May
6
2008
6
2008
The Alternative
Filed under: Alternative Housing, Consumerism, Contentment, Simplifying, Following Jesus
alternative:
a chance to choose between two or more possibilities;
one of the two or more possible choices.
Sometimes I forget that our little family is not normal. I forget that our life is a little on the “alternative” side…because it’s just us. It’s just life. But the more people I meet on the road…the more I realize just how different we are than the typical American family.
And yet, we are all so similar. Everyone longs to be free. Free from the burden of a mortgage. Free from the constraints of a nine to five job. Free from the pressure to conform. I see that longing in people’s eyes and hear it in their words over and over again…and yet, comfort usually wins out. It’s comfortable to be like everyone else. It’s easier to give in to the pressure to live the “American Dream” because everyone else is doing it too. Everyone else is at the mall. Everyone else is buying a house and cars they can’t afford. Everyone is charging it on their most recent 0% interest rate credit card. But I don’t want to be like everyone else. I want to live in my own little alternative dream world. 
Over the last couple of years, we’ve worked towards making our dream world a reality…and it has all come down to choices. We chose to sell our house and move to a smaller apartment so we could pay off debt faster. We chose to move West and simplify our life even more…with the goal of truly enjoying each day. We chose to go on the road full-time and explore the country while teaching others how to live green. We chose to give up the stability of a steady job in exchange for a wild journey of faith. Here are a few thoughts on the alternative parts of our life…and the variety of choices that are before us.
Employment
One of the most common questions we get asked is “how do you make money?!”. Most people are so accustomed to thinking about making money in the most traditional of ways…so making a living without a 9-5 job is a completely foreign and scary thought. The reason that it’s so scary is that we are constantly told by the media (and sometimes our family/friends) that to be accepted, we must appear to be successful. We must own a house. We must own a new vehicle. We must have a job with a fancy title. None of these things are bad…but they really aren’t necessary to have a happy life. When I started thinking about what was motivating us to have the big house, the car, the fancy job, etc…I realized that it was mostly driven by other people’s expectations. So, we left the very nice steady job and now we make money doing lots of small jobs. And we couldn’t be happier…because we are doing what we LOVE. Demos for the tour, photography, life coaching, handyman work, graphic design…everything adds up, and by the grace of God, we are able to pay bills and stay on the road! God has been so faithful throughout this journey and continues to amaze us with His provisions every day.
Housing
If you browse around my blog a bit…you will quickly notice that I am WAY into alternative housing. Yurts, cob houses, earthships, tipis Anything that looks a little quirky and I’m all over it. So it wasn’t a huge jump for us to move our entire life into a teeny box with wheels and hit the road. And we LOVE it. We love the smallness. We love having our home with us wherever the road leads. We couldn’t imagine it any other way! When we do settle down again somewhere…I’ll be checking one of my favorite books out from the library: Mortgage Free: Radical Strategies for Home Ownership. Love it.
Faith
Relying on something other than yourself is a foreign concept in our culture. We are constantly bombarded with messages of self-sufficiency and using our own “power” to create a new reality. And while I agree that we have amazing power within…I believe that power comes from Christ. He alone gives us power to pursue those dreams and He opens doors and opportunities beyond our wildest dreams when we abide in Him. Living a life focused on Christ is not always a popular choice, but for us…it’s the only choice.
Parenting
It’s a crazy thing…this parenting job. We are trying to do the best that we can with the information that we have…and adding a whole bunch of love and kisses along the way We are a homebirthing, cloth diapering, non-vaxing, gentle disciplining, babywearing, co-sleeping, extended nursing family…whew! That’s a lot of labels. I prefer to think of it as natural parenting. We believe that children are to be treated with respect and mercy. It’s not an easy road and we’re not perfect by any means…but we try to treat Bella the way we want her to treat others….with respect and kindness.
Education
Another question that we get asked a lot is “…but what will you do when Bella needs to go to school?”. And to that my response is “…she is already in school!”. The school of life, that is Bella is learning new things every day…in the last week we have learned about railroads, numbers, seasons, food, money, and more…just by living life. She is learning about the world around her in every interaction we have. She constantly asks questions and I do my best to teach her new things each day. We fall into the “unschooling” camp and it fits perfectly with our lifestyle and beliefs about how a child should learn. For some great reading on this topic…here is a great book to start with.
Food
We definitely go against the flow when it comes to food…we’ve been vegetarian for almost 4 years and are most recently eating all raw vegan foods. We feel amazing and we’re having a great time teaching others along the way!
