Warning: Getting on a Soapbox!

We have too much stuff. Not just our family, but most of us living in this great country.

The last couple nights Aaron and I have been watching "America: History of Us" by the History Chanel. While it is geared towards teachers to use in school, and doesn't go into to much detail, its a good DVD set. Sadly, because of how this country is now, God was removed for the most part.  It goes into dates and numbers but not much else.  It has gotten us thinking. Aaron said that he would like us to study, really study, life in early America and the Revolutionary War.

It also got us talking about how much stuff we have. Look at the Early Americans. They had little, (for the most part), simple necessities and look what they were able to do. With Gods blessing and help, they beat the highest military power ever! We are the only county to have gained freedom from Britain, EVER! The attach on New York was the largest sea to land attach ever, and didn't get passed up until D-day! Britain in sheer numbers and know-how should have beaten us. By far. But, we were guided by Godly Founding Fathers who wanted freedom for all of us. Not just those then, but us now.

What  have we done with this gift? It's been abused. Sadly. We are a nation who now builds up and promotes debt, homosexuality (among other things) and says that marriage and children are a burden. The average amount of children in 1776 per house hold was 8. Today, its 1.5 or 2.5.We are told today that we need to always be "doing", that more is better. More money, more toys, bigger and "better housing", and new cars. We are raising our children to be rude bums who will not add anything to this country but the raising un-employment rates. We are a nation that is not satisfied with simple things. 

What do you think would happen if more of us went "back to basics", where each member of the family has a plate, fork, knife and cup. Where the nice dished were for company use, to make them feel welcomed. Where people ate simple foods, and worked hard. Where woman where valued and protected. Where (aside for the few who weren't) woman dressed modestly and knew MANY skills. Such as sewing, cooking, baking, cleaning, etc.  Where our young girls stayed at home until they married and where young men, if they where not able to get higher education, learned a trade with a skilled craftsmen. Where EVERYONE went to church and tried to follow God's laws the best they knew how. Where everyone had a garden and put up food for their family and animals. Where the husband and father was the head of the house and woman where home.

What would happen if we went back to the principles this Nation was founded on? That drive and Godly leadership that helped us win our freedom, when statistically, it was impossible?

I for one, am challenged. Even more challenged to pay off our house and do the needed repairs debt free. I am challenged to keep it simple and focus on what really matters. Now, I am thankful I live in a modern age where we have more advanced medical, phones and internet( when used right) to stay in tough, and a clothes washer and dishwasher but I am challenged to make as much as I can, and not rely on stores, therefor not spending as much money. I am challenged to clean and de-clutter and get my sewing area very usable. I am challenged to get my house keeping down pat and to teach my children about The One who has so greatly blessed us!