The Spice of Life…

10 steps on simple living!

I know the saying goes…”Variety is the Spice of Life”, which can be true. But I like to think of simplicity as being the real ‘Spice of Life’! Spices make a dish what they are known for. It is the taste that draws us. Without it, the result is oftentimes just too bland. But too much of a good thing, well that’s another story! Take a delicious spaghetti sauce, for instance. When too much oregano or garlic is used, it can create undesired spiciness or when an over abundance of cinnamon is dumped into the cake mix, it can make it bitter and in turn become completely inedible. So the balance is crucial because that is what determines deliciousness or the unsavory. That’s the same with too much in life. Maybe it’s my upbringing but for me, less is more. Too much of any good thing can become overwhelming, undesirable and downright excessive or even harmful. Well, I’d like to share with you how you can balance and live life with simplicity. Here are 10 ways to accomplish just that:

#1….

Put Jesus first! Matthew 22:37

This is the most important in any area of life. Before we can be the best us, we need to make Him our priority. We surely cannot be, act or do unto others as we ought unless He is our everything. I was talking with my husband and we discussed how we as Christians really need to find the ‘black and white’ zone again. Let go of the gray! Too many Christians are full of compromise….beware! The enemy already has his tactics. He doesn’t need our help. A balanced faith is sound, firm, unwavering, truth telling, joyful, reaching out, surrendering, and being sold out for Christ! It is essentially believing and searching the Bible, front to back. It has all the answers! So delve in, you won’t be disappointed! Learn, grow, pray, worship and find your worth in Him! Just simply love Jesus and strive to become like Him. Next, love others genuinely and reach a dying world. We are not ever going to be perfect but the goal is to be a christian who reflects Jesus well. Do draw close to Him and resist compromise, it’s the most important thing in life.

#2….

Make daily family connection! 1 Timothy 5:8

“Family time is an essential factor that helps to create strong bonds, love, connections, and relationship among the family members. Spending quality time with family does help in coping with challenges, instill a feeling of security, inculcate family values, fill kids with confidence, and much more.”

Make time. Bond together and be transparent with one another. Build each other up. The dishes, laundry and housework can wait if need be. The people are more important than those things. And take my word for it, those things will always be there waiting for you…so not to worry. Play games, do devotions, and get some fresh air together. We often go out and play basketball with our son. It’s a perfect time for talking, moving, getting outside and bonding. And don’t forget, a little healthy competition. Haha. Just being together is beautiful and so needed. Simply love and be loved in return!

#3

Eat well! 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

I try my best to be balanced with eating. I am not perfected in it but a balanced thought out diet leads to good health, more energy and an overall sense of well being. Moderation is key. That bears repeating. Moderation is key! There is a very good reason why there are five food groups; it is because our body has many nutritional needs. With that said, many people suffer from food allergies and therefore must refrain from certain things. In that case, there are many nutritional supplements that can provide what’s needed. The end goal is to feel and be your best. Each of us have to do what works for us but as an example….I try to eat well (it’s a work in progress), drink lots and lots of water, avoid caffeine, take a good whole food multi vitamin, a vitamin D (most of us north-easterners need this!), and to absorb enough calcium as I age. It’s necessary to incorporate all the nutritional food that my body needs to function and produce energy. Another major key is to cook and eat at home. It’s better, and you know what is truly being added to your meals. And lastly….don’t deny yourself that occasional snack or dessert. It really is simple! So many make it much harder than it needs to be. Many of us know how to eat well, we just need to pray for discipline to do so.

#4

Keep Moving! Proverbs 31:17

How many have heard that phrase “A body in motion stays in motion, but a body at rest stays at rest”? Such truth! We all need to KEEP MOVING! You can do it!!! One of the best exercises is walking. You can do it at your own pace, commune with God or visit with someone as you take those necessary strides. Walking shores up your bones, improves your mood, increases circulation, strengthens muscles, supports your joints, improves sleep, helps weight loss and overall extends your life and the quality of it. What a benefit! Even the little jaunts….like taking the stairs or parking further away from your destination helps in a huge way. Even just a mile or 2 a day is so beneficial. And it can aid in helping you to feel your best. The best part is it is inexpensive, you get fresh air and all you need is your body. That simple!

#5

Keep a good work ethic. Colossians 3:23-24

Be conscientious, consistent and constructive in all that you do. This encompasses so much. Be on time, give your all, and do everything with excellence unto God. Time management is a big part of excellence. Knowing when and where to start and stop is pivotal. Wasting time is so easy to do, isn’t it? I’ve sat on Facebook and procrastinated many a time or 2. There is a time and place for that, it’s my downtime. But it’s so important to be a person with a good work ethic. Go the extra mile. Complete the task on time. And do it well. There are many traits of a good work ethic but ‘character’ takes the cake. Because quite simply, our character is what matters most. So make yours shine!

