Bare Trees, Furry Horses

I did venture out with the camera after the post.

Summer Breeze Dance in her winter breeze coat.

I haven't snapped any farm photos lately, I guess the bareness of the current landscape is not as inspiring as the former glory of color. Bare branches reach for the sky, as though looking for some warmth, like me. I pause in the garage where the warmth of the gas stove warms frozen, mucky work boots and for a moment me too. "In" is a blessing, having somewhere to be "in." God does not owe me the warmth of home, but he gives. Out there... the horses have grown their furry winter outerwear. I had to rake it out today, the mud cakes, and then the fur can't do it's job, equine comfort. It's also my lazy season as far as barn work goes, I don't like to linger too long, "out" there. Winter has come early here, snow already flying and making us keep the weatherman tuned. I suppose I need to go "out" and find the beauty in the chill, so I can post it for you, tomorrow perhaps, we'll see.
The early winter kept my family from making it in for Thanksgiving, the Shenandoahs s stood in the way. A cozy, small, and very thankful family were we though. We scribbled thoughts of our thankfulness, for one another, and shared them. We prayed. And we ate the celebratory bird till our sides were more stuffed than his (actually I didn't stuff the bird this year.) We sadly had to return our young man back to the land of academia, but he'll be home again soon. Then came the other holiday, The First Day of "Buck." It is a holiday...no school, no work more food, and visiting with neighbors to see what they got. Happily, my husband got his deer, an eight point, he wasn't elated, but satisfied. He's been chronicling all of his deer encounters and drawing, naming and cataloging these guys since archery season, which came a few weeks back, so he KNOWS the bigger ones are out there, and he didn't get them, but alas he is done. Till next year. But there's Christmas next, and that should keep him busy enough, pushing down the dreams of big antlers for a while.

Psalm 107:8

O that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.

Dakota desperately hoping for frozen frogs

It is enough

I want to grow in gratefulness. The comfort of my family near to me, I surely take for granted. I am cocooned in their love, though I have done nothing to deserve it. They just do. I hear a rustle in the far corner of the house, maybe the garage. It is full of assurance that they are there with me. But one day the rustle may be silent, alone. I want to remember the rustle of today, and be grateful. I am loved.

...behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Mt. 28:20

The Artist

Days seem to slip into sunset so quickly now. The scene causes me to pause, breath deeply. I savor the final breaths of air that is alive. It reminds me that I'm alive, it reminds me of His Greatness. I worship in the painted shadows, the artist. The hands rolled back,and suddenly the chill is pushing, pushing to whisper of what is sure to come. The bleak, the cold will come, but I will worship Him in that place too, find it's beauty in the artist.

Election Day, horse day, recovery day

Yesterday, Sara and I camped out at our local polling place, which is definitely one that our D Congressman (who recently got in trouble for saying such) would call "red-neck." To start, we are not in a community center, school or some such building. Rather, we enter through a large machinery garage (which may be a plot to kill you with fumes, upon entering, by one or more of the parties.) Across the road is an old one-room school house, once- upon- a- time brimming with lively students. The bell still hangs in it's place, though the red paint peels now instead of the bell. To our left, woods, to our right, farm land and century old barn. We were on meet and greet duty for our party and met and greeted those from both sides (though most of the opposing voters wouldn't make eye contact, and where we live, there weren't many of them.) We live in gun toting (hunters), well-drilling (gas company employees), pick-up driving PA and that's all right with me. I'm one of them. I doubt that many of the polling locations you may be familiar with have a farmer in his Carhartt over-alls, drive into the parking lot and park his farm tractor. Yep, we saw that. It was a nice opportunity to thank voters for voting, even the ones looking at the ground.
Today, was horse day. Horses were fed and wondered why they weren't allowed to exit the barn after breakfast, as usual on a nice day. It was farrier day. So one by one each horse comes out to get his/her individualized horsie manicure. It was a good day because all horses behaved and all hooves were healthy. It's the last visit before the "deep-freeze visits" begin, in 10 weeks, ugh. Sara did her school work while I attended to the 20 horse feet. Afterward... lunch, then Sara's riding lesson. What a blessing to have such a beautiful day to ride at this time of year, it was hot enough to bring out horse sweat and some flies too. I worked the little pony who has gotten a bit chubby since Sara got Zoe, the new horse. They both got hosed. Then I rode my horse, Redi, he is a beautiful animal and he is my buddy. He was perfectly behaved although he's received little attention since school began. We jumped some little jumps and he really likes it, so maybe in spring we'll go bigger (a little, I'm a chicken.) Feed the horses their dinner, and then head over to make ours...day is done.
Tomorrow, is a new day, and I really need God's favor as my house now looks like I've been running for days, and the dishes, well, there are none. So, tomorrow that's the first order of business (then lesson plan for class on friday). Sara has to quickly cram a full day of school into the a.m., so she can roller-skate in the afternoon. Then I become the cleaning dervish, whirling through my home with amazing super-human cleaning ability. I do need to trust God for such things as they can easily weigh me down and cause me to fear (what if the dishes pile up and up and up forever? and I can never get them done?). God is concerned with the small things, because the small things can teach me to trust Him and that's not so small.

