I personally don't think G-d calls us to something that requires us to be indebted. I do believe He allows debt, though. I was determined to be debt free by the age of 40. Interest rates weren't bad then, so when one of my daughters needed a different car, we did some rearranging, and I ended up "sort of" selling her my car . . . and buying myself a different car. The interest rate on the loan was actually lower than the interest rate I was earning on my CDs, so I went ahead with the loan, knowing the money was, literally, in the bank. I tried to convince myself, it was an investment in interest, rather than debt, but I wasn't very convincing.
If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't . . . for a number of reasons. So, G-d did allow me to learn from that loan. I made five or six payments and just paid it off instead of carrying the loan. Even with the money in the bank, a payment just felt like a burden. The fractional difference in the interest rate wasn't worth it to me. I'm usually pretty savvy when it comes to figuring and investing, but money isn't really a priority. I don't want money to be a priority. I don't want to waste it, and I want to invest wisely, but it's only a tool for my real priorities.
One of those priorities has been to establish a place for remnant believers to live and share in a simple community setting. Hopefully I'll be fully off grid before "they" take the grid, but until then, I am making plans that folks won't have to go in debt to live off the land. When YHWH first began leading me to this plan, I didn't live in this area, but I heard Him specifically, when I was on a ministry trip in the Ozarks. I frequently think of what I heard that week-end, and smile as I consider how truly clueless I was when I first heard Him speak of this.
As the worldly economies merge into one, the buying and selling will eventually become a matter of of eternal consequence. I truly believe it's becoming very risky to consider debt. The book of Proverbs contains a very clear statement regarding debt. The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. 22:7 As the economy becomes global, we have no idea whose hands will hold the mortgages. The vision I've seen and shared with some, I'm sharing now sharing here. My home, the Tabernacle, the garden spots, the orchard, an the milking parlor are centrally located on the land. The chicken houses are just beyond that to the south and to the west. Blackberries line the lane to the north, and part of the west boundary, with fruit trees having been planted on the west boundary as well. There are four fenced pastures on the place, four pens, a pond, and a vineyard is planned for the south boundary.
It's taken some time to develop this, because it's been done without debt. Fences aren't cheap, and neither are out buildings, although I did get a real bargain on goat sheds. For those who are called to be a part of this, it will only be a matter of obtaining some sort of shelter, running a water line from the well, and sharing the electricity and internet service costs, while we have them. I know there are several of these being organized throughout the country, already. It is my belief, that this will be the remnant's alternative to "smart cities."
I've included a link to a video one of our steadfast contributors made a few months ago on this same subject.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyF3faeS9JE
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Sunday, June 22, 2014
When I'm Wrong, I Say I'm Wrong
I've always said I don't plan to retire, because I can't find retirement in Scripture, but I am wrong! The High Priests "retired" after 25 years, with what would equate to a "pension," provision. Although they were still "on duty" to train the younger ones, their duties definitely changed and were reduced. From a purely physical perspective, I know animal processing becomes more difficult as I age. I'm not making sacrifices and I'm not laying claim to High Priest duties, I'm just talking about the physical labor of processing livestock.
As it turns out, I did find a retirement of sorts, for women, and it's generalized for us. Most agree that motherhood is calling, a career, the most important job a woman can have. The book of Titus refers to the older women training the younger ones, but just as in the case of the High Priest, the duties change. I've heard it said, many times that grandmas aren't fit to raise kids, because we're indulgent; and we are. The truth of the matter is, once a woman is physically past child bearing age, primary child care is and should be in retirement. We are to offer assistance to the younger generation, and of course spend quality time with the little ones.
In times past it was only in rare cases of death or illness that child raising was left in the hands of grandmas or the older women, but our society has virtually changed that. There are a number of good "G-d-fearing grandmas" that are raising the grandchildren. Many women who run day care centers are well past the years of child-bearing. Paul included in one of his letters that the older women were to be cared for . . .
