Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Lessons from the Little Cabin

Over the winter Joel affectionately called our small condo "our little cabin."  We smile at each other every time we talk about living in a small place, trying to live a simple life and wondering how many children we could fit in here.  We like to talk about how to live more simply.

Realizing we need less than we have ever imagined.  Taking walks instead of turning on a movie.  Purging possessions down to necessities.  Storing food under the bed or the outdoor closet.

It's kind of fun.

Last week I found Season 1 of The Little House on the Prairie at a consignment shop for $7! (SCORE!  And, yes, it's not a necessity.)  We have been enjoying an episode or two here and there as we have time.  We love the solid Biblical themes, the wonderful picture of marriage and the overall simplicity of the Ingalls family.

We look at the lifestyle of the Ingalls family and somehow, as funny as it might sound, want to be like them.  They only had what they needed.  When they had excess, like a special toy or dress, it was treasured and treated with honor.  Their home was always tidy because there was not junk everywhere.  They valued people and relationships more than possessions.

I know it sounds silly.  (It sounds even more silly when I think about typing this on my computer.)

So, these are some lessons from our little cabin:

1- Be content with what you have.  1 Timothy 6
2- Be thankful for what you have.  Colossians 3
3- Have less so you can give more.  2 Corinthians 9
  
What are you doing to simplify your life? 

Thursday, April 05, 2012

Thankful Thursday: Naps

Today I am thankful for naps.

Is it just me or does the whole world seem to improve when you get a nap?

Joel and I have been running on very little sleep due to a teething toddler.

I was trying to study today for the worldview class I am teaching tonight and I could barely focus.  I heard Joshua stirring in my bedroom and so I rushed in there, climbed in bed, got him nursing before he was too awake and drifted off to sleep with him.

I awoke an hour later when Jeremiah started waking up.

I feel so refreshed and ready to face all that I have to do tonight.