Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know that my new book, Things That Matter, is finally here. I put my heart into it, and I can’t wait to share it with you. You can pick up a copy at www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676394/things-that-matter-by-joshua-becker/

You'll watch an entire Netflix show even when the first episodes are slow and boring just because someone told you "it gets better." *But what if you looked at your goals like that and watched your life get better instead?*

There's so much love in a smaller home. We rethought EVERYTHING when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2011. I've been in and out of treatments, now in partial remission. We downsized from a 3,100 Sq ft, 3 story cabin, to a 1,900 sq ft ranch! No stairs! And soon to be paid off! My goal in life is to leave something worth leaving to my children. Financial freedom, and knowing that I love them more than life!💜

@eileenkilworth6950

2 жыл бұрын

Our sincere best wishes for continued good health from Perth West Australian 👋

@christinebeames2311

2 жыл бұрын

Hi I had stage 3 ovarian and secondary womb cancer 27 years ago , I was given 2 to 5 years to live , I am soo grateful for my life and like you , it changed everything , I’ve never been bored since as I truly appreciate being alive ,I wish you all the best , and big hugs , xxxxxx

@604pinnacle

2 жыл бұрын

@@christinebeames2311 yes! Life has a completely different meaning since then. 💜

@silvergirl2847

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing .youreally things into perspective.

Praying for Bob and his family . What foresight he had to downsize for his family not knowing what the future holds. What a kind gesture to his wife to not have a house payment. I pray God 🙏 heals him .

*To all the dreamers out there, don't ever let the world's negativity disenchant you or your spirit. If you surround yourself with love and right people, ANYTHING is possible.* 🙏🖤

@deborahpellerito6117

2 жыл бұрын

Thankyou💞

@priusa8113

2 жыл бұрын

Assalamualeikum Ahmet! With the help of Allah all is possible! So glad we benefit from similar content:)

@cynthiajohnson8463

2 жыл бұрын

❤️

“Our lives are frittered away by detail, simplify, simplify “ Henry David Thoreau I’ll be praying for your friend Josh

In our 60's finally our dream can come true - to buy a brand new built in an expensive top status area that is beautiful and impressive. But we decided at the end we will stay in our 2br home. As we have chronic illness, we want to have yearly cutting edge alternative treatments in USA which very expensive and honor our Christian commitments. This video again reinforce we made the right choices. Home is not something to impress others, and the right decisions in life can be life enhancing for decades to come.

I live in 900 sq ft. I pet sit in some 5K sq ft beautiful homes and I feel so uncomfortable in them. I like the cozy feel of a small home, and it’s easier to keep track of where things are

It took me years to figure out that the larger homes with the formal rooms, extra guest bedroom and backyard pool wasn’t what I needed to make me happy. We love our 1000 sq ft condo and we have everything we need. Life is so sweet and God is good. My new grandson is the icing on the cake. 💙

@susie7336

2 жыл бұрын

Ooooh! Congratulations on your little grand blessing! ☺️

@Sheli-_-

2 жыл бұрын

@@susie7336 Thank you!

I NEVER understood "the garage filled with LOADS of stuff and cars parked OUTSIDE in the middle of the winter (-10°)". I'm sorry but the CAR garage is only made for your CARS and not stuff you've saved for 20-30 years that has and will have no value whatsoever, like old couches, tables, mattresses, carpets, ETC ETC ETC . Try to declutter everyone, life is too short to hoard stuff that probably someone less fortunate would've used all those years you kept them there. That's my 2 cents. Prayers for your friend!🙏✝️

@M00nflowers

2 жыл бұрын

My neighbor is like that, 2 door garage, zero cars inside. Plus, the garage is full of stuff! Up to the edge of the door.

@user-no2bp4mn5i

2 жыл бұрын

@@M00nflowers don't we all have those neighbors?!😂 smh 🤦‍♀️ you probably agree with me on that one as well.

@cmck2021

2 жыл бұрын

I am beginning to think the huge SUVs, Vans and trucks don't fit in the garages is the issue. They are two "car" garages not two SUV, two Vans, two truck garages. I also agree people have way too much stuff. I can't fathom working all week, your kids in a day-care ( it's the norm) BUT you ride the roads all weekend the house is crammed to the attic with toys, projects plus people put their kids in activities 24/7 all weekend. That's crazy. Just my opinion.

@misssicily100

2 жыл бұрын

unfortunately, people will think maybe I can use this another day? oh, I spent money on this I can't get rid of this? I have a sentimental attachment to this my mom gave it to me I can't get rid of it. People we need to let it all go stop making excuses. Thinking this way will make you free and happy.

