Fear

Why is it that fear holds us back from moving forward? Possibly towards a dream or goal you held in the back of your mind? I'm amazed at how easy it is to put those "buts..... ifs........ becauses or whens" instead of the "I can, I will, or just do its". It must be fear of the unknown.

Here is a picture of our dream! Easily within our means. Something we have always wanted to try. Downsize to 500-600 sq. ft., off the grid, living green, self sufficient as much as possible, with alittle acreage. It would mean virtually selling everything. Fear. What about health insurance for the next 7 years until medicare kicks in? Fear. What about leaving our parents? Fear. How would we pay the taxes? Fear. This little cabin is on 5 wooded acres, it is 478 sq ft. with alittle loft, down in southern Missouri near a lake and national forest. I went in to the bank this morning and a gentleman that works there, our age, asked about a little fixer upper in a small town. They've the desire to be more self sufficient. Living on Soc. Sec. is tough. I invited them over to our house! I have a feeling we aren't out there alone. Fear.............God tells us to fear not, that He will strenghten us. But that first step is so hard. Oh, we of so little faith. I believe the door will open wide if this is our path. Should be an adventure if nothing else!!

Reading

When I am done reading a book from the library I usually try to remember to put my initials along side the due date on the inside cover. That way I won't check it out again because I forgot I had already read it. I'm not the only one that does this! When I first saw all the initials I had to ask our librarian what they were for! I should make a list of all the books that I read in a year so that I can remember where I've been. They say you are what you read! I wonder what people would think of me by the books I read! My taste in reading is like music. I love any kind of music and the same way with reading material. Probably a bad habit for me is that if the book hasn't gotten my interest in the first few chapters I am not going to finish it. Some material probably does get better the farther in the book. The book pictured above is a must read. Good short story book. Think I'll swing by the library on the way home and find something to read over the weekend. Library use has declined in the same way letter writing has. This weekend I am going to hand write some letters! You know, "mail". Stay warm.

A Resolve

Early 20th-century New Year's resolution postcard

Wouldn't it be awesome if the resolutions being made today followed those mentioned above on the postcard? Or better yet the definition in Merriam-Webster's dictionary: the act or process of reducing to a simpler form. Personally, I don't like to make resolutions at the beginning of a new year. I think I read of a study that said 52% of people were confident they would accomplish their resolution but only 12% of them actually did. Maybe that is why I don't make them! LaVern and I have a great desire to simplify and become more self sufficient. We just aren't sure where yet! Waiting for that call.......

Poudre Canyon, Colorado

Christmas 2008! What Joy!! Had a blast, campground was wonderful, snow was wonderful, snow shoeing was the ultimate. Can't wait to go up again!