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Tis a Gift to Be Simple
Often we find ourselves busier than we want to be and buying more than we really need. We long for a more leisurely pace, a life less occupied with material possessions and with more time for our family, friends, and God. This book offers help for all of us who would like to make our lives less complicated but aren't sure how to begin. We are invited to look at our own lives and begin with the things that seem within our reach, knowing that the rewards will be great. As we slow down and create more breathing room for ourselves, we are better able to hear God speaking to us. Barbara DeGrote-Sorensen and David Allen Sorensen provide biblical and spiritual foundation for making changes that reflect God's priorities for our lives.
124 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 7, 2024
This is a reread of a favorite book from many years ago. It is super outdated now, but fun to read a book that influenced so much of who I am and strive to be today.
January 21, 2026
Lots to think about in this book! I like the message it sends. Probably well worth a revisit.
October 11, 2008
This book was ok.
Being published in the early '90s, it's out of date, for one thing.
Most of this book is aimed at convincing someone they need to simplify their life, mostly in terms of consumption of resources. However, if you are reading this book, you are probably already aware of the problem and are looking for solutions.
The authors focus on a simple lifestyle, but only in terms of money and possessions. Buy less house than you can afford. Drive an older car. Eat out less often, and eat lower on the food chain. I was hoping for something more--advice on simplifying my calendar, my lifestyle, and not just my house and closets. (That was the easy part.) Much of what they suggest actually takes MORE time out of each day, and increases the time pressure on already busy people.
They also are pointedly politically liberal, and cite political and environmental "facts" that have since been shown to be in error. Yes, nature is under a lot of stress. But no, 20% of the earth's species did not go extinct by the year 2000. I would have appreciated a stronger focus on God and scripture. They mention things like it's good to recycle, to use renewable resources. Yup, got that. How about some ideas on what we can do, as Christians, to help the situation?
Of course, depending on your own leanings, it could be me. Maybe I'm too used to viewing the world from a conservative, evangelical viewpoint. However, since I am a very green conservative, I feel justified in my frustration in the area of conservation and earth stewardship.
Anyone want to write a new book on this subject?
Being published in the early '90s, it's out of date, for one thing.
Most of this book is aimed at convincing someone they need to simplify their life, mostly in terms of consumption of resources. However, if you are reading this book, you are probably already aware of the problem and are looking for solutions.
The authors focus on a simple lifestyle, but only in terms of money and possessions. Buy less house than you can afford. Drive an older car. Eat out less often, and eat lower on the food chain. I was hoping for something more--advice on simplifying my calendar, my lifestyle, and not just my house and closets. (That was the easy part.) Much of what they suggest actually takes MORE time out of each day, and increases the time pressure on already busy people.
They also are pointedly politically liberal, and cite political and environmental "facts" that have since been shown to be in error. Yes, nature is under a lot of stress. But no, 20% of the earth's species did not go extinct by the year 2000. I would have appreciated a stronger focus on God and scripture. They mention things like it's good to recycle, to use renewable resources. Yup, got that. How about some ideas on what we can do, as Christians, to help the situation?
Of course, depending on your own leanings, it could be me. Maybe I'm too used to viewing the world from a conservative, evangelical viewpoint. However, since I am a very green conservative, I feel justified in my frustration in the area of conservation and earth stewardship.
Anyone want to write a new book on this subject?
May 20, 2022
Excellent book. Going to follow suggestions
within.
within.
February 25, 2012
Excellent guide to connecting Biblical principles with how to live your life more fully as a Christian not just on an individual level, but also on a global level in terms of issues related to ecology and social justice.
March 16, 2008
OK, nothing exciting. I read it less than a week ago and I've already forgotten most of it-- I can't even give you any specifics about what I read. I guess that pretty much sums it up!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews