Thanks for sharing this. My parents taught me that one of the important things in life is giving. They also said I should laid my treasures in heaven where they are safe, where there is no corruption. But as I grow older, i find myself doing exactly opposite to what i had been taught.
Thanks to you and I believe God, I can retrace my steps back.

Thanks once again.

Camerin - Once again... great insight! It seems I am always taking things to local charity to donate, but yet I continue to accumulate more 'stuff'! Reading this makes me look around and wonder... does it own me?

Thank you for your insightful writing and your wonderful advice! Blessings on you and your work!

My father is slowly deteriorating from cancer. The process of watching him say good-bye has been difficult. I knew it would be sad but WOW...He doesn't care about his things, he cares about his family. He keeps telling us to give this or that away. We are slowly doing so. More importantly, I realize I don't want any of his things or money. I want him. I treasure every moment we have interacting with one another. This time has helped me refocus on my heart condition and the uniqueness of what I love in my friends and family. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Thank you for this precious reminder of a thought that often flies through my mind as life hurries by these days....I just turned 54. My aging parents are now dealing with Alzheimers, emphasema and heart disease. It has caused me to ponder the necessity of so many of my possessions and what is truly important. Your article gracefully articulated my recent murmurings and brought tears to my eyes as I realized how true the words were. I plan on sharing your thoughts with a dear friend and the junior youth group I work with each week at church. If it touches only one it will be a tremendous blessing as it was to me. God bless your gift of insight and His imparting it to you to share with others!

Wow...what a great reminder of what's really important as I'm packing up my new husband's house, and my own house, getting ready to move. I too have had a chance to see how I've been such a pack-rat with some things (books!), in comparison to him! And so now I have SO MUCH more WORK to do in sorting, wrapping, deciding what to keep......etc. And yet some of these things hold very fond memories, don't they?
Thank you!

Hi,

I am currently reading your book
called, "Table for One." Honestly, every night when I read, I just can't simply put the book down and go to bed... I feel like I finally have found another savvy single girl on earth who has the same perspective of singleness. Of course, I do miss having a godly husband around me, but I am simply enjoying my single life. I don't mind staying single, but it will be nicer to have the one who I have been waiting for all of my life. I am not desperate, but sometimes, very confused with my desire to marry... Sometimes I ask myself "Do I really want marriage in my life?" I am well into 30s, have never been married, and self-sufficient who loves what I do for a living (teacher).

You book has been such an encouragement for me. Knowing that there is someone like me who truly knows how to enjoy singleness just makes me feel blessed... Every page I read in your book, I jot down a note saying "true" It feels like as if I am hearing my side of story... Thanks so much for your encouragement. May God bless your heart and soul.

Soyoung

I just wrote about something having to do with Moving:

"Searching for Home in a World on the Move".

I have to continually pare down my possessions due to literally moving, from house to house. But that's a long story....

I just wrote about something having to do with Moving:
"Searching for Home in a World on the Move".

It's posted over at my blog, Faith Fuel.

I have to continually pare down my possessions due to literally moving, from house to house. God has taught me to journey onward with a softer grip on things and places.

All Praises to GOD, this hit me in the gut. I have been clearing out my stuff that took control of me since the year started. Each day when I find time I remove something that I don't need to give away. The pile is now taking over a portion of my room. The feeling I get when I see the pile makes me feel good. I have been purchasing things from the Salvation Army just because I saw what they do for the community. I shall replace the old with the new but it will difinitely be on a smaller scale. All hail to the cleaning of the closets to help clean our spirits that help our Souls.

Several years ago I received an e-mail about a husband picking out something for his deceased wife to wear. He came across a beautiful scarf she had been "saving" to wear for a special event. That e-mail really got me to thinking. I started thinking about all the things thad I had been saving. It wasn't until my mother died unexpectantly almost 2 years ago that it really hit home. My sisters and I had to go through her things. Too many candles left unburned, too many things not enjoyed by the receiver. I never save anything now. I use my good dishes to eat off of, even if it is just me fixing myself breakfast. If someone gives you something to enjoy, then enjoy it with every moment you have just as the giver had mean it to be. None of us are promised another sunrise or sunset. Enjoy what you have then share it with others and get them to do the same.
Alisa
Blue Ridge, GA

This article was so right on. My family and I are moving into our first house from a very cluttered duplex. I have been examining my things and wondering why I think I "need" all of this. The answer is usually "just in case". I really want to pare down my life to leave room for what is really important to me...using my home as a ministry, to build friendships, encourage others and nurture my family. The clutter causes me to avoid doing so now from simple embarrasment. A change will do me good! ...and I'm ready!