Beauty
To be considered beautiful in our culture, it might appear that one needs to be a size 2, have long flowing blonde hair, and wear designer clothing. These are all things that the fashion magazines tell us…and it’s probably the most difficult thing for women especially to overcome. But for me, it’s much more fun to love myself for who I am, in the clothes I found at Goodwill….with hair that doesn’t have to be combed.
I love the definition above of “alternative” listed above…“a chance to choose between two or more possibilities”. A “chance to choose”. There is so much possibility in that phrase. What is your ultimate dream in life? Are you pursuing it? Are you taking steps each day towards that goal? Or do you just lay in bed at night and think about it? Do you think about how impossible it is? How life just isn’t fair? No more thinking. JUST START NOW. Take one step. And then take another. And another. Until you are living your dream and you couldn’t imagine it any other way!
God places passions and desires in our hearts for a reason. He wants us to be in the center of His will…pursuing the passions that He has placed in our hearts. Abide in Him. Listen. Dream. Take one step toward the alternative.
Photo credit: Flickr| tonystl
Posted by Sara @ 3:08 am | Leave a Comment
Sara
Daughter of the Almighty. Wife. Mama. Sister. Friend. Traveler. Photographer. Designer. Tea drinker. Reader. Knowledge seeker. Google lover. Kitchen dweller. Dreamer. Leader. Homebirther. Breastfeeder. Homeschooler. Lover of life.
6
2008
Sara,
I think the Lord knew that you needed to write this for me. As you know, we are pursuing a dream actively at this point. A huge part of pursuing a dream is stepping out in faith. It sounds so dreamy and romantic, but when you get down to it, it is not easy and it can be scary. It *is* so very easy to stay comfortable, I won’t deny it. But when you present things as you have done here, it makes more sense to me, and gets me excited.
Thanks so much!!
6
2008
Your blog is really refreshing to me. One of the most challenging things is sustaining your simplicity. My husband and I are also small-living, vegan wanderers. Last year we lived out of our car, and for six months out of our backpacks! There was nothing so liberating as having everything we needed with us, and watching the world go by at 2.5 miles per hour.
Now we are struggling against the pressure to “get over” that phase of our life and buy a house and “settle down”. There are crossroads on the path of life every day, and knowing that there are other people out there who share some of our philosophies makes it easier for us to choose the path right for us.
Thank you and good luck!
6
2008
My husband has a saying, “If the world tells you to do something, do the opposite, and you are probably on the right track”.
We are just about to begin fulfiling our dream of Homeschooling. I know God has placed this desire in our hearts, and we are looking to Him in this. It is seen as “alternative”, especially here in Australia, but doing what everyone else is doing is not always right for us.
6
2008
Whenever I tell people about your blog, people usually say something like, oh it must be nice to not have a job, bills etc… I’m like no they aren’t these super rich people who decided to have a year long vacation. These are people who decided the typical American dream wasn’t for them, and they have to trust in God for all there needs, which can be very scary. I think your family is such a beautiful example of trusting Him, and not following any ideas about what you are supposed to be. Witnessing your journey has called me to trust more. I love that my family lives in our own little alternative world too!
6
2008
We are in the process of taking that road - the one less chosen…! It is a fun change, but sometimes scary. It is also a road that makes us lean on Jesus so much more! Isn’t it wonderful to find people along the way that share your passions in life? Thanks for being one of those people to me!
6
2008
Wow…
I have been reading your blog for a few months now, and have been inspired by what you write. Thanks for showing us that there is an alternative to the crazy mainstream American lifestyle!
6
2008
I loved this post and will definitely reread it to let it all sink in…and will check out all the links. Even though my lifestyle is not nearly as radical as yours, I am often teased about being crazy or a hippie or “Laura Ingalls Wilder”. I am happy that I am very close to living my best life (there is always room for growth!). Sometimes I question or second quess myself (you heard a lot of that while you were here!) but when I really quiet the outside noises…all the people telling me what I should do and who I should be…and I really listen to the people who matter (my immediate family) and try to discern God’s will for my life and how I can best honor Him with the life I am leading, I find that I am very content with where I am. And when I realize that, I feel so much FREEDOM!! I feel such conviction about homeschooling Caedmon, that now, I don’t even really care what other people think because I am just so 100% sure that it is what is best for him and for our family.
Even in little things, like decorating, it is so liberating to just stop worrying about what others think. My mother just gave me the most absurd piece of art for my bathroom. My first thought was how everyone was going to judge me for that piece of wackiness…but you know, I really like it, and am going to keep it…”they” don’t live in my house, so why should I decorate for them?
