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Good morning, David.

Luke 12: 25-26 is an easy scripture to quote, but, as you might know (from month to month) is not always easy to carry out. The truth is that in today's world everyone has financial concerns and obligations. We owe the rent or mortgage on the place where we live. It takes money to buy the very basics of life (i.e., food, clothing, and shelter). It takes money to buy fuel for our vehicles so we can go to and from work, Wal-mart, ect.

David, I used to be a trucker before I do what I do now for a living. Trucking was a great experience because it taught me how little I really need to get along in this world and still be happy. But I could have let a lot of "what if" thinking get in the way and rob me of joy. What if I'm crossing Neveda (out in the middle of nowhere) and my truck breaks down? Will I have enough water to drink until help arrives? What if my truck breaks down in Wyoming in the middle of winter? Will I freeze to death?

But one thing nice about trucking is that I didn't have a place to keep up (rent or mortgage). I didn't need one. This is because I was on the road 24/7. So it was nice to pull into a truck stop and not have to worry about whether or not I was going to be able to pay the rent or mortgage. I had no concerns of that sort. I mostly felt like I was on vacation touring the country from a balcony seat and I was getting paid for it.

One of the key points that Jesus makes in the context of those verses is not to seek what the nations eagerly seek. So if you and your significant other ever go team in trucking (forgive me for putting ideas in your head), you can concern yourself with the beauty of Neveda and Wyoming rather than worry about your truck breaking down.

There is one other thing. There is a saying that "Chance favors the prepared mind". This seems to be stated in scripture too, but in different words.

The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage,
But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.
Proverbs 21:5

It seems to me that the more you do your homework and decide what things you really need to get along in this world, the easier life may become for you and your loved ones. You might start by asking yourself a series of questions:

(1) How many articles of clothing do I need?

(2) How often do I need to wash my clothes? Can I have 15 changes of undergaments (briefs, socks, t-shirts) and do laundry every two weeks?

(3) How many pairs of shoes do I need?

(4) Can I eliminate most refrigerated items in my life and downsize to dry beans, rice, and cereals?

(5) Can I make it with just a hot plate and a two or three quart sauce pot (with lid)? Could I just make bean and rice soup (whole protein) on a daily basis and let that serve as my main food?

(6) Could I take an insulated thermos (full of soup) with me to work and have that for lunch (along with a slice or two of bread)? [I'm a sucker for golden sweet canned corn.]