Clove Tea

I have come to have a greater love of spices then every before . . . The Queen of Sheba must have been delighted with them as well because she have an abundance of them along with all the silver and gold as gifts for Kind Solomon.

Recently, a good friend of mine introduced me to Clove tea.  You boil some whole cloves are about a half an hour, then you take a mug and fill it half to three-fourths full with milk, some clove tea and a bit of sweetner . . . And there you have it!

 if the most comforting, savory, spice teas you could every have!

Tell me if you try it and like it.  Don't tell me if you try it and don't care for it 😁.

Taste Cranberry Joy for 2019!

 One of the first times I met Rosanna, she served this most deluctable cranberry bread/muffin/ cake!  It is the WHOLE families favorite way to enjoy cranberries!  . . . . So . . . I had to share it with you!

 These fresh, candied cranberries come in at second best.  My husband says they are tart, but he is very familiar and cozy with white sugar.  These are CRISPY, sweet and tart - all together! That's why it is a favorite of mine.

It

Cranberry Candy

Violet and I made these CRISP, Sweet and Sour candies this afternoon!  Ya soak in sugar water a one to one syrup for two hours in the fridge and then ya drain and coat with white sugar.

"Surely the Lord is In This place and I Knew It Not"

"Count it all joy" the preacher reminded us on Sunday . . . "Make a tally mark under the headline of JOY" . . . You don't have to jump up and down and shout for joy . . . but you are not to make marks in the pain\bitterness side . . . Look through God's eyes and see His point of view . . . back up and look at it from a distance.  Thank the Lord for what you CAN learn from it.  Seek Him and His glory . . . and you can count it all joy . . .

There is beauty in God's work . . . and He's at work in my life and yours E.V.E.R.Y. single day.  Day after day. he doesn't give up.  He's patient. 

Studying for this week's Sunday School lesson about blessings at Bethel, it is finally clicking.  "Surely the Lord is in this place and I knew it not."  God is in the hard things . . . Walk through them to get to the gate of heaven . . .

My Little People

It's amazing.  How all these souls come to be . . . They show up at your house, such tiny, complete, miniature persons.  They laugh and shout . . . Snuggle and cry and want food all the time . . . They beg for stories and picnics . . . Milk and cookies . . . They make houses and play outside.

And they become . . . Great help in the kitchen.

My oldest daughter can put me to shame with all the stuff she gets done . . .I feel like I am driving in the slow lane and she passes me by most days.

But she's lived with me all her life and knows me pretty well . . .

It's fun having a fifteen year old gal as a friend and confidante . . . No she isn't seasoned like me and doesn't "get" slot if things yet, but that's ok.  I am a burnt out woman and I didn't want her enthusiasm to dull for a long time! I am so glad for her vibrant love of life and doing things.

She also gives me hope as I despair at these younger girls . . . Of when and if they will ever grow up to stop making messes . . . If when the tide will turn and the mess makers will become the keepers of home and happiness.

Little people with such individual personalities . . . Of such potential for good . . . To be surrounded or at least known by these for the rest of my life as mom . . . An intimate knowledge and friendship, a tie and bond like no other . . . What a gift.  Little people are precious.

Celebrate them.

Intentional

There are times in my life where I do hard things on purpose . . . Like for practice because I recognize how soft and lazy I am and can become . . . I have not been a huge fan of brussel sprouts, but this week I have learned to like them . . . Okay . . . It's a small thing, I agree . . . Next week I want to practice getting up earlier . . .

What small step are you doing or thinking of doing to challenge yourself?

Somehow we gain courage when we know others are walking this road as well . . . And our souls need prodding at times to get moving . . . Be brave and set a goal for just a day or three . . . What will it be? Please comment below here . . . Sometimes sharing that challenge with others MAKES it "real" like I can't just shake it off tomorrow and say, oh, I didn't really want to do that I guess  and drop it . . . No, I have found sharing often puts the Spurs on to keep my word or challenge and makes me a better person 🙂.

He Makes Me Lie Down

During church campout this past weekend one of the messages was about shepherding our flock. There are lots of flocks, it can be mothers with little children, dads with the whole family, church leaders ect. . . and we were challenged to follow Christ’s example in patience and longsuffering and not lead in anger or reaction or bitterness or from an empty soul.

Since then, I have been meditating on the first part of Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want\lack. He maketh me lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul . . .” And God brought to my mind that He is like a mother here 😊 and He makes us or desires that we lie down and rest as we do with our little people who get tired and crabby during the day. They need to be guided to a place to rest.

Now, we all know that as adults, it is not so much the physical here that we need rest from, more importantly our hearts need to be brought to a place of rest in God. As we do not LIVE by bread alone, so we do not live by sleep alone. We need the rest of soul to function as a child of God . . . that makes a HUGE difference in our daily walk! It’s the difference of not becoming bitter about something, but rather being able to trust God about it and let it go. It’s the difference is a lot of things . . . It’s what makes the difference of acting like a child of God or a child of the devil . . .

To be a child of God we need to obey . . . My little ones are required to take a nap. As adults, God gives us a choice, but we all know that if we want to remain as God’s child, we need to follow in obedience His requirement to rest our soul in Him. To set aside a bit of time, to read and reflect His goodness and His glory, to be reminded of His love, to be refreshed and make sure I am abiding in Him so that my leaves do not wither in the heat of the day . . . Yes, quiet time\devotions with the LORD is a must EVERY day.

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.” What a good Shepherd! What a loving Heavenly Father! He KNOWS that I NEED this so very much. And as His child He requires that I get the spiritual food that I need each day to sustain me and keep me healthy . . . To have that abundant life, that vibrant shine. God is so good.

Be the Gift You Want in Answered Prayer

I know my parents pray for me . . . I’m sure my grandparents did as well . . . though they are gone now.  I wonder what exactly they prayed for me?  . . . that I would faithfully follow Christ . . . I assume . . . Did they pray specific prayers? . . .  and what might they have been?  Questions . . . questions I could ask my parents, questions I no longer can ask my grandparents . . . But now that I am a parent myself, I can venture pretty good guesses.

How do you pray for your friends?  . . . What words and longings are answered or unanswered?  How long do you pray for something for a friend or brother or yourself till it turns into tears and groanings?

A friend gifted me with a wooden plaque with the words, “Prayer Changes Things” a few years ago.  At first, I was discontent with it.  It was so common.  It felt kinda empty and lifeless . . .  Maybe it had more to do with the fact that I didn’t feel like it was very true in my life or the lives of my loved ones.  Prayers I had prayed for years, still were going on UNANSWERED and I was tired and weary and worn . . . and little bitter roots had grown unknowingly down deep into my heart.  That was just the long and short of it.

It was frustrating to meditate on that saying that my friend given me . . .  that I had placed in our home, “Prayer Changes Things”  . . .  because things didn’t feel changed much.  Why, God . . . why can’t I see your hand at work more than it is?  Why does it feel so stale and stagnant?  Where are the fresh wind and fire that Your Word, Your Book promises?

As the years have come and gone and I have been drawn in closer to the Author of those promises and closer to His heart. He has answered me.  I have found this saying to be true, because prayer DOES change things, it CHANGES ME! And in the changing of myself, His light shines out from my heart and eyes, from my hands and my feet and it changes the WAY I look at things.  My attitude.  My purpose.  My life and then to the lives of my loved ones – friends and family, . . .  neighbors and those caught in the mire of this old world.

