Little Luxuries That Make a Big Difference.

[GaryA]

I guess it brings about a basic question I thought of asking before even positing this thread: "What is Your Definition of a Luxury?"

In the senior communities I've been around, there are some people who have no family or friends to visit with, and so having something to watch all day that they are interested in is, I would argue, a necessity that keeps them going.

Many had former hobbies that they loved (such as knitting, fishing, etc.,) but they no longer have the ability or mobility to participate in them, so for some, audio and/or screens are really all they might have left to occupy their time.

And, speaking of older folks...

One of the things I have noticed as I get older is the fact that personal physical comfort is more-and-more-and-more important as you get older. So - anything that helps to improve upon that comfort - the clothes you wear, where you sit (i.e., having a nice comfortable recliner at home) - whatever - is a luxury that becomes a necessity...

 

[Jackieboy100]

I love artistic and creative qualities in others, whether the designers or the decorators, because I am always amazed at how God can use the smallest things to uplift us. 💐

So on point! It is uplifting, indeed and the best part is that I don't always have to go out and shop for new items if I get bored and feel the need to change things around.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Grocery shopping....today.
Dinner shortly.

Red potatoes! Oh yeah!
Rice
Italian made Creamy Rosa (ricotta cheese sauce & Italian tomato)
Pork neck/ ribs
Cabbage
Spices
Handful of salad shrimp mixed in, topped with parmesan cheese...

 

[RodB651]

Hey Everyone,

The other day I was doing some grocery shopping for family members, and while I probably should have resisted, I went past one of those Sections That Beckon and Call You to Tempt You with Unnecessary But Oh So Satisfying Things.

In other words... I went past the candle section. Gulp. I probably should have stayed on the other side of the store. But needless to say, since they were on sale for $7, I gave in and chose one in particular (nothing says autumn like an Apple Cinnamon scented candle!)

I have always loved (controlled) fire. I am always drawn to lit candles, beautiful fireplaces, bonfires with people roastings marshmallows... I just find fire to be both relaxing and (to me) in very close association with God, because of there are so many references to fire in the Bible.

Some of my favorite fire-featuring stories in the Bible are of God calling Moses through a burning bush that was on fire but did not burn up (Exodus 3,) Elijah and the prophets of Baal, in which God threw down a holy fire that burned up EVERYTHING, including a moat of water (1 Kings 18,) the presence of God appearing as flames over believer's heads at Pentecost (Acts 2,) and my personal favorite, Judges 13, in which the Angel of the Lord appears to Samson's parents to announce his birth, then ascends back to heaven by entering into the altar flame. Wowsers!!

What I wouldn't give to see THAT while burning my humble little candle!!

A little bit of fire just puts me in a very reflective mood, often prepping me for prayer and pondering what God might be thinking at that very moment. To me, a burning candle is a little luxury that makes a big difference.

What about you?

* What are some little things that are splurges but make a big difference in your spiritual, emotional, or overall mood and health?

* Some examples might be: a cup of coffee or tea; incense or something that smells good; a moment to yourself with a book or something you enjoy; a favorite snack or treat; a favorite activity.

* What are some small things that are available to almost anyone but have the power to completely reset your frame of mind or tone of the day/evening?

I'm looking forward to hearing people's stories of little things they thoroughly savor not only to learn more about others here, but also to give us some ideas of other things that might work for the rest of us, too.

Coffee, books, a sandwich/burger...

Walking around in a hardware store, a flea market, or antique store just for peace of mind...

When the weather cools off enough, I like sitting near a fire. Sometimes in the summer, I will build a small fire in a fire pit cause it's just relaxing to me.

 

[Lanolin]

well I dont know about me but...the little pots of coloured slime seem to make a huge difference to school childrens lives who come to the library. Its the most prized of all prizes. They only about 60 cents each.

I am not really sure why slime is the big thing. You cant do much with it except squish it.

I am on my fourth paint by numbers. I am attempting a Monet waterlilies masterpiece. When I finish I give the little paint pots away. Maybe its the colour. People need colour in their lives I think ...and spring is round the corner so I grow as many flowers as I can so I can collect the petals and use them for confetti in flower bombs.

