Misery Loves Company | Pride, Greed, & Manipulation 

*Our website! - thestivershomestead.com/

I think that lack of TRUST is a big issue. It is hard to trust anyone these days when so many are out to use you or want something from you. Also talking to neighbors etc. often leads to gossip about you. Nobody seems to honor conversations anymore.

I am so guilty of staying to myself and not trying to talk to many others. At first it was a way of protecting myself. And now it's so hard to open back up. But slowly but surely! We just joined a homeschooling co-op near us where the kids have outings regularly, whole family get togethers monthly, moms night outs, dads breakfasts, and more! I think it will be good to get us mingling with more people! ❤

Starting a daily thankful journal has helped me tremendously. Even in the midst of life’s challenges, we have so much to be thankful for.

It is like the rooster that lives across the street from me in the city it bothered me ,him making noise at 5 am but i look at as a blessing im alive another day to hear him and he doing his job , it about Perspective

People are fearful and lashing out with the uncertainty of the world. Standing up as you are we become stronger United. People are generally good, kind, and loving. We all have to rejoice and know we are loved there is nothing to fear except fear itself. We can be better people standing together arm in arm. Stay strong Stivers, God has this

I am with you and Jenn - I admire that you recognize that we are in a depression - full stop depression - If we don't have each others back during hard times, then we are truly selfish. God Bless you and your family. I love you and your work and I stand by you.

You touched my heart with this talk.... I felt like your story is my story and struggle as well. tears are in my eyes because of the truth you spoke... Confirms what I believe the Holy Spirit is trying to tell me.

I try seeing every person I meet for the unique person they are. I don’t trust that they will behave as “expected”, but I trust that I will. Honestly, every person has something they bring good into the world, even the worst of us. You don’t have to approve of them entirely to respect them. It also helps me to realize not everyone is taught how to be respectful of others & that we ourselves are going to fail the expectations of others at some point too… so how do we communicate? Be the change you want to see. ✌️💗

Love these Friday chats. Really makes us think about things we just ignore! We are kind to others, and volunteer for sooo many things in our small (2,000) town but do not see others doing the same. It's hard to get closer to new people!! BTW, we have been easing into the self sufficient lifestyle ie backyard chickens (sell the eggs!) and container gardening vs huge garden we cant keep up with (70 and 80 years old!!) and reduce, reuse, resell wherever possible. Small steps = big change!!

Since C-19 and all the lockdowns, distancing, etc that we allowed ourselves to be subjected to…speaking on behalf of myself ONLY…as a senior I learned to climb into my protective cocoon where I somehow felt safe with the Lord’s help. Three years into this craziness and I am still struggling to climb back out and let people near again. It no longer feels safe to me given all the societal changes. My ‘trust’ of others is gone. I know I can’t be the only one that feels this way.

Being guarded [s still Christan . Being protective is still Christan. Being aware is still Christann. Trust in God is Great, a stranger not so much. May God Bless You All.

I believe in my heart that people are more selfish do to less personal interactions. All this texting- messages- And social media. It does not allow for personal interaction. A personal conversation is becoming a lost art.

Wow, Zach - that was gutsy to bare your truthful reaction to visitors to your store! But you are so right! As a society, I think we react with thoughts like that - what do they want, or even what do they want now, or this time? Or I don't have time for this. I am guilty of not answering my front door, or answering a text, etc. When I grew up, we visited family and friends multiple times a week, we knew what was going on in our neighborhoods, and we supported each other. Not so now. We used to care about each other on a more personal level. You are right, we need to get back to emulating Messiah. In some cases, we are the only Jesus, people will see in their lives and we need to realize that our reactions to those around us can either encourage them, or send them farther down the drain of life, without hope and full of despair. Thank you for using your platform to bring this to our attention and make us all more aware of our selfishness and pride. God bless you and your family ❤️

I believe the selfishness comes more due to technology and the lock downs....if you watch even when there is a room full of people there isn't a conversation going on, everyone has their face in a phone. I believe there is just such a disconnect from each other, self becomes our priority.

A good way to feel more like a community is to have the kids join sports, scouts, or Awannas. Or volunteer in the community. My husband was in the Navy for 21 years. We moved a lot. Try not to separate yourself from others. We have friends who moved back to Barbourville after retiring from the job that took them away. I love the post she shares about Barbourville. It sounds like a nice place to live. Put yourselves out there. Peace to all.