I gain insight as I pray and seek Him.  I learn to focus on God and His peace instills joy and happiness that I gain NO WHERE ELSE!  I gain His rest . . .  after all He said His yoke is easy and His burden is light . . . and I have found it to be so!  I gain His attitude as long as my gaze stays fixed on His.  And I pray and labor for others who are hurting and bleeding inside and for those who don’t even realize that they are.  I work and I know that my labor is not in vain in the Lord no matter whether there is fruit or not.  My job is to be faithful and keep my eyes on Him.   . . . . Is that not what a lover does?  She has hardly any thought to the world around her, only One whom she adores!  . . .  And a radiant light shines from her eyes . . .  inside her heart dances and you hear it in the lilt of her voice many times.

Prayer DOES change things, folks!  It changes me\us!  It changes those who pray!  Are we praying?  Prayer gives concern and worry a place to go to let it all go.  Prayer releases God’s hand more.  Prayer is communicating my hearts cry and love for those who need it.

And when I pray . . .  Am I answering the prayer of my loved ones, my friends, my brother and sisters in the Lord, my parents and my grandparents . . .  and am I part of the answered prayer of my Jesus when He prays in John 17 about not praying for the world, but for those that are His?  And when He interceded for me today before the throne . . . what is He asking for?  For me to have a “good day”?  I don’t think so . . .  For me to take joy in my trials and have the mind of Christ – to live rejoicing and working and watching and waiting for His return? . . .  for me to understand the value and weapon praise is? . . . for me to spend the needed time fasting? . . .  What DOES He pray for when He prays for me . . . I think if we take time to ponder that we know . . . Am I doing my part in God changing me?  Am I being molded and changed from the inside out like I desire for those I pray for?

My heart says to myself,  “Be the gift of answered prayer to your loved ones . . . have the mind of Christ . . .  repent, love, submit, rejoice, work, labor, stay close to His heart . . . walk humbly with God.”

Prayer changes things. It changes ME!

Kitchen Spice

A little"spice" adding her spice to the kitchen chores of the morning . . . Eighteen years of little kitchen helpers . . .

Emotions Again

Those of us whose children are just . . . growing up on us . . . Read Jennies post on it all . . . She puts it into words about moms and daughters and all the emotions and unsaid things  . . . https://jenniezimmerman.wordpress.com/2019/08/09/what-i-didnt-know/

One of my younger sisters was here to visit yesterday . . .Oh, the emotions that flood ones soul . . .too much to write about . . .

Which, of course, led to other emotions this morning as I started my day . . . I dove into cleaning my two refrigerates and pondered why I can't just do the things I put on my schedule . . . Like it is on my schedule on a list in my mind to do every week, yet I can't seem to get it done that often . . . and this was mostly because my sister stated that she just has it on her schedule to do every week and acted like if I had it on my schedule well then that should take care of the problem . . . Hmm . . .
So, then I was looking up verses about orderliness in the Bible and feeling guilty about being so undisciplined . . .

Taking snack to my husband and helpers mid-morning was beneficial to my soul as he reminded me of what I needed to hear . . .

 . . . But I do see God working in my heart towards more orderliness and self-control.

Send me an email and tell me about the workings of your heart and soul and mind . . .What is God teaching you . . . I wanna hear YOUR stories . . . Don't reserve it ALL for glory . . . We need to encourage each other down here where the going is tough. :)

Women

Is it just me or do other ladies like to hear from other ladies? . . . And I've often wondered why God doesn't have much recorded for us ladies about other women in Bible times . . . I suppose if they were anything like me it might have to much emotional whatever . . .

 . . . But that doesn't take away that longing.

The Bible does say that the older women are to teach the younger women . . . But how does that happen? . . .

What are your experiences?

I often wonder, who God made us the way He did . . . And why I can't be stronger emotionally . . .

What would these Bible-time ladies say to me if we had coffee together . . .

A New Day Just For Us

Entering In

I battled tears in the Sunday School classroom in the basement that served as a make do nursery . . . Bitterness was trying to worm it's way in and tears of pity for myself came flooding in . . . But drawing His strength, my spirit choose praise and I sang to my little person fairly loudly not worried  aboutothers hearing, because most of the reason for the tears were from the fact that that I couldn't hear the semon down here and my little one had to be here due to her humanity and stubborn will . . . And I desperately craved  all that a Sunday morning could hold, good solid preaching, sweet singing,  worship and close fellowshipping . . .

So the weapon of praise did it's job and I sang and sang . . .

Little girl did not go to sleep.

Finally, I took little girl upstairs and got in on the last prayer and testimony time after the sermon and I raised my voice and  thanked the  ministerfor the message and with joy gave thanks that I would get to hear the rest of it this week . . . And as I was verbalizing this and the words were tumbling out, my heart skipped a beat as I saw where the person was sitting that was to record the message that morning . . . He was not in the place to record.

This job was not his, but given the him just to do today as the regular guy for this was gone this Sunday . . .

There.  I had it.  Another chance . . .  to use the weapon of praise.

So as my mind scaled the mountains and valleys this revelation brought . . .I choose to start thanking God that instead of hearing the message from the ministers recorded voice, I could, dig in and study the word and hear this message DIRECTLY from God Himself . . .

That . . . Now that IS Nice!

Satan knows what gets us . . . He knows how to jab and send those darts . . . He knows what I care about and cry over . . .

But God.

God is the Victorious One! . . . And whatever Satan thinks he can use, God can turn it around and use even more! 

He used this simple incident in my life to help ingrain upon me the value of praise.

It won me the victory.  It worked. 

"Greater is He that is in me, then he that is in the world."

So this entering into his Gates of Righteousness through praise . . . Is just that.  An entering in . . . Getting inside . . .a key to joy and closeness . . . A way that I so often pass by . . .

May I enter in each time . . . May I sing His praises!

Gates of Righteousness

Are these the gates of Thanksgiving and PRAISE that we are to come to God through? . . . How many times do I try/go around them? . . . And just start praying selfish prayers, "give me this Lord, give me, give me that . . . "

ENTER

into

His

GATES

With

Praise . . . "

Enlarged Borders

It was calling for rain this morning . . . I started on things to be done . . . My list is rather long, but I am becoming more fond of lists . . . I used to hate them (and the reasons for that are too long a subject for today) . . . One of my goals was to edge another flowerbed today . . . So if it's gonna rain, I better get out there now and work on it . . .

 The air was lovely with a kiss of the tiniest raindrops . . .
 and the fragrance of summer . . .

I haven't messed much with the old house flowerbeds at all as we were going to be tearing this house down this spring, but as you can see it's still standing and I need to deal with things after all . . . I gave in the other day and sprayed a bit around to keep the grass from going into the beds any further!

. . . I found this morning that it has been a huge help as I dig an edging . . . I did not grow up with using mulch or digging edgings so I am new at this . . .but I love the look . . .

This old-fashioned hardy rose that leaves the rarest most special fragrance of any flower equal only to Lily of the Valley and the Lilac started out just a "slip of a girl" . . .

Over the years, it has grown to this mammoth bush that needs trimmed!

 As I dug, I was contemplating this . . . How that time after time, I have had to enlarge the borders around this plant.  It has taken over more yard a bit by bit each summer . . . Each summer I have had to take away grass clumps and give it more room.

The grass tries to take over . . .  bit by bit it slowly establishes it's right to grow into and steal the roses glor, . . . to cover the beauty with tall, wild blades of grass . . . using up precious nutrients and water meant for my rose!  It has no desire to let the world see what a glorious plant God created this to be!  

John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy:  I am come that they may  have life and have it more abundantly!"

I thought about my life and it's edges . . . the edges of my heart and soul . . . am I enlarging those edges with a shovel?. . .  Am I giving myself separation from that which destroys? . . . and takes away from God's beauty in my heart and life? . . . Am I NOT digging and letting that grass slowly, ever slowly grow into my life choking out what God had planned for me? . . .