My mom has always been a little eccentric, and encouraged us to “march to the beat of a different drummer”. I was immediately drawn to you and your family because ya’ll are doing just that. And, I love how non-judgmental you are of others, who are living a life that is different from yours. That is the beauty of it, isn’t it? There is so much freedom in Christ! We are all so different, with many varied talents and gifts and abilities…we just have to learn to embrace how He has made us, and the desires and dreams and abilities He has given us. Thanks for the great read! Can’t wait to go back and enjoy it again!
6
2008
Wow, that was a really long comment
6
2008
Lovely post. I could read stuff like this all day. I have many dreams that are not being fullfilled because of debt. But we are working on it, very slowly. Debt is SO HARD to get rid of!! But the end result is so worth it, as you have said.
You are an inspriation to us! Someday, we would love to have a house on wheels. That’s just one dream motivating us to get rid of debt.
Thanks for a wonderful post. More please!!
6
2008
Sara: Just wanted to officially admit to being a “silent reader” of your website. Your perspective is challenging, and refreshing. Thank you for being faithful to our God and for being willing to share your culturally different lifestyle. Even though there are only parts that I live currently, I am challenged by how unabashedly you share here, and I just wanted to say thanks! Oh, and thanks for all the recipes on your other site - - I have been eating raw smoothies like crazy the last couple of months and I love it!
6
2008
Sarah,
Thanks so much for this post. It is very encouraging for me to hear. I’ve recently felt very alone in this ‘alternative’ world and it’s such a strange feeling to know that I’ll always be like this. Though we don’t have kids yet - when we do we will be doing much of what you’re talked about, ‘natural parenting’ - and I know we’ll get strange looks, comments and ideas from our friends & families. But that’s one thing I love about the blogosphere - that I can connect with other wonderful Christian ‘alternatives’ and not feel so alone.
Thanks so much for your encouraging posts and words - you have truly been a BIG inspiration to me as we’ve started down this path. I was so bummed I wasn’t able to make it to Madison, WI to see you guys - hopefully you’ll come back through to WI and I can try to meet up with you then
Peace!
6
2008
I love that definition as well. With all the craziness this world offers, the chance to choose to go against the societal flow is such a relief.
We are definitely working toward an alternative lifestyle (well, we’re already pretty alternative so I guess you could say we’re working toward looking even crazier to our neighbors) and the peace and contentment that brings is like a gust of fresh air.
P.S. We have an incredible amount in common; Ron Paul, natural parenting, unschooling, food (we’re vegetarian, not raw though), dreads (soon-to-be for me)…we’re temporarily tied down to suburbia but we’re right where we’re suppose to be for now…our next home will be an Earth Ship. :]
6
2008
I totally needed this today… feeling a bit overwhelmed by “other people’s pressures” to be something that I’m not. Thanks so much, very inspiring
6
2008
I also have been a silent reader. Thank you so much for helping those of us who don’t fit in a tidy little box. I am a homeschooling, vegan, Christ loving mom whose second car is my walking shoes. My extended family does not understand anything I do. My homeschooling friends don’t get the walking or veganism. My church friends only understand my faith. The rest is too strange to them. So, I will often go to your blog when I need to feel not so alone! God bless you!
My dream is to live on a houseboat. Someday!
6
2008
Thanks Sara. This is so refreshing. My husband and I are just beginning to make plans for living out our dreams. In the summer of 2009, we will be on our way, and this just gave me a little encouragement to not get bogged down, but to take each day I have to move toward our goals. Praise the Lord!
6
2008
very inspiring, got her by way of your travel blog, by way of AT. so encouraged to see another family doing things their way and how that plays out based on your convictions. You life looks full of blessings!
6
2008
I’m also so glad to see you pop up in bloglines! I needed some perspective today too. I’m getting ready to have a garage sale and I keep going back and forth on getting rid of some things, even though they are things we do not need and forget we have most of the time. Funny how we can get so tied to things! Whatever doesn’t sell, will be given away or taken to the Goodwill. It feels good to get rid of things and live lighter. You are an inspiration!
6
2008
What a lovely and inspiring post.
6
2008
What a terrific entry! It’s really about choices, isn’t it? I used to find jumping out of my “comfort zone” (and everyone elses “zone”) to be extremely challenging…now I do it on a daily basis and love it.
6
2008
I have also been a silent reader for a while. I just wanted to thank you so much for sharing yourself with all of us. I’m 24 and single and learning a lot about myself and the Lord. I have made some changes in my life over the past year that have looked pretty strange to family and friends. It’s always a blessing to encounter people such as yourself, even if only in Blogland.
By the way, I also grew up in Iowa, Des Moines to be exact. When I began reading your blog I was so excited (and a little surprised) to find that you are a fellow Iowan. I moved out to the DC area about 8 months ago. I love it out here, but I will always be a midwestern girl at heart. : )
6
2008
Girl, thank you. God has used you to bless me so much with this post. I have just made a move (last night literally) to a little place that is “uncomfortable”. The whole time God has been saying “It’s not about Comfort, but about being Confident in Him”. I am taking this post and going to read it again later.