Manipulation is the biggest thing!!!! We went through a horrible ordeal that we're still struggling from but because so many have manipulated people we were brushed off when we went for 90% of the help we need. Another thing is we were told we were too honest. Through it all, though, we've taught our kids through action and word to always try to help when you can. They also have said they help people because they don't want them to feel like us. On the open to anything part, I used to drive semi and my s/o is an injured soldier. We made friends a year and a half ago with an amish family and spend a lot of time with them. I never thought we of all people would have friends like them, but they're such blessings to us!!!!

I've lost friends, family.. (last 3 yrs or so)..because I always put others before myself..and i stopped this. I felt that they just expected me to go out of my way to help them.. physically & financial..and they'd always have an excuse..I finally put my foot down (June)..and I've automatically became the enemy. Oh well...

I'll tell you this. I'm NOT a BIG FAN OF ANY CHURCH and don't go to them, but I LOVE THE PPL in them and even tho I'm the outsider in this community and not a part of the religion which almost everyone I know around her is. I have made a point to GIVE to my community putting out at the front church doors 40+ Zucchinis and SHARE my BOUNTY with them. Electro Culture HAS WORKED FOR US BIG TIME and I'm all about sharing organic foods and SEEDS with everyone. My family came here to this homestead 3 yrs ago and we are in building mode even tho my husband is gone 5 days a week trucking but I will ALWAYS find time to help others even if it's giving them a hand with Foods in the TIME OF NEED we are in.I have MEGA BIG Onions and there is NO way I could ever keep them all or freeze dry or even dehydrate them so that's my next harvest community give. The sign always is outside the door of the church saying FREE TO OUR COMMUNITY. So that others that pass the church can also have the foods. I still can't believe how much we have been blessed with. I am learning seed saving super fast now this is another one I can help our community with. By the way these ppl have blessed me and when I came here they came to my house with a basket of goods foods homemade bread cookies hand made washcloths a few hand towels and EVEN A GIFT CARD 50 dollars. WHERE IN THE WORLD have THESE PPL COME FROM. I know I know GOD's ppl. RIGHT! I just never met any community like this and THEY DON'T EXPECT me to become there religion. So I give and give I will keep doing. I WISH I could meet you are your wife and kids some day. Such a beautiful family great SOUL you have Spilling to us and helping us CRITICALLY THINK. We all need this. If everyone had this kinda community around them I think the world would be ever so different. I pray this is our path.

Hey Zach, I know that times are tough and we can focus on all the things that are going wrong or count our blessings and help those who need help! If we don’t step out in faith remembering a time we needed help we become paranoid and then the enemy wins because we are now fearful and cut off! Worse yet we can become violent because everyone becomes a threat to us! Praying for the Light of Jesus to shine in us and then we run to the darkness and shine! 💛💛💛

Love you Stiver's 🌷🌺💐🌹 God bless and much love from Tennessee 🙏❤️

I found myself in that rabbit hole of distrust, isolation and "every one is out to get you" mentality. It lead to depression, loneliness and anxiety. This is not what God wants for us, so with prayer and constant Holy Spirit guidance I set out to find what He wants for us. After we were all given the all clear from the "powers" that be post 2020 panic, I decided I wanted more for me, too, and to overcome my mental barriers. I enrolled in the local Master Gardener curriculum, graduated and am now actively serving to educate people in their gardening journey. I've made new friends. Found new purpose and am glad that I took that step in faith and put it into action.

I still remember the first day I was asked to watch your video from youtube and how you and your wife smiled. Thats when I became a youtube family. I hope your message will inspire so many people to change. I learned vanity, selfishness, and corruption. I also learned God forgives. We just need to learn to change. Politics in general needs to change badly. So hard to do what you suggest because people will run us over. This happens so many times to me. I get harrassed all the time since moving to a urban city and it got so bad I had a police officer suggest to get a peace order. Minipulation from others makes us down. I can only pray for those that are awful to others. To make the good ones stronger with strength. I pray for you all in that lawsuit you said you have. Again we don't know all the details of what is going on because its not really our business but I hope it is over soon for you all and Zach's smile again with peace. Love you all.