Psalm 37:3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and HE will act.

Life, Precious in His Sight

My Precious Nephew

If you wander upon my blog today, I'm hoping you'll consider that it is not by chance. I haven't been blogging much lately, but I'm compelled to say just one thing today. Tomorrow is election day, and I will vote. For those who have become apathetic, believing the lie that their vote matters little please vote. But that's not the one thing, the one thing is "the why" behind my vote. Many issues are important to voters with the sorry state of the economy, the rising costs of medical care and drugs, fuel costs, the environment and the cost of daily living. These things concern me as well, however nothing concerns me more than the fact that our country still calls legal the murder of the smallest, most helpless of our population...little pre-born souls that perhaps may have been our future friends, leaders, entrepreneurs, parents, scientists etc. But we will never know them, no one will, because they were murdered as they slept where God had placed them. Over 48 MILLION babies have been slaughtered in the United States since 1973. This heartbreak motivates my vote because I believe that these children are more important than any of the above mentioned issues.There is enough scientific evidence available at this time, that we all now know that we're talking about human beings, and not the legendary "blob of tissue." The problem is that we have condoned their killing because "it's not our place to impose morality on others...who are we to judge?" Murder of adults is wrong and that is why we legislate that you may not commit murder in this country, in other words, we impose morality on murderers because it is wrong to murder. How much more so, our law should protect those who are helpless. But no, it's "not our place." Hogwash, law imposes morality and inconvenience on others, others who do wrong, every day in this land, and thankfully so. I don't stand in judgement of a woman with an unplanned pregnancy, but I do stand in judgement of a decision to murder because a child is not wanted, is inconvenient, even painfully so. Nothing a mother would experience...loss of job, loss of family, pain and agony, none of these things justify the murder of a baby. And please remember the overwhelming majority of abortions are of convenience NOT because the mothers life is in peril. Of course an unexpected baby will turn a woman's world upside down, but that is the consequence of choices made, and does not justify the snuffing out of another's life. So, yes, I am one of those "shallow-minded" conservatives who will vote based primarily on one issue and overlook the others. It is not because of lack of concern for the other issues, or ignorance of their importance. However I believe that LIFE is the most important issue. I believe that God cares about each LIFE, He is the giver and taker of every LIFE. Even if you're not sure whether God exists, do you you agree that the murder of 48 million babies is wrong? How many 911s, how many world wars would it take to amass such great loss of life? If I don't stand against murder, am I not complicit? I am compelled to vote my conscience.

Psalm 139:13+

For YOU formed my inward parts;
YOU knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.

Sara and Zoe Fly

Little Orphan Annie

Annie is the little kitty in the photo above and on the right in the photo below. Her name has become prophetic as she truly is now a little orphan Annie. Her mommy and all 6 of her sibs went to the humane society today. It was so hard to leave them all, but it is for the best as we are not capable of caring for this many kitties. It's hard for my tender hearted daughter to understand the whys, although we did our best to explain. Little Annie had won our hearts as the runt and so was the priveleged "lonely only" to stay behind. Even the hubby is quite taken with the little dear. She snuggled up on his chest tonight for over an hour, so cute. Then we had the difficult task of returning her to the cold, lonely barn, encouraging the 2 older kitties to stay with her. Hopefully they will. Annie has been adopted, and we pray that all the others will find new homes as well. We still have too many cats, but it's a bit more manageable now. Annie was the smallest, weakest, frailest and so we felt compassion for her. I also am adopted, by my Father in heaven. There was nothing lovely about me that would distinguish me to be chosen by Him. In fact I was not merely a runt, I was opposed to God, living life as I pleased. It was only His mercy, and love toward me that could turn my heart toward Him. Like Annie, I was given a second chance because Christ, my substitute, paid the penalty for my opposition to God. I am loved, adopted and part of a family. Thank you Father.

Gal4:4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Rom 8:15 you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

I AM a Crazy Cat Lady

Annie and Mindy (I think)

How many cats must you have before you become... The Crazy Cat Lady? I'm not sure, however I must be inching close to it. It's amazing how saving one stray from starvation can become so out of control. It's no wonder we have such a problem with unwanted pets in our country. This stray lurked around our house, in snow and winter, when you really feel for any creature being "out." But we didn't see her again until last spring. Actually, we first discovered her nest of new kitties under a pile of boards...then we met her. We found homes for all but one of these little kitties, Scout, who was to be the "barn cat.' Well, thanks to a human friend, Scout discovered that he preferred the life of a house cat and joined the three house cats we already had (now he's out more than in). We planned to have mamma spayed...but Savannah disappeared and then reappeared pregnant early this spring, the vet declared her not "with kitty," but he was mistaken (as we thought). Only three kittens were born to this litter, one had died, and later one vanished. So, two were added to the numbers, India and Tigger (they get fixed this month.) Savannah, we were determined, would be caught and spayed, however, she ditched the kittens and then vanished herself. A month later she returned to repeat the cycle, with a litter of 7 born under our barn's overhang at the end of this summer. These, I do not know by name, as they must go (ok, I do know one's name, Annie,the runt.) The total cat population is 13, however I'm only claiming 6. Savannah is still a stray, wandering onto the farm when she likes and then disappearing. Sometimes the kittens disappear with her, sometime she leaves a few, sometimes she leaves them all behind. We've planned twice to take them to the humane society, but someone must have told the mamma cat, as she takes the kitties and runs when the one of two days per month you can take them rolls around. This Monday we'll try again, IF the kittens aren't AWOL again. Two are missing right now, and five are in my barn, so we'll see. We've always been committed to spay/neuter our cats. We've had to get shots/and neuter three of her brood already, and hopefully that will be the end. I will never again judge a crazy cat family, it's so easy for it to snowball. Stay tuned next week to see if the kitties have vanished again before their appointment with destiny. Ugh. Let's hope not. By the way, if you want to adopt a kitten, you know who to call.

