I really do try NOT to be an alarmist or overly political, but it's just not possible to entirely separate one's self from facts which effects us so significantly.
Recently I read an article about just the interest rate portion of our national debt. According to it's author, our current debt is 16 trillion dollars and we will pay at least 4.2 trillion JUST IN INTEREST on this amount in the years to come (with some fluctuation due to the actual interest rate over time, but on average, this is what we're looking at).
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Let me give you a realistic measure of what 4.2 trillion actually looks like. According to Bill Eggers, a man who lead the study on this bit of trivia, he stated that "If you look at the interest payments going to foreign countries, soon we're going to be spending enough to essentially finance the Chinese military." That's because they hold a lot of our debt. He went on to say that the "debt could quickly spiral out of control if investors become less willing to lend more money."
You mean it's not out of control ALREADY? Hmmm.... if my family budget looked like this, we'd be in serious trouble. And if this were any other time in history, we'd be indentured servants by now or in debtor's prison. If I'm not mistaken, filing Chapter 13 for bankruptcy is a fairly new concept (and just dumps the debt onto someone else - like passing the buck).
Now obviously not everyone agrees with Mr. Eggers interpretation of the FACT that our debt's interest rate is 4.2 trillion. But let's think about that...
• we're talking TRILLION, not million or even billion
• it's just the INTEREST RATE on the debt... it doesn't even touch the principle of what we owe
• fat chance the principle amount will remain where it is - more likely it will continue to increase since American just doesn't "get it" quite yet
• even if it were half of what he said - say 2.1 trillion, or even a fourth (1.05 trillion), that's a lot of dough
Okay... let's move on to my point.
I can NOT see how our American way of life is going to last much longer. Consumerism, entertainment, activities, travel, expensive food, etc... Please, leave me a kind comment explaining to me how I'm wrong if you know a reasonable way out for all of us. I'd be crazy not to get behind it!
Let's assume there is no other way... what then?
Please hear me when I say... I don't know how this will all pan out. It could be a sudden economic collapse, or it could be a slow decline in our standard of living. I want to tell you to "pray for the latter and be prepared for the former", but as our standard of living goes down, what we're able to do financially will become more and more limited. I'm already seeing it in our family budget. Are you?
It might shock you to know that I really don't feel this is a BAD thing. Perhaps uncomfortable at times. Maybe even down right painful.
I see it as... character refining, a challenge, and a refocusing on priorities. Times like this help us to take stock and do a bit of "house cleaning" or "putting things in order". It allows us to re-evaluate those things that are of real value and importance. And it forces us to live much more realistically and humbly.
This could actually be a GOOD thing!
How Your Family Can Make the Most of the Debt Crisis
It might shock you to know that I really don't feel this is a BAD thing. Perhaps uncomfortable at times. Maybe even down right painful.
I see it as... character refining, a challenge, and a refocusing on priorities. Times like this help us to take stock and do a bit of "house cleaning" or "putting things in order". It allows us to re-evaluate those things that are of real value and importance. And it forces us to live much more realistically and humbly.
This could actually be a GOOD thing!
How Your Family Can Make the Most of the Debt Crisis
• Seek and pray. For wisdom, direction, peace, provisions. What is it that the LORD would have you do? Everything I listed below is what I believe wisdom dictates and scripture supports. But YOU need to know what God's Word says about these things. If you're not fully convinced, you won't make it through the tough times. Read the Word. Pray. Obey.
• Put the family on a diet. A financial diet! Ween yourself off of a few luxuries. You pick which ones... every family is different. And it doesn't have to be ALL luxuries, but enough so that you're not hurting as much when things do get tighter.
• Go long! In other words, think 10, 20, even 50 years down the road. We're notorious for thinking only about the moment and what satisfies our flesh right now! But we need to be thinking about how we want to finish this life and how (not what) we want to leave the next generation.
• Go long! In other words, think 10, 20, even 50 years down the road. We're notorious for thinking only about the moment and what satisfies our flesh right now! But we need to be thinking about how we want to finish this life and how (not what) we want to leave the next generation.
• Build up. If you still have the ability to do so, build structures such as barns and chicken coops, fences... long term items that will contribute to a family's well being for years to come. And do it DEBT FREE! Even if you don't think you will ever raise chickens, consider a gardening shed that could be converted if necessary. I'm amazed at how few homes have a small structure on them that could service a family's food needs!
• Establish relationships. When things get rough, we will need to barter more and more. And if civil unrest ever becomes an issue, knowing your neighbors really well goes a long way to preventing unruly behavior. It's much harder to harm someone you know well and have a relationship with. And if they know you're there to help, even better. Another really important idea - establish a homesteading group. I can't tell you how valuable this has been in my own life! Expect a post on this soon so I can update you on how our group has progressed.
