry. Why would we expect to be treated any differently?</p><p>As I mentioned above, one minute, people were calling Barnabus "Zeus" and the Apostle Paul "Hermes," thinking they were gods, and were ready to offer an oxen sacrifice to them. The next thing you know, they were stoning Paul and dragging him out of the city, supposing he was dead!</p><p>Some will love you. Some will hate you. Jesus said, "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you." John 15:18 What an honor to follow in His footsteps!</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">9. Stay the course.</span></b></p><p>Don't lose sight of your original intent. Don't waver from what you meant when you said what you said. Don't be swayed one iota just because someone or even a million someones disagree(s) with you. Imagine the innumerable times Jesus' words and the rest of the Bible have been misunderstood, misconstrued, mocked, and rejected. When I think about the way the eternal Word of God has been reacted to, I realize that criticism of anything I ever write is completely insignificant.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">10. Papaw was right.</span></b></p><p>He pastored the same church for right around 40 years. He dealt with accolades from those who called him "The Walking King James," and he endured abuse from those who didn't agree with and/or like him. He had a remarkable way of remaining completely unscathed and unfazed by what other people thought of him and used to say that other people's criticism or talk didn't "amount to any more than an old dog barking." Another thing he often said was to just "let it roll off like water off a duck's back." Whether someone else's opinion of you/your work compelled them to grace you with a heart, a thumbs down, or an angry emoji, let it affect you as much as you would if you heard an old dog barking, shake it off like water off a duck's back, and keep pressing on!</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">11. Don't waste time or energy on what and who doesn't matter to you.</span></b></p><p>One of the most valuable life lessons I ever learned was to stop and ask myself this question—<b><span style="font-size: medium;">is this person anyone important in my life? </span></b>When dealing with criticism and a plethora of other negatives, I have asked myself that countless times. Each time the answer is "no," it is very easy for me to follow Papaw's advice. Though I know a lot of people, I keep my circle small, and I am extremely selective as to who I allow in it. To be honest, God's opinion and the opinions of those few, carefully selected, special people are the only opinions I care anything at all about. Jesus had many disciples, but He only allowed 12 into His circle. Of that circle, He only allowed three into His inner circle. We need to pay attention to that. </p><p>Keep perspective and stay focused. People's opinions are just that—their opinions. They don't change who you are. Ask yourself, "Who is important in my life?" Make a list. Then, when you are dealing with unfavorable opinions, ask yourself, is the person who is saying this on my list? If they aren't, why do you care what they think of you or anything you've done? Who are they anyway? Refocus on what and more importantly, <b><span style="font-size: medium;">who </span></b>matters to you. Stop caring about the rest. </p><p>"And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them." Mark 6:11 </p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">12. Ignorance is bliss.</span></b></p><p>Sometimes it is just best to stop reading comments, chasing down reviews, and trying to find every single thing anyone in the world is saying about you. You have done your best. You have put your best work out there. You have minded God and made the best attempt you could. It is not necessary to know what others think about it.</p><p>Let it go, move on with your life, and always follow Jesus with all your heart.</p>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-35519257076232160052022-08-03T14:21:00.002-07:002022-08-03T14:21:28.575-07:00Biblical Minimalism Interview with Blake Barbera<p> <span style="text-align: center;"> "Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the people."</span></p><p style="text-align: center;">1 Chronicles 16:8</p><p style="text-align: center;">I was recently so blessed to be interviewed by Blake Barbera of the "<a href="https://www.thatyoumayknowhim.com/" target="_blank">That You May Know Him</a>" podcast. Blake read my book, "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Minimalism-Following-Abundance-Abundant-ebook/dp/B088P597CB/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1644548708&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Biblical Minimalism</a>" and reached out to talk to me about it. Sitting down and chatting with Blake was an honor and joy. I hope our interview will be a blessing to you.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">(If you prefer to <b>listen </b>to the podcast, click <a href="https://www.thatyoumayknowhim.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="309" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ewZ-8NWNqec" width="494" youtube-src-id="ewZ-8NWNqec"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center;">For a wealth of encouragement and spiritual edification, please visit and subscribe to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQj8J9HlcMgTA7Z5raVpeEA" target="_blank">Blake's YouTube channel</a> and check out his website <a href="https://www.thatyoumayknowhim.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p style="text-align: center;">May God bless each of you on your journey toward heaven!</p>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-23608583150680464732022-06-29T21:11:00.002-07:002022-06-29T21:16:04.335-07:00Minimizing Career Stress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBr-TZUYudkcm67L68QpOcErXMDR9R1GmnDjgYeSg2hEYnW-hYWjS3NdAP_D9fmvnmtFfNi7L9ukqqBsDZGPuJsHM_1W3XhT7KXt15BUSTQEitaRByecOzulQr8I8i8eM9qPurWjxA5cYRNGQ5HIOupL_VtKR7hOuVQkKFvKbG5tZ8QSrKw2fxhxdx9A/s1024/Psalm%20139%2016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBr-TZUYudkcm67L68QpOcErXMDR9R1GmnDjgYeSg2hEYnW-hYWjS3NdAP_D9fmvnmtFfNi7L9ukqqBsDZGPuJsHM_1W3XhT7KXt15BUSTQEitaRByecOzulQr8I8i8eM9qPurWjxA5cYRNGQ5HIOupL_VtKR7hOuVQkKFvKbG5tZ8QSrKw2fxhxdx9A/s320/Psalm%20139%2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://alwaysfindingthesilverlining.com/tag/comfort/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">There is an enormous sense of comfort that washes over me when I realize that even before I was born, God had a plan for my life. What a consolation it is to know that every one of my days was ordained for me, and He developed a uniquely personalized Plan A for the duration of time I will spend living on earth! One of the main ways God reveals His plan to us, individually, is by placing in each of us particular gifts and natural tendencies that are like signs on signposts, pointing us in the direction He intends our life path to lead.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Ephesians 1:11-12 says, "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated <b>according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will</b>: that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ."<i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Emphasis mine)</span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;">And in Ephesians 2:10, we read, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which <b>God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them</b>." <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Emphasis mine)</span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Isn't that a wonderful thought? None of what we do in this life is happenstance, and God prepared beforehand the good works that we should walk in while <a href="https://www.homespundevotions.com/2022/01/those-who-sojourn-with-us.html" target="_blank">sojourning on earth</a>. Sometimes we can veer off the path He has preordained for us, and one of the most surefire ways to realize that has happened is through the presence of high levels of stress in our lives.</p><p>During my career in banking, my employer required each employee to take a Predictive Index test. The test consisted of a singular piece of paper with an identical list of 100 adjectives on each side. On one side, we were to put a checkmark beside each adjective that described who we truly were as a person—the words that defined what came naturally and effortlessly to our real self and personality. On the flip side, we were to put a checkmark beside each adjective that described who our employer expected us to be. The answers were plugged into a computer program that generated a report, and the goal was to measure just how far we were having to stretch ourselves to fit into the role required to efficiently and adequately do our job.</p><p>It was amazing how revealing and accurate the results proved to be, and how they explained why some employees were struggling. For example, if an employee was in a position of branch manager, yet they possessed no natural ability to lead and were unable to enforce rules or administer discipline, it was concluded that the chasm between what was being expected of the employee and what they were naturally able to muster was too wide. It wasn’t that the individual was inferior to anyone else or that they did not possess the natural ability and propensity to contribute something meaningful. They were simply being asked to stretch too far outside their comfort zone and would be best suited to a different position within the bank. Reassigning such a person was not an insult. It was a good decision—not only for the bank but more importantly for the well-being of the employee.</p><p>The only outcome to the pursuit of trying to wriggle your true self into someone else’s conflicting expectations is complete frustration. All of us possess God-given, natural gifts, talents, and abilities that were innately endowed to us by Him, and we best thrive when we identify them and pour our energy into doing things that allow them to flow effortlessly and without hindrance. In only a few steps, we can not only assess the wisdom of our career choice, but we can make necessary adjustments to minimize the stress of continuing in the wrong one.</p><p>Prayerfully Self-Reflect</p><p>Set an appointment to get alone with God. Guard it with as much care and consideration as you would a doctor’s appointment or a meeting with another person. Go to a quiet, uninterrupted space and pray, asking God to open your mind and heart to anything He wants to say, even if it conflicts with what you prefer or think is best. Then give honest answers to these questions. How do I feel on my commute home from work? Am I happy? Do I feel fulfilled? Does what I am doing feel as if it matters? Am I making a positive difference? Am I in a rut? Do I feel frustrated? Is my creativity being fully tapped into? Take time to listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit whispering to those deep recesses of your heart.</p><p>Accept the Truth</p><p>If your answers to the above questions leave you feeling a sense of satisfaction and peace, stay the course. You are obviously where God wants you to be. If you find that you aren’t content with your answers, open your mind to the possibility that it may be time for a change. If you identify that what is being expected of you at work is more than you are able to give without a great deal of stress, try to imagine how much better your life could be if the weight of that burden were removed.</p><p>Give Yourself Grace</p><p>There is no shame in acknowledging and owning that you have chosen the wrong path. The shame would come in continuing on it once you realize it isn’t for you. Just because you spent years, money, and energy in attaining a degree in a particular field does not mean you are trapped in a career you loathe. The truth is, sometimes we don’t know what we are best at until we are in the trenches actually doing what we have trained for.</p><p>As a teenager, I used to read Cherry Ames books and fantasize about becoming a nurse. That is until a patient passed away during my shift working as a nurse’s aide, and I realized I wasn’t capable of the emotional detachment required of medical professionals. In my case, I was blessed to have discovered that I was not the fictional character Cherry Ames before misdirecting years and money in pursuit of becoming a nurse. Sadly, this isn’t always the case, and guilt holds us prisoner as we think the only choice we have is to stay in a life of misery to justify sunk cost and time invested. The only thing you can do about spilled milk is to start cleaning it up. It does no good to cry over it or rue that it happened. If you could go back and do things over, you would. Since you can’t, forgive yourself for past mistakes, start with a clean slate, and make changes based on what you wish you had done in the past. Start now and move forward without a backward glance.</p><p>Identify the Real You and the Right Fit</p><p>If you have concluded that you need to change direction, ask yourself these questions. What are you good at? What comes naturally to you? What, after doing, leaves you with the deepest sense of fulfillment? What type of career path would allow and enable you to do those things?</p><p>Be Proactive</p><p>Begin searching and researching with a mind that is open and willing to think out of the box, praying all along the way for God to lead you, close all the wrong doors, and leave only the right door open. To avoid making another wrong turn, if finances allow, consider taking an entry-level position in a field of interest to give yourself a tryout before pursuing educational requirements and options.</p><p>What a blessing it is to know that our awesome, loving God allows U-turns! A boss once told me that the only thing consistent in life is change. Thankfully, in the case of discovering you are on the wrong career path, this can be a good thing.</p><p>You can read a condensed version of this article at <a href="https://nosidebar.com/minimizing-career-stress/" target="_blank">No Sidebar</a> by clicking <a href="https://nosidebar.com/minimizing-career-stress/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-26152114333863751272022-04-01T06:45:00.002-07:002022-04-03T11:50:36.550-07:00Seven Reasons I Minimized Mainstream Media, What I Replaced it With, & A Book Sale!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DfD1V8KEsiDX04EJkA5_dNe8WlpHH0dyltdOfQ5d05cFg9OZ7b-UGbA3onFG6Ht1GLJrpf0gK7KTS5GAEDBOgu3IFJNCPSaH0rJVYYzNDEu2V0AjRjBh_aJ15LRumVxM18xCc2tWxvyF0Y7PDqAjs81djOI7C1NwlnyVnHm_rRLZLRoMy9tG5BQdSw/s720/Philippians_4-7.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DfD1V8KEsiDX04EJkA5_dNe8WlpHH0dyltdOfQ5d05cFg9OZ7b-UGbA3onFG6Ht1GLJrpf0gK7KTS5GAEDBOgu3IFJNCPSaH0rJVYYzNDEu2V0AjRjBh_aJ15LRumVxM18xCc2tWxvyF0Y7PDqAjs81djOI7C1NwlnyVnHm_rRLZLRoMy9tG5BQdSw/w400-h400/Philippians_4-7.webp" width="400" /></a></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Philippians-4-7_Inspirational_Image/" target="_blank">Source</a></b></div></b><p></p><p></p><p>In these dark, chaotic, unsettling times, I am trying to keep my eyes laser-focused on JESUS, the Author and Finisher of my faith.<br />"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2<br />These are dark days, and if I take my eyes off Him, even for a little bit, I will start sinking. Just like Peter. When Jesus bade Peter come to Him on the water, Peter actually walked on water - like Jesus was doing. But, Peter took his eyes off Jesus, saw the waves crashing around him, started to panic, and began to go down in defeat. Thank God, Jesus was right there to grab Peter by the hand and pull him back up to safety. I am SO thankful He does that for me, too, every time I start to sink in despair. I never sink in despair when I am keeping my eyes on Him! What a powerful, life-transforming truth!</p><p>One of the ways I am forcing myself to keep my eyes on Jesus is that I have completely minimized mainstream media from my life. </p><p>Here are my reasons:<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><b>#1</b>. I just do not feel the need to know every single thing going on in this world. Call me selfish, but I choose to focus on <b><i>my world</i></b>. All glory to Jesus, I have the sweetest, dearest husband and son in the whole world, and they are second only to Him in my life. I cherish every second the three of us can be together, and next only to God, they are my priority. I refuse to allow what is going on in the rest of the world to mar or put a damper on <i><b>our world </b></i>and the precious time God gives us together. </p><p><b>#2.</b> I am <a href="https://www.homespundevotions.com/2022/01/those-who-sojourn-with-us.html" target="_blank">a sojourner here</a>.<br />"This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through, my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue..." <i>written by Albert E. Brumley.</i><br />When our dear Lord prayed to His Father in heaven, He said this concerning His disciples, "And now come I to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because <b>they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world</b>." John 17:13-14<br />Did you catch that? Jesus was not of this world. His original disciples were not of this world. And, we, His current disciples, are not of this world, either. There is to be a clear line of demarcation between us and the dark world around us. As long as we stay in our lane, our priorities will stay straight.</p><p><b>#3.</b> The joy of the Lord is my strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) If I lose my joy, I lose my strength. I can't afford to do that. My family needs me to remain joyful. The wife and mother set the tone for the home and that truth is ever before me. In the above-mentioned passage (John 17:13-14), Jesus said, "that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves." How can our hearts be full of joy when we continually, incessantly fill our minds with negativity, fear, and chaos? No, thank you. </p><p><b>#4.</b> I refuse to allow the "prince of the power of the air" (Ephesians 2:2) to hold more influence over me, my mind, my emotions, and my heart than the Prince of Peace. "The power of the air" brings television, internet, phone service, radio, etc. into our lives. Much of it is controlled by "the prince of this world" (John 12:31), our arch-enemy, satan himself. The mainstream media is full of corruption and liars and fear-mongers - like vultures, they will do and say anything for a sensational story and elevated views and ratings, all driven by a lust for power and insatiable greed. They are given a daily agenda (by people I do <b>not </b>want controlling my mind, believe me), and all of them follow it in lock-step fashion, spewing out propaganda, lies, and deceit in order to manipulate thought patterns and inject their own ulterior motives. Did you ever notice that no matter what channel you flip to, the same basic message is being propagated? I refuse to sit and feed on and digest what satan is dishing out. Again, no, thank you. The Prince of Peace will control my thinking and pour in "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding" and keep my heart and mind "through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7) as I continually yield to His dominance and control of my time, what I watch, what I listen to, and what I ponder on. Thank You, Jesus!</p><p><b>#5.</b> I admired my Papaw. He was born in 1900 and died in 1979 and was one of the godliest, praying men I have ever known. He never had a TV or the internet, and his mind was pretty much continually on God's Word, studying it, memorizing it, digging deep into it, and allowing it to permeate everything about his life. I am so abundantly blessed to have some of the sermon notes produced by his countless hours with Jesus. In Papaw's day, he had limited access to what was going on in the world, which enabled his generation to be present in the here and now and what was happening in front of them. How blessed they were! What if by shutting it all out, we lived the same way? Just because it is 2022, I don't have to buy into modern distractions or allow the pressures of the world to derail me from living with Papaw's mindset. It's my choice! How liberating!</p><p><b>#6.</b> Me knowing about every atrocity that is taking place does not fix the atrocity. Being clear across the world and unable to help remediate suffering only frustrates me and tears up my nerves. If watching the news would help my brothers and sisters in some way, then, of course, by all means, I would do it solely for that purpose. The reality is, my knowledge about every other human's distress does nothing to help ~ <b><i>them or me</i></b>. So, I will not allow things I cannot fix to enter and dwell in my mind. It is far too heavy and completely robs my peace for zero purpose. The only thing I can control is myself (through the power of the Holy Spirit's indwelling work within me.) I cannot control one other person, one other world event, one other thing at all. If World War III breaks out, (has it already?) then so be it. If a nuclear bomb catches our world on fire, then so be it. (I often wonder if that is what Peter meant in 2 Peter 3:10? "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.") Nuclear bombs may or may not be launched, but what are we afraid of? Our outcome is secure. Is it not? Are we not children of the living God? Haven't we all read the back of the book? God wins!!! So, do we! Jesus is coming soon!!! Can I just tell you how much joy that brings to me? As the signs of His coming become more and more pronounced, my heart rejoices within me because I know we are one step closer to that glorious day!! We get to spend eternity forever sheltered in the loving arms of Jesus! Whether He takes us there through death or His 2nd coming, our destination is the same. I don't need the constant threats of what might happen in the meantime and all the "what ifs?" invading my world and infiltrating my peace-filled time here on earth with my precious family. It is well with my soul. That is all that will matter in the end.</p><p><b><span>#7.</span></b> Philippians 4:8 is my goal. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Very little that is spewed in the mainstream media is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, or of good report. I have even seen evidence of how they are using old photos and misleading viewers to think the images are of current events, etc. So, again, no, thank you. People say, "You just don't know what to believe." Yes, you do! God's Word is the only absolute we have, and yes, my friend, it <b>IS</b> absolute! If you want some good news, open your Bible! The Gospel never changes and is always "the good news!" Jesus is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and every word out of His mouth is a good report, so I choose to listen to His voice, keep my mind laser-focused on Him, and continually yield to His influence. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." Isaiah 26:3</p><p>Note: Sometimes our loved ones and family members may not be on board with our decisions and convictions. "No harm, no foul."<br />"One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." Romans 14:5<br />We all have to "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling." Philippians 2:12<br />Do what God shows you to do in a spirit of love, not judgment. Walk the path the Holy Spirit dictates and show the same quality of abundant grace that God has so lavishly bestowed on you to those who make other choices. It is not necessary to make a megaphone announcement or shame others. It is better to simply and quietly leave the room. Keep the peace while minding God.</p><p><b><u>"Resist and Replace!"</u></b></p><p>In spite of all I do to erect safeguards and keep the bad stuff out of my life and mind, we all know the enemy comes in like a flood without any help, anyway. Though Papaw and his generation didn't have the constant technological bombardment of negativity we have to deal with, his generation had the same devil to contend with and their own unique battles. Same enemy, different tactics. The truths they implemented will still work for us today. I have come up with a "resist and replace" method that I implement on a regular basis when I am dealing with negative thinking.<br />First, I submit myself anew to God. "Submit yourselves therefore to God." James 4:7<br />Next, I verbally resist the devil out loud. "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7<br />Next, I replace whatever negative junk he is trying to inject into my peaceful world with something that falls into at least one of the "true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and good report" categories. Such as when I am trying to go to sleep at night - that is when he tries very hard to get me all upset and in turmoil. When he comes, I am ready. I am armed. My arsenal is prepared ahead of time. The weapon I most often pull out in times like that is a song that God repeatedly brings to my mind. I start "singing it" in my mind, and soon I have drifted off to peaceful slumber. If the world outside blows up or falls apart while I am resting, I will be ushered immediately into His presence, and that is the best outcome possible. I also often quote Scripture - that puts the enemy on the run every time and immediately. Praise God for His Word and songs in the night!