🌾 Finding SIMPLICITY: clearing the clutter, embracing God’s grace

exploring simplicity in our homes, our schedules, and our hearts

Do you ever feel the weight of too much—too much stuff, too many distractions, too many things on your mind? The world tells us that more is better, but deep down, we know that’s not true.

When my life feels cluttered, my heart does too.

As we begin Lent in a few days, let’s remember that God invites us into something different: a life of simplicity, a heart that isn’t tangled up in worry, excess, or busyness. Simplicity isn’t just about clearing off countertops or organizing closets (though that can help!). It’s about making space for what truly matters—God, peace, and the people we love.

This week, I’m sharing a 1-Bag Lenten Challenge, a “Holy No” list, and a return to simplicity in prayer. Let’s reflect together on the beauty of simplicity. How is God calling us to let go, clear the clutter, and embrace the freedom he offers?

PS: Don’t forget this special event with my son and me is happening tomorrow night! Get signed up today!

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1-Bag Lent Challenge 👜

Lent is a season of stripping away what distracts us from God. This week, let’s take a tangible step by filling one bag with things to give away, throw away, or let go of. When we simplify, we create more space—not just in our homes, but in our hearts.

What might God be asking you to release so you can hear his voice more clearly?

Now Do This:

• Grab a bag and set a timer for 15 minutes. Pick one area—your closet, a drawer, your car, your email inbox.

• Remove things that don’t serve your spiritual or practical life. Trash what’s useless, donate what someone else could use, and delete what clutters your mind.

• As you let go, say a simple prayer: Lord, help me release what I do not need so I can hold on to you.

• Afterward, pause and notice: Do you feel lighter? More at peace? What is hardest to let go of?

Reflection Questions:

• What material possessions tend to clutter my life and my heart?

• Are there non-physical things (resentment, perfectionism, overcommitting) that I also need to “declutter”?

• How can I embrace simplicity as a way to focus more on God this Lent?

  

A “Holy No” List 📝

We often think of decluttering as something we do in our homes, but what about our calendars and commitments? Simplicity isn’t just about having fewer things—it’s about doing less of what drains us and more of what draws us to God.

“Busy” is not a virtue.

Jesus never rushed. He didn’t fill His days with obligations just because He felt guilty saying no. Instead, He made intentional choices, prioritizing prayer and connection with the Father. This week, let’s follow His example and simplify not just our spaces, but our schedules.

Now Do This:

• Grab a notebook and open your calendar. Write down the things that fill your time—work, family, social commitments, even little habits like scrolling your phone.

• Next to each, ask: Does this bring me closer to God? Does it serve my family and vocation?

• Circle one thing you will say no to this week, as an act of holy simplicity. Maybe it’s declining an event that adds stress, skipping social media in the evenings, or postponing a task that isn’t truly urgent.

Reflection Questions:

• What am I doing just because I feel obligated, not because it brings me joy or peace?

• What would my life look like if I had fewer distractions and more intentional time with God?

• How can I guard my time better, creating more room for prayer, relationships, and rest?

Bonus Challenge:
If saying no feels hard, replace the guilt with gratitude. Instead of thinking, I should do this, say, I’m grateful for the space I’m creating by saying no to this.

Bare-Bones Prayer 🙏

We tend to overcomplicate prayer. We think we need to have the right words, the right mindset, or a long enough stretch of time to make it count. But Jesus shows us a different way. In the Gospels, his prayers were often short and simple:

• “Father, forgive them.” (Luke 23:34)

• “Not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

• “Peace, be still.” (Mark 4:39)

This week, let’s practice the simplicity of just being with God—no extra words, no long lists, no pressure.

Now Do This:

• Find a quiet spot and set a timer for 5 minutes.

• Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and say nothing. Just sit in God’s presence.

• If your mind starts to wander, gently return to a single phrase like “Jesus, I trust in You” or “Speak, Lord, I am listening.”

Reflection:

• Did this feel freeing or uncomfortable? Why?

• What does my usual prayer life look like? Could I benefit from more simplicity and stillness?

• How can I invite God into my day without overcomplicating it?

A Simple Prayer for the Week:
Lord, in a world full of noise, help me seek your stillness. Let me rest in your presence, knowing that you are enough. Teach me to trust you more and to be content with less. Amen.