The Simple Challenge

Simple: not elaborate. not ornate or luxurious. not complicated. not complex. common or ordinary. not grand or sophisticated. humble or lowly.

What does a simple [insert above definition here] life look like?
According to the Bible, did Jesus ask us to live a simple [insert above definition here] life?
Does the American Dream facilitate a simple [insert above definition here] life?


Over the past several weeks our hearts have been stirred by Holy Spirit to examine what our lives are really supposed to look like. In a nation where your value is placed in degrees, jobs, income, cars and houses, living a simple life would look somewhat contrary to the normal pursuit of the American Dream.

[The American Dream: "Whereas the America Dream was once equated with certain principles of freedom it is now equated with things. The American Dream has undergone a metamorphosis from principles to materialism... When people are more concerned with the attainment of things than with the maintenance of principles, it is a sign of moral decay. And it is through such decay that loss of freedom occurs." - John E. Nestler, The American Dream]

The American Dream, although affording us many nice things on earth, seems to have left us in a whirlwind. We are always working, with not enough hours in the day. Our money is spent, almost before it is made. Our family relationships are even somewhat superficial, at the cost of getting more, more, more. Our spare time is filled with cell phone calls, internet, emails, TV, Ipods and vacations. For all that we have gained, are our lives really better off in the long run? We spend our lives going to college, moving up in the company, saving for retirement, retiring and then using the money we saved to have someone take care of us until we die. Is this American Dream really bringing freedom?

After considering the Ameican Dream concept in America, we began to look at the Bible and to examine some of the things that Jesus said about living life for Him. Since our goal is to live a life completely laid down, its important to know what Jesus said. In our search, we found a pretty straight forward Jesus. Let's take a look at some of Jesus' quotes from the Gospels and see if His design for life looks simple or like the American Dream.

"And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away"..."If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other too"..."Pray for those who persecute you"..."Don't store up treasures here on earth"..."Don't worry about everyday life"..."Let me go bury my father...{no}Let the dead bury the dead"..."If you love your father and mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine"..."Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor"..."Beware! Don't be greedy for what you don't have. Real life is not measured by how much we own"..."A person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God"..."Sell what you have and give to those in need"..."So, noone can become my disciple without giving up everything for me"

Eric and I have aimed to live a simple life since we got married, but recently we have have been stirred to seek out what that really looks like on a practical level. When we look at the early church and how they lived, we can't help but ask ourselves, have we gotten offtrack somewhere? It's so easy to get pulled into "needing" money or "needing" a big house. But what do we really need? Please don't think that I am against houses, school, cars, jobs, promotions or vacation. I think those things can be from the Lord and are somewhat necessities of life. What we are finding though, is not that the stuff is all bad, but alot of the time our pursuit and use of the stuff is keeping us from a real realationship with Jesus. Instead, we are pursuing our jobs in order to pay our bills so that we can take care of our families with THINGS. Things that maybe God never intended us to have. In turn, our relationship with Jesus becomes a negotiable duty: prayer before meals, wednesday night church, sunday morning 10am pep talk.

After looking at the median American yearly income, we found that the average across America is between $44,000 and $50,000. We want to live our lives based on that average--and everything else will be given away. God is just showing us, the less we have, the less money we need. The less stuff we have, the lower our bills can be. And that is a freeing thought. It doesn't mean we can't make more than that, but what it does mean is that we will be free to give away whatever else God blesses us with. We want to see a church free from the cares of this life. A church free to give to those in need, because we aren't strapped to our bills for our "stuff". Acts 2:44-47 is such an encouraging picture of what we could see if we could simplify.

"And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. They sold their possessions and shared the preoceeds with those in need. They worshipped together at the temple each day, met in homes for the Lords Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity- all the while praising God and enjoying the good will of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved."

We want to challenge you to live a simple life. One that isn't tied down to the things on this earth. All of us, regardless of our income can make adjustments to make more room for Jesus. We're so excited to see what the Lord will do with the body of Christ on earth whose lives are really laid down before Him. Then He will be able to pour out more than we could ever ask or think on us!

Until next time-

Home from Home

Its so strange when you move away from somewhere that has always been "home" and then call a new place "home". We spent the last week in Virgina visiting family and friends, still trying to figure out if we should say we're going home, to VA or we're coming home to hamilton. Either way- I guess although Virginia is where Eric and I were both raised and have called home, hamilton has also become home. Its an awesome feeling to know that wherever He is, it is home...Whether God leaves us here in Hamilton for a season, sends us back to va, or sends us somewhere else. When you make your dwelling, your home in Him, you're always there. And that is a comforting thought.

We got to see our families and spend several late nights catching up with family and friends. Food was everywhere! I think all three of a us gained a couple pounds while we were there! Karis did EXCEPTIONALLY well on the car ride. She was a trooper, thats for sure. 13 straight hours in a car for a two year old is not that fun--but she hung in there and only had a few tearful moments. As always, leaving is difficult...especially now that Karis realizes whats going on. Hopefully we'll see everyone again soon. Erics parents and sister are coming in for a visit in July--we'll all enjoy that since his sister lives in Las Vegas. It will be a treat!

God has continued to keep the fire of His presence burning in our home. He has astounded us with his unending love. What an honor to know the creator of heaven and earth. What a concept to think that He wants to know me! He is showing us more of who He is and who we are to Him. He is teaching us to live our lives daily true to the gospel. We are learning to live our lives layed down. To fast and pray. To love Him because we want to--not because we have to. I look forward to sharing more with you in the days ahead. He has revealed some great things to us...more to come next time.

Love you all so much. Thank you again for your faithful giving to us. Without you--our time here in Hamilton would be impossible. Keep the fire burning in the secret place.

Until next time...