@user-no2bp4mn5i

2 жыл бұрын

@@misssicily100 100% agree! I do understand that part because a lot of people exchange stuff ALL THE TIME, therefore we think we can't get rif of those "sentimental" things but we also have to think that we can make someone so much happier if we give away those items that we don't use, even sentimental things, plain and simple. We can't let the stuff control us and our lives.

Thank you for the inspirational video. I hope your friend gets a remission. I pray for him and others with cancer.

I don't save many videos but I'm saving this one. My parents never had as much money as others in their families. They were renters most of their lives, and my 3 sisters and I shared bedrooms. When others went to fancy hotels on vacations we went camping in New England. In the end, our family was happier because we spent so much time together enjoying simple pleasures and appreciating every small treat. I knew as a child that love and time together mattered more than material things. My parents left us a true legacy.

Growing up I was taught that a home was supposed to be a safe haven for those who lived in the home. Then somewhere in the early 1980's home was replaced with the word house and the house was seen as an investment that would increase in value, so bigger homes, even McMansions became the norm. Yet the 2008 economic collapse showed how a bigger home bought as an investment with a high mortgage payment could be a negative. We had friends who were horridly teased because they OWNED their small 800 square foot, two bedroom, one bath home, Those teasing them were buying 2500+ square foot homes. Then 2009 came and the folks buying the big homes ALL had their homes foreclosed on. All those massive house payments looked more like massive rent payments since they NEVER owned the home and had to move. If there is one thing we learned when my husband was left disabled in a hospital bed from a drunk driver is owning ones small home relieves a LOT of stress. The money for a house payment got put in savings, safe investments. It's the only reason I have made it since he died. People NEED to think long term and WORSE case scenarios!

@ecto78

2 жыл бұрын

This is such a powerful testimonial. I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, but I am super inspired by your message. We are still in our "starter" home (as some would call it), but we almost have it paid off. Lots of friends and neighbors have moved onto "bigger" (aka houses/mortgages), but we are still loving our home and just update it as we are able. I always tell people that a bigger house means a bigger mortgage and more to clean. Why would I want that?

@jennifernorman9655

2 жыл бұрын

Excellent point, thank you.

@silvergirl2847

2 жыл бұрын

@@ecto78 I despise that term starter home.Its a tad condescending.we are also "still" in ours 22 years later.like yourself we update and do what we can.were savng for a new kitchen at the moment.its also 22 years old 😊 but in no hurry.if 2020 has taught me anything is that all we have are family friends and the memories we share together .nothing else will come close.not allthe square footage in the world!

@cmck2021

2 жыл бұрын

Grown adults teasing each other over the size of their homes? Wow,they teasers need to realize their bullies!

@patriciabarton6373

2 жыл бұрын

Beth, thank you. I very much agree with you.

This video brought tears to my eyes. Prayers for your friend. We finished building our larger home and a year later my mom at 65 was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. We were able to turn the playroom into a nice size bedroom for her and I was her 24/7 caretaker. I’m glad we had the space to do it. We hosted caretakers and family to come and visit as we lived hours away in the country. Mom made it to the party with Jesus before us. I will miss her every day until we are together again. She also watched your videos.

I had to stop watching HGTV a few years ago because it was making me feel that our small home was not “enough’. My hubby now has an unexpected disability and I’ve very thankful we didn’t move or take on any large renovations because it’s certainly not in the budget now.

Your best video yet Joshua - heartfelt but so true. A house is merely a building, a home is place of love, warmth and safety and both are not the same. Stay safe everyone 💕

I prayed for Bob. May God's healing presence be with him. When I see huge houses, I think of the people inside and wonder just what they are seeking in life. Does anyone else think that? I'm not trying to judge, it just automatically comes to my mind.

@christinebeames2311

2 жыл бұрын

Hi , sometimes though a large house gives each inhabitant their own space , a room for hobbies , or friends to visit

I love all your videos and always find them very useful and inspiring - but this one had an added layer of beauty. What a poignant message about what's really most important in life 💜. I wish your friend and his family well!

@JoshuaBecker

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Kat.

To Bob: I will be praying for you and your family. Do not give up. They gave my Mom 3 months and she lived 4 year. We enjoyed every day and continued to make wonderful memories together. My sister in law is in remission and they told her with her stage 4 cancer she probably had 6 months or less. That was 5 years ago. Don’t lose faith no matter what the doctors say. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Whoa… very inspiring story… My prayers are with your friend

I'm so grateful for your channel, Joshua! God bless you and your loved ones. I wish Bob WELL.