<br />"God my maker, who giveth songs in the night." Job 35:10</p><p><b><u>YouTube Channels that Inspire Me</u></b></p><p>When it comes to resisting the negative, depressing news of our times and replacing it with something beautiful, I want to share some edifying channels I have found that I turn to in "free" time <b style="font-style: italic;">instead of </b>flipping on the taboo mainstream media.</p><p>Before I share the links, let me just say that the criteria I require in my personal YouTube "Subscribe to" litmus test is pretty specific and stringent. I believe God will hold each one of us accountable as to how we stewarded the time allotment He gave us on this earth, and I do not want to waste one moment of the precious hours He allows me to live each day.<br />"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." Colossians 4:5<br />A channel's content must be able to check off the right "yes" or "no" following boxes to earn my click on the "subscribe" button ~</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1</span></b>. Would I rush to turn off the channel if Jesus walked into the room?<br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2.</span></b> Does the channel include content that I would be ashamed to watch with my husband and son?<br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3.</span></b> Is the channel content spiritually edifying according to Ephesians 4:29 standards? "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."<br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4.</span></b> Is profanity or vulgar talk/phrases used on the channel? "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. Ephesians 5:3-4<br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5.</span></b> Is it comprised of information that will influence me to be a Godly "keeper at home" according to Titus 2:3-5 standards? "The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."<br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">6.</span></b> Does the content motivate me to "guide my house" according to 1 Timothy 5:14 standards? "I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully."<br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">7.</span></b> How do I feel after watching an episode? Depressed or uplifted?</p><p>And, one more disclaimer before I proceed - I have not watched every episode on these channels. In fact, I have watched very few on some of them. Nor can I say what the content creators will do in the future or whether or not they will change their views. We are living in the last days, and so many are doing that and falling away from Godly standards. I place my confidence in no human. I am just saying that I have really enjoyed the episodes I have watched on these channels, so far, and they have motivated, inspired, and encouraged me as a woman who absolutely loves being a wife, mother, and homemaker and strives with all my heart to please God, model Proverbs 31, and be the absolute best "keeper at home" and "guide of the house" I can possibly be.</p><p>So, with all that being said, here is that list.</p><p>I just love the Amish and Mennonites' lifestyle! Though I am neither of those, I love their simple way of life, the way they guard against the invasion of worldliness into their homes, their modesty of dress, and their work ethics. Thankfully, there are now several of these types of channels I enjoy. Here are some I'd like to share with you, and I hope you will check them out!</p><p style="text-align: center;">1. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/PositivelyAmy" target="_blank">Positively Amy</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">2. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/theMennoniteMom" target="_blank">The Mennonite Mom</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">3. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/LynetteY" target="_blank">Lynette Yoder</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">4. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/ValerieKeim" target="_blank">Valerie Keim</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">5. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3Y4DtyPQ86lJlNvrYtKTew" target="_blank">Kim Martin</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">6. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/MeganFoxUnlocked" target="_blank">Megan Fox Unlocked</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">7. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl69GToBX-RxXP4Dp9sQ7jw" target="_blank">The White Cottage Company</a></p><p>If there are other Amish or Mennonite channels you enjoy that are not mentioned, will you please leave them in the comments below? I would love to check them out when I have time.</p><p>The following are not Amish or Mennonite, but other channels I enjoy (in no particular order):</p><p style="text-align: center;">8. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSecretSlob" target="_blank">The Secret Slob</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">9. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheHillbillyKitchenDownHomeCountryCooking" target="_blank">The Hillbilly Kitchen</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">10. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/TheFLYLADY" target="_blank">The Flylady</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">11. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/CelebratingAppalachia" target="_blank">Celebrating Appalachia</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">12. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/FreedomSprout" target="_blank">Freedom Sprout</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">13. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/OldWorldHome" target="_blank">Old World Home</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">14. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/FarmhouseonBoone" target="_blank">Farmhouse on Boone</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">15. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/HisWordInMyHeart95" target="_blank">Mountaintop Spice</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">16. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yq41wib1MOacBef2crlbw" target="_blank">Three Rivers Homestead</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">17. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/ThisMamasHouse" target="_blank">This Mama's House</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">18. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0o2n1IkGL93VmbTtVrtbsg" target="_blank">The Pressley Girls</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">19. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsCPjH73kVctJG5AOM8cZRg" target="_blank">Homesteading Pastor</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">20. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/CooperStuff" target="_blank">Cooper Stuff</a></p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">BOOK SALE & A Special Offer!</span></u></b></p><p>Our books, Biblical Minimalism, and Homespun Devotions: Volume One, are<b> on sale!!</b> For a limited time, you can buy them at the following prices:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHEwoKVGKHvJwcFv2FzqFN4A7SYZXv6nsW-jmqrhMx39QFaipjPSxMwFeV7RoCjZPa3xVPl4noE0jSfpFsUAj4buXG48i0IwZ1WbmKRQUX_8bxfVJASlw_0oGSRBpYGZjyuLshX3LOeQ6uVESW2lMuH4P4GUvvLH6y9YH8FWFfQi29ojs-pv--ehkLA/s346/Biblical%20Minimalism.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="217" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHEwoKVGKHvJwcFv2FzqFN4A7SYZXv6nsW-jmqrhMx39QFaipjPSxMwFeV7RoCjZPa3xVPl4noE0jSfpFsUAj4buXG48i0IwZ1WbmKRQUX_8bxfVJASlw_0oGSRBpYGZjyuLshX3LOeQ6uVESW2lMuH4P4GUvvLH6y9YH8FWFfQi29ojs-pv--ehkLA/w251-h400/Biblical%20Minimalism.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Minimalism-Following-Abundance-Abundant-ebook/dp/B088P597CB/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1644548708&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Biblical Minimalism e-book</a> - <strike>$7.99</strike> On Sale for <b><span style="font-size: large;">$3.99</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Minimalism-Following-Abundance-Abundant/dp/B088N4WK4B/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1644548708&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Biblical Minimalism Paperback</a> -<strike> $12.99</strike> On Sale for <b><span style="font-size: large;">$8.99</span></b><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dD2MV7cbuq2vwmuOxeJAY6zNrPgBUpKIfZfHHy21_f_5ejGF89gUys4gFkm4JiQUpZr06JO7ume5YIojCs7iqDzL8Ot1-ICm4XS3_5qMOuDIWOKwu62f7ROcPtLkfxN4Lh7iLC-3BHcbB8N4sNInUHp69T1RKwIZ3F8mMjWRi8af4eD3B8T3DYXNag/s337/Homespun%20Devotions%20Book%20Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="260" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dD2MV7cbuq2vwmuOxeJAY6zNrPgBUpKIfZfHHy21_f_5ejGF89gUys4gFkm4JiQUpZr06JO7ume5YIojCs7iqDzL8Ot1-ICm4XS3_5qMOuDIWOKwu62f7ROcPtLkfxN4Lh7iLC-3BHcbB8N4sNInUHp69T1RKwIZ3F8mMjWRi8af4eD3B8T3DYXNag/s320/Homespun%20Devotions%20Book%20Cover.jpg" width="247" /></a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Homespun-Devotions-Cheryl-Smith-ebook/dp/B09BTJYG2X/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1644548770&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Homespun Devotions: Volume One e-book</a> - <strike>$7.99</strike> On Sale for <b><span style="font-size: large;">$3.99</span></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Homespun-Devotions-Cheryl-Smith/dp/B09C1FRC5J/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1644548770&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Homespun Devotions: Volume One Paperback</a> - <strike>$12.99</strike> On Sale for <b><span style="font-size: large;">$7.99</span></b><br /></p><p>If your church, Bible study group, Sunday School class, homeschool, small group, etc., would like to use either or both of our books as a study guide curriculum, you can buy them at <b>our cost</b> (only $3.42 per paperback copy of Biblical Minimalism and only $3.03 per paperback copy of Homespun Devotions: Volume One), with <b>free shipping</b>! All you need to do is email us, let us know how many of each book you would like to order, and send a payment for book costs via PayPal. We will order the books at our cost, pay for shipping, and have them mailed directly to you from Amazon.</p><p>Also, if any reader would like either or both of our books and you are unable to purchase them, please email us and we will send you a copy at zero cost to you.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>God bless each of you and keep your hearts encouraged in these perilous times.</b></p>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-10794405625874305542021-08-12T20:59:00.001-07:002021-08-12T20:59:25.299-07:00An Exciting Announcement!<p> <span style="text-align: center;">" Delight thyself also in the LORD, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart."</span></p><p style="text-align: center;">Psalm 37:4</p><p>Hello, everyone!</p><p>First of all, a hearty welcome to all the new subscribers and followers! I am deeply grateful that you take the time to read what God places on my heart, and I am so thankful for you! This post has nothing to do with minimalism—I don't often write about other subjects here, but I hope you will bear with me this one time, as I share something else that is close to my heart. This news humbles me, brings me to tears, and compels me to fall on my knees in gratitude and worship to the dear Lord, as once again, He has made a long-term dream come true. I could never praise Him enough!</p><p>When I began blogging at <a href="https://www.homespundevotions.com/" target="_blank">Homespun Devotions</a> nearly ten years ago on October 1, 2011, my real dream was not to blog but to write a book called Homespun Devotions. Over these years, the Lord has inspired me to write 800+ devotional posts at that blog, and several months ago, He began to deal with my heart and lead me to pull most of those posts off <a href="https://www.homespundevotions.com/" target="_blank">the blog</a> and start sorting through them to compile them into a series of books. </p><p>After many months of sorting, sifting, praying hard, editing, and seeking God's face every step of the way, I am thrilled to tell you that <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BTJYG2X/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=homespun+devotions&qid=1628035661&s=digital-text&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Homespun Devotions: Volume One</a> is now published and ready to purchase! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--HzZR2mRnwk/YRXcBCdYgzI/AAAAAAAAQn8/_tm4yWKpCrwCRfiODegQtZim7SL2HEMFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Homespun%2BDevotions%2BVolume%2BOne%2BBook%2BCover%2B%2528L%2529%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1399" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--HzZR2mRnwk/YRXcBCdYgzI/AAAAAAAAQn8/_tm4yWKpCrwCRfiODegQtZim7SL2HEMFQCLcBGAsYHQ/w274-h400/Homespun%2BDevotions%2BVolume%2BOne%2BBook%2BCover%2B%2528L%2529%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Though it isn't exclusively about minimalism, I am so excited for you to read this new book, and oh, how I hope it will be a bright spot and bring encouragement to your hearts during these troubled, dark times! </div><p>As with our last book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Minimalism-Following-Abundance-Abundant-ebook/dp/B088P597CB/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1616978983&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Biblical Minimalism</a>, our dear son, Zach did the cover design for us. The photo was taken by <a href="https://rachealcooperphotography.com/" target="_blank">Racheal Cooper Photography</a>, and the formatting was done by <a href="https://freedomsprout.com/" target="_blank">Kalen Bruce</a>. I would like to pause right here and explain how God worked a miracle in bringing Kalen into our lives.</p><p>I was online one day looking up something to do with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Minimalism-Following-Abundance-Abundant-ebook/dp/B088P597CB/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1616978983&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Biblical Minimalism</a>, and I came across an article in which Kalen mentioned <a href="http://www.biblicalminimalism.com/" target="_blank">this blog</a>. I contacted him through <a href="https://freedomsprout.com/" target="_blank">his blog</a>, and over the past several months, we have become friends. A few months ago, he and his wife and family happened to come through our area as they were traveling, and God blessed us to be able to meet and spend some time together. During our meal, I mentioned our new upcoming book to Kalen and told him what a difficult time I have with the technical parts of the formatting to upload to Amazon. Immediately, Kalen offered to do that part for me! To say I was relieved and so blessed by his offer is such an understatement. I could hardly believe it! That was the part I was dreading most and it was actually holding me back from wanting to finish the book. I just had such a hard time when it came to that point with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Minimalism-Following-Abundance-Abundant-ebook/dp/B088P597CB/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1616978983&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Biblical Minimalism</a>, even having to leave some slight errors unfixed, and I was surely not looking forward to going through that again. God knew, and He sent our dear friend Kalen along. If you have not checked out <a href="https://freedomsprout.com/" target="_blank">his blog</a>, I hope you can go visit him. It is chock full of wisdom and lots of great tips concerning minimalism. He also has a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCyKvvbXMAc" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> that you will definitely want to check out.</p><p>Many of you have already committed to promoting our new book, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts! I have emailed all who are planning to help us get the word out, and we will be mailing your signed copy to you as soon as we receive them in the mail. Again, we are so grateful to you!</p><p><b>If anyone else who is reading this would like to join our marketing/promotion team for <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BTJYG2X/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=homespun+devotions&qid=1628035661&s=digital-text&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Homespun Devotions: Volume One</a>, we would be so thrilled to have you come on board!</b> If you are interested, please email us at <a href="mailto:homespundevotions@gmail.com">homespundevotions@gmail.com</a> to let us know, and we will mail you a signed copy of the book. All we ask in return is that you do the following for us:</p><p>1. <b>Leave a review for us on Amazon.</b> This is so important to the success of a new book, and we would so appreciate anyone who would be willing to do this for us.</p><p>2. <b>If you are a blogger</b> - in addition to leaving a review for us on Amazon, do a blog post review, sharing about the book. Also, if you would like to do a giveaway on your blog, we will be happy to mail your winner a copy of the book!</p><p>3. <b>If you are not a blogger</b> - in addition to leaving a review for us on Amazon, share a link to our book on your social media.</p><p>That's it!</p><p>I am now hard at work on Homespun Devotions: Volume Two! I'm not sure how many volumes there will end up being, but I will do my best to remain faithful to God's call to this project until He says it is enough. </p><p>I hope to be able to publish another minimalism post here soon! The Lord is laying one on my heart, and I am looking forward to sharing it with you!</p><p>May God bless each and every one of you for all your support, encouragement, and kindness to us over these many years! Please keep us in your prayers as we press forward to follow Jesus. My greatest desire is to be faithful to Him. </p>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-55611777902210125782021-05-31T10:36:00.005-07:002021-05-31T15:20:02.846-07:00Mid-Life Minimizing <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1T1zvPbgSos/YLVg_id6tRI/AAAAAAAAQec/CuUnU0bxyU0dAiVVe1MBF_0xb2yuHTy3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/MLM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1T1zvPbgSos/YLVg_id6tRI/AAAAAAAAQec/CuUnU0bxyU0dAiVVe1MBF_0xb2yuHTy3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/MLM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@eldarnazarov?utm_source=vocal.media" target="_blank">Eldar Nazarov</a></span></div><p style="text-align: center;">“Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days." Ephesians 5:16 (NLT)</p><p>Mom often told me, “Cheryl, none of us came here to stay always.” It used to bother me when she said that because I could not even imagine living life without her and Dad. Losing them was one of my biggest fears for as far back as I can remember. Now I stand on the other side of that fear becoming reality, and my husband, Kevin, and I find ourselves around the same age my parents were when we first met. How did we get here? It seems like the years have flown, and it is near unbelievable to me that we could have reached "mid-life" so quickly.</p><p>Now in our 50’s and married for nearly 33 years, Kevin and I approach minimizing from a middle-aged perspective. The viewpoint and priorities we share today are vastly different from when we began our life together, and while I wish we had known then what we know now, I will be eternally grateful we learned early enough to pass on these truths to our son, Zach.</p><p><b>It is far better to not accumulate in the first place. </b> </p><p>About a year and a half after Kevin and I were married, my sister and her husband came to visit us from out of town, and upon seeing our apartment and possessions, my brother-in-law commented that it took most couples years to accumulate the amount of stuff we already had after only being married for a short time. At the time, his words felt like a compliment. Now, I realize we were setting a precedent that would cause remorse and frustration for us later. I once heard someone say that we spend the first years of married life accumulating and the next stage trying to get rid of what we have accumulated. I find a lot of truth in that statement and tip my hat to young singles and newly married couples who have already adopted a minimalist lifestyle. "And He (Jesus) said unto them, 'Take heed and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.'" Luke 12:15</p><p><b>Mortality is common to us all.</b></p><p>Nothing made me realize that more than standing by the bedsides of both of my dying parents. They were resilient and had always bounced back from their many health struggles, but death finally came, despite their strong determination to live. As I mourned in the aftermath of losing them, I realized I, too, will one day leave this world, and just as I entered it with nothing, so I will leave. Amassing excessive possessions proves to have been a futile endeavor in the end. "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." I Timothy 6:7</p><p><b>There is no time like the present.</b></p><p>As a middle-aged couple, we are starting to see some of the progressing health issues our parents struggled with, and along with that comes the realization that time to do the things we have dreamed of is limited, open windows of opportunity won’t stay that way forever, and sometimes there is no second chance. When presented with the option of doing something we love and enjoy, we are much more likely to seize upon those opportunities now and not put off until tomorrow what we can cherish together today. The wisdom in choosing experiences over things has never been clearer to us. "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." Colossians 4:5</p><p><b>The burden of debt is not worth what it costs.</b></p><p>There is a line in Bob Seger’s song, “Against the Wind,” that says, “I was living to run and running to live, never worried about paying or even how much I owed.” During the years we were racking up credit cards and other types of debt, we honestly did not know the total amount of our indebtedness. All we knew is we were living life in extreme bondage to those we owed money to, and the toll it was taking on us to keep things current and our excellent credit rating intact intensified as we got older. It is a lot easier to live that way when you are young and strong and running against the wind than it is when you find yourself in the middle stage of life, with less time, health, and energy. We are more patient now and have learned that nothing is worth being indebted to acquire. "The borrower is servant to the lender." Proverbs 22:7</p><p><b>Some things are too heavy to carry.</b></p><p>When we were young, we didn’t pay attention to how heavy a piece of furniture was when we bought it. Now, the weight of something is the most important factor we consider when making a purchase. I used to carry around a ton of emotional baggage, worry about what people said and thought, and was so concerned with pleasing others I ran myself ragged. Through the hard realities of aging and an extremely painful ulcer, I have come to understand that carrying that kind of weight is every bit as detrimental as lifting a cumbersome piece of furniture. I simply cannot do it anymore, so I had to let it go. "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1</p><p><b>What we hold onto affects someone other than ourselves.</b></p><p>When we began accumulating possessions, there were only two of us. Now, there are three, and as Kevin and I make minimizing decisions, our son, Zach, is front and center in our minds. We are becoming steadily more concerned about how the things we are keeping will affect him after we are gone. Do we want to leave him with precious memories or laden with stuff? Our stuff. Stuff that he may have no interest in or even understand why we kept. Our concern for him often influences our minimizing decisions and lends a confirming measure of common sense. "Yea, I hated all my labor which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me." Ecclesiastes 2:18</p><div><b>Stuff that used to serve us in one way, can now serve us in another.