An Early Arrival

Another encouraging hint that spring is on it's way, a little flock of robins came to call a few days ago. This morning they made an appearance behind the house, all fluffed up trying to stay warm, no doubt. It seems their arrival is a bit early? The bird feeder is like grand central with all the snow on the ground prohibiting all the little guys from finding their regular chow. We enjoy them, the cat's especially enjoy watching them. Our pastor taught from Luke on Sunday and a verse from his sermon comes to mind with the robins arrival:

Luke 12:32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

This verse is just so sweet as it speaks to me of how tenderly God cares for us, how he anticipates our weakness and reassures us of his loving intent, which is beyond any security, or comfort we've ever known. He will not only keep us safe, but He will give us HIMself. What does a flock need? Not just safety, but also a leader, a direction. Having Him means we are safe, but also loved. It speaks of our reliance, the robins do not make seeds, worms or bird feeders for themselves. We cannot produce what only our generous Father chooses to give to us. Thank you Father for giving yourself to your little flock.

The Trunk

The college man is delivered back to his hall brothers. He returned with a love seat. How he could fit any more into that little room is indeed a wonder. The trunk that went to college with me about 20 yrs. back also went off to college with my son today. I think (have to check,) this was also my dad's trunk from his military days and so probably traveled another 20+ yrs before, with him. I think it started out olive/khaki green, then it was the ugly gold color of our refrigerator. I'm sure it was lovely back then, the envy of the neighborhood, today's stainless. I think the fridge got a touch-up and so the paint was on hand when I was off to college. It became a game trunk/coffee table, painted dark navy in our first home. Where it will travel next, who knows. It will probably outlast all of us and maybe travel on to dorm rooms of the future grand kids.

Though the trunk may endure beyond us, there is only one who will truly endure and He is the one I am learning to place my trust in day by day. My hope, security, safety, strength, peace, love come from one source... I am learning not to trust others or myself to provide for me, my dependence is on God. That's the legacy that endures beyond the trunk. G'night

Proverbs 3
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

Bath day for the old dog

Nika and Josh

Matthew arrived home as scheduled and we've been laying low here at home, enjoying his company. He's having a Lost (the t.v. show) marathon, watching the shows online.

Snow day today (yesterday, cause it's past midnight.) It was our friday class day for our homeschool group, and no class today due to the snow. Seems to be the theme lately. We had snow, then a bit of ice, now it's snowing again. We used our "day off," to attack two back-burner goals: bath the very grungy, old, blind dog and adhere some fingernails to Sara's fingers.

The dog hasn't been bathed in a long, long, time, mostly due to "fear of dog." The dog has always been a bit crotchety especially when it comes to grooming activities, and now with the onset of blindness, many things she can't see become THE ENEMY. So we were concerned that the bath may leave us with less digits than we started with. However, the dog was a perfect pup in the tub, albeit a bit disoriented being plopped into a full tub of water. No teeth were bared, no snarl... all was well. Afterwards she cooperated completely with brushing (which she never does.) Can't blame her- she has sooooo much hair, generally you could knit a sweater with what comes off after her bath.

Next project was the finger nails, which I hate to mention as I'd like to protect the innocent (who?), but it was just too sad/funny (it's only starting to seem funny.) I've never glued on a fake fingernail before in my life, and for some reason, my sweet daughter entrusted this task to me, which she knew nothing of either. Sara has trouble growing the nails and thought this would be fun. Well those little buggers just seem to scamper away because of their curves, and scampering things with super glue...not good. I was anxious before I started, and it grew as I discovered my lack of dexterity. We managed to get most of them on after repositioning a few. THEN.... it happened... one slid (scampered, I tell you.) As I went for the save, made the save, I discovered that the fingernail was not attached to Sara's fingernail, but to my finger's flesh. STUCK FAST. My first reaction was a run to the sink, although I realized that this was in vain as this was superglue. Acetone, that's the only thing to take it off. We had nail polish remover with acetone, (not as strong as the straight stuff,) so I proceeded to soak it. I was stuck at around 4 and not freed until about 6:30. You have to let the nail completely dissolve, to get it off. My skin was so wrinkled up I really thought it would never be the same (it seems o.k. now, just a little wrinkly.) I found out that I'm not cut out to be a manicurist, not now, not ever. Should've gotten a pic of me with the nail on the wrong side of my finger to post here, Hmm...what would the caption be? To top it off, a few of the others have fallen off since the initial placement, leading to my daughter's realization that things don't always turn out the way you hoped they might. It was funny. But...
I really had to struggle in my heart with irritation at the situation when it was happening. We had plans for the evening that had to be laid aside-to go and worship (angry that you can't worship...doesn't sound too Godly, huh?) I was also irritated because I was afraid that my finger would sustain damage or that I'd have to go to the hospital to have it removed. Fear and anger over a situation that was passing, and even, funny. Wow, I need a Saviour. I think Sara even learned a small something. The roads were pretty bad tonight, and we were safe at home because of this. We also had a wonderful time sitting by the fire together, listening to the sweet sound of the guitar, as my son picked. God's plan is always good.
G'night

