Posted in Frugality-Simplicity

Simple Journey Ministries Presents

I Can’t Live Simply Until…

Simple Schedule for Change

Making life changes can be inspiring, uplifting, and invigorating, but they can also cause some undue stress. The fact is that we get so excited about the end result of the life changes that we forget to enjoy the journey, with its peaks and valleys. We can become so focused on the end result that we want the actual process can become frustrating and depressing. Even when we are praying for our end result it is all too common that we are our focus. One important piece of this puzzle is that we need to try to remember that we are doing this for the glory of God, NOT for the glory of ourselves. Our motivation must always be in the right place for us to be able to handle both the peaks and valleys appropriately.

All this aside, I regularly recommend that when one is striving towards a life change, she needs to take it slow. Deliberate, well thought out steps are keys to success. Take the idea of having a more simple life. The thoughts of what your life will be like when you reach that goal are so peaceful and content. Then we you snap back into your present reality and wonder if there is any possibility of truly getting to the end of the journey. Although the end of the journey is important, the journey itself is what gets you to the end.

Firstly, you need to give this area over to God. Yes, I know that you are supposed to accept His offer, by giving control of your life to Him, but I also know there isn’t a woman I have talked with that hasn’t had the daily struggle of accomplishing this. God has a plan. He designed us this way so that we would need to call on Him to help us on our transformation journey. This is true for every area of our lives. For me, I do this is in small segments. I officially have put my life in His hands, but my human control freakiness does take over from time to time. When I recognize this in a particular area, I make a point to work on that particular area.

Next, ask God to show you small steps that you can make towards your simple living goal. Don’t rush this part. Do your research. Long suffering will produce the greatest results when you are listening and waiting; sometimes for long periods of time. The trick with this part is to be content with where He has you at the moment. As information is revealed to you about some changes you are to make, mark them down on a list.

When you get to the point of a workable list, make a simple schedule. If your list includes turning off the TV one day per week, consider your family schedule. What day would be the most effective? What activities will you put in place of that time? Will preparations need to be made for those activities? Remember to consult with your husband for advice. Now, mark the days and activities on your calendar. Remember to include a note to yourself for any preparation items that may be needed.

As you begin to schedule simple living techniques in this slow manner, you will find that each time you add a new one on, it will become easier and easier to incorporate. The reason being is that you will have learned to digest and apply these ideas because you have been giving yourself time to pray, converse, think about, and plan. While this process is simple in and of itself, it is often rushed through in these harried times.

Take time with God TODAY to begin on your journey to simplicity.

These are my thoughts.