  Psalm 119:32

"I SHALL RUN

the way of

 Your 

commandments,

for You will

ENLARGE 

my

heart."

It Only Takes One

So we don't have a place to hang a bird feeder yet . . . I bought this little suction one a couple years ago and tried it at our old place without success. . . Then one of the boys had it in their upstairs bedroom window for awhile and they finally had some action there.

Before we moved in and since it takes awhile  for birds to find new feeders, I had this one here in our new place all summer at the living room window with no success . . . One of the boys, once again, got birds to come to their bedroom window with a feeder even though it was two feet off the ground!!!

So I am frustrated . . .  I try my feeder at my kitchen window . . . And finally, occasionally I get a chickadee.

But I am so happy!  I got a bird!!! And he feeds here occasionally!!! So even though I'd like lots of birds . . . Lots of birds eat lots of feed . . . And we don't buy bags of sunflower seeds very often . . . We need the money to feed our family!

"It only takes one" I have said on the past and still say about guys and girls . . . When I was single and whether or not there were many we eligible young men out there, I only needed one . . . And God had one for  me . . .

Now, I could take enjoy more birds, but the Bible does say to be content with the things you have . . . But I still pray for more birds and bird feeders . . .

I Want It To Be My Turn

I had just come home from visiting an elderly lady in the hospital.  I had been saddened at the deteriorating of her physical body . . . Things just didn't hardly work anymore, her shoulders, standing, parkasons had set in and she was trying to reason with the therapist that she didn't need this . . .  she was going home and would do therapy there . . . In tears and a quavering voice, over and over she related her wishes and I could tell her world was feeling apart.

I asked the therapist is I could share my Bible memory verses with her before they took off from the room to therapy . . .I read Hebrews 11:1-13 in a voice that I hoped conveyed my faith and trust in God, this God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob who having seen the promises afar off were assured of them, embraced then and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth . . .

Hugging her, I prayed over her God's peace and comfort . . .

All the way home, my heart ached . . .

And as I said on my kitchen bar stool and forked salad into my mouth contemplating this ladies distress, I lost sight of the truth.

My husband who had stopped by on an errand in the middle of the morning laid his have on my shoulder as now MY voice  quivered as I  tried to express how it would be to know one isn't getting any better . . .  things slowly stop working and ya know someday your gonna die . . . And the years, months weeks and days keep ticking by and you e done with life here below.

With his hand still in my shoulder, my steady man reminded me in an absolutely cheerful voice of what we have to look forward to . . . My heart stopped and considered . . . And turned around.

God, you are so right . . . What have I been thinking . . . She's getting closer to "home" . . . There isn't pain in that . . . There is great joy and anticipation of the wedding day with Jesus!!!

In fact, as I kept meditating on this vein of  thought . . . I remembered my thoughts at funerals as an adult . . . I go there thinking it's not fair . . . It's not fair  that . . . That they get to go first now. . . Now . . . Before me . . . I want to go . . . I want to be in my beloveds presence, to be married to my Jesus . . . I want it to be my turn . . .

My daughter's go around  thehouse singing songs occasionally . . . One of their favorites goes like this, "How far is heaven, when CAN I go???"

Satan wants me to pity the elderly . . . To think of earthly things . . . To be sad and gloomy about the end of earthly life . . .

God on the other hand says rejoice and be exceeding glad!

There is another song that goes through my mind today, "We're not Home yet children, keep your eyes on the Savior . . . "

So there you have it . . . I'm selfish . . .  I have found when I had cancer that life is harder to live each day faithfully staying in the battle, than it is to let go and be ok with going home sooner . . .

So here's where bravery steps in . . . The courage to live and fight, to go on . . . To continue with a firm resolve that this world is not my home and to live for eternity . . .

What are you doing? . . . Fighting bravely or letting go . . . Relaxing and taking it easy, cause life is hard . . . Cause life isn't fair . . . Cause living for God takes effort . . .

My middle name Loraine supposedly means "brave in battle" . . . But I feel so not that!!! . . . I feel wimpy and weepy . . . Crabby and grumpy . . . Soft and spinless . . . But when I embrace Jesus . . . Then there is stability and strength in my life ...

Whatever we need, God is . . . And if He isn't, then we don't need it . . . Well, isn't that true? . . .

I have a few more thoughts about childhood friendships and newly dating couples, newly Weds and older married folk like myself lol, but I need to get back to work . . . So, until He calls me home, I'll be here.

Lessons From Simple Folk

"I needed to learn submission" she stated.  "God knew EXACTLY what I needed!"  . . . And this lady from a horse and buggy Mennonite\Amish group with her forthright soul spoke volumes to my heart.  What an example.  Why am I so slow to admit the times when I need or needed to learn submission of my heart and attitudes and actions . . .

She had asked for prayer the last time I had stopped by to buy three fifty lb sacks of potato's . . . prayer about waiting and resting in God's will as she wanted to have time to paint some rooms in her father-in-laws house while they were on an upcoming trip . . . . but it was at a very busy time and her husband had his opinion about the timing as all this was in his crazy schedule of planting and preparing gardens and fields as they sell produce.  So the next weeks that crept into months, I prayed when she came to my mind . . . my friend and sister-in-the-Lord out there in this Minnesota untamed, wild land . . . She who always welcomed me in . . . always an open door no matter when I came . . . showed me how to make "raw fries" and was so interested in ancestors as our last names are the same . . .

She is a true sister . . . calling me to live by that HIGHER standard that I can't always reach . . . calling me to listen more closely to my Lord . . . just by living . . . just by plainness of speech, just by openness and brave honesty . . .

I'll have to tell her next time I visit . . . until then I'm telling you . . . and other lady friends whose paths cross mine at times . . .She inspired me . . .

What has inspired you these days?

.

Sometimes I Need . . .

 

 . . . Someone to invite me into their loving room and sing a song to me . . . So I did that just for you today . . . It is what it is . . . But I needed this song, so I'm giving it away.

And this afternoon when my little daughter was bawling upstairs . . . The problem was I didn't sing to her at nap time . . . I went and sat in her bed with her and we listened to the song, "Sing to Me of Heaven" . . . Because I have a lump in my throat today and can't sing other than the one I sang for you, because God is testing my metal about praising Him in our trials and giving thanks for everything . . . I shouldn't be surprised . . . But you know . . . We humans have this natural tendency to think that w we have a right to have ALL things go well . . .

Sand Pit and Poison Ivy - Part II

So years ago my friend and neighbor had a little girl who if I remember the story correctly was definitely NOT fond of her Sunday shoes . . .in fact I think she was complaining and making a fuss about them . . . Her mom being guided by the Holy Spirit instructed her that she COULD CHOOSE to have joy in them . . . She could CHOOSE to like them . . . Then she would be happy . . .

So I contemplated this short story as I strolled all over my dessert sand pit . . . mulling over my natural thoughts and starting to replace them with God's thoughts . . . For some unknown, unseen reason to me He sees fit to give me a sand pit . . . and lots of poison ivy that I am NOT so very fond of at all . . . In fact I have complained and made a fuss about it, verbally as well as in my heart . . .It's time to change this . . . It's time to CHOOSE joy . . .  It's time to rejoice in the day that the Lord made specifically for me  . . . in the land He's given us . . .

His promised peace reigns once again in my heart as I do this . . . and I am thankful that I can choose His ways and His will . . . and align my thoughts and actions with His . . .

There is a peace and quiet rest ... in this . . .in this submission . . .in this place of praise and gratitude . . .

