Simplicity

"The discipline of Simplicity... deals with the way we use our time and the way we use our words. It is an overall attitude of contentment and gratitude manifested in a visible way of living that includes not trying to do too much or have too much. It is a way of speaking that lets our yes be yes and our no be no, as Jesus commands in the Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 5:37)...

"In short, through the discipline of Simplicity we seek to live a life that is pleasing to God, life-giving to ourselves and has an element of availability to others. We can live a life of goodness, joy, peace and balance if we will engage honestly with this discipline."
--Valerie Hess, "Spiritual Disciplines Devotional"

Ways to help you practice this discipline:

* Go through your purse, wallet or briefcase - get rid of anything you don't need!
* Find ways to say "no" to things your don't want to do or can't do - without feeling the need to justify yourself.
* How many conversations in your life are about time or possessions? Pray that God helps you to use these things in ways that express gratitude.
* Write down three blessings in your life - EVERY day. (Come back to this list when you feel like you don't have enough...)
* Do you have time in each day to spend a few minutes alone? If not, try to scratch one thing off your to-do list everyday.
* Try to be content today in everything you do have... When you start to think, "if only I had..." - be sure to stop and thank God for what you already possess. Shelter, food, clothes, water, family, friends, etc, etc.