Jeremiah 29:
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Morning Glory

Awaiting the day.....

Today, the college kid comes home. We always have great eagerness, anticipation before his return to us. He is loved, missed and just leaves an empty spot when he's away.
It made me realize two things, one how much more the Father would anticipate our reunion in heaven, if in my incomplete human love I feel this for my son. Second, my great need for prayer. It is such a gift to be able to connect to my son by email, cell etc... in ways I couldn't do in my college days. I remember feeling such a disconnect from my family. Our communication options are so much better these days. And yet we don't communicate as well as we could. It is the same with prayer. God has given this wonderful opportunity for uninterrupted communication with him. We need not ever feel parted, but I interrupt our communion when I am prayerless. I don't need to wait for heaven for communion with God, What a Blessing! Yet if I don't call or email what does that say? I am so thankful for His mercy, because he knows this tendency in my heart. He sent the Helper to help me with this, because He knew. Can't wait to see my "boy." Can't wait to pray.

Thessalonians 5:16-18

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Strength for all things

This is the time of year that everything seems to start groaning "Spring..." The days are growing light longer, and an intermittent warm day such as yesterday, teases us that it is coming. Today the glimpse was gone, wind and cold returned and a bit of snow covering again. We were happy for the warm day as our drive was really icy and most melted away. It definitely would have terrified my dear UPS man. He would have turned tails. Not many venture up the driveway in the winter, it is not for the faint at heart. It can take some skill even with 4 wheel drive at times. It never seems to stop the gas well tender though, they'll drive through anything. This time reminds me of the wait we have for the winter to end in the spiritual realm, awaiting the springtime, no more ice and no more tears.

Today was not a stellar day for the teen and I, and although I know these years and their trials are minor and very momentary, I really need God in it. I am so weak, uncertain, unwise and self-preserving. I must have His help to make it through even these "little trials."
Like today, I was pressed to ask for strength to face a messy closet. The thing seemed like a MOUNTAIN, which of course it was not, but my vision is always skewed and I really need his vision, his strength, his help. How precious when he shows his love in concern over our small/practical stuff. A God that big cares about "my" little world. No doubt, the real mountainous trials do come and you may even be experiencing a REAL mountain now. If he cares about my closet and my teen (yes) then how much more can he help us climb the mountains. He is loving, merciful, and near in our trials. He is training me up and holding me up... He is eager to hold you up too. G'Night friends

Ephesians 3: (amp)

16May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality].

17May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love,

18That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God's devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it];

19[That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!

Chef of the week

Before & After

Sara has been busy in the kitchen this week. After being tempted by a yummy Rachel Ray dish, we decided to give it a try-Eggplant Steaks. Sara really likes eggplant, so we dove into the unknown and conquered the eggplant. We're happy to report that they worked out just as Rachel promised (see the lovely golden brown eggplant perfection above.) They weren't quite done in this shot, they had to get sauced (tomato/pesto), cheesed and broiled. Mmmmm! Yummy stuff. The chef is a bit under the weather now, but still managed to make a mean banana bread tonight. For the recipe, I must give credit to my dear old (but very young) friend residing in sunny FL. I couldn't make banana bread until she shared her recipe, mine were overdone ALL the time. She saved me from dark brown banana bread. We're hoping the chef will be feeling better by tomorrow for homeschool co-op.