New Definition of Double Date

Japheth took me out on a date Wednesday evening (This summer due to schedules, we are having mid-weekly church on Tuesday evenings) . . . And the next afternoon as he was scraping cement on the wall of our house and I was joking/asking him about how did he ever get off work to do this . . . He replied, "OFF WORK?"  . . . Incredulous that I was counting this relaxing . . . Well,  to be honest, I had rested a bit that afternoon and came out to see what he was doing and was just talking with him, having a grand old time enjoying his presence and work on our house . . . He was balancing a heavy hock of mud in one hand and applying it with the other, sweat running down his face . . .

Anyway, in our conversation as he worked, he asked me if i remembered that this afternoon/evening there was an anniversary celebration of a customer/friend . . . And that he'd like just he and I to attend . . . So we did . . . but I felt guilty leaving the children for the second evening in a row!

That evening I decided that this is the second definition of a"Double Date" . . . When we go out TWO evenings in a row!!

Baby's Breath

 Welcome to the wild wayside beauty of Minnesota in July . . .

 God knows how many eensy blossoms are in each plant . . . Just like He keeps track of the number of hairs on my head and how many are grey and how many are still dark brown . . . He knows and cares about all these little things . . .

And He cares about my day . . . And yours . . . Hold His hand and walk through His world . . . your world . . . Look at things through His eyes . . . Trust . . . Rest . . . Be joyful!

Sand Pits and Poison Ivy

Sunday morning I managed to get out the door without little girlies of several ages hanging onto my skirts . . . When Mom goes out for a walk, most often they beg to come along and often I let them.  But this morning I snuck away as I sometimes do for some alone time in nature where I might be able to hear myself think.

A few mornings ago on an early morning run turned into a walk the last half, there was a vehicle that acted funny by turning into driveways close by and turning around, careening  down the road and then turning into another drive . . .  and it worried me . . . I had my phone along and called Japheth.  He isn't sure I should be walking by the road like that early in the morning by myself, though I assured him that I would be safer doing what God calls me to do here by the road then out of His will in my house. 

So as I contemplated where I would walk this morning and my tennis shoe was rubbing a blister I had on the back of my foot\ankle, I took off my shoes and socks and lifted my skirts a bit so that it wouldn't get so wet in the grass.  I took off barefoot down the grass\sod path through our property down and around to our sand pit.  The summer morning was warm and the dew felt nice, the grass, sod, and sand textures washed and  massaged my feet as I strolled along . . . This wasn't really a place to run, and it was Sunday after all so I communed and walked with the Lord . . .

I have hardly walked through the sand pit much at all . . .  It really has been kinda a depressing place . . . When we first bought the property and moved onto it, we envisioned possibly having a garden (as this was really the ONLY flat and SUNNY place on the eight and a half acres that we call our own.  We had once thought about turning it into a ball diamond . . . but these dreams never materialized in the seven years that we have been here.  For one thing, we'd have to buy LOTS and LOTS of black dirt or rent a dump truck to haul in some dirt from a friends cow pasture . . . and then there's the problem of watering . . . It's so far from any well . . .

 . . .  Barren dry dessert . . . dead dreams . . . feels like wasted land . . . nothing hardly grows at all . . . sand, sand sand gravel . . .  We pile firewood down there and also have a huge burn pile that stays and stays and we never seem to find the time to get the permit and get it taken care off . . . Sometimes our neighbor adds to it (with our permission of course) . . . At times I wonder, why we ever bought this land . . .I like to garden (Well . . .  sort of as long as it's not too big and overwhelming) . . . And I feel like I have no bit of earth to grow things on . . . Now that feeling is not fact . . . I do indeed have flowerbeds, but these beds have had the sand dug out and good dirt put in . . .  I have tried growing veggies in these, but most of them don't get enough sun . . . and my husband likes his trees . . .  and I do too, but I probably like my flowers and gardens more . . .

Along the path, this morning I made an exciting discovery of three plants of Baby's Breath . . . It grows wild up here, the soil must be perfect and I can show you plot after dry plot dotted with large white\grey blobs of shrub\plants of Baby's Breath . . . I've been looking for a good place whenever we drive and planning . . . planning to go out this fall and dig one up out of the ditch and bring home like I did a few years ago . . . But now God has given me some right in my spot on earth, in my barren wasteland . . .

As I walked along the sparse clumps of dessert grass and occasional wild flowers, God spoke to me and awakened my dreams again . . .

Number One. . . . of praise . . . the weapon of praise like Otto Koning talks about . . . verbally praising God for the trials and hard things just like God asks us to "in everything give thanks".  So I thanked Him for my "dessert" . . . and for poison ivy, even though I can't see ANYTHING good that could come out of that . . . But as I have been learning in God's special training school for Aimee, that GOOD can come out of EVERYTHING even the deepest, darkest trials if I let Him work in my heart . . .I am learning that in "THIS" I can be thankful that "I CAN DRAW CLOSER TO HIM BECAUSE of this trial!!!"

Number Two.  I could possibly turn part of my dessert into a watered garden . . . wagon load by wagon load of goat manure, horse manure,  my neighbors discarded straw\hay pile that they tried to burn to get rid of it, all the cardboard I saved over the winter and all the cardboard that A Stitch in Time hauls to the dump EACH week and whatever else God might see fit to provide . . .  If I would just buy a few more garden hoses and IF we fix the well in the basement of our old house, I might have a source of water.

Number Three.  A camping site

Number Four.  A wayside bench\shade area to sit and rest in . .  alone or with a friend . . . a place of solitude and leisure to reflect, to just be . . .

If none of these dreams go anywhere . . . number one can make me successful, because after all that is what this life should be all about, walking with God, learning the lessons from the "classes" He puts me in and resides as my personal tutor\teacher and Friend . . . I can praise . . . I can learn good things that help me grow and thrive in my spiritual walk . . . I can become more like Him . . .

Part Two coming soon . . . wherein I tell a true story of a friend of mine . . . and her wise advice to her little girl about black sunday shoes . . . (Yes, it does fit in with the above dessert story.) :)

Spring in My Heart

I know it's summer . . .

But as I was straightening up my pantry this afternoon, I spotted sprouting potatoes that needed to be used.  I brought them to the sink and started cutting sprouts away, washing and slicing them into smaller pieces in order to cook faster.  One potato in particular had this sprout deep in it's interior . . . I had to butcher the potato in order to try and get it out.

God brought to my mind that I should be like this potato . . . growing, sprouting, preparing for the future.  It wouldn't stop at anything . . . It just HAD to come bursting forth with new life!

It made me think of the verse that talks about out of our bellies will flow rivers of living waters . . .  the gushing of new life and growth and inspiration that can ONLY come from God himself.

What is in my heart?

Is it Spring?  Can anything stop it?  The other potatoes around it weren't that desperate to grow yet . . . but like the thankful leper who came back to give thanks . . . Could I be like this potato?  Intense deep joy and vibrant life that it gushes and pours fourth not letting any trial or problem get the best of it?

Wanna join me?  Wanna keep that SPRING in your heart?

I do.

I want that . . .

I want to live with LIFE coming forth!

I want to give NEW life and growth . . . It's what He created me to do . . .

Heart Hunger

If you have never read Anita's blog, you need to read it today.   What she says in her two part series about that deep heart hunger that we all have, connected with me . . . Though i could never have put it into words like she did . . .

https://lifeisforlivingbook.com/2019/04/25/the-seduction-of-sehnsuht/?fbclid=IwAR0zGCTLvoiRagwnFMTVrdUTpRkaRxOEPORB3w-wFnq1712qp4hqiDOB-c8

Weeds and Honesty

I noticed when I passed by the rhubarb this morning that there was some grass in my tea patch . . .  This afternoon, I wanted to do something profitable in the sunshine rather than just sit on my swing in front of the house.  As I was weeding, I realized that I was thanking God for these weeds . . . AND really meaning it! . . .  Not sure I have EVER thanked God for weeds that were growing where I didn't want them to grow.