I don’t know that it is selfishness. I don’t know what it is exactly. Tension. Overwork. Dopamine addiction. ? I was sitting with my son today listening to him doing his reading lesson, and I recognized that I had all this tension. And I thought - what is wrong with me? I am not unhappy. I am in a beautiful room I decorated with a beautiful view of my farm looking at a beautiful book I picked out with a beautiful child I created. I should be on Cloud 9, not feeling like I am enduring death by a thousand cuts. I had to take deep breaths and calm myself down. This entire little drama was playing out while my son was reading. We are not present, and because we are not present we are not grateful or generous. Maybe that’s another way to say selfish, idk, but I think we are as much victims of this unnatural world we’ve created as we are perpetrators.

Three years of full onslaught psychological warfare and polarization/demonization of ANYONE who dared say slow down, I need details and research has shown me how few deserved the trust I once had for them.

For real, me and the hubby wished we lived closer cause we can empathize with every barn chat. Sending you family love

I think more of us have become selfish because of recent events that have forced us all to take care of ourselves before anything else. Also, in order to try and make connections with others, we talk about ourselves and what’s going on with us in order to see if others can relate. And if they can’t relate, then we’re not going to waste our time with them because life is too short.

I just prayed to the Good LORD to help me to approach people more

You guys are an American success story. I get that the story is ongoing, but you both are an example of what a family can achieve. I’ve been with my husband since I was 13 yrs old. We had five children, and lost one. We overcame infidelity and became closer than before. Our only daughter was severely handicapped physically and mentally. We took care of her every need for 15 yrs. Our family was chewed up and spit out. I’ve been following you guys for a few yrs. The way you both look at one another, it’s more than loving, it’s a knowing. I have that with my husband. It’s rare and precious. Keep doing what you’re doing.

2 Timothy 3:1-17, NLT. 1You should know this, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. Let’s focus on love and truth! Good word. Thanks.

I almost feel like having constant access to news, social media, etc has made me view the world differently. I have a negative mindset first and have to talk myself out of the negativity.

Make a sign.." Welcome, Come In and Lets Have A Talk"

I remember when I grew up not as many people had much this is in the 1950s not long after the depression as time goes on things come to easy . If you read the Bible when things got good for mankind they moved away from God the farther away our God the worse things get.And if people turn back to God things will get better kindness will do a lot Get into church I’m sorry ask God for strength ❤❤❤❤❤ Love you and Gen you stand strong you have been very Blessed count those No spirit but the Holy Spirit is welcome here and Thank him everyday for what you have count what you have.

Good evening everyone, we moved to a small property about 10 years ago. We only have a couple of neighbors that even speak at all, it's been so very hard for me,, I am a very neighborly kind of person, cook, like bbg, make cakes pie etc and share it. It has been eye opening for me. I love to make things drop it off enjoy a cup of coffee, tea just share,enjoy our neighbors!!! I am praying it will change!! Many blessings to you all!!!!

Just have to say. My hubby and i have gone through 3 1/2 years of hell. But i dont take it out on anyone else im around. I try to be cheerful and make people happy and laugh. I know the world is sucky right now. I work at a local convenience store. And i interact with hundreds of people a week. I work 5 days a week and people always tell me that its so nice to come in and see a smiling face and workers having fun with each other. And we do! My job has helped me so much at getting through all the bad that has happened in my life. And my customers have helped me as much as i hope i have helped them. This year i was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy in march. And i was only off work for 3 weeks and when i came back. My customers were so supportive. Sure, you can find selfish people anywhere. But if you give out happiness. You will receive happiness in return. And the biggest thing that has gotten me and my hubby through the past almost 4 years is our faith in God and putting out happiness.

This is an interesting and timely talk. We are where we are, when we focus on ourselves. Yet for those of us who seek godly wisdom and knowledge in daily life, we are called to actions above our common nature. One thing you have recognized is that you are having routine negative thoughts (example car pulling up to the store...what do they want?) You will have to daily work to seek constructing a new thought - example "I can help and I can support this wonderful lifestyle God has blessed me with." Be encouraged that you are so very blessed and you will continue the journey to establish friendly kindness. This channel that you have WARMLY invited us to - is filled with real people that are kind and generous seekers. I live too far away to visit you. But my heart is warmed to you. Joann

So true Zach! Misery does ❤ company. On the other side of it if you pull away from that manipulating relationship, you become the bad guy since your nolonger accepting the manipulation and being selfish for doing so. And ppl become more manipulated because they don't want to be selfish.. it's a horrible circle!! But sometimes it's best for your own well-being to close that door and not look back... idc if your family, friend or neighbor sometimes ya have to walk away forever! That way u don't end up feeling like u explained of presuming the worst when meeting new ppl n having other reactions even with ppl you knw... to me it's not being selfish protecting your own self wellness!! Love you n jen!! Great topic!! ❤

