Journey Moments and Small Steps

Been awhile!!

2008-12-09T12:43:00.001-08:00

Wow, it has been a few months. Time just slipped away. Been very busy, but not gone, just living life. I plan to start up again in January after the chaos of the holiday season is over. Just wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!

I am Rich!

2008-08-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

I know I am rich in blessings and family but when I stumbled upon this site I realized that I am doing pretty well income wise. By American standards I am lower middle class which means that I make to much for assistance but can't buy everything I want. What I need, yes, if I plan well. Most months I do this well and get one or two wants. Not great but not bad, probably very average for this country. If you want to know how well off you are money wise check out this site. ( http://www.globalrichlist.com/ ) It will be an eye opener.

There are so many ways to be rich beyond money that most of us don't see. The richness of the natural world that God created for us. The sound of a child singing a song she made up about how she loves you. The blessing of having family that loves you and is there for you. The joy of the friends we meet along life's journey. These are worth far more then all the money in the world. So pause and think for a moment. As you reflect on all God has blessed you with you will see how rich you are in things that last.

Spoiled!

2008-07-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

I have to take a moment and brag on my hubby for a moment. I came home after a long day at work and was treated to a beautiful strawberry shortcake. Looks good doesn't it! Yet the best thing about it was that I know he did it to show that he was thinking of me and loves me.

50% PLAN!

2008-07-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

I've been pondering my life and the direction my family is headed and I reached the conclusion that I need CHANGE. I want to have a healthier, financially fit, environmentally sound, and all around better life. I usually jump into things with both feet while still figuring it out. Then about one month maybe even two months I give up. I have noticed that I fail not because I am unable reach my goal, but because I try to climb a mountain in two steps instead of mapping the route and pacing myself. This time I am making some guidelines and taking it one step at a time. (My family might mutiny if I didn’t.) I mentioned my 50 % plan in my last post so here are the basics.

I plan to eat 50% raw or live foods. (Recipes are welcome!!)
I plan to cut my trash by 50%.
I plan to buy 50% less STUFF. My goal in that is to first shop 2nd hand and then only if I really need it and cannot find it, buy it new.
I plan to cut my families debt by 20% (With a car and house 50% is not realistic.) Minus those two and I am thinking the 50% will work.

Those are my simple plans. I have more but the 50% doesn’t really work yet. That said I am trying to cut my power bill and my gas bill. These are hard because I have no base line for comparison. I just moved 6 months ago and while I have drastically cut my gas usage there is no public transportation in my area and the closest grocery store is over 20 miles away. : ( As far as I am trying to be very aware of turning lights off as well as putting entertainment and the computer on power strips and turning them off when not in use.

First Step

2008-06-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

Recently I have had time to reflect and think about where my life is c and where I am heading. In the past I have usually seen something that I thought was awesome and jumped 110% into it only to fail. My family and I have chosen to slow down and evaluate what we want out of life and I hope to share some key moments here. The ah-ha moments of inspiration, awe, action, and the wonderful.

I am interested in many things and plan on sharing my discoveries as I travel this path. I am planning this next year to try my 50% plan which I will explain later. I am fighting the consumerism monster so my children will have a living example of how to live responsibly. I will be sharing my photos, which is one of my hobbies. I love learning about other cultures and meeting people from all walks of life so ideas and post are welcome (Just keep it PG please! : )

Beyond life's physical journey I plan to share some of my spiritual journey as well. I am a Christian who while walked close to God as a child choose to leave and seek my fortune in the world. After much disillusionment, pain and trials I came home (like the prodigal). There is no going back to the world for me because the life Jesus has in store for me is more fantastic them my wildest dream.