• Think in terms of basic needs. Food, clothing, shelter. In my humble opinion, gold (which some are trying to sell you on) won't really be of much value. Even if you have it, will anyone trade you a bushel of vegetables for it? Not if they're really hungry! Learn to grow food. Learn to live with used clothing on occasion and how to mend it. Pay off your house as quickly as possible. If you have a 30 year loan, see if you can go to a 15 and pay a bit more each month - while you have the cash. You might need to cut off the TV to do it (to pay extra on the mortgage), but it really is possible to live without the box.
• Be daring. Try something totally out of your comfort zone and do it for an entire day. For example, turn off all the electricity for 24 hours and see how your family does. Or how about going an entire week without lights! Oh, yeah. That would be a HUGE challenge. Make it a fun game for the younger ones (pretend you're living in another century!) or maybe a team challenge with your teenagers. Divide the family into two groups and see which team folds first!
• Be daring. Try something totally out of your comfort zone and do it for an entire day. For example, turn off all the electricity for 24 hours and see how your family does. Or how about going an entire week without lights! Oh, yeah. That would be a HUGE challenge. Make it a fun game for the younger ones (pretend you're living in another century!) or maybe a team challenge with your teenagers. Divide the family into two groups and see which team folds first!
• Don't panic. Do NOT go out and do a bunch of stuff all at once and get in over your head - either financially, physically, or psychologically. If you bite off too much at once, you'll become overwhelmed and give up entirely. Then you'll be worse off than before! Pace yourself.
Honestly, I think we're in for a slow slide to a more humble existence rather than a sudden collapse. Just my personal thoughts on that, but believe me, I am fully aware that I could be wrong!
Honestly, I think we're in for a slow slide to a more humble existence rather than a sudden collapse. Just my personal thoughts on that, but believe me, I am fully aware that I could be wrong!
Either way, let's say you just slowly prepare... everything you do puts you that much further ahead. And because God tells us that if we're faithful in the small things, He will put us in charge of many things, we know that we just need to look at what He's providing each moment and be content with these things! However, don't squander it either!
Use your resources wisely... invest in homesteading.
Walk humbly.
Trust God.
Give thanks.
He really does own the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10)!
How has the debt crisis actually changed your family's lifestyle for the better?
How are you living differently than you ever thought was possible?
Walk humbly.
Trust God.
Give thanks.
He really does own the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10)!
How has the debt crisis actually changed your family's lifestyle for the better?
How are you living differently than you ever thought was possible?
Ditto
ReplyDeleteWe have our own chickens (have for about 3 yrs now), and recently added to our flock. Now almost 30 hens. We sell bread (which I just learned how to make!), small pies, and eggs in our Road Side Stand. This helps pay for the utilities in our small, modest house on 1/2 an acre. We also expanded our garden this year to half the back yard. I learned how to can a few years ago, and this year I made my first batch of strawberry jam. We're moving back in time to my own childhood where this was normal.
ReplyDeleteExcellent thoughts on a very serious subject. I try not to get political on my blog either, but these are things that I am constantly thinking about and trying to prepare for. Great tips!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, 100%. We have been trying to prepare...but our steep decline in income because of the economy has made it difficult to buy what we need NOW, much less what we need for an emergency. Buying slowly is the right way to go, for sure.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your blog! It's very helpful and inspiring.
Great post Amy. My thinking is exactly as yours is and we have been preparing slowly, without debt and being mindful of our spending. I am looking forward to reading more about your homesteading group!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could tell you that you are wrong. Sadly, that's not the case. A storm is coming to America and I think many will be washed away in the hard rain. It's why we doing what we can now - learning to grown our own food, understanding how to preserve it, becoming more self-sufficient. I am lucky to have been raised by grandparents who lived through the Great Depression and passed their skills and knowledge down to me.
ReplyDeleteIt's never too late to get started.
We have not done nearly enough, but could not agree with you more!
ReplyDeleteWhat GREAT points you make!! If people would be willing to live more simply they would probably be happier. AND the food tastes better when you've grown or gathered it yourself.
ReplyDeleteI must say this was a very well written posting. My family has been watching the national debt and all that it will/can bring with it for several years. We live very humbly and on a tight budget by choice. I am pleased to say (with all credit going to the Lord) that we are debt free. Keep up the good articles!