Again, thanks for just sharing and you have such a way with words. Book coming one of these days?
God Bless your socks off!
Feesh
6
2008
Sara, I find your blog so inspiring. We are working to become debt-free. I tend to fall into the alternative side of things, though my husband not so much.
6
2008
Sara,
You are so inspirational to us. We are downsizing radically so when my hubby returns from his deployment, we are going to find out little cottage house and live our dream.
It is amazing how letting go of things is so freeing. I just sold a large amount of items, from furniture to books, clothing, dishes, etc and I realized what we really use and love and that is all we need.
I wish you all the best and keep inspiring!!
Cheers,
Heather
6
2008
Ok Sara, so you know all I can say is DITTO! We just got back from our trip to Arkansas and just absorbed all the locals and forms of “alternative” living. We witnessed a guy who noticed a family working on their front lawn of their business and he just asked if the guy needed some help and was able to get a job for the day. Anyway, you know our story, so this is just one more inspiration to us as we slowly make some steps to debt free for a life on the road. Also heard a great quote while on our AR journey, “I’d rather be poor and happy, then living that American Dream!”
6
2008
It’s funny (well not really funny, but you know what I mean) that your lifestyle is called “alternative,” meaning (for most people) different from the norm. In that way, I love the redefinition of an alternative lifestyle as being a choice between two equally viable things.
Still, I’d love to see the “norm” lifestyle be a less powerful draw as a choice… to the point where we might call IT the alternative (meaning “weird”) lifestyle!
6
2008
Sara,
I just discovered your blog and am totally inspired by it. It’s so nice to see someone else who lives outside the box. My husband and I lived in a VW van for a summer, and ditched our 9-5 jobs for an innkeeping job that allows us to spend more time together and simplify our life. I feel so encouraged that I’m not alone! I’ll have to check out that book you recommended. I love that you are so true and passionate about life and loving God!
7
2008
This post spoke to my heart and soul… thank you for living the dream God created for you. It’s inspired me to continue living simply… but I can’t help but feel a little disheartened… I’m not exactly sure God’s dream for me is. Guess it’s time to cut out the noise and listen more.
May God bless you, dear sister in Christ.
7
2008
While we are not quite as “alternative” as your family, we are still “alternative” enough to be misunderstood by many of our friends… We finally became debt-free last summer when we paid of our modest, but nice, ranch home and stepped out of the rat race. We realized that it wasn’t worth it trying to keep up with the Joneses, because the Joneses are broke! Now, life is sooo much more simple, and I’m having fun planning/beginning my first vegetable garden in my beautiful backyard =) God is so good… but I admit we are a bit quirky, too!
7
2008
I have read this post quite a few times already because it has really spoken to me. Thank you for being true and sharing yourself. I look forward to your heartfelt and honest posts.
Many blessings!
Jennifer
http://www.makingahomeandfamily.com
7
2008
wow. i really needed to read this today. Thank you. We are at a point in our life where the road diverges and we KNOW what path is best for us but it IS hard at times…. there’s more resistance going that direction. We just bought a cheap old 1976 RV and we are planning to take off for four months and meditate over some very important decisions-like whether to live on the road full-time or not, to buy some land and build a cob house, etc. This blog entry really hit home with me. I’m feeling a bit worn down from all the resistance we have been experiencing lately- even questioning some of our choices. Thanks for the inspiration
7
2008
sara,
thanks. this post was further confirmation that we are on the right track! God is good, all the time. He honors our choices to go ‘off the beaten’ path & choose to live simply–relying on Him to be our guider & provider.
blessings!
7
2008
I love you. Now bring that RV back through Iowa now that it’s warming up will ya?!
7
2008
I just love how you are truly “living” your life.
7
2008
I found your blog through em’s and I have been reading it in spurts all day. I am so inspired to live more simply. We have downsized twice in the last year, but it still feels like life is nothing but clutter. I want to stop looking for things to satisfy me, and find my way straight to the Lord with fewer distractions. Thank you. I’ll be back.
7
2008
You are amazing ! Thank you for following your dreams and encouraging me to step out from under the safety net. Life changes are on the horizon for our family !
7
2008
Sara, I feel so blessed to have found your blog! I found it through Em’s and everything you mentioned in this post hits on what God has put on my heart lately. WOW. thats all I can say…thank you for stepping out and going against the flow. I will be praising God when I think of you!
I’m excited to meet you in Heaven! (if not before)
8
2008
It’s funny, I JUST finished writing my own blog post entitled, “Working From Home.”
