chew* episode 1

Despite a few technical difficulties, we held our first chat tonight about living simply. You can access the audio file of our discourse here, or by clicking the play button above. (Part of technical difficulties meant no video this time, folks.) All in all, I definitely think our first chew* discussion was a big success. Here are, in my opinion, some of the highlights. Girls, feel free to add your own thoughts!

-- Simplicity is probably best defined in terms of what it is not: it is not chaos, it is not complex. It is the freedom of those things.

-- Living simply has to be a choice; the complexities of this life will follow, even to the Walden-esque places.

-- Being busy isn't a sin, but perhaps our motivation behind what's keeping us busy. Jenna talked about three questions she asks herself to assess her motives: 1) Am I neglecting the "better thing"?; 2) Is what I'm doing an idol? (Or does it have the potential to be?); 3) Am I trying to do this alone, or am I relying on God for help?

-- Intentional and simple living may be one of the ways God sets us apart.

And don't think we solved it all in one brief discussion. We've still got some questions we're contemplating, including:

-- How do we strike a balance between the Proverbs 31 woman, who kept her hands busy constantly, and Martha, who Jesus graciously rebuked for being a little too busy?

-- Do we want to, as a friend of Cory's put it, be "exhausted when we get to Heaven"? Or does God call us to moments of rest?

-- What are practical ways we can live simply and intentionally?

I think that about covers our discussion. If you listened to the audio file, here are some links to further our study:

-- Shane Claiborne and the simple way.

-- Sabbath, by Wayne Muller.

And finally, a beautiful verse Lindsey reminded us all of at the close of our discussion:

One thing I ask of the LORD, 

       this is what I seek:

       that I may dwell in the house of the LORD

       all the days of my life,

       to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD

       and to seek him in his temple.

Psalm 27:4