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how much I enjoyed this post! We have been "seeing" the same things for a time now and have been trying to prepare as best we can. Sometimes I let my mind wander to the "what ifs" and I try and figure out what I would do in those cases. It makes me feel as if I am just a little more prepared if I have a plan for the worst. We are paying off all debt (unfortunately we have a bunch), living BELOW our means, learning how to do things without modern conveniences, etc. It isn't the easiest thing in the world because I like my modern conveniences (well, most of them)but there may come a time when they no longer exist and life will have to go on. Thank you for reminding all of us how real this really is.
ReplyDeleteExcellent summary of what is going on and what ANYONE can do about it. People keep looking for some massive solution that will "fix it". They miss the fact that there is nothing that any of us can do - we're in a fatally flawed system and we're all going along for a ride. We can't fix the system, but we can fix our own lives. Change what you can and don't worry about the rest.
ReplyDeleteAgain, excellent article. Thank you.
I've been a follower of yours for quite a while, but don't usually comment. However, I have to tell you that I agree with this post 100%! I just wish more people would wake up and look around them before it's too late. So many seem to be in denial.
ReplyDeleteThis year, my hubby (of 40 years) and I planted and harvested our first garden, and we used heirloom seeds. We've also added chickens to our "family", and learned how to can using a pressure cooker. Friends and family think we're crazy--we call it learning to be more independent.
Thanks for the helpful info provided through your blog :)
This is such a great post...we can't keep living in the dark.
ReplyDeleteWe have been planting more edibles...Chris has raelly taken an interest in growing food this past year. He's even talked about trying to dig a well here on our suburban lot. There are houses 2 blocks over that have wells because of the size of their property...so we figure we might have water available, as well.
As far as our financial crisis with the business? It was a slow process and then one day we realized, uh oh, this is serious. It has been invaluable for us...we have learned SO MUCH during this time. I believe it's what God used to get our attention to the importance of self-reliance. He had given me this scripture about a year before...and then one day it all made sense.
11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. -1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Wonderful post, Amy! In addition to what we already do, I'm looking into becoming an herbalist. Even if it's just on a small scale. :)
ReplyDeleteI was just telling a friend yesterday that if the economy did collapse and stores closed down, how would I know how to heal my family of sicknesses without over the counter medicines? It's just one more small way to become more self reliant.
Even if the economy doesn't completely go ca-put in my lifetime, it may in my children's or grandchildren's and I want to have the knowledge to pass on to them so that they are better off.
My next goal is to learn how to effectively save seed.
I agree with you completely. We have invested in planting fruit trees, berry bushes, solar fencing. I picked up a second pressure canner, collect jars from anyone giving them away and started networking with local farmers and fellow homesteaders to barter. For example, my beans did not come up because of the funky weather but my potatoes are fabulous so I traded potatoes for beans from a farmer with extra. Another homesteader is going in with a turkey order. If we combine our orders we get a cheaper price per turkey poult. It's little things. Learning how to make something yourself. I don't buy soap, laundry detergent, salves or lotions. I'm learning how to sew. For some reason I can't bake bread to save my life, even with a breadmaker---so I'll be trading for that too! I also agree that it will be good for us...just like medicine it doesn't taste good going down but it will make us better!
ReplyDeleteEverything seems to be labeled "crisis" nowadays. Honestly, watch the news tonight and count how many times the word "crisis" is used. If turned into a drinking game, I believe one would be drunk by the time the sports segment rolled around.
ReplyDeleteI was raised to always be prepared and able to rely on myself. It makes sense in "crisis" times or otherwise. I don't ever intend to be a burden on anyone; but am fully prepared to help take on someone else's burden (within reason) until they are able. Further, having control of my life does lend a true peace to my demeanor.
If constant talk of a "crisis" affects you, then it's time to unplug and focus on what really matters to you and yours. I prefer to be a Foghorn Leghorn rather than a Henny Penny.
LOL... I'm a cross breed... A Foghorn Penny!
DeleteWe're raising our own meat (beef, pork, lamb, chickens, and eggs) and some veggies too. Didn't set out to build a self-sustaining farm but I am glad we could get by if we had to, with God's help, of course.
ReplyDeleteI am totally on the same page as you. Because my husband's business basically collapsed in late 2008, we haven't had money to do a lot, but I have been doing little things at a time for awhile now, and it has really gone a long way! This time has really taught me how we can live on so much less than most Americans think we can. We have started raising chickens, ducks, and pigs. We acquired (free!) two males goats and two female goats to breed, so we can have milk. I have learned to garden and every year I expand it. This year, I have put in several berry plants (strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry), and will continue to do that until I have a large berry patch. I've also been stocking my pantry and have a LOT stored now. I purchased a pressure canner and will be learning to can this summer. Next I am going to start a medicinal herb garden, and learn more about natural healing with herbs. We are looking at building a barn, and also growing our own feed. I am really having a lot of fun with it all! Great post!
