Patience My Child

I have no patience today. Well, let's make that every day.

I started out this morning craving a cup of coffee. I opened my trusty coffee can to find a teaspoon-size amount left in the bottom. As panic set in, I remembered that bag of coffee beans I received from a friend. For months it's been on top of my fridge waiting patiently for me to open it, grind it, and enjoy it. Yet now, when I need it, it's MIA. Why? How? How heartless would a person have to be to steal my coffee?


I searched in the highest of heights getting out my trusty step ladder to pillage through upper cabinets. I got on my hands and knees and searched the lower cabinets. Nothing.


The world is a cold, cruel place at 8:30 in the morning.


Then my printer wouldn't print. The dried-on cat food refused to release itself from my cat's bowl. And, I put a DVD in my player when a DVD was already in there. *sigh* It still works, but I had to wait for it to figure out what I'd done to it so it could reset itself.

In all, I've had quite an annoying day. But, why has it been annoying?

Because I let these little things get to me.

In Ephesians 4:2, Paul writes:

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.


Two-thousand years ago, the people of this world were experiencing the same issues, concerns and heartaches that we are going through today. They needed patience just as much as we do, or Paul wouldn't have written about it so often.


In his letter to the Colossians, Paul again wrote:

Colossians 3:12-14

12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 1: 11-12

11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

And, in Galatians 5...

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Now, let's journey back to the Old Testament...

Proverbs 19:11 (NIV) 11 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

It is to His glory. When we react as children of God, we show the world Christ's true nature. One of love, understanding, gentleness, patience and hope. So, today, when unexplained enemies come at you and steal your coffee beans, remember to breathe, reach for the Word, and have hope in knowing that these little things are just little things. They will be soon and easily be forgotten. Yet, your reaction to them could live on for generations.

Be hopeful in the Lord and remember: Patience is a virtue.


DMM

Simply Grilling and Chilling

Hello, Simple Livers!

Today we will discuss the joys of grilling, or as my husband refers to it, the only way to cook.

You can cook anything on the grill you please. And, with practice, you can use it like a traditional oven and even cook pizza. Currently, my husband is outside cooking tilapia for our family.

Another plus to cooking outdoors, you heat up the neighborhood and not your house eliminating the need for more A/C resulting in a lower electric bill. If you live in Texas like we do, this is a major plus!

So, be creative. What can you think of to cook on the grill? Bacon and eggs? Biscuits? Pancakes? I guess I am craving breakfast foods. LOL With a little aluminum foil and nonstick spray, your options are endless.

Happy grilling!

DMM :o)

Simple Kindness

Collosians 3:12-14 states:

12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

When Paul wrote these words to the Christians in Collose, he was sitting in a prison cell bound with chains. Yet, in the midst of his captivity, he spoke of kindness, compassion and patience.

Would you?

I've been thinking a lot lately of how our society tries to harden us. With blatant violence on television, in song lyrics, and in computer games, no wonder we are becoming an "every man for himself" generation as never before.

To show love makes you a weaker vessel. To show compassion is frowned upon. Give money instead but don't get your hands dirty. Money is a blessing, that's for sure, but sometimes what is most needed at the core of hurt is a hug. A simple hug.

For this week, I encourage you to be kind. Be kind to the older woman needing help with her grocery bags. Be kind and show patience to that driver who thinks they have someplace better to go than you do. Be kind to the little dog who has lost his way.

Be kind to yourself. Give yourself a hug, and praise the Lord that you lived another day. Others haven't. Even worse -- others do not know His love.

Simply be kind. Give hugs with abandon. And, have a blessed and joy-filled week.

In His name with great big hugs~

DMM

Free Movies You Say?

Living the simple-living lifestyle focuses on freebies, and I aim to please!

I know on those nights when there is nothing on TV, I would love to drive over to the movie store and pick out the latest release. However, the frugal gal in me hates forking over money for something I have to return in two days.

I found a wonderfully FREE alternative at my neighborhood library. Rows and rows of DVDs to check out for free for seven days. And, don't think they are all black-and-whites with organ music playing in the background. The main library in my town offers newer releases right along side classics such as Casablanca and Mutiny on the Bounty. every so often it is fun to get back to our roots in cinema and sit back and enjoy some popcorn with Humphrey Bogart.

The library also has documentaries (my fave!), and self-help and exercise DVDs. And for those still in love with their VCRs, VHS tapes are available to check out, as well.