I did this in response to several women’s requests for advice. These women expressed to me that they have the desire to stay home with their children and also to homeschool. As the stay home mother of seven children, I offered what I have learned over the years.
I was pleasantly surprised to read your thoughts, which are so similar to mine. I’ll be linking to this post of yours!
8
2008
Love this post! Everything about it. Thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom with us. We are honored!
I love your blog and your food blog. My husband and I are beginning the journey of starting raw. My husband had to check out the post of your husband and got psyched to start after hearing about his journey too.
Don’t get frustrated b/c there are obviously many of us who think you’re pretty cool!
God bless!
Jenna
9
2008
To swim against the tide takes courage and strength. Some of us manage to do it with our faith, or our lifestyle or our attitude towards debt and so on, but I think you are unusual in that you seek to do your own thing (the right thing) so wholeheartedly! Thank you for sharing your journey.
9
2008
Sara,
I just found you today . . . what a blessing! My passions are Jesus Christ, homeschooling, eatig raw, and . . . I have an RV dream. I can’t tell you how excited I am to read about you living a life of faith. The “job thing” is what keeps my husband from fully embracing traveling in an RV. We just bought a 22′ used RV to take short trips. But I would love to make the jump to full time RVing for a couple years. Maybe someday. As for raw food . . . we did a 30 day challenge quite a while ago and we are now getting back to more raw food for health reasons. We have been drinking green smoothies nearly everyday for over a year. It is the rest of our diet that needs to get whipped into shape! Anyway, I’m so glad I found you. You can bet I’ll be a regular reader!
9
2008
Preach it, Sista!
I have been reading your blog for a while. But this post spoke to me as it did to others! It is great to hear from others who come across resistance from family and friends that only understand what is “normal”. I am right with ya on a lot of your beliefs and loves! I’m glad you’ve been blogging here again!
9
2008
I always enjoy your blog so much Sara—and really would love to meet you if you ever pop into my part of North Carolina!
Before I say what I feel like I need to/want to say, let me say this is not said AT ALL with any sort of ill will.
I’ve been a SAHM for 7 years. I’ve homeschooled “officially” 3 of them. I’ve loved almost every cotton-pickin’ second of it–even the struggles. We sold our house and moved in with the inlaws for a few months to save money and pay off debt. We just have bought a new home that is smaller and more sustainable than most people’s choice of housing. I am a member of a food co-op and a CSA. I support and eat almost all locally produced/grown food. I’m a huge foodie!
All of that is to say—
I completely understand WHAT you are saying…but…
I don’t think the “alternative” lifestyle you described is something for everyone. Yes, you knew that and that was not your point, I know.
But reality is, I have a sick child who must have good healthcare, insurance, and access to a quality children’s hospital. It wasn’t her fault she was born with a genetic disease that requires maintenace. My husband works his tail off to provide the medical we need. He’d love to not have a 9-5 job (well, it is more like 6 am to 4:30 pm for him) but it is not possible.
And yes, we’ve cut cable, internet and everything we can to have me at home.
And, we can’t do it anymore even with NO debt and a small mortgage (sorry, but we refuse to live with inlaws forever). In August, I will cease the SAHM/homeschool role and begin teaching again in public school (gasp!) and send my children to public school because the $10K private school locally isn’t even a reality for us.
I guess what I’m saying is…choose your words very carefully. I know I wish I hadn’t said some of the things I said about “normal America” while I was living the alternative lifestyle. I am having to eat a little crow now. You know, not all, but MOST people want the best for their kids and their families, even if they work 9-5, carry debt, and eat boxed macaroni. I truly believe that.
I have learned to find the things that make me happy in my life, even with going back to work. I love gardening in my little postage stamp garden. I love snuggling my children before bedtime, and getting to read a new library book.
Find the joy in YOUR LIFE and worry less about everyone else’s life around you and how they choose to live it.
I hope that didn’t come across as snooty or ugly—not my intention at all. But as a little bit older gal who is learning the hard way that sometimes we say things to others we might regret one day far, far down the road—I wanted to share.
10
2008
Wow!
Your blog is so inspiring!
I love this post:)
Blessings to you and your sweet family.
10
2008
Good for you–more people should be living their values the way you are!
I consider myself “alternative” in different ways from you, and I am so glad I don’t feel the pressure to conform to mainstream American society.