ReplyDeleteIt takes a bit of courage to speak the truth like this. I appreciate it. I read an article yesterday suggesting we may be headed for a "modern depression." I have commented to family and friends occasionally over the past few months that I think things are going to get seriously bad. I've been told that I am too negative. But in the meantime I am canning some food to store and cutting back on expenses and getting rid of a lot of "stuff." Thank you for your wonderful blog and comments.
ReplyDeleteWell written post. I too have been experiencing the same trepidations. About 3 years ago, right as the housing bubble popped, I felt the need to get our family out of debt. We were living the typical American lifestyle. Spending way, way more than we made. Through much praying, belt cinching, giving up luxuries, and couponing like no tomorrow we dug our way out of debt (to the tune of $40k)in the space of 1 1/2 years. There were no movies, eating out at expensive restaurants, vacations etc. until we had achieved our goal.
ReplyDeleteAbout 6 months ago while mowing our yard (instead of hiring it done) I had this bible story pop in my head like a vengeance. It was about Joseph and the reading of the dreams of the pharoah. I just kept having this sentence stuck in my head, repeating itself. In the 7 years of plenty, prepare for the 7 years of famine. I truely believe that this was a message from our Lord to begin preparing.
So I have been researching and learning how to be more self sufficent. I have started gardening. (Boy has that been a huge learning curve)Truthfully folks, don't think you can magically start growing your own food quickly if things get tough. It is hard work and you need to start NOW learning how to. I also started canning. I watch for sales on staples, like rice, beans, and have been stocking up my pantry.
I have been trying to learn new skills (well old ones that we have forgotten). Making bread, candle making, soap making, basket weaving, sewing. I hope to soon start trying to learn more about herbs and medicines using them.
I didn't mean to write so much. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I do hope that more people will wake up and start becoming more self sufficent.
God Bless!
your story is really an encouraging testimony! Do you talk about your learning curve in a blog or something?
DeleteI agree on how growing your own is not magical! It's a lot of work I'd say especially because our parents didn't learn those skills from their parents, or didn't pass it down.. So we have to learn from books, internet, videos, there is no one to SHOW us and give us the obvious little tips that take a couple seconds to demonstrate but pages and pages to describe.
cindy B your comment blew me away...it confirms to me that God is really doing something.... a bout 5 years ago i kept having that same scripture going over and over in my head..i couldn't figure out what exactly God was telling me(LOL poor God having to deal with me ) anyways Gid led our family to buy a farm start gardening,get chooks,we recently purchased a few sheep ,we got ferrets for rabbiting..we have been living here almost 4 years now and i finally realized what the Lord was saying about preparing for the lean times and made a litlle webpage http://farmgirl67.blogspot.com.au/p/pantry-of-provisions.html with in my blog talking about it...reading this today is just another confirmation that the Lord is taking care of us...I am reading more and more the things that I am hearing God say to me he is saying to many others
DeleteI respect you so much, but I really disagree with this post. Yes, we have debt and it is scary, but we did go to war. One very unncessary war if you ask me.
ReplyDeleteBut what bothers me about preppers and people who live the 'back to the past' lifestyle is this. Are they even living in reality ? The past was not rosy, just visit an old cemetery and see the number of children buried. People died. Due to preventable diseases, unclean water, diseases like TB, child birth, the lack of antibiotics and so on. Obviously people are missing the lessons of history if they think modern medicine and mortality rates increase are not linked.
In case of people living a sustainable and self sufficent lifestyle like the pioneers, they did not have the luxury of going to the nearest grocery store and buying pasteurized eggs, milk or meat raised even in a factory environment in case there was a tornado, their garden did not produce for the winter, their animals and poultry died and so on. They would have starved if their crops or animals died and winter set in and many did.
From the dawn of history God has managed to sustain people through fire, famine, communism, war and natural disasters. The God who made us knows how and when each of us will go. For some of us, it may not be pretty. God did not spare his own son from suffering, so what gives us the assurance that we can protect ourselves from anything ? Eating organic food, a vegan diet, drinking raw milk can only go so far. Health comes from God Almighty.
Please understand I am not saying your lifestyle is not worth it. But when I see Christians operate with fear, hoard and not share their garden produce with food banks, not help their starving neighbor, look down upon food not raised 'properly' when there are billions starving and will gladly eat GMO, factory raised, pasteurized and processed food to stay alive, it is hard not to look at 'prepper' christians and see only fear, not faith. Some people are so over the line by isolating themselves and interpreting the bible, it is ridiculous. I wanted to reiterate it is not you in my opinion. But the question must be asked 'how far is too far ?'