Tip: After you sign up for your library card, you can sign in online and check out what selection is available. If a movie you like is checked out, you can place a hold on it and the library's computer will call you when the movie is returned. No wasted time, and no wasted gas!

I am fortunate enough to live in a small suburb so I have not only my small town library but also the main county library not far away. I love living in Texas!

Take care, frugal friends. Check in on Tuesday for more Simple Living, Christian Style.

Have a blessed and joy-filled weekend!

DMM :o)

Simply Stepping Stones

Sometimes something so simple can get really complicated.

I have a tendency to skip steps. I don't like to read directions and don't see why I have to follow them half of the time. Why? Probably because I am inherently lazy. That's right. Lazy. At least I'm not floating down the River de-Nile about it. I'm lazy, and I know it.

But, sometimes these steps are necessary. And, God throws them in there to let us grow. They aren't to hinder us, or to stop us, they are to open the doors and shine the light on what God is doing.

Take for instance writing. Everyone can write, and a popular saying is "everyone has a story to tell." But that doesn't mean it's a good story or that people will pay to read it. Or sadly, what if they don't even want to read it even if it's free?

There is a craft to writing. A step-by-step growth process that God developed when He breathed life into these dry bones. And as much as I try to skip over the steps, God reels me back in and sets me perfectly where I need to be - Learning. And I plan to learn everything the Father has to teach me.

In my quest for the simple life, I discovered Sue Bender's book Plain and Simple: A Woman's Journey to the Amish. In it, Mrs. Bender describes her time living with several different Amish families. I love this book and found simplicity and hope in it.

From page 85...

"It is the enjoyment of every step in the process of doing; everything not only the isolated piece we label art. If accomplishing is the only goal, all that it takes to reach that goal is too slow, too fatiguing -- an obstacle to what you want to achieve. If you want to rush to the accomplishment, it is an inevitable disappointment. Then you rush to something else. The disappointment is reaped over and over again. But if every step is pleasant, then the accomplishment becomes even more, because it is nourished by what is going on."

Value those steps - every one that you may be on, because there is a reason and a purpose for each one. I promise. :o)

May God bless you richly and abundantly this week.

DMM

Simply Encouraging

Happy Thursday, Simple Livers!

Today, I am opening the door for others who love the simple-living lifestyle to share their stories of encouragement. Read Back to the Basics and learn more.

Have a happy and safe July 4th Weekend! And, please be careful. There are a lot of burns bans out there for good reason.

May God bless you richly and abundantly.

DMM

It's Simply About Today

In Matthew 6:34, Jesus states, "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. (NLT) "

God is teaching me a valuable lesson. This week, He has shown me a new way to look at my needs. I got my pen and calendar out and wrote down each bill on its due date. And now, will His prompting, I am only looking at today. Not tomorrow. Not the the 25th or the 31st or to any day in between. I am focusing on today. And, with a nudge from the Lord, I am sharing this with you.

So, let's look on July 1 and see what we have in store for today.

Do I have food for breakfast, lunch and dinner? YES! Praise, Jesus!
Do I have any bills due today? YES!
Do I have money in the bank to pay this bill? Oddly, YES. And, actually, I have exactly the amount that I need to pay that bill.

With God's leading and love, I'm not worrying about tomorrow. I'm giving God my today. God promises in His word that He will provide my needs for today. He promises this to you as well. It says it right here:

Matthew 6:31-33 NLT

31 "So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. 32 Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, 33 and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

And, this is Jesus speaking! Who better to know the Father's heart than Jesus.

Believe me, I know it is hard to live for today. I see the commercials on TV about financial planning. I see the news reports, too, about high gas prices, unemployment and the ever-growing problems throughout the world. But let's live in God's word, His truth, and know that He knows our every need for today, and He promises in His word that He will provide for all your needs if "you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern."

Imagine it! No worrying about things weeks from now. Just being in the present moment, living every second as God intended--fully encompassed in His loving care.

Now, that is simple living.

I believe that you will get out of my blog what God wishes you to receive, whether that comfort, wisdom or a swift kick in the bloomers, but please know that I am not a financial specialist. I am trying to figure this all out right alongside all of you who are sitting with a little worry knot in your stomach wondering how the rent, that is due today, will get paid before they stick that pesky reminder note on the front door. I'm believing in faith and God's word that the check is in the mail for me and for you. May God bless you all richly this week, and may His mighty hand be seen in the simple things.

Living for Him,

DMM

For further study:

Jesus says in Matthew 6:25-34:
25 "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.
28 "And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!
31 "So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. 32 Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, 33 and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
34 "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. NLT