I look forward to a number of conversations in the coming months focused on minimalism and simple living. Some opportunities stem from projects I have been investing myself into for months and years, while others have pushed me to further explore the intersection of minimalism and life.
In either case, I continue to find living with fewer possessions a life-giving pursuit. It is one that frees the human spirit and the human heart from material possessions. It allows us freedom to direct our focus towards more meaningful pursuits. And in every opportunity, it is my hope to share this inspiration and offer this invitation.
If you live in the Phoenix-area, over the course of the next month, we are hosting two local opportunities just for you (including a 7-part series in my own neighborhood). If you do not live in Phoenix, I invite you to consider the other opportunities listed below—or invite me to your own community later this year.
__A One Evening Invitation
Simple Living Meet-Up (with Courtney Carver). Downtown Phoenix. Wednesday, January 15, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Free.
I am thrilled to be partnering with Courtney Carver of Be More with Less to offer a free, one evening meet-up in downtown Phoenix dedicated to simple living. We invite you to come hear our stories and share your own. And along the way, discover inspiration, encouragement, and connection.
Tickets are offered free-of-charge on a first-come, first-serve basis. Get them here. Special thanks to MistoBox for hosting this event and providing the coffee.
__A Spring Series Invitation
Thinking Richer About Money Series. My neighborhood. Every-other Thursday starting February 6, 6:30pm-8:00pm. Free.
Our lives are too valuable to waste chasing possessions. Unfortunately, both outside and inside the church, the pursuit of wealth and materialism remains one of the greatest undiagnosed distractions of our time. Correctly understood, Jesus’s plain teachings on money and possessions bring life, freedom, meaning, and fulfillment. And it is time we rediscover them. Come engage with us in this rich conversation about money, wealth, possessions, generosity, and the kingdom of God.
I have spent the past 2+ years rethinking everything I once knew about the Bible and its teaching on money. My journey into minimalism has reshaped my understanding in countless ways. I am excited to share them with you.
It is free to sign-up for this course that will span three months beginning in February. This series is perfect for anyone in the Phoenix-area interested in learning more about the Bible’s teaching on money. The group study will take place in my own neighborhood (Peoria, AZ) at the Mountain Vista Club in Vistancia. Your RSVP will help us plan accordingly.
__A Year-Long Invitation
A Simple Year. Your Email Inbox. 12 months beginning in January. Work at your own pace.
Throughout the 12 months of 2014, I will be teaming up with 7 of my favorite writers and simple-living advocates to offer A Simple Year: 12 Months of Guided Simplicity.
Whether you are just beginning your journey to simplicity or looking for extra inspiration and encouragement, A Simple Year is built to provide you with inspiration and practical application steps to make 2014 your simplest year ever. Each month, members will receive articles and information centered on one specific topic complete with homework assignments and challenges. The nature of the course allows focus, intentionally, and new habits to be established.
You can register today for $199. Hundreds have already signed-up and I hope you will join us too.
__The New Book
Clutterfree with Kids. Available Monday, January 27.
Later this month, I will be releasing a new book, Clutterfree with Kids.
The book is written specifically to equip parents to get a handle on their home and life and the excess possessions that surround them. It is written as a resource manual broken into incredibly practical chapters (clothing, toys, collections, schedules, baby gear, etc.). But more than that, it provides inspiration through the stories of people around the world who have discovered clutterfree living with kids.
The book seeks to promote minimalism and simplicity by encouraging parents to rethink the role physical possessions play in their lives—and the level of distraction they quickly become.
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Oh I wish I could attend, but being 8 months pregnant, I don’t think the doctor will be okay with that 4 hr drive! I look forward to the new book, right up my ally! Thank you for sharing!!!
Thank you so much for the inspiration. My life has gone through some big, painful but necessary changes in the past two years. Now I see that to get where I want to go in life it is time to shed the “stuff” that holds me back. This site has helped me see that it is possible. Thanks so much! Here’s a piece of my story: http://adventuremonkey.com/blog/overcoming-fears
What a great title. Clutter free with kids. We try our best helping the kids cull before birthdays and christmas (one item for each year of life) but its still not enough. I can see my eldest becoming a hoarder – no mummy that’s an important drawing :). I love reading your newsletter when kids, and husband are in bed.. The only real quiet time I have so thank you, you give me inspiration, but also a calmness late at night.
I would also benefit from the information you will present in your Thurs. evening meetings. I am very interested in the biblical teachings about money, and I have been studying this recently on my own. I would appreciate even some rough notes or a few thoughts from the sessions, thanks.
I agree, it would be wonderful if the talks on money and the bible could be on youtube, there does not seem to be enough work done in this area, so would love to hear what you have to say.
I just recently found you via facebook. I have wanted to live more of a simple life for years! I am new to this journey and I have a lot of work to do! I can not wait until your new book comes out! I have a 3 year old and I am frustrated daily at all the clutter and toys and just stuff that I have to deal with. The holidays have amplified this to the highest level possible. After all the relatives are back home enjoying their clean house I am left dealing with all this stuff! I really need lots of direction in this area I feel like I am drowning in toys and feel so overwhelmed! It takes me almost an entire day to clean her room when she has been playing. Looking forward to your book!!
I look forward to providing it. And I wrote it with parents like you mind.
Tracie, it is wonderful you are getting into this now. I had ideas of clutter-free toys when I had my first child, but as gifts came in, I listened to what everyone else told me about how they were good and important for my child. This time around, I know that for my family, the clutter-free way is right, and I am not having regrets about passing things from well-meaning family and friends on.
Love your website. Would you consider either recording and putting up on Youtube or Skyping those Thursday evening sessions for those of us not in the area? :)
I really agree with you Jessica. There seems to be little of the minimalist movement in the United Kingdom and it seems a shame that those of us who are interested are not able to join in these meetings.
I appreciate the sentiment Jessica, but this series won’t be quite right for broadcasting. It’s going to feature a bit of conversation/back-and-forth with the people in the room.
The information contained in the series will be available at some point in the future in one format or another, but Youtube/Skyping at this point isn’t the answer.
Spent some time over the holidays clearing away the clutter in our basement and family room. The psychological effect cannot be minimized. Literally felt as though shackles were being removed and my soul could breathe more easily. I look forward to your new book!
I love your “shackles” reference! It’s totally life-changing, isn’t it?!? Here’s a link to a really cool song by Mary, Mary called Shackles! One of my all-time favs! http://youtu.be/V7eZD3TKn_M
Feels so good. Excited for your future Christine.
I hear you Christine, we decluttered our kids’ closet and it felt like we let go of something that holding us before.