More is the #FiveMinuteFriday word for this week. Because I’ve been participating in The Presence Project, I’m becoming more aware of God’s presence with me. So it’s no surprise that my first thought was that I want to know more of Jesus. Then an old hymn came to mind which expresses well what my desires are.
More Time for Soul Nurturing
I’m also beginning a Lent journey with Bonnie Gray using her book Whispers of Rest: 40 Days of God’s Love to Revitalize Your Soul. During these weeks leading up to Easter, I want to take more time to rest and nurture my soul.
Some people use Lent as a time to abstain from certain things. Others may decide to take a break from social media or at least limit time spent in mindless scrolling. I’ve heard of people taking up something new that would benefit them.
Another idea I’ve heard suggested for the 40 days of Lent is getting rid of clutter by eliminating one bag of stuff per day.
That sounds like a good idea to me. Not only would it give more space by ridding the house of unwanted or unnecessary items, but it would provide a nicer place to live.
Well, my five minutes are up, but my post doesn’t seem quite finished, so I’ll try to wrap it up quickly.
Less Clutter, More Time to Create
Like I’ve mentioned before, I don’t want a picture perfect house, but if I get rid of clutter, it would be easier to clean. It might even inspire me to do simple things to make it more homey and welcoming.
One of the advantages of having an uncluttered house is that it would also help unclutter my mind.
It is easier to rest, read or do art, when there is not a lot of mess. I actually feel freer to create and it gives room for inspiration. So, taking time each day to make our living space a little nicer is one way to nurture my soul.
Of course I will still have my daily times of prayer and reading my Bible. I look forward to spending that time with the Lord each day.
What about you? Do you have a practice for the time of Lent?
I’m linking up with: #FiveMinuteFriday
Your thoughts on more . . . and less . . . and Lent are very thought-provoking. Like you, I long for less to make room for more of what is truly important. You expressed it so well! your five minute friday neighbor at #45
Patti, thank you so much for your comments. Yes, what is truly important! Blessings to you! Have a great weekend.
These are beautiful photos and thoughts Gayl! I love the way that the tree is so large, and stretching for “more” all around it. It fits so well with the words of that hymn. It has always brought tears to my eyes, and such a longing to keep learning more about my Jesus. I look forward to joining in with Bonnie Gray’s study of “Whispers of Rest” this Lenten Season also. It will be good to share our thoughts together! And my heart is longing for springtime also, and the return of flowers and butterflies like in your last photo! Blessings, love, and hugs to you my dear poet/sister/friend!
Thank you so much, Bettie! I also love that tree. It’s one of my favorite photos. I’m looking forward to sharing Bonnie Gray’s Lenten journey with you, too! Oh, yes, springtime is lovely. Blessings, love and hugs right back to you my dear poet/sister/friend! xo
Your picture are gorgeous! I appreciate your thoughts. We totally cleared out our house to put it on the market. The sale stalled for a variety of reasons, but I do love living in such an uncluttered place!
Thank you so much, Paula! Hmm, maybe we should pretend we are going to sell our house and then de-clutter accordingly. 🙂 Seriously, though, I do want to get rid of stuff, and I should just take a step at a time and not worry about it all at once. Blessings to you! Thanks for visiting.
I want to share more time with Him. Reading His Word, sharing precious moments with Him. What a comfort! Our family has had a rough week with an unexpected loss. Knowing God is with us is truly comforting.
Yes, spending more time with Him is a comfort . He can comfort like no one else can. I pray that you will continue to know his comfort during this hard time. Blessings to you! xo
May your Lent be blessed friend!
Thank you, dear Tara! May yours be blessed, too. xo
Oh, yes to more about Jesus! That’s a great focus for Lent. Thank you, Gayl! I love the decluttering suggestion. If I could achieve a bagful a month, never mind a day, it would be good progress and make some inroads on the mess. I was also tempted to join in with Bonnie Gray’s study, though I know I cannot add one more thing right now and have had to cut back on my book reading for Lent as well. Unfortunately, this season usually finds me depleted and struggling to do everyday or necessary things. Maybe more of sitting and resting in God’s presence is what He might have in mind for me! May your Lenten season be richly blessed and may you find some beautiful soul breathing space. Blessings and love. xo
Dear Joy, thank you for your encouragement! I really hope I can stick with the de-cluttering. It’s so hard when there are interruptions or I wake up achy, but if I do a little at a time, there should be some improvement. 🙂 I almost didn’t opt for Bonnie’s study, but I thought it would go along so well with what I’m doing with The Presence Project, and also Bettie is doing the study, too.
I hope you do find time to just rest and reflect on the presence of God in your everyday life. May you find blessings and peace during this time. Much love! xo
So, today is day six of Lent – have you decluttered six bags full? I’m truly interested in this exercise. I love the concept.
No, Susan, I haven’t. I don’t think I will do a bag a day, but maybe one a week. I have one started…. I’ve had a busy March already, so will need to make an intentional effort to get to at least one a week. Blessings to you! Have a great week! xo
Hi Gayl,
I don’t practice Lent, but I do play the piano and I know the hymn you inserted here. Happy Spring!
Hi Liberty! Thanks for visiting. Cool that you play the piano! I do too! I didn’t know how many people would be familiar with the song because it’s an older hymn I remember singing as a kid. Happy Spring to you, too. Blessings to you!