Having come to YHWH when my youngest child was in their last year of High School, I didn't raise my kids with the values I have now, and I wish I had. I was working through their childhood and now I realize the benefit of what I could have offered them, had I known. I believe this is the opportunity for many of us women to turn the ERA back on it's ear and if we can't reverse the trend, we can arrest it! We "jounreyman mothers" can teach the grandchildren what we wished we'd have taught their parents, but we have to make sure we don't over ride the Fifth Commandment in doing that!
So, I stand corrected regarding Scriptural retirement. High Priests and mamas do retire, but we don't stop helping the younger ones until our numbered day is accomplished. I firmly believe, if we do this according to Torah, we will provided a "pension."
As it turns out, I did find a retirement of sorts, for women, and it's generalized for us. Most agree that motherhood is calling, a career, the most important job a woman can have. The book of Titus refers to the older women training the younger ones, but just as in the case of the High Priest, the duties change. I've heard it said, many times that grandmas aren't fit to raise kids, because we're indulgent; and we are. The truth of the matter is, once a woman is physically past child bearing age, primary child care is and should be in retirement. We are to offer assistance to the younger generation, and of course spend quality time with the little ones.
In times past it was only in rare cases of death or illness that child raising was left in the hands of grandmas or the older women, but our society has virtually changed that. There are a number of good "G-d-fearing grandmas" that are raising the grandchildren. Many women who run day care centers are well past the years of child-bearing. Paul included in one of his letters that the older women were to be cared for . . .
Having come to YHWH when my youngest child was in their last year of High School, I didn't raise my kids with the values I have now, and I wish I had. I was working through their childhood and now I realize the benefit of what I could have offered them, had I known. I believe this is the opportunity for many of us women to turn the ERA back on it's ear and if we can't reverse the trend, we can arrest it! We "jounreyman mothers" can teach the grandchildren what we wished we'd have taught their parents, but we have to make sure we don't over ride the Fifth Commandment in doing that!
So, I stand corrected regarding Scriptural retirement. High Priests and mamas do retire, but we don't stop helping the younger ones until our numbered day is accomplished. I firmly believe, if we do this according to Torah, we will provided a "pension."
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Truly Economical
One thing I've truly enjoyed learning about our Heavenly Father is how economical He is. Oh, I love everything I've learned about Him, but I hadn't really considered His practical side before He moved me to this lifestyle. He's blessed me immeasurably for a number of years. Truth be told, He blessed me with much mercy before I even came to Him. The fact that I was given the opportunity to come to Him when I did proves His mercy and grace. But G-d commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Messiah died for us. Romans 5:8
The Creator of the universe does have a practical side and He gets "a lot of mileage" out of one move. I'm proving my point this week, in the number of references to the herd management. It's really a simple lifestyle to maintain. I'd come to appreciate the perpetuity of an agricultural lifestyle. Since He told me to prepare practically, in just two months, I'm already seeing increase!
I'm actually feeling sorry for those who are just trying to get G-d to bless their dollars. It dollars are part of His equation for us, they are secondary or even incidental. This past week, I was given a great example of how a blessing in dollars did fit, but it was long after everything else had fallen into place. I'm sure everyone is getting tired of my goat stories, but herds and flocks have an economic value all through Scripture. It's only in recent history that livestock have become more valued for the dollar than their many purposes of provision. Yet I digress . . .
In preparing practically, I prayed about the buck situation. Mixing the goat breeds is not against Scripture, so in Jacob style, I want to breed the strongest and most efficient herd. Since I see real potential in three of the does my two year old buck threw, as well as a very nice buck, I realized the herd would soon need some new blood. YHWH showed me a very simple way to continue the herd without inbreeding, while still maintaining the blood lines I'm aiming for. Our Creator is really smart! So the old bucks went on craigslist.
Several of my goats sold through craigslist, but Jed just didn't move. The prices must have been good, because no one even tried to negotiate. Those goats just sold in bunches, all but Jed. He stayed on craigslist for the month, so when the monthly goat auction rolled around, he went there. Interestingly, he sold for nearly $50.00 more than I was asking on craigslist. The electric bill came the same day the check came from the auction barn. With the commission already taken out, and after the tithe was figured, it was still more than enough to pay the light bill.
