Friday, January 13, 2012

Just simply, simplify...

I have wanted to simplify our lives for the longest time.
Simple meals, simpler living, simpler dreams.
This is my new kitchen/living room/dining room - all in one. No longer three large separate rooms. Just one space for all. 
 Simpler.
I had been struggling with this downsizing, and I hated that I could not embrace it immediately. It wasn't just the leaving of the lovely old home we'd been renting for 18 months; or the lack of trees and nature at the new house. It was having to let go of loved things that 'simply' would not fit in this smaller home.
So I asked God to work His peace and acceptance into my understanding. He reminded me of ten years of yearning for simpler life. He reminded me that real life isn't built on things we love, but on relationships and the people we love. 
Too often 'things' rob our loved ones of time with us.
I was humbled...
Now I will have time to listen more, and time to hear what I am listening. Time to read more of His Word. Time to make bread. Time to pray with a quiet heart.
Time to just simply, simplify. 
Hugs
Jenny
xxx

(the stitchery is a free design I am stitching from Rhonda at Down-to-Earth)

30 comments:

Abby and Stephanie said...

I think of a new place as a blank slate--just waiting for your homey touches.

Jeanette said...

I love your new kitchen/living/dining. I sure miss that kind of space in a modern home. Hugs,

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Just imagine that with a smaller place less time spent cleaning = more time to create! Best wishes for the move, hope you settle in quickly to your new home.

Lida said...

Wish you succes and enjoy your new house, itwill be a real home soon!
Hugs
Lida

Susan said...

How appropriate is that stitchery your are doing! Smaller perhaps but a modern place does have some advantages - usually easier to keep clean and maybe less things going wrong?? You will settle in quickly enough - you do have such a positive attitude. Hopefully everything will go smoothly - did you get a hold of your removalist??

Maria said...

I am looking forward to seeing your new home in a few weeks when you have put all your lovely simple things in there. You will have it looking homely in no time.

Maria McCabe said...

It is a lovely bright space. You are such a wonder at making things look lovely it will be perfect in a few weeks. And Mr. E will be there every night with you. Blessings and Love to you Jenny.
Marioa

Michelle said...

Jenny I think you are a wonderful inspiration to us ALL! I know I could use a little simplicity in my life as well! Thanks for reminding me.

CalamityJr said...

Thanks for the reminder, and blessings to you as you embrace your new, simplified home.

Bluebell said...

Hi Jenny, Enjoy filling your home with all the love that I know you will lavish upon it, as long as everyone you love are with you thats all that matters.
Love Jillxx

Viviana Franco said...

Que hermosas palabras,gracias,me encanta su blog esta entre mis favoritos.
CariƱos

Annie Beez said...

Yes yes! the old ugly head of materialism creeps up on me so often! I try to remember what is important and not be a collector for the sake of collecting. But don't you find, when you cull things out, you end up surrounded by only the things you truly love. Family first and God always knows! The virtue of detachment from "things", ends up making us happier in the end! More room in our hearts to love God and others!
LOVE that stitchery too!

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Wishing you lots of fun and freedom on this new adventure in your life. May your home always be too small to hold all your friends. ;)
Hugs

Carrie P. said...

Simple is good. The stuff can take up so much of our time that we forget God in the midst of it all. I know you will make the house a home.

Alice said...

I am still working on that problem after being here 2 years. It is hard, but I am determined to get pared down and organized much better this year.
Like you say it is easier to listen when you don't have so many distractions.
I think the stitchery looks like it will fit in perfectly.
L,A-

Terry said...

Your new kitchen/dining/living area looks wonderful! I love simple, open spaces. And I love that stitchery too! I've just printed it off! Thank you for the link to it! :0)

quiltercaroline said...

I'm sure that when you start to find places for the important bits and pieces then it will start to feel more like home. As you say people are more important and this move means you and MR E will be together again. Thinking of you in this time of adjustment. C

Robin in New Jersey said...

Oh what a gem you are! Thank you!
I have been looking around and I see small piles here and there and they take up my time. I have been thinking about simplifying and getting rid of things and packing away things that add to the clutter. Then it will be fresh and clean and there won't be so much to see and drive me crazy!

I can't wait to see what you do with that space!

Sharon said...

Having gone through a very similar challenge myself about 6 months ago I can only echo what you are saying... I too wanted a more simple life... And yes it was delivered - a sudden, out of the blue move resulted much downsizing... For the longest time I couldn't 'part with' but now I no longer have all that stuff I don't even miss it... While ours is a very, very much older house than yours - I have "inherited" an old fashioned garden and a house with freshly painted white walls in which to begin again...It took me 6 months to 'build a bridge and get over it' but now I am on a roll and really enjoy my 'lack of'. A wise old friend told me we AREN'T a sum of our possessions but rather the outer casing of our internal light - the more we clutter up (because we worry about our stuff - where to put it, how to pay for it, etc) the less light shines through. A bit like a lighthouse which has had stuff stored in front of the beacon - until that is moved - no light shines ... Enjoy Jenny... x x
*ps I did get a my long, longed for sewing room...

Chocolate Cat said...

sometimes we need help to see the 'good' in something, things happen for a reason and I think you have worked out why for you...

Vickie said...

less area surely means less cleaning-so therefore more craft time? yes?..lovely post ,cheers Vickie

Sandy said...

What a great space to decorate to your style and create the homey feel! Have fun doing that.

Susan said...

Thank you for this post. It was a great reminder.

Victoria said...

I know that you will create magic in this new space! Anything you touch becomes so homey! I wish I were not on the other side of the world & could drop in for a cup of tea.

Annie Bee said...

I was in that situation about 3 years ago when we downsized from a huge home to an apartment. God organised the move so we would start going back to church. I look back and see how wonderful God put everything in place. Hugs

Fee said...

Can't wait to see how you are turning your new space into a "Home" Jen. It's good to simplify and let go of the stuff we think we "need". Lots of love, Fee x

Inga said...

Time to give to others, time to care for the innocent among us. Time to be, act, do the right thing instead of looking inward and contemplating selfish wants. Time to behave like a Christian, time to walk the walk. Time to boast less and do more.

Allie said...

I'm reminded of that song, love grows best in little houses....can't remember the title or who sang it, but it's true. I'm so glad the Lord has given you peace, and I'm praying for you all. The picture of your kitchen/dining/living room reminds me of a blank page of white paper - oh the possibilities! I know no matter how tiny, you'll find a way to make it truly a home.

Roseanne said...

I have a small house kitchen/living room and dinning room Some time I think I would like a bigger house then I think I would have more work to do so I will keep my small house it will seen so much bigger next week as my son is moving out to head to Wa for work.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jenny for your wonderful post.It was a great message to me- to keep things simple in my life, and I will be happier because of it. I love all that open space you have. It will look georgeous when you get through decorating it with your things. It will trully then be "home".Blessings to you and Mr. E. Joyce-ccarter13@windstream.net