My family is still green-smoothie challenged. In fact, I can’t get my kids to drink any kind of smoothie, even if it just has fruits or fruits with yogurt. Any ideas? Maybe they just don’t like the texture
11
2008
TheNormalMiddle…thank you for your thoughtful response. This post was in no way meant to place judgment upon those who are not living a life identical to mine. In fact, I love that everyone’s lives are so different…that’s what makes the world go around
The main truth I want to convey is that the majority of people today DO have choices they can make in their life…sometimes they are hard, and sometimes they are easy. In your case, which is a special circumstance indeed, there may not be any other choice in some areas. However, it sounds like you have made the best choices you can for your family with the options given…and that’s all you can do 
12
2008
Thanks for the encouraging post! For our little family, its so nice to be reminded that “alternative” looks not only as it does for your family, but it means we hace a choice and we make it according to God’s will for our lives (to the best of our knowledge at that moment in time). My husband works evenings at a job and career he LOVES so that he cam be home during the day with our 16mo daughter, while i am finishing up my education. I am so humbled by the sacrifices he makes for our family and especially for me. It is discuraging to feel like you don’t fit in with your peers…even though i would never want their attitudes and choices in a million years! and such a good and gentle reminder to run the race marked out for us, run with perserverence and know that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has our steps planned exactly.
any hints on what might be next for your family? or where you migth go when the tour is over? and thanks for the book on a mortgage free home…gotta check that one out!!
12
2008
I LOVE this post! You always have encouraged me to try things a bit differently. Though I am not where you are I know that we have the common bond of Christ.
I love how you talk about the choices you’ve made without ripping on people who do it differently. Thank you for that!
12
2008
I so thank you for this — today, of all days — I stumble upon it and it made me just feel so much better (:
When I read: “I believe that power comes from Christ. He alone gives us power to pursue those dreams and He opens doors and opportunities beyond our wildest dreams when we abide in Him.” It is so very, very true. And sometimes so very, very difficult. But I want to take the leap. I want to be better than I am today.
12
2008
Sara,
Thanks for this post. We’re trying to save for a small house with enough land to grow our own food and live more sustainably. For us, that’s the alternative we’re shooting for. Have you come across the book Little House On A Small Planet? I think you’d love it. She points out that the word “mortgage” literally means “death note”!
12
2008
Caren…yes, it’s one of my very favorite books! So inspiring!
13
2008
I have been reading your blog for awhile now and I have found it refreshing and encouraging…so I was kind of let down by this post.
It seems to me that there is a movement among Christians to embrace this new “alternative” and define it by outward things. There have been times that I really agree with what is going in people’s hearts, living simply, shunning commercialism, not worrying about what the rest of the world thinks…and then suddenly here is this whole new list of “things” that define a person. And we don’t fit that perfect little picture. And it’s not really our dream either. We’re very happy living in a house and driving a normal car and my husband loves his (7am-6pm) job as a stone mason. God made me with blond hair and I wear it long. We eat a lot of “normal” food and wear “normal” clothes. Yes, we homeschool, we don’t vax or spank and these things make us different but they don’t define us. I guess I’m just tired of people telling us to listen to Jesus..and He’ll tell us to be like them.
The Bible uses the image of two paths also.(Matt.7) One is broad and one is narrow. One is the way of life and peace and the other ends in death. To me these are the paths that Christians should be concerned with.
Ironically, most of the “alternative” people that I know aren’t Christians and most are Pagan. I’m not saying it’s wrong to do these things, just that it not really what God has planned for everyone.
I admire you. I’m not trying to judge you, just show you a different point of view. The main passage of Scripture that came to mind as I read your post is Romans 14, specifically verse 17:
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
Paul said that he had learned to be content no matter where he was, if he was poor or rich or even in jail. I think we should strive for this also while finding our dream. Being content in God’s will even if that is in the middle of Suburbia.
May God bless you as you continue to live your dream!
14
2008
Beautiful verse from Romans that essentially affirms a life which eschews material consumption. At the time these words were written, “meat” was a form of currency, as it still is for nomadic and tribal people throughout the world–livelihood, wealth, dowry, etc etc. Thus, Old Testament sacrifices generally involve livestock–that is, they entail not only the giving up of life, but the giving up of valuable individual property, as a way of saying: My acquisitions are nothing I would not gladly surrender to you, O Lord, to receive your Grace. Thank you, Leah, for inadvertently affirming an “alternative” life. Like many others, I grew up in a right-wing “Christian” home and thought for many years that Christianity was synonomous with fear, homophobia, rampant materialism, prejudice. Bless you, Sara, for living the freedom that true alternatives bring.
15
2008
Sara,
I’m a mostly silent reader and I have really enjoyed reading your blog over this past year! Your posts are always challenging and inspiring.