No school today, sick girl watched TV most of the day. Banana bread was the only deviation. Valentines day celebrating was low key, we prefer to go out over the weekend when we don't have to compete for our dinner table. Not much goin' on here, we don't travel out a lot with the snow and gas prices as they are. Just simple days. But God is teaching/challenging in the simple days. I am being changed. I have been praying that God would increase my desire for Him... I know that He is pleased when I see my need for Him. Last night, I got a glimpse of my ugly heart, as selfishness oozed from me. When I come to my senses (because the Holy Spirit doesn't let me stay there), I wonder, 'how can I be a new creation?' (he says I am.) I excused my sin. I must remember what Jesus accomplished, this is the truth:

2 Cor 5:15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised..... 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.... in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them...20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

I must trust His word is true, He forgives me. Not because of my goodness, but because of His mercy. I am a new creation and his ambassador.
G'night

Cabin Fever, dreamin' of clover.....

Look, What fun you're missing!

Snow, snow and more snow....

We finally got the big snow today, I'm not sure on the current total, somewhere around 5 inches I'd guess. I'll ask the kind husband when he returns from the barn. The kids have been waiting for this kind of snow, the previous snows haven't amounted to much and were not the best for sledding. The new snow tube (thanks mom) was ceremoniously inflated (with help from good friends and their compressor) and readied for action. Well, tubing wasn't working so well because the snow was deep so Barry pulled the tube and it's passengers down the hill behind the 4wheeler and then back up the hill. Uphill on the sled, every kids dream. The dog went nuts yapping and lunging at the girls and so had to sit ON the 4wheeler, back seat driving. After that, the new path made for better sledding.

Barry reports 6 inches of snow, and we're expecting a few more tonight and maybe some ice too.

The day seems to start more slowly when the snow flies, even though we home school. School goes on whether or not there's weather. No cancellation, but we were delayed. Barry fixed the 4 wheeler so we could plow our way out of our home. We did schoolwork. Tubing tonight. Sara has a guest for a school night, the goal is to do school together tomorrow.

Was reading in Colossians today, about the mystery of God. If you don't know what the mystery is... I'll be mysterious.... you can look in the bible, book of Colossians Ch 1:24-2:3. There lies the mystery of God, revealed.
G'Night

Whiter than snow

God, This is how you see my heart because of Christ's sacrifice for me~Thank you!
You have washed me whiter than snow....

51:1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!

3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

I'm so grateful that you planned from the beginning of all time to do this for us.. blotting out our transgressions. The older I get the more my sin seems 'ever before me', I have an increasing awareness of my need to be cleansed by the only one who is able to do that.

Bitter cold is the word for the night on the farm with temps currently around zero, and wind chills well below zero. The horsies are all snug in their coats in the barn and all other creatures safely inside. One barn kitty out somewhere, hoping she's O.K. A quick thank you to those praying for my vertabrae, I'm feeling much better. Our boy is sick at college (as is his whole hall), so he'd appreciate your prayers too. Thanks for reading friends and family!
Love & G'Night

...And now snow

Dogwood (Barry)

Hemlocks by the house (me)

Awoke to this beautiful scene this morning. Barry and "the girls," Sara & Co. went for a glide around the farm on cross country skiis. I'm still not "up to snuff" in the back/neck dept. and so opted to work inside. It wasn't too cold so it was great skiing weather. Barry worked in the barn, 4 wheeler died, bad hose. It is our snow plow, so hoping the expected snow tomorrow will be on the light side. He has to run for parts. Tonight was our parent/teen group at church, then home for a late dinner (actually was the belated anniversary dinner.) Now off to bed, church in the a.m., that is if the weather cooperates. We're kinda way back, as our visitors like to remind us.
G'Night

Rain Kissed Trees

We had a moment the other day, so fleeting that I sprang up for the camera. Stepping out on the front porch the forest was wet, and drippy with rain and dark, but all of sudden the sun shone through and the scene was transformed. My pictures don't do it justice unfortunately, but it was an "awe" moment... the droplets became little sparking jewels... and then it was gone. But God allowed me to be a witness.

