Simpler Living = Creation Care

I picked up a new book yesterday that I'm going to enjoy quite a bit. The book is Almost Amish: One Woman's Quest for a Slower, Simpler, More Sustainable Life, written by Nancy Sleeth. This is a plea for us to make conscious choices to limit technology's hold on our lives so that we can get back to the basics and lead more joyful lives as a result. The journey began with the decision by Nancy and her husband to live and share the message that God cares for the earth. Naturally, it follows, God's people should also be concerned for the care nurture of the planet.

In the opening chapter, noting their similarity to a list laid out by Wendell Berry in Home Economics, Nancy introduces ten guiding Amish principles that we can all try to emulate.

1. Homes are simple, uncluttered, and clean; the outside reflects the inside.
2. Technology serves as a tool and does not rule as master.
3. Saving more and spending less bring financial peace.
4. Time spent in God's creation reveals the face of God.
5. Small and local leads to saner lives.
6. Service to others reduces loneliness and isolation.
7. The only true security comes from God.
8. Knowing neighbors and supporting local businesses build community.
9. Family ties are lifelong; they chance but never cease.
10. Faith life and way of life are inseparable.

Nancy and her husband are codirectors of Blessed Earth, a faith-based environmental organization that encourages Christians to become better stewards of the earth.