</b></div><p>As we get older, our physical abilities sometimes restrict us from activities we used to enjoy. When this happens, it is counterproductive to hold onto things we can no longer use when selling them may contribute to something that is important to us now, in this season. Recently, unexpected expenses arose regarding our next book around the same time Kevin began considering selling the fishing equipment he has been collecting for years. It was a hard decision for him—many memories were attached, and my heart broke for him when he told me he was going to sell everything and apply the money toward our book expenses. But it just made sense to him—he no longer does any fishing or has easy access to a good fishing spot, and the book is very close to all three of our hearts. It all sold immediately, and our problem was solved. "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19</p><p>Though middle age is a challenging phase in life’s journey, it provides the opportunity to make necessary adjustments, live out the lessons we have learned, and pass the insight on to those who walk behind us.</p>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-12940490821071346842021-03-06T21:24:00.003-08:002021-03-06T21:24:23.595-08:00 How Minimalism Simplifies the Cleaning Process for Me<p style="text-align: center;">"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2:3-5</p><p>First of all, I want to apologize for going AWOL from this blog for such a long time. Life has been busy, and lots of stress has deterred inspiration and the motivation to write. But, here I am, back again with a post that I hope will be a blessing to you. You can also find it at No Sidebar by clicking <a href="https://nosidebar.com/simplified-cleaning-our-home/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Thank you for your patience and faithfulness to follow this blog. The posts may be sporadic, but each one of them comes from the heart.</p><p>Secondly, I want to be fully transparent concerning my weight loss endeavors, since I shared about it here before. I wish I could say they have been a success, but after all this time, that is just not the case. I was faithful to my commitment to intermittent fasting from July through December of 2020, only to find that I had lost just a few pounds at the end of that process. I am not giving up. I am still trying hard every, single day, and I look forward to the day I can post a victory announcement that I have finally reached my weight loss goal. Until then, I press on.</p><p>Now, for that latest post.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-baxf7jWIMwI/YD8ULCE0IXI/AAAAAAAAQUU/O2XQcGdPMc4dksJw3E3kk9qehBhAwGEyACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/Cleaning.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1111" data-original-width="1920" height="370" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-baxf7jWIMwI/YD8ULCE0IXI/AAAAAAAAQUU/O2XQcGdPMc4dksJw3E3kk9qehBhAwGEyACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h370/Cleaning.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Sometimes, it is hard to see the benefits of a life change until you have actually lived that life for a while. Then, you can look back and assess the differences with pristine, hindsight clarity. </p><p>In our nearly 33 years of marriage, it has always been my heart’s desire to make sure our home is a welcoming, comforting place – a haven for my hard-working husband to come home to and a safe and clean environment for our son to grow up in. It is my life’s work, mission, and calling to be the best keeper at home I can possibly be, and I find a lot of fulfillment and joy in the daily minutiae and work required to make that happen. To be honest, mundane “chores” are some of my favorite things to do and standing over a soapy sink full of dishes is one of my ideal places to meditate and pray. Over the years, I’ve done a lot of productive thinking standing in front of our kitchen sink, and I seldom use our dishwasher because doing that would rob me of something I find extremely fulfilling.</p><p>Today, as I straightened our room and made our bed, it occurred to me how much simpler it is to live out my life’s dream of keeping a clean, organized, ready-for-company house than it was five years ago. Then, we were living in a mortgaged 4-bedroom, 3 bath house; every closet, drawer, shelf, and cupboard was pretty much filled to overflowing; and excess was oozing out of every nook and cranny of our home. Now, we live in a rented 2-bedroom, 2 bath townhouse, have eliminated about 90% of our physical possessions, and there isn’t much in our home that we don’t love and use on a regular basis. Comparing cleaning efforts now with then presents a stark and welcoming contrast. </p><p>Here are some of the ways minimalism has made cleaning simpler for me.</p><p>1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Having less stuff, in and of itself, obviously reduces the amount of effort and energy required to keep things clean. Less furniture means less dusting, less clothing and linens equals less laundry, etc.</p><p>2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Owning less means we require a smaller living space. Less square footage equates to less sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and overall cleaning. </p><p>3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Less time spent cleaning means more time with my family, more time to help our son study for college exams, more time to devote to outreach endeavors, and more time doing the things we love and enjoy. For example, having two bathrooms instead of three reduces my weekly deep cleaning time by about an hour. That is an hour I can invest in the online Bible studies I so enjoy, in working on a blog post, or in editing and finishing my upcoming book.</p><p>4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Along the way, I have learned to stop buying multiple one-purpose cleaning products and to replace them with basic homemade, all-purpose cleansers. Continual bombardment of consumerism-driven advertisers and marketing campaigns have convinced us we can only use each product for one specific purpose, i.e.., we have to buy a separate cleanser for toilets, sinks, showers, stovetops, countertops, and floors. The truth is a homemade glass cleaner solution of water, peroxide, alcohol, dishwashing liquid, and vinegar works great for windows, mirrors, and interim touch-ups, and a homemade multi-purpose cleaning solution of equal parts dishwashing liquid and vinegar covers deep cleaning and most of the rest. A dab of body wash or shampoo is perfect for wiping down shower stalls, takes less than a minute of time, and reduces soap scum build-up. A combination of elbow grease and an inexpensive pumice stone is the best solution for stubborn toilet bowl stains, tough stovetop jobs, baked-on oven build-up, and many other cleaning challenges. Such a time saver and so incredibly simple! Learning and implementing these acquired lessons has immeasurably simplified cleaning our home and consistently saves us a lot of money. </p><p>5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There is no cleaning intimidation or deterrent in an uncluttered space. Think of it this way - since countertops and tabletops are already kept clear and empty, you don’t have to tackle a pile of disorder and chaos before you can wipe them down and dust. Since floors are clutter-free, you don’t have to deal with piles of paper, toys, and other random untidiness before you can sweep, mop, or vacuum. I will never forget how much I used to dread stepping into our oversized garage and having to navigate through and around the maze of boxes, crates, and piles of stuff to get to the outside door. Seeing the mess was not only a glaring, guilt-inducing reminder of what needed to be done, it also presented an unwanted reality check as to how overwhelmingly monumental the task was going to be. Excess accumulation creates added layers of necessary steps to achieve cleanliness and discourages ever beginning the process in the first place.</p><p>6.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In our particular situation, we found it was entirely doable to reduce family vehicles to just one. Having one family car that we all share and learning to keep that one car free of clutter reduces the amount of time and energy needed to keep it comfortable and clean.</p><p>Whether living in our beloved, long-term, pre-minimalism home or in a post-minimalism rented home with no emotional ties attached, it is and has always been my goal and desire to keep things clean. Minimalism just makes that job a whole lot easier.</p>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-13934647827273685322020-09-04T20:05:00.001-07:002020-09-04T20:08:16.014-07:00How to Minimize Your Kitchen<p style="text-align: center;"> "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." I Timothy 6:6 (KJV)</p>Are you starting to feel the slightest nip of autumn in the air where you live? Oh, I do love the fall of the year! As I type this, I am looking out our kitchen window at the plethora of trees on the mountainside directly behind our townhouse. The leaves are rustling, and even though they have not yet begun to change colors or fall, and even though I am inside with the air conditioning running, I still sense a slight "change in the air." Our days are still very warm, but at night ~ well, I sometimes go out on our balcony, and the air is just a slight bit cooler. I am SO looking forward to the ushering in of my favorite season of all. The other day, my sweet husband said to me, "We're getting ready to go into your favorite time of the year." He was referring to that wonderful span of time that begins with my birthday (yesterday!) to his birthday on February 3rd, with Zach's birthday (the day after Christmas) and Thanksgiving and Christmas tucked right there in between!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbwIpuJQLyo/X1L11coEd8I/AAAAAAAAP9E/KyA5Pv5eWnYqq3EWW92xJ_SGMLsx_OmnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Minimizing%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="333" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbwIpuJQLyo/X1L11coEd8I/AAAAAAAAP9E/KyA5Pv5eWnYqq3EWW92xJ_SGMLsx_OmnQCLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h333/Minimizing%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This is my very favorite time of the year, and this is one of my all-time favorite songs. </div><div>Hope you enjoy it!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hh5QvnSWrnA" width="500" youtube-src-id="Hh5QvnSWrnA"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQduYHZNkMk" target="_blank">"A Change in the Air" by Clint Black</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't know about you, but I get highly motivated and inspired to declutter, minimize, and downsize at this time of year. I've always heard about "spring cleaning," but I declare, "fall cleaning" comes more naturally to me. I just get a hankering to "shed" as the world around me "sheds" and breaks forth into such vibrant, beautiful colors. I sense a fresh, new zest for life and want to clear out to make way for the new! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a lot easier to accomplish these tasks than it was a few years ago. The less you have, the less you have to worry about, and I love our new way of living with few possessions! As you probably know, if you've read this blog or <b><a href="www.homespundevotions.com" target="_blank">Homespun Devotions</a> </b>for<b> </b>very long, my little family and I have been on a minimizing mission since 2015 - even before that.<b> </b>By God's grace, we have made tremendous progress, and our lives today hardly resemble our pre-minimized lives at all. We are so much happier, lighter, and less stressed. By God's grace, we have maintained our minimized state and have never allowed stuff to creep back into our home and lives, and we remain 100% debt-free. I say all of this NOT to boast - believe me, this was ALL God - we never thought it could happen. I say this to encourage you today that there is an abundant life Jesus wills for each of us to live, and He came so we could find and live out that level of life. "<span style="color: red;"><b>The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly</b></span>." John 10:10</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jesus came to make a way for us to live that abundant life, but He leaves the choice in the hands of our free will. We have to take the necessary steps to reach that abundant life - He is a Gentleman and will not force it on any of us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you would like to read more about our story, please consider ordering our new book by clicking <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088P597CB?pf_rd_r=HSABQTASRDBPMD4NG26P&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">HERE</a>, and if you are feeling "a change in the air" and wanting to get started on or resume a past minimizing journey, here are some tips to help motivate you as we prepare for the refreshing coolness of autumn. A great place to start is in your kitchen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. <b><i>Get your transport containers ready first. </i></b> Whether it be cardboard boxes, crates, or something else, set them up in a convenient spot and label them, "Donate," "Sell," and "Put Away." As a fourth container, have a garbage can handy to immediately dispose of trash items. The "Put Away" box is for any misplaced items you find that you still want to keep but need to be moved to another area of your home. The "Donate" box is to be given away, and we have found it helpful to put our "Sell" box in a location out of sight until we can figure out where to sell the items in the box. The methods we have used most often are eBay and Letgo, but there are many other options including having a fall yard sale, utilizing facebook marketplace, or setting up a table at a local flea market.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. <b><i>Start with a kitchen drawer. </i></b> Yes, just one. Take everything out and assess every, single item. Do you have more than one? Do you need more than one? Do you even use, want, or need the one? Try to put less back in the drawer than you took out. Move on to the next kitchen drawer, and the next, until all drawers are completely decluttered. Breaking it down into one drawer at a time makes the job doable, gives you a quick sense of accomplishment, and inspires you to move on to bigger areas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. <b><i>Next, tackle one kitchen cabinet.</i></b> Perhaps, you will want to do just one per day, or if you have time, you can do more. Ask the same questions - do I really use this anymore? Do I even like this? Am I only keeping it because it was gifted to me? Here is the cardinal rule: If you find that the answers are no, then you'll see it is time to let go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. <b><i>Assess your countertops.</i></b> Do they looked cluttered? Do you frequently use everything that is taking up countertop space? Could something be moved inside an empty, out-of-sight cupboard to create a more clean, organized look? Is there anything that needs to be dealt with, i.e., bills, papers, etc.? Deal with what needs dealt with, and clear away any unnecessary clutter. For example, we leave our stand mixer on our countertop at all times because it is too heavy for me to lift in and out, and I use it several times a week. However, we store our toaster in a lower cupboard because it is light and easy for me to take in and out, and we don't use it nearly as often. Arrange your kitchen in a way that is most convenient, user-friendly, and streamlined to your needs and wants. There is no hard and fast rule about what a minimized kitchen should look like, but a universal thread in every minimalist's kitchen is that the unused, unwanted, and unnecessary have been removed, and what remains is neatly arranged, well-placed, and organized.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. <b><i>Keep eating area clear at all times.</i></b> This way, when meal time comes, all you have to do is set the table. If there is anything cluttering your table that discourages you from sitting down to eat a peaceful meal, remove it and find another suitable place for it. Keep on the table only what will not create extra work for you before meals and only what is necessary. For example, we do not have a formal dining room; our eating area consists of a small eat-in kitchen table with four chairs. There are only three of us, so we keep our daily medications and vitamins inside a primitive wooden box situated on a pretty doily on the 4th side of the table where no one sits, and we keep the other three places cleared off, clean, and ready to place our plates at mealtimes. Again, do what works for you, but keep it minimal and uncluttered.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. <b><i>Analyze your pantry.</i></b> Check each item's expiration date. If anything is past using, throw it away. Are there things left that you know you and your family will never eat? Donate unopened, unwanted items to a local family, food pantry, or homeless shelter. Make meal plans based on what you have on hand, and make a list of frequently used items that need to be replenished.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7. <b><i>Clean out your freezer and refrigerator</i></b> following the same suggestions as you used for your pantry. While items are removed, take this opportunity to clean shelves, doors, sides, and drawers with a warm, soapy rag. You will feel so much better after you do!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8. <b><i>Wipe down</i></b> any accummulated cobwebs, the top of your refrigerator and stove hood, inside your microwave, and any other areas that may not get more regular attention.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, there you have it! Your kitchen will be completely decluttered, cleaned, and refreshed for fall in just a few, doable steps. One step at a time breaks it all down into bite-size pieces and makes it less overwhelming. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wanted to also give you an update on my intermittent fasting weight loss endeavors. I am thankful to say, that by God's grace and help, I am still going strong! Since July 25th, I have made it a point to fast from food for 16 hours each day. This daily discipline has evolved into a habit and a part of my lifestyle. I have not weighed, nor will I, until I see and feel a marked difference. I am feeling just a tiny bit lighter, and I am noticing the smallest change in the way my clothes fit, so hopefully, this is working. While I wish I could find a wonder pill that would melt the pounds overnight, I realize this excess weight has built up over a period of several years, so I am settled in for the long haul and am not going to focus on how long this is taking. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In younger years, had I made the drastic sacrifices I am now making to lose weight, I would have seen a big difference by now, but we all know what happens as we get older. Everything slows down, and the climb gets harder all the time. So, I will give myself grace, continue to draw close to Jesus during this time of daily fasting, and I will stay the course, by His grace. Feeling a heightened sense of His presence each day during those fasting hours is worth it all to me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I would love to hear your minimizing, decluttering, cleaning, and weight loss suggestions and stories in the comments. Please share with all of us, and may God bless each one of you on your journey!</div></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-13192089557629760192020-08-16T17:21:00.002-07:002020-08-17T06:41:58.921-07:00Weight Loss Update & New Article on No Sidebar<p style="text-align: center;">"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."</p><p style="text-align: center;">I Corinthians 9:27</p><p style="text-align: left;">How I appreciate all who are praying for me! Thank you for the emails and comments that let me know you are continuing to pray and stand alongside me in this ongoing battle to "bring my body into subjection." I just wanted to drop in with an accountability update and let you know how I am doing and hopefully encourage you to keep pressing on in your own minimizing challenges.</p><p style="text-align: left;">As I spoke about in <a href="http://www.biblicalminimalism.com/2020/07/weight-loss-confessions.html" target="_blank"><b>this post</b></a> and <a href="http://www.biblicalminimalism.com/2020/07/minimizing-excess-weight-through-prayer.html" target="_blank"><b>this post</b></a>, I began the discipline of intermittent fasting on July 25th. By God's grace, I am continuing to do that for 16 hours each day. I have not stepped on a set of scales, nor do I intend to for a very long time. Many failed weight loss attempts have taught me that for me to step on the scales too early in the game equals total frustration and defeat, so I am avoiding the scales like the plague! </p><p style="text-align: left;">I am taking it one day at a time, and I am applying the many lessons God has taught us in all other areas of minimizing to my current weight minimizing efforts. You can read all about those lessons in our <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088P597CB?pf_rd_r=261ED7EY6RZM8VBYYFVR&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee" target="_blank">new book, "Biblical Minimalism."</a> </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f517BJH8Y8c/XznM2nigWFI/AAAAAAAAP7Q/mhTS4UD7kkM7GkvN8I2h4pdpzsAEw_JYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1400/Biblical%2BMinimalism%2B%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1000" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f517BJH8Y8c/XznM2nigWFI/AAAAAAAAP7Q/mhTS4UD7kkM7GkvN8I2h4pdpzsAEw_JYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w293-h410/Biblical%2BMinimalism%2B%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">We are completely humbled and amazed at how God is blessing <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088P597CB?pf_rd_r=261ED7EY6RZM8VBYYFVR&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee" target="_blank"><b>this book</b></a>. May He continue to place it in the hands of those with open hearts hungry for a closer walk with Him. If you haven't yet ordered yours,<b> </b>I hope you will click <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088P597CB?pf_rd_r=261ED7EY6RZM8VBYYFVR&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">here</span></a> </b>to<b> </b>order your copy today!</p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">It is amazing how the Word of God is universal and Its wisdom applies to all areas of our lives. Whether it is severing toxic relationships, tearing down physical possession idols, or being set free from food addiction, Its precepts are all-encompassing, applicable, and entirely relevant.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I am trying not to set unrealistic goals, and I am certainly not making a vow, but my heart's desire is to continue the intermittent fasting until Christmas. I just keep thinking how wonderful it would be to not have to cringe when it comes time to take our annual Christmas photo! All of the sacrifice would be so worthwhile if I could face that camera with less dread knowing I had really tried and given it my all to lose this excess weight. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Whether or not you need to lose body weight, get out of debt, ditch toxic relationships, or let go of excess physical possessions, I want to encourage you today on your minimizing journey by reminding you that <b>God is bigger than this</b>. <span>I will admit that the thought of needing to lose 60+ pounds is overwhelming to me. Its insurmountability is enough to cause me to give up, but I won't because the God within me is greater than the mountain in front of me.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;">"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." I John 4:4</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ohTKlVW5shk" width="500" youtube-src-id="ohTKlVW5shk"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohTKlVW5shk" target="_blank"><b>Bigger than This - Jo Dee Messina</b></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Through His strength, I can lose this weight, and you can overcome any minimizing challenge, too</b>. On my own, I have tried and failed more times than I can even remember. Somehow, I have viewed weight loss as being in its own category outside the power of God, but this time I am enlisting all the power available to me, and I will conquer this. I can't do this, but HE can do this through me.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." Romans 8:37</p><p style="text-align: left;">"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13</p>I want freedom from obesity more than I want food. As the saying goes, "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." I am reminding myself that God, not food, is my Source of comfort. When I am tempted at night to "break" the fast and turn to food for comfort, I will lift my eyes Heavenward and find my comfort in HIM.<div><br /></div><div>"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2</div><div><br /></div><div>I also wanted to let you know that today I am sharing a post on <b><a href="https://nosidebar.com/peacefully-minimizing-with-kids/">No Sidebar</a> </b>about some helpful things to remember while minimizing with children. Here's a little snippet ~ </div><div><br /></div><div>"<b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The journey to a more peaceful, simpler life looks different for all of us, and there is no one size fits all, step-by-step plan or method. For those of us pursuing simplicity as families with children, it is important to remember that while we are working toward a life of greater peace, the everyday press toward that goal can be anything but peaceful</span></i></b>."</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you will click <a href="https://nosidebar.com/peacefully-minimizing-with-kids/"><b>HERE</b></a> to head over to <a href="The journey to a more peaceful, simpler life looks different for all of us, and there is no one size fits all, step-by-step plan or method. For those of us pursuing simplicity as families with children, it is important to remember that while we are working toward a life of greater peace, the everyday press toward that goal can be anything but peaceful."><b>No Sidebar</b></a> and read the rest!</div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-6861927542691776202020-07-28T22:27:00.002-07:002020-07-29T03:35:50.428-07:00Minimizing Excess Weight Through Prayer & Fasting<div style="text-align: center;">