Day is Done

Hay Day by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/becca3k/559911545/

A quick goodnight to someone, someone I know perhaps. I just popped up to kiss the teen daughter on the head as she was finishing the final touches on the hair that's going to bed. One must always look their best for the pillow and dream-time adventures.
Another rather ordinary day on the farm, a bit gloomy and cool outside, which helped make us content to be in. That was good, as the "in-work" needed attention. Much did get attention, but as usual, much was left undone...the more-pressing, pressed and compressed time. Studies in Mendelian genetics, to be tested soon, presided. But the dishes are done and I picked up (not literally) two hundred and fifty pounds of oats and 50lb of corn at the feed store. Actually, my hubby did pick them up tonight as they needed to be unloaded into the barn. As I head to bed, I'll ponder any heavy load I may need to lay down, and then rest in the one who will carry it and carry me. Ps 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.

Autumn at Home

Some of these were from my trip to Smicksburg for horse supplies yesterday. I'm about to run to the barn, as I see our horses in the pasture are getting restless to be fed. They get testy with each other when they're hungry, as do many of us as well. Our deepest need today however is to be fed with the food which our hearts are most hungry and restless for...the one that was offered at the last supper. It is Christ himself that will satisfy our needy hearts today. He waits for us to come, the table is already prepared with everything we need. If you find your heart restless and testy... waiting to be satisfied, come to Him. He has everything you need. Now, I must go and feed my herd.

Indian Summer

We've been experiencing the most beautiful stretch of warm, sunny fall days, followed by chilly evenings. The farm is truly ablaze with color, I'd say this year the leaves are more vivid than usual. Someone said "It's because the weather's been dry." I don' have a clue about the science behind it, but it is a feast for the eyes. I love to take a drive just to see the different scenes as colors pop around each new turn. I'll be going to take one soon. I have to drive to Smicksburg for some horse supplies, which I buy in an Amish community. The drive will be good for the eyes and the soul.

What a contrast is this beauty with the the dingy darkness that remains in my heart. I'm waiting for the day when this heart becomes only a thing of beauty, "when I see Him face to face." But for now, it is still not worthy of display. Any beauty within is His grace. Today it was "colored" with anger, something special which I had made, was destroyed because of someone else's lack of care...and my colors enraged, like a cauldron of poison. Instead of responding with the kindness and grace I've already received through Christ, I responded with sin and I did not oppose the sin, I gave vent to it. The result... I hurt someone I love. I am desperately needy of help to fight this impulse to retaliate when hurt. The good news is that I am deeply sorry for my sin, and I have been pardoned. And I do not battle the impulses of my dingy heart alone. I know that He is as able to make my heart as lovely as the landscape he paints with these breathtaking autumn colors. Praise be to Him.
Phillipians 1:6 I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Autumn arrival

Last weekend Sara had her first show with Zoey, her new horse. This was what is known as a "fun" show as it involves games on horseback, like an egg and spoon race, catalog race flag race, pole bending, costume class and a trail class (which is like a horse/rider obstacle course.) They also had jumper classes in which you are timed jumping over a course of fences. It started out as a hot, sunny day, and abruptly ended with a deluge of rain during the show. In between sun and rain, Sara and Zoey had fun and learned a bit about each other. They're still getting to know each other. They earned a number of ribbons, jumped well and had a lot of fun dressing up as gypsy/gypsy horse.

Sara enjoyed going off alone with dad on a trail ride at the beginning of this week. The latter part of the week we've had rain. School and home filled this week. We'll visit the son at college this weekend, toting another load of "stuff," junk-food and love. He's been very busy with his studies, but still has a little time to enjoy swing dancing, a little ballroom dance, x-treme Frisbee, and Inter-varsity Christian fellowship.

The leaves are just beginning to paint the landscape with their warm colors. The smell and chill of autumn are in the air. Change is in the air, am I ready? We have to make preparations for the winter with so many creatures dependent upon us. If we aren't diligent they will die. The barn is filled with hay, the new water hydrant is ready for the freeze that is sure to come, but some barn repairs still need attention before the snow flies. I think of the effort it takes to care for our little farm and then think of the billions and billions of creatures which our creator must sustain. I am so relieved to have a God with unlimited resources of strength, wisdom, love and all things....caring for us.

Ps 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Magnolia Plantation (Charleston, SC), originally uploaded by found_drama.

