Clothe Yourself in Love

I love sharing this journey with my friends, because just when I need it (but without even asking for it), they offer encouragement!  My sweet friend Jenni texted me this verse last week.

She reminded me that there are more important things to clothe ourselves with than new clothing!

As I've been thinking about this verse, I have been asking the question how.  How do we clothe ourselves with love?  What habits can I purposefully create to help become a more loving person?  Here are some of my ideas.

• Each day when you get dressed or change clothes, say a prayer.  Ask for help in showing love to others in all circumstances! (Like even when your husband leaves his dirty dishes on the counter for the umpteenth time...)  Or thank the Lord for the unconditional love He shows you.  Make it a prayer of love!  Don't pray?  As you get dressed, set a positive goal for showing love to someone or repeat a love-focused mantra.

• When you think something positive about someone else - tell them!  How often do we think things in our heads without sharing?  That sweet, encouraging phrase could be exactly what someone needs to keep going.  This applies to strangers, too.  See a mom at the grocery store being sweet to her child?  Tell her she's a good mother!  Love the cashier's sunny attitude?  Thank them for it!  Person next to you at the gym has great sneakers?  Compliment them!  Spread love by just sharing what you are already thinking about others!

• Remind yourself that EVERYONE deserves love.  Clothing ourselves with love means loving everyone - not just people we really like.  Each week think about who you can show love to even though it might be hard.

Monday Motivation: Have Less, Do More

I'm using this inspirational phrase to motivate myself this week and throughout the year.

If I spend less time and money accumulating possessions, I'll have more money and energy to use on much more important and enriching pursuits.  Experiences rather than things. Character-building rather than closet-filling. Giving rather than receiving.

Click here for more motivation and have an awesome doing-more week!

Monday Motivation: Statistics

A college course entitled "Statistics" sounds about as thrilling to me as watching golf on TV (seriously, TV golf is the worst amiright?), but I love some good numbers to back up a cause.  These statistics are shocking, and they drive home the point that materialism in this country has gotten way out of control.  Like seriously.

*American families have an average of $16,000 in credit card debt

*Americans altogether have a staggering $747 BILLION in credit card debt (that's a B, folks, not an M)

*In 2005, the wealthiest 20% of the world accounted for 76.6% of total private consumption.  The poorest fifth just 1.5%.

*Almost half the world — over three billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day.

*At least 80% of humanity lives on less than $10 a day.

*1.6 billion people — a quarter of humanity — live without electricity.

*1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to water, and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitation.

And here are some more sobering facts.

HOW? How is it okay for us to continue spending money on unnecessary crap, when we see these cold hard facts?  How is it okay to rationalize another new Lush shirt, another pair of Kendra Scott earrings, or another pair of Ugg boots when 80% of the world's people live on less than $10 a day?  What if we took the money we've been spending at the mall and spent it on helping others?  

I've done a great job of ignoring those in poverty - out of sight, out of mind is a real thing.  And I've done a great job at filling my giant walk-in closet with things I "needed" or "deserved."  These shocking and sad statistics are my motivation today to rid myself of my materialistic attitudes and habits.  Jesus tells us what he thinks about material possessions, and it's time I stop ignoring Him.