tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post3938690678310311881..comments2023-10-23T17:44:39.517-07:00Comments on Paratus Familia Blog: Window DressingEnola Gayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12719123975236426938noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-21127181105213614972012-05-06T17:06:14.599-07:002012-05-06T17:06:14.599-07:00In her book "Home Place: Meditations on an Oz...In her book "Home Place: Meditations on an Ozark Life," Fayrene Stafford Farmer talks about "blooming where you are planted." I love the book (short novel written by a local), but it was the concept of "blooming where you are planted" that really spoke to me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-3270331390256396542012-05-05T07:43:47.032-07:002012-05-05T07:43:47.032-07:00Enola Gay,
You are such an inspiration to so many...Enola Gay,<br /><br />You are such an inspiration to so many of us....readers and bloggers alike! And as I mentioned your post in my blog today, it is amazing how we are all on the same wavelength. The Holy Spirit is working through His people. God Bless You!Belle Ringerhttp://www.salvationandsurvival.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-68642056173093877312012-05-03T18:36:59.042-07:002012-05-03T18:36:59.042-07:00YHWH bless you for using his Son's original He...YHWH bless you for using his Son's original Hebrew name, Yahshua! It blesses me greatly to see this!<br /><br />And many blessings to you as well, Enola, as you continue walking in faith down that straight and narrow path! I'm sure our Creator is greatly pleased with how well you and Sir Knight have listened to that still small voice, and prepared for things yet to come. I believe there is no greater way to bless the Father than to faithfully raise and guard the most precious gift He gives us - HIS ("our") children.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-53168786275014467122012-05-03T09:53:05.074-07:002012-05-03T09:53:05.074-07:00Precious Heavenly Father - We lift up this dear fa...Precious Heavenly Father - We lift up this dear family and faithful one whose heart is torn for her family home and wanting to hear Your voice in a very special way. <br /><br />Oh, how grateful we are to have You to praise, to glorify You in all we do, to lean on You in times of trial and contemplation. We humble ourselves to know You are there. This family is the one You see. You hold them close in the palm of Your right hand as you lead them right where You, their Heavenly Father, want them to be for Your ultimate glory and their good as they love You. [Romans 8:28] <br /><br />Guide this precious family Lord in the way they should go. Give them the patience to endure. Your timing is not our timing and Your timing is ALWAYS perfect. Thank you Father for their victory over impatience. Thank you Father for providing for the desires of their hearts that You have given to them. Thank you for the way You will work all of this moving out as it is very stressful. Yet knowing they have Your peace and hand of blessing upon their lives as they rest in You for their needs.<br />In the majestic and blessed Name of Yeshua Messiah, Jesus Christ,<br />AmeinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-80548719739191146082012-05-03T07:19:50.768-07:002012-05-03T07:19:50.768-07:00Enola, love your blog. I check in most everyday. ...Enola, love your blog. I check in most everyday. I found you a couple of years ago when you just got started. You're site was just what I needed at the time and still is. I have advanced much in the last 2 years with my preps and self sufficient skills with the help of your site and others, but I too find myself where you are, but I decide last month; that I would treat my property as if it is my permanent place. I held off doing some things, but now I'm just forging ahead. I may not be able to take my fruit trees, roses and many other permanent fixtures with me, but what I can take I will and what I leave behind I leave it behind knowing that I left the land better then how I found it. Like you I don't know how long I'll be here, but I'll give it my best effect while I'm here. Enola, I appreciate you very much and greatly appreciate that you share your kindness and wisdom with us.Shaolinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09111880135950533263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-40061818636498134712012-05-02T20:12:38.508-07:002012-05-02T20:12:38.508-07:00Thanks for the reminder, Enola. I've been goi...Thanks for the reminder, Enola. I've been going through this right now (literally this morning), feeling that my life is not the way I would wish it to be yet reminded of God's provision for all our needs. I struggle so very much with my wishes against His will - and I would too often break myself on that will rather than be content in it.Toirdhealbheach Beucailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-1550555952572911482012-05-02T20:07:43.710-07:002012-05-02T20:07:43.710-07:00Greetings Enola Gay!
