Last week I shared from chapter 1, in the book Abundant Simplicity,
I’m still sharing today from chapter 1. I’m telling you…this book series might go on forever with all the meaningful and thought-provoking quotes that have stirred my heart.
“As life becomes more outwardly simple, it becomes more inwardly rich.” Jan Johnson
Contentment.
Simplicity.
Focus on what is important.
Letting go of things that don’t matter.
Choosing to focus on what is important.
Making space for God.
One thing the author talks about in this book is motive and doing things to feel accepted. This has really resonated with me. I have found myself asking myself WHY a lot. Why do I continue doing this activity? Why do I have a hard time saying no to new requests? Why do I have trouble speaking my heart/mind? Not that I have all the answers, mind you…but these questions have been good for me to ponder.
“Simplicity disciplines empower us to temporarily give these things up. When we do, we see how deeply we have counted on them to (falsely) feel nurtured and acceptable. We also see how they suck our time, drain our energy and create craziness in our inner life.” Jan Johnson
These “simplicity disciplines” she mentions are things like simplicity of speech, frugality, spaciousness of time, leisure, simplicity of appearance and technology. There are abstinenece disciplines that help us to get there: fasting, solitude, silence, chastity, frugality.
Once again I am asking God to search my heart. (Psalm 139: 23-24)
**For more of the book discussion on Abundant Simplicity, go here.
