6 years ago I lost my husband and downsize from a 4500 square foot three-story Victorian home to a very simple 1100 square foot. I went from 5 bedrooms with a full finished attic to two bedrooms and a fabulous Library. I've plenty of room for me and my grandkids and that's all I need and I am debt-free and completely content in my new nest

What an uplifting, interesting story. I was with my husband 40 years before he passed. We lived in beautiful homes, tiny apartments and sometimes when he was out of work we didn't know where we could afford to live. Looking back on those years I realize that my happiness was not based on the walls around me but the fact that he and I were together. I would give everything up and live in a tent if he and I were sharing life together again. You two have each other...that's the best happiness of all. ❤

@theresa9925

Жыл бұрын

Oh Wow...this made me tear up. I am so sorry Spoly you lost your husband. My husband & I have been married 31 years. When I retired, we drove with our cat Callie from Florida to California and rented a one room studio for one month. We went back the next year and stayed 5 months. We didn't mind the small space...we were together and that is all that matters.

@spoly8139

Жыл бұрын

@@theresa9925 Thank you Theresa. You're so lucky to still have your husband. Enjoy every moment you share together...those sweet memories will always stay with you. Sandra ❤

God always provides! We had a similar experience. Our daughter and son-in-law surprised us with a brick ranch house after we helped them flip it, thinking they were planning to sell it. Long story short, we had to take a loss on the sale our our big home. That was 12 years ago! Today, we are retired and debt-free! Though the ranch is small and cozy, we still manage to make room for all our family gatherings, like this Easter Sunday! We love it and wouldn't change a thing!❤

You are certainly an example to those losing everything. You have proved there is hope and there is a way out of adversity. You survived the worst that was thrown at you but you stuck in their and never gave up. All the best to you both and enjoy what you have you have earned it all ❤

@loripatterson7882

Жыл бұрын

To GOD be the Glory!!♡

@lisawoolcott8224

Жыл бұрын

Wow! What a great example of resilience.

Jumping in before watching Life in a small house will have its challenges, but so will living in a larger house. If you can't find happiness with what you have, getting what you haven't got, won't make you happy. Watching your posts lifts my spirits, you look for the good in your situation and for me this is the secret of being happy. thank you

Bill and Elizabeth, you are a wonderful example of always seeing the cup half full! God gives the ones with the most character, the most challenges. We can take that as a compliment!

🧡🧡🧡 Your happiness is built in and He has a Name, Jesus! 🧡🧡🧡

@shirleymurphy1958

Жыл бұрын

Amen❤

@debrajones5305

Жыл бұрын

Amen!

@HisChild627

Жыл бұрын

I do not do face book - as many I found too much junk coming through. Someone said you can block all that mess but have not been successful in blocking it.

@kasch7574

Жыл бұрын

Amen

@GrannyDi276

Жыл бұрын

Amen!👵❤️

Elizabeth, I totally understand health problems. Last fall, I fell ill, and was misdiagnosed by 3 doctors at 3 different ER visits. Finally went to my primary doctor who realized how sick I was, put me right in the hospital. Had double pneumonia, sepsis and ARDS, and went directly into ICU. A couple days later my daughter was called by the pulmonary doc telling her I had very few hours to live and he needed to intubate me but I was listed as DNR. She had seconds to make the decision, but said yes. It was horrific to say the least, and I was in the hospital for 18 days. They wanted me to go to rehab after that, but I insisted on coming home. I could not do anything for myself at first. The doctor ordered home care, and with their help, the Lord healing me, and plain old stubborn determination, I finally got strong enough to help myself. I live in Maine with my daughter and adult grandson. So I also understand cold. My sister and brother-in-law recently moved to Milton, Florida and they love it. Are you anywhere near them? She wants us to move there, but I also have Lupus and my daughter has several health issues so we don’t feel we could move or take the heat and humidity. But, I wanted to tell you both that I admire your tenacity to get snd stay debt free. We have been working toward that also. We have 2 more months to have all credit card debt paid, then will be working on the car. Between you guys and Dave Ramsey, I’ve learned a lot. Anyway, I’ve rambled enough. I watch your videos, pray for you, and just love you both. God bless and keep you till we meet in heaven! ❤️❤️❤️

@batbarasobczak351

Жыл бұрын

What does fall mean? I am Australian and haven't heard that term. Please explain.