We are in exactly the same po...Greetings Enola Gay!<br />We are in exactly the same position. Where we are isn't where our hearts are, nor where we think it would be best for a TEOTWAWKI situation. For whatever reason, the Lord has us right HERE.<br /><br />When I commented about two months ago, The Patriarch was out of work. He has now been hired at another forklift repair company and is in the middle of his second week.<br /><br />In one way, his "time off" gave us a needed evaluation of our preparedness supplies. I do realize that no one family can possibly stockpile every single thing they will ever need for a number or years. But I did see areas where I have "plenty" and others that need much more! I also saw a very real need for some things I had been thinking about but hadn't gotten around to yet.<br /><br />Your "dream retreat" sounds lovely. I took the liberty of planting two plum trees on our property just a month ago. I am also working on an edible landscaping design... to incorporate some veggies into the "pretties" along the edge of the house. But even the pretties will have herbal/medicinal uses. If we can't eat it, use it for medicine/herbs or it doesn't serve a 'security function'... than I am NOT watering it and will replace it with a useful plant instead!<br /><br />Blessings, ~Mrs. R~Mrs. Rhttp://honeyfromflintyrocks.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-42066133525291551352012-05-02T19:14:12.286-07:002012-05-02T19:14:12.286-07:00Enola,
I'm sure that your place has much to o...Enola,<br /><br />I'm sure that your place has much to offer and in wanting to move, maybe you're just not seeing it all. I have been reading your blog for 3-4 years, is that right(?)!!, it doesn't seem possible that it's been that long. About 4 years ago, I woke up and saw everything differently than ever before. I found survivalblog.com and I'm pretty sure that's how I then found your blog, maybe from Naturally Cozy, anyhow, I have always admired your spirit and determination and your great writing skills. I know that you will turn your wants over to Him and He will provide you and your family all of the blessings he has for you! I know that you will end up living and serving in the place that the Lord wants you to be. Plus, don't feel too bad, at least you're in the American Redoubt :), you can't believe how outcast you feel being in the southeast when you frequent prepper sites. Sometimes I feel like the invisible nerd in the school lunchroom that no one will sit with because I'm on the east coast!!! Haha, it's okay though, I love where I am, hate cold weather, can deal with 100 degree, humid summer days (used to it) and will always work to better my place. You're going to be just fine too, just get those gardens, bees, whatever done, you'll be glad you did!!!Mary in GAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11897145835153363737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-43188545370344349642012-05-02T17:41:52.975-07:002012-05-02T17:41:52.975-07:00I had to smile at your perfect world life. I think...I had to smile at your perfect world life. I think we would be neighbors for that is our goals. Minus the mountains for my Husband. we are just doing the best we can and thanking God for the Blessings he has showered on us. Love reading your blog. <br />MarnitaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-50322722569916582702012-05-02T17:05:40.037-07:002012-05-02T17:05:40.037-07:00Enola,
Oh, I have been where you are and real...Enola,<br /> Oh, I have been where you are and really feel your pain. Ten years ago my family was similarly "stuck" in a tiny little bungalow house with small rooms, no closets or other storage, a 1950's kitchen, and windows with glass panes that would fall out whenever a strong wind blew (there's only so much hot glue in the world!) I was getting upset with both my husband and the Lord, because I'd sacrificed my own dreams of being a stay-at-home homeschooling mom so my husband could leave his job to preach the gospel, but for all my hard work and sacrifice, I was getting nothing but this house that was literally falling down around me. I prayed about this often, think I'd finally come to peace about it, then find myself all too miserable again only a short while later. It was truly one of the toughest spiritual battles of my life, partly because to those of us with a deep maternal instinct, our home is important to us, our family's "nest" and sanctuary. I kept fighting my discontent, though, and with the Lord's help, I finally did find peace and laid my wishes down for whatever the Lord would give me. One thing that helped was a mission trip to Mexico, where I saw women rearing their children in homes that weren't as large and well-built as my garden shed. It changed my perspective completely, and I began to see my home as the blessing