My Beloved Child,
Why do you hold back? Why will you not trust me? Why do you refuse to allow my lead? I created you....have a plan for you and love you more than you will ever know. Why do you question me? Do you question my motives? That I will take everything from you? That I will require too much?
Really? I created you.... I know you better than you know yourself. I am your Father. I sent my Son to die in your place...does that not prove my love? Do you not understand the depth of this? Do you not understand what I have given for you? You do not understand Me.
Being your Creator and your Father, I love you (to a degree you may never understand).....I know what you need. I care about your needs, and I am waiting for you to trust Me. Trust Me with your life. Lay it at my feet. I have nothing for you but love. I will never leave you....I will be forever with you. I will not force myself on you. What is forced love? Forced love is not love. I want your love freely given. I want you, but only of your own fruition. Not by anything I require of you. Give yourself to me because you want Me. You desire your life awesomely changed. Because you trust me.
I will right your wrongs. I am your answer. I am the way, the truth and the life. The only way. Any path you take aside from me will lead to heart ache......and death. I will say it one more time, ANY PATH YOU TAKE ASIDE FROM ME WILL LEAD TO HEART ACHE AND DEATH!!!! I created the world, should I not know these things? Are you so stubborn you need to find this for yourself? Do you enjoy heartache?
It burdens me so much to see you hurt. I love you so much I've counted all your tears...none have escaped me. Turn to me....allow me to lead you. Lay your life at my feet. Not only will I carry your burdens, I will carry YOU. I LOVE YOU!
Waiting for you.
With more love than you'll ever know,
Your Father (Your Daddy),
God
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Honey
We are honey lovers. If I had my way I'd own hives.....still working on my husband regarding that one....maybe someday. So this is the next best.....local honey....just bring jars, and you are set. And...it's only $2.00/lb (about $6.00/quart)....and its fresh (and warm). Love it!
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| Got Jars! |
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| Here's our Honey. |
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| Fresh Honey in the Creamer. |
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| All of the deliciousness! |
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| Taking it all in! |
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| Fresh Honey. |
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Little Boy
Little boy you bring me joy
my heart swells with love for you
Little boy you bring me joy
without your hugs what would I do
Little boy you bring me joy
I am blessed to be your mom
Little boy that brings me joy
You sing the melody in my song
Little boy that brings me joy
I prayed and prayed for you
Little boy that brings me joy
I thank God for the miracle of
giving us you
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Autumn: Coming to a Home Near You
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| Homegrown: Zinnias, Pumpkins and Strawberry Jam |
It's almost time to dust off the cobbler recipes and dig the beloved sweaters from the cedar chest. It's almost time to gather fire wood for that first wonderful morning fire....to dig out knitting patterns....to contemplate projects from the rocking chair. It's almost time.......Autumn....we anticipate your arrival.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
Saturday, August 20, 2011
10 Reasons to Home School
School is right around the corner. We are on the starting blocks. Marks.....Set.......Go!
It's time to shop for school supplies, get things in order and prepare. This year, I think I am ready...and even a little excited. The yellow bus doesn't stop at our house (even though the kids sometimes wish it did), we school at home. We school at the table....outside....in the garden....in the car....while camping....while on trips....we have yet to find a place we can't school. And...I love it.
I will be honest, I didn't intend to home school. My initial dream included educating my kids at a little Christian school....NOT home schooling. Ugh! I didn't think I could teach! How could I home school? And....I really looked forward to having time off...to myself....private school would allow for that!
Well, God had other plans for us. Plans that included a recession....decreased income... no private school....and ultimately home schooling. At first, I fought it. I didn't want to home school. I didn't feel I possessed the talent, the patience or the know-how. I knew public school wasn't a "fit" for us, but didn't feel home schooling was either. What to do? Hum.....we decided to pray (always a good thing to do).
And...it's funny.....God always answers prayer. He may not answer it the way you want (sometimes He does), but He always answers it. His answer to my specific prayer: He changed my heart. He gave me a passion for home schooling my kids. He gave me a passion to spend more time with them. He gave me eyes to see the situation differently: what schooling at home would do for our family.
I found myself becoming passionate about teaching, curriculum and the process of educating my children. I still enjoyed time to myself, but became more excited about passing knowledge onto my kids....watching their faces as they learn something fascinating (and even ask to hear more). I became more excited about introducing them to God's creations.... And ultimately learning along with them.
