Seeking to BE at peace and to LIVE simply

For 20 years I lived as a minimalist. From the age of 20 to 40 I was part of an intentional community/Christian ministry where we did not own much of anything. The money we made in our businesses was pooled to care for us all and to support our programs to feed the poor and provide shelter for homeless women and children. We also had various other ministries. We were provided for in a very simplistic manner. Didn't own anything really. We had room and board and clothes and enough personal belongings to fill one large room. Birthdays and Anniversaries we were allowed 30.00 for a gift. Christmas was another amazingly small amount to spend on each family member. Our meals were cafeteria style. It was a life we felt called to. It was a life that was meaningful. I was happy with such a little amount. My life was not about things or money.
 We left that ministry about 20 years ago. Our life has not been about money or things this past 20 years either, but we have made money and paid bills and accumulated a certain amount of things. Many of these things we don't really need. Now we are coming back  to a place of wanting to return to a more minimalistic life. This time it will be done on our terms. So, we are working on getting rid of all that we can do without. Our instruments, computers, TV and such will stay. WE are down to one car again, but have some work to do to get down where we want to be concerning our other material possessions.

I've been reading about these tiny houses or small houses and really like the idea. We live in a parsonage now but we are heading towards our time of retirement. A small house would be all we'd need. We'll see. I guess I'm just seeking to simplify my life all the way around. Peace, JLD