I do sometimes thank God for particular things in life that I wonder how there can be any good in  . . . like the Bible tells us to do . . .  "In EVERYTHING give thanks . . ."

And like Betsy ten Boom's example of giving thanks for even the fleas BEFORE they saw how SOME good could come from them . . .  I was gving thanks to Him in my mind . . .and verbalizing it out loud to the sunshine as I worked, because I know it is good to verbalize things as well :) . . . But I honestly DID see good reason to communicate my thanks as I was glad to get my fingers in the dirt, soak up a bit more sunshine and breathe more fresh air.  I truly WAS grateful for these weeds and not having the only reason be that " in this trial, the only real good thing that I can see right now is that I CAN DRAW CLOSER to God through this experience\thing that He has allowed".

I am lovin' the warmer weather and the sunshine that is being poured out on me.  God's gifts from above are wonderful!

Flooded by God

I was woken up by a husband with a hurting back who couldn't sleep  . . . in the early morning hours . . . so that gave me an early morning.  This was good!  A blessing.  We are hosting twenty guests overnight at our home so . . . yeah . . . AND as life is never perfect, we have been processing\battling\fighting for a loved one who as we all are is on a journey and at times the spiritual success or failures bring so many emotions and fears and tears that quiet time with the Lord is so very needed and loved!!!

I wasn't planning on getting out and walking or running this morning.  The snow had almost a melted away and dissipated when we accumulated another foot plus more for good measure.  It looked cold and this is a day of rest after all . . . But God called me out . . . and I ran . . .

I decided this morning that even more than my leg muscles, my lung muscles are weak and wimpy.  Such wheezing and panting . . . my legs after slowing down to a walk again could run some more, but my lungs couldn't take it anymore . . .

The air . . . the oxygen . . .  is so VAST and always around me, ABUNDANT . . . being poured out and SURROUNDED . . . I am immersed in life-giving air . . .  and as I am gasping and desperate, I am gulping, heaving, grasping for more air . . .

The same is happening and has happened in my spiritual life . . . and this morning again, I am desperate . . . desperate for comfort, for hope, for help, for strength, for endurance and stamina . . . desperate for MERCY and forgiveness  . . . for GRACE . . . for love, for His presence, His peace . . .

I pray all these things and more for my loved one . . . but in the midst of the battle, I am stopped by my own needs and emotions that I fall before the throne for  my own weak, weary, heartbroken self  . . .

This morning, the ALMIGHTY God reminds me . . . that His love, mercy, forgiveness, grace are all around me, surrounding me like the air I am breathing, gasping in . . .  and it is SO OVERWHELMINGLY much that I can never make use of it all . . . but it's there for the taking . . . there for the breathing and living and awaking to new life and strength, to new growth and abundant grace to my loved one as I grow and mature . . . as I weep and pray . . . as I mourn and rejoice . . .as I live and die . . .

Malachi 3:10 New King James Version (NKJV)
"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it."

Dark, Dry, Cold

My daughter was given an Amaryllis bulb by her grandmother.  It has bloomed beautifully.  As I was talking with the neighbor friend who stopped in yesterday about how to care for it the rest of the year, I started pondering the lesson of the Amaryllis bulb.  After cutting the sturdy stalk off to an inch of the bulb and then letting it grow and fertilizing it during the summer.  It is to be stored\put away in a dormant state where it is kept dry, cool and dark.  I find that fascinating . . .  Isn't it interesting how God made some plants\ bulbs to need the darkness,  and the dryness and the cold for a season.  I just plopped my baby girlie who recently turned one into her crib for a time of rest\solitude\quiet and sleep.  Often times these things we sometimes wish we could eliminate from our lives are what makes it possible to flourish and bloom again . . . If for a season, we need be . . .

"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you."  - I Peter 5:10 NKJV

Sunday Afternoon Musings

I have fresh herbs at various stagesof early growth in tin pots on my bedroom windowsill. This makes me happy.  I have a new addition to the empty wall along side that same window, a fairly long rectangular mirror with five hooks at the bottom and the frame painted white.  This brings me an exuberant amount of joy as well!

It is Sunday afternoon . . . A quiet time in this household, thanks to a faithful, steady husband who every Sunday issues this degree that it shall be naptime from such and such a time to the time determined by the determined father.

Rest . . . Reflection . . . Discussions . . . Prayer . . . Musing . . . Reading, writing, sharing . . .

Outside I can hear the traffic . . . Inside, the inside of me hears the Father . . . And I try to calm myself as a weaned child, knowing I need to trust the Father more . . . Knowing he is calling me to this . . . Hearing His whispers of love and leading . . .

Refreshment

My daily walks/excursions/bike rides/exercise has become the focal point for me this spring.  At first I started going because I needed exercise and that seemed better than using my elliptical machine indoors.  Then, they exploded with the joy of capturing moments in time and particular places and scenes, of fresh air and silence, of time alone away from the bustling household and clingy babies, of exploring nearby roads and picking flowers (Yes, even in this snow covered North land ) My mind clears and returns,  refocused and energetic, ready to continue giving to my family and enjoying the good things in life.

Pussy Willows

The first "flowers" of spring wear soft, grey, brand-new fur coats!!!😃

Spring Fever

Sleep was elusive this night . . . I didn't think I drank coffee that late in the afternoon/evening, but something kept me awake . . . And then I started daydreaming ( Now, how can one daydream at night??? Isn't this a paradox?)

I began thinking of flowerbeds and gardens, of the planting and the of growing of herbs and all kinds of delicious and beautiful plants . . . Of making raised garden beds and darling garden paths, of landscaping our hillsides and the small spot in front of the house ( which is all still barrren sand, well with a bit of snow and ice on it yet to date).

Between browsing through a complete cookbook and writing down recipes to try, googling how to build cheap raised beds, and getting my husband sent off on his travels, here I am at five thirty up again with the excitements of spring tackling this sleep deprived body saying,  "Sleep is overrated after all.  Spring is almost here and you need to make plans!!!"

Spring fever . . . That is what has taken hold of me, I'm sure!

The summer visions loom close by in my brain, of future gardens lush, fruitful, weedless and fair . . . The spring rush of warmer weather thrills the heart until it beats louder and quicker than ever.  A fever sets in . . .

The forehead is warm, rather "hot" to the touch, as time spent outside gives us a sunkissed healthy glow.  The ear inside strains ever so hard to catch the song of the birds as it scurries to get it's duties done so as to be free to spend time with it's love.  The sky beckons with dawn, the sun beams his love, the earth quakes with impatience . . . Where and when will this freshly awakened love be allowed to immerse themselves in each other?

The goodness of God in the land of the living . . . Gives us hope and joy  . . . and dreams of a better day.

Honesty

. . . It is humbling . . . To be open . . . It is vulnerable . . . Yet, out of this there is sweetness . . . And I honor God, when I tell of how He has and how He is working in my messes and jumbles of mistakes and humanity . . . Once again yesterday and this morning I was WhatsApping with a friend and sharing part of my heart and life and how God is there for me . . . It is one of the ways I have come to realize that He wants me to walk . . . In openness . . . In being transparent . . . In being honest about my mistakes and my doubts and fears . . . And in the ways that He answers and holds my hand . . . And that can get v.e.r.y personal . . . Too personal to share on here . . . But one on one it can happen . . . And it can be a blessing . . . I have been blessed by others honesty and bravery . . . By their boldness and lack of pride . . . Sing His praises, my friend, tell of His goodness in the land of the living . . . Don't hide it all till the next life . . .

