Simplify Life and Get Rid of the Excess

Here are a few ways you can get started:

1. Reduce your electricity bills by unplugging small applicances that continue to burn electricity in the background whether or not you are using them such as cell phone chargers, computer power adapters, coffee makers, and counter top microwave ovens. I’ve started doing this and am saving as much as 50% on my electric bill each month.

2. Buy the store brand and generic items instead of brand names. Almost everything you purchase has an inexpensive generic equivalent including most medications and prescription drugs. In many cases, you can’t tell the difference between the store brand and the so-called “real thing”. You may even find you like it better, and 99% of the time you will save money when you purchase the generic version.

3. Reduce the clutter in your home by donating excess material possessions to charities like the Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries or your church pastoral ministry. Every six months go through your “stuff” and donate those things you have not used in the past six-month period. Sowing a seed into other lives this way will not only bless those who receive your donations but you as well.

4. Purchase only what you need and buy it on sale. Many people make the mistake of buying multiple items because they are on sale; but don’t use them right away or before the expiration date. The result is waste because they have to throw the items away. Just because an item is on sale does not mean you have to buy it in large quantities. Simplify your spending by buying enough to meet normal needs and in the long run you will save money.

Get Back to the Basics

The four things mentioned above will provide a jump start and give you some “low hanging fruit” to pluck; but to simplify your life for life you need to go back to your Christian roots. This means getting back to the basics by practicing Christian disciplines like reading and studying the Bible, memorizing and meditating on Scripture, prayer, fasting, tithing and attending church regularly.

As you do this, ask God to show you his plan for simplifying your life. Make this your constant prayer. Not only will He show you exactly what you need to do; but He will lay the groundwork for you to do it. Four years ago, my husband and I together prayed this prayer, and God began a systematic process within us and our circumstances that gradually revealed everything we needed to do to get rid of the excess and simplify our lives for life. It’s been a grand journey thus far; one that will last a lifetime and it’s well worth it!

 

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