SIMPLIFY IT!

Living life without any worries. That statement positively reeks of Joel Osteen-esque self help/motivational crap. Anyone who's anybody knows that there's always bills to pay, schedules to keep, life decisions to be made - all of which conspire to rob you of the essential peace afforded to you by Christ's sacrifice.

It doesn't have to be one demand after another - take control of your life away from others, gather it together and hand it to God. It's not rocket science, it's not snake oil, it's not designed to sell books or land me a spot on the lecture circuit.

This is stupid simple.

Worried about your life? Simplify it!

Today I speak of money.

Myth: Cars are pricey. I drive a $500 car that is older than I am - but I purchased smart and ended up getting a vehicle that's been more reliable than some two to three year old vehicles I've owned.

Myth: Date night has to break your budget. Can't afford to take your significant other to a five star restaurant and a cineplex every Friday night? Go hit up some McDonalds, sit in the park under a tree and enjoy each other.

Myth: You have to stay with the job you have because you are lucky to have it. Hate your job? Find another one. Life is too short to be wasting your time doing something you hate. I read somewhere that men in primitive tribes work less than 20 hours a week to provide a whole life for their families - leaving them with plenty of time to grow closer to their families and develop themselves.

Myth: You have to have a bank account and credit cards. Hate overdraft fees, check card limitations, check writing and all the accouterments that go with having a bank account? Simple. Cash your paycheck, divide the cash into envelopes for bills, spending money etc and enjoy your new Bank-free life. Cut up your credit cards. They are dumb. And that's all I'll say.

Take a trip to a less-developed country and have a few conversations - you'll find that they're probably happier than you - and it's a far deeper, more authentic happiness than that which comes after purchasing a new iPhone.