"The God of"

. . . What was it about Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that repeatedly in Scripture they are set apart, like the phrase " The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" . . . What is it about them that is so compelling to remember? . . . I understand about Abraham's faith, I get that . . . And Issac was willing to let God guide his life, trusted God/was willing to get in the alter, and even let others choose his wife . . . Jacob, though is harder for me to grasp . . .

No Picture

I didn't get a picture taken yesterday of my friend on our outing . . . Only a picture of some littles that got to tag along with us.  I was going to . . . But somehow in the fun of the moments . . . I forgot and a picture didn't seem to fit the occasion anyway . . . When you open up and share your heart . . . Sometimes, bringing a camera into the picture 😋 just doesn't seem to fit.

A nice, long bit of travel, a friend's bulk food store, a " new" thrift store, and another one, and a first time for an Amish bent and dent store! 

Time with a friend . . . Fellowship to a thirsty soul . . . Heart connections . . . 

Bad Habits

This morning I am reading in Genesis . . . The verse of Lot's wife looking back and the consequences of that struck me in a new way.   What if I would take to heart the idea of looking ahead at the joy set before me of having set into motion new, healthy habits . . . I have tried to start some . . . I have made progress . . . Yet last night, I looked back to food for comfort . . . Three times, I almost caved . . . But each time, I stopped to consider how I would feel the next morning . . .  So, I was looking ahead AND looking back longingly . . . My resolve was retreating and weakening as my mind conceded that I didn't care, I wanted comfort in food.  I chided myself, "Aimee, what are you doing?  Think, Girl, think . . . This will get you nowhere tonight, but regret . . . And tomorrow morning you will be disheartened.  Take courage, my dear, straighten up and be a good girl . . .  You CAN stay strong!"

. . . So, I crawled into bed on these notes.

This morning . . . I am every so grateful . . . And I think how close I came to giving in, again.  If only, I wouldn't have looked back time and time again. 

A Birthday Song

My daughter's birthday arrives again tomorrow . . . The song leader at our little church has this tradition of letting the birthday person choose a song amidst the first few hymns that day.  Your birthday needs to happen during that last week.  So next week, Loraine gets to choose a song.

I have fond memories of celebrating birthdays at Kitchi . . . The congregation there would sing a birthday song to/for you . . . Not the common "Happy Birthday to You", but a song that starts out like this, "So, you've had a birthday, that's what we've been told.  May the Lord as His blessing for each year you're old . . . ". I have loved that song and will always love it!  I just don't hear it enough these days . . . I request it at times when a happy birthday song is needed . . . But many people do not know it . . . In my opinion it is far superior and the best birthday song ever.   But, really . . . getting to choose a song during Sunday morning singing is one of the best things ever as well and probably better . . .

I wonder what song my daughter will choose . . . I love hearing the songs chosen by the birthday girls and boys, ladies and gentlemen.  Songs about God's Holiness, goodness . . . Songs about faith and hope . . .  perseverance and heaven . . . love and joy . . . Trials and storms . . .

Thank You, God, for the lovely, beautiful gift on song!  Lifting out spirits to Your higher thoughts and ways!!!

" . . . May He bless you and keep you, ALL the year through.  And we pray that you'll ALWAYS be faithful and true!!!"

A Witness Against Myself

"So Joshua said to the people, 'You are WITNESSES against yourselves, that you have chosen the Lord for yourselves to SERVE Him.'" - Joshua 24:22

I have started a journey . . . of eating healthier . . . years ago.  I have learned a lot.  But in my weak efforts to loss weight or tone up, it hasn't amounted to a "hill of beans".  Except for the fact that overall I think I DO eat a bit healthier.  At least I have broadened my horizons and learned to like\love foods that I hither to have not liked or been accustomed to eating very often.  For instance:  okra, lots of fresh spinach or sauted spinach, zucchini pizzas, Greek yogurt, avocados, quinoa, sauted cabbage, roasted cabbage, black beans, hummus salmon, baked tilapia, sweet potatoes, red cabbage salad, red beets, green tea, coconut oil candy, liquid flavored stevia,  kalamata olives, etc.

I've always known that I have some bad habits health wise.  Eating before going to bed is\was\still sometimes still is a H.U.G.E. temptation and lack of self-control.  Also, I usually have tended to eat more than I should.  Yeah . . . not a good idea if one wants to shed a few pounds that have been accumulating over the last twenty years.  Oh, and should add, I shy away from exercise with LOTS of excuses and reasoning's that I don't have time.  Mostly, the real reason is that I don't FEEL like it! How sad is that!?

The past few weeks, I have lost a few pounds.  This I attest to the fact of two things - using self-control and accountability.  Fasting regularly this fall taught me the most important thing of all.  I CAN GO WITHOUT FOOD!  I can eat less.  I can be in control of this thing called hunger in my life.  I can go without eating brownies even though the kitchen\living room area is permeated with chocolate sugary goodness's that we make to bring the man of the house and the children of the house great delight.

Accountability plays a crucial part in this thing of self-discipline.  I was part of an accountability program\group for one short week that a friend of mine got together.  Being part of that was a large step in helping me realize that it can be done with challenges, encouragement and goals.

This morning in my devotions, I was challenged by the above verse in Joshua.  And even though I don't have a group to be accountable to, I do have one friend that communicates with me most every day.   She has graciously granted my request at this accountability thing with eating.  And as I remembered again this morning, that I do have God.  I am a witnesses against myself.  God is watching.  God's power strengthens.  God's power sustains.  God has enabled me thus far . . . I want to continue on and grow.  Grow in self-control, in being open, in encouraging others, in being victorious in this area of my life.

Good Poem to Memorize

Our Father Knows What's Best For Us
-----------------------------------
Our Father knows what's best for us,
So why should we complain -
We always want the sunshine,
But He knows there must be rain -
We love the sound of laughter
And the merriment of cheer,
But our hearts would lose their tenderness
If we never shed a tear...

Our Father tests us often
With suffering and with sorrow,
He tests us, not to punish us,
But to help us meet tomorrow...
For growing trees are strengthened
When they withstand the storm,
And the sharp cut of the chisel
Gives the marble grace and form...

God never hurts us needlessly,
And He never wastes our pain,
For every loss He sends to us
Is followed by rich gain...
And when we count the blessings
That God has so freely sent,
We will find no cause for murmuring
And no time to lament...

For our Father loves His children,
And to Him all things are plain,
So He never sends us pleasure
When the soul's deep need is pain...
So whenever we are troubled,
And when everything goes wrong,
It is just God working in us
To make our spirits strong.

- Author unknown

Storytime

The story that my friend Joy shared with me . . .