It is interesting to read your blog just moments after having a related conversation with my duaghter.

First, may I express my condolences to you for the loss of your grandfather. Last year my mother, father and brother all passed away each from different ailments. All had special possessions that they shared with me and other members of the family.

I have always contended that my things would never be more important than the people using them. I never wanted someone to feel too badly for breaking one of my china teacups or spilling something on my furniture. I have always known my things were for others to use as well.

Lately, I find myself trying to protect the items that I have inherited. I would like to pass them on to my children and grandchildren. I am aware that I could lose anything in a fire or to a burgler and that part of this "attachment" to these items is due to the natural grieving process. Yet, I am reminded by God's Word that He is the true owner of my possessions and I am simply his steward.

As I expressed this inner conflict with my daughter, she kindly reminded me today that the items that meant so much to my Mom, Dad and brother probably mean nothing to them now as they are in the Lord's presence.

We both agreed that it is a good thing to pass on items to younger generations, but I do want to guard my heart that any possession I have for my time here on earth is the Lord's and needs to be held out to Him with open hands. In a way this protects my heart as well, for when my devotion is to the Lord then I can never loose what is really the most important to me.

I found myself encouraged as I read your blog. My relationship to the Lord and the people He places in my life is what nurtures my soul. I want to cling to Him and not the things that will perish. I hope this reflection encourages someone else as well.

Glynna

My dad just passed on in November last year. I am finding it hard to be honest adjusting to life without him as we were very close. Nearly like soul mates. Though he tried preparing me for the inevitable its the words we shared those last months and week that keeps me. For God granting me this priviledge i really thank him. It was a beautiful opportunity. They were beautiful moments. I know that there are those who have not had happy moments with their Fathers' but I can truly say of God that he gave me a beautiful gift in my father.

My husband and I are doing something very unusual right now, and your article hits at the heart of our reason why: We are moving to a smaller apartment, half the size of our current one. We are putting much of what we own in storage (with books still on the shelves so we can access them if we end up missing them), and are keeping with us only the things which we use regularly. I look forward to our new apartment as a place that will feel as freeing as it is simplified. We shall see how it actually turns out to be for us, in time. Meanwhile, I am excited at the prospect of owning our stuff again instead of having it own us.

My Grandmas and Grandpas have been gone for years and so have my Mom and Dad, so I am now the Grandma with way too much clutter for my children to have to deal with should the Lord call me home. I have pared things down some, when I moved from a house to a condo, and even since then. If I dont' use things I get rid of them. Hopefully the last two children will have homes sometime soon where they can have the things of mine they would like. But I don't want to leave them a mess to deal with. Good story.

I don't own alot of stuff. I refuse to have 100 pairs of shoes when I can only wear one pair at a time. I've lost alot of inches lately and have to "downsize" my clothing, so the larger clothes are being given away (if I can find someone they will fit and if they are in good condition). I have learned to do with less and focus more on what I actually need. And since I'm also focusing on owning my first home this year, I've learned to "cut down" on purchases that I don't NEED right now. I know "moving day" will come and I don't need all the clutter going into the new home.

I see how Jesus himself didn't waste (the food that was left over from feeding the thousands was not thrown away)...and I try my best to follow His example. And I have begun this year with being more of a "giver"...my goal of blessing at least TWO people per month with a financial blessing instead of buying stuff that I really don't need.....

Thank you for this reminder. I don't buy so much 'stuff' anymore - for the last several years. I buy clothes, and other things, when I need them, like when they are wearing out. I do have a tendency to buy too many books. I am trying to stop that. But my husband and I are planning to move within the next year, so this is an excellent time to really evaluate what should go with us and what should go elsewhere. I hope and pray that I can be ruthless when it comes to paring down.

We are all for a while and the only really valuable possession is our relationship with Jesus Christ and the meaning of the cross.
That make us rich in faith, love and hope. As a believers and daughters of our Heavenly Father promises in Jesus name.

Thank you for your comment, Lia. It is truly spoken. As one who seems to accumulate paperwork by the mile (I am sure I will need to refer to it again -- soon-- er, er --next year, maybe!) - Yes, I MUST do what I have promised myself a thousand times -- have a clean-up!

After all, the only thing of worth in this life really is our relationship with Jesus. You have hit the nail on the head.

God bless.

My aunt passed away late last year and I had to help with the sorting of her "stuff", many of which were unused and seemed so meaningless to me. It struck me then, how what is meaningful to me, will not mean a thing to others and so we really should not get tied to material things...for in the end, they are passed on, destroyed or given to others for whom they mean nothing. The lesson then is for us to focus on the things that matter, on the eternal and not the temporal. And yes, I too need to clear the clutter in my closets and learn to live with less.