@nkuniverse7856

Жыл бұрын

@@batbarasobczak351 Do you mean when she says she fell last fall? If so, it's the autumn season, just before winter season, which Americans and Canadians also refer to as fall.

@batbarasobczak351

Жыл бұрын

@@nkuniverse7856Thankyou for letting me know. It's the season before winter.

You both are a gift to us all. Very loving special people. Have a blessed Easter.

You both are always so happy and positive. It is not the bricks and sticks house, it is the love inside that makes a home. I love watching your journeys.

Continued prayers for you Elizabeth. Hoping all goes well when you see your doctor. ✝️🙏

That's so sweet of your son to think of his parents in their older years. ❤

If I may presume, you journey is not so much about tiny living but about living free from the encumbrance of debt. Grace and peace to both of you and I am happy you are in a position to allow Elizabeth a place out of the cold.

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Жыл бұрын

Debt free. Yes, that's what it's all about!

My mother had interstitial lung disease. I know the struggle, it’s not easy. She lived with us, so I seen her struggle. Take care and enjoy every day!

Elizabeth I am exactly the same. I live in Illinois and now I HAVE to go to my sister's in Florida during Jan, Feb and part of Mar each year so I can breathe. I am so grateful she shares her home with me. I have been with you two since the beginning and have been thrilled how things have turned around for you. I have to admit when I heard about Barry buying that house I cried. I knew how much you missed family and wanted to help Pop. You have both given me the fullness of being grateful. Love you both.

We love you guys. I’m so impressed with Barry thinking about your future the way he did by buying that house. What a blessing to have a son like him! I’m just glad to see you both happy!🎉

How thoughtful of Barry to find the house that you now live in and what a blessing that you are close to family! My husband had to leave dairy farming because we just couldn’t make it. He put so many apps in for work and was finally hired to drive truck. After a few years by God’s goodness he was hired as a hazmat driver and we finally were making decent money. He spent 20 years as a hazmat driver and is now retired. My health still allows me to work in our cleaning business to supplement our income. Different seasons of life and you adjust to your circumstances.

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Жыл бұрын

When I first started driving a truck, I thought I would drive for about a year until I can figure out what else to do. I ended up driving for eight years. And if it wasn’t for KZread, I would probably still be driving!

@cherriemckinstry131

Жыл бұрын

@@LiveSimpleLiveFree I can remember calling you when I lived in Pa. and had not retired yet. Now I'm in Missouri on full retirement and bought a house. A fixer upper but well worth it with 3.4 acres. I love the warmer weather.. and yes.. I hear bang bang sometimes here. There a nice big beautiful reservoir, and enjoy the Amish wagons and the simply wonderful people. Just enjoyed hearing you remember and I can remember seeing you when you first started making videoes. It's been fun being part of your life and I know you enspired me. Thanks to you both.

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Жыл бұрын

@Cheerie Mckinstry Yes, I remember talking to you as well. At the time we were in the Poconos, only about 45 minutes from where you were.

Thank you, Elizabeth and Bill. I appreciate that you want to teach by example. I really am glad that you have each other to visit with, and you love each other very much. God has blessed each of you so much. Love from Central Oklahoma.

❤ Elizabeth, you look just radiant today. Now I’ll watch the video. ❤

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I understand completely. We were building our dream home in 2008 and lost it as well during the crunch. We too invested our retirement into this home with plans to sell it after a couple of years for our retirement, however, we lost it. We were extremely lucky that we didn't sell our other home which we had paid off so we did have a home to go back to. God saw us through this as well.

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Жыл бұрын

Yup. A mortgage free home is nothing but a BLESSING!

This is my first time hearing your history. Just want to say you’ve made blessings out of challenges.

You guys deserve all of the blessing God has given you. Your godly, beautiful marriage has been an amazing part of your fruitful journey. God bless you both as you continue to serve him by living simple and free in His love 💖

Found your channel when you were in the tiny house. I appreciate that you share your life with us.

I’m reminded of the old saying “Home is where you hang your hat.”💜

I live in Virginia, and it is truly a wonderful place to live. Great climate for gardening, and folks are friendly. Every move we make in life can bring new adventure or problems. sometimes it is how we look at the circumstances.

What a perfect plan! Have been watching y’all since your tiny house and actually got one myself to live in.It’s in my grandma’s yard. Lost my brother in law a month ago and my sister has moved in grandma’s house. We have been blessed so much. Continue to work on getting my life simplified. Love your channel!