God will sustain his people. And if not, we should look at our eternal home. Because regardless of the way we go, it is to heaven we aspire to isn't it ?
Please excuse any harsh tone of voice. My only excuse is lack of eloquence in getting my point across. But regardless, it is one I feel stronly about and I have read your post about 'what does the bible say about prepping' ?
Thank you for sharing, Chloe. I really don't disagree with you for the most part... I don't want to live in the past, but I do want to learn from it. There are things in the past we did right (as a nation), and things we did wrong. I'm not anti-medicine, anti-grocery store, etc. We are not an island unto ourselves and being "self-sustaining" is really better termed "God sustained". If I HAVE to eat a GMO food, I do (although not my preference).
DeleteThat said, there are FAR more people in this nation who are doing nothing to get ready for lean times (a very biblical concept). My post today was written more for that segment, not the homesteader who is already doing many/all these things.
The worst thing in the world is not death (denying/turning away from God is!) and survival isn't the most important thing in life (of that I'm sure we both agree on, but I wanted you and all my readers to know where I stand on the issue). It would be sinful to be selfish, greedy, and retreat from the world which we are called to minister to. However, I find that most of the people who consider themselves "preppers", are often LIVING examples of kindness... sharing and being neighborly. There are CERTAINLY exceptions and they are usually the louder voices. (We all need to be careful not to assume that those who are loudest represent the majority. )
I'm not sure what part of my post is incorrect or out of line. I'm not encouraging anyone to retreat or be selfish, but rather to be wise and content with a little less. I'm not saying forsake all the new advances in medicine/technology/etc., but I am saying learn some skills that won't require them on a constant basis (rather use medicine/technology/etc for real needs).
We are in a tighter financial situation than we've been in a while (even in my lifetime). And yet, I TOTALLY believe God can use this for our good and His glory! It will be interesting (and even exciting) to see how He chooses to work it out!
I agree with most of what you said. I added a peach tree to our small yard this year, and plan to add blueberry bushes and (hopefully) almonds to our small yard, too.
ReplyDeleteThis is why we're raising children to live within their means, who are repulsed by debt, and who will make biblical choices when voting men into government positions. Someone's got to start and it sure isn't going to be the government - like everything else, it's got to start at home.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post!
Great post- not scary at all, just realistic! We are signing the refinance papers tomorrow that consolidate and reduce the term of our home and HELOC (who in the world thought that one up- what a BAD idea...)we will be debt free in under ten years. I have always canned, kept chickens for the last 20 years, my husband fishes and I know that should the situation arise my husband would agree to the dairy goat :)
ReplyDeleteI too believe that we will see a slow shift back to families sustaining themselves and the slower pace that comes out of necessity with that lifestyle. I can't wait!!
Wonderful post and I agree!! Very informative. I do not have a garden but am reading up on how to start one :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, Amy. I have such mixed emotions about all of this. The reason is because my husband and I are business owners. I won't go off on a rampage about how we, as business owners, are struggling in such an economy. We all make our choices, and ours was to do what we do. Even though we own businesses, we still do our best to prepare for the future by paying things off sooner (like our home...only 3 more years---yeahhh!) and become self-sufficient in every way that we can. I just love your blog. Thank you for reminding us to ponder our situations and the part that we can play in the economy.
ReplyDeleteAmy,
ReplyDeleteI abosolutely loved this article. I think you're right, and these are important concerns to bring to our attention. For me, personally, a HUGE thing everyone should do is get out of debt completely...everything, except for maybe the house. That will be huge too in the future, especially if the economy gets any worse.
Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather :)
A very interesting post Amy and as you probably know your country is not the only one with a debt crisis. It doesn't take long for a country to slide into debt but when I see the figures of the US debt it is mind boggling and of course it has implications for the global economy. I have no doubt that your country will see a fall in the standard of living. You'll probably notice more imported goods from Asia arrive on your shelves and local manufacturing companies will not be able to compete and close down which of course affects all the other businesses in that town or city as people stop spending. This is what has happened here, so much so we have actually been buying some items we needed to finish our home(such as quality door hardware) out of the States. My husband was buying his tools out of the States which are made in Asia which we are closer to - go figure! Even with shipping it was a fraction of the price of what we could buy here. We can't believe how cheap everything is in the US and how much choice of quality goods you have but how long will that last? I guess some of those changes you might see will be price rises something which has come our way here in Australia very quickly. The price of power is soaring thanks to a carbon tax which is about to be thrust upon us. I understand we have one of the highest electricity prices in the world. Our fuel prices are much higher too. Your country doesn't have a carbon tax yet - watch out for if and when it does come your way, the price of power and everything else will go up very quickly. Big, formerly successful companies here are closing down or moving their operations to Asia. We are concerned about everything we see unfolding (the moral collapse too which seems to go hand in hand with the financial collapse) and are glad that we took steps to buy land and establish food gardens and fruit trees especially those species which will bear fruit for years to come. We regret not investing in solar panels earlier but we have recently starting adding panels to our roof as the rising cost of power is our greatest concern. It's hard not to worry but we serve a Sovereign God who promises that if we walk in His statutes and keep His commandments and perform them that our land will yield its produce and it will be an ongoing supply (Leviticus 26 3-5) For the land to yield produce it needs to be planted, so this is our priority right now - to make the very best use of the land that we have and the blessing of being able to grow food all year round thanks to our climate.
