Voices that speak of how to take the steps to make yourself more self-sufficient, how to can and preserve, or learn a myriad of other skills to help yourself stand on your own two feet…
Well, honestly, wondering how long we really have until we are silenced.And here is why.
If you could come to my house, walk in the door, and sit down for a cup of coffee at my table, we could talk about everything in our hearts and minds, from today until Sunday. You could see my face, hear my voice and inflections, and know that I sincerely, deeply, care about you as a person. You would see that I care more about what is going on in your life and in your mind that whether or not I am right, or running roughshod over you because you disagree with something that I say.
What does that have to do with where I am at?
Well honestly, I have been greatly concerned for some time that what I teach, and what I say are being monitored. Even to the point of having some weird things happening with the Blog, the Facebook page, and my personal email. I know that sounds a little odd-ball, even for me, but after all the things I have seen in my lifetime, I guess nothing would surprise me. Perhaps it is what I teach? What I say? Whatever it is, I have been seeing some strange things, and received some strange emails in both places the last month or so, many of it just dripping with hate and anger.
No one likes to open emails, or mediate comments like that.
No one likes to be the big bad guy that has to delete another rude and angry person from a Facebook page. And if you know me at ALL, you know I detest confrontation….
but I am a darn good debater. 🙂
However, it seems that common courtesy, and the ability to even have a normal conversation on subjects that may cause contention is no longer even possible. You share something you have on your heart, and BAM, crazy people come out of the woodwork accusing you of hate speech, ignorance, intolerance, whatever. I guess I got more than a little tired of it, and most certainly more wary than normal about what was going on around me.
However, after thinking it through, and struggling with it, I realized something.
I have done nothing wrong.
I love the Lord and that spills over into every area of my life.
I don‘t ask you to swallow everything I say, Â
and I reach out to you even if you disagree with me,Â
doing it in love.Â
I teach you things that I think are very very important. Skills, ideas, recipes, whatever, that I feel you should be learning and know more about. I want to inspire you, encourage you, and strengthen your own belief in what you can accomplish, leading through example to see you grow and mature, not just in physical things, but in emotional and spiritual things as well!
So this eventually led me, not only to the quote that we started with , but a renewed commitment to step forward, boldly, turning a blind eye and ear to those who have been less than gracious in the last few weeks, both here and on Facebook.
 Simply put, many of you are here
 because you choose to be,
and those that want to gripe, that want to call me a hater for not agreeing with them in whatever aspect, don’t need to read or follow my blog or my page.
And meanwhile, I will go back to blogging, teaching, encouraging and strengthening you, regardless of those people who would love to see me be quiet, and shut this blog, and my Page down.
After all, why fight fire with fire?Â
Grace will put it out.Â
Gently.
Sweetly.
Firmly.
I look forward to seeing you tomorrow for Tasty Tuesday.
Blessings to you and yours
Heather
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I have been following your blog and Facebook posts for sometime now and I find nothing that is offensive nor confrontational at all. What I do find is thought provoking and a myriad of inspirational and practical down to earth good advice and common sense. Don’t let haters drag you down to their level. Grace will see you through.
<3 This was greatly encouraging, and thank you for commenting. If you could see the comments I have to wade through occasionally, the inside of my email inbox, or the hatred directed my way occasionally over on the Facebook page, you would certainly understand more. 🙂 Those folks are the main reason I choose to moderate things so carefully. And people like YOU are the reason I keep right on trucking, and pray for grace to come out of my mouth and through my fingers. Thank you so so much. <3
Blessings to you
~Heather
You are an awesome person and offer inspiration to me all the time. Keep up your good work. Sometimes I need your blog to lift my spirits! Thank you and God Bless!
and Mary Ellen, you rock. And you know it, because I have told you more than once. Thank you for your appreciation and your encouragement, both here and over on the FB Page. 🙂
Blessings to you
~Heather
PS–Sometimes I need my own blog to lift my spirits! 🙂
I truly admire you, your writings, and the manner in which you handle yourself. I shared excerpts of this post with a dear friend of mine who is undergoing a struggle in which she is handling with grace that I could only dream of possessing. Thank you for what you do.
and thank you for commenting. THAT is why I write, because I know there are others out there who need to hear it, who need to be strengthened and encouraged, and taught things that they would not get otherwise. Blessings to you, Oliver. Tell your friend I am praying her through. And that she is lucky to have a friend who cares that much. 🙂
~Heather
I usually don’t comment on blogs but I want you to know that you truly bring happiness to my day. You have taught me so many things…and now…grace under pressure. Thank-you for continuing to bring us wonderful words and inspiration. I was afraid for a couple of sentences that you were signing off. I was joyed to see that you aren’t!!!
and people like you bring happiness to mine. Bless you for posting and commenting. Grace under pressure may come easy for some folks, but not for me. As to the signing off, nope, that was the conclusion I came to. I can NOT control other people, or even what they say or think towards me. But I CAN control what I say, and write, and I will not let someone else pour so much yuck into my life that it drives me from writing and encouraging all of those readers who check this blog out for all that I try to share and encourage you with. Thank you for your words.
