I am the world’s worst shopper.
It doesn’t matter if I’m shopping for clothing, furniture or food. I despise it equally. If I need a can of soup, I just want to run into the store, grab a can and check out. My husband, on the other hand, stands thoughtfully in the soup aisle. He figures out which can is the best value comparing cost vs. volume.
We don’t grocery shop together much anymore.
Recently, I had to go out shopping for some warm-weather clothes. I’m going to visit my Dad in Florida, so I needed some lighter weight things. (I heard they didn’t have snow and ice there.)
There I was, standing helplessly in front of a rack of pants, completely befuddled. What style will fit better? What color should I buy? I like white, but it gets dirty so fast. Oh brother, this is going to take forever.
I got lucky and found something, but just in the nick of time. My patience for trying on clothes was nearing its end.
Maybe it’s the amount of choices. I wish I could walk into a store, and there it would be. One rack. On it would be one pair of pants. Maybe even a few spotlights trained on the hangar. I’d grab these miracle pants, knowing that they fit perfectly and are just the right color.
So simple. Now that’s heaven.
I think I am just the kind of person God had in mind when he gave the Ten Commandments to Moses. Or when Jesus gave us the greatest commandment of all, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your strength and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10)
The Lord knew that his children needed direction. But it needed to be simple and easy to understand. Without that kind of guidance, life can get complicated.
When Moses left the camp to climb Mt. Sinai, all heck broke loose. Faced with a ton of choices while the leader was gone, the Israelites did anything and everything they wanted. It was a complete disaster.
The Jews of Jesus’ time followed over 600 laws found in the Torah. Whoever followed them the best, was considered the holiest. When the Pharisees asked Jesus which ones were the most important, it was a hopeless situation. ALL the rules were important to them.
But Jesus shocked them all by boiling down all those laws into two sentences. The Lord knew that giving simple, clear instructions would bring clarity.
You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. You must love your neighbor as yourself.
(Mark 12)
The Ten Commandments and Jesus’ two ‘rules’ are like finding the those pants on the single rack. All the distractions, options and choices are whittled away to basic directions. I love that.
Some people find rules confining, and say choice is a fundamental right. Well, I have found that sometimes, it’s better to have concise direction. I’m happy for simple clarity.
So simple, I won’t need those spotlights.
Come on over and visit me on Facebook
Let’s shop! I love to help other people spend their money while I keep my wallet closed tight!
;-}
On a more serious note, yes, yes. To simplicity, clarity, embracing the basics in terms of life and faith. I am with you here, Ceil. Absolutely.
As the Psalmest penned, some things truly are ‘too lofty for me to attain.’
Hi Linda! Oh ugh…let’s not. Let’s go out for coffee instead!
I like your quote from King David. Jesus makes his rule simple, concise and challenging. That’s plenty for me!
Have a peaceful night my friend. It’s always great to see you
Ceil
Hi Ceil, firstly, I love your header! I, like yourself, cannot stand shopping! But because my finances are so tight, even though I hate shopping, I have learned to find the best deals and share my finds with friends. My friends are always telling me that I am a smart shopper, but if only they knew how much I hated shopping….LOL!
Hi Linda! Thank you for noticing the header change!
I’m sure that you and my husband would get along famously at the store. I drive him crazy! If only there were a few choices, that would make it easier. Jesus knows how much I need that in my spiritual life too.
Have a peaceful night,
Ceil
What a great post! Loved the lead-in about your aversion to shopping! I do love the way Jesus simplified the 10 commandments into two.
Hi Elizabeth! Thank you for your lovely comments!
It’s so much easier for me if I have only a few choices. Thank goodness Jesus understands that about me. Well, I guess he made me that way, didn’t he!
Thank you for your visit today
Ceil
I agree – I like things to be concise. I just finished the Beth Moore study Deuteronomy, and there was one segment where she also mentioned the concise way Jesus covered all the laws with those few sentences.
Hi Mari! So we are kindred spirits!
I have read only one book by Beth Moore, and it wasn’t a study. Thank you for mentioning yours. It is wonderful how simple the Lord makes his commands. They’re still hard to do, but at least I understand them better.
Have a good night my friend
Ceil
Another great analogy, Ceil! Oh, and I’m not a shopper, either.
Hi Linda! Thank you my friend! And another kindred spirit with shopping…we’ll go to lunch instead
Have a peaceful night!
Ceil
I, too, love the simplicity and clarity of Jesus’ words. Love God. Love your neighbor. “nough said.
Hi Pam! Simpler is better, I really think that’s true.
And you boiled it down even further! That sure does cover it all.
Have a good night Pam
Ceil
I love this metaphor! Thank you for sharing! I love reading your thoughts on faith – they inspire me to be better. You have a wonderful week!