ReplyDeleteAnn,
DeleteThank you so much for sharing your perspective from another viewpoint! And WOW... I did not realize that your economy was so tight (although I knew almost ALL the countries are experiencing a squeeze financially). Things vary here from state to state and I'm sitting in California which has one of the highest costs of living for the U.S., so others here may feel the pinch less than I do. We have enjoyed a long period of affordable prices, but I do suspect that the rise in those prices will increase exponentially in the future. I take great comfort knowing that God is in control and that if we do go through a tough period, it is part of His divine plan... perhaps to wake us up to the moral collapse you mentioned!
Amy, in your post you said we need to obey God. Just wondering what that means? Can you define your terms, and tell me HOW we obey God? I always hear the church telling me what to do, but never telling me HOW to do this.
ReplyDeleteblessings,
rett
Hi Rett,
DeleteThanks for asking a great question! It sounds like you're saying you hear the phrase "obey God" a lot, but not a lot of teaching on the subject. Hope I'm understanding you correctly. Assuming I have it right, here's what I mean...
God's Word contains many imperatives throughout, such as "Be ye kind" or "Do not lie". Obviously that means we need to be kind to those we come into contact daily (including our family members) and we need to not lie to anyone. So How would you obey that? By doing ACTS of kindness (things the other persone perceives as kindess) and telling the truth. Sometimes it's easier to think of the opposite (like I just mentioned).
If the Bible says to be humble, than think of the opposite... pride. So to be humble would mean to not be prideful. I'm WAY oversimplifying this and I don't mean to insult anyone by doing that, but my point is to encourage you to think through by considering what the command really means and doesn't mean. Then act upon what you know to be true. And as you read God's Word on a daily basis and as you pray, you'll find more and more things He desires for us to obey. As you do, take note and practice what He says.
My point for including it in the post is because we can not expect God to bless us if we aren't obeying Him in the things he's shown us. Sometimes He will anyway because of His grace and mercy, but we certainly shouldn't expect it. A good scripture regarding this is 2 Chronicles 7:14 "and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land." To turn from wickedness (sin) is to turn towards obedience (doing what you know God is telling you in Scripture).
None of us obey completely. That is why He sent His Son to die for us. And it's why He called us to ask for forgiveness regularly "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)
I'm not sure what your church is telling you to do, but it should only be those things commanded in scripture. How that looks on a daily basis can sometimes be harder to discern. For example, women should dress modestly. What's modestly? Well, that's when one needs to search the scriptures and read every passage on modestly you can find, listen to various Bible teachers teach on it, pray, and listen to the Holy Spirit's leading. If you are truly desiring to obey God, He will help you to discern what true modesty should look like. (Again, this is just an example).
I hope that helps, but if I've misunderstood, please feel free to add a few specifics to clarify. You can also email me (see the right sidebar about half way down).
I agree with your post 100%. Over the past 3-4 years we have tried to do alot of what you posted. Raising chickens now for 2 1/2 years, bigger and bigger gardens, dehydrating and freezing, spending less, no vacations, and so much more. Thanks for the very informative post.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Diane
Great post. We're going to try to homestead. Here's hoping.
ReplyDeleteI'm already seeing it in our family budget. Are you? Definitely. Been seeing it in the economy for a few years now.
Thanks again for your post.
I know that all that happens is in our best interest. Even things that seem negative serve a purpose in our lives. Kudos to you for recognizing and sharing that view. We're all in this together! Let's start bartering! ;0)
ReplyDeleteI've been doing urban homesteading since before it was called that. We've made a lot of changes over the last several years, in terms of frugality, paying off debt, starting a serious pantry. While I would love to move to a more rural area, we are here right now, so that's the way it is. I think we're in for some kind of crash, again, maybe in banking and/or the continued de-valuation of the U.S. dollar. China has been dumping millions of U.S. currency and I don't think they're done. Being a spiritual, not religious person, I do believe what some of us will be witnesses. It may get ugly too, as many are "sheeple" and never look at the bigger picture...