Wow. This hit hard with my morning coffee lol thanks buddy lol. All seriousness the nastiness to each other caused me to have to reset. 3 months off work because the people were awful (on the phone)....took a huge pay cut so I don't have to talk to people. The world lost its joy, and try to steal mine in the process. I'm glad more people are becoming self aware of any change they feel needs to be made. Maybe we are healing finally! Blessings 🙌 🙌

I also have been in frustration and recently declared, "Why don't we all start to work together?!" Conflict is part of life, it's how you manage it? Open flexible mindset helps, at least in my internal change. Hopefully the external will follow suit?

Another contributing factor is how much community charity has been put under government control. This gives the general public a false relief of responsibility (I.e. the government has a program for that and I pay my taxes so I did my part). This is 2 fold, taxes mean less for us to share, while also decreasing general desire to donate at the same time.

Zach u r so Right. I Love Listening to u and ur Truth. What a Blessing u r to Anyone who Will Willingly become a Better more Open Individual. I Feel the same when 2020 arrived. I know exactly what u r talking about because U listened and saw what we became. It was and still is so ugly. It was like to me a Dagger that was Driven through our Hearts and Souls. Also it Labeled us Weak, Frightened Individuals that the Detachment became so Strong of a Reality. I Called it that then and Moreso now. I have seen and Stuffed being Bitter, Bitten and Blue for Something Greater than what one can Imaging. I so Wish to get back my Free Mentality that I Once had, but Most Days I am Saddened to see the Damage to Myself and Other that I am Not sure Who they have became along with myself. Thank u so much Zack. I Appreciate u do much for speaking on subjects that Others do Not Dare to. Love ur Family and ur Wisdom. Keep up the Great Work, and Keep Pushing! Thank u.

I love that your rooster answers you every time you say Hello!

I love all yalls videos but i really miss seeing you in the garden . I loved the ol' school content so much❤

Feeling the way you do is something we all have been conditioned to do since c-19. I feel the same way you do. Give yourself some grace, and pray to get back to our healthy normal. Love your channel. GOD bless

I agree with everything you said, when we need a truth God lays it on your heart. Thank you Jesus

One thing that has a perfect correlation with selfishness is population size. The greater the population, the less people are valued and people become more selfish. WRT being less manipulated, I'm reminded of the saying "Teenagers are those people that try to assert their individuality by being like everyone else!" People like to think they are less susceptible to manipulation but they really are just deciding on who they will let manipulate them! The downhill slide started, in the US, in 2016. A certain orange skinned person turned you against each other and against the rest of the world. When the C came in 2020, a great number of people lost their minds all together. To the point that people where dying of stress related heart attacks! As you said, we need to get back to caring for each other. Ignore the hate speech and conspiracy BS flowing around the internet.

I’ll just say Amen and Amen♥️

Love the Positive chat! Peace love and positivity!

Thank you for this reminder, I will admit that I have become very selfish in my interactions with others and I will strive to be more open to others. We live in a very cold world right now and it will only change if we first change ourselves! God Bless!

please change your mindset from, "what do they want?" to "what can i offer?" God sends you people, and maybe not everyone, but, maybe, just maybe, these people come to you for guidance and relationship or even just some reassurance of a lifestyle? Clearly, you all have something to offer! keep doing a great job! and CONTINUE WITH THE BRUTAL HONESTY! THERE IS A PLACE FOR IT AND YOU HAVE FOUND YOUR GROUND!! Conviction isnt easy especially on a huge platform! but, do what you are led to do! and own it as u have been! you guys are a huge encouragement to me !!! keep on your very obviously " led path" !!

A great way to start you day! And very well said 😊

I definitely have pulled away from relationships in the last few years. My reason is that people are cruel. We left our church during the lockdowns. We let our pastor know why and he didn't seem to care. No one reached out to us. Actually, they spread rumors about our family instead. It happens everywhere we go. People want to talk about you and your kids and smile in your face. I could tell you so many stories. I am a Christian, praise the Lord, but if I wasn't most Christians would keep me from knowing the Lord. I know that no one is perfect, especially me. I just feel like Christians have become more judgemental, clickish, selfish, and gossip more than ever these days. Our kids are suffering because of the parent's behavior. Just my two cents. Have a blessed day ❤

Such a great topic… and so right! I’m gonna start now… with making a simple phone call…. And making it positive! Thanks!