I have a really hard time explaining this to my children. All of their friends have big homes, pools, trampolines… ‘mom when are you getting a new car’ 😳 um… I’m not….

@M00nflowers

2 жыл бұрын

It is very difficult. My kids also watch KZreadr families (my fault I guess for letting them) that have huge houses, tons of stuff, do tons of activities, and they think that this is how life is. My kids have also been asking when we are getting a new van. :s

@bethleblanc656

2 жыл бұрын

Good for you!

@silvergirl2847

2 жыл бұрын

@@M00nflowers well curtail that .YOU are the curator of their life.

@cmck2021

2 жыл бұрын

My son noticed a few years back these homes that have all that fun stuff at the new house is never being played on, swam in or baskets jumped. I said it's because the people are working too much to pay for those things. Maybe those kids just want their parents time. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Thank you Joshua for sharing your real life experiences with us. God has gifted you with such a beautiful and clear way with words. Praying for your friend and his family

I used to think I wanted a huge home but now I realize less is more. Financial is so much more important. TFS

I grew up in the 50s/60s. Dad worked 2 jobs (teacher) so the 7 of us could move to a "better" neighborhood and a larger house. We would rather he spent time with us.

Sending prayers to your friend and his family 🙏

Your video moved me to tears. I have downsized and never been happier, because of all the reasons you describe. . I will pray for Bob and his family, love and faith is more important than things.

I got all choked up. God bless you Bob and your family

As a cancer survivor myself I can only concur with this video which made me cry. During my treatments my husband and I lived in a small apartment but it was filled with friends and family almost everyday to help us out, to comfort us and to keep us company. In those dark hours our modest home with cheap furniture was filled with light and love and that's what a home is all about. I thank you for this video and wish Bob and his family all the best!

Brought tears This is so true. Your home is a place where you can feel loved and safe. We are blessed if we have that no matter where where we live.

I have a small knickknack I got years ago and it says, “Home is where you hang your heart ♥️ “. It’s a small ceramic piece in relief showing a side table one might find at the foyer or front entrance of any home. On top of the table is a water can posing as a container for a bouquet of simple flowers. Hanging by the handle of one of the table drawers are - you guessed it - a couple of hearts. I thought this simple item demonstrated what is truly important about one’s house: that is, that no matter its size, it is first and foremost a HOME, and this means one where you can let go of the cares of the outside world and find solace, nurturing, comfort, love. Thank you for this lovely video, Joshua 🙏☀️

@FRIENDOFGOD25

2 жыл бұрын

My home is where God resides with His love His joy and His peace. Thank you Joshua for all your Biblical blessings of how to make your home beautiful. Praying without ceasing for Bob & Family that Father will touch his family with comfort and bob with restored health and that Bob’s days will be long upon the land with his children! Blessings to all! One day at a time Sweet Jesus! 🙏❤️💐

I wish your friend all the best ❤️

Wishing you and your friend well.

Bob, I think it's beautiful, too. Prayers to Bob, and his family, for his health journey to end with the results they wish for, and embracing the nuggets of wisdom it brings along the way. I love my little 2200 Sq foot home, on a half acre. It's the perfect size to manage, for my ever-evolving family. I rescue animals, so this is our sweet spot, especially with the half acre, for the dogs, cats, and tortoise to be able to run and play, when outside. Thank you for your thoughtful, caring videos, Joshua. This family benefits from your compassion, as we all do ❤

Prayers for Bob and his beautiful family

Watching from the UK in our 600sf 'bungalow' 2 bed, 1 bath we love it.

My prayers go to your friend. Hope he can recover soon. 🙅🏽‍♀️🌺🌺

I am in tears. Thank you, Joshua, for such an important, beautiful message. I am adding Bob, his family and his community to my prayers. Thank you again.

Nice piece. It's all so damn obvious if one thinks about it. And it makes one ask, how is it possible that entire societies could have become so hijacked by the blandishments of empty materialism.

Keep making these videos. I love them. I 100% agree with you on everything. Wish my clients start watching you too. I am a housecleaner and suffer from peoples clutter in 4000 sq.ft. houses.

Refuse to buy seasonal decorative stuff. Go for a little road trip, gather natural materials out of the wild, and do a wreath or vaseful or use them to frame a mirror or such.