I’m so happy you’re doing so well. I have interstitial lung disease Elizabeth. Mine was caused from an autoimmune disease called polymyositis. But along with that I got carcinoid lung cancer and pulmonary arterial hypertension. I understand your lungs and your fatigue. I have a small KZread channel and I would love to add videos to it but I just cannot. I have lost my health. I understand your not being able to do everything. I sure hope that they can help you to feel better. I was thinking about the name of your channel and I think you have progressed to calling it live smarter, live free. That is what you do now. This was a fun video to watch. 😊

Living debt free is a wonderful feeling.

This is a great video filled with so many truths. It's not having what you want but wanting what you have that brings happiness and contentment. You two are just awesome - may God bless you and your family. 🙏

I just adore you two, your whole wonderful family for that matter. God richly bless you all!!!

I wish this lady was my neighbor. Her voice and smile just make me happy

Back in 2010 I got injured at work and lost my job. 6 months later my husband lost his teaching job… found another but it paid $10,000 less a year. We did have a decent savings but after a year, we decided to sell our home which came with high taxes, and we bought a class C motorhome. We traveled for a year with our teenage son and home schooled him. We had a blast and also spent that time deciding where we wanted to live. We found 5 acres out in the country and started building our own home one paycheck at a time. Fast forward 10 years. We’re so happy we decided to sell and move out of that expensive area. 😊

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Жыл бұрын

Great story! Thanks…so encouraging!

Hi ya’ll, As I have posted to you before- I am sooooo happy for you about your Florida house!!! I love watching your channel. You both are such lovely people and you have such a great marriage! You both are wonderful examples of great Christians. Elizabeth Clark Goodrich, Texas

One other thing that is important to your success is that you obviously, truly, love each other! You think and discuss everything together! You make joint decisions, not single ones! I have been watching y'alls channel for several years now and have never once heard y'all "dig" at each other or show anger. You respect each others opinions and don't have attitude problems.. I do wish that everyone had the respect and love for each other that y'all have! There would be no hate in the world if that were true! Your "teachings" are so very good , you always share your love, life, and knowledge. Not everyone will do that! You actually teach unselfishness ! Thank you and God bless you! God has blessed all of us, with you two! Thank you for being here!

I enjoyed your talk with us. I have watched you for a few years now and watched many ,many of your older videos. You inspire others to thrive and survive no matter what life brings. I lived in a 12 room home and because of illness and inability to work now live in a 600 sq ft ranch house. I will say it was a shocking adjustment but just like you I was thankful to have a home. I now admit I love it living small and frugal. God bless you both and continued prayers.

These are the type of situations that either make or break 💔a marriage. You lived in tiny quarters and in spite of the challenges, made due.❤ The world has lost touch of the concept of family takeing care of one another. My Mom, who is in her mid 80's has finally made the decision to movie in with us. Paul said: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. What a perspective this servant of God had....

I'm so happy Barry and Mollie are so close. I was worried that when you were in Florida something could happen to it.

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Жыл бұрын

They can see our house from their porch. It's easy for them to keep an eye on it.

The Tiny House was a great adventure! Thank you for taking us along for the ride!

I remember all those stories! It is nice having a place for a garden. Grandkids love to be with Grandma and Grandpa! Having Barry and Molly so close is a blessing too! Plus, wherever you are, God is there too! ❤️🙏💙

The big story I see here is a Son's love for his Parents!

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Жыл бұрын

Yup! 😊

💝💝💝🙏🕊🌟🌻🌻🌻May God continue to Bless you Both Always! God is Faithful and True❤

You two despite the adventures solved your problems as best you could. Your faith in God also kept you strong. You never let go of God or trying. Many of us would have taken a more negative attitude but you two gave us strength and really practiced What you preached. Your patience was commendable. Thankful people like you help communities. Bless you. GREECE. ❤❤❤❤

@bessieoriotis5104

Жыл бұрын

Bill

You both brighten up my day and a testimony to me and others. I enjoy watching your channel and Barry’s channel too he has a beautiful family . Hey,I live in the country we are used to gunshots that’s the norm here my husband love target practice 😊

Every day I thank God for all the material blessings he bestows on me every day. Try to give back to the less fortunate. The need for charity is so great now in these trying times. Lord soften our hearts and keep us on the path.

