Hubby and a few friends have asked me what I want for my birthday and honestly, I've had a hard time coming up with much. I've really been trying to focus on being content with what I have the past few months. I'm kind of tired of the "always need something new" mentality. Tired of saving money for some big splurge or lusting after material things. I've inventoried my closet and jewelry box and have noted that I have more than enough designer hand bags, shoes & jewels to last me for a while.
I find that today's culture of "bigger and better" can often tempt me to focus on what I do not have instead of focusing on all the many blessings that I have been given. Mainstream media bombards consumers with hidden advertisements and promises of satisfaction based on material gain - but I'm learning that a new designer bag will not make my bad day better and it will not increase my status in life.
There is a big distinction between wants and needs. It hasn't killed me to say no to a few of my wants in order to focus on what's truly important in this life.
I read the following verse often a reminder that the goal of this life is not to accumulate many material treasures - it is the live a life of quality and contentment - a life centered upon trusting in Christ to provide for my family.
I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13So I won't be making a birthday list this year. I want to spend time with my friends and family and focus on what I have already been given - the treasures that cannot be wrapped in paper and topped with a pretty bow.
*I just want to be happy with what I have*
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, meditate on these things. - Philippians 4:8
27 comments:
I love this post! Everything you said makes perfect sense. I think a lot of people could benefit from being less materialistic, including myself.
Thank you for such a great post!
Great post! humbling and mature.
~Happy birthday in advance~
that is so great you posted this! sometimes it is nice to just sit back and look at everything you have an just appreciate all of it instead of investing in more.
i hope you have a WONDERFUL bday and you get to spend it with the ones you love :-)
<3 megan
This is wonderful. I think it's hard to remember what really matters! Even though it should be easy.
I just started reading your blog, and after a couple posts I'm hooked! Thanks for the laughs and for this newest post... I STRUGGLE with being content!!
Jayne
wittschen.blogspot.com
Love this post. It's nice to be able to look around and realize how happy you are with what you already have.
What a nice sincere post! My birthday is Friday too! :)
Love this post! Insert a big poofy heart right here. I think a lot about this, and I am slowly becoming content with not having that new item, etc. etc. I've had to do a lot of adjusting in my past two years of marriage, and so far, so good. Focus on what you DO have, rather than what you DO NOT have. It's simple, and humbling. XOXO. Have a great day Amber! :)
such a great point.
I feel like lusting over so much stuff actually takes the happiness out of our lives.
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to fall face first into a pile of money, but I'd MUCH rather meet Mr. Right and have some babies.
Happy soon to be birthday!!!!
CarissaExplainsItAll
I love this. Last Saturday was my birthday and my husband came home to spend the weekend with me. He kept asking me what I wanted, but all I wanted was to be with him on my birthday. :D
For your birthday....I hope that the mean girl from the bathroom falls in her own pee.....
Seriously I understand where you are coming from. My birthday is in a couple of weeks, and I just don't have a want/need. I just want to grab some steaks from the Peach Stand (in Fort Mill) and enjoy a nice night at home with the family (Me, Wes & Cameron) --- Hope you have a wonderful birthday.
Very true. It's funny how things change when you get older. You realize what truly is valuable and precious. Not judging by the world's standards of worth. xoxo
I think we all forget this sometimes! Thanks for the reminder! I'm sure you will have a wonderful birthday with loved ones :)
Love this post! Happy Birthday!
Amen sister! Something else you could do instead of gifts could be to have your friends/family donate their money or time to your favorite organization or place you like to serve! It's a win win for everyone! ;)
beautiful post! I'm definitely going to have to remember that verse. Thanks for sharing, happy birthday week!
Great post girl!
What a GREAT idea and I think I might steal it for my birthday!!
This is a great post! So humbling. Happy (almost) Birthday!
I love, love this post. And happy early birthday! I just had this EXACT conversation with God yesterday because my birthday was Friday and it was the big 3-0...and I was just praying about contentment with what I have, who I am, what this next year holds for me instead of being hung up on a number and thinking that I need these great, grand gifts for this "big" birthday. You are right, our culture tells us we deserve more, more, more, but we are truly blessed with so much already. Happy, happy early birthday!
yay love this post pretty girl :) happy birthday in advance! xoxo
Happy belated birthday Amber! I really enjoyed this post..very sweet. Hope you had a great day!
oops..just realized it's THIS friday! haha thought I missed it while I was on vacation. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Happy Birthday!!!
Hey I just found your blog through 20 something bloggers! I'm glad I did :) great perspective! I need to sit back, be thankful and remember what really matters!
well on the next post, you can show what your mama made for you and tell them how wonderful she is - took you out THREE times for your birthday! I love you!
This makes a lot of sense.This past October, My mom gave me tickets for Carrie Underwood for me and my friend(best friend) it was the day before my birthday, but her birthday was in late September. She got me the tickets back when they had pre-sale, she know the day before and she gave me here card 2 hours before they went on sale i did not ask her for them. I think she just heard me say something, but i did not ask.
This year i am going to make sure she doesn't give me anything at all, unless it is something were i can help people that don't have as much as i do. Happy Late Birthday.XO
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