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present <b><i>your bodies</i></b> a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."</div>
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You may wonder why I am talking about weight loss issues on a blog called Biblical Minimalism. I realize that this will not apply to many of you, and chances are, you have no weight to lose and/or have already overcame in this area of minimizing. Even if obesity is not an issue for you, I hope you can bear with me. Maybe the stuff we talk about here will apply to another area of excess in your life. Or perhaps you are struggling with another type addiction, unrelated to food, and maybe the things God is teaching me will be beneficial to you for something totally different. At any rate, I trust you won't give up on me, as I use this space to work through this journey.<br />
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I recently published <a href="http://www.biblicalminimalism.com/2020/07/weight-loss-confessions.html" target="_blank"><b>this very raw, unedited, transparent post</b></a> concerning my ongoing struggles with obesity. From the number of private emails I have been getting from different readers I have never heard from before, it turns out there are far more of you who share in my struggles than I imagined. My heart goes out to each on of you because no one else could ever understand or feel your pain more than I do right now. I want you to know I am praying for you and believing alongside you for victory for every, single one of us.<br />
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In <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088P597CB?pf_rd_r=G6CK748T4ECD09EYRWHC&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee" target="_blank"><b>our new book</b></a> and in <b><a href="http://www.biblicalminimalism.com/2018/05/the-whole-person-pie.html" target="_blank">this post</a>, </b>I talk about the Whole Person Pie©, how our lives are made up of eight "slices" and how God should be the center.<br />
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One of those eight "slices" is called "the physical," which, in my opinion, falls right next to "the spiritual" slice of the pie in order of importance. The physical slice of the pie is broken down into two parts - <b><i>physical possessions</i></b> (which you can read about in<b> </b><a href="http://www.biblicalminimalism.com/2018/05/minimizing-physical.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">this post</a>),<br />
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and our <i><b>physical bodies</b></i> (which I talked about <a href="http://www.biblicalminimalism.com/2018/06/minimizing-physical-part-two.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>.) I say that the physical slice is right next to the spiritual in order of importance because, as Christians, our physical bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" I Corinthians 6:19<br />
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One of the parts of the "physical slice" that I focused on in <a href="http://www.biblicalminimalism.com/2018/06/minimizing-physical-part-two.html" target="_blank"><b>that post</b> </a>is obesity. </div>
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I'll be honest. I hesitate to write about this at all because I am SO unqualified to talk about it. Not that I am the authority on ANYthing I write about, but at least I can testify to the chain-breaking power of God and how He enabled us to sell our home and release about 90% of our physical possessions, liberated us from all our indebtedness, and performed so many other wonders in our lives. Those are areas that I can see such blatant, visible proof as to what He has literally done, and my family and I have walked through those things and can see tanglible victory. The gray slice you see in the pie chart above called "obesity" is a whole other ballgame. This is where I am. This is reality, and this is where I have gained zero victory and why I feel completely unqualified to share since I am still in the throes of this struggle and seeing no success.</div>
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When I stepped on the doctor's scale a few months ago and saw that glaring, shocking number staring me down, I could hardly believe it. I told the nurse who stood next to me that I couldn't believe it. Bless her heart, she struggles with the same and told me that after she steps on the scales and sees the number, she goes and gets something to eat and forgets about it! I love her to pieces, but that is not exactly the most helpful medical advice I've ever been given, and it sure didn't encourage me to get this weight off. When the doctor walked in, and I mentioned my weight gain to him and let him know how distressed I am about it, he began ordering testing, and sure enough, they found issues. Those, piled on to the other physical conditions I have dealt with for years, in all fairness, are formidable opponents to my weight loss efforts. Add medically-confirmed menopause to the mix, and you have a sure fire recipe for weight loss sabotage, and to be honest, this has all felt so hopeless. I have felt completely trapped.<br />
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But, " Is any thing too hard for the LORD?" Genesis 18:14 - this question was raised in reference to God's promise that Sarah would conceive and bear a son at the ripe old age of 90. Can you imagine how incredulous and impossible this had to have sounded to Sarah? I don't find it odd that she laughed when she heard that the following year, she would have a son. </div>
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If God can open the barren womb of a 90-year-old woman and give her and her 100-year-old husband a son, can He not help me lose weight, in spite of medical limitations? Their age was a mighty formidable opponent to childbirth, yet God miraculously fulfilled His promise to them and gave them a son of their own. </div>
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My obesity is a stronghold that looks as impossible to me as having a child must have looked to Abraham and Sarah. Yet, Jesus said, "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26 </div>
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2 Corinthians 10:4 says, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds." Obesity, for me, is a strong hold. It is a place in my life that I cannot seem to break through and change through any carnal weapon I have been able to get my hands on. My many failed efforts in making this happen are living proof that I cannot do this—alone. </div>
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But, God has been showing me that I CAN do this through His strength, and He is consistently bringing Matthew 17:21 to my mind, "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." Sometimes, prayer alone is not enough. There are some strong holds that cannot be pulled down through any other means than the mighty weapon combo of prayer <i style="font-weight: bold;">and </i>fasting. Fasting requires self-denial and discipline, and I think that is precisely what I need right now.</div>
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I mentioned in <b><a href="http://www.biblicalminimalism.com/2020/07/weight-loss-confessions.html" target="_blank">my last post</a> </b>that<b> </b>I have been reading Kalen Bruce's new book, "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/10-Branches-Growth-Real-Life-Productivity/dp/1734973404/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1H82TCEUXK0J&dchild=1&keywords=kalen+bruce&qid=1595820361&sprefix=kalen+bruce%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-1" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">10 Branches of Growth,</a>" and how Kalen talks about the discipline of intermittent fasting. I had heard of it, and Kevin, Zach, and I had even tried it for a short time quite a while ago, but I had forgotten about it. Full disclosure- I am not a doctor, nor am I saying that intermittent fasting will work or even be healthy for everyone. Please seek the Lord for wisdom, and know that I am only sharing this as my own experience and testimony. </div>
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A few days ago, I started the disicpline of intermittent fasting from 7:00 PM until at least 11:00 AM. By God's grace, it is my goal to exercise this discipline until it becomes a habit that continues until the excess weight is gone. I am not making a vow, and I know that I am continually subject to fall off the wagon, but this is my goal. </div>
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Here's the best part. Through the years, during times that the Lord has called me to fast, I have always been so amazed at the level of intimacy and spiritual depths I am drawn into while fasting. There is just a special closeness and communion with God that has happened every, single time. When I began this intermittent fasting a few nights ago, that was the farthest thing from my mind. My sole purpose in doing this, in the beginning, was to lose weight. But, the other night it occured to me that I am feeling that amazing sense of closeness to Jesus during the hours of 7:00 PM - 11:00 AM! This is not just helping me physically. It is helping me spiritually. I feel a drawing to steal away in the evenings and go up to our room and enter into extra prayer time. I am feeling that sense of His presence that is so much more overwhelming than usual. The sheer act of denying myself those guilty pleasures of snacking and unnecesary food consumption at night is working and producing something good in my soul. This is a win/win!</div>
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As I felt led to write this post, I asked the Lord if it is really necessary for me to share my struggles. After all, this isn't the easiest thing in the world. I got an immediate answer and confirmation that He wants to use my intense struggles to help someone else. I have surrendered my life to Him to use as He sees fit, I have handed the reins to Him, and my life is a living sacrifice. If He can get any glory out of my issues and discrepancies, and if they can reach out and let someone else know they are not alone, then here I am Lord, send me. </div>
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I deeply appreciate your continued prayers that I will stay strong and be faithful to God in bringing this area of my life under subjection to Him. This slice of the pie is every bit as important as decluttering the house, giving away possessions, and getting out of debt - in fact, it is even more important than all that because as I said before, this has to do with the very temple in which God's Spirit dwells. It is my "reasonable service" to do all I can to make it as healthy a dwelling place as I possibly can. You are my accountability partners, and your prayers mean the world to me. God bless you all and help you with whatever you may be struggling with today.</div>
Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-83710998630331027362020-07-24T12:38:00.002-07:002020-07-24T13:22:05.070-07:00Weight Loss Confessions<div style="text-align: center;">
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)</div>
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Hebrews 12:1 has literally become our minimalism journey anthem. The laying aside of every weight and besetting sin is our constant pursuit, and it is ever on my mind and foremost in my walk with the Lord. With all my heart, I want to please Him and live out the plan He has ordained for my time on this earth, and I know I cannot do that successfully while weighted down with excess.</div>
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I think often of the analogy the Apostle Paul wrote about in 1 Corinthians 9:24. "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." Anyone knows that in order for a runner to run a race at optimal speed and efficiency, they have to cast off every ounce of unnecessary weight. To think that a runner could win a race with heavy objects strapped to his/her back, let alone excess body weight, is absurd.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@aaronburden" target="_blank">Aaron Burden</a></span></div>
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It is no secret that I have struggled much with physical weight issues for several years. It is a constant source of distress for me, and I have tried so many things to lose the weight, only to fall off the wagon and end up gaining even more. Can anyone relate?<br />
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This morning, as I spent time with the Lord and begged Him once again to help me, He began to remind me how far He has brought my family and me in other areas of life. He led us to sell our four-bedroom, three-bath home with a huge garage that was overstuffed with excess and release about 90% of our physical possessions. He brought us out of extreme debt bondage to a place of being 100% debt-free. He released us from untold layers of spiritual bondage and the spirit of legalism. He has opened our eyes and drawn us out of so many weighty, encumbering, besetting sins, all glory to God. So, why is it so hard for me to get a breakthrough on the stronghold of obesity?<br />
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If God can enable me to let go of things that had become such idols, to leave the home that meant more to me than I could even put into words, to completely stop using credit, and to walk free from the entanglements of so many levels of spiritual bondage, why is the tackling of obesity any different?<br />
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"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?" Jeremiah 32:27<br />
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"Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear." Isaiah 59:1<br />
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My being physically overweight is no more God's fault than our being in debt up to our eyeballs was His fault. This is something that I have allowed to let happen, and this is something that I am going to have to put forth the necessary effort and self-control to change just as much as we had to let go of the home we loved and say good-bye to so many beloved physical possessions. Those possessions made their way into our house over years of accummulation and with our consent, just like these excess pounds made their way into my physical body with my permission.<br />
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Over two years ago, on June 1, 2018, I wrote <a href="https://www.biblicalminimalism.com/2018/06/minimizing-physical-part-two.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">this post</a>.<b> </b>On June 5, 2018, I published<b> <a href="https://www.biblicalminimalism.com/2018/06/introducing-power-tool-facing-obesity.html" target="_blank">this post</a> </b>introducing <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/19hwu09AIbuoh8nyzfw8wxnT-JlCtKBZr/view" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">The P.O.W.E.R. Tool©</a>. (You are more than welcome to download your own P.O.W.E.R. Tool© by clicking <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/19hwu09AIbuoh8nyzfw8wxnT-JlCtKBZr/view" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.) To say I wrote those posts over two years ago and to see the state I am in today fills me with incredible remorse, even shame.<br />
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One thing about tools, they only work and help you out if you pick them up and use them. We have an electric washer and dryer in our basement. It is there, at our disposal, to use any time we want 24/7. We can either gather the laundry from the clothes hamper in our bedroom closet and the laundry basket on Zach's closet floor and walk that laundry to the basement, sort it, drop it in the wash machine, add laundry detergent, and turn the knob for it to begin OR we can leave our dirty laundry upstairs in our closets and allow it to pile up to the ceiling. We can complain about how much we hate the piled-up dirty laundry, or we can implement our washer and dryer to help us get the laundry clean.<br />
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When the Lord inspired me to design the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/19hwu09AIbuoh8nyzfw8wxnT-JlCtKBZr/view" target="_blank"><b>P.O.W.E.R. Tool</b></a>, I had every intention of picking it up each morning and using it to help me stay on track. Somehow, over time, I have completely stopped using this tool, and it shows—in very obvious, unhideable ways. When I wrote <a href="https://www.biblicalminimalism.com/2018/06/introducing-power-tool-facing-obesity.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">this post</a>, I needed to lose 60 pounds. Yes, I said 60. Imagine my unimaginable shock when I stepped on the doctor's scale a few months ago to find that my weight had balooned up to an unthinkable number, and suddenly 60 pounds didn't sound like so much to lose. I am SO ashamed. Just being real here ~ sorry if this post is too transparent.<br />
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Obviously, I didn't have to write and publish this post. No one is standing over me with a gun to my head demanding I tell the whole world about the horrible stronghold I am dealing with on a daily basis. I could pretend that I have been faithful and self-disciplined and stayed right on track. I could lie, either by telling you those things or by saying I have steadily lost weight and have now reached my goal (OH, to be able to say that!) or I could just omit the truth and avoid the subject all together. There is nothing compelling me to write this post, other than a sincere desire to help someone out there who is dealing with and fighting against obesity as much as I am.<br />
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I want you to know that you are not alone. Today, I want to say to you that I am right there with you - even more overweight than I was on the day I wrote <b><a href="https://www.biblicalminimalism.com/2018/06/introducing-power-tool-facing-obesity.html" target="_blank">the post</a></b> announcing to anyone who wanted to read it that I was 60 pounds overweight.<br />
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I wish I had a magic potion to offer you - believe me, if there were one, and I could get my hands on it, I would have already done so. I wish I could tell you to click on a link that would guarantee a miracle cure for your obesity. I wish I could hand you a simple solution that wouldn't require any type of effort on your part and would enable you to wake up tomorrow morning and see your ideal weight number miraculously appear on your digital scale.<br />
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I don't have anything to offer you but this ~<br />
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Sincere, heartfelt, genuine empathy because I am in the same, exact boat. I hate the fact that I have wasted all this time and fallen into such weight-loss apostasy and gone completely off the rails. TWO YEARS later, I am not only in the same, exact boat, "the boat" is straining even more now because I weigh substantially more than I did two years ago!<br />
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In my head, I KNOW all the right things to do. I have even made vows to God (it really, really sobers me to realize and admit this), and I have repeatedly and shamefully broken those vows. I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am for grace. Without it, I would have been cut off a long time ago. Why does He continue to forgive and put up with me when I consistently fail, fall short, and break my promises to Him?<br />
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"But thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness." Nehemiah 9:17<br />
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"For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee." Psalm 86:5<br />
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"He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities." Psalm 103:10<br />
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It's a good thing, huh?<br />
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I'm not sure why I entitled this post, "Weight Loss Confessions." I think I should have called it "Weight Gain Confessions," because weight loss doesn't show up in any of this equation.<br />
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My promises in this area don't really hold their "weight," pun intended, but I am going to openly proclaim that I am going to TRY to get back on the wagon today. One of the things that is motivating me very much right now is Kalen Bruce's new book, <b>"<a href="https://www.amazon.com/10-Branches-Growth-Real-Life-Productivity/dp/1734973404" target="_blank">10 Branches of Growth</a>." </b>Kalen is a USAF Soldier who writes from a perspective of being extremely disciplined.<br />
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And, that is the key. The Lord is showing me while reading Kalen's book that this all comes down to that one word - discipline, of which "disciple" is the root word. I call myself a disciple of Jesus, and true disciple of Jesus I am. I love Him more now than I have in my whole life, and believe me, that is a lot of love because my heart has been tender toward Jesus for as far back as I can remember. These days, I can hardly speak His name without tears. He has brought my family and me through SO much, and He means everything to me. I am His disciple - with all my heart.<br />
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But, physical weight is an area in which I am completely unhinged and out of control. I am so NOT under His subjection in this slice of the <a href="http://www.biblicalminimalism.com/2018/05/the-whole-person-pie.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Whole Person Pie©</a>. I can see so many areas of progress - I even feel (with much humility and realization of the fact I am subject to fail or slip at any given moment) that I have some slices of the pie completely minimized and under total submission to Jesus and His perfect will. Obesity is a continual reminder of the fact that when it comes to the physical slice of the pie - that important slice that includes the fact that my body is His temple - I am so far off track. It feels impossible to ever minimize this slice, but today, I am relying upon the truths in His Word.<br />
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"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26<br />
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"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13<br />
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"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." Romans 8:37<br />
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I am going to TRY to start picking up the <a href="http://www.biblicalminimalism.com/2018/06/introducing-power-tool-facing-obesity.html" target="_blank"><b>P.O.W.E.R. Tool©</b></a> each day and check off the boxes as I complete them. I am going to TRY - try being the operative word - to start drinking the necessary amount of water each day and to get back on an exercise routine. One of the things Kalen talks about in his book is intermittent fasting, where he only eats between 11 am and 7 pm each day. He fasts during the other 16 hours. I really think I can do this. I think one of the pitfalls I have identified while reading "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/10-Branches-Growth-Real-Life-Productivity/dp/1734973404" target="_blank"><b>10 Branches of Growth</b></a>" is late-night eating.<br />