The Hermit and the King

     "There’s an old, old story that I love to tell about a dirty, old man who used to live in a dirty, old house away up on the side of a hill in a country far, far away. He was called a hermit because he didn’t like to be with people. He just liked to live all by himself. He ate as little food as he could so that he wouldn’t have to work any more than he just had to. He never swept his house, he never washed his clothes, and he never pulled the weeds from his garden. He just slept and slept and sat and sat in the sunshine nearly all the time.
     Down in the valley, there was a beautiful city where the good king of the country lived. But the dirty, old hermit was content to live all by himself and only went to the city once in a while when it was necessary to sell a bundle of wood in order to buy something to eat.
     One day the dirty, old man was sitting in the sunshine among the weeds, when he heard a horse coming up the path toward his house, cloppity, clop, de clop, de clop. And he looked and it was the king, riding on his horse up the hill. He came closer and closer. He tied his horse to a post and walked towards the dirty, old house. Then he stood there looking over the valley, to the majestic mountains on the other side. “What a beautiful sight!”, said the king. “Aren’t those mountains beautiful?” The dirty, old hermit heard the king speaking and turned to look at the mountains and the king saw him. “Friend hermit,” he said, “May I come again to look at these majestic hills from your garden? The view from here is so grand it makes me feel like a better man.” But the poor, old hermit was so ashamed of his dirty, old house and his dirty, old garden that he couldn’t speak and he hung his head in shame. And while he sat there, wondering what to do, the king went away.
     “But he will come again”, said the hermit to himself. “And I must get ready for him”. So he cleared away the weeds and swept the path of his house and repaired his old, broken stool and placed it in front of his house and waited for the king to come again.
     And one day he heard a horse coming up the path, cloppity, clop, de clop, de, clop. And he looked out and it was the king riding on his horse up the hill. He came closer and closer and tied his horse to a post and then walked up. And he came and sat on the stool and gazed and gazed over the valley to the beautiful mountains. And the king said, “Thank you, thank you so much, friend hermit.” I just love to come here! May I have a glass of water to drink?” Poor, old hermit, he didn’t dare to tell the king that his cup was dirty and his bucket was empty and his spring was muddy and overgrown with weeds. What could he do? In shame, he ran to the spring to clean his cup but when he got back, the king had gone away.
     “But he will come again”, said the hermit to himself. “He said he would and I must get ready for him.” So he cleaned the spring and cleaned his cup.  Then he put a table beside the little stool in front of his house. And he brought fresh water in his bucket every day and kept it on the table and waited for the king to come again.
     And one day he heard a horse coming up the hill again, cloppity, clop, de clop, de clop. And he looked and it was the king riding on his horse up the hill. He came closer and closer. He tied his horse to a post and walked towards the dirty old house. And he came and sat on the stool and drank a cup of lovely cool water. And the king said, “Thank you, thank you so much, friend hermit.” He said, “I just love to come here and enjoy this beautiful view. It was so good of you to have lovely, cool water all ready. I’m so tired and hungry today. Could I please have a little bread to eat?” Poor, old hermit, he had nothing to eat but a few half- rotten grapes and a dry crust or two of bread. He didn’t dare to offer any to the king. And while he sat there wondering what to do, the king went away.
     “But he will come again”, said the hermit to himself, “He said he would and I must get ready for him.”
     So he went into the forest and cut wood and sold it in the city and bought cornmeal and baked corn cakes every day. Then he watered his garden and weeded his turnips and waited for the king to come again.
     And one day he heard a horse coming up the hill again, cloppity, clop, de, clop, de, clop. And it was, it was the king!  And he came and sat on the stool and drank the water and ate the corn cakes. And the king said, “Thank you, thank you so much, friend hermit. I just love to come here and enjoy this beautiful view. It is so good of you to let me come and rest in your garden and refresh myself with your food and your water.” Then he said, “Friend hermit, I’d like to sleep here tonight so that I could see the sun rise in the morning.” Sleep here?! Poor, old hermit! He didn’t dare to tell the king that he had no bed and that he slept on some old bags on the floor. In shame he hung his head and went inside his house, wondering what he could do. And while he was there, the king went away.
     “But he will come again”, said the hermit to himself, “He said he would and I must get ready for him.” So he went into the forest and cut some nice poles and made a nice bed. And then he cut some more poles and made a nice veranda in front of his house. Then he sold some more wood and bought a nice mattress and a nice blanket. Then he noticed how dirty his house was. So he swept his house and washed his windows. Then he noticed how dirty his clothes were. So he sold some more wood and bought some nice clothes. And every day he swept his house, and weeded his garden, and drew fresh water, and baked corn cakes, and bathed himself, and dressed himself in his nice new clothes, and waited for the king to come again.
     And one day he heard a horse coming up the hill again, cloppity, clop, de clop, de, clop. And it was, it was the king! And the old hermit went to meet the king. And the king came and sat on the stool and drank the water and ate some corn cakes and watched the sun set behind those beautiful mountains. And the king said, “Thank you, thank you so much, Friend hermit!” He said, “I just love to come here and enjoy this beautiful view! It is so good of you to let me come and rest in your garden and refresh myself with your food and your water and to sit here and look over the valley at those great, tall, strong mountains. God must be so good to be able to make mountains like that. And He is so good to let us see them. It makes me want to be a better man and a better king.
     Then the king slept on the nice new bed and stayed with the hermit all night and watched the sun rise in the morning. And the old hermit was so happy because the king ate with him and talked with him and stayed with him.
     And the people didn’t call him ‘dirty, old hermit’ anymore. They called him ‘The Friend of the King!’"
     
 

Remembering

This afternoon I had a phone call about poems and memory work . . . I found out that my Aunt Thelma had never heard these three poems\stories that I have been blessed by over the years. . . So I thought I'd share with you as well - if you are interested.  I had the children memorize these years ago (so some of them would have not been born or were babies or toddlers).

 "The Unbarred Door", "There Is a Reason for Everything" and "The Hermit and the King" (a neat little story that I learned through a friend named Joy :))

Here is the first one. Be blessed by it as was I.  If I remember correctly I memorized it as well in school also.  I think perhaps it was under Mr. Harlow's teaching in seven or eighth grade at Berea Christian School.


The Unbarred Door
When on America’s eastern plain
Still roamed her forest child,
And the new homes of Europe's sons
Were rising in the wild.

 Upon a clearing in a wood
Amos had built his cot;
He tilled his little farm
And lived contented with his lot.

A just, peace-loving man was he,
Kind unto all and true,
And well his ever-open door,
The wandering Indian knew.

 But often were the settler's lands.
By force or fraud obtained
And to the Red man dispossessed,
Revenge alone remained.

 And 'round the blazing tire of logs
When winter nights were cold,
To shuddering listeners, dreadful tales
Of Indian raids were told.

 But Amos feared not, though his home
All undefended lay,
And still his never-belted door
Was open night and day.

 One morn a neighbor passed in haste;
"Indians, they say, are nigh,
So Amos, bolt your door tonight
And keep your powder dry."

 "My friend," said he, the God I serve
Commands me not to kill,
And sooner would I yield my life
Than disobey his will.

 "One gun I have, but used alone
Against the wolf or bear,
To point it at my fellow-man,
My hand would never dare.

 "But I shall put the thing away.
They shall not see it here.
For the old gun in hands unskilled,
Might do some harm, I fear.

 "Besides, the Indians are my friends
They would not do me ill,
Here they have found an open door
And they shall find it still."

 "Well," said the neighbor, as he went,
"My faith is not so clear.
If wretches come to take my life,
I mean to sell it dear."

 But the good wife of Amos stood,
And listened with affright.
"Unless," she said, "that door is fast,
I shall not sleep tonight."

 And with her words as women can
She urged her husband sore,
Till for the sake of household peace,
At last he barred the door.

 They went to rest, and soon the wife
Was wrapped in slumbers deep;
But Amos turned and tossed about,
And vainly tried to sleep.

 Then came a voice within his heart,
A mild rebuke it bore.
It whispered, "Thou of little faith
Why hast thou barred thy door?"

 'Weak is that poor defense of thine,
Against a hostile band;
Stronger that strongest fortresses,
The shadow of my hand."

 "Hast thou not said, these many times?
That I have power to save,
As when my servants trembling feet,
Were sinking 'neath the wave?"

"Now let thy actions with thy words
In full accord agree;
Rise quickly and unbar thy door
And trust alone in Me."

 Then Amos from his bed arose.
And softly trod the floor;
Crept down the stairs and noiselessly
Unbarred the cottage door.

Then forth he looked into the night;
Starlight it was, and still
And slowly rose the waning moon.
Behind the tree-ringed hill.

