He Who Knows He Has Enough is Rich!
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Recently I have been reading several books, but one particular one is a book called, "Give It Up!" Mary Carlomagno is the author. She decided each month for one year to give up one of her favorite things or should I say vices. This would be her year to live better with less. Would it be possible to live without designer coffee, Kate Spade bags and the technology that was part of her everyday existence?
A few of the things on her list of items she gave up were Alcohol, Shopping, Elevators, Newspapers, Cell Phones, Dining Out, and Television. It has really been pretty interesting to really stop and think about all the things we do because it is the most up to date item on the market, or the most up to date fashion.
This book has me really thinking what I can give up that I don't really need. Americans are excessive, we are always being bombarded with the latest and greatest item on the market. No matter what car you have there's always a better one out there, new fashions, new restaurants, new cell phones, new this, new that!
So is there anything you outta give up? Do you know when enough is enough? Guess I better start making a list....
A few of the things on her list of items she gave up were Alcohol, Shopping, Elevators, Newspapers, Cell Phones, Dining Out, and Television. It has really been pretty interesting to really stop and think about all the things we do because it is the most up to date item on the market, or the most up to date fashion.
This book has me really thinking what I can give up that I don't really need. Americans are excessive, we are always being bombarded with the latest and greatest item on the market. No matter what car you have there's always a better one out there, new fashions, new restaurants, new cell phones, new this, new that!
So is there anything you outta give up? Do you know when enough is enough? Guess I better start making a list....
posted by Live, Love, Laugh | 4:23 AM
13 Comments:
Good question. Let me think. I give up doing what I want in my relationship with my husband. That is probably not the best answer, but it is all I can think of that seems meaningful. I'll give up my time, because I am sharing it with my kids. I'll give up a lot of my own time, and sacrificing my other children to a small degree, by adopting a special needs child/teenager, that the Lord is giving as a gift to our family, Lord willing. I'll give up my own comfort by sending two of my children to a boarding school that I think that the Lord has sent them to. I think I'll keep the cell phone, and the elevator. I mean, isn't the point to give up those little things to point us to giving up the more meaningful things? I'll give up my life to Christ. I guess that sounds self-righteous. Oh well, be that as it may. If the Lord wants my cell phone, He is welcomed to it. I hope I'm not rude. Just too serious today for my own liking, sorry. But I have often thought about if things don't go well for some reason in the city, I know a nice rural town in Kentucky where there are no elevators, where the cell phones don't work, where there are no shopping centers, etc. Sounds nice, peaceful and quiet.
I didn't think I was materialistic, but the thought of giving up some of those things made me feel very uncomfortable. But I think traveling to third-world countries has given me a different perspective on what I have. I enjoy them, but I know that I can live without them.
Have a nice weekend Dana!
I enjoy the basics, within reason. I know I have more than enough, and it enables me to share what I have. That is a good feeling.
Awhile back our pastor did a similar topic. I am happy with what we have & as I try not to drool over the newest Town & Country minivan. Not sure of what I have that I could give up. I'm sure there are a few things I could spend less time on/with. I'll have to give this some thought & perhaps look into that book.
Hi LLL
You ask
"Would it be possible to live without designer coffee"
That would kill me ..I love differnt coffees
My son asked me " Could you live with only Jesus"
I want to tell you yes , But.....
The Flesh is so weak
Great thoughts
Thank You
Hi, LLL.
I clicked on your link from somewhere (forget where) because I just did a memory album for my dad who passed right before christmas last month. The title of it was "Live, Love, Laugh." It described my dad's life and when I saw that, I'd thought I'd drop by to say hello.
Anyway, what would I give up? Well, even Jesus said that man cannot live on bread alone!
But I would give up the elevator - I need to lose weight. Lots of weight.
Dana's got a good idea. I'd gladly give up the weight! But I'm sort of a symplistic person to begin with. I have a cell phone, but it's never turned on. No one has the number, or has ever called me. It's for a emergency if I get stuck.(I'm not a phone talker.) If ai gave up the computer, I'd have to give up the idea of being a writer as an occupation. Elevators, haven't used one in years, TV, hardly ever.
So things that I would have on a list to give up probably wouldn't amount to much of a sacrifice!
But the weight, I'd gladly be willing to give that up!
My list would include my cell phone, altho without it I'd be out of a job, and the t.v. I turn it on alot just for background noise. Perhaps I should turn it off more often and just listen to HIM.
Hi Friend :)
I like your name "Live, Love, Laugh" very much. It's so appropriate to live joyfully for our Lord who loves us so much.
Have a blessed weekend =D
What an interesting question. I grew up with parents who experienced the depression, so they were trained to be frugal. I was a young child when we were at war and had ration stamps, so we had to live on much less. As I child I didn't know there was any other way.
We have become dependent upon many things we could live without but I really appreciate what I have.
For instance, I never did like the outhouse, and chopping and hauling wood for the heater and cookstove was hard work. There was no sanitary service, so rubbish piled up and drew rodents and nasty insects. Refrigerators were rare in our neighborhood and the ice melted too fast in the ice Box, causing food spoilage. There is a lot to be thankful for these days, but if I had to make some sacrifices, I have no doubt I could part with many material things, because thats what they are, things. Like cameras, books, furniture, antiques and so on, but if anyone touches my computer we got a a problem!
Great post. I know I am guilty of building a materialistic tower that can keep me from experiencing the fullness of God. He has directed me to "clean out my closet." I see the results of buying into the marketing of this world, as opposed to having only what I truly need. I had to learn that the world does not determine what I need. They are interested only in profit.
Ordinary,
You really thought of some interesting things. I too would never ever give up the Lord!!!
Amstaff,
I know this is true, going to Russia changed my life, but there are many things I could still give up and to be honest, this book has gotten my attention.
Bonita,
I know we should be willing to live with what we need than with what we want, but I for one have not been as frugal as I could be, but I plan to do better by thinking about basic needs.
Slugbugg,
I have to admit I was drooling over an H3 lately. Like I need one!!
Forgiven,
So true, the spirit is willing and the flesh is weak and my weakness is shopping. I love to shop, but since I read this book, I have made some changes.
Dana,
That is so sweet. I have never heard of anyone doing a memory album. Thanks for stopping by, I hope you come back.
Bonnie,
That was a good one. I didn't think of weight, but I am sure most of us could give up some of that!
leann,
Are people frugal in Alaska? Do they drive the latest and greatest?
Audrey,
Thanks for stopping by, it's always great to meet a new friend!!
Mountain mama,
Wow, that is something to think about. Our families used to do without so many things that we take so for granted now.
Ron,
Amen, a materialistic tower is a great way to put it!!!
That's a very good question. I have (for the most part) given up eating out, alcohol.. but I think the one thing that makes me cringe is to give up internet.. ask Lava I am an email junkie lol.
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