Posted in Health

Self sufficiency is an almost extinct breed.  There are many families that are striving towards this goal, and many who have made it there.  Yet, the bulk of our society is dependent for their basic needs; including me.

As I have researched self sufficiency, to the nth degree, I have longed for a place where I could begin this journey.  Yes, we live on an acre; plenty of room for a sizable garden and some animals.  However, we live in town.  This restricts us from animals (although I have a chicken plan in the making).  In addition, we live in SW FL.  Having tried to garden here, it is VERY difficult; at least for me.  We don't have any trees that can provide shade for our garden.  When you read a seed package that says full sun, it usually means 4 hrs.  Here in Florida, plants get enough sun to last a week in one day.  This caused much problems for our garden.  After a few losing battles, I gave up. 

So, what does one do when they are looking to homestead and move toward self sufficiency in a situation such as mine?  She changes her attitude!  The entire Bible discusses our attitude.  Did you know that?  If God has me right where He wants me, I have to sing praise for that.  If I want something more from what I have, then I have to pray and put my attitude straight. 

Yes, I live in town.  Yes, there are restrictions.  Yes, I don't have any shade trees for a garden.  But I also have the Lord.  In my desire for self sufficient lifestyle I have come to a place of acceptance.  In this acceptance, God has shown me a more simpole way of gardening.  Instead of trying a wide variety of plants, my next garden will include only 3 plants that do well in heat and humidity.  Not a large variety, but starting with what does well naturally here, will help me to learn much more on a smaller scale.  Food doesn't keep here; not potatoes, winter squash, onions, nothing.  It spoils and quickly.  By putting my focus on just a few plants, I can work on storing and canning just those items.  Wahoo! 

Further more, my attitude has shifted to accepting that I must buy certain food items.  God has given me the ability to choose from whom I purchase these items.  I have decided that locally grown food, by local farmers is a way I can help support farmers, get fresh from the farm food, and still move towards my goal.  There is a local organic farm here, but they sell memberships.  The memberships don't provide enough food for my family and they are costly.  However, continuing to search out a large local farmers market has proven rewarding.  I have gotten to speak with people I never would have ordinarily have sought out. 

In allowing God to change my attitude, I now see that I must do what I can now.  I should not put God in a box.  Instead I must allow Him to work through me towards my lifestyle desires.  Last year we travelled to TN.  In our time in TN I was able to meet the fabulous Jenig and Gena, and their families.  We spent part of the afternoon at Jenig's new Curry Farm.  Beautiful trees, green GRASS (what you pull out as weeds in your yard, us Floridians use for grass!), a lovely pond, and a wonderful homestead.  I didn't realize how jealous I was of this until recently.  Each time I would read something on Jenig's blog about the fun they were having, I would get disheartened for myself.  In allowing God to change my heart, I can read and chuckle and smile, and really mean it. 

While I still long for a little farm to call my own, I accept that I am where God wants me.  I am beginning to see the lessons He is laying before me, and enjoying them.  It is unbelievable what having a merry heart for God can do for you.

These are my thoughts.