It is definitely true that there is a lot that is wrong with the current “American dream” lifestyle and (while we are right in the middle of living it) we, too, are truly seeking to live the life that Christ has called us to live - which is NOT what most people consider normal - thus the term “alternative.” =)
I was wondering about one thing in your post in regards to parenting and thought maybe you could clarify or maybe you just hadn’t thought about this before: I notice that both links you provide for parenting info are very secular/worldly in nature in the sense that they seem to be not talking about parenting from a biblical worldview. I’m actually NOT saying that I don’t agree with and practice most of what you mentioned in regards to parenting, but I was just wondering if you have sought out scripture and godly advice from godly men and women in this area (I am guessing you have) or if you mostly process your thoughts on this through these two websites. Just wondering b/c some of my friends and I were talking today about how important it is to make sure that our “mental commities” are made up of people/organizations who have a biblical worldview and who are seeking to love and serve the Lord. We are (especially as women) so easily swayed by what sounds like a good idea especially if it is what we are surrounding ourselves with on a daily basis. . . does this make sense. . . (this is coming from a healthy eating, home-centered learning, non-vaxing mom who doesn’t co-sleep and does *discipline* for outright defiance and takes slight offense to the insinuation by these 2 sites that I am not merciful and loving or gentle because of this).
I really do love your blog and I love that you challenge me to think about all of these things!
Thanks!
15
2008
Wow! Thank you for this post! I was just writing on my blog about listening to and not shutting out the passions that God has placed on my heart. I really appreciate your words. God bless.
16
2008
Sara-
I have 2 books that come to mind when I read your posts.. One about money stuff/ Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace (so awesome- from a Christian’s perspective and helped my husband and I too give up credit cards completely, save and have live debt free) www.daveramsey.com
Another about a Christian guy who took 2 months with a buddy to live as a homeless person- Mike Yankoski’s “Under the Overpass” can’t say enough awesome things about this guy and his book, oh how it opened my eyes to so much. www.undertheoverpass.com
Check them out, and keep inspiring, God bless.
16
2008
Funny how I feel like such an outsider with just the food piece (and we’re not raw vegans, just half raw and mill your own flour kind of folks) who parent in most of the same ways. sigh.
If you ever have insomnia or need to engage in tomfoolery, I tagged you for a new meme. Big fun, good times.
16
2008
one of my favorite posts you’ve written yet. it totally spoke to me and my husband was inspired by it also. i also totally get what you were saying, that most americans are blessed to have choices, and i want to thank you for sharing your families choices with us. i enjoy reading about how unique your life is right now and how you got there. keep em coming.
17
2008
were you in the New York Times article today 5/17?
18
2008
just this week i think i spoke about each of these categories with others….marching to the beat of our own drum. being okay with being different. it felt so good. perfect timing for this post….encouraging
19
2008
[…] Sara from Walk Slowly, Live Wildly (and the famous Live Lightly Tour…and Happy Foody…and a host of other interesting things) always writes with such heart and authenticity, and I just can’t help but love her. I bet you will too, especially after reading this post on going against the American Dream and choosing an alternative lifestyle. […]
19
2008
I’ve read this blog from time to time, and it really is inspiring… Even in this post there are many things that make one think what way live her life. Even though I can’t think on the same way about everything… well, mostly God. Christian country, christian culture… and I don’t really feel that I should believe. But well, that’s my choice.
What I wanted to say was simply, that you can think about those same things (living without credit, simple life, travelling, etc), without a christian point of view.
Your choises ask a lot of courage, I wish you all good.
And.. what did I want to say…? oh, yeah, that’s almost 6 years ago that I said goodbye to comb. I like my hair
19
2008
Very interesting post! I am inspired by you and your blog. My husband and I like to think we dance to the beat of our own drum as well but… we can’t get over the no health insurance thing. Maybe I need to trust more. I don’t know. I think I’ve just known so many people who got cancer randomly at a young age I feel like health insurance is just something we can’t live without. I see that you are non-vaxing do you have any sort of health plan? We’ve looked at paying for one out of pocket but it costs soooo much money. So for now DH still has to keep his job even though it isn’t for the money… give and take I suppose.
20
2008
Sara,
You are living proof that if we really want to share God’s love then all that actually matters in life is a roof over ones head, clothes to wear, and food to eat in the company of those we love and care for.
We were called to ‘live’ our faith in the way that Jesus did trusting God in whatever direction He leads us. May you continue to be blessed in having the courage and will to do as you have.
20
2008
I just stumbled upon your blog,but I loved what you had to say!
We also live an alternative life and have been traveling the world in an older small RV for the last 2 years. We eat mostly vegan, my child has never had a vax or antibiotic, I don’t have to comb my hair because it is very short and I love that freedom, we unschool our child and live very well on 25k a year.
I understand completely and living this free life has been the best decision of our lives!
I only wish we did this sooner!
Blessings to you and yours!