ReplyDeleteThanks for using your voice to educate others.There are many people who are not aware as they should be on current/world events.
ReplyDeleteI firmly believe that all good will come from this, although the path to get there may be difficult.
God Bless & Keep up the good work!
Thank you, this was a beautiful post. You are right, the signs are there, we are to know the seasons! Thank you for your Godly wisdom and council regarding matters of survival!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post. I am a widow and I was laid off at the end of 2008. I'm not old enough for Social Security but I do get widow's benefits -- and I can't find a job though I've looked. I have never shared this openly online before, but felt it puts my comments into perspective considering your post.
ReplyDeleteI am living proof that God continues to provide as I have learned to live on a drastically reduced income. I used to easily spend $500 a month for groceries and dinners out-- now I have less than 1/4 of that for groceries -- even paper goods. All the things I did for fun years ago -- baking bread, quilting blankets, sewing clothes -- now I do from necessity ... and I'm having a grand time. Really. Last Christmas I made all the gifts for the grandchildren from scraps I already had in my sewing room. God is amazing. He gave me ideas for great gifts -- not just things that looked like a poor woman made them.
I am selling off things that I don't need -- like old vases and extra luggage, and I'm learning how to garden. It is hard. I jump for joy over every little tomato bud and can't wait to begin to harvest beans and peppers and tomatoes. I'm learning how to fight gophers and use muscles I didn't know I had. I'm thankful for all the old-fashioned things I did as hobbies for years, because now those skills are helping me live abundantly, yet simply. It's amazing how fun a trip to the library can be. And I hope to soon learn how to make cheese.
Didn't mean for this comment to be so long . . . but I wouldn't trade the things I've learned to enjoy these last 3 years to go back to a larger income. And I am very thankful for a deeper relationship with God -- who is an awesome Provider. I still tithe on everything I earn, and God is faithful to make the dimes leftover stretch farther than I ever imagined possible. I appreciate the courage it took to write your post, and I love the way you are respectful to those who don't agree.
I'm thankful to have found your blog about a month ago. Blessings on all your words.
Leslie, your comment brought tears to my eyes! Tears of JOY!! God IS good!! I can't tell you what it does to my soul to hear a testimony like yours... THANK YOU for sharing so openly!
DeleteThank-you for your post. I totally agree with you. As a family, we are making "cutting " back a sort of game. We regularly talk things over as a family at the evening dinner table. Making this a family affair has brought great eagerness from the little ones, and even our 30 yr. old daughter who is now living with us, along with our two beautiful grandsons.Yes, things are tight, and yes, a little crowded. But we are experiencing a family bond that my grandparents had years ago during the Great Depression. Families pulled together, and learned to sacrifice in order to help each other. We are enjoying being together in the kitchen. We make a menu of frugal meals, and watch the electric use. We recently gave up cable T.V. and opt for the library.We have a set night for family worship, and the little ones play so hard, with no T.V. to waste away their little minds. Grampa is teaching them about gardening, and the chickens. What a delight it is when they collect the eggs.Cutting back is not going backwards. It is a blessing, for we are being forced to live the way God intended for us. It is the best life, with many rewards....Family!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! My husband and I moved to our little farm last year and are returning to our 'roots' so to speak. We both grew up farming and the Lord has blessed us to be able to start up again. I agree, we need to be prepared, but still trust in God. I know my faith is so much stronger in hard times than in good. So I think it's safe to say that America needs some hard times! Thanks for all your work. I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteLove this post!! We are beginners just starting out-but we just got 3 chickens, did our first beautiful organic garden, started a compost and my hubby just bought his first beehive!! That's a lot in one year. We also try to be frugal, paying extra on the mortgage, having no cable or landlines and no other debt but house debt. But we can also do better. You are such an inspiration!! I always enjoy reading your blog. :-)
ReplyDeleteI can't think of a more timely and appropriate post. You are empowering, motivating, and blessing without causing undo stress. I agree with you completely and thank you so much for encouraging others to live with less and be more self sufficient; something almost unheard of in America today. Good job you!
ReplyDeleteKris in Co.
