Not Of This World Quotes

“If you are looking for ways to be more efficient, let it be so you can have more uninterrupted quality time with your family, not so you can take on more work.”
― Sterling Jaquith, Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism

“minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it. It is a life that forces intentionality. And as a result, it forces improvements in almost all aspects of your life.”
― Sterling Jaquith, Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism

“The only way we can truly find freedom from materialism is to follow Christ. The more we follow Him, the more we become like the wood of the cross. We are less like magnets, and so we can more easily walk through the world and not feel pulled by the shiny things. No amount of effort from the world can make metal stick to wood. Be like the cross, and you will feel free.”
― Sterling Jaquith, Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism

“God desires us to be fully present. It’s hard to be present when you’re worried about “taking the fastest route” or constantly multitasking, trying to slay your to-do list. If you are looking for ways to be more efficient, let it be so you can have more uninterrupted quality time with your family, not so you can take on more work.”
― Sterling Jaquith, Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism

“Instead of thinking about minimalism as getting rid of a bunch of stuff, think of it as creating more space. Not only are you going to create more space in your home to enjoy your family, but you're also going to create more space on your calendar for the activities that truly matter, in your mind to ponder the things that truly matter, and ultimately in your heart for a deep relationship with the Lord.”
― Sterling Jaquith, Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism

“We must be intentional about the things we own, what we think about, and what we choose to do with our time. We must be good stewards of what God has given us including our bodies, the people He puts in our path, and the things He has allowed us to acquire. We must view everything as a tool for the glory of God.”
― Sterling Jaquith, Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism

“Let us live intentionally for our Creator. Let us search for peace in His arms. We’ve done it the other way, and it’s left us exhausted, confused, and depressed. We need to break the chains that the world has around us and learn how to be in the world but not of it.”
― Sterling Jaquith, Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism

“Here’s what you can ask to put something through the Life Test: Do you love it? Do you need it? Do you want it? Do you have room to store it? Has this item been used in the last year? Does this belong to your fantasy self? Can someone else make better use of it? If you were out shopping today, would you purchase this item? Does this item have sentimental value? Is this a stand-in for a memory? Do you have/need more than one of this item? Will something similar that you have get the job done? Is it broken? Are you actually going to fix it? If so, when? Does this item fit you, your home, and your current lifestyle? Do you have a realistic plan to use this in the near future? Is this the best room for it? How long do you need to keep it? When can you get rid of it? Can you borrow or purchase another one if needed? Can you return it? Can it be digitized? Would you rather have the space that this takes up? If you want to simplify this process, you can ask yourself, “Does this item add value to my life?”
― Sterling Jaquith, Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism

“Arthur Lohsen of the Catholic News Agency explains, “Beauty is the single aspect of God which can be expressed physically within the earthly realm. Beauty is not merely Man’s arrogance or a waste of resources which could be directed to the poor. Beautiful settings, artwork, music, and liturgy are appropriate and necessary aspects of God’s everlasting mystical presence before Mankind.”
― Sterling Jaquith, Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism

“In The Magical Art of Tidying up by Kon Mari[viii], the author urges people to touch each possession they own and ask the question, “Does this spark joy?” While I agree with the heart of what this question is trying to get at (does this item have value to you?), the question is misleading. If we think of joy as warm, bubbly feelings… it’s unlikely we will find value in our toothbrush or our toilet cleaner.”
― Sterling Jaquith, Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism

“Being joyful is more a state of mind. It’s a choice to be grateful… to be content with what we have and what we’re doing.”
― Sterling Jaquith, Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism

“, it must pass the Life Test. The questions in the Life Test are related to whether something is practical, necessary, or sentimental.”
― Sterling Jaquith, Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism

“You are now choosing to live intentionally, and that means knowing what you have and purposefully deciding whether it will serve you in the future or not.”
― Sterling Jaquith, Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism

“We spend so much time trying to save time that we miss out on living our lives with those whom we love.”
― Sterling Jaquith, Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism

“what are we holding on to simply because we are afraid we might desperately need it in the future?”
― Sterling Jaquith, Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism

“nothing we own will ever satisfy the restlessness in our hearts.”
― Sterling Jaquith, Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism

“If you turn down invitations because you need to be home cleaning or organizing…you’re owned. If you are unable to pursue your passion because your debt has you working overtime, every month…you’re owned. If you feel overwhelmed and ashamed by the clutter in your home or office…you’re owned. If you feel secure and satisfied after a purchase and within days feel the letdown of disappointment… you’re owned. Is this the life you want to live for the next few decades you may have left in this life?[i]”
― Sterling Jaquith, Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism

“We are desperate to create enough distractions to avoid the pain we feel inside, and we stuff in as many pleasures as we can hoping they will feed the gnawing hunger we have.”
― Sterling Jaquith, Not Of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism