It's Time

For several months now, we have been struggling to find our identity. The glorious allure of, "The American Dream," has been causing a rising incompatibility with the life our hearts have desired. We have lost the pleasure that stuff used to bring us, and we have begun to realize the dramatic effects of our constant want. The problem was compounded by 3 small children and a very small (by American Standards) house. So we have decided that in this new year we are going to change the rhythm of our lives to more closely flesh out the longings of our souls.

We don't yet know where this journey will end or by what road we will get there, but we have decided to give ourselves a few ground rules to get going.

1. We will actively search our souls and the thoughts of God through prayer, meditation, and the wisdom texts
2. We will buy everything (barring food, medication, and health related products such as soap, toothpaste, etc.) used if at all possible
3. We will only buy a product that replaces a product we already own which has worn out
4. Anything that does not meet the previous two criteria, will require both our approval and a mandatory 2-week waiting period (to assure need and outlive the want monster)
5. We will purge our home of all unused, unwanted, or extraneous clutter
6. We will purge our lifestyle of all unwanted, unhealthy, and extraneous clutter
7. We will learn to and teach our kids to lessen our impact on the earth
8. We will be excellent stewards of the home and possessions we have
9. We will share our journey with all who wish to join us or watch us in this quest

We have no real idea what we are getting ourselves into, but we know that we cannot do it alone. If you are reading this, please keep us in your thoughts, prayers, and hearts. We believe that your encouragement will help us to succeed.

In dangerous pursuit of the best life,

Carolyn and Matt