Cheryl, who blogs at Homespun Devotions, and also at Biblical Minimalism, wrote a book titled Biblical Minimalism, Following Jesus from a Life of Abundance to More Abundant Life. I was so lucky to receive a copy of this wonderful book! My son, who lives here with me, saw the book on the table, and asked me what it was about. I asked him, "What do you think it's about, Mike, from looking at the title?" He answered that he thought it was about tidying up one's spiritual life. Really, and truly that sums it up very simply, but it's so much more! Cheryl gives practical tips and advice to get started, but with biblical verses interspersed. Cheryl explains that what's important "is the spiritual legacy we leave behind, the memories of how we lived life day to day", and not the things that we leave.
I have known Cheryl through her blogs, for several years now. She is such a kind, caring, thoughtful person, and I knew that in reading her book, those qualities would come through. Cheryl and her husband Kevin, and son, Zach, went on this journey together in moving from a 4 bedroom, 3 bath home on 2 acres, plus a 700 square foot garage and an attic, to a rental home. Cheryl had moved a total of 47 times as a child, and she realized that she had clung to physical "stuff" in order to bring stability to her life. This spiritual minimalism was not an easy journey, but Cheryl explains the difference of needs vs. wants, and the different layers of minimizing. She helps us decipher what holds little value, to things that we hold onto because of guilt, or because of sentimental reasons. All this is done, without chastising and belittling , and done with many verses from the bible to back up her views. Besides the physical "stuff" that clutters our lives, Cheryl's book also helps us in purging mental or emotional "stuff", such as past hurts, resentments, unforgiveness, and social/media distractions, etc. The important part is to ultimately have peace in our homes and within our hearts and souls.
If you would like to be included in a giveaway for Cheryl's wonderful book, please leave a comment to be entered. Also, if you read my blog, but don't have a blog, you can leave me an email and I will put your name in the drawing, which will be held on July 19th. If you would like To purchase the book, click HERE.
Cheryl Smith is the author of the book “Biblical Minimalism,” the story of her family’s journey from a life of abundance to a more abundant life. She is the author of the blogs Biblical Minimalism, where she writes about minimalism from a Biblical perspective, and Homespun Devotions,
where she writes devotionals and conducts “Inner Views.” She loves to
spend time with her husband and son in the mountains, sing and play
Bluegrass music, and write.
Thank you for visiting! xo
The book sounds very interesting. I have to admit, I am NOT a minimalist. I am in the process of getting rid of things though and that feels great!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week ~ FlowerLady
I just read a review of this book on my friend Pam's Everyday Living blog...it does sound amazing and uplifting. I feel like these past months have taught us all alot about living with less in our lives, and it's an important lesson to have learned and to remember...have a lovely week Kitty!
ReplyDeleteJenna
This sounds like an excellent, helpful book, Kitty. I am in the process of cleaning out my childhood home (nearly done, thankfully!) and am hoping to get a lot of decluttering done here at home too. My hubby is making amazing progress decluttering 45+ years of accumulations in the garage! I appreciated your review of this book and the opportunity to win a copy. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThough I am not a minimalist (Horrors!), I am decluttering slowly, yet steadily. It isn't easy. I realize that I keep things for the comfort and memories they provide. I don't believe that I need to change that. I am not, after all, some prophet on the back side of a desert. 😏 I like how your son described the book. I like keeping things simple in my relationship with Jesus. It's all about Him, first and last. Him and Him alone.
ReplyDeleteOh, Kitty, you are the third blogging friend I know who has reviewed this book! I honestly feel quite privileged to consider you and the two others to be my friends. I think this book is going to end up being a must read and share for me, no matter who ends up being the recipient of Cheryl's giveaway. What a wonderful opportunity for you to be a part of her sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting book! I think Deborah from the Beautiful Matters also mentioned the book in one of her recent posts.
ReplyDeleteI tend to be a minimalist in most aspects of my life...except for my teawares and teas!
Dear Kitty! Thank you ever so much for your kind review of our book! OH, my family and I were SO blessed to read this together this evening! I LOVE what your son said - oh, my goodness. He could NOT have described this book more accurately than the exact way he said that. That just moved me like I can't even put into words. THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts, dear friend. We are eternally grateful to you, and we trust God's richest blessings will rest upon you continually. Much love and gratitude to you!
ReplyDeleteI tend to be a minimalist for the most part. If you were to walk into my house, you would think I was. Just don't go to the attic where I need to start boxing up items to donate. LOL
ReplyDeleteI cherish our friendship, and love what Mike said. I appreciate your review of this book and the opportunity to win a copy.
Kitty, I have been working on being more of a minimalist these last few years and it doesn't come naturally! The older I get the more I need to do this. Something about a clean uncluttered space, not only home but getting priorities straight, uncluttered heart and thoughts. This book sounds helpful especially with what we've all been going through. Thank you dear Kitty for sharing this.......
ReplyDeleteOh Kitty, I’m lucky number 10 and would love the chance to win Cheryls book, Biblical Minimalism! Thanks for the chance as I do read my Bible daily, meditate, clean and declutter at times while maintaining my loves.
ReplyDeleteStay well and enjoy your family. Thanks for sharing.
The book sounds interesting!Thank you for sharing,dear Kitty!Have a lovely week ahead!
ReplyDeleteHi Kitty. I am hopping in to say hello and wish the lucky recipient of this marvelous book the very best. I hope it is life-changing.
ReplyDeleteIt is a kind and generous give-away - and truly comes at a time it is most needed.
God bless to you and to Cheryl.
Big hugs and lots of love. ♥
Kitty, what a sweet giveaway! Cheryl's book sounds like something I need to read! Thank you for recommending this book! xoxo
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