Saturday, August 13, 2011

JOHN PELTIER PHOTOGRAPHY

JOHN PELTIER PHOTOGRAPHY: "John Peltier Photography, based in Clayton, North Carolina. Photography focusing on nature and history, combining the two, and promoting awareness."

Toady's Art: Outdoor Adventure

Accumulating Stuff

Recently I moved from one state to another, bringing only what could fit into my compact car. I stayed with my sister and brother-in-law for a couple of weeks until I found a small apartment. The experience forced me to reassess what we truly need to survive in this life. I found that less stuff, and more spirit is the key.



After years of living in a house full of things which required maintenance or repair, washing or updating or replacing it is liberating to be responsible for only a minimum of essentials. Even my definition of essentials has changed. It's been liberating to me, horrifying to others.

Jesus sent out his disciples saying, "Take nothing for the journey- no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic." So they set out and went... preaching the gospel and healing people wherever they went. They were unencumbered by stuff and free to focus on what was important, to do his work.

Since the move, things have been accumulating in my new home. I resist the urge to hang onto things more than ever. instead I cling to the true wealth, which is the living spirit of God. And that has freed me up to do the more important things, which are loving and helping others.