Simplify Living, Magnify Life (Handout)

Simplify Living, Magnify Life

And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order. (Mosiah 4:27)

Prioritize

"Every day we start by doing those essential things. It's not a long list; it's a few things that tell the Lord we're aligned with Him. . . . No woman ever has enough time, enough energy, and enough strength to do all the good things that are in her mind to do. We have to have the help of the Holy Ghost to take care of the most essential, and then the necessary, and fill in the nice-to-do things around that." (Julie B. Beck)

Essential	Necessary	Nice to Do	Distractions
The "Essential" are those things in our lives that lead to eternal life.	The "Necessary" are those things that provide for our temporal well-being, contribute to self-reliance, improve family relationships, and fulfill our responsibilities at work and church.	The "Nice-to-Do" are those things that add variety to our lives but won't save us.	"Distractions" are those things that stop us from doing more important things.
·   Scripture study ·   Attending the temple ·   Personal and family prayer	·   Developing relationships with family and friends ·   Budgeting ·   Health maintenance ·   Serving in the Church	·   Hobbies ·   Travel ·   Crafts ·   Gardening	·   Surfing the internet ·   Watching television ·   Social media ·   Texting ·   Anything in excess
Source: "And Upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit," Julie B. Beck, Ensign, May 2010

Focus

As we turn to our Heavenly Father and seek His wisdom regarding the things that matter most, we learn over and over again the importance of four key relationships:

1.      Our God - "Our relationship with God is most sacred and vital. . . . As we seek Him, as we learn of His Son, Jesus Christ, as we open our hearts to the influence of the Holy Spirit, our lives become more stable and secure."

2.      Our Families - "We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together, like family dinner and family home evening and by just having fun together."

3.      Our Fellowman - "We build this relationship one person at a time – by being sensitive to the needs of others, serving them, and giving of our time and talents."

4.      Ourselves - "Reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God's creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally."

Source: "Of Things That Matter Most," Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Ensign, October 2010
Resources

·        "And Upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit," Julie B. Beck, April 2010

·        "Focus and Priorities," Dallin H. Oaks,  April 2001

·        "Good, Better, Best," Dallin H. Oaks, October 2007

·        "Mothers Who Know," Julie B. Beck, October 2007

·        "O Be Wise," M. Russell Ballard, October 2006

·        "Of Things That Matter Most," Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2010

·        "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," First Presidency

What did Allyson Le Sueur and Chelsea Pratt like?

Favorite Quotes:

"Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world's goods in order to spend more time with their children – more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all." (Julie B. Beck, "Mothers Who Know")

"When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands of our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities." (Ezra Taft Benson, "the Great Commandment – Love the Lord")

Favorite idea for simplifying:

As mothers, a major portion of each day is spent managing the “Necessary” things in our lives (providing healthy food, having an orderly and peaceful home, maintaining clothing and personal care, working on loving and caring for our families, and service in the church). As we simplify and organize our lives and eliminate some of the “Distractions,” not only can we accomplish the “Necessary” but we will also find time for the “Essential.” When we are disorganized, it seems like the “Essential” is what gets sacrificed most of the time! 

A simple idea: Create Dinner Traditions

Monday:  Italian Night

Tuesday:  Mexican Night

Wednesday:  Family Favorites of Kids’ choice

Thursday:  Soup & Salad

Friday:  Pizza & Movie

Saturday:  Sandwich Bar

Fast Sunday:  Waffle Bar

Doing this takes some of the guesswork out of meal planning and also helps you to plan ahead and know what to get when you’re grocery shopping.  LOVE THIS IDEA!