This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

This really does not pertain much to the general issue of "stuff," but I felt moved to just comment on my heart issue. Maybe someone has a "God thought " to share. I am thinking that I need to ask my father, who is 87, to move in with us. My mother died at the end of last year and we (siblings) are concerned about him being alone. Mom was actually in the nursing home for over 2 years, so this "alone" is different but very real for Dad. Dad battles with Alzheimers and hearing problems. A move to assisted living is not a good option-he can't hear enough to make friends easily and we are afraid that he would simply withdraw. Actually, if he lives with us, that would happen also. To pull him away from his small community, church and friends means that he would not get out much except to tag along with me. I work three days a week so he would be alone then even more. I know that once he moves, siblings will no longer participate in checking up on him or visiting. That makes me really sad-to be honest for him and for me!
Not sure what I am looking for from others. But any words of insight would be greatly appreciated.
God bless all who are caring for aging parents and/or dealing with the loss of a parent. It is difficult even though I keep reminding myself, this is my season of life right now.

Several years ago when we were moving house, I spent an afternoon with my then 12 year old son packing up his room. We filled 6 good-sized boxes. He commented that his life was not much - it could fit into 6 boxes. I reminded him that at the end of life there would be only one box, and he would be in it!
This experience has made him very wise about managing the stuff of life. Over the Christmas/ New Year season we made a serious effort to cull our 'stuff'. Our son (now 24) said it this way: "If you can't tell me when and how you are going to use something, you don't need it!" We are all trying to adopt his philosophy.
Another principle we're working towards is this: good stewardship does not store up for my potential use what someone else could be using right now. Our family of four filled over 20 large bags and boxes with things to be used by others right now.
We tease each other with this line: "Are you keeping that so we can put it in your grave with you?" Considering the relative values of this life, and eternal life, our stuff is worthless.
I encourage every reader to consider Jesus' example. He had nothing of His own in this life- a friend had to buy Him a burial shroud - yet He rules the universe! What freedom and power we can enjoy when we shed the bonds of material things.

It is very intresting to read your blog two days after having a related conversation with my friend.
I have just come back from a holiday to see my Dad, who is very ill and is fading away slowly. I took alot of things with me and I gave it to people that need more than I do, and it gladdens my heart to see how excited they were when we gave them the things.
I have stop buying and promise to give more out instead.
May God bless us all as we continue enrich in his faith and love Amen.

I have been in need of cleaning out "stuff" for some time now. I have lived in the same home for 23 years and never seem to get rid of anything. This story has enlightened me to do so. Yes my stuff does own me. Please Lord help me to move forward and give to those in need.

I am a christian for 10 years now and really i learned a lot about material things. i came to learn that these are things that can hinder our service to God and will own us if are not careful about it. Praise God that He taught me that when i die i can't bring my stuffs to heaven. i learned to be content of what i have and as of now im always cleaning our closets and even ask my kids to sort their clothes so we can give them to unfortunate kids and families. i wanna praise God that my kids are learning from what they see from me and they are happy to do just that. after all what matters most is our soul and its destiny and besides we dont have to worry about the future, that we keep and stock things for our future . God said, "delight in the Lord jesus christ and i will give you the desires of your hearts" and God said also that He will provide for our needs if we make Him first. Now with all these things, old and unwanted clothes around us, and mugs and plates and whatever that are not usable in the house, we only stress out ourselves when we see much clutter and it prevents us from doing what God wants us to do. imagine doing all the cleaning ? come on, pick up the "clutter" and use it to bless others.

Thank you very much for this article, you were sent with this message right in the nick of time....continue to be a blessing, in Jesus name.

My husband and I were both in the military and earning two incomes with no children. We spent more money on ourselves than I care to admit. Recently we both got out of the Army and I decided to go back to college full-time so he is the only one working and we live on his income. It is very humbling to have to move into a one bedroom apartment that less that 600 sqaure feet because that is all we can afford right now. We had to seriously downsize our posessions as we didn't want to spend money on a monthly payment for storage. We have a bugdet now and have come to realize all the frivolous things we use to spend our money on. We volunteer in the community and at food banks and homeless shelters and we realize now that some families in our community have for less than we do and spending money on acrylic nails and fancy restaurants could go much further in the lives of our brothers and sisters that are less fortunate than we are. We learn to prioritze our necessities and now we find that when we have a little extra money we would much rather donate it than to spend it frivolously.

Its always good to give out your excess possessions especially to the needy.Why would you have all of them when someone else somewhere has totally nothing to live on?Christ is our rightful example.Lets follow his m,ajor teachings on reaching out to the needy.