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So, this is my accountability post, and this is me, asking you to please, please pray for me, will you? I know without a doubt that some of my health issues would improve or even be elminated if I weren't lugging around this load of excess weight. I long to follow Jesus in ALL areas of my life, including this one, and oh, my, in this one I am failing so miserably. 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." I desperately need His help in becoming an overcomer in this area of my life, and your prayers are a Divine gift!<br />
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If you would like to get your own copy of Kalen's new book that is helping motivate me so much, click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/10-Branches-Growth-Real-Life-Productivity/dp/1734973404" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYFS1vBVLfk/Xxs30Tk4EQI/AAAAAAAAP34/uHdk8Ag3Z2UiubJirOitTrAZk90ug5SVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Kalen%2Bbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYFS1vBVLfk/Xxs30Tk4EQI/AAAAAAAAP34/uHdk8Ag3Z2UiubJirOitTrAZk90ug5SVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Kalen%2Bbook.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Kalen recently granted us an exclusive Inner Views interview, and you can read it by clicking <a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2020/07/the-inner-views-of-kalen-bruce.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>!</div>
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And, just a reminder, if you would like to order our new book, "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Minimalism-Following-Abundance-Abundant-ebook/dp/B088P597CB/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1595619015&sr=1-1" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Biblical Minimalism</a>," click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Minimalism-Following-Abundance-Abundant-ebook/dp/B088P597CB/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1595619015&sr=1-1" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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May God bless each of you on your journey, and I deeply appreciate your prayers for victory in this area of my life!</div>
Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-65750963460245486642020-07-17T04:52:00.002-07:002020-07-17T04:54:28.369-07:00How to Stretch a Pork Roast<div style="text-align: left;">
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"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."</div>
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1 Corinthians 4:2</div>
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Living a life of Biblical Minimalism causes us to see the necessity of being frugal, good stewards over what God has entrusted to us. Never before in our generation have we seen the need of this more than now. The coronavirus pandemic has caused the whole world to stop, take a pause, and reconsider what needs to be changed about our way of living. </div>
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Today, I am sharing an excerpt from a recent <a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/" target="_blank"><b>Homespun Devotions</b></a> post because it really fits into what it means to live a frugal, simple life of Biblical minimalism. </div>
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"One thing I've learned over 32 years of marriage is how to be frugal in the kitchen, and one of the neatest ways that allows me to call forth my creative side is by challenging myself with making meals that will feed my little family and me for more than one meal. The goal is to always stay in competition with myself to see just how many meals one dish can stretch into! 😂</div>
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Upon leaving a comment over at Deborah's blog, "The Beautiful Matters" (by the way, I love, love, LOVE her blog ~ you should check it out and subscribe - she published a beautiful book review of our book recently ~ you can read it <a href="https://www.thebeautifulmatters.com/2020/06/biblical-minimalism-book-review-and.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>), it came to my mind that I should share here what I was sharing in that comment. So, here goes!</div>
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First, though - I'm sorry I am not one of those super-talented foodie bloggers. I have no photos of the food to show, but I can promise you that these recipes work, they will stretch your grocery dollar until it screams, and you will hear lots of "mmms" and see smiling faces at your supper table!</div>
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One of the ways I cook something that stretches into feeding our family of three for nearly a week is by starting out with cooking a pork roast in the crock pot. </div>
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I season the outside of the pork roast with my "go-to" seasoning combination. I use this blend for SO many recipes. Here are the stars of the show:</div>
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Seasoned Salt </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(I used to only buy Lawry's, but I have found that the Aldi brand is just as good and usually less expensive.)</span></div>
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Garlic Powder</div>
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Onion Powder</div>
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Black Pepper</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: I also sometimes add paprika or even steak seasoning, (depending on what I am cooking) to this "go-to" seasoning.</span></div>
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So, after I rub the outside of the pork roast with the above seasoning combination, I put it in the crock pot (fat-side down), and I take the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the roast, making sure to twist the spoon handle to make the holes bigger.</div>
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Next is where an amazing secret comes in concerning cooking a pork roast!! </div>
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The liquid I pour over and around the pork roast is ~ not water, but apple juice! The apple juice permeates down into the holes and flavors the pork as it cooks, and oh, my! Let me just say that it takes this already delicious dish to a whole new level. It also makes your gravy a beautiful golden color and gives it a distinctive flavor. (recipe below)</div>
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And, here is how I start stretching a pork roast into enough to feed us for about a week:</div>
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<b><u>Meal #1 from cooked Pork Roast</u></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">~ Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Corn, and Green Beans ~</b></div>
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After the roast is done, remove the meat from the crock pot, leaving the broth behind.</div>
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Cut the meat into servings and place it on a pretty meat platter.</div>
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Strain the broth by putting a colander over a large bowl and pouring the broth from the crock pot into the colander, making sure to sift out everything but the luscious, rich broth. Set the strained bowl of broth aside.</div>
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Then, make homemade gravy, just like this:</div>
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Start out by melting one stick of butter in a large saucepan.</div>
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To the butter, add some flour to make a nice, rich roux ~</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Sorry, I don't have the exact measurement on the flour - I use the old-timey Tupperware scoops, and it usually takes about 2 to 3 of those heaping scoops to one stick of butter. The general rule for a roux is equal parts fat and flour.)</span></div>
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To the roux, add the "go-to" seasoning mix above (to taste) and stir the butter, flour, and seasonings together until everything is smooth.</div>
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Then, pour the entire bowl of broth into the roux and stir vigorously. You will want to have your heat up pretty high during this process. Let it bubble, and stir continually until the mixture starts to look like real, homemade gravy. Oh, my goodness! This is SUCH good gravy! It thickens to a beautiful texture, and the taste is just amazing! If any remaining lumps bother you, you can use an immersion blender to break them up. (I LOVE my immersion blender!)</div>
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For this meal, I also make homemade mashed potatoes, canned corn seasoned with butter, and 2 cans of green beans. I pour the 2 cans of green beans into a pot, add two beef boullion cubes, and let them cook until all the water is cooked off (about 10 minutes or so).</div>
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After this original pork roast meal, the creative fun begins! From that leftover pork roast, the following recipes spring forth!</div>
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<b><u>Meal #2 from cooked Pork Roast</u></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">~ Open-faced Pork Roast Sandwiches ~</b></div>
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Toast two pieces of bread, while heating a portion of pork roast and gravy, separately, in microwave.</div>
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Butter the toast, then layer the pork roast on the buttered toast.</div>
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Pour the warm gravy over the open-faced sandwich.</div>
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Serve with some of the leftover mashed potatoes, corn, and green beans, if desired.</div>
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<b><u>Meal #3 from cooked Pork Roast</u></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;"><b>~ Pork Ranch Barbecue Nachos ~</b></span></div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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Cool Ranch Doritoes</div>
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Shredded Cheese</div>
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Can of Chili Beans, heated</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(I pulverized the beans with an immersion blender as I heated them, but you could also smash them with a fork or potato masher. Chili beans are what we had on hand, but you could also use refried beans or some other type of canned beans.)</span></div>
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Leftover Pork Roast, reheated</div>
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Diced Tomatoes</div>
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Sour Cream</div>
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Ranch Dressing</div>
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Barbecue Sauce</div>
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Diced Onions (if desired)</div>
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Spread a layer of Cool Ranch Doritoes on a dinner plate.</div>
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Spread shredded cheese over the Doritoes.</div>
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Spread warm chili beans over cheese.</div>
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Spread warm pork roast over beans.</div>
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Shred another layer of cheese on top of the pork roast.</div>
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Top with diced tomatoes, dollops of sour cream, onions (if desired).</div>
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Squirt ranch dressing in a criss-cross pattern over the top.</div>
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Squirt barbecue sauce in a criss-cross pattern over the ranch dressing.</div>
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You could also add jalapeno peppers, black olives, pico de gallo, salsa, or any other toppings you'd like.</div>
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<b><u>Meal #4 from cooked Pot Roast</u></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">~ Barbecue Pork Sandwiches ~</b></div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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Leftover Pork Roast</div>
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Barbecue Sauce of your choice</div>
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Hamburger Buns</div>
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Butter</div>
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Bag of Cole Slaw </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pre-shredded mixture of cabbage & carrots. We always put ours through our chopper to blend extra-fine.)</span></div>
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Mayonnaise</div>
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Vinegar</div>
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Sugar</div>
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<u>Sandwiches:</u></div>
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Heat leftover pork roast in a saucepan & slather with barbecue sauce while heating.</div>
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Butter top and bottom of each bun and brown in a skillet, butter-size down.</div>
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Assemble sandwiches by placing a portion of barbecue pork on each bottom bun, then topping meat with cole slaw. (Recipe below.)</div>
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<u>Cole Slaw</u></div>
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Place shredded cabbage mixture in bowl.</div>
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Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar in small bowl.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(I apologize that I do not measure. I just put about 2-3 large dollops of mayonnaise in a bowl, with a dash of vinegar, and about 2-3 teaspoons of sugar. I keep stirring and taste-testing and adding sugar/vinegar it until it tastes "right" to me. 😕</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I know ~ but this is the country way of doing things and the way Mom taught me to cook!)</span></div>
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Pour mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar dressing over the cabbage, and voila! You have cole slaw!</div>
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Note: This slaw is SO good - it takes me back to when I was growing up and Mom, Dad, and I would go into country restaurants and they would serve cole slaw with Captain's Wafers crackers before the meal. Does anyone else remember that? </div>
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<b><u>Meal #5 from cooked Pork Roast</u></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">~ Cold Pork Roast Sandwiches ~</b></div>
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Slather a slice of bread with mayonnaise and pepper.</div>
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Place cold pork roast on bread, and top with second slice.</div>
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Yummy and so, so simple.</div>
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<u><b>Meal # 6 from cooked Pork Roast</b></u></div>
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<b style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">~ Must Go Soup ~</b></div>
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Ingredients:<br />
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Gravy</div>
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Mashed Potatoes</div>
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Corn</div>
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Green Beans</div>
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Pork Roast</div>
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Half & Half</div>
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Any other leftover cooked veggies from refrigerator</div>
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You can also add any canned veggies that don't require a long cooking time</div>
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Dump all into a large pan and heat slowly. When meat and veggies are warm, top everything with Half & Half until all is covered to a creamy, liquid consistency. The leftover mashed potatoes and gravy give this soup an amazingly rich base that morphs into a delicious, velvety soup.</div>
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Again, I wish I had taken photos of all of this at each step, but I failed to do so. I was too busy enjoying the process of creating wonderful things for my little family to eat. </div>
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I hope you can find something in this post that will spark a new creative and very frugal adventure in your own kitchen cooking for the ones you love most in the world!</div>
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Let me know if you try any of these recipes! May God bless you as you seek to live a Biblically minimal life!</div>
Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-61075956111965115202020-07-03T10:55:00.004-07:002020-07-03T10:55:21.780-07:00Sharing Today at "Becoming Minimalist"<div style="text-align: center;">
"And He said unto them, <span style="color: red;"><b>Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth</b></span>."</div>
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Luke 12:15</div>
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(KJV)</div>
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Today, I am SO grateful to Joshua Becker for allowing me to share my heart at his amazing blog, "<a href="https://www.becomingminimalist.com/" target="_blank"><b>Becoming Minimalist</b></a>." I have been following Joshua for years, and he has been a huge inspiration to my family and me on our minimizing journey. Joshua was the first person I wanted to interview back in 2015 when God began to lead me to start the "Inner Views" segment of this blog. I thoroughly enjoyed our telephone conversation, and you can read my interview with Joshua by clicking <a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2015/11/the-inner-views-of-joshua-becker.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.</div>
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My family and I are finding a deep and meaningful sense of purpose in the "nothingness" God has led us to carve out in our lives. Our passionate pursuit echoes the cry of John the Baptist's heart in John 3:30, <b><span style="font-size: large;">"He must increase, but I must decrease."</span></b></div>
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A closer walk with Jesus is the driving force behind our letting go of so much of this world's goods, and it is the thrust of our new book, </div>
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<b>"<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088P597CB?pf_rd_r=T142KWV7SV1ZB1V1RN5K&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee" target="_blank">Biblical Minimalism: Following Jesus from a Life of Abundance to a More Abundant Life</a>."</b></div>
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<b>(You can order your own copy of our book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088P597CB?pf_rd_r=T142KWV7SV1ZB1V1RN5K&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee" target="_blank">HERE</a>!)</b></div>
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"<b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">I stood in our son, Zach’s room, staring at his cleaned-out, nearly empty closet. </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">“The only thing that will be on the floor will be my laundry basket, Mama!” His words were spoken with such pride and excitement, and in that moment, it hit me how grateful I am not only for our minimizing journey but for the timing of it</span></i></b>." </div>
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To read the rest of my latest article, "<a href="https://www.becomingminimalist.com/finding-substance-in-nothing/" target="_blank">Finding Substance in Nothing</a>," click <b><a href="https://www.becomingminimalist.com/finding-substance-in-nothing/" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xaSUmX_NS9w/Xv9w7GbkIbI/AAAAAAAAPy4/7F-C-pMmGK0_RBsIKBa7t_E7B0D3PeEiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/substance-1024x614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="1024" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xaSUmX_NS9w/Xv9w7GbkIbI/AAAAAAAAPy4/7F-C-pMmGK0_RBsIKBa7t_E7B0D3PeEiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/substance-1024x614.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-7337019661637460092020-06-30T10:32:00.002-07:002020-06-30T10:32:30.219-07:00Biblical Minimalism Book Reviews<div style="text-align: center;">
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."</div>
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Proverbs 25:11</div>
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(KJV)</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7eoD76Jur0/Xvt2GIIAsuI/AAAAAAAAPx0/pSKa3wrxwTwkz-o5xrX_kJ0XCdpcAqrOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Book%2BReviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7eoD76Jur0/Xvt2GIIAsuI/AAAAAAAAPx0/pSKa3wrxwTwkz-o5xrX_kJ0XCdpcAqrOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Book%2BReviews.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">B</span></i></b>ook <b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">R</span></i></b>eviews of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088P597CB?pf_rd_r=0850M2MQD0KJ337MGK3J&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee" target="_blank"><b>our new book</b></a> are happening, and I thought you may like to know!</div>
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It has been an exciting time for us, and<b> how grateful we are to our launch team! </b> Some of the launch team members have already finished reading the book, and we could not be more grateful for their beautiful reviews. We are looking forward to all the upcoming reviews, also, and hope to be able to share them with you here soon!</div>
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Click on the links below to read what the launch team members are saying!</div>
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<a href="https://acharmingcottage.blogspot.com/2020/06/biblical-minimalism-by-author-cheryl.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Shirley at "A Word Fitly Spoken"</span></b></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://growingtogetheringraceandknowledge.blogspot.com/2020/06/biblical-minimalism-book-giveaway.html#more" target="_blank"><b>Karen at "Growing Together in Grace and Knowledge"</b></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://marthaorlando.blogspot.com/2020/06/when-less-is-more.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Martha at "Meditations of My Heart"</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.thebeautifulmatters.com/2020/06/biblical-minimalism-book-review-and.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Deborah at "The Beautiful Matters"</span></b></a></div>
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If you haven't ordered your copy of our book yet, why not do it today?</div>
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Just click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088P597CB?pf_rd_r=0850M2MQD0KJ337MGK3J&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">HERE</span></b></a>!</div>
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Many blessings to you all!</div>
Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-23411405424665235032020-05-16T13:43:00.000-07:002020-05-16T15:52:36.623-07:00Biblical Minimalism ~ The BOOK is Published!!<div style="text-align: center;">
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life."</div>
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Proverbs 13:12</div>
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(NKJV)</div>
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Hello, everyone!</div>
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I love the above verse, and it surely applies to the news I am sharing with you here today. As many of you know, my family and I have been on a mission of minimizing our lives over the past few years, and the Lord laid it on my heart to write a book about it and include the many spiritual lessons He has taught us along the way. </div>
