I used to think one could never have too many books, especially too many GOOD books, and even more so GREAT books. But now I have to admit it — we have too much. I’ve spent the last week going through my cookbooks and selling them slowly, a few at a time. I’ve also sold a few old residents of our homeschooling library. Just tonight I found a $90 resource that we haven’t used in years. I either should sell it or USE IT NOW. Decluttering, dematerializing…. hard, but has to be done.

For the past few years, our family goal has been to SIMPLIFY. It’s been happening, but way too slowly to make a real difference in our lifestyle. THIS is the year. Already I’m feeling the effects (positive!!) of having less stuff. What a relief! It’s almost like I can breathe more…

“It is a thing of “wisdom and virtue to not set one’s heart on the things of this world, because everything passes, everything can suddenly come to an end,” he said before reciting the Angelus prayer Aug. 5.

While one’s earthly possessions and material wealth can be a necessity that are good in and of themselves, they are “not to be considered an absolute good,” he told those gathered in the courtyard of the papal summer residence south of Rome.

Wealth “does not ensure salvation, rather it could even seriously compromise it,” he said.”

From Pope Benedict XVI