Simplicity

If there is one word that I have been thinking about lately with regards to my life in general, that word would be simplicity. Simplifying what I eat, things I possess, life in general, commitments, and engagement with technology (I have turned off my work email on weekends & seldom do I have my cell phone on weekends). I want to live simply, not necessarily cheaply or frugally. I love to bake and should do that more often.

I think with simplicity comes a slower pace to life. I take the time to enjoy things as life goes by. Some might say that I am living a balanced life, but what does it mean to be balanced? Rather, what I strive to do in my simplified life is life a Christ-centered life. In my Christ-centered life I live out Matthew 22:37f - that is I love God and love others. Where do I spend my resources(time, money, energy, etc.)?

Do I have this simply life all figured out? No, but I am working at it. As I write these words I have to chuckle know that I am about to begin the writing of my Doctoral thesis. But perhaps this simplicity is something with needs to be woven into it. I need to think about that a bit.

How can you simplify your life? What is one thing you can do to slow down? What would a Christ-centered life look like to you?

Now If Only...

Now if only - three little words that in my journey through life that means "I agree God but..." The "but" could mean a viariety to things from I don't really trust You to not right now but when I am ready to any other excuse I can come you with. You see that is what I mean when I say "now if only."

I've noticed that God really isn't interested in my excuses, rather He is interested in my doing. Proverbs 3:5-6 talks about trusting the Lord, Joshua was commanded to be strong and courageous and not waiver from the path layednout for him.

Trusting God is one more step in our faith journey. Remember how God has been faithful in the past will help you know that God will be faithful in the future.

Found

This is a follow-up to my blog posting entitled "Lost" a couple of weeks ago. That was a look at depression from the inside. Today I want to talk about depression from the outside.

In the weeks since that posting my fog has lifted. I want to thank all my friends who wrote words of encouragement and offered up prayer, they really do help. I wish I knew how or why the depression lifts, I guess I could do some research but I don't have the time right now. It is really a rather odd experience - life is good, life sucks, life is good - a cycle that keeps repeating itself. The intervals of good vs suck ebb and flow. Triggers that move me into or out of the sucky state, beats me.

So what did I learn? Well, found out that I need to follow up with a couple of people about life things. That God is there even in the darkness though friends, family, and others. That I may have a voice speaking into subject of depression - don't know what this will look like yet.

I think I have more to say, but right now I am still processing things. Again, thanks to those who wrote, prayed, etc for me.