A Change in Mindset
Boy howdy have the past several years been something else. With all the craziness though, I’ve found a lot to be thankful for. People have become more aware and started questioning things, rather than taking everything they are told at face value.
In my heart, I praise the Lord for this change in mindset. I hate that so much hardship, hatred, and loss have driven people to this place. I also know sometimes, that’s what it takes. I’d rather not count the times our Father has had to figuratively drag me, kicking and screaming toward some blessing I didn’t understand. The times HE has opened my eyes to something I didn’t really want to see, or my ears to something I definitely didn’t want to hear.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
This verse doesn’t mean HE won’t give us more than we can handle. As a matter of fact, HE often overloads us so that we will continue to lean on Him. Rather, HE promises we will not be tempted beyond what we can handle and that HE’ll provide a getaway.
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Spiritual growing pains sometimes hurt every bit as bad as a child with leg cramps. It’s hard sometimes to leave the blissful ignorance behind and embrace the Truth of Scripture.
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
The more willing we are, the easier the process. Like childbirth, when a woman fights the contractions, they definitely hurt more than when she breathes through them and allows her body to work as it’s meant to.
On this new journey of publishing this magazine, I’m addressing a few issues I’ve seen rise up over these past several years.
While there are many new and wonderful homesteading teachers now, so many of them are new themselves. I applaud them for taking the leap into becoming more self-sufficient and sharing their journey. Yet, some of those following them find things to be very different once they take the leap themselves. Homesteading can be overwhelming and frustrating, as well as rewarding.
Few homesteading resources are steeped in Scripture. Let’s face it, we can’t embark on this adventure without the hand of God in every aspect of our lives. HE is the one who ultimately sustains us.
Encouragement and accountability are so important. Our natural tendencies lean toward either completely overthinking or jumping in half-cocked. (Or a mixture of completely discombobulated and unbalanced mess!)
Homesteading isn’t a set-in-stone, one-size-fits-all, textbook approach. It’s an adventure lifestyle that moves in waves and seasons directed by weather patterns, governmental influence, and personal journeys.
As we move through the issues of this year in the editions of this magazine, I ask you, Dear Reader, to pray for the contributors and advertisers. This is bound to be a year of growth and learning for us all.
In the meantime, I pray you are each blessed beyond measure and find many helpful and inspiring ideas to encourage you on your journey.
Many Blessings,
Dawnita