I was aiming for obedience in practical preparation. I was also aiming for a good strong herd in keeping the does and young buck. So, Jed was born on the place, to the biggest milk producer I've ever owned. His genetics have been passed on to three does for the herd, as well as a buck that will breed all my new milk goats. I really just needed him off the place and money was not even a consideration. Jed was an easy keeper, easy to handle and obviously his quality was seen at the sale. I'm sure I would have enjoyed the days of barter, but until the electric company wants eggs and milk, I appreciate the fact our Heavenly Father will figure money into the plan when needed.
The Creator of the universe does have a practical side and He gets "a lot of mileage" out of one move. I'm proving my point this week, in the number of references to the herd management. It's really a simple lifestyle to maintain. I'd come to appreciate the perpetuity of an agricultural lifestyle. Since He told me to prepare practically, in just two months, I'm already seeing increase!
I'm actually feeling sorry for those who are just trying to get G-d to bless their dollars. It dollars are part of His equation for us, they are secondary or even incidental. This past week, I was given a great example of how a blessing in dollars did fit, but it was long after everything else had fallen into place. I'm sure everyone is getting tired of my goat stories, but herds and flocks have an economic value all through Scripture. It's only in recent history that livestock have become more valued for the dollar than their many purposes of provision. Yet I digress . . .
In preparing practically, I prayed about the buck situation. Mixing the goat breeds is not against Scripture, so in Jacob style, I want to breed the strongest and most efficient herd. Since I see real potential in three of the does my two year old buck threw, as well as a very nice buck, I realized the herd would soon need some new blood. YHWH showed me a very simple way to continue the herd without inbreeding, while still maintaining the blood lines I'm aiming for. Our Creator is really smart! So the old bucks went on craigslist.
Several of my goats sold through craigslist, but Jed just didn't move. The prices must have been good, because no one even tried to negotiate. Those goats just sold in bunches, all but Jed. He stayed on craigslist for the month, so when the monthly goat auction rolled around, he went there. Interestingly, he sold for nearly $50.00 more than I was asking on craigslist. The electric bill came the same day the check came from the auction barn. With the commission already taken out, and after the tithe was figured, it was still more than enough to pay the light bill.
I was aiming for obedience in practical preparation. I was also aiming for a good strong herd in keeping the does and young buck. So, Jed was born on the place, to the biggest milk producer I've ever owned. His genetics have been passed on to three does for the herd, as well as a buck that will breed all my new milk goats. I really just needed him off the place and money was not even a consideration. Jed was an easy keeper, easy to handle and obviously his quality was seen at the sale. I'm sure I would have enjoyed the days of barter, but until the electric company wants eggs and milk, I appreciate the fact our Heavenly Father will figure money into the plan when needed.
Monday, June 9, 2014
When Money Isn't the Answer
Even with financial pressures on, most Americans are much better off than much of the rest of the world. We tend to truly gauge our comfort by financial measure. We all say we know money can't buy happiness, or health, but we've so parlayed our priorities that we really don't realize how much money we spend without realizing it isn't buying what we want.
As of late, I've seen so many examples of people with a steady flow of more than enough money, but without real priorities. Their money just runs through their fingers, and they simply justify or rationalize their inability to move forward. So, as the money runs through their fingers, they buy "more of the same" that keeps them somewhat entertained and satisfied to reach no goals, but they are not happy. They have plenty of "toys" that quickly mean nothing, and the attempt to fill the void is perpetual.
I've seen another situation as of late, in which two individuals have a great deal of money, don't have to worry about earning it, but they can't buy their health. These two individuals greatly prized their money in their days of health. How sad it is to see that what was so important through so much of their life, now won't buy them any quality of life. Their health is simply too poor for them to enjoy life.
There is one bright spot that has come from this economic downturn of recent years. Many of us are simply realizing that our happiness and health doesn't rely on our bank account. We also realized, considering our bank accounts, that's a very good thing! Our Heavenly Father gives something more amazing than happiness, He gives joy. He is also our healer, and His fee is is simple faith and obedience. And He gives something more than money, He supplies our need according to His riches . . .
But my G-d shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Messiah Y'hshuwah.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
A Crazy Question?