it truly was -- a more-than-adequate shelter, and paid for!! Two years' later, after I'd truly managed to become content, my husband and I became friends with a godly man who was a contractor. This man felt moved by God to build us a home at his cost only, provided he could work slowly on it when his crew lacked other "paying" jobs -- and we ended up with a beautiful new home much larger and nicer than we would have been able to afford had we not waited on the Lord. So the moral of this story is that the Bible really IS true. Godliness with contentment is great gain, and the Lord doesn't withhold good things from his people. He just uses these "things" to test our hearts and bind us more completely to Him, our dearest treasure and truest home. <br /> Oddly enough, my children are now in their twenties, but they talk fondly of the "old house". It's the place that feels most like home to them even today. We still own it, since it's on another part of our property, and one of my children says she might fix it up and rear her family in it someday because it has "happy memories". <br /> And I have to smile. Yes, it does.preacher's wifenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-54594861269060927422012-05-02T13:48:40.717-07:002012-05-02T13:48:40.717-07:00Mr. Took;
No, I don't think we will ever be so...Mr. Took;<br />No, I don't think we will ever be so independent, and really, I wouldn't want to be without a fellowship of believers! My dream retreat is real - my family is already there. The nearest neighbors are about a mile away, but there are many hands on the homestead. And, the neighbors are well connected. You are quite correct, however, we are very blessed right where we are.<br />EnolaEnola Gayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12719123975236426938noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-72973751056523157652012-05-02T13:27:49.587-07:002012-05-02T13:27:49.587-07:00Having neighbors within sight is a good thing, fro...Having neighbors within sight is a good thing, from a survivalist standpoint at least. Ask the former Rhodesians. When SHTF for them, and their farms were attacked by insurgents, they depended on one another for security. No man (or family for that matter) is an island. You have some _good_ neighbors, and you'll _need_ them. Why would you want to entirely isolate yourself? Do you really think that you'll ever be so independent and so self-sufficient, that you'll want to be at least a mile away from your nearest neighbors? Just a thought. God bless you guys.Peregrin Tooknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-80617222112300169802012-05-02T11:58:54.212-07:002012-05-02T11:58:54.212-07:00Enola,
It is called contentment. God calls us to b...Enola,<br />It is called contentment. God calls us to be content where ever He sets us. It is a difficult lesson for many of us (myself included). We have learned the hard way that when you try to force your will upon God, your life can end up topsy turvy and seemingly out of control. We too, have put our trust and faith back where it belongs, with God, but of course we still have to deal with the effects of our arrogance that we knew better than God about where we should be, and when. As long as we keep our trust back with God where it should be, things will get better. We were never promised that life would be easy, just that God would provide for our needs, not necessarily our wants.<br />PaintedmooseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-86854550571364712182012-05-02T11:19:45.370-07:002012-05-02T11:19:45.370-07:00In 2002 I was going absolutely nuts! Had my home u...In 2002 I was going absolutely nuts! Had my home up for sale to move closer to family, be able to retire. This was at a time when homes were selling overnight, even a matter of minutes. Seller's market. The home was priced right for the market. Still I was going crazy seeing all the homes around me selling like hotcakes. It took about 3 months for my home to finally sell BUT when it sold and my realtor daughter and I found my new home to be - it took only looking at 3 homes before we found the home I had pictured in my head.<br /><br />You see it is all in His perfect timing. I knew what my future home was to look like, what I wanted -pantry, land for growing things, one big open family room...etc.<br /><br />When we walked into the home it had everything on my want list! As I look back - it took that time for God to put all the right pieces together - He provided for me to stay in my home while He knew the seller of my future home was going to sell. Everything about the sale and purchase could have only been by His hand.