Bella (Italian): beautiful
Bene (Italian): good
inspired (adj): moved or affected by divine inspiration; as, the inspired writings, that is the Scriptures
simple (adj): free from vanity, ostentation or display
“Bella Bene” – two words that describe how it fells to have an “inspired simple living“. This blog is about that style of living. For us, inspired simple living is a deliberate lifestyle inspired by the desire to make everyday decisions of life in a manner that is responsive to God’s love. Inspired simple living is living a careful and sensible life marked by sound judgement guided by the words of God. You might not agree with my inspired simple living, but that is fine as long as you are happy and contented with your style of simple living. For me, my inspired simple living is based on what matters most to me, which can be summarized by this passage in the Bible:
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
(Titus 2:11-14 NKV)
“Simple Living” has been so used and misused now a days that some people are confused at what exactly does that lifestyle is all about. It is not surprising because simple living has so many facets. Some practice simple living synonymous with minimalism, similar to Thoreau’s experience at Walden Pond – living in a cabin that he built himself, with sparse possessions, limited technology and surrounded by nature that provides them with self-sufficient living. This is fine for others, but that is not exactly what I want to follow.
In more explicit ways, these summarize my inspired simple living:
- Freeing myself to do what matters most to me
- Not boring, rigid, or insufficient
- Rejecting superfluous materialism
- Taking good stewardship of my money, health and body
- Preparing and eating nourishing food without breaking the budget
- Living an organized life without unnecessary clutter
- Adjusting to my environment when I need to stay where I am sent
- Embracing modern tools that will help me live a sustainable Christian life, and finally
- Inspired by the Words of God and living as He intended me to live
Pat (Pacita) Florida