Many people question my sanity. I
am weird by their way of thinking. I have two pair of shoes - one for home and
one for dress. I buy all my clothes at the thrift store or clearance racks. I
make my own jewelry, unless it is a gift. I clean my own home and cook most of
our meals myself from scratch.
My husband has this same mindset.
We have basic cable; we live in a trailer without a mortgage, instead of an
expensive house; and we do not pay exorbitant amounts of money
for entertainment. He even makes his own Folgers coffee at home.
We have no expensive
"toys", but spend our free time walking in nature and rocking on the
front porch. We have one car and paid no interest on it. We also take
staycations instead of lavish trips - of course, it helps that we already live
in Florida.
We live below our means, tithe
even on financial gifts and bonuses, and share our savings with missionaries
and the needy in our community and around the world. Why do we do this? Do we
have a spirit of poverty or a martyr complex?
We simply came to the realization
that we are not of this world (1 John 2:15-17; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians
9:19-23). We find joy in life's simple pleasures and would prefer to spend time
with people than things. We have no desire to partake in the allurement of this
world; it does not interest us at all.
We find more joy in listening to
worship music, writing our devotional blogs, discussing God's Word, ministering
in our local church and being involved in our community, so that God can open
doors for us for His divine appointments.
We are Saints, not because of our
habits, attitude and focus, but due to what Christ did for us on Calvary's
cross. Our chosen lifestyle is a result of His character and nature within us.
He gave us the mind of Christ, and we love what He loves and are not interested
in the excesses of this life.
Prayer:
Father God,
whatever we do, it is for Your glory, even something as mundane as eating and
drinking (1 Corinthians 10:31). You do care about what we eat and drink,
because You want us to care for our body, which is Your temple (1 Corinthians
6:19). You bring health to our bones (Proverbs 3:8).
In
the beginning, we loved You because You first loved us (1 John 4:19). Then, we
gradually grew deeper in love with You until we can honestly say, "Though
You slay me; yet, I will serve You" (Job 13:15). This is when we knew that
we are living in union with You alone (1 Corinthians 10:31). We enjoy serving You, our Savior, who are also our help
and deliverer.
Thought for the Day:
The good things in life often become the enemy of the best things;
let those who love God's salvation magnify Him with our body, spirit and soul -
thoughts, choices and emotions - so that we do not partake in the excesses of
this world.
- Psalm 70