<br /><br />All of the pieces had to be put together. I just didn't have the faith in God to see beyond the "noise" of my wants/needs/etc. to see His "handywork" and His purpose and timing at that time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-3507871630750426882012-05-02T10:44:51.016-07:002012-05-02T10:44:51.016-07:00You know, my husband and I feel like we are stuck ...You know, my husband and I feel like we are stuck in our current situation too. We do have land, we have a barn, chicken coop, shop, house, milk cows, etc., but we feel like we should move to the Redoubt area. The only reason we do not move is because my mom is elderly, or that is our excuse that we use. Fact of the matter is, if God really wanted us to move to the NW, we would be there, w/ my mom in tow (We are her sole caregivers :), along w/ our milk cows (I couldn't bear to leave them behind.) We are where God sees fit right now, and maybe forever. What we would love and what God knows is best may very well be two diffent things. We have been richly blessed, and I am eternally grateful for His grace!<br /><br />Inspiring post Enola!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-61486256055568078622012-05-02T10:31:43.945-07:002012-05-02T10:31:43.945-07:00Well said, BUT sorry you took my comment in the li...Well said, BUT sorry you took my comment in the light it was not meant to be. <br /><br />I do not take God's promises lightly or flippantly. But honestly and to heart, in great faith and trust. Some have dealt with very harsh situations in their lives and to know that our majestic heavenly Father DOES provide (even through His people) is a great comfort when faith wanes a bit and times get very hard. Sometimes we simply need to be reminded and encouraged. <br /><br />It is not always about being productive, doing something, moving, working in our will - sometimes it is just about waiting to hear HIS will and HIS words and have His incomprehensible peace of what He wants for us.<br /><br />Whatever our situation, wherever He has us at any given time, He always has lessons/skills for us to learn or to teach others - and they often include mercy, patience, perseverance, love, kindness, gentleness. <br /><br />God does provide great blessings to those who are obedient and faithful to His word. We each have to hear His will for our own lives, whether moving, staying put.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-87772649950524839862012-05-02T09:05:51.269-07:002012-05-02T09:05:51.269-07:00Maybe you're already there, but something has ...Maybe you're already there, but something has to happen to show you that you are. It could be that when that event happens, you'll realize it..and be glad you didn't just go. My opinion and 75 cents get you a can of Dr. Pepper from the machine down the road.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-26658635273303194122012-05-02T08:28:23.420-07:002012-05-02T08:28:23.420-07:00During the Reformation the Anabaptists (Mennonites...During the Reformation the Anabaptists (Mennonites and Amish) in Switzerland were relegated to the high altitudes to farm and become self-supporting. This was the area that no one else wanted to occupy, the marginal ground. So they worked the land and learned how to become good farmers with what they had until they came to a time when they had develped a reputation as being perhaps the best farmers in the land. Many countries wanted them to come and develop their own farmland. They were responsible for bringing Turkey red wheat to the plains of America, and who could deny the richness of Eastern Pa. or other areas where they have settled and ultimately prospered? While your ground may not be ideal, it is indeed where the Lord has led you. Prosper where you are and God will continue to walk with you in that place.<br /><br />Farmergrayfarmergraynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-77021741718945401932012-05-02T07:29:32.713-07:002012-05-02T07:29:32.713-07:00I hear phrase ‘God will provide’ so often that a y...I hear phrase ‘God will provide’ so often that a yellow flag goes up. In many cases perhaps ‘God HAS provided’. He has certainly showered Americans especially with an abundance of blessings including liberty. He may be waiting for us to do something rather than wait for more from Him. How many times have you seen people overcome adversity using blessings (skills, knowledge, ingenuity, perseverance, ability to compose compute rationalize memorize...) that God had ALREADY provided. <br /><br />Sitting and waiting for more from God may not be what He wants. And it may put your loved ones in danger. Yes we must keep faith in Him and continue praying. Meanwhile I believe He wants us to always use what He has already given us to provide for and protect our loved ones.