More, always more

More. I perpetually want more. More adventures. More fun. More clothes. More kids. More home improvement projects. More fulfillment. More time. More recognition. The list is endless in every category. If I’m not shifting directions or evolving in some area then I get SO restless.

Have you ever felt that way? The worry about this “ever so important” STUFF is a constant theme in my life. It keeps me up at night and drives my ambition during the day. Perhaps it’s a generational issue for all millennials who have gone from adolescence to adulthood under the lens and framework of a social media filled culture. Around every virtual corner someone has been there to remind me of exactly where I’m lacking.

Please read me properly, I am not pointing fingers at your ugly flaws. I’m just as guilty and hoping to find the means to stop this behavior at its root. Could it be that we’re all fallen, sinful coveters and I’m the ringleader for my family? Life’s purpose is indirectly taught to my children through my actions and words so it’s my responsibility to be mindful of what I’m passing down to the future generations of my family.

This year I’m journeying with a good friend and taking on the ambitious task of reading the Bible cover to cover. If I don’t finish another goal or fall on my face in every other area (this blog included!), but I’m able to complete this one thing then I will consider 2018 a major victory. They say it takes 21 days to build a habit, and today is the 21st day of January and I’m honestly hooked. I’ve never read the Bible this chronologically before and it has made it feel entirely fresh. I genuinely look forward to the wisdom I gain through each day’s reading.

On day 8, I read these words in Matthew. I urge you to read them slowly regardless of how many times you’ve read or heard it before. Take the time to breathe it in and marvel that the God who created the universe spoke this to you and me.

Matthew 6:25-34

“That is why I tell you: Don’t worry about every day life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more important than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your Heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him then they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies in the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

So don’t worry about these things saying, ” What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear? These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all of your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

Even as I type this out, all I can think is that I’m such a hypocrite. These verses perfectly summarize the daily anxiety I put on myself and my family. I add so much strife to our shoulders that we are NOT meant to carry.

Maybe now is a good time to consider how this balances out and our perspective. It’s ok to LIKE clothes, vacations, our homes, and food. However, it brings us and God ZERO joy when we place these desires ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE. At the end of the day all those things are just things. God has it under control. He cares for us above everything else and He provides exactly what we need.

Isaiah 46:4 “I have made you, and I will carry you. I will bear you and I will rescue you.”

The purpose of this community is to cultivate and curate the things that I enjoy most. I’m hoping by housing them in this space I can mentally move on. Otherwise I will end up constantly dwelling on them until action is taken. Ask my poor husband, I’ve talked him into many things over the years that we weren’t ready for because I was anxious and impatient.

The most important thing I can teach myself and my kids is that true JOY can come only from above. I have to stop, look around and start appreciating what I’ve been given. Even if it’s not as nice as hers. Everything I have- my husband, kids, family, shelter, clothing and food was a GIFT from above. When considered that way, any other standard starts to feel irrelevant.

If you’d like to jump in and join me on my journey this year, here’s the link for the One Year Bible I’m reading through.

I’m also a big fan of my She Reads Truth Bible that I purchased this fall. I’ve never had a Bible that I’ve loved reading this much. Each page has a lot white space which makes it easier to stay focused when you’re studying long passages. I personally have the indexed poppy linen version but the gray is also very pretty. I love mine so much that I bought it for my sister in law for Christmas.

With love,