#6

Infuse joy! Proverbs 17:22

Smile. Laugh. A sense of humor is so necessary and very beneficial. Just appreciate the little things and don’t sweat the small stuff. Happiness depends on happenings but Joy depends on Jesus. Bring Jesus and joy wherever your feet carry you. Joyfulness is contagious. I have had many people say to me “you’re always smiling”, and that makes me feel great. It gives me the chance to tell them why! Being joyful brings so much wealth and health to your spirit, soul and body. It is so much better than any skincare or makeup product you wear. Joy comes from the inside out and that smile of yours is beautiful! It is so simple to smile away, and infuse joy to others!

#7

Be intentional. Ephesians 5:15-17

Whether it’s shopping, planning or working, live with intention. Keep in mind what’s really important. Quality is so much better than quantity. Try not to go into a store without purpose. It’s so important to have a plan. I make lists and not only does it keep me organized but it helps with time management. A to-do list, a shopping list, and a calendar can help immensely. Weed out those closets, organize and keep a tidy house, and shed things you do not need or use. Streamline where you can! Instead of aimlessly functioning, be purposeful in all that you do. It simplifies so much in life. Organization is key! To be organized, scheduled and planned is not being rigid. It is instead being steadfast. It is sticking to the goal which brings satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. There’s a place for both spontaneity and scheduled planning. Balance and simplicity are key.

#8

Embrace your natural beauty. Ecclesiastes 3:11

Less is more. Korean woman teach their daughters to take great care of their skin. (I am quite certain men are taught this as well. Good skincare is not just for the ladies.) Instead of women applying makeup excessively, they believe that well taken care of skin glows and requires little covering. They are taught from a young age to care very gently and diligently for their skin, so that as they age, it is done so as naturally as possible. All of that to say, this is a very personal choice. If you enjoy makeup, go for it. How each of us chooses to apply their skincare/makeup is very individual. But here are a couple of tips for keeping that natural glow and it’s simple:

• Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize • Drink lots of water: Hydration helps dramatically in keeping that glow • Avoid caffeine • Wash off your makeup each night • Wear sunscreen • Have a good skin care regimen • Get enough sleep.

Spending exorbitant amounts of money is not necessary, however that’s a personal choice. To each his own. However, a good skincare line is beneficial. Whatever you choose and decide to purchase for your largest organ, the absolute number one item should be moisturizer! Lather that over your beautiful face and do so often. Oh and don’t forget to wear a big smile and exhibit a kind heart because that yields beauty from the inside out! Simple, right?

#9

Forgive often. Ephesians 4:32

Are you keeping yourself in prison? You can be as healthy as you want on the outside which is a wonderful thing. But if your insides are not, and unforgiveness is lurking, it can be very detrimental. So find the key to that cell and free yourself. Ask God for help in every area that has you bound. Simply, let go of the grudge and get rid of offense. Rise above and purpose to forgive. It releases shackles. Have boundaries, don’t be a doormat, and be strong. But remember, you cannot change others, you can only change yourself with God’s help. Even if someone else is not sorry, it is possible to forgive and move forward. It also releases you spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Don’t don’t be a captive, be free!

#10

Enjoy the everyday! Psalm 118:24

This is kind of a summary from the previous 9 points! There are many other things I could add but this is a great start! How do we enjoy the everyday and keep it simple? Here’s some things that are sure to help:

• Start your day with Jesus & prayer.
• Always make daily family time.
• Be present for those you love.
• Read a devotion and worship.
• Begin each morning with a plan.
• Allow room for spontaneity.
• Be flexible.
• Be grateful.
• Let the Spirit lead.
• Be organized and intentional.
• Manage your time well.
• SIMPLIFY!
• Be kind.
• Laugh throughout the day.
• Take your thoughts captive.
• Worry less.
• Love more.
• Put others first.
• Forgive always.
• Believe the best of others.
• Compliment others.
• Take care of yourself.
• Spend wisely. And less.
• Bless others often.
• Less social media.
• Make your home happy.
• Stand firm.
• Smile constantly.
• Appreciate the little things.
• Reach others for Christ.

There are many ways for simplistic living but I wanted to share a few of mine. The goal is not perfection but to just simplify where and when we can. Love Jesus, love others, and reach a dying world. That’s the goal. Thanks for reading!

God bless your souls!

Tanya