Just being debt free is the most freeing feeling out there. The rest is just bonus!! God Bless😊

I think in a nutshell, it’s making the best with what the Lord has blessed us with at the time and being grateful for each thing. That doesn’t mean we can strive to have more and work hard for it. Thanks for the video ❤

Elizabeth I love your smile. Shorter hair suits you, it frames your face. Glad to hear you both are doing better with health.

Gorgeous couple xx

My husband and I moved from a 6,000 square foot house to a 2,000 square foot house and we could not be happier! Small is less stressful and easier to care for!

Ruth here, isn't it amazing how God works, through others most often, thanks to your son, what love 💞💞💞 he has for you

I'm so glad you have a life of abundance...joy!

I want to thank you both so much for your channel and especially for your honesty. Elizabeth, please never ever be embarrassed about missing a video. Know that you both are covered in prayer. Wishing you a Blessed Easter.🌼🌺🌺🌹

You can’t explain to people how excellent it is to live debt free, love your video’s, good luck with everything

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Жыл бұрын

Yup, you can't REALLY understand the FREEDOM that being debt-debt brings until you experience it!

I myself really missed the tiny house of yours. You can’t imagine how many times i have watched a day and not get bored. I also get to know about thrive which I try to order but not very successful and will try again. Thank you Bill and Elizabeth, wish you both healthy and happy for many more years ahead of you.

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Жыл бұрын

What do you mean, you are "not very successful" ordering Thrive. Email me, so I can help. billk@kelleremail.com

You both are such loving, special people.

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Ай бұрын

Thank you! 😊

I've lived in a large and small house. Home is where your spouse is. You make it work.

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Жыл бұрын

Yup!

You have lived a real adventure . The beauty is how you stayed in love and have continued to prosper .🙏🏻👩🏻‍🦳💙❤️🤍 Loving Jesus is your strength .

That was a neat little place. I wish I could find something like it.

Elizabeth& Bill, so glad I got to listen to your journey in your life as you age. We to have gone through adjustments in life that was heartbreaking & kind of unexpected. Not easy when older,but we made it & life goes on.I thank Jesus every day for helping us adjust our lifestyle. IEverything does happen for a reason.. That made us stronger,even though our hearts were shattered,it didn't stop us.🙏 So glad you got your house in Florida..Your health comes first& with that your happiness will shine on your faces.God Bless!💕🌞🌴🙏

Good Morning! Have a wonderful day!❤

I happened upon this channel by accident. My husband and I lost everything 7 months ago. We got hit head on by Hurricane Ian and are now living in a FEMA trailer, which we are so grateful for (we would be living in our cars as well if we didn't have it.) The cars flooded in the storm surge and the mold in the house makes it unlivable. We are not at your point yet, and feel very hopeless. We hope to see the light at the end of the tunnel one day.

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Жыл бұрын

We want to encourage you that things are going to get better. Talk to Jesus about things a lot. He cares about every detail. We’re so sorry to hear about your loss. It may take some time, but that light at the end of the tunnel will come. I know the feeling of being grateful to have a roof over your head. ❤️

So happy you’re happy! God bless you both. Much love!❤️🙏😊

How beautiful to see how our heavenly Father is not only a faithful provider, no matter what situation we find ourselves in, but He also gives us wisdom to be good stewards of His blessings. Your testimony is a beautiful reflection of His faithfulness. Our joy and peace are always in the LORD. Thank you for sharing.

As you were talking about the tiny house I was remembering some of the videos from that time. Bill you worked hard to keep the place up. The one that came to mind was the clearing the mold by tearing the front off. Elizabeth the cup/mug collection you displayed. You did enjoy the tiny space! I enjoy your channel immensely!

You, Elizabeth look so happy, content and very cute hair style.

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much 😀

👍🤩💝Happy for you both. Thanks for sharing your journey. 💝

I Love this channel. . Smart, common sense American Patriots that love The Lord .May God our father Bless you both . .

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Жыл бұрын

😊👍

Enjoyed your rambling, LOL! May your new adventures be filled with Blessing...

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Жыл бұрын

❤️😄

Always feels like we've had a good chat after one of your videos, thank you!

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Жыл бұрын

❤️😊

We just sold our home in the city mid February and purchased a 30ft camper, (about 240sqft),so we understand living in a small space! Our focus is finding land and doing a little homesteading!!

I had a lot of problems with asthema and thanks to the Lord, I was moved to the coast. The warm salty sea air did a lot of healing in my lungs. It really seemed to wash them free of inflammation. After three years on the beach, I no longer needed 3 times a day meds. I know what you have is a lot more serious, but God is a great God! He has blessed you with a wonderful home to help you with your healing in the winters. Thank you for your wonderful message of hope and overcoming.

