Happy August everyone! It’s another Saturday, and that means another update on all things writing! I look forward to hopefully having a book progress update for you all in a week or two. (I have not been able to write in close to two weeks!) This has been both a positive and a negative, as while I miss my characters and their story, the reason I have had to set my books aside is due to the influx of editing clients I have received. Helping other writers with their books is almost just as sweet as working on my own. :) Nonetheless, I have still been writing, and am happy to share a new upcoming article with you below. Be assured of my prayers, and thanks for reading!
NEW Article!
Below is my newest forthcoming article with Radiant: Catholic woman’s magazine, all about the beauty and appeal of simpler living. I hope you enjoy!
The Little House
You may have heard the saying, “less is more,” but how many of us actually believe this? When we examine our dreams, how often are they dreams for “bigger” realities as opposed to dreams for “smaller” ones? When I refer to “less,” I am specifically referring both to material possessions and outward commitments. Sometimes having less in life, or taking on fewer commitments, opens us up to valuing what we do have, and even makes more room for love of God.
During his earthly ministry, Jesus tells a parable about a master who goes on a journey, entrusting talents of his property to his servants. In the end, he rewards the one who does what he can with what he has been given. Jesus says, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Mt 25:23). You have been faithful over a little. Jesus does not commend the servant for being faithful in many things, but in a few things. This is a wonderful reminder when our culture (and, at times, ourselves) tells us we need to constantly be doing more. This is not to say we should never desire more in life, but we must begin from a place of gratitude and faithfulness in how we first view our current reality.
When I was first married, more than three years ago now, I dreamed of buying and moving into our first house. I figured our “short stint” of apartment living would last for a year or two at most. Now, more than three years in, we are still living in that same apartment with no immediate sign on the horizon of buying a house anytime soon. I was frustrated at first, but I’m beginning to lean into the beauty of “the little house” where we reside. Just over 1,000 square feet, with two small bedrooms, a kitchen, and living room, this little house can still be a home. In fact, I have more time to appreciate each part of the home, less to clean, and fewer items to buy in order to fill the space. I am less bogged down by material possessions, and I can spend more time appreciating what’s already there instead of striving for more of what isn’t. Each space in my home has a theme and a purpose, and I’ve come to be thankful for this place we call home, knowing that living in its external littleness has allowed my internal space for God to grow biggest.
St. Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Phil 4:11-12). If you’ve ever watched the hit TV series, “Little House on the Prairie” with young Laura Ingalls and her family in the big acre woods of Walnut Grove, then you’ll recall their home was physically small on the outside but bursting with love on the inside. Having less humbles you and prevents you from relying too much on your own strength or ability to provide for yourself. Taking on less allows you to devote greater quality and attention to the commitments you do have, instead of spreading yourself thin and only being somewhat present to each person or event before you.
As women in the 21st-century, the message often portrayed by society and the media is that we can be anything and do anything. Women are encouraged to strive for grander existences, but the simpler life isn’t always the worser one. Instead, God treasures a simple and receptive heart. A cluttered and busy heart and home is harder for him to take up his residence in because where would he even stand, let alone live, and move, and have his being? Make your heart and home a beautiful space for God to dwell, not filled with so much that he cannot claim central space.
New YouTube video!
I’ve been regularly uploading new content to my channel titled “Allison Ramirez” with the purpose of helping authors write, edit, and publish their faith-based book(s). If you’d like to stay updated on new videos, check out my latest video and subscribe. I’m happy to continue creating content to help fellow authors share their stories with the world.