Hi Deb! Thank you for your encouraging comments, I really appreciate them. I’m so happy that you liked the theme of the post!
Blessings on your week too my friend
Ceil
Lovely post. I can relate with your shopping for clothes, I’m the same way. How incredible that even a child can understand what Jesus said.
Hugs,
Lauren
Hi Lauren! Yeah, I’m not too enthused about clothes shopping. I need a personal shopper!
We are so blessed that Jesus wants us to understand him. He wants us all to be with him in heaven. And the children will lead us, so true.
Happy Monday!
Ceil
Our husbands would get along just fine. I am not a label reader either..I am not much of a shopper either. I just don’t have the patience. Anyways–great post. Blessings
Hi Linda! We have quite a bit in common, don’t we? I guess patience is an issue for a lot of people. Especially me!
Thank you for your encouraging comment, I’m glad you liked the post today.
Have a great Monday
Ceil
Our posts are along the same lines this week, Ceil. God does make it simple for us, doesn’t He? We are the ones who complicate matters sometimes. But I, too, would love to be able to get into a store and out without the myriad choices that I have to face before getting to the checkout counter!
Hi Ali! Oh I know! I left you a comment on yours, and I’m not sure if I told you I had written a post much like yours. We must both be thinking about simplicity these days…
You sound like a perfect person to accompany me shopping!
Happy Monday
Ceil
I often think that it’s us complicating God’s simple ways he gave us to follow. He sums it up in the greatest command and we even manage to fail there. Thankful for His new mercies every day and a chance to begin again trying to love better. I get overwhelmed by so many choices in the marketplace and tend to overthink them. Your shopping patience might run out with me : ) Have a happy week Ceil!
Hi Mindy! You and Ali agree. We do tend to complicate the simple message of love. It is a challenge day by day, but his mercies are renewed every day too. Phew!
Shopping? Well, maybe we could meet for lunch when you’re done
Happy Monday,
Ceil
Hi Ceil. This is lovely. I, like you am indecisive when shopping. I actually hate shopping and if I had the money, I would pay someone to come with me and have an eye to quickly pick out what I should buy.
I feel Christ’s two commandments completely “override” the ten commandments. If we love the Lord our God with all our hearts, with all our souls, with all our minds and with all our strength AND we love our neighbors as ourselves, there’s no room to break the ten commandments!
The first four commandments are covered by loving the Lord our God! The last six are covered by loving our neighbours. Through Christ, our “rules” we simplified and covered by love. That’s grace right there! AMEN!
Thanks for sharing and for exciting my faith this morning Ceil. Many blessings to you and your family.
xoxo
Hi Jennifer! I think you are right. If we all had perfect love for God and man, we wouldn’t need any rules at all. But..we don’t. I like the simplicity of the Golden Rule and the Commandments.
I’m so glad you liked the post, and that it sparked your faith. Love that! And we can do that for each other. Wonderful
Happy Monday!
Ceil
Ceil…you are the best at finding the coolest things to relate to God! Shopping…who’da thunk it??! I like to be able to find what I’m looking for right off the bat…I do not want to spend a lot of time at it. Life certainly would be more simple by taking away some of our choices in MANY areas of our lives…especially restaurants…oh my goodness, it takes all day to read the menu! I want to keep those two simple commands more than anything
Hi Debby! Awww, thanks my friend!
I want to keep those commands too. My life, and the people around me would be so much happier if I did.
I know what you mean about menu’s. So many choices…
Have a happy Monday
Ceil
Perfectly and profoundly said, Ceil. Yes, people rebel against rules. I have often heard people complain that God is so *arbitrary*. I’m with you, though. I think the rules are more about keeping the “bad stuff” out than keeping us confined. People just don’t realize that “doing your own thing” really just means slavery to sin.
I’m for clarity – and God speaks great Truth in His *simple* words. (By the way, if they’re so simple, why are they so hard to follow?! Ahem…)
GOD BLESS!
(Where are those miracle pants anyway? Hips R Us??)
Hi Sharon! Seriously girl. We need to find those pants!!
The Lord has ‘rules’ because he wants us with him. Period. Not because he enjoys burdening me, or holding me against my will. I think that’s the point that many miss. They see the instructions as impinging on their freedoms, when really, they are the beginning of true freedom!
Hips R Us? Maybe…where is that magic store??
Hugs,
Ceil
Amen! It really isn’t as hard as we like to make it.
It’s about a relationship, not a religion.
Sad that so many trade religion for a relationship with the Savior…and many have no clue they’ve trusted in the wrong ‘r’.
Hi TC! Thank you for visiting me today on your book launch day!
Oh yes, you are so right. It is about relationship, not being held back by some arbitrary God who only wants to possess me.
