Homesteading in Faith _ In the wake of a Government shutdown _ Need to be Off-grid

This morning I woke before my alarm. I am in a military course that was scheduled for 2 weeks, but has now been cut short. The decision to shut down the government means that while Congress has passed laws to ensure that they get paid, even if they fail to fulfill the requirements and duties of their job, I do not get paid. Myself and those deployed and those serving in the military will not get paid as long as they fail to do their job. There are men and women in the military that are in harms way, and will potentially lose their lives for the freedoms of our country. Day in and day out I will still go to work, but what happens when the money has run out? How do we pay our bills? How do we keep our households running? I wonder if congress has truly considered all of the lives effected by this decision. They will not know the concerns because they have ensured that their pay is safe. How does that work? How does the government shut down, but Congress maintains a steady paycheck?

This has re-sparked my desire for and the need to get our homestead off-grid and self-sustaining. Monthly power bill, groceries, heating concerns ... I cannot and will not depend on the compensation for services rendered any longer. I am proud of the work and sacrifices I have done and made over the last 19 years. It has been a honor to work and serve, but that service isn't always honored by our lawmakers. Their recklessness hinders the stability of so many families.

This has sparked a need for community and knowing the people there in. Working to assist someone on their land to barter for a need on ours. Figuring out how to supplement out income utilizing the skills and abilities we have, but doing so in a way that builds community.

I have to look at our goals again. Goals for chickens and chicken coops, raised bed gardens, fruit trees, retirement. The upcoming days and weeks will determine what is a priority.

This morning I woke up disappointed ... but I woke up. I got out of bed and prayed. Thanked my Lord for his faithfulness and consistency when our lawmakers are not. I thanked Him for his peace. I thanked Him for his provision. I thanked Him for his rest. His faithful love endures forever. I woke up disappointed, but not worried.