Magnolia Plantation (Charleston, SC)

Porpoises (dolphin) in Big Bay Creek - Edisto Beach, S.C., originally uploaded by Heath Cash.

Porpoises (dolphin) in Big Bay Creek - Edisto Beach, S.C.

The Sun Peaks Through the Clouds Over the Atlantic in Edisto Beach

The Sun Peaks Through the Clouds Over the Atlantic in Edisto Beach, originally uploaded by marantzer.

Still can't find our camera, which went awol last thurs, BEFORE we got to download all our vacation pics! So, I'll borrow a few ;)

Travelling and holding on

We returned in the wee hours of Monday night from our wonderful getaway to SC. Barry, Sara and I enjoyed spending the week with my Mom & her hubby. We had gorgeous weather, considering we were down to the wire figuring out where all the hurricanes were heading. We did a lot of beaching, biking, swam in the pool, ate good food (lots of shrimp!) and went kayaking (hard work.) We saw dolphins feeding every day, one startled me swimming under my kayak, and reappearing on the other side. We went on a beach combing tour to an undisturbed beach and collected some really nice sea shells. We toured Charleston by carriage (that's the thing to do in Charleston,) enjoying all of the wonderful history and architecture. We got to go hear my mom's hubby play jazz trumpet at very nice restaurant. On the way home we toured a rice plantation & gardens, then stopped to visit a niece and cousins. This was our first vacation in a few years and was such a blessing. Having horses, getting away is a big challenge, we needed a horse-sitter and a house sitter (dog/cats.) But the Lord graciously made the way, and it was such a pleasure.

Sara is riding her new horse Zoey every day, and has a renewed love for horses since her arrival. She's still riding Ricky, the little squirt, too. She will go to show Zoey next weekend for the first time.

Home-school is back in session and going well. We began our co-op semester yesterday. Sara is taking an art class, a music history class (which I'm teaching,) and going to volunteer at a local nursing home.

Like many folks we're learning to trust as we see the financial world's distress this week, wondering if there will be anything left of our 401K. The Lord is in control of all things. I love this farm and all of the blessings God has given here. But this week is a sober reminder that the things of this earth are passing away... we need to hold very loosely to the good gifts God gives and very tightly to Him, the giver of the gifts. In the end He will remain, the farm, horses, and stock market will not.

Will add pics when hubby figures out where he put the camera :)

Zoey over the cross rail

Zoey over the cross rail, originally uploaded by yoyobeatty.

Sara's really enjoying her new mare! Here she is, 2nd ride, jumping Zoey. Hopefully Sara will show her at the end of September.

Gods Love is Beyond Measure

Hello Dear Ones,
Much change on the farm to report. Matthew has returned for his sophomore year at Grove City College. He's nicely settled in, we know that because he hasn't called. No news is usually good news with him. We'll catch up on the weekend. It was easier to part this year, for all, especially sister who had a rough goodbye last Fall.

Flashy the horse has left the scene as I mentioned in the last post, the young lady who bought him has begun to show him and got champion in her first show. We're glad he's back to work. Here he is doing what he loves.....


He has just been replaced in our barn with a more suitable mount for Sara. We are so thrilled and grateful to the Lord to have Zoe's Paint Collision join the horsie family. She is a sorrel/white pinto mare with lots of experience, she is 14.2 hands which is one inch short of horse. This means she can be shown as a pony. She is the sweetest lady, and Sara is soooo happy. Here they are:


Zoey arrived on Sunday. On Saturday, Sara showed her little pony Ricky at a local hunter/jumper show (while dad moved Matthew to college.) She placed 2nd and 3rd out of 24 entries and received reserve champion in her division (short stirrup: cantering over a course of 18"-2ft fences.) This was the pony's first time cantering the jumps at a show and they both did awesome! We hope to have pictures soon (mom forgot the camera, and is getting pics from others.) Here's a little itty bitty one, get your glasses out! I'll get a bigger one.
Sara will likely compete in one more show before the season ends (end of Sept.) Show season has been busy but Sara will be starting school next Monday, and so we're working hard this week preparing with school room organization...transitioning to school mode. I'll sign off with one more picture, a favorite, depicting dad's role in all of this horse-show stuff....what a trooper!

Summer whizzes on

"Cousins on one of our FAMOUS horsie road trips!"

The summer has sped by, I cannot believe it has been a month since I posted, nor can I believe that my son will be heading back to school next week. We spend a LOT of time outside in the summer, and riding horses. It's a busy season as Equestrian sports are focused in the summer months. Although I always seem to think life will slow down in the summer, it really never seems to. Sara had a pony show last weekend, she did very well, lots of ribbons and mom...me, myself and I have one this Sat. showing Intro levels dressage. I did the same levels last year, so it will be interesting to see if we've improved at all according to the judges.

I had to update my family info as we've had a lot of changes. Flashy the horse was "sold," to a nice young lady who plans to begin showing him right away. Nika, beloved pup of many years was laid to rest under the hemlock trees. One of the three spring kittens disappeared. And momma cat returned home "with kitty" and shortly after had seven more kittens. It's easy to see how the cat population gets out of control. We took in one stray who has produced three litters in the year she's been here, ugh. I was relieved that she was alive when she returned after a month+, but it was tempered by the big belly. Sara's happy, she's always happy when there are babies.