It's not really so crazy, but I'm not sure too many of us ever ask ourselves, if we are accomplishing our purpose in life. Have we really ever considered what we truly need to accomplish and maintain our purpose in life? That may include money, relationships, jobs, shelter, hobbies; I can't speak for anyone else. I can't say I've actually arrived at the answer for myself. I'm not suggesting we get down to bare bone poverty, but rather to realize a number of things we don't really consider. First to take the time to acknowledge just how well our Heavenly Father does provide and many extras we truly do enjoy.
Next, to consider our actual purpose in life. We were all created with a specific purpose. How much of what we think we need goes toward that purpose? How much of what we think we need, stumbles or hinders us in our purpose? Again, this isn't just about money and stuff. We can have relationships that work against our purpose. We can certainly have many things that make demands upon our time that we think are necessary or feel obligated. Even employment may actually be keeping us from G-d's bigger plan of provision. I'm not suggesting for a moment that anyone casually quit a job or career. I know when I felt I had to give up my profession for my faith, it was a big decision that was not taken lightly.
It's very easy for me to get too many things going, that rob me of the energy and focus of what I really should be doing. It can be small things, too. Sewing sounds very practical and straight out of Proverbs 31, right? It absolutely is, but; my granddaughters don't like homemade clothes and I've got more clothes than I need, so for now, sewing isn't needed to maintain my purpose. When there is no buying and selling and the communities are gathering, my ability may very well be needed once again. For now, it's on a back burner.
That's another wonderful part about taking inventory of necessities for our purpose. Much of what's needed is knowledge and the willingness to meet a need when YHWH shows us. My expenses, needs, and knowledge are quite different than urban dwellers, and completely in another universe from some. My feed store bill for example is bigger than my grocery bill, but, my chickens and livestock provide most of my groceries, and the money spent on dog food, keeps my dogs healthy and friendly to guard the livestock! My knowledge is spiritual, earthy, and practical, most of which continues to be obtained through Scripture, reference books, research, and learning as I go.
To work from the homestead, I need a good computer and sound internet service. My computer is by most standards, a dinosaur, but it works and I know how to work it! (smile) Due to my location, internet service is not abundant or unlimited, therefore I do have to consider my data use in accordance with priorities and purpose. Many need cell phones, I do not, because I hardly ever leave the place. What is necessary for one is not necessary for another.
As I write this, nothing is coming to mind that I need to fulfill my purpose, but plenty is bouncing through that I probably don't need and could actually be hindering me. Most of us truly do have so much more than we need for our purpose in life.
Next, to consider our actual purpose in life. We were all created with a specific purpose. How much of what we think we need goes toward that purpose? How much of what we think we need, stumbles or hinders us in our purpose? Again, this isn't just about money and stuff. We can have relationships that work against our purpose. We can certainly have many things that make demands upon our time that we think are necessary or feel obligated. Even employment may actually be keeping us from G-d's bigger plan of provision. I'm not suggesting for a moment that anyone casually quit a job or career. I know when I felt I had to give up my profession for my faith, it was a big decision that was not taken lightly.
It's very easy for me to get too many things going, that rob me of the energy and focus of what I really should be doing. It can be small things, too. Sewing sounds very practical and straight out of Proverbs 31, right? It absolutely is, but; my granddaughters don't like homemade clothes and I've got more clothes than I need, so for now, sewing isn't needed to maintain my purpose. When there is no buying and selling and the communities are gathering, my ability may very well be needed once again. For now, it's on a back burner.
That's another wonderful part about taking inventory of necessities for our purpose. Much of what's needed is knowledge and the willingness to meet a need when YHWH shows us. My expenses, needs, and knowledge are quite different than urban dwellers, and completely in another universe from some. My feed store bill for example is bigger than my grocery bill, but, my chickens and livestock provide most of my groceries, and the money spent on dog food, keeps my dogs healthy and friendly to guard the livestock! My knowledge is spiritual, earthy, and practical, most of which continues to be obtained through Scripture, reference books, research, and learning as I go.
