Living Simply, Simply Living

The central theme of this book can be summarized as follows in page 19,"When we place God's will as our central will, then our lives are simplified. And no matter how complex our schedule becomes, no matter how many pressures we feel, our life becomes easier because we continually look to God for direction. Every decision, every plan, can then be judged according to whether it fits into God's plan for our lives." To elaborate the above, the author interrelated her experience of a walk around a lake in a summer morning with her reflections of biblical teachings and modern time management techniques. The availability of self help tests like "Lifestyle Inventory Test", "A Money Autobiography" and "Evaluate Your Activities" etc had much enhanced the book to an effective tool beyond the scope of a sheer spiritual reading. In short, it is a good tool for all practicing christians who dont want to lose their directions or minds in their fast paced business jungles. Worth the time and the price!

We own every book on the subject of living simply (or so it seems) and I stopped counting at number twenty. So I admit I was pleasantly surprised to discover this book, simply because it isn't a sappy, cute book, but is actually a thought provoking and challenging book, that blends simplicity in ones day to day lifestyle choices with Biblical ideas, be it prayer, bible study, or communion with other believers.It isn't, a preachy sack cloth and ashes book like some of the "Christian" books on the subject that we own. I especially appreciate the questionnaires through out the book that call the reader to do some outer and external reflection. And her writing style in this book, is around a daily walk she takes and the lessons the walk and time with God teach her.Here is an example from Chapter 4 titled Dressing Light and Comfortably-Taking Inventory of Material Possessions "I hurried to the closet to select my clothing. I needed something light and comfortable, something that fit well but didn't bind when I walked" And then she proceeded to discuss the difference between wanting an expensive look at me outfit and one that does the job well and is already in our closet, and then she incorporates the clothing issue with God and how we often accumulate things we don't need and ignore time with God. " The clothing next to the skin fills certain needs. Primarily, it must allow us to function properly during our walk. A proper fitting foundational garment actually allows freedom of movement, just as following God's call walls us freedom to function. God calls each of us to a vocation-an action of service. In reality, answering that call gives us freedom and simplifies our lives. Once you decide to follow God's call, then all decisions about material things fall into place. God's direction acts as a mirror to check your reflection.'It is unfortunate that this book is out of print, because its needed more now than ever. So if you can find a used copy, buy it!!

This book - Living Simply - is a guide to helping us lead a simple life when we have a busy schedule. Dr. Halverson frames her blueprint for simplicity by describing an ordinary walk around the lake. But the walk is actually anything but ordinary, as she uses each of her senses to become aware of what is around her . . . majestic creations in the form of rocks and flowers, inlets and water falls . . . the sounds of our world from the mockingbird's call to the laughter of small children.Using that walk as a guide, the author outlines how we can take the lessons she learned and translate them into peace and simplicity, even in the midst of a hectic, frantic daily schedule. There are exercises, inventory sheets, lessons, checklists, anecdotes, prayers, and focus plans throughout the book.

This book is a pleasant and relaxing read. However,what I appreciated most about this book were the author's suggestions on simplifying life. Her suggestions were not extreme or about imitating someone else's lifestyle, they were about finding practical solutions for one's particular and ever-changing situation. After reading this book, I realized living simply did not mean deprivation and that my life could still be full yet without unneccessary conflict or chaos.