Comments on The Mattern Family: Discontentment Sneaks In

We're enjoying that...simplify, downsize, and ...

2011-04-02T14:37:18.173-04:00

We're enjoying that...simplify, downsize, and tell that ole materialistic lifestyle goodbye. What's really important anyway?....You did good!!
Best wishes in your decorating!
Robert

Very good realization in the moment which can be h...

2011-04-02T14:37:17.907-04:00

Very good realization in the moment which can be hard! I always think about someone that said they didn't know they needed these things until they saw the Sears catalog. (the first catalog to sell you in your home) :) You should be proud of your outlook!

I resonate with that feeling too. You aren't a...

2010-09-26T08:16:47.828-04:00

I resonate with that feeling too. You aren't alone. Ikea is the best place but also the worst in terms of desire.

Very good realization in the moment which can be h...

2010-09-08T18:35:05.236-04:00

we have IKEA 10 minutes away. the catalog came in...

2010-08-20T22:56:35.203-04:00

we have IKEA 10 minutes away. the catalog came in the mail the other day and I immediately threw it away. i so understand!

I have never been to an IKEA...sounds like a fun p...

2010-08-20T14:14:13.077-04:00

I have never been to an IKEA...sounds like a fun place though. Way to go working through your emotions. I have a larger house than I care for and am dreaming of downsizing...I am sure once I do, there will be moments of wishing for more space.
Suzy

We're enjoying that...simplify, downsize, and ...

2010-08-20T10:22:23.885-04:00

We're enjoying that...simplify, downsize, and tell that ole materialistic lifestyle goodbye. What's really important anyway?....You did good!!
Best wishes in your decorating!
Robert

I love when you get brutally honest about yourself...

2010-08-18T12:46:29.529-04:00

I love when you get brutally honest about yourself and the "real" things that you face. Because those are the things that we ALL face!!!! And I can't wait to see what you are doing to the kiddies room:)

Oh, I know what you mean ... even though it hasn&#...

2010-08-17T23:13:04.974-04:00

Oh, I know what you mean ... even though it hasn't been so long for us! I find myself looking at homes and feeling this sort of enviousness ... then I remind myself that I can admire -- just as one might admire art -- without having to possess, and this makes a world of difference. I think we are taught in this culture to want so much, that we forget we don't have to own things in order to appreciate them. I don't know if this makes any sense! But I do know what you mean :).

Thank you both for your great encouraging words, s...

2010-08-17T10:37:44.608-04:00

Thank you both for your great encouraging words, sometimes its just so hard!

PS Now I am also so happy about and thankful for m...

2010-08-16T12:24:54.708-04:00

PS Now I am also so happy about and thankful for my windows, and stove, and a room that is open and easy to socialize in… so the heck with missing rearranging! I'm sure you have things that you like about your home and decorations, too. ;)
TTFN! Corine :D

Woo hoo! Good for you for catching yourself from b...

2010-08-16T12:21:44.722-04:00

Woo hoo! Good for you for catching yourself from becoming discontent! I have discovered that I go through times like that when I am not remembering to thank my Father in Heaven and others for the blessings that I have. When I am filled with gratitude there is no room for "wanting." When I am "wanting" it is because I have forgotten the blessings I might have to give up for the thing I want. You would have to give up YOUR ENTIRE COZY AND FAMILY CENTERED LIFESTYLE for those stupid big decorations!!! I have a house, not a set of wheels, so I know it is not really comparable to your situation. But there are 6 of us, and it is 1200 square feet, and there is literally only one wall in my living room (one is made of glass windows, one has a gas stove, and the other isn't a wall... it leads to the dining room). I used to be so frustrated that I could only find 2 ways to arrange my furniture... and only one of them was any good, so basically one. Before we moved here I changed my furniture ALL THE TIME - and I LOVED IT! That was something I had to give up to live in a home that fit my budget, and kept my family close to me. Once I outweighed the blessings and realized how great they were, I stopped wanting to move the furniture. NOW I LOVE THAT I DON'T HAVE TO MOVE FURNITURE!!! :D The attitude of gratitude is worth EVERYTHING! So good for you for stopping yourself from being discontent... you have so much to be thankful for (my husband and I think we would LOVE doing what you do; we're SO happy for you that you get to do this at this time in your life. ;)

Wishing you many more gratitude filled days!
Corine :D

i have felt that same thing in many stores includi...

2010-08-16T09:48:03.158-04:00

i have felt that same thing in many stores including ikea. i always have to keep in perspective how much God has blessed us and remember that I don't need everything stores tell me I need! :) great post!