Blessings
Ceil
Hi Ceil, I understand exactly what you mean. While I just LOVE clothes, I’d rather be anywhere than shopping for them, at least in a store. I like them in my closet, in the correct size and colors, all ready to wear. I do have fun picking them out, but mostly online with minimal stress. I’ve never understood women who want to “window shop” all day for fun. Just drive pins into my fingernails, ha ha.
Jesus sure knew what He was doing when He boiled it down to Love God Love People! Way to go, God.
Hi Kim! I know you’ve done a blog postings on fashion, so I had no idea that you didn’t like shopping? The internet does make it easier though. That’s true.
I couldn’t shop all day either. Ugh. My feet would give out before my interest. And they’d both give out fast! Thank you Jesus, for helping me understand so simply, how to be with you.
Nice to see you today my friend
Ceil
Let’s play–NOT shop! Wonderful analogy!
Hi Lulu! I’m with you my friend. Or lunch sounds nice too
I’m so glad you liked the post today. It’s so nice to see you!
Have a great Monday,
Ceil
Same when we go shopping. I compare all the labels for weight, price and ingredients; especially added additives and preservatives. I want to be preserved for my good looks, not because of the preservatives in my food! I like choice … it takes me so long to find the right aftershave lotion !!!
But I agree with what you say Ceil. I suppose Moses got Ten Condiments because they were free. He then broke the condiments and got up the mountain again and got Ten Commandments.
We took the Commandments to mean suggestions, debating points to discuss and alter to suit our selfish needs. So Jesus gave us two direct Commandments. Some of us are still not listening and are interpreting these our own way.
God bless.
Hi Victor! You always make me smile. You and my husband would never get out of a store by closing time!
Have you ever dropped the condiment bottle? So embarrassing.
Oh, I’m one of those people who don’t listen sometimes. It’s simple, and direct, as you say. I understand it, but I’m not perfect at it yet. I’ll keep working on loving the Lord and my neighbor though. With his grace, I’ll get there!
Have a peaceful night my friend,
Ceil
Hi Ceil,
Thanks for the reminder of how Jesus broke the 10 Commandments down into two easy to follow rules! Simplicity in life is best. xo
Hi Kitty! I really agree. Simplicity works for me!
The Lord knows how childlike I am, so he makes it understandable for me. That doesn’t mean I am successful at it all the time, but I’m in there trying
Have a good evening!
Ceil
Jesus certainly had a way of breaking through all of the religious rules and breaking it down real simple.
Hi Wanda! He really did. We had the reading about the woman caught in adultery this weekend at church. Everyone thought she should be stoned. But he made it very simple.
If you are sinless, go ahead. What a great thing to say! Really made the point.
Have a peaceful evening! And one with electricity
Ceil
Simple clarity is a wonderful thing! I agree too that we need guidelines. Not because we will turn into robots of all the same sort, but to help learn and develop character. The “rules” – yeah, most of them have a pretty good reason for being there.
Hi Karen! Oh yes, I need guidelines for sure. But the Lord just wants me to be with him, so he gives me the ‘rules’ in love.
He doesn’t want robots either! Just people who have the goal of getting to heaven. Count me in
Have a peaceful night,
Ceil
You sound like me… Except for the wisdom part! Great analogy, Ceil. It’s the heart behind the rules written in our heart that actually bring us peace and joy and break the chains of slavery. Well done.
Hi Floyd! You know that you have wisdom to share! Why else would be you blogging? We can all learn from each other.
You’ve got it. The directions from the Lord should set me free from all the options that would harm me. He is so good! I don’t want to be in slavery, that’s for sure.
Thanks for your visit! I was at your blog today, and migrated over to TC’s from there. You are a good blog-friend Floyd.
Blessings,
Ceil
I’m with you Ceil. I don’t like to shop at all. I love the commandment to love the Lord with all your heart. That’s easier for me and if I do love Him I will want to abide in Him and listen and obey. Doesn’t always work out perfectly but then I’m so thankful for His grace. He even covers me …
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Hi Debbie! Now I agree with you! When you love anyone, it’s so much easier to follow what they want. Loving The Lord with my whole heart means “I’m in” for whatever he wants me to do. It does work out pretty well!
I just have to remember that love, and what joy it gives me and The Lord when I am connected with him.
It is a grace to know that you are covered in grace!
Have a great Tuesday
Ceil
Rules keep us safe and therefore, happy. God knew this…He is so brilliant! Love your post. (BTW, sometimes I wish we could all still walk around naked and not notice! I don’t like to clothes shop either. LOL)
HI Patty! As we parent well know, rules help everyone to live together in love and respect. And God is our ultimate Father, he knows that too.