I had the opportunity to travel to Gaithersburg for our churches bi-annual worship conference. It was a great time of teaching, worship and a little r&r for mom. Matthew had his BS Eagle ceremony, and is official. It was a very nice ceremony with Matthew style. After the ceremony, Sara spent a week with my mom & and step dad in VA swimming and having lots of fun. I met Sara in VA afterward and had a little girl time with my mom. Barry, Sara, and I hope to travel to SC in a month, but have no arrangements to care for our horses and pets yet, so we're praying, we could really use a vacation. Finding suitable horse care isn't an easy task.

School is coming way too soon, as I haven't even tackled the mess in my school room from last school year. I really need the Lord's help to order my time wisely, it's spread thin. God is gracious and always helps me to prepare. Well folks, that's the update, next time I'll try to be witty or helpful :)

Johanna

Disappointment, His Appointment

Gotta post quick as it's time for the horsies to have their breakfast soon. It is a beautiful cool morning here on the farm. Monday is generally catch-up day for me, after a weekend of family activities which don't usually include laundry or washing pots and pans. Saturday was weed whacking day for me and putting in hay for the guys. Dear friends visited for dinner and kindly helped with getting the hay in. The evening ended around the campfire.

We also discovered that our mare was lame, which was a huge concern and disappointment. She had had a problem with the other knee last summer and we've doctored, then rested her and she's been doing well, though a bit slower than prior. We've been trying to sell her as a brood mare, and even have considered giving her away, to the right home. However, until we see what's up with the knee the mare can't go anywhere or be bred. She's getting an anti-inflammatory, and we'll be checking in with the vet. She seemed much better last night after only 1 day on the medicine, so we'll see how it goes.
Had wonderful encouragement about facing disappointment yesterday at church which was so specific to "our moment," that I could not help but feel loved and comforted by God. I spend far too much time reasoning in my little brain about how to save myself from the unpleasant or unexpected in life, when God wants me to run to Him. My lack of faith is a sin ever before me, but His grace is ready to pour out his comfort, love and peace when disappointment stabs my heart. He is in control.
From Psalm 54:
1 O God, save me by your name,
and vindicate me by your might.

2 O God, hear my prayer;
give ear to the words of my mouth.

4 Behold, God is my helper;
the Lord is the upholder of my life.

7 For he has delivered me from every trouble,

What's up at the farm

Lots of goings on here. We had a very busy weekend putting in 100 bales of hay on Saturday, then off to a wedding for some dear young folks. Sunday after church we went to see a horse, a prospect for Sara. The pony above is dearly loved and Sara does well with him but he is too small for her as a show horse. We've been working very hard at trying to sell a few horses.

Matthew has been quite productive over the past few weeks. He has been designing project brochures for the architectural firm where Barry is employed. He has also just been hired as an intern with a local electronics firm specializing in radio frequencing ?? I'm not really sure what it will entail, but they employ electrical engineers to do it, whatever it is. Matthew will report for full time employment on Monday, with his static free slippers. He has to leave a pair of shoes at work so as to leave the static outside and away from sensitive electronics...interesting. I'll update when I have a better idea of what he'll be doing. It is a great opportunity given the area in which we live. Hopefully he will perform well and enjoy the work...and be able to return next summer.

Sara is mid-week of cooking camp with Miss Laurie. She had Creme' Brulee (spelling ?? it's not in spell check) for breakfast this a.m. which they made yesterday. They've made blueberry pancakes Quiche Lorraine, Canoles, among other tasty treats. The family gets to go and sample on Thursday, when they will prepare a meal for us.

Barry and I have been busy planning the details for Matthew's Eagle Scout ceremony coming up on July 27th...

On the farm... Savannah the kitty has not returned. Scout, her kitten from last year's litter, has taken on big brother duty playing with the kittens and providing some company. Dad said Sara could keep her favorite kitten, India. I was going to ride my horse this evening as the weather is so beautiful, however one of his shoes seems to have slid to the side and lost it's nails, so he's out of commission until the farrier comes to call. I was looking forward to getting out to ride as we have had buckets of rain in recent days. I think we've had rain every day for a week or 2. Tomorrow it's supposed to be clear too, hurrah.

As I blog the rest of the family is out doing volunteer work at our local wildlife rescue facility, Kritter Kamp. They have two little fawns, so I know Sara will return with a happy report. The Lord is good to this family and we are so grateful.

Prayer Answered!

I am overjoyed to report that Selah the cat reappeared a short while ago after going missing for 3+ days. If you read the entry from my blog earlier today, you heard me refer to Selah in the past tense: Selah was..... well, Selah is..... The very naughty kitty was the sweetest sight for sore eyes, showing up at the doorstep tonight. I know many friends were praying, and Sara and I were crying out to God from a depth not often felt. God hears, God answered. We would receive whatever He gave but we are so thankful that he allowed her to come back to us. We've still had quite a loss, but this has certainly eased the pain, especially for Sara, Selah is her special girl. Thank you to all our friends and family for your prayer and concern.