Blessings to you
~Heather
I don’t often comment on blogs, but you need to know people like me are here. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about God as the church teaches but I do believe that people’s lives run better when they take more responsibility for themselves. I feel your words are always gentle and kind and your teachings valuable. It is sad that people need to flame up against things they don’t believe. And sadder still that they can’t let someone else have a different opinion. Don’t let the “haters” get you. I’m grateful you’ve decided to carry on.
Dear Anonymous—I dont go by what the church teaches us about God either–I go strictly by the Word, and that is my comparison. Bless you for your courage, and for using you voice on this post. I know there are MANY like you on here, and you just spoke for many more than you realize. Thank you for your encouragement, from the bottom of my heart. <3
Blessings to you
~Heather
Don’t give up because of the more outspoken few. There are far more of us quiet ones who appreciate what you do and say and are encouraged by both. You have made such a difference in my life already you will never know this side of heaven. Keep truckin’!
you guys are blessing my heart today. From me to you, can I just pretend I am giving you a great big hug? YOU are here for a reason, and I have been given this blessing/responsibility for a reason. Thank you for your kindness and your comment.
<3
Blessings to you
~Heather
Heather, thank you so much for what you do I have been following your blog since last year and your facebook page. The insperation you give is like no other. I follow some other blogs but yours is the first I read each morning. I have felt that your blog was one of the tools God was using to get me back at home. He won, this month we got rid of my daughters car and I gave her mine, I quit working, and I have not been happier. I have not felt this kind of peace and contentment in years. Cooking from scrach, canning, dehydrating?, sewing. Please don’t listen to those who hate, you have been called for much better things. Thank You for all you do. Deana
Deana—wahoooooo! Good job, lady! I am thrilled for you in all those things, thrilled that you have succeeded after much hard work and trial.
And thank you for the sweet words of encouragement. Sometimes, hard as it is, we have to turn off the speakers, and simply listen for the Lord’s still quiet voice. And be willing to keep speaking, keep writing, knowing He called us to do what may seem hard at the time, but is not a way we are walking alone.
Blessings to you and thank you again.
~Heather
A few things. One people should be able to have arguments as they were called in debate class but that does not mean that allows people to be hateful. Being a critic is one thing but they need to say why they are being critical and so in an adult manner and not by trying to belittle people. I am sorry you’ve started receiving so much hate mail, comments, etc.! That would really crawl under my skin personally and you have spoken out your thoughts in a respectful manner and that is always more well received than some person spewing out hate.
While we are of different faiths I fully respect the angle you are trying to address this from and you are the stronger person for that!
I hope to read many more of your very helpful blogs and please don’t let those that attempt to put you down dampen your amazing abilities and know your true readers have your back no matter our differences in politics, faith, household structure, etc. we are here and appreciate everything that you do!
I completely agree. We are all adults, right? So why resort to 3rd grade tactics? Speak the truth in love, listen with love, but why argue? Why be hateful? When has that ever gotten anyone to do anything other than shut their ears and try to get away from you as quick as possible? I certainly would.
I respect you for commenting, and for opening your heart, Elizabeth. Thank you for being so gracious, and so open. Blessings to you.
~Heather
I am sorry you’re having to wade through that stuff :/ . I know I’d hate having to do that myself, even if I *knew* I’d done nothing wrong.
I suppose we all ought to expect it – after all, they hated our Lord, and who was more loving than He was. Truth can be spoken in love – our Saviour didn’t hold back from telling the truth – but, as I say, it still isn’t easy when you have to hear/read it.
Love, A x
well, one of the things another dear friend said to me a LONG time ago, is how can you tell what a beautiful day is without knowing what a horrible day is, right? The silver lining on the cloud. I am overwhelmed by the love and support you all are pouring out today, though, and thank you for commenting. Your blog is also an inspiration. <3
Thanks and hugs
Heather
Well here is another non poster, please keep on posting. 🙂 And I hope I speak for many others.
Dear “non-poster”, thank you for posting. <3
Grace and blessings to you, and thank you SO MUCH for reading.
~Heather
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you†(Matthew 5:10-12)
Blog on, Heather! <3
<3 And amen.
Thanks for being an inspiration, Laura.
~Heather
When I read this an old scripture popped into my head. I don’t recall it exactly but it goes along the lines of “heaping burning coals on the heads of your enemies” by being kind to them. Kind of showing them through your good behavior how bad theirs is! But doing it not to make them feel bad but because that is how we should treat each other…kindly..with respect for other’s choices and ideas.
