Poll tax, salt tax, and crown tax! Wherever they went, along major highways, at city gates, or along quiet country roads, the Israelites encountered the tax booth. The main symbol of foreign domination, and that which most stirred their indignation. Foreign taxation was nothing new to them, but the unscrupulous dealings of the Roman tax-farmers andContinueContinue reading “Taxation in Bible Times”
Tag Archives: treasure
Spring Cleaning? Time to Declutter!
Our current house is half the size of the previous place we had up north, and at first I struggled to fit everything in. So I began to see the need to declutter. Life here in our peaceful valley is also slow and simple. It has helped me to rethink my values and priorities. It’sContinueContinue reading “Spring Cleaning? Time to Declutter!”
When Thieves Strike
We’ve had thieves strike. Twice. The first time they were real thieves, but the second time they were kind of fake thieves. As many of you know, we have a summer house, and when we weren’t there, thieves entered and stole a mirror and a small step ladder. Those thieves were odd. They didn’t messContinueContinue reading “When Thieves Strike”
Chestnuts Bursting on an Open Fire
Chestnuts, an open fire, and the importance of finding joy in simple things. The fire didn’t heat better out of the fireplace. All it really did was create more smoke! Although no one would ever convince the dear, stubborn, old man of that! Yet we fondly remember those simple evenings of reading by the fireContinueContinue reading “Chestnuts Bursting on an Open Fire”
The Wise Woman with a Stone
If you could leave behind only one thing what would it be? Wealth and possessions? Family heirlooms? For me those aren’t even in the running. Not only because I have few such things to leave behind. But above all, I hope to leave a lasting legacy. Leaving a legacy I may not be remembered forContinueContinue reading “The Wise Woman with a Stone”
The Gift of Mamma’s China
As many of you know, I’m a minimalist, or at least a “minimalist wanna-be.” I strive for minimalism, although I find the Battle of Stuff to be a nonending war! I personally don’t feel the need to keep a lot of stuff around me. Mementos are fine, and they can be wonderful treasures. But evenContinueContinue reading “The Gift of Mamma’s China”