Our Kitties

Misty

Savannah

Selah

I'm going to try to blog a bit about our kitties. The tears are flowing, and come and go for both myself and Sara. We had a glorious week at Youth Camp. I drove back and forth as planned, everyone else camped there. Everything was fine and dandy here at home until I discovered, when I was going out to feed the horses, that our cat Misty was dead. She lay beside the house, with no sign of trauma, like she went to sleep. It was such a sudden blow, as she was plump, healthy and happy. She was dear to us. We've had her for about 5 years, she was Sara's Birthday kitty soon after we moved from Baltimore to PA. She was a bit timid, but as sweet as kitty's come, always ready for a snuggle or scratch. She was the mama figure to all of our indoor cats (4), grooming and caring for them. She liked to lay her furry bod in my face in the morning so I had cat hair up my nose, never mind the allergies. She had the funniest habit of playing with laundry in the night hours, and every morning we'd wake to find an assortment, of dirty and clean socks under our dining room table. That's the beginning of the story.

The mama cat, Savannah seen in my earlier blog has been missing since Youth Camp started last Wednesday. She is our "barn cat." At first I didn't think much of her disappearance, but after finding Misty, I realized she may also be gone. Barn cats do wander, and I thought she might need a break from her kittens. They're 12 weeks old and were a bit annoying, wanting to nurse when too big. Fortunately they're fine (so far) and don't need mama. Savannah appeared here on and off before deciding to "keep us." We'd see her out in the snow, a grey kitty ghost, longing for a home. She found one here, when she decided to have litter of kittens by our barn. She has/had a very sweet personality for a homeless cat. She loved attention and being held, and readily allowed humans to help with her brood. All of last years kittens found new homes except Scout, the would be barn cat, turned house cat. Scout is the perfect big brother to the motherless kittens and actually was sitting for them the first few days of Savannah's absence. That's not the end of the story either.

Finally there is Selah, and though she was not my favorite, she was my daughter's so it is doubly painful seeing your child, a fierce animal lover, go through so much loss at once. Selah was Sara's kitty from the start, they chose each other. She started life as an OH stray, but came to us to by my sister. She has a kitty that looks similar, and we asked if the stray ever had any kitties like him again, we'd like one...we got two, thanks sis. Everyone who likes cats liked these two, they are just beautiful... creamy white with grey markings, like a Siamese or Rag doll. Selah is our purrer. She's always purring. She loved to snuggle. She also loved to wander the far corners of our farm, she was adventurous, but also the princess. She's one of the few creatures that could continue to have favor (be allowed in the house.) despite her tendency to wee-wee in the wrong place, like Sara's closet and any open bag or boxlike thing. She was bad, but she was so sweet that we allowed her to live on in her princess style. She has been missing now for several days too. Sara is still hopeful, and we've encouraged her to pray as we have too, but still trying to ease her gently into the possibility that she is gone. This is a tribute to little kitty lives, part of our family, that God created and took back to himself, at just the right time, although right now it is so very hard. If you're not or haven't been a cat person, all of this sadness and reflection may seem overblown, cat people will understand. Our God is Good, he gives and takes away, Blessed be the name of the Lord. All He does is right and good and we give our kitty friends to Him.

Youth Camp Here We Come!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonvargas/

Life looks as though it may settle in a bit now. I guess it has already, although we're going from one major event to the next. We've all recovered from the horse show and are looking ahead to Youth Camp '08 which starts today. Matthew also has his very 1st job interview today! He's applying for an internship with a local company that employs electrical engineers (RF stuff.) He's got the suit all ready to go. Say a prayer if you read this. It would be a really great opportunity for him as we live in the boonies, and it is amazing that there is such a company in close proximity. I'll update when we hear, though Youth Camp week is always hectic.

The Camp is for the youth of our church and two others. Other churches were involved in past years, but we've outgrown the facility and had to downsize. Barry and I have been attending for the past few years, usually helping with the team strategy games. We take our camper up and stay. Last year I ran back and forth to camp, as I needed to care for the horses, but that was quite exhausting. Sooo, I'm thinking I may not be AS involved this year, as Matthew is going to help out (he's too old now.) Camp is a wonderful time for the kids to really meet God head-on, and many kids become followers of Christ or deepen their commitment to him as a result of God's Spirit at work. I'm praying that many kids will have life as they've known it, renewed.

Is 54: 13 All your children shall be taught by the Lord,
and great shall be the peace of your children.
17b This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord
and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.”

Happy Father's Day Dad(s)!
We honor and appreciate you.
~Thanks!~

Sara Shows Off

Today was show day for Sara and Ricochet. We traveled to a local hunter/jumper show, where Sara competed in about 11 classes. The first video was from a class in which she took a blue ribbon. The second from a beginner hunter class. We're all very pleased with Sara and with the pony, as was Sara. He was the perfect pony today and she rode him well. She especially enjoyed the gaming (courses like barrel racing and pole bending.) My nieces and Sara's good friend Elizabeth competed too, which makes it a lot of fun. Sara ribboned in 10 of twelve classes (?I believe) with a variety of colors/places. It was a wonderful opportunity for her to see her hard work, and some trials end with reward. She had a hard ride yesterday (naughty pony), and so wasn't going to do all that she did today. We discussed the need to have faith, that God cared for her in this and about our need for prayer. She was able to do far more than she expected. So, a joyous ending.