@evonward6803

2 жыл бұрын

Cool that you put in words how I feel and respond to seasonal changes….experiences mean much more than “things” I have to find places to store!! A small album of snapshots of a trip showing places I can share from my coffee table is more meaningful in my eyes👍

@aurora571000

2 жыл бұрын

Good idea!

This video made me cry. We recently downsized after needing to move for missionary work and after realizing our home we had just 'up-scaled' into was too stressful. Stressful in its time requirements of my husband & I to maintain, and stressful in looking ahead to its potential financial requirements as things inevitably broke down. It is hard as a wife and homemaker to hear the accolades less often, but in many moments, my freer moments, I am so thankful for the more-manageable, less-stressful, very cozy place we call home. Thanks for making videos with messages we all need to hear

May God bless your friend and his family through this difficult time.

Wow, I’m so sorry, my grandpa has cancer too, he has leukemia! He’s getting sicker by the day, many hugs to you!

I wish your friend, Bob, all the best and hope his recovery goes well.

Thanks for another great video. Every week I look forward to them.

@JoshuaBecker

2 жыл бұрын

First comment. Thanks so much for being a regular.

I put Bob on my prayer list🙏🏻 I know of many people who have been healed of stage four cancer and I pray he will be one of them! Thank you for your channel Joshua, it is such a blessing.

Sending prayers to your friend and his family. Please tell him not to lose hope, my nephew had stage IV cancer and he is now 3 years clear. He’s very lucky to have a friend like you. 🙏🏻

My hobby took over my entire craft room. As I acquired more “essentials” I created less. I came to realize that my now crowded room was causing me angst instead of peace. I was no longer in my happy place. I am now decluttering my craft room and look forward to spending pleasurable time in there again. I am very sorry to hear about your friend’s diagnosis. Sends good thoughts to him and his family.

@andrewbrendan1579

2 жыл бұрын

I"ve had the same experience and reaction with books in my living space.: too many of a good thing "...causing me angst instead of peace". Yours is an excellent description of the situation.

I live in the home that once belonged to my in-laws. It's 1200 sq feet, just a white frame home with front and back porches. My in-laws raised 8 kids in this house. This house has not been updated since we bought it in '97 except for central heat and air just last year. My husband passed away in 2010, the house was paid for at that time. It had no closets at all, they used some wardrobes, so having three bedrooms, I turned the smallest one off the bath, into a closet. One bedroom became an office/sewing room. Since it was built in 1920, there are only 2...4 door cabinets and 4 drawers total in the kitchen. The washer and dryer are just off the kitchen. I am 69 now, the new fancy homes do not interest me at all. I am on SS and am just fine in my small house. When an emergency happens, I have funds for repair, etc. due to not having anything to pay, except monthly utilities. I have one son and the best part of always living below my means has been that I am not a financial burden on my son. My parents raised me to be satisfied with whatever I have and to not chase bigger or what society has made us think is "better."

That was a beautiful video essay. I am inspired!

Great video. I grew up in larger homes: 2200 and 2800 square feet. I did not consciously choose this, but I am raising my family in a 1050 square foot house. I do notice the difference, but most of the time I don’t mind it.

This is what matters Joshua! The smaller house with your friend diagnosed with cancer. 🙏🏻 You are a great friend!

Ohhhhh..... what a touching video! I totally agree. Sending prayers to Bob and his family too, sending healing vibes their way!!!

So sorry to hear of your friend facing cancer Thank you for this message. It's refreshing.

Well said - also I loved your most recent blog re: not wanting list. So hilarious & fun. I don't want all the same items as you plus I'm very content with my home, etc. - I have always loved the paired down simple life & look & feel from Japan, Norway, Denmark since perhaps I was 10 years old. I may have been born a minimalist with a bit of Christian & Stoic thrown in for good measure. Thank you Joshua.

Knowing you and learning from you has changed my life drastically for the better. Thank you Joshua

Thank u for speaking so well, your wisdom is touching -God bless u

May God bless your friend & their family. 10+ Years ago, my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Papillary Thyroid Cancer. It was devastating, but he survived it and he's doing great so far with that. Praise the LORD!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Sending prayers, love and peace to your friend and family

Please pass on our best wishes to your friend + his family. Life will throw at us troubles that put everything into perspective ❣️

Joshua, You are a great role model for all of us and your family as well. God bless you. You are a blessing to your friends and vice versa.