You two are such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and faith!

I adore the two of you so very much that during half of the videos I watch with you too I have tears in my eyes. My heart is overjoyed for your happiness. May God bless and keep you always! Love you guys more than you know.🙏❤️

Your journey has definitely been an inspiration to me. May God continue bless you both.

What a beautiful testament to your Faith.... while it's nice to have nice things in this life, I know that it doesn't matter in the long run. Our treasure as Christians is in Heaven. I have seen in my own life how the Lord provides. I'm not saying that life is always coming up roses but we always have what we need, even if it isn't exactly what we want. Love to you both.

Appreciated this episode very much.The older I have gotten (69 now) the more I have to realize how important it is to lighten my day to day with less stuff surrounding me. As I have doing a deep decluttering of our home a favorite quote that has become a goal to live by and make decisions on stuff to keep, donate or trash is…..”Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” (William Morris 1834 - 1896).

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Жыл бұрын

Another thing is that, except for memorabilia like pictures and seasonal things like Christmas decorations or camping gear, if you haven't used it in the past 6 months, you probably never will.

@pamelaknits

Жыл бұрын

@@LiveSimpleLiveFree Exactly!

I have been watching y’all for years since the rv tiny house and truly learned how to live on tight budget and now I’m living in tiny shed to cabin on my own property. My cabin is 288sqft in Louisiana. I retired end of September…I am very happy living tiny.

I live near sarasota and winter is amazing, really no humidity. The other 9 months are miserable….

Thank you two for this.

Also wanted to say, Elizabeth I love seeing your cool finds while thrifting. ❤ I do the same.

I really appreciate that information. Thank you!

You Guys are Great and Inspiring! Blessings

You both are a blessing to me, thank you for sharing.

Thanks for this video, it is an inspiration for all of us. God Bless You both

It is so good that your son helps you out, and looks ahead for you two. I became a widow 6 years ago and moved from Ohio to West Virginia 3 years ago to be closer to my son and his wife. It’s been so hard for me. The loneliness is horrible, it’s been a total culture shock, and my son doesn’t help me. You are so blessed to have each other.

@bessmay5353

Жыл бұрын

If you are able, volunteer in your community. Have something you have to do every week. Find a church, senior center the local library. Something that helps you build new real connections. If your health is poor, join a prayer group. Talk to your son on what tou need and what he can realistically help you with. Times are hard for everyone, he may have stressors you do not know about. God bless I hope you find your way in starting over.

@widowswatch6610

Жыл бұрын

I don’t know how old you are. If you are around retirement age you should definitely check out the senior centers, libraries and churches. They have tons of free activities and you can meet lots of friends there and you will not be lonely any more. It is also strange that your son doesn’t help you. I would definitely meet other people and through them you will have PLENTY of people to help you out.

I think you two love each other so very much. That you two would be happy anywhere as long as you are ❤️ together. Elizabeth you look great, and Bill I love your dimples😂

You two are just so sweet. You take care and have a happy Passover and happy Easter.

Thank you for sharing another part of your story. It just keeps getting better as the videos go by! 😉

You two are such an inspiration.

🎉😊Omgosh! So happy for you two!!! 🎉 May you stay blessed 🙏🏾 🫶🏽

MY CAR IS 2002 and bought a small renovated house for $65,000. HAPPY CAMPER

I have been watching you both since your tiny house days,and You have came a long way!! Elizabeth and Bill you truly have been blessed!! So glad you can now enjoy your home in Florida!!

I enjoyed this chat very much. God has blessed you both for sure.

It’s always a pleasure to watch you guys.God Bless❤️🙏

Thank you for sharing! I’m thinking you both would be happy as long as you’re both together and, that’s a Wonderful thing! ❤

Its wonderful that you are willing to share your experiences and show others how to better navigate lifes up and downs. It's a pleasure to witness how you manage and overcome. Blessings to you both❣🙏🕊

Love your story and struggles which leads to your overall happiness... some times less is more.. So happy for you!!!

I love both of you. I've followed for years. I have learned so much about being debt free. Thank y0u. We almost have our house paid for and then we will be debt free.

@LiveSimpleLiveFree

Жыл бұрын

Congratulations!

Love your channel and what you preach!

I’m happy you shared! Great answer