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.