What a beautiful video. Thank you for sharing the story of your friend. May God be with him and his family through their difficult journey. All the best to him and you. 🙏🙏🙏

I’ll put Bob on my pray list and his family. So happy they have each other. God works miracles

Beautiful video. Thank you for sharing. My late husband passed away 10 years ago and when he left, he took nothing with him!! All his precious belongings stayed here. He was a pastor and I know we were the “things” that meant the most to him. Praying for your friend as I know this journey. Blessings and thank you for all that you share.

Amen! Keeping Bob & his family in prayer✝️🙏🏻

We had a beautiful large home when our children were small, and we could afford it, but we moved to a small home anyway. Relatives said we must have gone bankrupt. Our home is paid for, as are three college tuitions, and we have peace. Our children live out small home, and I truly is our safe haven.

This was simply beautiful. Prayers for Bob and his family. Thank you for giving us this beautiful reminder Joshua! 💜

thats an excellent message and a great reminder. I have still not understood the concept in America where stuff falls out when people open their garage doors. parking cars is completely out of question there. There is this non-sensical pursuit of things and filling homes with them, which gets you nowhere.

I'm here in Dec 2021. I pray your friend Bob is doing well. I hope he continues to enjoy his family & their new home🙏

Sometimes the most difficult challenges lead us to the best places…. Praying for your friend, his family and their time together at home. Thanks for sharing.

A serious disease became my best teacher: Since I do enjoy my minimalist single room apartment it is so easy to do my things without any need for help which makes me feel happy and confident. And even when I cannot do homework because of pain it is easy to do it next day because with few stuff it's never a mess.

Thank you for sharing this story. Bob will be in my prayers!!

After 23 years of living and raising a family in a small house we have bought a slightly larger home. Months before moving I heard about minimalism and by move day it only took one truck load and three days to be fully settled in! We were inviting people into our home before the week was out which was something we just could not do in our tiny house. More energy is now being spent on inviting and loving PEOPLE then on decorating and furnishing our house. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for encouraging us on what is REALLY important. You have helped change my life.

Thanks a ton for this Sat mng blessing, Joshua.One of your best ever posts...really really thought provoking & beautiful.So very true..been through more or less through the same situation & I can absolutely relate to this...Small is really beautiful & blessed!

Thanks a lot for sharing. 😊 I wish Bob and his family well! 🙏

Thank you for this beautiful message and for sharing your friends journey with us.

Such an important message. Enough said. 🙏🏼

Beautiful... is absolutely what it is. Sobering. Praying for your friend.

I’m so sorry to hear of your friend’s diagnosis. Your message is very clear - thank you

Aw man, this one brought tears to my eyes. Not for the friend and family but the pure sentiment of how beautiful simplicity is.

Love this so much. Prayers for Bob.

One of your best talks yet. I hope your friend finds peace, rest and security. Beautifully stated case for living for what is truly matter. Thank you.

I love Fridays because of your video. Thank you for this reminder 👍

Thanks for another motivation... Prayers for your friend and family.. 🙏🙏

Very moving & thoughtful. I found this to be true after recently divorcing. I drastically downsized and loved the freedom of having just what I needed. Eventually all out belongings caught up with me, and I now have the burden of sorting, donating, storing... I preferred living with less stuff.

"A safe harbour and effective port of departure". Love that definition of a beautiful home 👌😍.

You have a beautiful heart Joshua Becker. Thanks for sharing with us. God’s healing touch to your friend ...

Without telling you where to put things or how to arrange, you describe what would make a house great for anyone to be in. 😁

That was an amazingly structured speech. Thank you for reminding us the pure essence of home. Be well and stay safe.

Another very inspiring video, it hit the nail on the head. What you said is so true. Thank you very much. I trust your friend and his family will have all the strength they need at this time.

Thanks for sharing this, love and the people in a house are what make a home ❤

Space is beautiful; light, air, and room to move are goals that are valuable. Many thanks for another great video!

Such a beautiful way to tell the glamour of a home. Praying for Bob and so glad he did that for his family! Praying for a miracle and peace in the family. We never know when it could be our story that pushes us to these boundaries. Currently Working on living more free with less.

Such an important message, Joshua. Thank you for sharing and praying for your friend and his family.

What a beautiful message thank you!

Bob and his family made such fantastic decisions and I pray for his good health. Josh, thank you so much for this video, it was brilliant. You make such meaningful, great quality videos.x

Touching story, and a great lesson.

Sending prayers to your friend and his family! You are amazing! May God Bless You!

Love this. Thanks so much for sharing this Joshua. 🙂