He looked with trustful, reverent gaze
Up to the starry sky,
As meets a child with loving glance,
A tender father's eye.

 The cloud was lifted from his brow,
His doubts were over now,
The cool air breathed a kiss of peace
Upon his tranquil brow.

Then back to his forsaken bed
He slowly groped his way,
And slept the slumber of the just,
Until the dawn of day.

 That night a painted warrior band
Through the dark forest sped,
With steps as light upon the leaves
As panthers' stealthy tread.

 They reached the farm; "we make no war,
With good and faithful men,"
The foremost Indian turned and said,
"Here dwells a son of Penn."

 "But brother, if still his heart is right.
How shall we surely know?"
Answered another; "Time brings change.
And oft turns friend to foe."

 Said the first one, "I will go
And gently try the door;
If open still it proves
His heart is as it was before."

 It yielded and they entered in.
Across the room they stepped,
And came where Amos and his wife.
Calm and unconscious slept.

 With tomahawk and scalping knife.
They stood beside the pair.
A solemn stillness filled the room;
An angel guard was there.

The eye sought eye and seemed to say.
How sound the good man sleeps!
So may they rest, and fear no ill,
Whom the Great Spirit keeps.

Then noiselessly they left the room
And dosed the door behind,
And on their deadly war trail passed.
Some other prey to find.

 And horror shrieked around their steps.
And bloodshed marked their way,
And many homes were desolate.
When rose another day.

But Amos with a thankful heart
Greeted the morning light,
And knew not until after years
How near was death that night.
—Author Unknown

A Tree by the Water

"He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”  Jeremiah 27:8 ESV

When all I have is water to drink that day. . . I can still remain "green" and flourishing . . . I can still bear the fruit of patience . . .

Trees of the Field

I've been studying trees recently . . . The Olive tree, the Sycamore,  and this Eucalyptus tree.  Read this Devotional by Jan on her blog.  I have so enjoyed and gathered inspiration reading about her blog posts on different trees.  Read about how the roots of this tree affect it's leaves!  I can't get my link to work, sorry.  Google: Devotions by Jan,  "Money grows on Trees".

"For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." Isaiah 55:12

Trees can help me see how to praise God!

A Thousand Words

"A picture is worth more than a thousand words... my baby."

Bible Quiz

Read I Samuel 16:1.  Question:  What am I mourning for that God has rejected in my life?

Time Spent in the Kitchen

I have spent most of the day cooking.  Ten ladies and a guy . . . stitching at a quilt retreat all day need some good supper.  Last year I sewed along with them.  This year, I felt needed at home too greatly – though that was partly due to not really feeling like being among them this year like that.  I have my baby to tend to and I’d rather sew on my sewing projects here at home.  I can supervise the children, cook and visit the retreat in the evenings. 
Poor man’s steak, scalloped potatoes, spring greens salad with a multitude of toppings, Jaden made finger jello flowers with a mold, mixed veggies that include soybeans and sweet red peppers (actually very yummy), Lynne mixed up dinner rolls and Loraine and Jeremiah made angel food cakes to serve with a strawberry pie like filling and real whipped cream.  Just takes time to make most of this stuff by scratch and then double that to feed our family at home as well.  The electric roaster is in use, my instapot will be in use, a huge bar pan, and I had to borrow a crockpot to keep the veggies warm for the trip over to the event.  Our two stoves\ovens have been put to good use today.
I am thankful for Joan making the carmel rolls\breakfast stuff and taking care of the lunches!  Last evening we served boughten pizzas andI had offered to make a nice big salad.   Which to my humilitation, when it came time to set the salad out with the pizza and pop, I realized I had completely forgotten all about!
Food is necessary.   And a lovely, delicious spread is a joy.  Not sure why, I don’t particularly care for cooking all the much . . . maybe it is partly due to the stress of wanting it to be good . . . and knowing I am not the best cook in the kitchen!
But today, I tried . . . And I amazed myself and didn’t even cry a tear over my utter failure last evening.

Sewing Messes

I am learning . . . I THINK I am learning to be content in whatever state I'm in . . . Ina big mess happily sewing away, an "interrupted" state with caring for my babies and family in between my seams . . . or not being able to sew for days or weeks . . . or to sew organized without mess.

No, on second thought, I'm don't pass these tests very well.

. . . But I am trying.

As you can see from the picture, I can sew happily in a mess . . . In fact, this is what I how I often find myself doing it.

I can spread out . . . And sort as I sew . . . One pile, all the way to the left, beside the left grey tote are the larger pieces of fabric that need cutting into useable strips.  I can pull fabric out either side of me . . . As I chose what colors to use and what size would be good to use where.  Does this sound confusing? . . . I have spent several years perfecting this technique.  This is fun.  Though it is more fun sewing pieces together, when I take the time to sort by size and cut into strips before I sit down and "go to town".

Right now, I am trying to use up fabric that I have accumulated the past couple years . . .

I am so get the greatest sense of satisfaction, making choices of color and textures . . . I feel like I have been created to do this . . .

And without further editing . . . Here ya go . . . Part of me . . . Oh, and Jeremiah isn't sewing, he is fixing my serger . .
And I don't always sew in such chaotic drama . . . But probably more often than not 😉.

A Reminder

A favorite poem of mine over the years . . .

The Rose Bud

It is only a tiny rosebud; 
A flower of God's design. 
But I cannot unfold the petals; 
With these clumsy hands of mine. 

The secret of unfolding flowers; 
Is not known to such as I. 
GOD opens this flower so easily; 
But in my hands they die. 

If I cannot unfold a rosebud; 
This flower of God's design, 
Then how can I have the wisdom; 
To unfold this life of mine? 

So I'll trust in God for leading; 
Each moment of my day. 
I will look to God for guidance; 
In each step along the way. 

The path that lies before me; 
Only my Lord knows. 
I'll trust God to unfold the moments; 
Just as He unfolds the rose.

—Author Unknown

              

Desire Deferred

I thought . . .  I thought that I could sew . . . I mean, I have a designated sewing “room” on the third floor at the top of the stairs.  And I was so excited today, with the purchases I made at SRHarris’ – dark brown wool fabric for the backing of comforts.  But, not so.  Veronica, who is nine months old and missed me the last twenty-four hours didn’t want to let me out of her sight.  I know, it was sweet.  And I snuggled and hugged and kisses and held her lots since I arrived home, but yeah this will last a a couple days. 

I thought . . . I thought that since we moved and I have space for sewing, I might be found up there sewing happily away during the night for an hour when I can’t sleep.  Not so.  The girls need their sleep and I might make too much noise and wake them up.  Reality is more like, that I still am not organized with my gigantuous operation of comfort top making supplies, complete with fuzzy blankets\batting and sheets and other fabrics for the backs.  I have quite a collection.  Even fabric scraps for the tops . . .  somehow I don’t run out any more.  Till I use some, more appears and this not from my own soliciting.

I thought . . . I thought I somehow by actively sewing my supplies would dwindle and not have so much to “dig” through or store.  But not so.  It keeps coming.  And now by this time, I am buying nice wool fabric . . . because I want people to be warm.

I thought . . . that my daughter would have the same love and passion that I do in this . . .  That the thrill would keep her fitting it in, all hours and days and weeks of the year.  Not so.  She likes to sew dresses.  And this is good!!! I am really glad she is different than me in this after all I decided.  This is good . .  but different than I had thought it might be.

I thought . . . that I could sew  sometime soon . . . but there are a jillion other things to attend to.  So, I do that instead . . .

I thought . . . that I could sew today . . .  but decided that relationships were more important . . . and a walk . . .  on top of being wife and mother . . .

Do you think, perchance, sewing is a passion of mine?