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Thankful Thursday: Simplicity

Posted in Family

These last few weeks (has it been almost a month?) we’ve lived very simply with just the basics. We’ve had very few clothes, minimal “creature comforts”, no washer/dryer, no beds except for inflatable mattresses… Yet, as I sit here thinking about all of that, I realize that we’ve lived quite comfortably (minus the beds & washer/dryer). I’ve enjoyed living simply without lots of things to have to tidy up or clean. It’s made me realize that maybe we need to simplify things a bit.

This week as we’re getting ready to be reunited as a family (Monday) and get our house all packed up to finally move down here officially, I’m taking time to reflect on this beautiful month of simplicity that I shared with my daughter.

* I’m thankful for our Lord and Saviour. This time of year is a time to really reflect on the sacrifices that Jesus and God made for us.

* I’m thankful for a beautiful daughter who has a love of Jesus and a love of learning. Seeing life through the eyes of a child is a true blessing.

* I’m thankful that we had this month to get things ready for when we do move in. It will allow us to spend some good quality time together after the move instead of trying to fix things up.

* I’m thankful for my knew outlook on life from living without a lot of stuff.

* I’m thankful that the Lord provided this beautiful new home for us. My daughter is so thrilled to be here that she doesn’t want to go back to the other house. (For those who have moved often, you’ll understand what a blessing that is in and of itself.)

* I’m thankful that I’ve had internet access this whole time, so I could continue receiving email and continue blogging. These tools are a great source of encouragement for me.

Each day, as the sun sets, I look around and I’m reminded of the beautiful world that the Lord has given us. He has blessed us with life and given us love. It’s the simple beauty of it all that makes it truly wonderful.

Image by Danny Hahlbohm

Please click the Thankful Thursday to see more blessings…

21 Comments

  1. Laurel Wreath
    Laurel Wreath

    I love your positive attitude. And your list, the picture is breath taking.

    Have a great Thursday.

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  2. Kelli
    Kelli

    What a beautiful thankful post!

    Kelli

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  3. Amy
    Amy

    It’s been lovely to read your thankfulness, God is awesome isn’t He?

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  4. Denise
    Denise

    Such a beautiful post, you are a blessing.

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  5. eph2810
    eph2810

    Oh, Heather, I am so glad that you and your daughter have come to the end of being without your hubby and muchkin without her dad. I am glad that all went smooth and you had the time to prepare the house for the move. You and your little one did an awesome job from the pictures you have posted earlier this week…

    Thank you so much for sharing your thankfulness with us this week–especially since you have been so busy.

    Blessings to your and yours.

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  6. Sharon
    Sharon

    This is a beautiful post coming from a beautiful heart! I’m so glad your family will be reunited, I know you have missed your husband’s presence.

    Have a blessed day!

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  7. Jennifer
    Jennifer

    That is so wonderful that you have been thankful with the simplicity. Yes, internet access was probably a sanity-saver.

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  8. UKZoe
    UKZoe

    Many Blessings for your new home. Looking forward to next week’s thankful list!

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  9. Deena
    Deena

    There’s a great need for simplicity…been reading a lot about it lately! Enjoy that new home…

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  10. Lauren S.
    Lauren S.

    Beautiful post! Sometimes, simplifying helps us to see the things we love more clearly! Best wishes for your new home!

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  11. janiswrites
    janiswrites

    This is just a beautiful list! I am glad that God is blessing you and teaching you through this time! He is so wonderful, isn’t He? Blessings to you and your family!

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  12. Sharon
    Sharon

    ” I’m thankful for my knew outlook on life from living without a lot of stuff.”

    Amen to that especially! And what better timing than during Lent. 🙂

    I often get in a rut when I let myself compare what my family has to others. I realize then it’s only the material things I grow jealous of. All of the truly important things I also have. (like a loving family, husband, and children.)

    I wish you a great weekend!

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  13. Christine
    Christine

    What a great example you are for your daughter! I find myself often wanting to pare down to the bare minimum, but feel overwhelmed even thinking about it! This is a great list!

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  14. Jennifer
    Jennifer

    I had the same experience when we moved. It is amazing how much less stuff we really need. I’ve been thinking about packing up some things lately just to try to recapture the feeling of freedom that I had when there were lee things to maintain.

    Jennifer

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  15. Terri
    Terri

    How inspiring! So glad you’re going to be settled but your month of simplicity really sounds like something I need to do!

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  16. Beckie
    Beckie

    Wonderful listing, Heather. You’ve been getting a taste of missionary life…without all the creature comforts. I’m glad you will be getting settled in the near future.

    Blessings.

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  17. marlise
    marlise

    I’m so glad your family will be back in one place again. Moving isn’t much fun (for me, anyway–and I’ve done it alot), but it sure does put “stuff” into perspective. Thanks for sharing your list. I enjoyed it.

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  18. Crystal
    Crystal

    What a beautiful post…thanks for sharing….you encouraged me today!
    Blessings

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  19. Kathleen Marie
    Kathleen Marie

    I know just what you mean. When we were building out house and 75% or more of our stuff was in a trailor it was amazing what I did not miss! We really can do with out a lot more than we think. We are such a spoiled people…shame on us!

    Thanks for a great reminder!

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  20. Jen
    Jen

    that picture caught my eye 1st of all
    its lovely and what a lovely site it comes from
    thanks for sharing that

    Yaye your hubby nd munchkin’s daddy is coming back again
    Im so pleased munchkin knows our Lord and that loves your new house
    I love the way children are sponges
    God is good way better than we deserve
    have a good week

    March 29, 2007
    |Reply
  21. Anonymous
    Anonymous

    Gratitude is the BRIDGE between what you pray for and what you receive.

    If the beautiful gratitude you’ve expressed in this blog is truly heartfelt, expect to see a LOT of your prayers answered…

    April 2, 2007
    |Reply

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