Give to those in need

Ephesians 4:28
Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.


I've been thinking about this verse in terms of growing my own food.  We should keep in mind giving of our abundance to those in need.  God gives us abundance NOT so we can store it up for ourselves, but so we can share with others. 

What a great concept!

Big Houses

The other day I was inputting data at work.  One of the spaces was for square footage of the houses.  The first ones were around 4,000 sf.  I thought, "That's a big house!"  As I continued to enter data, the house sizes got bigger and bigger.  Eventually there was one between 8 and 9 thousand square feet.  Wow, that's a monstrosity!  All I could think was how that was obscene.  How much energy must it take to maintain a house like that!  And probably 90% of the house isn't even used on a regular basis.  Ack!  What waste!!!

Reading

I've been working my way through the straw bale saga and its exhausting me just reading about all the work.  Part of it is that its sometimes hard to visualize what she's talking about.  Another part of it is how much work goes in to meeting all the regulations.  Sheesh!

I know building one's own house is a lot of work.  That's okay.  But it seems we make it so much harder than it needs to be.

On another subject, I've been thinking more about how some of the "natural building" ideas can be used in our current society.  Protecting our planet means starting where we are now, and it looks like the number one priority for me is insulating the house better so as to cut down on energy consumption.  I try to keep the thermostat down a bit but still keep the house functionally warm.  But a lot of heat (winter) and cool air (summer) is lost.  What a waste!

What is True Wealth?

Well, it can't be money, right?  I think wealth is part contentment, part peace, part relationships.  I'm sure there is more.

So if we are content, peaceful, and have good relationships, we are truly wealthy.

I'm rich! I'm rich! :)

Hermitage

Was reading The Art of Natural Building and saw "hermitage" which gave me an idea....

A few years ago I was looking into what it would take to run a Bed and Breakfast.  It's a lot of work!  But I thought this would really be an interesting thing to do.  Well, circumstances at the time made me put aside that idea - put aside but not give up!

What if it were a Nature Retreat instead!  Could create small out-buildings from local, natural elements for people to get away for a few days and spend time in meditation and relaxation.  That way each "hut" would be unique and people could enjoy creation and spend time with the Creator!

Raccoon

Okay, so this is not exactly about building, but something I'm reminded I must keep in mind when searching for a site - wildlife.  Since I had a raccoon try to break into my room through the window last night, I'm reminded that wildlife will be a factor.  I have to remember this when picking a potential home site, as well as in the design of the home.

What is the natural wildlife in the area?  How will I keep them OUT of the house without kicking them out of their own homes?

So much to think about!  What fun!!!

"House of Straw" by Carolyn Roberts

Started reading this book.  It's about a single mother who builds her own straw bale home in Arizona.  Well, if she can...I CAN!

Well, I wouldn't pick Arizona....