✄ the distractions

For the longest time I thought I needed to be more organized. Then I realized I just needed less stuff.

Feeling worn down? Stressed? Overwhelmed?

Fortunately, there is a legitimate cure: cutting away the excess! We, as God's precious daughters, need to learn to narrow our choices. How often do we choose things we think are absolutely essential in this life when they’re not? Few things the world tells us are mandatory actually are mandatory!

Do we need a Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, AND Snapchat? & do we really need to post every meal/event so others can see how "popular" we are? Do we need to work 40 hours a week only to spend hundreds at the nail salon, bar, mall? Do we need to text everyone back a "yes" when they ask to hang out? Do we need to go "out on the town" every weekend night? Do we really need to watch the latest Housewives episode and listen to the "top hits" radio stations?

The Bible shares the one thing to actually worry about ☞ One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4

Once we subtract all the "unneccessary additions" in our lives, we see what truly matters: loving God and basking in His presence. Not being "cooler than thou" on Facebook, hanging out with toxic friends from high school, or spending our salary on fleeting commodities.

Remember in the New Testament how Jesus was teaching and Mary was listening intently? Her sister, Martha, was working tirelessly in the kitchen getting frustrated that Mary wasn't (over)working, too. This is how Jeus handled the situation:

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

Remember what matters, beloved, and don't stress about the rest. Make your goal clear and at the forefront of your mind: to be Jesus's princess and to bask in His love each second.

Once we forget about how worldly engrained we were yesterday, we can allow the dust to settle, drop the additions/problems we hold so tightly, and find real peace, which the Bible shares is found in God's presence alone.

Before God assigned big missions in the Bible, He called His chosen ones to prepare by ridding their lives of excess. Moses lived in the desert for 40 years away from the hustle and bustle of Egypt, David wrote hymns as a shepherd in the fields, Jesus worked as a humble carpenter for 30 years, and Joseph lived as a jailed slave for 17 years.

Do you want a specific calling from Jesus Himself? Do you feel like you're not hearing anything? Do you want a real relationship with Him? Make Him your #1... and #2 and #3 and #4. Once He sees your open heart and availability for His guidance, you can then expect to hear His voice. Amen? Amen!

A life of simplicity is simple (go figure). Trust God and you'll have a simple, pure life. Ignore God and you'll have a worldly, cloudy life.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. - Hebrews 12

Become a celebrity in the eyes of God, not in the eyes of Instagram followers who don't know your name. And remember - He wants nothing more than for you to live a clear life soaking up His goodness!

♔ Proverbs to simplify your life, princess (!!!):

• “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
• “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”
• “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
• “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
• "Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.”
• “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed are those who heed wisdom’s instruction.”
• “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
• “Those who conceal their sins do not prosper, but those who confess and renounce them find mercy.”
• “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”