Well, I have created a list: 10 Reasons to Home School. These are 10 things I love about the process of Home Schooling:
1. You get to KNOW your kids on a whole new level.
2. You get to control the education they get....when, where, how, what, and WHY!
3. You teach, therefore YOU learn along with them.
4. You can travel without consequence...and the kids learn along the way.
5. You can teach while living everyday life. A good place to teach life science: the garden.
6. You can successfully complete a day's worth of curriculum into 3 hours. Why subject them to 8 hours of school they can complete in 3?
7. You can assure your child gets one on one attention (from a person that loves them).
8. You will add structure to your life.
9. You will witness the fascination of learning new things first hand....and you can foster it.
10. You get to facilitate field trips!
These are just 10 reasons why I love home schooling, there are more. I admit, it's not always easy and it's not for everyone. We've had our hard times too. But, it's so very worth it! Kids grow up so fast....why not spend more time with them? God will hand out what you need, if you ask. He has patience to give, wisdom to deliver, and love to transcend the most chaotic home. You have all you need at your fingertips. You won't regret it. There is some awesome curriculum available as well (many have gone before), so you need not create your own path.
Just some thoughts........
It's time to shop for school supplies, get things in order and prepare. This year, I think I am ready...and even a little excited. The yellow bus doesn't stop at our house (even though the kids sometimes wish it did), we school at home. We school at the table....outside....in the garden....in the car....while camping....while on trips....we have yet to find a place we can't school. And...I love it.
I will be honest, I didn't intend to home school. My initial dream included educating my kids at a little Christian school....NOT home schooling. Ugh! I didn't think I could teach! How could I home school? And....I really looked forward to having time off...to myself....private school would allow for that!
Well, God had other plans for us. Plans that included a recession....decreased income... no private school....and ultimately home schooling. At first, I fought it. I didn't want to home school. I didn't feel I possessed the talent, the patience or the know-how. I knew public school wasn't a "fit" for us, but didn't feel home schooling was either. What to do? Hum.....we decided to pray (always a good thing to do).
And...it's funny.....God always answers prayer. He may not answer it the way you want (sometimes He does), but He always answers it. His answer to my specific prayer: He changed my heart. He gave me a passion for home schooling my kids. He gave me a passion to spend more time with them. He gave me eyes to see the situation differently: what schooling at home would do for our family.
I found myself becoming passionate about teaching, curriculum and the process of educating my children. I still enjoyed time to myself, but became more excited about passing knowledge onto my kids....watching their faces as they learn something fascinating (and even ask to hear more). I became more excited about introducing them to God's creations.... And ultimately learning along with them.
Well, I have created a list: 10 Reasons to Home School. These are 10 things I love about the process of Home Schooling:
1. You get to KNOW your kids on a whole new level.
2. You get to control the education they get....when, where, how, what, and WHY!
3. You teach, therefore YOU learn along with them.
4. You can travel without consequence...and the kids learn along the way.
5. You can teach while living everyday life. A good place to teach life science: the garden.
6. You can successfully complete a day's worth of curriculum into 3 hours. Why subject them to 8 hours of school they can complete in 3?
7. You can assure your child gets one on one attention (from a person that loves them).
8. You will add structure to your life.
9. You will witness the fascination of learning new things first hand....and you can foster it.
10. You get to facilitate field trips!
These are just 10 reasons why I love home schooling, there are more. I admit, it's not always easy and it's not for everyone. We've had our hard times too. But, it's so very worth it! Kids grow up so fast....why not spend more time with them? God will hand out what you need, if you ask. He has patience to give, wisdom to deliver, and love to transcend the most chaotic home. You have all you need at your fingertips. You won't regret it. There is some awesome curriculum available as well (many have gone before), so you need not create your own path.
Just some thoughts........
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Scared of the Dark
My husband was gone last week with church camps. Our neighbors decided to leave for a week long camping trip also. Leaving me.....the lone "grown up".... on... the hill. I don't mind being alone...the kids become well versed in Jane Austen, and I manage to finish projects: this time planning my home school curriculum. I admit even enjoying a little time to myself. I am independent, though life without my husband would be terrible. He's not afraid of the dark....and I am. I especially fear the dark when by myself.
