So were moving. We, me, hubby and 3 kids have lived in a 4 bedroom rental for the last 3 years, about 1800 sq feet, doesnt sound big according to mainland standards but for Hawaii I would say this is an average size home. My husband was laid off last October from his primary job, he has held 2 full time jobs for the last 3 years so we could afford the rent on this property. I have a part time waitressing job and work when I can on my wedding business. Anyway, neither of us have a degree and have been living hand to mouth the whole duration of our marriage, 14 yrs. To put it mildly, it's getting old! When you have lived this way for awhile how do you see through the survival mentality, how do you change the lenses on your glasses to see how God wants you to live.
I know the answers to these questions, "Open the book and see what is written" Our Pastor says that all the time. The good book (BIBLE) says "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." He has plans for us and its not to live hand to mouth, we need to reposition ourselves to where we are blessed to be a blessing. The devil wants us to think we need to work harder for more stuff, if he holds us in that lie then how can we be a blessing?
So hubby and I decided with the wonderful support of my parents to scale back everything and move home with them (luckily thats just across the street!) so that he may finish school and I can concentrate on building my wedding thing. They own their piece of paradise and together we are screening in part of their lanai for our living quarters. This screened porch will be a total of 15X15! It's hard to describe their home, unconventional to the mainlander but I guess the hip way to say it would be "balinese" not the design but the open concept.
For the fun of it I am documenting this move and the building of our sleeping porch in hopes that someone like you may read it and be encouraged, encouraged to scale back, encouraged to go through each room in your house and collect piles of good stuff you dont need and give it to someone who does, encourage you to have a slumber party weekend with your kids and all sleep in the living room and play board games, encourage you to look at what counts and challenge you to position yourself to be a blessing to others.
So as I am taking from my kitchen just the necessities to my parents, do we need 2 crockpots? Nope, one more thing to add to the blessing store pile.
The time has come for us to live below our means and within our needs. Suzie Orman said that. Love to you and your family. Thank you for pointing me to your blog. I like it.
ReplyDeleteKiana,
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing it is to hear your story. I have read it with such love in my heart for your blessing of discernment of the Lord's path for you and your 'ohana. Mom and Dad are able to allow you to make those wise and hard choices that will be a benefit to your children and their future. Three generations finding joy and a real purpose in their loves.
May God continue to guide you, fill you with patience, joy and mostly HIS LOVE!
Now how do I find my way to follow your blog when I log in?
Please tell Mom and Dad I send them my love too to their "Balinese" McClellan empire!
Me ke'aloha pumehana,
Mom Ahuna