Crazy, busy week

It's that time of year that sends homeschooling moms all across the great commonwealth of PA into a frenzied drive to get those portfolios done and evaluations BEHIND them. Many of my dear homeschooling mom/friends have already crossed the great divide and are on the other side, sitting in the sun by the pool with their icy lemonade. Not I, no I must savor and hold on to the school year as long as possible (hogwash.) No, I just procrastinate. I wait too long to schedule my eval. which means I have no incentive to get the portfolio done UNTIL I make the call, which I did. My very sweet friend/evaluator informed me that if I called a week later, uh oh, I would have missed the boat. Which would be as I deserved. Actually we've been done with school (minus the two bio questions we finished today,) since the end of May. So, Friday we go do the deed, have the evaluation that will signify the true onset of summer, aaahhhh. Then we'll rush home, work the pony, bathe and polish the pony and hope the pony stays that way until morning. Sat. a.m. he and Sara go to a horse show, hopefully he'll be jumping small jumps. Hopefully, I say because sometimes simple things can frighten a pony. Between now and then I must do final touch-ups on the portfolio, get our messy house cleaned up and get all our horse show stuff in order. That's my week. We'll see how the Lord transforms it.

I'm grateful for breathing, as that has been much better lately. Last month was a BAD asthma month, after much prayer and new drugs, I'm feeling much better. I'm grateful that the Lord was with me. I was never alone. I know he'll also be with me in my busy week (and yours.. whatever it holds.)
Pic is of Ricky and Sara, she'll be showing him Sat.

Just for Laughs

Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

I simply cannot stop laughing with these little ones!
What a joyous gift of God children are!

It's been a long time baby....

Hello out there everybody!
Wow, I guess I've taken a dive from blogging. I'm sure this is a busy time for all of you friends and family. Gardening, lawn mowing and outdoor recreation added to our to-do lists. The same is true for us. This time of year for our family also marks the end of the school year and the crunch to get the home-school portfolio in order in preparation for annual evaluations. I started on that project yesterday, and think I may set a record for getting done early. Things are much easier with one kiddo to log, especially since the one who left for college this past fall was the one with questionable filing practices. Most of Sara's things are happily tucked in their assigned binders with a few possible exceptions.
The start of the equine sport season also adds a new dimension to life on the farm here. There's riding lessons for Sara, training for the naughty horse, repairs long overdue, vet visits, farrier visits and happy days riding in the sunshine! Barry's enjoyed a few trail rides already this year, the fruit of his labor. We plan to head to our first horse show sometime in June. Sara has been jumping Ricky the pony and will hopefully give the little squirt a chance to show his stuff (if he doesn't freak-out when he sees a jump.)
Barry planted the vegetable garden below the horse barn over the holiday weekend, boy did he go hogwild! He's got a LOT of tomatoes, and did I mention he doesn't eat tomatoes! Anyway, he seems to be making up for lost time. He wasn't able to get a descent garden in with moving and getting settled into the place the past two years. Yep, we've been in our new home for 2 years now, hard to believe. Barry's been hugely blessed to borrow a bobcat for the past month or so and has the nickname "bobcat Barry," quite deservedly. He's done the garden, clearing land for new, "future" pasture and general farm cleanup. As you seen above we've gotten a replacement for our riding mower, since it continues in disrepair (just have to put in a part.) We let our horses out one or two at a time to enjoy the best grass on the farm...our lawn. They love it, and NO they don't run off, just back to the barn if they get frightened.
"Our" bunnies have now gone on permanent vacation to our good friends the Hartles. Their arrival brought great big smiles to the kids, it's good. A small step in downsizing for manageability. Now, if we can sell a few horses that would be good. In God's time.
Matthew returned late last night from New Attitude, a conference held in Louisville, KY for singles and young married folk, featuring some great bible teachers. He hasn't come down the stairs yet, so I haven't gotten the full report yet. I got a very sketchy one at midnight. I'm sure that God challenged and refreshed him. Matthew will be heading out to look for a summer job the remainder of the week. Starting with some companies that hire elec. engineers, and moving on. He'll be visiting and helping out the boy scouts over the summer and will have his Eagle ceremony in July.
Sara's Ghecko died this past weekend, which has been very traumatic for her. He's appeared sick for awhile, not eating his plump, delicious meal worms and declining. She waited and saved a long time for him, and had worked diligently to tame him, so it is sad. He's in the family critter graveyard after a short ceremony. God will use this in her life.
The new kitties are getting big and running everywhere, almost ready to find new homes. I'd like to keep one, but we'll see. We have too many already, but if you know me, I just can't resist.I even brought a half-dead chicken home once when I was a girl and kept it in our basement briefly...boy was I blessed with patient parents!
Counting the many blessings of family, farm and the great God who brought the springtime and new life to our old (dead) hearts, love to all.