<br />Montana GuyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-12519236662483562582012-05-02T06:35:46.769-07:002012-05-02T06:35:46.769-07:00What a timely post. This is exactly what I've...What a timely post. This is exactly what I've been thinking lately. We are no where near set up. I'd love a hoophouse, a chicken coop that will actually keep the chickens in, more supplies, etc. God is the One! He doesn't want me to rely on anything else. I'll still try to be a good steward and prepare enough to get my family through the winter, but ultimately God takes care of us.<br />Thank you.odiiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01110172156488999203noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-55892990606300898902012-05-02T05:42:58.999-07:002012-05-02T05:42:58.999-07:00Thank you, I really needed to hear that. I am in ...Thank you, I really needed to hear that. I am in a similar situation, only we live in town and not in the country. (we do have 7 little hens to help us feel a little like farmers:) God let me know the other day that I have forgotten when I pray to pray according to His will. (I have been selfishly praying my own little selfish prayers "according to my will".) We all need to remember that He sees the big picture and we only see one little thread (our own day to day living).Lanitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17713113631452498444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-57454848614084010112012-05-02T05:19:24.456-07:002012-05-02T05:19:24.456-07:00Enola, don't give up heart. I'm practical...Enola, don't give up heart. I'm practically in the same situation so I understand what you're going through. Keep dreaming about your perfect retreat, after all, everyone has to have dreams! ;) Besides, look at all the practical knowledge you have stored in your head, you are so ahead of the curve girl!<br />Oh, you should add a killing shed and smokehouse to the dream, ;)<br />Teresa SueAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-13067026591130694752012-05-02T00:32:11.810-07:002012-05-02T00:32:11.810-07:00The richness you have as a family together, in wha...The richness you have as a family together, in whatever your surroundings, whatever your means, is worth much, much more than anything and everything else that this dying world has to offer. Look up as your - our - redemption is nigh. <br /><br />Yes, indeed, eternity is our home. There is joy to be considered when we go through these trials of life. And the blessings that come from that perseverance and endurance as we keep pressing on is incomprehensible. May God richly bless you each day with your needs, as He knows every one. He also knows the big picture and how all of these worldly goings on will play out and ---we, your family, and ours who are obedient to His word and who keep the faith of Jesus Christ - have the victory.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-9010975574502726772012-05-01T21:58:06.201-07:002012-05-01T21:58:06.201-07:00Enola, I've been reading your blog for over 2 ...Enola, I've been reading your blog for over 2 years now, and this is without a doubt the most vulnerable post I've seen here. We are encouraged by your plight regularly, and far more than you could possibly know. <br /><br />"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.<br /><br />For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." -- Hebrews 12:1-3<br /><br />Eternity with Him IS our home. Let us not settle for less. May He bless and keep you, always.<br /><br />www.ADifferentLegacy.comRic Calvihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16921392491550447935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294304458677955232.post-92102025874816616442012-05-01T21:31:49.427-07:002012-05-01T21:31:49.427-07:00I was in a similar situation about 4 years ago. Go...I was in a similar situation about 4 years ago. God has brought me- a divorced single mom, back "home" quite literally. I was praying for a miracle to move my son and myself out of a city apartment that was less than 800 sq ft. I was afraid to let him play outside. My houseplants that I had placed outside for a good watering and some sun were stolen. It was a sad depressing place. I kept working and praying for a way out. God answered! I now own 3 acres and a house. In the last 2 years I have listened to the words "get your house ready" that God has placed on my soul, We now have raised bed veggie and herb gardens, a strawberry patch, a blueberry patch. I've planted apple pear and banana trees ( we live in the sub tropic south) My next prayer-wish list is rabbits chickens and bee hives (along with rain catchment of some sort and please Lord a water well) :) It is not a perfect retreat. But it is next door to family homes and there is something to be said for support, aid, and shear numbers in any crisis be it a needed babysitter so I can work overtime or TEOTWAWKI. The Lord provides, in His time and His way. Praying for your success!Elainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13922872887501619349noreply@blogger.com