It is very sad that as a nation we have stopped doing for ourselves and providing our own food. What good to you is a lush lawn and neighborhood association if for some reason food hasn't made it's way to your grocery store? Please, don't think it can't happen here. In the midwest our fall fruits have been nearly wiped out by a freeze that hit after trees were in bloom. If something were to happen to our supply of gasoline and other petroleum based products for an extended length of time, a whole lot of people would go hungry. I'm not talking missing a few meals hungry, but true famine hungry. Famines have hit the world many, many times, regardless of faith in God. I was taught that He helps those who help themselves. This means getting dirty and providing your own food. It is not selfish to build your pantry and your skills for lean times, your responsibility is to your own children first, then help your neighbors (and expect them to contribute in some way).
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice and thank you so much for posting this. Yes as Christians we can see clearly what is ahead of us. We all need to turn to our homes, and our families and to grow everything we can. And store too, wheat, rice, beans, seeds, and keep learning. Yes we have had hard times, in fact harder than ever before. But we have learned so many valuable skills and now we eat so much differently than ever before. Our God is sufficient to supply all our needs Amen!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Amy! We are doing our best to cutback and save, and even though we make over twice as much as the median income here and both have great jobs, it amazes me sometimes how hard it is to save! One of our big expenses is and I think will be for a lot of folks: healthcare. We were in a terrible car accident in November and I suffered a broken leg. Thankfully I was able to choose not to have surgery, and we have great health insurance, but the costs are still high. We pay several hundred a month still for physical therapy and massage. I did acupuncture too and it helped so much. Rehabilitation is a long process. But my leg is all healed up now, walking great and without surgery! My point being is that you never know what will come your way and modern medicine isn't getting any cheaper.....
ReplyDeleteAnyway, really enjoyed your post and am trying to prepare a little more each year!
I did a post on my blog and called it Home Economics. It goes into the specifics of what got us here in the first place and how my family is coping. I am of the consensus that until we learn to sustain ourselves as a community the general public will be unprepared for a new way of living when it is a necessity and not a pastime.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the wonderful articles. I just hope we aren't preaching to the choir. So many are blissfully unaware of what is happening and what looms around the corner.
I agree with almost everything you wrote..... here's where I disagree:
ReplyDeletewhy worry about paying off your house at all? A true economic collapse(whether slow or fast) means the "rules have changed". Paying off your credit cards, cars, and house to be debt free is an older model of thinking. If currency is devalued and the economy has tanked then the house you live in is yours to protect(what you owe on it means nothing). Get it? Nothing at all! all you have right now is yours free and clear. Best solution is to stock up now while the dollar is still worth something and when it all falls apart, you protect it. Thats the ONLY way!! so if you're still lucky enough to have credit, then use ALL of it to prep NOW! buy your chickens, your goats, your water purification, your ammo all on credit!
Cheryl, I would have to respectfully disagree with your line of thinking. In my opinion, buying on credit with the intention of not paying it back is no different that shoplifting...it is stealing, which is morally wrong whether or not you are a believer in God, & its not just large corporations that are hurt, its all of us. Its probably a similar thinking that has led our government to overspend to such overwhelming proportions, with complete disregard to how it effects all of us citizens. This mentality of using credit & then not paying the debt off, claiming bankrupcy multiple times in order to clear the debt, or walking away from a home because more is owed than it is worth are all huge contributors to our current economic crisis. Now, if we had a catastrophic & sudden collapse, then there may not be a system to receive our mortgage & credit card payments, but at that point there would also not be any sort of credit system to rack up more debt. Certainly I can see where you may end up better prepared in terms of material supplies, livestock, & protection than the rest of us by taking your approach, but what sort of an example does it set for children/future generations? Our time on earth is short...preparedness to protect ourselves & our families is certainly important, but it should not overshadow the importance of living responsibly & morally as we prepare for life after death...peace & blessings to you & yours.
DeleteOh, this is so needed, Amy--we really need to be thinking of how to become more self sufficient without relying on the government for anything because it will crash if it continues on the path it's own--it's just simple math.
ReplyDeleteNow, that they have passed this health care mess--we have to take charge of our own health more too because "Big Brother" can't afford to care for everyone and rationing is inevitable in the long run.
I loved your point about not living for just today--Americans have done that far to long--we must live with the long term in view.
Thanks for a great post--will be linking to it today.
My view of the future of the US is much the same. Whether we fall off a cliff into a sudden crisis or slide into a lower standard of living could be debated and isn't just an either/or argument, I would suggest the slide has already begun and that sudden drops will happen.
ReplyDeleteAs for a sudden crisis, the one that comes to mind is when the dollar loses reserve currency status. I think there are certain to be some sudden drops in that process.
I'm also optimistic about the future, but the future will likely look a lot different than the past in many ways.
Luke
Great post, Amy! Wish all believers would read it and take it to heart. I guess that gives some of us an opportunity to make sure we have extra to share with others who aren't prepared as well.
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