We are country people and live out of town. We have one close neighbor (whom we love)....and the rest, well, fields and coyotes. During the day this is not a problem....BUT at night... I am a wimp!
Saturday night, Tim's last night away, I left a sprinkler going (needing off). The faucet to this hose is past our yard fence....hidden behind a pump house. During the day I don't mind going back there. After dark, this little jaunt intimidates me. It's past the "safety zone" of my yard and out into the "unknown".
Upon remembering "the hose" that evening, my blood pressure elevated. It was dark outside....and the sprinkler was still going. That meant turning off the hose.......in the dark.....while I was totally ALONE. Fear prickled my wimpy self. Ugh.
I waited until the kids fell asleep...all was quiet in the house....I was stalling. I then opened the front door in anticipation of my jaunt. I expected to be met with pitch black void. A void of light, people, noise (except the sprinkler) and anything comforting. I stopped a minute to pray, "Lord, please be protect me" (there is no one here to hear me scream...(slight drama)). I was a little nervous just the same. What met me though was totally unlike what I prepared for. I opened the door and stood in awe.
A full moon. A completely moon lit yard.....A completely moon lit pathway all the way out the gate and to the faucet. A warm breeze gently blowing.....and voices. VOICES....I thought I was alone on the hill! Well, I wasn't. We have neighbors a ways down the road.....but their property adjoins to ours. This night, their teens decided to have a bonfire near our property boundary. They are good kids. I couldn't see them, but I could hear them talking and laughing. I could smell the bonfire smoke.
All of the sudden....I realized God was showing me I wasn't alone. It might be 11:00pm....it may be night...but I was not alone. And not only was there a bonfire just the other side of our property, but God made His presence apparent as well. The moonlight shown down into our pasture....almost day-like. The cows munched on the grass. Crickets sang....frogs croaked. The warm breeze picked up and blew across my cheek. I listened to the quiet laughter of teens at the bonfire.....and felt God's presence. He was with me....and made effort to show me. I suddenly felt an over-whelming desire to pray. I unloaded on Him....told Him many things He already knew. Praising Him: for the moonlight outside on that warm summer evening. Praising Him for His presence...for the contented feeling that came over me. Praising Him that I am NEVER alone.
And as if on cue, a star fell from the sky over the top my head. Woe! Not joking. Confirmation. I couldn't help but tear up. I am surrounded by the only ONE I will ever need, and I will never be ALONE.
My evening of dread turned into the most beautiful evening. I ended staying outside for quite sometime and am wishing I would've stayed longer.
My moment of dread turned into awesomeness. It was an amazing time....one for the memory books. Thank you my Lord and Savior. I am not nor will I ever be alone.
We are country people and live out of town. We have one close neighbor (whom we love)....and the rest, well, fields and coyotes. During the day this is not a problem....BUT at night... I am a wimp!
Saturday night, Tim's last night away, I left a sprinkler going (needing off). The faucet to this hose is past our yard fence....hidden behind a pump house. During the day I don't mind going back there. After dark, this little jaunt intimidates me. It's past the "safety zone" of my yard and out into the "unknown".
Upon remembering "the hose" that evening, my blood pressure elevated. It was dark outside....and the sprinkler was still going. That meant turning off the hose.......in the dark.....while I was totally ALONE. Fear prickled my wimpy self. Ugh.
I waited until the kids fell asleep...all was quiet in the house....I was stalling. I then opened the front door in anticipation of my jaunt. I expected to be met with pitch black void. A void of light, people, noise (except the sprinkler) and anything comforting. I stopped a minute to pray, "Lord, please be protect me" (there is no one here to hear me scream...(slight drama)). I was a little nervous just the same. What met me though was totally unlike what I prepared for. I opened the door and stood in awe.
A full moon. A completely moon lit yard.....A completely moon lit pathway all the way out the gate and to the faucet. A warm breeze gently blowing.....and voices. VOICES....I thought I was alone on the hill! Well, I wasn't. We have neighbors a ways down the road.....but their property adjoins to ours. This night, their teens decided to have a bonfire near our property boundary. They are good kids. I couldn't see them, but I could hear them talking and laughing. I could smell the bonfire smoke.