God made the rainbow to remind us of his covenant with all living creatures...some gardeners have this thing for monochrome gardens like it has to be an 'all white garden' and I notice fashionistas might pronounce one colour as the 'in colour' like black or whatever and interior decorators going for 'all white walls' or one kind of boring grey kitchen appliances. . I dont care about that. Im for all colours in clothing and in gardens, using ALL the coloured pencils in the set and different coloured pens.

its known that colour influences mood. I used to have this what they called a mood disorder and doctors would ask me to rate on a scale of one to ten what my mood was (what, they had a mood temperature?) I just said to them, if you really want to know, why not just give me a mood ring to wear and it will tell you.

 

[Subhumanoidal]

Not many things really affect me in any positive way. Most of the common things people do to relax have no effect on me, or possibly even the opposite.
But one thing that I enjoy is eating and watching a show or movie. Doing both together makes each one better and I find makes it easier to take my mind off things.

 

[Lynx]

its known that colour influences mood. I used to have this what they called a mood disorder and doctors would ask me to rate on a scale of one to ten what my mood was (what, they had a mood temperature?) I just said to them, if you really want to know, why not just give me a mood ring to wear and it will tell you.

Don't get me started on mood rings...

I saw one at the store so I tried it on. It flashed like a strobe light and shorted out in a shower of sparks. They made me pay for it and wouldn't let me try on anything else. Something about being too volatile or some junk.

 

[Gojira]

I guess it brings about a basic question I thought of asking before even positing this thread: "What is Your Definition of a Luxury?"

This is different from your original question of what things make us want to reflect on God. Your 'op' maybe had two questions in it??

I would say the things we don't need might classify as luxuries?? Maybe? Wants vs. needs?

In that category, my home audio system is a luxury.

The DVR is a luxury (sorry, but I need the TV ).

The colored lights around my home might be luxuries, especially when considering how much more expensive they are than basic white bulbs.

I am contemplating buying a high-end pair of binoculars with which to do my stargazing. They, along with their accompanying tripod (since they're heavy), will probably run me close to US$500. This comes as close as anything to a "life enhancement" that might also stimulate some worship. The rest are toys that I thank God for.

 

[Gojira]

Not many things really affect me in any positive way. Most of the common things people do to relax have no effect on me, or possibly even the opposite.
But one thing that I enjoy is eating and watching a show or movie. Doing both together makes each one better and I find makes it easier to take my mind off things.

I love a good baked salmon while watching an X-Files or Star Trek re-run.

 

[Gojira]

I have always loved (controlled) fire. I am always drawn to lit candles, beautiful fireplaces, bonfires with people roastings marshmallows...

Sorry, this reminded me of... this:

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Praise the Lord for premium ice cream.
I don't drink whiskey, smoke or chew....
Or go with girls who do...
But I do have to watch I don't eat too much premium ice cream. For desert, a mix of Belgium Chocolate and Vanilla Bean Turkey Hill premium. No it didn't have any turkey in it, but was still very tasty. 😋
I better get up early tomorrow and go for a speed walk.
Speaking of speed walking, I normally start my day with a good coffee and brew it in a French press. If you are a coffee drinker and haven't tried one, the secret to great coffee is IMHO:

1. Organic (coffee beans are heavily sprayed)
No bug killers on organic.
2. Fresh purified water. Not tap unless you use a Berky or close equivalent. Best investment for health you can make.
3. French press...most use a glass 1 liter/ quart beaker with a handle. 4 minutes and it's done. Read reviews. Just about everyone likes that method, but some brands work better than others.

 

[Gojira]

Praise the Lord for premium ice cream.
I don't drink whiskey, smoke or chew....
Or go with girls who do...
But I do have to watch I don't eat too much premium ice cream. For desert, a mix of Belgium Chocolate and Vanilla Bean Turkey Hill premium. No it didn't have any turkey in it, but was still very tasty. 😋
I better get up early tomorrow and go for a speed walk.
Speaking of speed walking, I normally start my day with a good coffee and brew it in a French press. If you are a coffee drinker and haven't tried one, the secret to great coffee is IMHO:

1. Organic (coffee beans are heavily sprayed)
No bug killers on organic.
2. Fresh purified water. Not tap unless you use a Berky or close equivalent. Best investment for health you can make.
3. French press...most use a glass 1 liter/ quart beaker with a handle. 4 minutes and it's done. Read reviews. Just about everyone likes that method, but some brands work better than others.