A lot of this is chalked up too social media. These young people today have no ambitions. No one wants to work for their living. But for some reason people want everything for nothing. They borrow and take and there's no give when they do take. People these days just stay in their own worlds and I think after 2020 we have found out we don't need others. If we can make it on our own. then others are not necessary . And that mind set is killing the friends and family plan. We are social creatures and we need the interaction of others. However with the way things are going in day and age, most people wont even eat at the supper table anymore as a family. Sunday Dinners are a thing of the past for most . Values are less thenit was20 years ago. How it changed no one knows but it has. I don't think its being selfish i think its just being in our devices and not a group anymore.

Richmen North of Richmond is Oliver Anthony Music - his name isn't Oliver Anthony... I'm confused that you think that song was such a hit because it was so relatable in a NEGATIVE way. I found it POSITIVELY inspiring.

I rarely comment on most of my favorite homesteading channels these days. I have unsubbed to several because of thier negativity and doom and gloom. The one thing that I see most in common with all of the homesteading channels, and the homesteading community is the prevelant use of the words, "they, them, we, ours, and us", often used in conjuction with each other. I hear a lot of talk about what They want Us to do, or feel, or react to. I even heard it on your video today. I love your family, Zach. I love your channel, but sometimes even your channel has the They/Them/We/Us conflict going on. I don't say this as a way to put you down, or to be a "hater", as people call it, just an observation from little old me. I love the homesteading ideals of being sustainable, making something out of nothing, but sometimes I really have a hard time with the homesteading community's outlook on the world. When I hear too much of the negativity, I shut down. I turn it off and it makes me not want to turn it back on again. I know that I am not alone in how I feel, but sometimes I feel alone. I am not one of these people that think the world is going to hell in a handbasket. We have our problems, to be sure, but we also have so much beauty, so much abundance, so much to be grateful for, and lots of people just want to see the bad stuff. They want to run about wringing their hands and shouting, "The sky is falling! The sky is falling!" After a while, when the sky has not fallen and is still in its rightful place, all that hand wringing and shouting sure does wear on a person. I love that you have recognized that, and that you are planning on doing something about it. I hope others do, too. We are not a bunch of They/Them versus We/Us. WE are all of us. Period. We need to start acting like it.

Being protective and being safer and holding ourselves back so that we're more observant of what's going on and not just falling for everything that comes our direction is not being selfish that's being protective it's using the sense that God gave us to take care of ourselves and our family

Love you guys! My prayer is to visit your store and beautiful countryside someday. Keep up spreading the message and God bless you all.

We’ve always been the kind of people that when someone needed a hand we found a way. However, I also know that you can’t live a life of setting yourself up if you aren’t at home working on that very thing. Someone once told me, “you can’t take care of others more than your taking care of yourself otherwise you won’t have anything to give someone else”. A good reminder to keep a reasonable perspective so when the need, no matter what the need might be comes, we’re ready for a supportive chat, or a basket of freshly picked produce or some wood for heating etc. Sometimes the need is a warm cup of coffee and a good chat. No matter the need, we need to be preparing home first to be ready to help someone else.

Thank you for your open and honest conversation.I promise to do better and be better. This was never me before COVID and the lockdown.

Oh my goodness!! This is my life! Thank you so much!

I’ve been watching you and jen since way before you moved. I’ve helped people in the past but instead of being grateful and thankful they start expecting it whenever they want something. All I hear is they’re coming to my house regardless of anything happening just because I try to do my best. Everyone jumps to conclusions at points in there lives but on the other end of the stickler the people commenting shows different points of view so you know your not the only one going through it. I’m proud to consider you all my RU-vid people. Keep up the great work. I absolutely love the barn chats. Love from Kansas. God bless

You are such a honest speaker. When I watch your videos I know you’re alone in the barn but I feel like you’re talking to me. Thank you for caring about us. Thank you for showing me how to do things that I never thought I could do. I love your channel. I love your family. God bless you all.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. You are right! God bless you and your family as you let the Lord stretch and strengthen you. We started inviting people over at least once a month this year. It got a little straggly over summer, but there were other opportunities. We're going to begin again in October, because there's a class reunion we're actually attending tomorrow. 😅 I shared what you said about your store with my husband, because I know he relates. He's a trained curmudgeon, but he knows that's not what Jesus wants for him nor from him. Our yearly Street Fair is this week, so it has given opportunities in this as well, seeing some people, even old friends, for the first time in a long while.