Well, no new news, no new pictures. I'm not feeling very witty and I don't want to overdose my lighthearted friends and family with heavy thought tonight (maybe tomorrow, though.) It was a gray day on the farm, even the dog thought it too gloomy to go out in. I don't think he ventured out until afternoon. It was misty and mucky. We had heavy rains in the night and early this morning- which sent Barry's pond up to it's rim. I enjoy the thundering sound of the water spilling over into the drain. The power of water is so.... uh, powerful.??
I need to confess too much wasted time the past couple of days, I like to take advantage of the fact that I'm not feeling well, to excuse some laziness. Now you know. I am a sinner, and that would be sin. So now, I'm about due to get to bed (at a decent hour) so that I will have adequate rest to manage whatever comes tomorrow. Pain is not an excuse for laziness, I need God's help to walk through every day whatever trial, pain, or joy may come. His Grace is sufficient for the day. Say hi sometime,
G'Night

But now you belong to Christ Jesus. Though you once were far away from God, now you have been brought near to him because of the blood of Christ. Eph 2:13 NLT

He sees with a steady gaze

My own sight of the precious blood is for my comfort; but it is the LORD's sight of it which secures my safety. Even when I am unable to behold it, the LORD looks at it and passes over me because of it. If I am not so much at ease as I ought to be, because my faith is dim, yet I am equally safe because the LORD's eye is not dim, and He sees the blood of the great Sacrifice with steady gaze. What a joy is this! ~C. H. Spurgeon

Often, I find my faith becoming dim. I just don't "feel" close to God. I am distracted, self-absorbed, prone to wander. I'm not looking at what Christ's sacrifice has won. What a comfort it is that my security is never in question because I feel far off from God. I have been purchased by this blood, I am his child. I am safe because He always sees me covered by the blood of Christ. Even when I am not looking, He is... and he sees Christ's blood instead of my sinful, wandering heart. I came upon this quote tonight, and I am so grateful to God for his mercy. I am not less secure when I sin, because of how I am seen by God. This knowledge frees me from living under condemnation, which just paralyzes. The security grants freedom to live for Him without fear. It isn't security to do what I want, but security which frees me to serve Him.
What do you need to do to have this security? You must turn to Christ, admit that you have sinned, turn away from your sin and toward God. Talk to Him. There is no security outside of this, because only the blood of Christ can remove the punishment that we all have earned for living our lives as we pleased... without Him (this is what sin is). If you're reading this, maybe it is because you were meant to. As a Christian you will gain this security, you will know this joy.
G'night

Psalm 18:1-2
I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Great Game!

Well, I'm sure my brother-in-law will disagree with me, but wow, what a game! I do feel his pain, however, I must confess rejoicing with each sack Tom Brady received last night. This is the only appropriate response for a Steeler fan (and probably every other NFL team fan!) Sorry, can't be sad that the near-perfect record is only near perfect. In the end it comes down to that one 60 minute game. Anyway, it was a nail biter till the wonderful end.
We made it in the door just in time for the game last night after, a long and happy day. Got up early, and headed north, to a place in the middle of nowhere called Fairview...went to visit White Stone church. A warm and friendly greeting, time of worship and fellowship were enjoyed. They spared us a McDonalds run with their kind hospitality and homemade soup. It was a sweet time. After our goodbyes, we continued northward to vistit Matthew at college. Actually we were delivering/picking up his "stuff," running to Walmart for him, and visiting briefly. He had a lot of studying to do, so we hung out, hugged and were headed south again.
On Saturday Barry and Sara tried out the rail sled on our icy driveway, I heard happy squeals as I saw a flash of Sara flying down the hill. That should have been my clue that this pursuit was not intended for "mature, ie. over forty"women such as I. Nevertheless, after being lulled into a false sense of security by my family, looking at me like "mom's a big chicken..." I proceeded to do what i should not have done, got on a rail sled, on a steep hill which was solid ice. Despite dragging the feet behind, I flew! Unfortunately, my steering skills must be lacking. I was really trying to steer away from the tree which I was about to crash into, but not until the second before I hit did I bail. I lay there for effect, as well as for pain, as my family approached with a mix of concern and mockery. I hoisted myself up and found I was still alive, which I do consider a miracle. I did shred my ski pants, but no blood, yea! The past two days the back/neck have been an issue though, and went through all of yesterday's fun with a related headache. But considering the headache I thought I might have, I'll deal with this. I am praying, cause it's slowing me down. I'll wait for snow next time, that ice stuff, uh, uh, not for me. Life is precious. Anyway, I can't say G'night, like usual, since I'm actually writing in the DAYtime, amazing. So, I'll say,
G'Day