All of the sudden....I realized God was showing me I wasn't alone. It might be 11:00pm....it may be night...but I was not alone. And not only was there a bonfire just the other side of our property, but God made His presence apparent as well. The moonlight shown down into our pasture....almost day-like. The cows munched on the grass. Crickets sang....frogs croaked. The warm breeze picked up and blew across my cheek. I listened to the quiet laughter of teens at the bonfire.....and felt God's presence. He was with me....and made effort to show me. I suddenly felt an over-whelming desire to pray. I unloaded on Him....told Him many things He already knew. Praising Him: for the moonlight outside on that warm summer evening. Praising Him for His presence...for the contented feeling that came over me. Praising Him that I am NEVER alone.
And as if on cue, a star fell from the sky over the top my head. Woe! Not joking. Confirmation. I couldn't help but tear up. I am surrounded by the only ONE I will ever need, and I will never be ALONE.
My evening of dread turned into the most beautiful evening. I ended staying outside for quite sometime and am wishing I would've stayed longer.
My moment of dread turned into awesomeness. It was an amazing time....one for the memory books. Thank you my Lord and Savior. I am not nor will I ever be alone.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Chocolate Eggs!
Okay, so we started a project early this year: raising Black-Copper Maran Chickens. These chickens have a novel egg color. They lay chocolate colored eggs; rare in the U.S. We found a hatchery that hatches B-C Maran chicks and decided get some.
Well, this week was our pay off week. We have chocolate eggs now and I am excited. I guess I am a chicken fanatic...sorry cant help it. I love em'! So to go along with our green eggs, Rhode Island brown, and cream colored eggs, we now have chocolate. Kind of a rainbow I guess.
Next year we will work on a few other colors. Art in the coup....I like it!
Well, this week was our pay off week. We have chocolate eggs now and I am excited. I guess I am a chicken fanatic...sorry cant help it. I love em'! So to go along with our green eggs, Rhode Island brown, and cream colored eggs, we now have chocolate. Kind of a rainbow I guess.
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| Our first B-C Maran egg. |
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| Brown is a good color! |
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| Love it! |
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Shuckin' Time
I love harvest time. It is my favorite time of year. Its a reward for hard work. It's a treasure hunt for the kids. And it means no more produce aisle trips at Walmart (at least for awhile). I guess I also feel a sense of satisfaction when I walk through my garden, maybe a sense of accomplishment. I know God does the work.....but I did the weeding...(well, kinda of).
Our corn is getting ready to harvest. We've pulled a few ears, and they are delish! Golden Jubilee.....I can't get my kids out of the patch. Whoever says raw corn is bad has NEVER tasted it! Except for the fact I am finding husks all over the place. I guess I need a resident garbage can IN the garden. Maybe that will promote more tidiness....just maybe.
Now, just to get it all in and frozen. But not before a good handful of wonderful Barbecue suppers (complete with Corn on the Cob!) God Bless Summer Time!
Our corn is getting ready to harvest. We've pulled a few ears, and they are delish! Golden Jubilee.....I can't get my kids out of the patch. Whoever says raw corn is bad has NEVER tasted it! Except for the fact I am finding husks all over the place. I guess I need a resident garbage can IN the garden. Maybe that will promote more tidiness....just maybe.
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| Summer Time Splendor |
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| Roasting Ears |
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| They did make it to the garbage...A Couple Times. |
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| Yum! |
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| He's Waited all Summer for This! |
To End a Day
The kids are asleep...the house again quiet with the exception of Mansfield Park.......a little Jane Austen! Fresh zinnias cut from the garden in a jar on the table. A clean kitchen and a colander full of fresh veggies. All is tucked in and where it should be...the end to a good day. Now....it's time.......for me. Solitude. Thank you God.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Annie and Shortcake
She's growing up. My baby isn't quite the "baby" she used to be.
Where does time go? Just recently she weighed 7# 13 oz.....now she's up, running and off at the races. I need to enjoy my time with her while she's little. She still has little hands, but already she has big dreams. I thank God for my kids!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
See It Like It Is
There is the truth, and there are my perceptions. Sometimes the two align....I love it when they do....when I can see things as they REALLY are. I like it when God has reveals the truth to my eyes, when I can see the big picture. Why things happen.... Why they REALLY happen, not why I PERCEIVE they happen.
