Being In the World, but not Of the World

There's ways to achieve this...

First, you can hide.

Or you can run.

Or... you can turn to Jesus for everything.  

Every day.

Every waking moment.

James 1:27   ..."and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Slip your hand into His...and your walk will become lighter.

Until tomorrow, God willing.



Coming Full Circle - My Independence Day

Lakota healer, Nicholas Black Elk, said it best.

"Everything the Power of the World does is done in a circle.

The sky is round, and I have heard that the earth is round like a ball, and so are all the stars.

The wind, in its greatest power whirls.

Birds make their nest in circles, for theirs is the same religion as ours.

The sun comes forth and goes down again in a circle. The moon does the same and both are round.

Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing, and always come back again to where they were.

The life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves.

Our tepees were round like the nests of birds,
and these were always set in a circle,

the nation's hoop."

My life, too, has come full circle. 

I've been busying myself with activities for the last couple years. 

A distraction perhaps?

  I was on a wild ride, which has come to an end. 

It's time to settle down and let things calm down. 

Our sled dog yard, which consists of Malakai, Jeff, Doug, Butcher, Little Feet, Awatchy, Dee Dee, Ranger, Astro, Aliy, Knik, Hawk, Libby, Hans, Star, Windows, Charlie, Penny, Asta and Union...

is set in stone. 

No newcomers.  No one leaving.

House dogs, Zip and Broccoli are secure in their roles. 

Zip is our cattle dog who we count on to round up any critter,

and Broccoli is our new greeter and guard dog. 

For ten years now, I've been living in a small rustic cabin with my best friend and "life coach" ~

my husband, Russ. 

Rustic Russ. 

 When given the opportunity, I don't leave "our 40". 

Our forty acres provides everything we need. 

Comfort, warmth, sustenance, excitement, solitude, and serenity. 

During the week days I have to leave to go "to work" -  

to step out into the world and swap my time for money. 

Why?  When everything I need is right here?

Could I possibly cut my ties from the world and live my life off our land?

Russ believes it.  And now I believe it.

As Mark Twain once said..."Civilization is a limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessaries..."

We are already living simply in so many ways...I haven't bought clothing from a store in a decade,

we are television free. 

We process all our own beef, pork, lamb, chevon, and rabbit. 

We use horse and dog power.

We enjoy fresh eggs, berries, maple syrup and more.

We live life simply. 

However, what is simple? 

Some of our farm friends, who live simply, are the hardest working folks we know. 

Could we do it?  Should we do it? 

We're coming closer...and making more plans. 

Follow along...you may wish to join us...

Amish Acuity

When I first began being “...out among the Amish”, I was like a giddy teenage girl 

heading to her High School Prom.

I’d gasp, and at the same time let out a shrill scream, followed by giggles

and “oh my gosh, OH My GOSH, the buggy is coming this WAY!!!”.

Now, I’m silent.

OK, maybe not silent.

Oh sure, you might hear me say “There’s a buggy…up ahead.”

Or, “Amazing…look at the young boy driving those horses.”

But it is different now.

I used to live “out among the English”.

However, in the last decade, I traded the fast-paced world of consumerism for a simple existence, on "our 40".

For years I watched, and admired the Amish. Then a world of dog mushing and living with Siberians, Alaskans, and farm animals presented itself to me.

It was the perfect blend.

Before I knew it, I was stepping back. Way back.

And now, when I see the Amish, like at the recent Amish Auction, I simply nod.

A knowing nod.

One that says, I, too, understand.

Simple, plain, and Godly.

Until tomorrow ~ Lord willing,

Sherry

P.S.  Originally posted in 2010.  It is now 2018, and my life revolves around my Amish friends/community/Brotherhood.  Praise God ~ they have truly changed my life.