Comments on: Choosing to Simplify

By: evangeline

evangeline — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:54:12 +0000

wanting to know intricate details of others’ lives

By: Claire Colvin

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:55:53 +0000

hardworking mom, You’ve got a tough situation for sure. I don’t know if God is testing you, but it’s always better to be a part of a church community. They might be able to help you and can definitely offer you emotional support. Is there a church in your area that you could look into?

I know that it’s hard to ask for help, but it may be time to see if there are community resources that you could use. There is probably a food bank in your area that would make it so that you don’t have to go hungry. I know how hard it is to walk into a place like that, but for many people food bank use is temporary. You are not alone. According to Feed America, “in 2010, 48.8 million Americans lived in food insecure households”. Almost 49 million people – that is 1 in 6 of the U.S. population. I don’t know where you live, but 9 US states have higher than the national average when it comes to people who have issues putting food on the table. Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, Florida, California and North Carolina are all above average. So if you live in one of these areas, you’re really REALLY not alone.

Food is the most important thing, so deal with it first. Let the food bank help. Many food banks can also point you to other community services. They might know of a clinic where you can get your finger treated. If it would help to talk privately to a mentor we have free, confidential mentoring available by email. Simply use this form to request a mentor.

By: hardworking mom

hardworking mom — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 07:01:48 +0000

My story
4 years ago I thought I had it all, a husband of 19 years ,two wonderful daughters, a beautyful home, camper,trucks,cars, but then I got sick with cancer that I did beat, but husband cheated,left and married another woman 6 weeks after the divorce, I lost everything except my two daughters and an old truck, here I am 4 years later expecting my first grandchild, I am struggling with my bills, have no insurance I work for a small company that does not offer any insurance, i’ve had a broken finger and a knuckle for 4 weeks now, some days there is not enough food for me and my two daughters so i go without. is it really possible that God is testing me?
I use to go to church all the time but through all this started doubting my faith and have not been going to church in the past year but i still believe and pray.
Any suggestions from anyone?

By: Doris

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:50:48 +0000

Thanks so much for the update Andi! So great to hear how God has provided for you and was at work long before you could truly see it! He is indeed faithful to provide for us.

By: Andi

Andi — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:06:53 +0000

Thot it was time I let all you good folks know the latest: Andy, my husband graduated from college and is now a Licensed Funeral Director. It was a tuff 2 1/2 years but God was OH SO FAITHFUL. We will be living on 1/2 what he used to make but due to all the choices and decisions made 2 1/2 years ago to down size – despite it being difficult as many of you are already aware – it is working. Now that school is over [tuff when you're almost 60] we can rest awhile and begin to enjoy life as a couple again [no more long hours of study] and are reconnecting with old friends. One plus: we have a veggie garden at our daughter’s home a short distance away – this had been a concern in giving up a backyard and I work in the flower gardens around our building as my body allows.
So Cindy, Cheryl, Cathy, Constance and Doria have you gals found change in your circumstances since this article was posted?

By: Sharon

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 01:59:06 +0000

a good article we live in a apartment aka condo, its nicve to simplify

By: Andi Brandsma-Kennedy

Andi Brandsma-Kennedy — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 04:47:59 +0000

Eloise, NO apology is needed sister. I knew your heart was sharing where you are at and I praise God you have been able to achieve this worthy goal; I just wanted to encourage you to keep holding all these women and their families up before His throne as they are trying to deal w/all the issues life has dropped into their laps as they aim for living a simple life yet making ends meet and having some freedom and dignity to enjoy life as well.
Kudos Cathy to helping your kids… I know many parents who are helping their children this way; The Canadian National Magazine MacLeans had as their head line this week; Generation Screwed: Lower incomes; Worse jobs: Higher TAxes: Bleaker futures; What boomers are leaving their children…
so Kudos to you for helping your kids to get established in this tuff economy the world had become :-D I believe God will honour this.
Thanks Cathy for your prayers; yes, come June he will finish the intership period and will be looking for a job in his new profession… SURE appreciate any prayers. Be blessed as you help your children to have a firm foundation to start their adult lives with :-D

By: Cathy

Cathy — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 00:11:41 +0000

I love everyone’s comments. My husband and I have a goal to be debt free and are trying to get rid of it, but with 4 children, 3 in college, it is challenging. The kids are paying most of their own way, but college is so unbelievable expensive in this country. My husband and I have to help them here and there and take on more debt. I notice in this economy, the more schooling you have the better you are able to survive layoffs, so hopefully it will all be worth it. Eloise, we both hope to be where you are in the near future, but no matter how hard we try, it is hard to live without going into debt. Just having a house payment is debt. WE could sell and rent, but then you get punished for selling by paying higher taxes. But thanks for reminding us that is a great, worthy goal. I love your sharing Andi. So glad to hear your husband is done with his college and will now be able to look for a good job. Will continue to pray for you all.

By: Eloise

Eloise — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 23:36:51 +0000

I apologize, I did not mean any harm. I quoted scriptures because I am trying to learn God’s Word to each category of life. To me, His Word is a manual to life’s situations, and I usually have to read, study and apply His more than once. I shared my story to help someone else, believing someone will help me. Forgive me, I am not boasting. I am believing to help someone in need. In the name of Jesus Christ, God Bless.

By: Andi Brandsma-Kennedy

Andi Brandsma-Kennedy — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:08:27 +0000

Eloise,
Now that’s a mighty fine position to be in; but as you can see it is a struggle for others to make ends meet and to keep negotiating the twists and turns the road of life has thrown our way; I encourage you to pray for all the gals and families represented in this conversation thread for everyone wants to be at the point you have been able to arrive at. We know the scriptures. We want to simplify; most of us have gone to extremes in order to do this; but again I ask that you pray for all who are working toward being where you are.