To work from the homestead, I need a good computer and sound internet service. My computer is by most standards, a dinosaur, but it works and I know how to work it! (smile) Due to my location, internet service is not abundant or unlimited, therefore I do have to consider my data use in accordance with priorities and purpose. Many need cell phones, I do not, because I hardly ever leave the place. What is necessary for one is not necessary for another.
As I write this, nothing is coming to mind that I need to fulfill my purpose, but plenty is bouncing through that I probably don't need and could actually be hindering me. Most of us truly do have so much more than we need for our purpose in life.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
No Selling Out
In the past few months, several people have struggled with business decisions and job circumstances that are disconcerting and even disheartening. While we are being told the economy is strengthening, most of us realize, it's not strengthening for average America, in the practical sense. The cost of groceries, utilities, and gasoline truly leave little for the "extras" we used to enjoy on a fairly regular basis. I don't have a mortgage or pay rent. I don't have a car payment, and I raise most of my own food, and except for the high cost of my foundation garments, I don't spend a great deal on wardrobe. I simply cannot imagine how the average family is surviving in today's economy.
The people who claim to believe how much economic improvement has been brought to America through the present administration are the same ones campaigning to nearly double the minimum wage. Apparently, they don't realize their mass economic confusion. When the majority of the work force is not earning a living wage, it's ludicrous to claim economic recovery. Before I sound like Debbie Downer, let me get on to my actual point.
It truly seems this economic frustration may be the opportunity to launch into an entire new lifestyle. We have been programmed to believe we have to stay on the hamster wheel for our provision. We've been brainwashed into believing that our existence and comfort is dependent upon our income. I'm not suggesting irresponsibility here at all, but rather just stepping out of the mainstream mindset and taking a look from a different perspective. What did Messiah say was important? What did he say we weren't to worry about? I'm not sure any of us truly believe His words to the fullness of the power He promised, myself included; but I received a couple of tests in the past few months that seem to indicate our spiritual well-being is coming into question in the current economic status of this so called recovery.
It seems nearly everyone wants to do business on Saturday. I tell everyone who is calls for products, whether it's soap or eggs, purchases are available from Sunday morning to Friday evening. Invariably, afterward, someone tells me they'll be here Friday, then I get a call or e-mail that evening saying . . . blah, blah, blah, got busy, got side tracked, and I'll be there tomorrow! I've actually lost some sales this year, notable, sizeable sales for my conviction about not doing business on Shabbat. The reality is, I could have "sold out" but it would have been a one time sale, I'm sure; and probably resulted in some sort of odd complaint. I know for a fact, the transaction would not be blessed.
On the other hand, if someone has an unexpected situation and needs a natural health product, or as in one case, milk for an abandoned critter, on Sabbath, I simply give what is needed, without monetary exchange. Never have I gone without for sharing on Shabbat, and most often, I've been blessed with a "check in the mail" later or a return customer on one of the six work days.
As the economy continues to deteriorate for the average American, the people of YHWH have a wonderful opportunity to rid ourselves of the brainwashing and the programming that says He won't meet our needs if we are obedient to His Word. Even science has offered some statistics indicating Sabbath rest improves physical health. It could be, Sabbath rest would improve our fiscal fitness as well.
The people who claim to believe how much economic improvement has been brought to America through the present administration are the same ones campaigning to nearly double the minimum wage. Apparently, they don't realize their mass economic confusion. When the majority of the work force is not earning a living wage, it's ludicrous to claim economic recovery. Before I sound like Debbie Downer, let me get on to my actual point.
It truly seems this economic frustration may be the opportunity to launch into an entire new lifestyle. We have been programmed to believe we have to stay on the hamster wheel for our provision. We've been brainwashed into believing that our existence and comfort is dependent upon our income. I'm not suggesting irresponsibility here at all, but rather just stepping out of the mainstream mindset and taking a look from a different perspective. What did Messiah say was important? What did he say we weren't to worry about? I'm not sure any of us truly believe His words to the fullness of the power He promised, myself included; but I received a couple of tests in the past few months that seem to indicate our spiritual well-being is coming into question in the current economic status of this so called recovery.
