Too often discipline has been overly linked with punishment. However, a healthy discipline can give our lives shape, structure and boundaries, rather than chaos and stress.

Living more simply is not easy. It takes discipline. Most disciplines require some kind of self-denial.

Let's strive to replace the self-denied habit or "thing" with a more positive substitute.

Take time to think and reflect…

IDEA 1: We can't take our possessions, power or prestige with us to the grave. Let's focus on eliminating the distractions of "stuff." This will free us to revel in the meaning given to our lives by our relationships with people and with God.

IDEA 2: Imagine how much time, energy and money is used maintaining "stuff" that is "corroded by rust and moths." If that's overwhelming, focus on just one room, like your kitchen or garage. Is food spoiling in your refrigerator, tools rusting on your workbench?

IDEA 3: Act on Idea 2's imaginings. Vow to set one item aside each day. At the end of each week offer them all to an individual or a group that could really use them. Try NOT to replace them with something else.

IDEA 4: Our society constantly tempts us to be wasteful. Practice creative frugality. Can you list ten ways in your own life to substitute helpful, conserving habits instead of wasting such resources as food or water?

IDEA 5: Give up TV viewing one day a week for a month -- or cut your viewing in half. Instead, spend that time 1) with family members in activity or conversation or just being together; 2) in additional spiritual pursuits, such as prayer, meditation, Scriptural reading or study; or 3) in service to a needy individual or worthwhile group. For seven days give $1/£1 for each hour of TV you watch to a favourite charity.

IDEA 6: Vow to consume no meat one day each week. Give what you would have spent on meat to those who do not have enough of anything to eat.

IDEA 7: One day each week, consume no highly processed food -- from canned peas to TV dinners. Much of it has its natural nutrition reduced by the process and has many questionable chemicals added. Experience the extra work and the satisfaction of eating a meal made "from scratch."

IDEA 8: For seven days consume nothing from a "fast food" restaurant. Instead, work with other members of your family to prepare meals together, including the menu selection and shopping. Experience the "inconvenience" and the sense of community of such a project.

IDEA 9: Save water while showering: Turn off the water while soaping; turn it back on to rinse. Keep the pressure low. Replace your showerhead with a "low flow" head if necessary.

IDEA 10: Living simply can be lonely, especially if family and friends don't understand its value and don't co-operate. To empathise with another's loneliness, reach out to a lonely person, like inviting the person to supper.

IDEA 11: To help deal with loneliness, find others in your community who are living more simply and see how you can support each other, as in a group.

IDEA 12: You're half way there! Instead of dwelling on any "sacrifices" you are making, try to witness to others of the benefits of living more simply. –