Daughter that's lovely, son that's home

The pictures of our lovely daughter were taken on a recent visit to Grove City. She's growing up into a beautiful young woman! Barry made the trek up to Grove City again yesterday afternoon to collect Matthew and all of his stuff. He is now safely home, though a bit under the weather with a cold. We had a nice meal together and have just been visiting and hanging out. All his dorm is now piled in his bedroom here, so there's just a little path to his bed. Hopefully he'll feel well enough to widen it soon. We're all so happy to have him home. Sara is still "in school," which is challenging when your brother's home and he's done, so she'll have to push through. She's almost done though, by the end of the month I suppose. I'm so grateful to be the mom to these two young people. They bring me joy. I'm reminded of how quickly the days go by and what a precious gift from God the days are. Only yesterday they were babies, soon they'll be off on their own. So, I'm thankful for today.

Psalm 39:4,5,12 O Lord, make me know my end
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am!
5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
For I am a sojourner with you,
a guest, like all my fathers.

The Paper is Finished

Sara finished up her research paper and displayed it last night at Presentation Night. It really turned out well, lots of work. She also had the opportunity to do a little public speaking, introducing and describing her research class and her paper to moms, dads, grandparents and children. She very confidently delivered a 5 minute speech, and did an awesome job! I will see if I can download it, not sure if it's too long. We are very proud of her and all of her classmates. They really did amazing work. She also displayed some wonderful art from her design class. It is a bit of a relief to have the projects behind us, so today, we can focus on some other neglected school subjects. The spring weather is such a temptation when homeschooling, especially when horses are beckoning, but we have to focus on getting done.

I Peter 1:
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

This morning as I read from I Peter, God has focused my attention on my need to rejoice in trials, major to minor. My natural inclination is unfortunately a bit more whiny at times. Not necessarily outwardly, but inwardly thinking that this trial is not particularly convenient or pleasant. But I need to rejoice in my trials. God has given them for my good, to give me something precious...faith. He has saved me from my sin and given me an inheritance and is guarding me, giving me faith to trust the wonderful outcome of and beyond any trial. Sometimes just minor dips in the road seem to throw me off course, but God in his mercy guards me and gives me faith for today, so I will rejoice, He has grace for them!

Life update and A Deliverer

Above are the lovely lady Eagles from Sara's homeschool volleyball team. Below them the entire team. They competed a week ago in their spring tournament, and had a great time. No trophies this year, but lots of fun and experience with some wins and losses. It is a wonderful opportunity and hundreds of homeschooled youth are involved in the competition. It is an all day event, lots of exhausted kids at the end of the day, after many games.

The week has whizzed by, leaving me a little disoriented and definitely in need of God's help to order my steps. We've been out of the house a lot and when home, really trying to crack down and finish up the school year well. Sara's put tons of energy into her big research paper on the Pileated Woodpecker. She finished up with Friday classes, her homeschool co op, so I'm actually home and blogging on a Friday.

Sara had a riding lesson on Wednesday with a new young lady, who is also willing to help us with our "problem children," of the horse variety. My wonderful niece helps us a lot teaching Sara and helping her prepare for show season, BUT we don't want to overtax her as she's still recouping from back surgery. Can't keep her off a horse though.

Yesterday was "girls day," which often involves thrift store shopping for Sara and I, we had a ball. Started with a podiatrist appointment (he just happened to be near our favorite shop.) I've had my third bout in about 10 years of Plantar Fascitis:

( plantar fascia is the thick connective tissue which supports the arch of the foot.It is the source of the painful condition plantar fasciitis, a inflammatory condition caused by excessive wear to the plantar fascia of the foot or biomechanical faults that cause abnormal pronation of the foot. Wikepedia)

The Lord graciously allowed me to fully recover before. It does take a long time to heal. After the new doc, we had a great time with Chinese food and shopping. Then home, then back out to worship practice.

Today was a lot of confusion juggling cars to get one inspected, with our DD figuring out the solution(that should have been as plain as the noses on our faces) Are you smarter than a 9th grader? We laughed. A little confidence boost for the daughter one-upping mom/dad.

So lots of running and now my house looks like a hurricane hit it! We head out for an all day visit with Matthew for "parents day," tomorrow at GCC so it will get worse. God spoke through
psalm 107:

4 Some wandered in desert wastes,
finding no way to a city to dwell in;
5 hungry and thirsty,
their soul fainted within them.
6 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He led them by a straight way
till they reached a city to dwell in.
8 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
9 For he satisfies the longing soul,
and the hungry soul he fills with good things.

10 Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
prisoners in affliction and in irons,
11 for they had rebelled against the words of God,
and spurned the counsel of the Most High.
12 So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor;
they fell down, with none to help.
13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
and burst their bonds apart.
15 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
16 For he shatters the doors of bronze
and cuts in two the bars of iron.

Well my house feels like a waste that I'm wandering through, so... we can connect with this. The sitting in the second verse just sounds like resignation to "my plight." Resignation clearly is not the appropriate response when wandering in the waste or stuck in chains. The response God is looking for is to "CRY OUT," to him. He will deliver me, but I must look to him, not me, even in my household mess. Your mess may be different, you may be sitting in darkness or wandering lost in whatever situation, "CRY OUT." He wants to deliver you. God the Father sent Christ to be The Deliverer dying on a cross for our sin, demonstrating his great love and desire to deliver you from sin, your greatest need. "CRY OUT." He will deliver you.