Transition to a Simpler Life

The Lord is so very good! :)

Yesterday I walked through my nearly empty house, looking at what was left to be packed. I thought perhaps I would feel something, leaving what has been my home for the last two years. All I feel is excitement for where I'm going. There's an expectation of beautiful things to come from the Father.

There is a freedom that comes with simplifying your life. When you reduce or eliminate debt, you no longer have the stress of wondering how you are going to pay off that debt, or how the rest of your bills will be paid.

The question becomes: How much stuff do I really need in order to survive, and yet enjoy life? Let's look at this for a moment...

Food, shelter, clothing - these are actual necessities. Everything else is just, extra.

Now, don't misunderstand me - I'm not saying people can't have things. But how much is enough?

Americans are known for greediness, insatiable appetites, gluttony, and selfishness. Everyone wants more: newer technology, a nicer car, a bigger house, another promotion, more money, new clothes, etc. etc.

That used to be me. I craved after material things. Now I crave the things of the Lord. I want out from under all the clutter of stuff. All I want is what I need for everyday usage. This is why my new little nest is so small. I wanted to keep it simple.

I'm not saying everyone has to do what I am doing. I'm simply sharing what I am going through and how I want to live my life. But the purpose of this blog is not just to share my story, but to get everyone looking at their own lives, asking themselves questions.

So today I ask you: How much is enough?

End of an Era

Yesterday marked the end of an era for me. After 6 and a 1/2 years, I left my job in Atlanta. I started working there at the ripe age of 21, and much has happened in my life since that day. SC played a major role in my life, and it was hard to let it go, but I knew it was time.

Getting out of debt and eliminating stress is allowing me to work part-time, so I had to choose which job I wanted more. My non-profit work is rewarding, pretty well stress-free, and allows me to meet new people and enjoy various experiences I would otherwise not have.

The Atlanta job was remote, which was very convenient; however, I am also moving, and my new home does not allow for a work-from-home deal. And I must be honest, I couldn't handle the work anymore.

It was a fairly simple decision. The difficult part was saying goodbye to something that was an important part of my life for so many years, not to mention the wonderful people I worked with during that time.

After working my last shift from home on Tuesday, I drove down to Atlanta yesterday to turn in my badge & equipment, and to say goodbye. Life being what it is, I knew in my heart I likely wouldn't see these people ever again, with the exception of a precious few. So I made my rounds, and gave them what was in my heart. There was nothing to lose anymore, and so there was no fear of rejection. Each and every one of them is precious in the sight of God, but He wants them to KNOW Him: His love & mercy, His life, who He is. Time is short, and we are not guaranteed tomorrow. This is the message I tried my best to convey to those I spoke with.

Until you walk in a place like this, you just don't realize this life is temporary, and that there is eternity after this short experience. Death is an idea to most people; it's not real. To me, death is very real, but mortality is not something to fear. If we are where we should be with the Lord, death can be beautiful, and something to look forward to.

So I walked into that building for the last time, and I can only pray the presence of the Lord remained when I walked out that door. He is inside of me, and HE is what I want to leave behind wherever I go, like a footprint in the sand.

The end of one chapter, and the beginning of the next...

Changes

Amazing how one moment can change your life forever.

Ever since I was diagnosed with cancer, everything has changed. My eyes see the world differently. The desires of my heart have altered. My soul has been stirred in a way I never thought possible.

As I mentioned in my last post, I hate debt. It is a noose around my neck. I want free from it, and I have an opportunity to do so.

Before all this happened, I had my house up for sale. Within 2 weeks I had 2 buyers! One fell through, and the other offered me a contract. All I had to do was sign the contract, but then I got sick and everything was put on hold. The couple patiently waited over the last month as I went through this process.

Now, I am moving forward with the sale of my house. I'm waiting for the updated contract to sign; however, I've already begun selling furniture in anticipation of moving. I'm packing up what I want to keep, and I'm selling the rest.

Here's the plan: A close friend of ours has a place with about an acre of land, out in the country, but still close to where I work. Most of the land is woods. He has offered to let Dad and I build us each a little 1-room cabin on his property. This way, each of us will have our own space, and we'll only be in his house to wash clothes, take a shower, and eat our evening meals with him. He is offering willingly, and I am accepting gratefully.

You see, I don't want to get back in debt, not for a car or a house. Our friend's place is paid for, so there are only the utilities and taxes to be concerned with. Those I will split with him, to help ease the burden on him in exchange for him allowing us to live there.

I'm excited about the changes that are coming. Stuff is no longer important to me, and I can't wait to be free of it, so that I can get out there and minister to people. That's what I was made for, to minister, not to work myself to death and be in bondage for a house and transportation.

So, I ask you, what drives you? What are you working, slaving, and breathing for? What is most important to you in this life, this temporary life?