Have you read 1984?

Several months ago I was reminded of a book written in the 1940s entitled 1984. For years I've had a slightly nagging desire to read the book. Apparently, some people read it in school. Upon searching it out I found a 1956 movie based on the book. Admittedly, I have not read the book, but the movie was interesting enough and supposedly it is quite close to the book. Below is some information about 1984 as well as a video about some of the comparisons of 1984 to...well... 2015.

“In a time of universal deceit - telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”

-George Orwell (Author of 1984)

Watch film version of 1984 free online

“1984 is a 1948 dystopian fiction written by George Orwell (Eric Arthur Blair), about a society ruled by an oligarchical dictatorship. The Oceanian province of Airstrip One is a world of perpetual war, pervasive government surveillance, and incessant public mind control. Oceania is ruled by a political party called simply The Party. The individual is always subordinated to the state, and it is in part this philosophy which allows the Party to manipulate and control humanity. In the Ministry of Truth, protagonist Winston Smith is a civil servant responsible for perpetuating the Party's propaganda by revising historical records to render the Party omniscient and always correct, yet his meager existence disillusions him to the point of seeking rebellion against Big Brother.

Many people often draw parallels between our modern reality and Orwell's
vision.”

Can I Really Enjoy Simple Living?

Hello! It's been tough for me to sit down and write. So much on my mind and so many goals to reach. I really didn't intend for this blog to be consistently about heavy topics, but weighty matters are burdening my heart right now. I'm not fearful, but I am concerned about all of you out there. I trust God implicitly; I've known Him for a long time and He is faithful. I just feel that I have to share what's on my heart. Hopefully by now you know I have to keep it real.

It’s been over six years since I began composing my original Enjoy Simple Living website which has recently been converted to this blog. My desire was to draw people closer to our Creator and His ways and to help you get through challenges in order to come out stronger and wiser on the other side. 

I wrote transparently about my struggles with anxiety, marriage, parenting, stress, and my relationship with God and life in general. I had an inward sense that life and the world was getting too complicated, unnatural, entrapping. I yearned desperately to enjoy a simple life. 

I have learned, and continue to learn, much since then. The world has gotten drastically more complicated as well. Big things are happening. I can see it. People all over are talking about it and experiencing it. There are people in power who have figured out that if they can convince and program us to believe that freedom is dangerous, we will gladly give it up and embrace or go along with giving them worldwide control. 

Does that mean we should give up on simple living? I don't think so because I believe it is the way we were intended to live. It is the path down which God has led our family. We need to be productive, close to nature, quiet, and simple.

Just as I watched as the water gushed forth from our newly drilled well, my heart wells up with gratefulness, humility, and joy when I think of God's provision and greatness. It is through learning to trust Him during many years of my own gut-wrenching trials that I say that.

I may often use the term "hard times". I don't know just what will happen but I've been studying a lot of people who have a pretty good idea. I think we need to prepare. As Joseph stored grain during the seven fruitful years to prepare for the coming seven years of famine and as Noah obeyed the voice of God even though he was scoffed at by unbelievers and had never seen rain, this is the time to get ready. Prepare for a great depression, social instability, war, whatever. Just seek God, research and get prepared as best you can.

The devil doesn't take days off of work. Evil always seeks to triumph and I watch as the deluded masses of people flock to join the apparent victory; to be on the winning team and to learn to love their captors. But they will not taste victory nor freedom. It will be ever-illusive until Jesus returns. Only then will we know peace and freedom. I don't try to change people anymore (in my own strength). But I do try to speak the truth in love. I can't pry someone's eyes open, but God can remove the scales.

Thank you for reading my heart. Please take care and enjoy every beautiful, simple moment; giving glory and honor to our great Creator and loving Father.