It seems nearly everyone wants to do business on Saturday. I tell everyone who is calls for products, whether it's soap or eggs, purchases are available from Sunday morning to Friday evening. Invariably, afterward, someone tells me they'll be here Friday, then I get a call or e-mail that evening saying . . . blah, blah, blah, got busy, got side tracked, and I'll be there tomorrow! I've actually lost some sales this year, notable, sizeable sales for my conviction about not doing business on Shabbat. The reality is, I could have "sold out" but it would have been a one time sale, I'm sure; and probably resulted in some sort of odd complaint. I know for a fact, the transaction would not be blessed.
On the other hand, if someone has an unexpected situation and needs a natural health product, or as in one case, milk for an abandoned critter, on Sabbath, I simply give what is needed, without monetary exchange. Never have I gone without for sharing on Shabbat, and most often, I've been blessed with a "check in the mail" later or a return customer on one of the six work days.
As the economy continues to deteriorate for the average American, the people of YHWH have a wonderful opportunity to rid ourselves of the brainwashing and the programming that says He won't meet our needs if we are obedient to His Word. Even science has offered some statistics indicating Sabbath rest improves physical health. It could be, Sabbath rest would improve our fiscal fitness as well.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Still Sorting
Many of us continue to downsize. I wish I could talk my parents into that concept . . . I am so blessed that my house does not have a basement or an attic. Closets collect enough! I know people who are so disciplined they actually have a regular schedule to sort through drawers and closets. Well, I also have a regular schedule to sort, annually! I am very disciplined in some areas of life, and others, not so much, so I simply cannot have large spaces to collect things I think I might need some day. I already have enough to share. Our possessions are part of our economic "worth" and resources, while our priorities are our economic worth in the kingdom.
I purchase in bulk for my business, and that is kept quite organized. Silver ware drawer, cooking utensils, etc. all have a place and can be found consistently in those places. I have discovered a fact about myself. If I use something regularly, or it has a specific purpose, I am very organized in it's storage. If, on the other hand, I keep something "just in case I might need it," one of two things happen. If and when I do actually need it, I can't remember where I put it; or I happen on to it the next year to determine all over again, why I'm keeping it.
I was cleaning my closet, again, for Passover, and found a number of things to donate. The thrift store and food pantry was moving, though, so I didn't see any reason to take a box for them to have to move, so I tossed these clothes into a large box, and wouldn't you know it, I've managed to toss a few more items in. I think most Americans have duplication in their lives. I saw a great way to clean a closet that I'm thinking about trying. Hang all the hangers reversed on the rod. When you wear an item and return it to the closet, hang the hanger back up the regular way. At the end of a year, donate everything that is still hanging on backward hangars.
I do try to stay within the frame work of a year. If I haven't used or worn something in all four seasons, I probably don't need it, but someone else could use it! Conviction is setting in as I write this. Looks like I've got a couple more places to sort, before that big box goes to the thrift store.
I purchase in bulk for my business, and that is kept quite organized. Silver ware drawer, cooking utensils, etc. all have a place and can be found consistently in those places. I have discovered a fact about myself. If I use something regularly, or it has a specific purpose, I am very organized in it's storage. If, on the other hand, I keep something "just in case I might need it," one of two things happen. If and when I do actually need it, I can't remember where I put it; or I happen on to it the next year to determine all over again, why I'm keeping it.
I was cleaning my closet, again, for Passover, and found a number of things to donate. The thrift store and food pantry was moving, though, so I didn't see any reason to take a box for them to have to move, so I tossed these clothes into a large box, and wouldn't you know it, I've managed to toss a few more items in. I think most Americans have duplication in their lives. I saw a great way to clean a closet that I'm thinking about trying. Hang all the hangers reversed on the rod. When you wear an item and return it to the closet, hang the hanger back up the regular way. At the end of a year, donate everything that is still hanging on backward hangars.
I do try to stay within the frame work of a year. If I haven't used or worn something in all four seasons, I probably don't need it, but someone else could use it! Conviction is setting in as I write this. Looks like I've got a couple more places to sort, before that big box goes to the thrift store.
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