I think it comes from the heart. Out of the abundance of the heart comes the direction of your life. If you are covetous, you will not enjoy seeing others succeed. If you are spiteful, you will think you are entitled to what others have. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. It is probably easier to change your heart than to change your reactions. One follows the other. If you are humble in heart, how can you be rude and selfish?

When you are a person who is giving people take and take. So I personally have become less trusting.

Unfortunately hard times and uncertainty bring out the worst in a lot of people. They show their “true colours” when things get difficult. It’s more apparent now as we are globally struggling and fear is driving bad behaviour. Take care xxx

Oh that’s a gorgeous view!!! So peaceful. Unfortunately I live in town. I miss living in the country.

We moved to our homestead of 5 acres and a neighbor was extremely friendly then used what she knew against us. Reported us to the county for not having septic even though many people in the county don't. They allow waterless toilets but require septic if you have a kitchen sink. We were not aware. But she reported us and were then required to have septic. Cost us $10,000. She also told us wrong on where the property lines were. Then after having water lines run she flipped out about us "coming in on her." She made a huge deal about it like we did it on purpose. Tried to get the city on her side about us having to use a different water meter that would require us to run more lines and cost us more money. We had to pay for a survey to see where the property lines were since we could no longer trust her. We had to pay to have part of the lines moved. We've also dealt with handyman companies taking advantage and not doing what they say. Someone stole one of our trash cans that was out by the road. Someone's dogs killed our chickens and even though the town has a leash law the cop said nothing could be done. We have felt defeated. There is no trust. It really hurts the heart.

I'm very much staying to myself it took a long time to realize this world is full of good and many bad ones.Put your trust in God you shall overcome all obstacles ❤🙏

Great message! Thank you!❤

We need to get back to, "what would Jesus do?" And understanding that God brings people into our lives for a reason and a purpose, either for them, or for you, or for some circumstance in the future. We should be open to who and what God brings to us. I know you and Jen have a heart for that, so just keep your heart in it.

Don't speak negative or have negative thoughts about anyone, repent/forgive, and be honest, that is what I wrote down at the beginning of the week to be in prayer for 😊

Hey zac! Let it all out! We are listening

Am I the only person that loves to talk to strangers 🤣? Not sure why people put so much energy into worrying about what others think of them. My philosophy, be the best person you can be everyday. Help others whenever you can. And don't waste your energy worrying about what other people think of you. Stop holding your tongue because you might offend someone. Be you 💜💙💚 you are valuable 🧡💛❤️

Very good point!!

Mindset is key 💚

The devil pushes SELF... he tells people to be about self, the god of self, is selfishness... Society is FULL of selfish people. God's children are not selfish (they shouldn't be). Love your neighbor as yourself.

I’m not sure what you mean by “selfish “. Are you referring to society or on a personal level? I’m not miserable because I know that I have family and friends if I need them. Unfortunately most are working and trying to make a living and take care of their family. We just don’t have the time to do the things we were able to do several years ago. I do what I can when I can but when I’m aware of someone’s situation then I do what I’m able to do to help. I think Covid was the catalyst to many issues. It confined us in our own sphere and basically discouraged and prevented many ways to socialize. You bloom where you’re planted.

Funny how you mentioned how hard it is to make friends in a new area. We’ve lived where we are for over 9 yrs and haven’t been able to make friends. When I go to town, I go to the grocery store and just visit with random people. The conversations go well but it always stops right there. It seems like our neighborhood is full of people that just stick to themselves and their families. It’s real different but I’m just getting used to it as we don’t plan to move again.

The Bible tells it all ... End Days Men's hearts wax COLD. I am literally in a SPIRITUAL BATTLE with a JEZEBEL SPIRIT... FULL ARMOR👸🏻🗡️...NO JOKE 💯. We must EXAMINE ourselves , seek HIM in FEAR & TREMBLING for our OWN SOUL SALVATION 🤴🏿🗡️💕🕊️🌿🕯️

I think we have so much distrust with our government and how they have put us on a slow boat to China has caused panic in our minds. Although my heart trust in the Lord still others do not have that faith. So what I am trying to say is without God in our life anxiety has caused so many people to not trust. It seems people nowadays are just out for themselves. I understand your emotions about this. Just remember trust in the Lord with all your heart. He will take care of you and will also take care of the ones out there that will try to hurt you. One day at a time is all you can do.

