So our family has settled into our new little homestead here in Maine. We love the house, the land, our neighbors, and our intimate church family. However, our business has slowed down to the point in the last couple of years that we simply are not able to really "get by". We have never gone hungry, but it just seems as if it should not be so, and not responsible to continue with such uncertainty. We have opened ourselves up to the possibility that we are being moved in another direction. While we keep our business going, either Mike or I will be working two days at an organic vegetable farm just one mile up the road. That will help just a bit but really we are opening ourselves completely up to what God has to offer us in terms of vocation and employment. To be honest, I am tired of being stressed about finances and wondering which bill I can pay on which day and if we are going to have enough sales tomorrow to go food shopping, for example. I am tired of not being able to afford to go to the dentist. I trust in God but I also know that we are to use wisdom and to listen. So I open myself up and I pray for guidance and wisdom and for clarity that either our business provides or that new opportunities make themselves apparent. So keep our family in your prayers and let me know how I can pray for you as well.
Warm wishes,
Tonya
It's good to hear from you again. I was hoping you had all settled in to your new location. It makes sense to diversify your means of income, to be able to adapt to change. That's been on my mind a lot lately too. The days of one way to earn a living, is becoming rare. My husband's father was able to stay in the same job for most of his life. He dabbled in other jobs, but always had the security of his main employer. That's very uncommon nowadays.
ReplyDeleteAs our present world continues to change, so must we, to make a living.
I think people are meant to live many lives. You are starting on a new endeavor. I am super impressed with what you have done. Now go forth and enjoy the change.
ReplyDeleteI could sense your concern when reading your post, very understandable. I know what it's like to have money concerns big time. Very hard. The right opportunity will turn up. God has a plan. We are financially stable, though have to be careful, but due to some difficult circumstances, we are moving home. There will be new schools, church and neighbours. A leap of faith, but I must admit I am afraid of the future. I keep being reminded that God has a plan. My prayers for you, from Pam in Norway. Blessings x
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this. And I pray "Dear Father in heaven, may a new channel of provision open for Tonya and her family that will make a big difference in the pattern of their finances. Amen"
ReplyDeleteHi Tonya
ReplyDeleteI am happy to hear from your family but sad to hear that business is slowing down to that point :-(
I will pray for your family and I am sure you will find a way - either business or other - to get your family out of that situation.
Best wishes
Genevieve
So glad to find you are posting again. Best wishes to you and your family this spring. Things will come together for you, I'm sure of it!
ReplyDeleteHi. I know this is a bit late, but just wanted to let you know that I said a prayer for you. Thoughts whirled through my head about poverty as a discipline, about the monastic vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, but mostly, I just thought how sometimes wondering where the next meal is coming from is a genuine part of the homesteading experience. The two of you going to work at the organic farm (walk to work?) reminded me of this part from On the Banks of Plum Creek: "Pa had had to walk three hundred miles before he found a job. Now he was working in the wheatfields and getting a dollar a day. He sent Ma five dollars and kept three for new boots." We read that and admire, but no one wants to live it nowadays! Not even for the sake of character and perseverance. Well, I admire what you are doing, and will say some more prayers for you this week. Blessings...
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