Recently I have been praying God would open my eyes to the truth. I have been praying He would allow me to see things as He sees them. I admit, I struggle with "spiritual" blindness....a lot. I am more than slightly blind....because after I prayed that prayer, God started revealing things. He revealed things that have always been there. I am certain others have always seen what I recently learned. In my praying for eyes to see, the first thing God pointed out was my shortcomings. Ouch! When I prayed that prayer, I was actually hoping He'd show me other things first.....like why other people act the way they do. Why people say things or do things. I was hoping for incite into other people......I was hoping He'd wait to reveal 'me' until later. But He didn't.
In answering my prayer, God placed a mirror in front of me. In front of ME....and honestly, I didn't totally like what I saw. It didn't totally reflect Jesus. It wasn't as beautiful as I thought....I admit I am a little self centered. God revealed my shortcomings....And yes, He revealed things about others too, but more so in how I effect them. I am less than perfect (and for a perfectionist this is hard to admit). I am a sinner, and I am in need of God.
There is freedom in knowing the truth. In knowing you see everything everyone else does. As a teenager I had the "toilet paper stuck to my foot" experience after leaving the bathroom. It was embarrassing. It wasn't until someone told me that I realized I trailed white paper behind me. Well, I don't want that experience again. I am thankful I have a resource that gives me eyes to see. I am thankful my God reveals things. He is the cleaner of closets, the healer of wounds and the "fixer" of EVERY problem. Not only does he reveal the toilet paper trailing my foot, but He provides a way of removing it. It's called "asking". "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7. God wants nothing more than "you". Give Him your life and He will change you. Ask Him to reveal the truth of who you are.....and then ask Him to change you to reflect Him. He will. I promise.
Recently I have been praying God would open my eyes to the truth. I have been praying He would allow me to see things as He sees them. I admit, I struggle with "spiritual" blindness....a lot. I am more than slightly blind....because after I prayed that prayer, God started revealing things. He revealed things that have always been there. I am certain others have always seen what I recently learned. In my praying for eyes to see, the first thing God pointed out was my shortcomings. Ouch! When I prayed that prayer, I was actually hoping He'd show me other things first.....like why other people act the way they do. Why people say things or do things. I was hoping for incite into other people......I was hoping He'd wait to reveal 'me' until later. But He didn't.
In answering my prayer, God placed a mirror in front of me. In front of ME....and honestly, I didn't totally like what I saw. It didn't totally reflect Jesus. It wasn't as beautiful as I thought....I admit I am a little self centered. God revealed my shortcomings....And yes, He revealed things about others too, but more so in how I effect them. I am less than perfect (and for a perfectionist this is hard to admit). I am a sinner, and I am in need of God.
There is freedom in knowing the truth. In knowing you see everything everyone else does. As a teenager I had the "toilet paper stuck to my foot" experience after leaving the bathroom. It was embarrassing. It wasn't until someone told me that I realized I trailed white paper behind me. Well, I don't want that experience again. I am thankful I have a resource that gives me eyes to see. I am thankful my God reveals things. He is the cleaner of closets, the healer of wounds and the "fixer" of EVERY problem. Not only does he reveal the toilet paper trailing my foot, but He provides a way of removing it. It's called "asking". "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7. God wants nothing more than "you". Give Him your life and He will change you. Ask Him to reveal the truth of who you are.....and then ask Him to change you to reflect Him. He will. I promise.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Shoe'in
There's something homey about horse shoeing. Hard work, yes. Sometimes back breaking, but the sound of the hammer on the anvil.....draws me in. It's the sound of hard work. The sound that says my awesome guy is home and the barn is occupied. It's three little kids watching in awe....and the dog quieting contemplating the situation and waiting. Horse shoeing means the horses will soon go somewhere.... activity....excitement.
I love it.
I love it.
A Shabby Chic Shower
Tonight I was blessed with an opportunity to throw a baby shower. A sweet friend and her precious baby. I was able to take some pictures before the shower and a couple after. Due to some technical (weather) difficulties...I took off my camera during the shower to chase napkins blowing in the wind....and totally missed all the mid-shower shots. Isn't that the way it goes. But....we had a good time. And....found a very good reason to sit under shade trees to sip lemonade. Congratulations M and H on your sweet little bundle!!! She's beautiful!
Shower in the making.
Getting Closer.
Dishes...check.....Napkins....check
No birds....but still necessary.
Homemade raspberry lemonade!
Tonight was a lot of fun. Thank you for the opportunity. And a thanks to T, B and S for you help!
Shower in the making.
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