This is all so true! I have been sharing "stuff" with freecycle.org and even though I know possesions is not what is important I have a heck of a time parting with some things. Especially the ones that always come with memories I cherish like the recently surfaced baby items. My kids are all teens!

I love to share and have done so over the years but I honestly note how some things can attatch themselves so well.

I always advised new moms to take photos and save those instead since they take so much less space!

Thanks for sharing.

One of the oblique ways God has used to teach me not to hold on to my possessions too tightly was to bless me with 70 rescued animals that I care for on a daily basis! Yes, that many! And, it must be obvious that the cats have knocked over precious crystal, torn up leather and cloth upholstered furniture; the dogs chewed on anitiques and shoes! I bet kids can have the same effect! Vera

I have great empathy for your experience, as I adored my grandfather and greatly mourned his loss. We named our youngest son, born the following fall, John after grandpa. He was one of the greatest people to ever walk the face of the earth, and everyone who knew him was an incredibly fortunate person. One of my fondest memories was attending mass with him. He reached over, squeezed my hand, and said, "I love to hear you sing." I still think of that moment every time I sing.

Thank you for your blog. Having gone through the same thing recently my grandma passed on January 5th, we are still going through some of her possessions and giving them away. It made me think about what I need to purge.

Wow. This one hit me straight in the gut. I find myself thinking of how grateful I am for all the "stuff" in my life, but the reality is that my gratitude is superficial. I have, but want more.
It's amazing how that happens. Thanks for the reminder that life isn't about the "stuff", but about love, service and giving. After all, love is the only thing we can take with us when we go.

Thanks so much for your story. As for me, I never found the courage to "let go" of my mother's possessions. I lost my mom to illness when I was 22 and its customary that a few months after her passing, there will be a little feast for family members to take her stuff. My dad, sister and I sorted out her things a week before the feast, and boy was it heart-breaking. I still feel that pain even now. I hated the idea of having others own things she wore or just other things she had. I wanted them to remain at home, so they could remind me of her - I complained that they should remain within the family. Dad was so understanding, he comforted me everytime I broke down and cried.
I thank God for that day, as I witnessed other family members taking mom's things and holding them in their arms with tears in their eyes, telling me of the wonderful stories of how mom touched their lifes, with not her possessions but with her heart. What a woman!
Its been 5 years since mom was "promoted to Glory"... and I'm thankful for I am my mother's daughter.
Let go and Keep Living.... for the Lord!!

I enjoyed reading the thots shared. I have a clutter problem myself and recently I have been pruning down my stuff, but this made me realise that more 'may-be-needed-in-the-future' stuff would have to go. Pray tell, how many plates can i eat from at a time?!

I still have a lot of wedding gifts in layaway - we havent moved into our house yet - and i plan to take them 'all' with me, What a lot of space! I know now that I need to give away alot more in the months before we move. Thanks for the prompting.

Thank you for this article. My mother is in a nursing home now & we will soon have to go through her years of accumulations & memories. Sure does make me look at my own stuff in a different light!

Joy, I know how you feel about having your 87 yr old father move in with you. I've been in a similar situation recently with my mother so I really feel for the struggle you are having. I'd encourage you to reread your posting. It sounds as if a move into your home would not be the best for either your father or you. Have you looked into home health care or some other alternative? Contact your local Ofc of the Aging to see what options might be available to you. Also your dad's church might have names of agencies or daycare situations that would be helpful. God bless you. This is very difficult. My mother made it easier for us by making us promise many years ago not to take us into our home if she was unable to live on her own. As her memory is slipping away, the thing that remains constant is her joy in the Lord. For that we praise God. Things...worldly possessions... no longer matter or have relevance. The one thing I would like at her passing is her well worn Bible with the underlined verses & notes in the margins. The legacy of her wonderful faith in her Lord and Savior will be left to each of her children.

Thanks for this reminder! We have been living in Nicaragua for nearly two years. My family is moving to another home this week and I am amazed at the accumulation that has taken place in such a short time. When we first arrived we gathered some necesities locally to get by until our container from the US arrived. We found that we got along splendidly without all the STUFF I thought we couldn't possibly live without. When the container finally arrived and they carried in boxes and boxes of THINGS, I was overwhelmed with what to do with it all. Being here to work with an orphanage and minister to other missionary wome, I do not want to be distracted and felt God warning me early on about getting caught up in the everyday so much that I missed His big picture for me. Nicaragua has so very much need so I am looking forward to giving away and simplifying again. Thank you for the reminder as I will be sorting today. May the Lord bless you and continue to use your words to minister to others. Simplyliving