Or a Keurig!

 

[Kireina]

I love beautiful arts of beautiful sceneries,flowers and shapes...but it costs a fortune to buy original paintings... and I don't think I have extra money for that 😅 so I buy paintings (not handmade) but printed Painting by machines already...😊 They are cheaper and almost as beautiful as the original one...




I am happy with my purchases...I bought quite a few already and I don't think I need more paintings to hang ☺ but it gives me that feeling of happiness when I see one lol I could not explain you know it is like seeing an adorable chubby-cheeked babies, 🥰 I still got quite a few pieces not hung but I don't want to cover my place with frames 😁

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Or a Keurig!

It's very popular and a lot of people like that convenient method.
Just watch out for Monster Energy Drink.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

I love beautiful arts of beautiful sceneries,flowers and shapes...but it costs a fortune to buy original paintings... and I don't think I have extra money for that 😅 so I buy paintings (not handmade) but printed Painting by machines already...😊 They are cheaper and almost as beautiful as the original one...




I am happy with my purchases...I bought quite a few already and I don't think I need more paintings to hang ☺ but it gives me that feeling of happiness when I see one lol I could not explain you know it is like seeing an adorable chubby-cheeked babies, 🥰 I still got quite a few pieces not hung but I don't want to cover my place with frames 😁


View attachment 242447 View attachment 242448 View attachment 242445 View attachment 242446

Very nice.
The Lord likes beauty too.
Some trees were created for food. The rest were ornamentals..

 

[TheNarrowPath]

Hey Everyone,

The other day I was doing some grocery shopping for family members, and while I probably should have resisted, I went past one of those Sections That Beckon and Call You to Tempt You with Unnecessary But Oh So Satisfying Things.

In other words... I went past the candle section. Gulp. I probably should have stayed on the other side of the store. But needless to say, since they were on sale for $7, I gave in and chose one in particular (nothing says autumn like an Apple Cinnamon scented candle!)

I have always loved (controlled) fire. I am always drawn to lit candles, beautiful fireplaces, bonfires with people roastings marshmallows... I just find fire to be both relaxing and (to me) in very close association with God, because of there are so many references to fire in the Bible.

Some of my favorite fire-featuring stories in the Bible are of God calling Moses through a burning bush that was on fire but did not burn up (Exodus 3,) Elijah and the prophets of Baal, in which God threw down a holy fire that burned up EVERYTHING, including a moat of water (1 Kings 18,) the presence of God appearing as flames over believer's heads at Pentecost (Acts 2,) and my personal favorite, Judges 13, in which the Angel of the Lord appears to Samson's parents to announce his birth, then ascends back to heaven by entering into the altar flame. Wowsers!!

What I wouldn't give to see THAT while burning my humble little candle!!

A little bit of fire just puts me in a very reflective mood, often prepping me for prayer and pondering what God might be thinking at that very moment. To me, a burning candle is a little luxury that makes a big difference.

What about you?

* What are some little things that are splurges but make a big difference in your spiritual, emotional, or overall mood and health?

* Some examples might be: a cup of coffee or tea; incense or something that smells good; a moment to yourself with a book or something you enjoy; a favorite snack or treat; a favorite activity.

* What are some small things that are available to almost anyone but have the power to completely reset your frame of mind or tone of the day/evening?

I'm looking forward to hearing people's stories of little things they thoroughly savor not only to learn more about others here, but also to give us some ideas of other things that might work for the rest of us, too.

I also love candles, they can set the mood and give a room softness. One day I will share my testimony as it features fire Back to your question - I like the scent of cinnamon or nutmeg. Reminds me of my mums kitchen and her baking. Did you know you can die from inhaling cinnamon? So when I get a whiff of that Im transported back to my childhood and all the feelings of a warm home, with my parents and siblings, good food and good company. I have cin and nutmeg in my kitchen drawer but its not for cooking, I just like to open it up and sniff lol

 

[Gojira]

It's very popular and a lot of people like that convenient method.
Just watch out for Monster Energy Drink.

Excellent.

 

[Gojira]

Hey, you want art? I'll show you art!

 

[Gojira]

 

[Kireina]

I love art but not people's faces or portraits 😁 I'd rather hang my self portrait paint or my loved ones than other people's faces in my home...