Today it was Restoration Hardware, Pier One, and L.L. Bean.
Yesterday it was Eddie Bauer.
Last week? C.S. Post, Red Envelope, Ballard Designs, and Land's End.
And then there's my inbox... Walmart, Lego, scrapbooking stores galore, Your Music, Williams-Sonoma... it goes on and on and on.
All vying for my attention.
And my pocket book.
And my heart.
*****
I want my heart to desire after God.
Not after cashmere. Or hand-hooked rugs. Or holiday collectibles or personalized photo mouse pads or veryveryvery expensive French porcelain enameled pots for my kitchen.
So I'm not looking anymore.
I'm deleting.
And tossing.
And I'm not going to the mall.
Because I have lovely dishes.
And a closet full of clothes.
And fully functional, (if old-ish) slippers that keep my feet completely as warm as I need them to be.
And I don't need cashmere. And my TJ Maxx rug gets walked on just like a hand hooked one would. And my house might not be an HGTV showcase, but it's cozy and warm and full of things I absolutely love - even if most of them came from garage sales.
*****
I'm choosing.
Choosing to focus my heart.
Choosing to say no to commercialism.
Saying no, even, to scrapbook supplies.
I'm saying no.
And I'm saying yes to simplicity.
And quiet.
And focus.
Focus, instead of distraction.
What are your distractions?
I've identified mine, for now.
(They'll change, I know. Because this is the world. And as long as I'm here there are going to be things threatening to pull my heart away from God.)
Today, I've got 'em whipped.
In this moment, my heart belongs to God.
(Thank goodness, His mercies are new every morning.
Because I'm weak.
And the mail will come tomorrow, just like it did today.
And my inbox will most likely have more offers of free shipping and bonus dollars.)
Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth: where rust and moth consume, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven: where neither rust nor moth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where thy treasure is, there is thy heart also. Matthew 6:19 - 21
Yesterday it was Eddie Bauer.
Last week? C.S. Post, Red Envelope, Ballard Designs, and Land's End.
And then there's my inbox... Walmart, Lego, scrapbooking stores galore, Your Music, Williams-Sonoma... it goes on and on and on.
All vying for my attention.
And my pocket book.
And my heart.
*****
I want my heart to desire after God.
Not after cashmere. Or hand-hooked rugs. Or holiday collectibles or personalized photo mouse pads or veryveryvery expensive French porcelain enameled pots for my kitchen.
So I'm not looking anymore.
I'm deleting.
And tossing.
And I'm not going to the mall.
Because I have lovely dishes.
And a closet full of clothes.
And fully functional, (if old-ish) slippers that keep my feet completely as warm as I need them to be.
And I don't need cashmere. And my TJ Maxx rug gets walked on just like a hand hooked one would. And my house might not be an HGTV showcase, but it's cozy and warm and full of things I absolutely love - even if most of them came from garage sales.
*****
I'm choosing.
Choosing to focus my heart.
Choosing to say no to commercialism.
Saying no, even, to scrapbook supplies.
I'm saying no.
And I'm saying yes to simplicity.
And quiet.
And focus.
Focus, instead of distraction.
What are your distractions?
I've identified mine, for now.
(They'll change, I know. Because this is the world. And as long as I'm here there are going to be things threatening to pull my heart away from God.)
Today, I've got 'em whipped.
In this moment, my heart belongs to God.
(Thank goodness, His mercies are new every morning.
Because I'm weak.
And the mail will come tomorrow, just like it did today.
And my inbox will most likely have more offers of free shipping and bonus dollars.)
Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth: where rust and moth consume, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven: where neither rust nor moth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where thy treasure is, there is thy heart also. Matthew 6:19 - 21
Once again you prove that we are following the same thought process at the same time! Last night found myself saying, I do not need a new tree, I do not need more decorations, the kids do not need $100's in new things for Christmas....thankfully the catalogues do not tempt me! Shopping online this year, and spending my "mall time" baking!
ReplyDeleteThis is such an appropriate post for what we just went through in Genesis this past week- the Tower of Babel and the people building their own towers, relying on themselves as oppposed to God. I didn't see what it was that my own ambition was at the time, but yesterday, my socks were knocked off (why am I surprised that God does that?) and He showed me what my tower was. I get it, Lord, I said. I'm listening. Praise God for His treasures, Cathy. Good for you that you're hearing Him, too. Be blessed today, friend.
ReplyDeleteI am with you 100%!
ReplyDeleteAnd it feels good :)
Standing with you friend !
ReplyDeleteI found myself thinking this a few days ago - "What makes us do this excessive gift thing every 12 months?" I can't even remember what I gave last year... so I decided to give people my heart and attention and be peaceful so that I could truly be a conduit of peace....
more peace and blessing to you and yours....more and more.
perfectly said...
ReplyDeletewow
Amen.
ReplyDeleteAmen.
Amen.