Simplifying: Buying Less & Giving More

I cannot tell you how challenged I am by this post from Passionate Homemaking:

“Simplifying means having less, wanting less, being satisfied with what you have or less than what you have. It does not mean boredom. People with too many things are the most easily bored. St. Francis owned only his robe, yet was never melancholy or bored.” – J Matthew Sleeth, author of Serve God, Save the Planet

Simplifying Your Buying Techniques (as shared in the above quoted book):

1. If you think you want something, wait a month. One of three things will happen if you follow this sage advice. One: You will forget. Two: You will no longer need it. Or three: You will need it more. Most often, numbers one and two will happen.

2. Next, borrow and lend. How are we going to live together in heaven if we can’t even share a chain saw? One of my goals this year is to put all my books together in a loaning library database, in order that I might bless and encourage others in my church through loaning out my books or simply donating them to our local library. They are just collecting dust right now! I also have a ton of girl baby clothes. If we have a boy, my first goal will be to find someone who can benefit from the use of these clothes in the meantime.

I am growing to realize that the more I share, the less of a strong hold these possessions will have upon my heart. What things are lying around your house that someone else could use right now? There are so many ways to be generous by loaning and giving away your possessions even if you are lacking in the monetary capacity. This is an opportunity for the body of Christ to come together, especially in this slowing economy, and serve and share with one another. Remember Acts 2:44-45, which states that the believers had all their resources together and distributed them as each had a need. I think applying this principle is so applicable today.

It really comes down to changing our mindset! It starts with waiting a month, then if you still really need the item, looking into your borrowing options. If they are lacking, check out all your used options (craigslist, freecycle, consignment shop, etc). The very last alternative is buying an item new…but you most likely will not even get here if you check out the previous ideas!

Day 19 - A Talent of Yours

I believe most people would say that my talent is singing, and I guess in some way that's true.  I do love to sing, and I recognize the Lord has gifted me to be able to do so.  But if I had to choose my talent, it would be something different.  The talent I want is to be able to glorify God, whether it be with my voice, or with service, or with my writing, or especially with compassion and mercy.  This is the talent that I pray that I might have. 

Day 18 - Your Wedding

Our favorite picture



The mother of one of my school friends took this pic




The whole wedding party




Us with my mom and dad...despite the looks, my parents really did like Terry :-)





Terry with all his siblings. The last time they were together until this year.





Us with the entire Bartell clan





Me with my brother Bill, Karen my sis-in-law, and Bryan my nephew





Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Terry Bartell




One of my favorites - Terry dancing with my grandmother, Bobby




Electric slide anyone?




Here we are with my siblings (all but one) from my Dad's side, plus nieces and nephews. There were a bunch who weren't there.



Day 17 - An Art Piece (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc.)

Have I mentioned that my men are very talented?



All the pieces together




Spring Stroll by Terry




Indian Summer by Terry




Autumn Stream by Terry




Winter Snowscape by Terry




Flower River by Sammy (with direction from Dad)



Remember Beach by Terry- painted for our friend, Kris