Tuesday, October 2, 2007

20 Ways To Simplify

Most of us think we are pretty busy. Most of us are right. While busy can mean productivity, busy can also mean a life that is “out-of-whack” in terms of priority.

Yes, work begets more work, hobbies beget more hobbies, stuff begets more stuff until the point where we step back in the one free moment we might have during a week and realize…. “It’s time to simplify!!"

Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24). The more “stuff” we have crowding our lives, the more danger we put ourselves in of dividing our loyalty that rightly belongs to the Lord.

Here is an excellent list of 20 ways to simplify, compiled by Dr. Steve Stephens:

1. Eliminate ten things from your life.
2. Cut back on T.V.
3. Escape to a quiet spot.
4. Set your own pace.
5. Get rid of clutter.
6. When you bring in something new, throw out something old.
7. Do only one thing at a time.
8. Say “no” at least once a day.
9. Enjoy the little things.
10. Take at least four breaks per day.
11. Determine what really matters.
12. Make peace with all people.
13. Tell the truth.
14. Appreciate beauty.
15. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it.
16. If you don’t have time, don’t do it.
17. Have a plan for everything and put everything in its place.
18. Share your thoughts, feelings, and opinions with a friend every day.
19. Allow time to pray.
20. Thank God for what you have.

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