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When I finished writing our family's story, I knew we needed a powerful cover for our book—one that would portray the compelling call of Jesus to follow Him wholeheartedly and without reserve. I couldn't imagine what that would actually look like, until the day, Zach, called to me and said, "Mama, you HAVE to see this picture I found online!" I can hardly put into words the emotions that washed over me as I stood behind Zach staring at the computer screen. It was my first time seeing <a href="https://www.htrbydesign.com/" target="_blank"><b>Helen Thomas Robson's</b></a> amazing photo, "My Friend." I was so overwhelmed as I said, "That's it, Zach! That is the exact epitome of everything I am trying to say in this book!" </div>
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He and Kevin both agreed, and the quest was on to find out who took that photo. After some searching online, I found <a href="https://www.htrbydesign.com/" target="_blank"><b>Helen</b></a>, and soon, we were on the phone talking like old friends. I told her some of our story and how deeply her photo moved us. I began to inquire about obtaining the rights to use her photo as our book cover, even though I was no where near ready to publish. The book needed a thorough, professional edit, and the cost was inhibitive. Helen, so graciously allowed me to use her photo as the banner of this blog, and we agreed that I would call her back if and when the time ever came that the book would be published.</div>
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After a long waiting process, the Lord made a way, and the book was finally edited and recently prepared for publishing. I contacted Helen again and was able to secure usage rights for the book cover!! Zach applied his amazing graphic design super skills, and he designed the cover so beautifully. We could not be more pleased with the outcome! </div>
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Here it is!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6goMgdmdQiM/XsBNDkk-wnI/AAAAAAAAPnw/A8zX32uKmtAu51tzk1-3eR4k2mVMmR5JACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Biblical%2BMinimalism%2B%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6goMgdmdQiM/XsBNDkk-wnI/AAAAAAAAPnw/A8zX32uKmtAu51tzk1-3eR4k2mVMmR5JACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Biblical%2BMinimalism%2B%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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Yesterday, I completed the laborious task of publishing, and our book is now available for purchase—both in paperback and ebook form by clicking <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Minimalism-Following-Abundance-Abundant-ebook/dp/B088P597CB/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Biblical+minimalism&qid=1589659960&s=digital-text&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">HERE</span></a>!!</div>
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Truly, I am just speechless and SO very grateful to God that this long-held dream is now a reality!</div>
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Please join us in giving praise to God for making it all come together, for providing the finances needed, and for miraculously making this happen!</div>
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Many, many thanks and blessings to all of you for being so loyal and supportive to us on this amazing journey! May God bless each one of you in a special way.</div>
Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-19007014129056349262020-05-04T18:08:00.001-07:002020-05-04T18:10:42.921-07:00How Minimalism has Prepared Us for Such A Time as This<div style="text-align: center;">
"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."</div>
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Ephesians 5:16</div>
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Starting with an identity theft nightmare that also served as a wake-up call in 2015, my family and I have been on an intense mission to simplify our lives. We sold our home and two acres of land, let go of about 90% of our physical possessions, paid off all our debt, and removed everything on our schedules that was enslaving and overwhelming us. Three years into our minimizing journey, my husband’s job was unexpectedly outsourced, and what followed was a long stretch of multiple medical issues and 21 months unemployment. These life-altering changes have come together to produce a surprising, yet beautiful shift in paradigm— we now spend most of our time at home.<br />
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It is interesting to look back and see that our journey has been preparing us for such a time as this. Except for “essential” and thought-out, purposeful reasons for being out and about, we are already used to being home. Home is the core of all our activity and the place we most long to be. I find an enormous sense of peace in knowing my little family and I are all together, safe, inside the walls of our home, and to tell you the truth, I don’t miss one bit of the fast lane hustle and bustle. For years, I craved this sense of calm. It has already become our norm, so I can honestly say that little has changed for us during this time of lockdown.<br />
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I am not in any way diminishing the seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic. My heart goes out to every person who is ill, has lost a loved one or their job, or been otherwise adversely affected by all that is happening. Standing on the other side of all my family and I have walked through, I just want to point out that positive change and good things are happening, too. Ecclesiastes 7:14 says, "in the day of adversity consider." Here are some things to consider during these times:<br />
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1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Social distancing from others is revealing how socially distant we have become from God and the people we love most. Being forced to stay inside is presenting an amazing opportunity to spend more time in Bible reading and prayer. Staying indoors with our families is giving space for reconciliation and restoration of fractured relationships. Families are staying inside their homes—together. For the life of me, I cannot find one negative in that. We have been handed a precious gift in the form of time and limited options on how to spend it. It warms my heart to drive down our street and see a family in their yard playing together, couples walking hand in hand on the trail behind our home, and children standing in line (at a safe distance, of course) outside the ice cream truck that comes through our neighborhood each evening. It reminds me of my childhood when life was a whole lot simpler and easier to navigate. Home is our personal haven. No matter what is going on in the outside world, we can close the door at home and realize that we are right where we are supposed to be. Though we are “sheltering at home” mandatorily, maybe we should consider making “home-sheltering” a voluntary way of living and spending more time there when this is all over. There truly is no place like home.<br />
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2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When my husband’s 35-year career in banking was brought to a screeching halt, he came to realize he never enjoyed that kind of work, and he began to open his mind to new possibilities. He was eventually offered an amazing opportunity to do something he can physically handle, and he is now settled into a meaningful job he really loves. If you have lost your job, I feel your pain. I know how the threat of homelessness feels. I am keenly aware of the panic of looking into an empty freezer. But a beautiful new life is hiding behind the loss of your job. Something better is coming to you. Be aware and watchful. One day you will find purpose in today’s pain. There is a reason for this and sometimes the only way out of a rut is to be pushed. Embrace the possibilities ahead of you. You were not meant to keep doing what you were doing, and brighter days are coming.<br />
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3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Maybe “normal” shouldn’t be normal anymore. Maybe we shouldn’t be so eager to get back to it. Maybe you are not meant to stay so busy. Perhaps tucked into this whole worldwide shutdown is this lesson screaming to be taught – you are not designed to run through life. You are intended to slowly and methodically walk out your days in a state of peace. Take a deep breath and instead of fighting against this time of stillness, embrace what it may be trying to reveal to you. Spend this time reassessing your priorities. What is most important to you now? Perhaps it is time to start saying no to commitments and obligations that are no longer serving you and your family’s best interests. Maybe you need to shed relationships that have become toxic. Make two lists — things you are involved in and people in your life. As you write the lists, pay attention to how each entry on the list makes you feel as your hand jots it down. What brings instant anxiety to you? What brings a sense of calm? There is no better time than the present to do this. Stillness and quiet bring incredible clarity of vision. Don’t waste this time complaining and wishing for the old “normal.” Normal has been given a clean slate. May it emerge from this crisis new and improved and what it should have been all along.<br />
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4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Make productive use of time indoors by minimizing, decluttering, and organizing. Tackle those projects you’ve been putting off because you never had time for them. Now you do! Make a to-do list and try to cross off one task each day.<br />
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Continually search for the good. It is happening – we just need to look for it.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-37493471349295914302020-03-17T22:50:00.001-07:002020-03-17T22:50:33.463-07:00Seven Productive Ways to Stay Positive During Coronavirus "Lockdown"<div style="text-align: center;">
"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."</div>
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Ephesians 5:16</div>
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If ever Ephesians 5:16 rang true to me, it is now, in these troubled, chaotic times. Another supporting verse says, "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." Colossians 4:5 </div>
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"Redeeming" in the original Greek means "to buy up, ransom, to rescue from loss." </div>
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I don't know how it is where you live, but where we are, things are sort of screeching down to a halt. It almost feels eerie, as most people are staying in and avoiding public places as much as they possibly can. It is just good common sense and "walking in wisdom" to do that right now. </div>
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My heart goes out to those who are sick and especially to those who have lost loved ones. Not only from the Coronavirus, but from the flu and many other diseases and causes. Our world is in such a state of fearful chaos. It is all so incredibly sad. I am often reminded of Jesus' words in Luke 21:26 describing what things will be like in these end times, "<b><span style="color: red;">Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken</span></b>." </div>
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As the threat of illness becomes more and more pronounced, I believe we will find ourselves spending even more time inside our homes. Instead of viewing this as a negative downside, why not "redeem" this precious time and view this situation as an opportunity to focus on being productive, positive, and proactive in accomplishing things we may have been putting off, due to busy schedules that kept us outside the home? Here are some suggestions to "rescue this time from loss." </div>
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1. Minimize! Think about a drawer, closet, crate/container, cupboard, or surface area in your home that is a continual source of stress for you, and start there. What about it makes it stressful? Is it a messy area? Does it make you feel ashamed when outsiders enter your home and see it? Clear away everything you don't want, need, use, or love from that area. Put those items in a box, remove it from the room, and store it somewhere out of sight, preferably a garage or basement or shed. If you don't think about the items during the course of a month or so, get the box out of your home, into the trunk of your car, and delivered to an outside destination.</div>
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2. Make that phone call you've been putting off. You know, the one you never quite get around to. Maybe you know it will be a long-winded one, so you never have enough time to devote to it. Perhaps you know it will be emotionally draining, so you keep avoiding it. Now is the opportune time to pick up the phone and dive in. Give that person your full, unlimited attention. Make them feel they are the only person in the world. Listen to them and hear them out for as long as they need to talk. You just never know how much they may need <b><i>you </i></b>or what it might mean to them to know you care enough to make them a priority. Just do it.<br />
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3. Fill out that card you've felt prompted to send. You know, the one you bought a while back with a particular person in mind, but just never got around to exerting the energy required to let your pen convey your heart. We are so used to doing everything online and through a keyboard, we are losing the beautiful art of handwritten communication. You don't know what may be going on in that recipient's world, and going to their mailbox and finding your heartfelt words may be just the shot of courage they need to keep pressing on. Put aside your laptop, and go fill out that card.<br />
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4. Finish that project you've never had time to work on. You know, the one that nags at you each time you look at it. It's time to shush the nagging voice and face it head on. Dig in and do a little at a time until you are completely finished. Imagine the feeling of relief and accomplishment you will feel to know you have seen it through to its fruition. <br />
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5. Spend that quality time you've been intending to spend. Let's face it. Marital relationships drift apart when they are neglected. Children grow up way too fast. Shower them all with love and unrivaled attention. Put away electronics, and play a board game as a family. Set aside time to sit in your child's room and listen to them talk about what's going on in their life. Work a jigsaw puzzle together. What a great opportunity to cook a homemade from scratch meal, try out a new recipe, or make your family's favorite dessert!<br />
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6. Clean that area that has been far too long neglected. Few things are more rewarding than to know that a spot in your home has been deep cleaned, and not too many things can make you feel more productive. Now that you have some extra time cooped up inside, break out the cleaning supplies, and get to work!</div>
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7. Draw near to God. Redeem the time by spending it in His Word and in fervent prayer. There is SO much to pray about and so many to pray for. My dear Mom used to tell me that prayer is a long-range weapon, and even though you may not be able to get out and about to visit and/or be of service to others, you can pray right where you are at any time, day or night. God is listening, and sometimes He has to pull us aside to get our attention.</div>
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May He send comfort to each one of your hearts during these troubled times. Remember this—HE is in complete control, and He will always be. Be still and acknowledge that He is God. Nothing has ever surprised Him, including COVID- 19. He is bigger than even this. Trust Him, and know that He will never leave nor forsake you. I am praying for each one of you as I type these words. Many blessings to you all!</div>
Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-49286385690959226782020-03-02T07:00:00.000-08:002020-03-02T16:13:30.605-08:00"My Minimalist Mindset" - Guest Post by Jarm Del Boccio<div style="text-align: center;">
"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."</div>
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Mark 12:30</div>
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(KJV)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Graphic Design by Zach Smith</span></b></div>
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"It's been over ten years since I decided to cut down on clutter, both physical and mental, in order to live a more meaningful and less stressful life. I was feeling its strain in so many ways, pulling me to keep track of more and more, and causing less and less satisfaction. In fact, it was distracting me from my goal to write for the glory of God.<br />
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I felt at times that I couldn't breathe — my clutter was controlling me, hovering over like a drone, controlling my every move. Piles of papers here and there, my clothes hanging in two separate closets. Books filled the ten bookcases in our two story home, many of them unread.<br />
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And my schedule! I felt pulled in all four directions, ready to split open. Rushing here and there — I had convinced myself I had to be everywhere for everyone, but unfortunately, least of all for myself. I couldn't decide where to focus next — on the stacks of articles I had cut out, or the emails from my personal and business account I must open. No breathing room to read a magazine or a few pages in a novel.<br />
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And although I was fairly disciplined with social media, even that was a distraction. As an author, I needed to be on social media, but six — posting each day on all of them?<br />
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What had I done to myself?!<br />
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All my life, I have loved to travel. It's a source of inspiration to me. Especially as a writer. But this past year, due to our financial situation, I have not had the opportunity. And it's been extremely difficult to be content. How will I get my inspiration? My joy?<br />
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That's why, in 2020, my word for the year is CONTENTMENT. I desire to be fully content with whatever God has in store for me. My guiding verses are:<br />
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"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5<br />
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"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)<br />
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Well, in being content, I found little ways to inspire me that were within my reach—<br />
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— Going on short ”author’s dates” to local museums or events.<br />
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— Visiting little-known buildings, sites, or towns with historical significance.<br />
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— Watching historical fiction.<br />
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And then, I was asked to become a blogger on <a href="https://www.midwestalmanac.com/" target="_blank"><b>Midwest Almanac</b></a> site, reporting about places in my state to explore. What an opportunity! Yes, this would add to my schedule, but it also fed my love of travel and developed writing skills.<br />
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That's what I had to decide. What were my main goals in life, keeping in mind the gifts God had given me? Pondering that thought, these three stood out:<br />
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— Fostering relationship with God and His Word.<br />
— Encouraging my own family and those in my church body.<br />
— Developing my writing skills and sharing them with the world.<br />
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Everything I did from now on had to reflect and further those goals. . .<br />
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Simplicity was my word for 2018. I was dedicated to cutting the clutter and making room for creativity to blossom and grow — and freeing up time to write for the glory of God. Every word.<br />
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I asked myself: Will what I’m about to think or do help me achieve my goal? I must chip away at anything that is unnecessary, to reveal what is most important — that ‘one thing.’<br />
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Things like:<br />
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- Too much time online. Do I need to watch all those episodes in the next few days? Keep up with my friends three times a day on social media? Or chase every link in an email? Probably not. So, I made the choice to go on social media once a day.<br />
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- Anything that clouds my vision, or distracts me. Things that steal my peace. I want to breathe freely! Things like a too-busy schedule. Do I really need to attend all those meetings? Each event I’m invited to? I looked at my goals. Will doing all the things on my schedule help me to reach them? Or do they work in conflict? I needed to leave room to breathe!<br />
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- What about unnecessary shopping trips? Do I pass a resale shop or clothing store and stop, just in case they might have a scarf to match my latest outfit? (Yep. I'm guilty) Or, do I wander through three grocery stores to search out the best deals? Is saving a few dollars worth the hassle?<br />
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If possible, I vowed to go out of the house only once a day. Or run just one errand after work. Or, attempt to combine errands in one location to save time and energy.<br />
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- Do I purchase things I don’t really need? Can I use two blenders at once? Wear three black skirts in one week? Do I need another pillow on my couch? Or a set of dishes for every season or holiday?<br />
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I was struck with the contrast between this Indian family below from <b><a href="http://menzelphoto.com/galleries/material-world/" target="_blank">Peter Menzel's book, Material World </a></b>and the sum total of their worldly possessions. Now that's simplicity. If a fire consumed all they owned, it would be unfortunate. But to lose their most precious possession, their children, would be devastating. I'm sure they treasure their irreplaceable gifts most highly.<br />
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Although this photo below, captured in Menzel's book is from 1994, I'd say things haven't changed. If anything, we own more. But I must hand it to the Millennials who seem to have this Minimalist mentality down pat.</div>
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<a href="http://menzelphoto.com/galleries/material-world/" target="_blank">Photo Source</a></div>
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Why do humans have a need to collect? To buy? Maybe even to hoard?<br />
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Truth is, the more stuff we own, the more time and energy it takes to take care of them. I was determined to declutter a drawer at a time — and vow to get rid of one item for each I purchased.<br />
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Is it my goal to outdo Martha Stewart? Will my friends notice if I simplify my centerpiece or offer only two side dishes? Or (for heaven’s sake) care if I order out healthy fare once in a while?<br />
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I don’t think so. They would much rather have a happy hostess! I have two easy-to-prepare meals (one for spring/summer and the other for fall/winter) I can serve without stressing out.<br />
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I wonder if I expect everything in my life to turn out perfectly? If I really and truly examined my heart, I'd have to say yes. I do. Well, it's not going to happen. Sorry. Not in this life anyway. That's the purpose of storing treasures in Heaven - to enjoy them forever!<br />
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I need to be willing to lower my standards when perfection is not required. My loved ones will still support me, especially if I explain my need to simplify (and I do, often). I may get that tiny house yet — but not until I get my hubby to agree!<br />
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Do I have too much on my mind? Do I feel so stressed I can’t think?<br />
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That tells me it's time to take a break! Here are a few simple ideas I've tried:<br />
