Changes in the New Year

Seems I can't get off the subject of changes. So if you will indulge me for a little longer I would like to add to this subject. Daily I see changes in the lives of everyone around us and in our life here on Heartland Farm as well. I believe we would all be wise to consider them a natural fact of life. It would make life's ups and downs easier to handle if we did. Some of them bring joy, others heartache, but all bring new realities to our lives. For us the opportunity to live out a dream is a change on our horizon. One that is being considered and investigated as a possibility in the next year. Lon and I have mentioned on several occasions of our desire to live on a larger parcel of land. To have the ability to establish a place better suited to the name of Heartland Farm. The idea to "move west, young man, move west" has been on Lon's heart for many years. Thought of his retirement somewhere in the future, has been a tantalizing image dreamed about and spoken of on more than one occasion. I am sure this type of talk is a surprise to many who know us on the surface, but do not know the depth of our hearts. A shock will inevitably be had by all who hear of our plans no doubt.


For many years we have been adjusting our future image of retirement and how we hoped to live those years out. I believe God has been working in both of our lives towards a common goal that would have us in tandem with being who HE would like us to be. The goal to be debt free and at HIS disposal has been a strong one. One that the Bible states will be blessed by HIM in our obedience to it. The freedom from debt would enable us to live life to the fullest and able to be on mission for the Lord in a lot of ways. Like the one coming up next year in July for me.

Another change on the horizon for 2009 is a mission trip to Honduras with a group from Beulah Baptist Church. Something I've wanted to do for many years, but have never followed through on till now. A sure test of my commitment to following the Lord's will for me is coming. Unlike a vacation to a secluded beach somewhere, this trip will challenge me spiritually, emotionally and physically. As we hike many miles a day to reach remote villages with the good news of God's love for them. Working along side of the people to help them establish churches and better living conditions, meeting their physical needs through a medical clinic, living and eating as they do. Talk about a change from the American way of life! It will be a lot different from what I know as reality for me, but I feel the call to go. And go I will, as the Lord provides the monetary resources I will need.


The potential move to Alabama on the other hand, to a rural homestead of sorts is a daily conversation here at Heartland Farm. The changes this move would create are ever before us and we discuss them, even as we bend over them in prayer. To think on all that we would need to do, can overwhelm us at times. Letting go off 32 years of accumulative living, filling our closets and storage areas will be a lesson towards living the simple life on a homestead farm. One complete with varied livestock, barns, vegetable gardens, farm chores, a smaller home and the joys that come from living close to the earth with dependence on God for our well being. I know for many this is not something they would ever consider. As our lives take different roads based on God's will for us and our individual personalities and desires. But as I told Lon last week as we walked a piece of land we are considering to buy. For me, I believe it will be like coming home to the life I have always felt apart of me. He and I are in agreement on what we would like our future to look like. As soul mates, married for life, best friends this kind of move will work for us.

I believe these are just two of the changes the Lord will bring into our lives in the next year and the years to follow. He has brought us through so many already, that I know he will carry us through each one we will face. To be found faithful in them will be a blessing beyond words.

Seeking new directions. . . . in a new year,

Deborah