In Life - Finding God Daily

Finding God While Downsizing Your Lifestyle

June 18, 2013 by Finding God Daily Leave a Comment

By Karen O’Connor:

Image by digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Downsizing your lifestyle — going for less stuff and more simplicity — can lead you to find God in new ways as your spiritual life becomes more of a priority.

Some people dread downsizing, worried that younger people will overlook or neglect them, wondering if they will matter as much as they once did. Some worry that as the kids grow up and leave home, they’ll have lost their purpose. How will they fill their days?

Others embrace the new season with joy and expectation, eager to chuck their ‘stuff’, simplify their life-style, relax, and focus on what’s important––their relationship with God and with people. They’re eager to make a contribution to the world in new and creative ways. And they actually find God while downsizing because at last they have time to focus on what really matters—their spiritual life.

Downsizing could be totally different than what it’s been cracked up to be. It could spell r-e-l-i-e-f instead of fear or sadness or regret. It could be a time with space to relax, to tuck in, and to look out—for ourselves––and to set an example for others.

My husband and I are in such a space now and we love it. Our kids are grown and making lives of their own. They’re now the ones with the packed basements and garages, big backyards, attics, and storage bins. Power to ‘em. We had all that—but no more. We’re now about living in the moment, no longer hemmed in by possessions we have to clean, fix, and maintain.

There’s an up side to all this––a side that is all about peace and joy, rest and simplicity, order, warmth, and relaxation—a side that calls out for cozy comfortable living––free of clutter and chaos. How about you? Are you ready to give up what you no longer want or need or will you hang on to the past? Something wonderful awaits you if you choose to find God while downsizing. A freedom you’ve probably never known. Give it a try.

“Nothing will simplify our lives more than finding the will of God on a matter and doing it. And the best way to discover the will of God is to search the Word of God.” Donald S. Whitney (www.BiblicalSpirituality.org)

The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7 the Bible).

How simply would you want to live? Ever heard of the tiny house movement? See this video:

©Karen O’Connor. Karen is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to the Finding God Daily blog. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com, on Facebook or follow on Twitter: @karenoconnor

Filed Under: In Life Tagged With: downsizing my lifestyle, Karen O'Connor, retirement, simplifying life

Find God in the Midst of Pain

June 14, 2013 by Finding God Daily Leave a Comment

By Karen O’Connor:

Image by Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I took care of my granddaughter the day after she had four wisdom teeth pulled. She needed a bit of TLC, a cold smoothie, pain pills, and ice packs. I could help with that and I was glad to do so while her mom was at work. She and I would switch nursing roles in the afternoon.

As I watched Shevawn suffer through the extreme discomfort, I noticed I was able to find God in the midst of pain. He had provided everything my granddaughter needed through the people who loved her. We gathered at her house that night for dinner, and her friends and other family members were calling and texting to make sure she was doing all right.

That is so like the God we know. He doesn’t drop us into a pit of pain and then desert us. No. He’s right there duking it out with us. He soothes us with his promises in the Bible and with the presence of his Holy Spirit and the fellowship of loved ones.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10).

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).

Finding God in pain may seem contrary to some thinking, but the opposite is true. God meets us where we are—in sorrow or in joy or in pain––and he promises to sustain us even to the end of time and beyond, providing all that we need.

Enjoy this inspiring and helpful YouTube video with Christian speaker Joyce Meyer on remaining stable regardless of our circumstances.

©Karen O’Connor. Karen is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to the Finding God Daily blog. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com, on Facebook or follow on Twitter: @karenoconnor

Filed Under: In Difficulties, In Life Tagged With: find God in pain, Karen O'Connor

Finding God in a Bonsai Tree

June 10, 2013 by Finding God Daily Leave a Comment

By Karen O’Connor:

Caring for the gift of a bonsai tree from my son led me to think about how God cares for me.

I’m always delighted when I find God in places and things that surprise me. For example, I’m finding God in the Bonsai tree my son gave me for my birthday this year. Just days after it arrived I felt as though I had a new puppy—worthy of all the affection and attention it deserved.

I read the instructions for care and soon realized I couldn’t leave it alone for long—since it needed continuous wet soil, four hours of sunlight each day, and occasional ‘pinching’ or pruning so it will stay compact in size.

I couldn’t help but smile. It seems I was doing for the little tree what God often does for me.

1) He waters my soul with his grace.

This is my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:8 the Bible)

2) He provides daily ‘son’ light through his son, Jesus Christ.

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter until the full light of day (Proverbs 4:18 the Bible).

3) He prunes me when I get too big for myself.

He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful (John 15:2 the Bible).

4) He watches over me with his love.

I have loved y0u with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness (Jeremiah 31:3 the Bible).

You too, can find God in a Bonsai tree or in any lovely plant the Lord has made, for he is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5 the Bible) and he will care for us as just as we care for his creation.

Enjoy this You Tube video from FTD (Florists’ Transworld Delivery) on how to care for a Bonsai tree.

You may also enjoy this beautiful You Tube video, illustrated with the song ‘You Are the Vine’ by Bob and Gilly Bennett, inspired by the Bible verse John 15:5.

©Karen O’Connor. Karen is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to the Finding God Daily blog. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com, on Facebook or follow on Twitter: @karenoconnor