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Taking a brisk walk- and breathing in the fresh air.<br />
Reading a calming book or magazine.<br />
Praying, meditating or reading (listening to) Bible passages.<br />
Listening to an encouraging podcast.<br />
Stopping for a cup of calming tea, a tall glass of lemon water, or piece of fresh fruit.<br />
Inviting a friend out for tea.<br />
Taking a detoxing mineral or essential oil bath.<br />
Lying down with cucumbers over my closed eyelids and listening to dreamy music.<br />
Doing something that calms my spirits — painting, baking or, believe it or not, decluttering.<br />
Downloading the "<a href="https://www.pixiteapps.com/pigment" target="_blank"><b>Pigment" app</b></a> and coloring away or being mesmerized by the <b>"<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-com-Amazon-Silk-Web-Browser/dp/B01M35MQV4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=silk+app&qid=1581717223&s=mobile-apps&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Silk" app</a></b>.<br />
Keeping a Gratitude List.<br />
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I am no where close to being a full minimalist, but I am on my way and down the road a ways. As each situation, possession, or decision comes my way, I now make it with a minimalist frame-of-mind.<br />
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What about you? Are you tired of the race? Want some peace? Consider cutting down the clutter in every aspect of your life. Give it to God. Your vision will be clearer, and your future, brighter!"<br />
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Bio: Jarm (‘J’ pronounced as a 'Y') Del Boccio finds her inspiration in everyday life, but in particular, when she travels the globe, observing the quirky things that happen along the way. Focusing on lives of characters from the past, Jarm is devoted to breathing new life into the pages of history.<br />
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Jarm Del Boccio has a background in elementary and high school education, and served for seven years as a school librarian. Grateful for the opportunity, she taught three missionary kids in an isolated area of Papua New Guinea. She is part of <b><a href="https://www.scbwi.org/" target="_blank">SCBWI</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.acfw.com/" target="_blank">American Christian Fiction Writers</a></b>, and has published articles in <b><a href="https://www.theoldschoolhouse.com/" target="_blank">The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.</a></b>"<br />
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Jarm is content with the journey God has placed her on, and lives with her husband, adult daughter and son (when he lands at home) in a tree-lined suburb of Chicago. You can connect on her author’s website/blog at <b><a href="https://www.jarmdelboccio.com/" target="_blank">Jarm Del Boccio</a>.</b><br />
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"My Passion is to Make Scripture and History Come Alive for my Readers: Illuminating the Past. Making Sense of the Present. Offering Hope for the Future.”<i> Jarm Del Boccio</i><br />
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<b><a href="https://ambassador-international.com/?s=the+heart+changer" target="_blank">“The Heart Changer,”</a></b> her debut MG historical/biblical fiction, released with <b><a href="https://ambassador-international.com/" target="_blank">Ambassador International </a></b>April 26, 2019.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Order "The Heart Changer" <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Changer-Jarm-Del-Boccio/dp/1620208687" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</span></b></div>
Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-33062573710856174012020-02-24T07:00:00.000-08:002020-02-24T07:00:04.058-08:00"For When You're Living in a Fantasy World" - Guest Post by Linda Stoll<div>
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"And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”</div>
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Luke 12:15</div>
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(NKJV)</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Graphic Design by Zach Smith</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/michellehaswell-2229376/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1260800" target="_blank">MichelleHaswell</a></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">from </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/ballet-shoes-pointe-shoes-ballet-1260800/" style="font-size: x-small;" target="_blank">Pixabay</a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">"Do you have a "fantasy self?" The incredible culinary whiz. The super-fit, all-star athlete. The award winning musical virtuoso. The fabulously creative entrepreneur.</span></div>
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Acquired a whole lot of stuff along the way to becoming someone you never quite became?</div>
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Kitchen cabinets jammed with stacks of unopened gourmet cookbooks and expensive cooking widgets {that were maybe used once or twice}.</div>
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A garage packed with all manner of big-ticket sports equipment {from at least a generation ago}.</div>
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The cache of musical instruments stuffed in the back of a musty closet or two {from way back in elementary school}.</div>
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Overflowing boxes laden with dusty, unused craft supplies {from the '80s}.</div>
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Clothes bought on a whim stored in a rarely-opened garment bag {with the tags still attached}.</div>
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Painful piles of memorabilia from a love, a friendship, a relationship {that's long since departed}.</div>
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Writer and blogger Francine Jay muses,</div>
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"<b><span style="color: #76a5af;"><i>Do you have a fantasy self? And if so, how much of your clutter belongs to it?</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #76a5af;"><i>All too often, we hold on to stuff because it represents who we think we should be, rather than who we are. Sometimes our fantasy selves are meant to impress others; sometimes they’re relics of our past; sometimes they’re fantasies about our future.</i></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #76a5af;">Whatever the case, it’s important to remember: acquiring stuff for your fantasy self doesn’t make it a reality. Most of the time, it only leads to a lot of “nice” clutter you never actually use</span>.</i></b>"</div>
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Check out her list of <b><a href="http://www.missminimalist.com/2011/08/declutter-your-fantasy-self/" target="_blank">10 fantasy personalities</a></b>.</div>
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I've said good-bye to the pasta machine I used once. Hundreds of carefully cut-out, never used magazine recipes stashed in wrinkled old folders. The dozens of once-loved cross-stitch books. The piano that saw hour after hour of faithful practice. Stacks and stacks of paper and cards and notes from eons ago. Photos of people I couldn't even identify. My husband's trumpet from high school. Some collectibles and lots of tchotchkes that have long since lost their charm.</div>
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Most recently it was a whole, dusty file drawer of every note and test I ever took, every handout I ever laid my eyes on, everything I ever wrote through college and graduate school. {Yes, I saved a few papers ...}</div>
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There's lots more to go. 'Cause I'm not now who I was then.</div>
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You, too?</div>
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What kind of stuff is heading out your door these days?"</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(This article was first published <a href="https://creeksideministries.blogspot.com/2014/08/for-when-youre-living-in-fantasy-world.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and submitted by author for this <a href="http://www.biblicalminimalism.com/" target="_blank">Biblical Minimalism</a> repost.)</i></span></div>
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Bio: Linda lives with her husband of almost 44 years,Tim, in a little town tucked between the ever-changing bay and the deep blue ocean in Massachusetts. She loves her work as a pastoral counselor to women and remains enthusiastically devoted to nurturing her online blogging community.</div>
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Her dearest claim to fame? Two daughters, their husbands, and seven grandchildren, the littlest who is now living in heaven with Jesus.<br />
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Linda would absolutely love for you to visit her blog <b><a href="http://www.lindastoll.net/" target="_blank">right here</a></b> and check out her favorite online discoveries on her <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/stolllinda/" target="_blank"><b>LinkedIn</b></a> site.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-47986117546104400992020-02-17T08:33:00.003-08:002020-02-17T08:45:19.354-08:00How A Job-Outsourcing Has Enriched Our Biblical Minimalism Journey<div style="text-align: center;">
"But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."</div>
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Philippians 4:19</div>
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(KJV)</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Graphic Design by Zach Smith</span></b><br />
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After 35 years, 5 months in the banking industry, my husband’s steady, good-paying job was outsourced to an outside company, and he, along with his co-workers, lost their jobs. In his last position, he worked from home 3rd shift in the IT Department, processing the data for 100+ bank branches. We were warned about the outsourcing for months ahead of time, but when the night finally came for him to shut down his computer applications in his office space in our living room for the last time, we all gathered around and felt a tidal wave of mixed emotions.<br />
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This was a new experience. In our nearly 30 years of marriage and long before we were married, he had had a steady job and had only changed work places twice —once when we made a long-distance move and once after a departmental downsize reduced his working hours to less than we could afford. Both times, he stepped right into another position, so there was never even so much as a lapse between paychecks. I had left my own career in banking several years before to raise and homeschool our son, Zach, so my husband’s job was our only source of provision.<br />
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As Zach and I stood behind my husband that night and watched him close out application after application on his computer, the realization that we were, for the first time ever, without an income hit us like a ton of bricks. We knew we would be more than okay for a while, due to a very generous severance package from the bank and our savings, but what would happen after that?<br />
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What we didn’t know that night is there was a long line of unexpected health issues ahead of us that would keep both my husband and me from being physically able to work, along with several other life changes that would literally rock our faith to its core. I think it is for the best that we are not told the future ahead of time. It is enough to deal with what we need to face one day at a time.<br />
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Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 6:34, when He said, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."<br />
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The time of unemployment that began that night ended up stretching out for a total of 21 months to the day. Thankfully, through much prayer and faith, we worked through the many health issues, walked through a series of hard times, and have made it to the other side.<br />
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During the 21 months that we were without a regularly earned paycheck, our minimizing journey took on a whole new meaning as circumstance forced my family and me to take an even closer look at not only our possessions as we came to terms with selling things that were not true necessities, but also at the people who were a part of our outer and inner circle. If you are going through a similar time of difficulty and uncertainty, I hope the sharing of what we have learned will inspire and enrich your own minimizing journey.<br />
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1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Hard times inspire fresh examination of physical possessions. </b> There is nothing like a shut-off notice to motivate a minimizing re-start. Threat of homelessness will cause you to realistically look at that extra vehicle with a new set of eyes and ask yourself, “do I really need to cling to this just because it belonged to a cherish loved one when letting it go would pay two months’ rent?” Practicality and sensibility rise to the surface and overwhelm sentimentality during desperate times.<br />
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2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Hard times prove who deserves and who does not deserve to remain a part of your life.</b> Nothing reveals who truly cares about you more blatantly or powerfully than adversity. Pay attention to the one(s) still close to you when the chips are down, you are struggling to keep your head above water, and it seems all hope is lost. Identify who was there and who was not. Who proved their love? Who got their hands dirty? Who showed up when everyone else turned away? Who showed authentic compassion? Cherish those who loved you when it was anything but easy. Treasure those who stuck it out, held your hand, and withheld judgment. The ones who show up and are still there after the storm has passed are the people who are true-blue and have earned the opportunity to occupy stall seats in your life’s gallery. Minimize relationships with those who minimize you and the legitimacy of your predicament. Shed liaisons with those who interject blame and condemn you for what they know nothing about. Even in familial relationships. Just because someone is a part of your family does not mean they should be a part of your life.<br />
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3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Hard times draw you closer to the ones you love most.</b> Leaning on the “true-blues” in your life through times of suffering strengthens bonds. Drawing support from those who share your sorrow deepens connection. Crying alongside those who are loyal through seasons of difficulty cements ties. Simultaneously experiencing pain and hardship solidifies camaraderie and a sense of shared accomplishment when the trial is over.<br />
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4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Hard times generate gratitude. </b> While that statement may sound contradictory, it is true. Walking through days where it feels like your whole world is turned upside down makes you appreciate the immeasurable value of an ordinary day. There is a wellspring of truth in the words of the song recorded by Dennis Marsh that says, “The Hard Times Make the Good Times Even Better.” When dire necessity forces the sale of things you thought you could never part with, you realize you are left with what matters most because you still have each other. Thankfulness emerges from the realization that no matter what you have lost and given up, as long as you are still together with the ones you love, all is well.<br />
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5. <b>Hard times prove God's faithfulness.</b> It is easy to talk of "living by faith" and "trusting God" when paychecks are regular and substantial, 401k balances are increasing by leaps and bounds, and your bank account is secure. But, what about the moment you realize every single safety net and back-up plan has been exhausted? When your savings account shows a zero balance, the severance package is depleted, and all other means of financial support has been pulled out from under you, only God is left. Then, and only then, are you in a position of being able to prove whether or not He will be faithful. In that moment, you come face to face with the reality of finding out whether or not what you have "preached" and believed in for so long is really authentic. Will God show up and supply your needs?<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Living in the realm of the miraculous requires finding yourself in the place of the humanly impossible.</span></b><br />
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In 2015, during the time of <a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2015/12/year-end-recollectionsand-more-free.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">our identity theft nightmare</a>, so many times the Lord would whisper to me in prayer, "I want to be your all in all." I would immediately say, "Lord, you ARE our all in all," only to feel instant conviction prick my heart as the untruth of my words washed over me. A steady, good-paying job, credit cards galore, and money in reserve doesn't exactly paint a true picture of GOD Himself being one's "all in all." As each source of self-sustenance was stripped from our grasp, we began to steadily learn what it means for God to be our one and only source. Still here—standing on the other side, I can now say that God is faithful. One day, perhaps He will inspire us to tell of the many ways He has proven His faithfulness and the fulfillment of His Word in our situation.<br />
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While we would never have asked for the downsizing of my husband’s job, what looked like a disaster in the beginning has deeply enhanced our walk with Christ and accelerated our Biblical minimizing journey in the most profound ways.<br />
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I don't know what you may be walking through, but I want to encourage you to keep looking up. Keep pressing on. Keep the faith. You can trust God. He has you in the palm of His hand. He will not fail you now. This song is my life anthem, and I promise you if you "lift your life up" in full surrender to God, He will absolutely prove Himself true and faithful to you in all of life's circumstances. May He bless you and reveal His awesome power to you today!<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UveOPq_iao" target="_blank">Lift My Life Up - Unspoken</a></div>
Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-17520162427751687072020-02-14T07:00:00.000-08:002020-02-14T07:40:35.327-08:00"What if Jesus Had Snapchat?" Guest Post by Avra Schmitting<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Then said Jesus unto His disciples, 'If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.'" Matthew 16:24 (KJV)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><b>Graphic Design by Zach Smith</b></span></div>
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"There are so many wonderful Bible verses that pertain to minimalism, living a simpler life (like Jesus), and remaining focused on that is true. Here, I share my thoughts on digital clutter, specifically social media. <br />
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“…make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you,” 1 Thessalonians 4:11<br />
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Surely, if Jesus were to be human, living in today’s world, He would not have Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat etc. Can you imagine if He did? Would He be taking photos of His food all the time? #blessed. He certainly wouldn’t be flooding our news feeds with the latest selfie after a shopping spree, unboxing of mail-order product service or showing before and after photos after being on a keto diet for six months and claiming “keto is life.” <br />
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So, if we are called to live like Jesus, why do we do all of the aforementioned things? I am just as guilty as the next person. Yes, it’s fun, and it can be entertaining and something to talk about socially with others. But it breaks my heart when I think of all the time we waste scrolling. I once heard a statistic that the average person scrolls the length of the Empire State building daily. That’s 15,000 inches! Or the height of Mount Everest, at a whopping 348,350 inches, annually! Now, I choose to relay these distances in inches, not to make it seem astronomical (while it still is),but, to me, it is more relatable to what we are actually doing when reaching these distances. Think about it. Each post on your screen when looking through your Facebook or Instagram feed is a few inches, would you agree? <br />
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What are we missing when we are doing this? I don’t have any children yet, but some of my closest friends do, and boy, are they quick! And they grow up quickly, too. I don’t want to miss that while looking at what everyone else is doing. <br />
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“What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.” 1 Corinthians 7:29-31<br />
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In my mind, there are two large categories that many fall into when posting content on social media - self-inflation (Look at me! Look what I did ! Look what I bought! My life is perfect, etc., etc.) or self-loathing (woe is me, my life stinks, everything is against me, feel bad for me, etc.) <br />
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“This is what the Lord says: Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know Me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23-24<br />
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This leads to something else the Bible talks about, and that is comparison. <br />
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“And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:4<br />
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Comparison hurts all of us.We hurt ourselves trying to keep up with the Joneses (who are the Joneses anyway? I’d like to speak with them!) and living beyond our means. Telling ourselves, and maybe even our loved ones, that we aren’t good enough. Feeling worthless because we didn’t get enough “likes” or adoring comments on that new gym selfie.<br />
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“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’” Luke 12:15<br />
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“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10<br />
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There is an increased number of people (of all ages) that are becoming mentally ill or engaging in these behaviors which trigger things in the mind that create mental issues of depression, anxiety, and other harmful conditions. While I am no doctor, I experience this first hand. I know that if I sit and scroll for too long on any platform, either frequently in a period of time or for a long time after time away, I begin to feel my depression creep up on me. It’s like something is pulling me back down into the darkness I have worked so hard to climb out of and stay out of. <br />
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There are many days that I wish I didn’t partake in social media. I pray that one day I feel and can know that I don’t need it! It’s the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) taking over when I just can’t bring myself to get rid of it. Much like I challenge myself, I challenge you, what are you really missing out on when you are scrolling? <br />
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Not only that, but there is also this sense of fatigue. Information overload. Don’t get me wrong. The internet and even social media are great things. When, just like many things in life, they are used in moderation. <br />
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“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. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2<br />
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I love that verse. In this day and age, anyone can watch what one is doing. Let’s show the world the love and faith of Jesus. <br />
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“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8<br />