21
2008
What an answer to prayer! I found your website by accident and started reading. Thank you for your inspiring words. I too live an alternative life, compared to those around me, and lately I find it hard because of the lack of support I receive. It is refreshing to know that others are also “alternative”. Thank you.
22
2008
What gorgeous sentiment…
22
2008
This is totally off subject…
I finally cleaned out my kitchen cupboards! We have 4 people in our family. We now have 4 bowls, 4 small plates, and 5 large plates (1 used for serving).
I just got so fed up with never catching up on the dishes. Even if I did them 3 times a day it still seemed overwhelming.
In addition to paring down, I now have a tub filled with soapy water all the time. Even the kids will wash their dishes after they use it. I’m loving it!
22
2008
You have alot of good thoughts I really enjoyed it…
24
2008
I just wanted to write and tell you that you are such an inspiration to me. I believe I am a true “hippie” at heart. I could easily give up my home and either hit the road or live on an homestead, but I am married to the love of my life and he is not at all into any of it. I have/had settled. I am/was how obese, sick, and depressed. But you know what I told myself that this was going to change and it has in someways. I now eat a much at least a 50% raw diet, compost, recycle, clean organically, and am losing some weight. My husband may sometimes shake his head but he is not stopping me and has started to do some little things himself. I guess what I wanted to say is although we might not all get to live your life ( and not everyone would want to) you have inspired many of us to think differently and change and I for one want to think you for that.
28
2008
Sara, what a great summary/reminder of how your family’s lives have changed over the past few years! I’ve read all the comments thus far for this post….and while my family’s life will probably always look different from your family’s, it’s great to see that you CAN exist, thrive and be joyful without many of the things our society considers necessary. I’m always challenged and encouraged by reading your blog, so keep on truckin (or should I say, RVin’). I’ll probably never live out of an RV, have my hair in dreads, or enjoy a green smoothie daily, but your blog reminds me above all to keep it simple, keep it real and enjoy life to the full–keeping it pointed toward the One who gives full life. He gets all the glory from our efforts anyway.
I will say, though, that you have singlehandedly convinced me to cloth-diaper, clean green, learn to banish plastic, and switch to a simpler, greener beauty routine. Its all in-process, but its been so good. So thanks, friend! So glad I checked the Freecycle posts that day…:-)
28
2008
What a great post - in fact what a great blog. I have only just stumbled across this blog and already its kept me awake at night mulling over some of the things you have said - its a huge inspiration
29
2008
Gosh I’ve been needing to find a blog that speaks to me like this one does. Chile turned me on to your cloth wipes post, and I’ve been smitten since. Thanks.
30
2008
Wonderful post–Thank you!
Julieann
30
2008
Hi Sara,
I just tagged you for a blog game where you write 6 of your unspectacular quirks. It looks like you are one popular lady, so maybe your readers would enjoy that from you. Personally, what I would really like to hear from you is how you came to Jesus. When did you become a Christian? I would also love to hear more about the different churches that you mentioned you have visited over the course of your travels. Is there one branch of Christianity that you feel drawn to? Peace.
31
2008
Great post!
Have you checked out Container City?
www.containercity.com
2
2008
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog! Am so glad to have found it. So much of what I’ve read really resonates with me. I’ve bookmarked it for future perusal. Thanks~you’re inspiring!
3
2008
Amen, mama lady!
4
2008
I just found your blog as well and this is the 1st post I’ve read. I know I am many among commentors but wanted to say how it really encourages me. See I am into natural parenting and am a Christian but sometimes feel so alone in the world;d with y beliefs. I blogged about it the other day in fact. I so wish God would send someone like you in my life, But for now, I’ll have to be content to subscribe to your blog RSS feeds and know that somewhere in this world is someone like me with the same dreams and thoughts and beliefs. Thank you for your post!
7
2008
Sara,
For various reasons, my husband and I are contemplating a major life change for our family and hitting the road full time in an RV. We are putting the pieces together right now and praying our way through it. I found your link on the FOTR website and have been sitting here reading your site. I just wanted to tell you how ridiculously heartening it is to know that there are people out there that love Christ with all their hearts AND still care about creation, living naturally and slowing down to enjoy…not buying into everything that’s peddled to us.
Thank you for your sweet spirit, your godly “alternative-ness”, and for taking a complete leave from being ethnocentric. You are an inspriration in a time when it feels like saying one is a Christian means one must then all into a certain camp..one that cares nothing for the earth, caring for people regardless of who they are or what they have come from. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I pray that you and your family will be a reflection of Him and a blessing to all you meet. I pray that people like you will put a fresh, realistic and compassionate face on Christianity.
Very sincerely,
Laurie Schindler
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