Such a great video Zach thank you for sharing with us, just making one little adjustment to how we think and what we do is a big start. God bless you and your family🙏🏻❤️

The problem is, just like in the past, in the future we will need each other in the future.

Luv u guys! Thank you for this subject❤

Dear Zach; I believe that one of the reasons people are becoming more selfish is fear. We live in times in which no matter where you turn on the internet you find: 'PREPARE! PREPARE! PREPARE!!!" The message of stockpiling, preparing and protecting YOUR FAMILY from the "certain food shortages ahead" have put many people into a mindset of "Charity begins at home... My family first- you have to prepare for your OWN family... We can't afford to help YOU, we have to take care of OURSELVES". I see this more and more. I so rarely see the forgotten generosity and spirit of sharing, and helping one another because it is the Christian thing to do. And while it IS true that we must look to our own families and protect and care for them, it is also true that in times of trouble we need ONE ANOTHER as neighbors, friends, community and "extended family." Sometimes, looking at the world as a whole, it seems like we all find a rabbit hole, dig in, jump in and put up a sign that says "NO TRESSPASSING!" So many "rabbit holes." So little love...

Bring God back into our society. We have taken Him out of everything. We are reaping just what we asked for.

We have all closed ourselves off. I watched my outgoing son at the peak of the pandemic become a mouse and secluding himself from people. He absolutely hates interacting with anyone. He was in sports before and now I cannot get him to get out of the house more than school. My 11 year old struggles to connect with his peers. I have listened to him talk with other kids his age and they all talk horribly to each other. They have no etiquette. They are rude and talk over each other. I try and talk to him and he says they are like that. It's sad. The lock downs have had a much stronger effect on a generation than I think anyone has yet to understand. Where we thought it was a treat to go do something as a family as kids many kids hate leaving their houses.

Misery also come with hatred , jealousy and envy That's all I see. People blaming others for their mistake and down fall. I have Major Depression and General Anexity Disorders prior to Lockdown and the Lockdown made it worst because if I say one word. People all in the emotions, triggered etc. People no longer get to know each anymore. People think they know everything about me or you and assume because of what society said..later they tell me, oh I didn't know. I said because you didn't ask or you automatically assume what you kown about me from what people that never met me.

Thank you for this barn chat. I am going through some major changes in my life. I am so guilty of just keeping to my self. I never used to be like this . Now that I am older I can see how the world is changing and it really scares me. You are right about changing your mindset. I promise to be aware of others and their needs. Change starts within ourselves and our families, and communities. Knowing that

That is sad, im always looking for new friends to treat them as family

Since I have started my in home daycare I have gotten that way. I think having less and less contact with ppl has made it harder for me.

Our mindset seems to be controlled by how we perceive our leaders. It’s hard to even think about lifting us up when this country is rapidly heading down a black hole. I have been near tears lately. We need a savior - someone to bring us back. I remember when Reagan became President, it was like a collective sigh of relief and a huge mental turnaround. And there WAS a turnaround. So much is coming to light,but how much of the general population is even aware. I surely do try Zach, but man, it is hard to not show depression.

People are like crabs in the bucket once you get to the top they try to pull you back down

I think it is the depression, and limited resources. We went from having abundance to more scarcity.

Such a beautiful sight for you during barn chat.💕

Everyday is a good day! Its just that some days are better than others

I think internet & instant gratification is part of the problem. Not work towards your goalls. Other day i try to do a complete random act of kindness. I had 2 dz eggs I tried to give away. I had to approach 5 different people to get them gone. Most thought I wanted something from them. All i wanted was to see there smiles. One couple was counting out change to pay for there stuff. Flat out refused to give me time. Sad

I can pretty much tell who I can have a conversation with and sadly but joyfully its the older generation. Meaning, sadly because most of the younger generation has nothing to say to us older ones and joyfully, at my young age of 63, I have some of the most inspirational and heartwarming interactions with ones older than me. This younger generation is really missing out, meeting and talking to the people who worked and fought to keep us a free nation.

So love your sweet honesty