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Often times I ask when there is a newsworthy data breach, what could those folks do with their skills if they were using them for good in the world? What could we be doing instead of scrolling through our newsfeeds? Reading the Bible, praying, teaching others, volunteering, and the list can go on. <br />
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“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy 6:17<br />
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Okay, so if Jesus was in human form on this earth with us in the present time, He MIGHT have social media (His disciples probably would have set it up for Him!) but He would use it to preach the Gospel and share His love.<br />
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“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8"<br />
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Bio: Avra lives in Green Bay, WI with her husband Shawn. She has attended <a href="https://oslc-gb.org/" target="_blank"><b>Our Saviour Lutheran Church </b></a>in Green Bay since 1992 where she was confirmed and married. She has served as the youth director and event coordinator. She has played in the praise band since 2005, sings in the choir, and also serves on altar guild and LWML. She has been studying minimalism for about three years now and continues to strive to find ways to live a simpler, more intentional life. She follows content producers such as <b><a href="https://www.theminimalists.com/" target="_blank">The Minimalists</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.becomingminimalist.com/" target="_blank">Becoming Minimalist</a>,</b> and <b><a href="http://www.biblicalminimalism.com/" target="_blank">Biblical Minimalism</a></b>. She is often able to share her faith and minimalism in her career in the financial services industry. Her hobbies are music (playing and listening to live performances), reading, writing, decorating (yes, even minimally), gardening, board games, golf, watching wrestling, and cooking. </div>
Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-58794817353371223132020-01-30T07:52:00.003-08:002020-01-30T07:57:12.039-08:00Update & An Exciting Writing Opportunity!<div style="text-align: center;">
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony."</div>
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Revelation 12:11</div>
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(KJV)</div>
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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It is hard to believe that this month marks five years since the onset of <a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2015/12/year-end-recollectionsand-more-free.html" target="_blank"><b>the identity theft crisis</b></a> 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!<br />
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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, <a href="https://mountaintopspice.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Marilyn</b></a>, 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!<br />
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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?<br />
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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.<br />
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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!<br />
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<b><i>SO,</i></b> here are the guidelines —they are very simple:</div>
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1. All content should be framed from a Christian, Biblical perspective and worldview.</div>
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2. Suggested ideas for subject matter -</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">How minimalism has enriched your Christian walk</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Downsizing</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Minimizing</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Debt-reduction</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">De-cluttering</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Creative ideas for ways to dispose of unwanted/unneeded physical possessions</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Frugality</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Simple living</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">How you have learned to be happy with less (less income, less stuff, less conforming to "status quo")</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Ways to avoid consumerism</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">How you have swam upstream to forge a stress-free life</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Testimonies of social media elimination and reduction & how it has enhanced your life</li>
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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.</div>
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4. Email all submissions via email attachment to homespundevotions@gmail.com.</div>
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5. Please include a bio and a headshot photo to introduce yourself to our readers. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oEpKNHeIn9w/XjL7rDiC3tI/AAAAAAAAO_0/30WQ1Gd8-IoeO7JWvHS3YgRqRypzzEiNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Share%2BYour%2BMinimizing%2BStory%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1600" height="254" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oEpKNHeIn9w/XjL7rDiC3tI/AAAAAAAAO_0/30WQ1Gd8-IoeO7JWvHS3YgRqRypzzEiNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Share%2BYour%2BMinimizing%2BStory%2521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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May God bless each one of you on your minimizing journeys, and we hope to hear from you soon!Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-40105647729160710262019-12-24T07:03:00.003-08:002019-12-24T07:07:38.647-08:00Christmas Memories To Warm Your Heart<div style="text-align: center;">
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."</div>
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Isaiah 9:6</div>
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(KJV)</div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">M</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">E</span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">R</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">R</span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Y </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">C</span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">H</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">R</span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">I</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">S</span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">T</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">M</span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">A</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">S</span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></div>
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to all of our faithful readers and supporters!</div>
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I hope this Christmas Eve finds each of you well and enjoying the celebration of our dear Savior's birth! I wanted to pop in to invite you over to <b><a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/" target="_blank">Homespun Devotions</a> </b>where we have been sharing special Christmas Memory posts! Each story is so unique and heartwarming, and I know they will be a blessing to you! </div>
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<b>Just click on the link below each picture</b> to be re-directed!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjUp9il25aE/XgIenFqgfoI/AAAAAAAAOyk/mHwhwGugGWY9XpcGDa8C9zzfIJZcY_ALQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Christmas%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2BDumpster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjUp9il25aE/XgIenFqgfoI/AAAAAAAAOyk/mHwhwGugGWY9XpcGDa8C9zzfIJZcY_ALQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Christmas%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2BDumpster.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2019/11/kick-off-of-christmas-memory-sharing.html" target="_blank">Christmas from the Dumpster</a> </b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhdNT2av08I/XgIfLIEjSQI/AAAAAAAAOys/XohCrs5J4P0trzxcnR0agrqe_4xm28FOACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Matt%2BTimmons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhdNT2av08I/XgIfLIEjSQI/AAAAAAAAOys/XohCrs5J4P0trzxcnR0agrqe_4xm28FOACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Matt%2BTimmons.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2019/12/matthew-timmons-shares-his-heart-this.html" target="_blank"><b>Matthew Timmons Shares his Heart this Christmas</b></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pjeml24sCuo/XgIfpFx76rI/AAAAAAAAOy0/OyEKczFWJ94eHIcso7MNITV31YwR6fGVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Tipper-Pressley-2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="500" height="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pjeml24sCuo/XgIfpFx76rI/AAAAAAAAOy0/OyEKczFWJ94eHIcso7MNITV31YwR6fGVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Tipper-Pressley-2019.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2019/12/tipper-pressley-shares-two-special.html" target="_blank">Tipper Pressley & Granny Share Special Christmas Memories</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMdd_F-4XZc/XgIf8gkMfvI/AAAAAAAAOy8/GPcFvH0JOy4CFQtRYcw2PZDs_EzWgMIQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Chris%2BWest.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="640" height="165" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMdd_F-4XZc/XgIf8gkMfvI/AAAAAAAAOy8/GPcFvH0JOy4CFQtRYcw2PZDs_EzWgMIQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Chris%2BWest.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2019/12/chris-west-shares-two-of-his-favorite.html" target="_blank"><b>Chris West Shares Two Special Christmas Memories</b></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHAR2ALRvaM/XgIgXGD13ZI/AAAAAAAAOzI/EfOJwAsVRww3jaDlK3egR7ATd6KP1XflgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Melissa%2BEvans%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="366" height="174" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHAR2ALRvaM/XgIgXGD13ZI/AAAAAAAAOzI/EfOJwAsVRww3jaDlK3egR7ATd6KP1XflgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Melissa%2BEvans%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2019/12/singer-melissa-evans-shares-her.html" target="_blank">Melissa Evans Shares About A Special Christmas</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NFPGj2-ns8k/XgIgsnPsUJI/AAAAAAAAOzU/kyAm4Wmt17MFvmmLXAZcsTJx9tfk1dpWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Aryn.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NFPGj2-ns8k/XgIgsnPsUJI/AAAAAAAAOzU/kyAm4Wmt17MFvmmLXAZcsTJx9tfk1dpWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Aryn.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2019/12/aryn-libraryan-shares-her-favorite.html" target="_blank">Aryn the Libraryan Shares A Christmas Tradition</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--GcmZ8MbIBg/XgIhFiUhRlI/AAAAAAAAOzc/9l1F4ZPmCmw-PxnCo1diIBSXEkVzfTYUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Talk%2Bto%2BGod%2BIn%2Bthe%2BGarden%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--GcmZ8MbIBg/XgIhFiUhRlI/AAAAAAAAOzc/9l1F4ZPmCmw-PxnCo1diIBSXEkVzfTYUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Talk%2Bto%2BGod%2BIn%2Bthe%2BGarden%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2019/12/gentle-joy-shares-christmas-miracle.html" target="_blank">Gentle Joy Shares A Christmas Miracle</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HIMjpLDWW24/XgIhkkURKrI/AAAAAAAAOzk/PTtgAtV4Vk8dufeljiFC7rTzqgum_j7QgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Kitty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="145" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HIMjpLDWW24/XgIhkkURKrI/AAAAAAAAOzk/PTtgAtV4Vk8dufeljiFC7rTzqgum_j7QgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Kitty.jpg" width="145" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2019/12/kitty-shares-about-cherished-christmas.html" target="_blank"><b>Kitty Shares A Cherished Christmas Gift</b></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HaIod5nAWKM/XgIie9mpg8I/AAAAAAAAOzw/pYnF32AsyvITChPjpXyXw3o2M4UzIbkXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Nancy%2Bheadshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="150" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HaIod5nAWKM/XgIie9mpg8I/AAAAAAAAOzw/pYnF32AsyvITChPjpXyXw3o2M4UzIbkXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Nancy%2Bheadshot.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2019/12/nancy-reinke-shares-rocky-mountain.html" target="_blank">Nancy Reinke Shares "A Rocky Mountain Christmas"</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn1W6Z1rtMI/XgInD45p76I/AAAAAAAAO00/6pp0ssd8L5I9A6oBcNpmGnpco9GWwZNggCEwYBhgL/s1600/Zach%2Bblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="611" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn1W6Z1rtMI/XgInD45p76I/AAAAAAAAO00/6pp0ssd8L5I9A6oBcNpmGnpco9GWwZNggCEwYBhgL/s200/Zach%2Bblog.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2019/12/zachary-shares-about-unexpected.html" target="_blank">Zachary Shares An Unexpected Christmas Surprise</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmNnE3n9bao/XgIjiQrTP2I/AAAAAAAAO0E/1AZYStGH8tUiZB3NMZ3478I3vhlyQQSLACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Karen%2BDel%2BTatto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmNnE3n9bao/XgIjiQrTP2I/AAAAAAAAO0E/1AZYStGH8tUiZB3NMZ3478I3vhlyQQSLACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Karen%2BDel%2BTatto.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2019/12/karen-del-tatto-fondly-remembers.html" target="_blank">Karen Del Tatto Shares A Precious Christmas Memory</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkUF_TD74aU/XgIkgATv71I/AAAAAAAAO0M/yaj1vzFR2kMMlTWqUepsxUSXoQ4_0GHqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/emily%2Bvick.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkUF_TD74aU/XgIkgATv71I/AAAAAAAAO0M/yaj1vzFR2kMMlTWqUepsxUSXoQ4_0GHqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/emily%2Bvick.jpeg" width="199" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2019/12/emily-thompson-shares-about-precious.html" target="_blank"><b>Emily Vick Shares About her Paw Paw</b></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DEF6j_6CNLM/XgIk6pdFlFI/AAAAAAAAO0U/-Y-YtO00h0E3jE_hYgs-iok5ozuXEcG7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/image0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1551" data-original-width="1242" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DEF6j_6CNLM/XgIk6pdFlFI/AAAAAAAAO0U/-Y-YtO00h0E3jE_hYgs-iok5ozuXEcG7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/image0.jpeg" width="160" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2019/12/henry-morgan-iii-shares-precious.html" target="_blank"><b>Henry Morgan, III Shares A Christmas Reunion</b></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--K1f592sumw/XgIltzpseVI/AAAAAAAAO0g/yKjxXeqJCms1bnXRCvWYBy2yV5LK6tsGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/photo%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="113" data-original-width="113" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--K1f592sumw/XgIltzpseVI/AAAAAAAAO0g/yKjxXeqJCms1bnXRCvWYBy2yV5LK6tsGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/photo%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2019/12/barbara-dunford-shares-her-christmas.html" target="_blank"><b>Barbara Dunford Shares from Cornwall, England</b></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2019/12/janet-fehskens-shares-heartwarming.html" target="_blank">Janet Fehskens Shares Heartwarming Christmas Memories</a></b></div>
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And, there are still two more special Christmas Memory Sharing Posts to come!</div>
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I hope you will join us!</div>
Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-31390989900172529482019-11-12T04:56:00.005-08:002019-11-12T07:22:18.226-08:00A Bath & Body Works GIVEAWAY at Homespun Devotions!<div style="text-align: center;">
"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, to the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever." Psalm 30:11,12</div>
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Our other blog, Homespun Devotions, recently passed its 8th Year Blogiversary Smilestone!</div>
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So, as a way to thank all of you for your loyalty and support all these years, we are offering a little giveaway there!</div>
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HINT: It has to do with wonderful Christmas scents, a warm cup of tea, and a little angel mug mat/doily.....</div>
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TO ENTER just click<span style="font-size: large;"><b> <a href="https://www.homespundevotions.com/2019/11/eighth-year-blogiversary-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b></span> and <a href="https://www.homespundevotions.com/2019/11/eighth-year-blogiversary-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">leave a comment</span></b></a> for us!</div>
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HURRY...the winner will be randomly chosen on Sunday, 11/24!!!</div>
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We can't wait to hear from you!</div>
Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560071409252252448.post-89576315163817988042019-10-19T09:43:00.002-07:002019-10-19T10:11:30.875-07:00Letting Go of "If Onlys" and "What Ifs"<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />"<span style="color: red;"><b>Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid</b></span>." </div>
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<b><i>Jesus' words in John 14:27</i></b></div>
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How many times have you uttered the two little words, “if only?” “If only I hadn’t gone so far into debt.” “If only I had been more respectful of my parents and their needs.” “If only I had spent more time with my kids.” “If only I hadn’t gained so much weight.” “If only I hadn’t spoken such unkind words.” “If only I had chosen a different path.” “If only I had listened to wise counsel.”<br />
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How about those other two little words, “what if?” “What if the bottom falls out?” “What if something bad happens?” “What if I try again and fail again?” “What if other people talk about me?” “What if this relationship doesn’t work out?” “What if I never find my purpose?” “What if we can’t make ends meet?”<br />
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Your “if onlys” and "what ifs?" may be worlds-apart different than mine, but there’s a good chance, if you have lived very long at all, you have amassed a huge pile of “if onlys” and "what ifs?" all your own.<br />
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These are the things “if onlys” and “what ifs” are made of. “If onlys” communicate remorse and regret over the past. “What ifs” convey fears and anxiety over the future. Both prevent us from living in complete joy in the present. If you are like me, you may teeter between the two on a regular basis. It sort of feels like an irreconcilable, futile tug-of war, lamenting one minute over things I wish I had done differently in the past and dreading unforeseen potentially bad things that may or may not happen in the future.<br />
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Can you envision just for a moment how much happier and more serene present life would be if we decluttered all “if onlys” and “what ifs” and never uttered those four words again? “If onlys” and “what ifs” are a complete waste of time and energy because the truth is, we cannot go back and make alterations, nor can we see or control what happens beyond the moment in front of us. “If onlys” and “what ifs” hold the power of rendering us incapable of experiencing joy in the beautiful parts of our own reality and they rob us of being able to live the peaceful life we all crave.<br />
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Remember the serenity prayer, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference?” (Written by Reinhold Niebuhr)<br />
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Acceptance, courage, and wisdom are quite possibly the three main qualities we all need on this path to a minimal life.<br />
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<b><i>Acceptance of the things we cannot change—</i></b><br />
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What we sow will grow, and it is impossible to go back and unearth any of the seeds we have planted. We will never find a sense of peace until we make the choice to let go of regret and embrace that what has already happened cannot be undone. Regrets are past deeds for which we refuse to forgive ourselves. Surrendering the grudge we are holding against ourselves is extremely liberating and conducive to peace. It is completely okay to finally forgive yourself for doing the things you wish you hadn’t, leave the past where it happened, let it go, and walk on.<br />
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<b><i>Courage to change the things we can—</i></b><br />
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Since we can’t rewrite the history of our own actions, why not focus our energy on learning the lessons our regrets have taught us and start courageously applying that knowledge to present and future behavior? Why don’t we stop obsessing over what we can’t do and redirect that energy to what we still can? While we can’t change the way we may have treated departed loved ones, we can recklessly and wholeheartedly love and care for the important people who are in our lives today. Whenever possible, we can say we’re sorry to people we may have hurt along the way. We can nourish relationships with our children and do our best to make up for lost time with them, regardless of their current age. We can scale back on unnecessary commitments and obligations and set our current priorities in order. We can pay off past debt and stop buying things on credit. We can make better eating choices, start exercising, and lose excess weight. We can do whatever it takes to change career paths and start doing something we really love. We can start today by mustering the courage to do the things we wish we had done in the past. Life is incredibly short, no one is getting any younger, and there is no time like the present. Start today to make the changes you wish you had made years ago.<br />
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<b><i>Wisdom to know the difference—</i></b><br />
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There is a sense of relief that can be found in the mere act of compartmentalizing the things that bother us. Just as it helps us feel more productive to place unwanted physical possessions into minimizing boxes that are labeled, “Donate,” “Sell,” “Trash,” and “Put Away,” tossing troublesome “what ifs” and “if onlys” into the “Things I Can Change” and “Things I Cannot Change” categories will help us feel that we are making progress and taking a step in the right direction. Making the distinction between what we can change and what we cannot change empowers us to take control over hypothetical circumstances and realign our thoughts with what is real and doable.<br />
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The enemy of our souls wants to steal, kill, and destroy everything good in our lives. If he can convince us to dwell on "if onlys" and "what ifs," he can take our eyes off the blessings God so faithfully and bountifully pours into our lives. Jesus came to give us life. Not just existence, but life that is abundant. "<b><span style="color: red;">The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly</span></b>." John 10:10<br />
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“If onlys” produce regret. “What ifs” generate anxiety. Both are toxic to our well being, and regardless how much progress we may have made in minimizing stressful situations and letting go of excess physical possessions, they can rob our newfound peace and cause our otherwise simple lives to feel unnecessarily complicated. The next time you are tempted to say, “if only” or “what if,” make the intentional decision to think of something about present life that you are thankful for, turn your eyes upon Jesus, and thank Him for that instead.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_8DcQ0okpY" target="_blank">Up Again ~ Dan Bremnes</a></div>
Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.com28