You are so funny! I am cold all the time, so I’d be the naked one with the full-length sweatshirt on
Blessings on this Tuesday,
Ceil
Hi Ceil,
Your imagery of a stoplight trained on a single pair of pants made me chuckle. I wish shopping were only that simple…praying you have a blessed time with your father…Grateful Jesus simplified the key commands for us
Hi Dolly! I had a great time with my Father. I also spent some time in Orlando with my sister. Her daughter got a job there, so it was fun to see what she was doing.
Good Father’s always provide clear rules, don’t they? Mothers too. It means they love us. I have to challenge myself to remember that daily.
Have a great Tuesday!
Ceil
Ceil.
I actually went shopping yesterday at Macy’s.
I got some great buys on new comforters for my bedroom, looking so lovely and spring like now.
I don;t really like shopping but yesterday was fun
It;s always a joy to read your writings as I find you so very inspiring.
Thank you!
Hi Margie! How fun to find new things for your house. Right now, the sun is shining, even though it’s chilly. I think some spring-like comforters would really put me in a sunny mood too.
I’m glad you had fun! And I’m so happy that you came to visit here too. Have a great day
Ceil
Oh my dear friend Ceil
I like to shopping but it depends on my mood, so it kind of help me to save hehe. I mostly shop for household stuff, and for books.
I love your thoughts about simplicity and you brought into the rules. Jesus is always the best in everything, and you’re so good to think of this with our simply life.
Praying for you!
Hi Delvalina! You are so right, Jesus is the best at everything! He had a very simple life, and yet it changed the world. I think he is telling me that the directions to a good life are not hard. Following them will be the challenge.
Being in the right mood to shop is the key! Good point
Thank you for your prayers my friend,
Ceil
OH, dear, I love to shop! But I also love your idea of a spotlight and one item of clothing on a rack, so I won’t waste time trying on duds that don’t fit!
Love this analogy, too. God is simple, not complicated. Thanks for the wisdom.
Hi Jeanette! I think I’ll hire you as my personal shopper, ok?
I agree with the fact that God’s will for me is simple. I am the complicated one!
Thanks for visiting today, it’s nice to see you
Ceil
Me, I love shopping clothes and etc:)
I like also shopping in heavens store for love, patience, prosperity, peace, happines and so on.
anyway, making things simple like following Jesus summarization of the law is the best:)
Hi Joy! Might as well enjoy it, we all have to do it! But I love how you phrased shopping for the fruits of the spirit. That’s a great image. Thank you!
Have a peaceful evening Joy
Ceil
We could go shopping together! I have the same issues. I like simple choices, decisions, options. Yes, I love the way Jesus simplified everything for us. It all boils down to the most important choice of all: Let Jesus have control of our lives, and everything else seems to fall into place. Somehow shopping doesn’t seem so important anymore.
(except for Christmas shopping…that’s another whole subject…won’t even go there today).
Thank you for this simple message today! I needed it.
Hi Pam! Simple is so much better, isn’t it? I’d love to go shopping with you
I do have more patience with Christmas shopping, that’s true.
What a good point you make about putting Jesus first. Then he can lead us to the right priorities. Love that! Thank you.
Have a good evening. It’s so nice to see you!
Ceil
I like the way Jesus simplified everything too! My husband comparison shops too. I laughed when you said “we don’t shop together much anymore.”
Hi Mary! I laughed too because it’s so true! It makes shopping a better experience for me if I just let him go and have fun comparing to his hearts content.
Have a good day
Ceil
Such truth.
Hi Denise! Thank you for visiting and commenting on several posts. You are such a good blog-friend!
Blessings
Ceil
A friend of mine has been having a lenten devotional and today one of the things she talked about was “Love your neighbor as yourself,” from the angle of God commanding us to love ourselves — that loving ourselves is not optional, that Jesus can show us how to love ourselves the way that He loves us.
I am with you, this is the simplicity that I need, too. Sounds like you and I would be good shopping buddies. I like to get in and out, too!! In fact, if I can get away with ordering online, I’ll do that over going to the store any day of the week. Hahaha!
Hi Dear! I really appreciate your talking about ‘loving ourselves.’ So easy to get down on ourselves and think about how worthless we are. But with God, we are so powerful, and so worthy.
You are not the only one to mention on-line shopping. A real boon for so many of us shopping-averse people!
Thank you for your visit and multiple comments. You made my day
Ceil
Oh I hate shopping, Ceil!! I’d rather scrub a floor any day! (Funny, I LOOK like I hate shopping too. You should see my clothes today – they look like I scrubbed a floor 😉 Like you, I really like clear direction. Great post!
Hi Mary! How kind of you to leave so many comments today!
Good thing you can’t see me either my friend. I just came in from a walk/shower and have very ‘lounge-like’ attire on.
Thank the Lord for his great grace of simple direction. Now I need to simply follow! (not so easy for me…)
Have a wonderful day,
Ceil