I truly enjoy all the great information I have benefited from here.
Continue with what you do…let the rest of that negativity be the burden of those who create it!
Thanks Lisa! The entire passage says: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another, do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the eyes of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is mine, I will repay” says the Lord.”But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty,give him a drink; for in doing so you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12: 15-20). The heaping burning coals is not referring to burning the hair off your enemy’s head, but as you pointed out, offering a hand of grace (giving them coals for their fire when traveling and without any way to help themselves) no matter how someone else is acting towards you. By your kindness you would win them over, or make them ashamed of their own actions. Thank you SO much Lisa. The end of that verse is really ringing in my heart right now—“Do not be overcome with Evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Amen.
Thank you so much.
~Heather
Thank you so much for not giving up! My daughter has a modest fashion blog.She gets awful comments too. I just cant imagine how sad of a life someone must have to be hateful to someone like that!Your blog is the only blog I check every day!I have learned soooo much from you! Thank you for allowing God to use you to teach others.I just ordered a couple of things through your link on amazon. God bless you and your sweet family.
broken, hurting, angry people spew those things, and my heart aches that they reject someone trying to pour into their lives in love, but that is their choice. 🙁 Lorna, would you mind giving us the link for your daughter’s website here so we can all go over there and encourage her? And I love modest fashion blogs, so she might end up on my blog roll! 🙂
Hugs and Blessings to you
~Heather <3
Thanks Heather! I know she would love that. Her blog is ~ http://natashaatkerson.blogspot.com/
~Lorna
I was directed to your blog from another blogger who praised one of your postings. I liked your blog so much that I became a subscriber. I don’t go to church but I am a believer. You are very brave to do what you do. I know that I would not be able to walk your path. Your blog brings me so much comfort. It gives me hope that there are good souls in our world who have brave hearts. Sometimes I see so much darkness out there and then I will read something you posted and the comments of your followers and I feel relieved and reassured that there is still light out there. Please don’t let those with dark and angry natures defeat you. I suspect that there are more of us out there who are quietly living our lives and trying to walk in the Light.
Briana from Texas
Briana, God bless you, friend. I want you to know that for one that speaks, there are many who simply listen and watch. Bless you for reading, thank you for subscribing, and please know, if you need a sister to come alongside you and pray for you or encourage you, you are in the right place. Your comment went right to my heart, because that was the whole purpose behind me starting to write in the first place. I didn’t want to put myself in that vulnerable position. But I knew there were others who needed to hear it, be encouraged by it. Thank you for speaking out and blessing to you.
hugs
~Heather <3
Dear Heather – thank you, thank you, thank you, for coming back. You have been such an encouragment to me—I have missed you very, very much. I’m so sorry that you are dealing with this anger and hate. I hope all our love can help overcome that and please know that you are needed. shalom – carol
Thanks Carol! I can’t tell you the peace that has come with this decision. More than that, knowing that there are people, like you, who look forward to the posts, makes it so much easier to simply obey and write, even through the storm. 🙂
Blessings to you
~Heather
Heather, your blog is one of the first I read when I can, because you are so obviously filled with love for the Lord. It’s SO encouraging after a day in the workplace. I have, over the last couple of years, noticed an increase in evil influences in our society. Thought for a while that I was just imagining it, but, from discussion with others, they’ve noticed it too. I was also commenting to my daughter the other day that sense no longer seems to be common any more, so it’s hard to appeal to common sense! I dunno. Anyway, please be encouraged that you and your godly, gentle approach are greatly appreciated!
my dearest sister,
I love you. You and I have differences of opinion on a great many subjects. We have agreed to disagree on these. But I want you to know that even with those differences, what you have to say touches my heart. I have sent a great many friends that are looking for ways to help their family this direction. Most of them are like me non-christian. What you have to say has value. Remember, haters are going to hate and the trolls are going to troll. On a personal note, your blog let’s me glimpse into your amazing life and by proxy my nieces. Once again I love you with all of my heart and look forward to your blog for many more years to come.
your brother.
I have not been posting or commenting much as I am going through some issues myself. But I did want to come on and tell you that I read all you write and enjoy them all. I will keep you in my prayers and thank you for all you share. You are an encouragement and an inspiration to me to keep going and even posting what you did here shows an honesty of yourself and the love you have to follow God in what He guides you to write. The Bible tells us of persecution because of the way things are going in the world. But God also says to be comforted because He has overcome the World. I thank God for you and your stand. Have a blessed day.
Bravo Sister Friend. Do not the ones throwing stones drown out the crowd that awaits your next bit of wisdom. You have a long reaching, soul edifying ministry. Keep keeping on! 🙂
Gretch 🙂