An Interesting Sight

I was riding along in the car the other day (on the way to get more chicks) with Val, Amol and Sam. We were on our way to Middlefield, OH (which just so happens to be the 4th largest Amish settlement in the world) and I was taking in the views (Ah, the bliss of riding rather than driving!) when I saw it....The Trojan Horse of Mesopotamia, OH!


We pulled over and took a few pictures, and in all seriousness this thing is pretty neat. "The giant wooden Amish horse and buggy is made completely from 2x4s. The horse stands at 13.5 feet tall from hoof to ear, and it stretches 12 feet in length. The Amish buggy is 18 feet tall and 12 feet long. Each tire is over 7 feet tall. The horse looks as if it is in motion and the buggy trails behind. The entire statue is 35 feet long." (description compliments of http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/18220)

Nothing Like It

Don't you just love it when you are in the car, just cruising with someone special and they reach over out of the blue take your hand and twine their fingers with yours?


What a great feeling to be holding hands with someone you love!

Farming 101

Today I will present you with a basic outline on how to become a farmer. First you start in a distant city, say Denver or Mumbai. Then you look online and buy a house in rural PA, like the one pictured below.


After you have acquired such a house, you move in and read books about raising animals and vegetables. You become friends with the Amish neighbors and ask them questions. You let everyone you meet know that you wish to become a farmer just in case there is an extremely generous person at your church who will give you two pregnant dairy goats to get you started. A pair like these will be great.


Then you go to your local Tractor Supply store and buy chicks. 30 or so is enough to get you started. These 30 some odd chicks then live in a refrigerator box in your sun room.


Soon there after you must go to a local livestock auction and obtain a pygmy goat and three kids of your choosing. Make sure the kids are still bottle feeding, and that you have plenty of questions so you can pull into the Amish neighbors driveway with a carload of goats on your way home and ask them to come over to give you advice on how to keep them.


While you have been busy with all of this, you need to have purchased seeds with which to plant your garden. Aim for 60-80 varieties of vegetables, fruits and herbs your first year. Plant in flats and keep in the sun room with the chicks.


The overall theme here is to try anything and aim high, welcome to the life of a farmer! (at least our style of farming!)

Daffodils

I wandered lonely as a cloud

that floats on high o'er vales and hills,
when all at once I saw a crowd,
a host, of golden daffodils;
beside the lake, beneath the trees,
fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
and twinkle on the milky way,
they stretched in never-ending line
along the margin of a bay:
ten thousand saw I at a glance,
tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced, but they
out-did the sparkling leaves in glee;
a poet could not be but gay,
in such a jocund company!
I gazed-and gazed-but little thought
what wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
in vacant or in pensive mood,
they flash upon that inward eye
which is the bliss of solitude;
and then my heart with pleasure fills,
and dances with the daffodils.

William Wordsworth

Blessings of Today

awake
birds songs
fresh air
cool, crisp
clouds break
sun beams
peace
stirrings
smile and hug
roll pastry
fresh apples, sliced
sweet and spice
open oven, in
sitting
feeling, sharing, laughing
warm aroma
galoshes
hi goats!
open windows
catch the goat!
walking, tromping, wading
sam on shoulders
bright beams warm
kitchen
mincing, slicing, chopping
heat and stir
sing
dancing, cooking
scoop roll smother
family, friends
friends, family
laughing
munch, sip, speak
learning and loving
congratulations!
spicy, spicy
cutting serving tasting
sweet
laughing
bunny trails
donation dawn
farewell
driving, thinking
serving and helping
frustration
patience
going home
bright moon, drifting clouds
peace, beauty
soft flannel
open window
cat and dog
relax pray
sleep

Psalm 25

I lift my inner being to you, Adonai;
I trust you, my God.
Don't let me be disgraced,
don't let my enemies gloat over me.
No one waiting for you will be disgraced;
disgrace awaits those who break faith with no reason.

Make me know your ways, Adonai,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth, and teach me;
for you are the God who saves me,
my hope is in you all day long.
Remember your compassion and grace, Adonai;
for these are ages old.
Don't remember my youthful sins or transgressions;
but remember me according to your grace
for the sake of your goodness, Adonai.

Adonai is good, and he is fair;
this is why he teaches sinners the way [to live],
leads the humble to do what is right
and teaches the humble [to live] his way.
All Adonai's paths are grace and truth
to those who keep his covenants ans instructions.
For the sake of your name, Adonai,
forgive my wickedness, great though it is.

Who is the person who fears Adonai?
He will teach him the way to choose.
He will remain prosperous,
and his descendants will inherit the land.
Adonai relates intimately with those who fear him;
he makes them know his covenant.

My eyes are always directed toward Adonai,
for he will free my feet from the net.
Turn to me, and show me your favor;
for I am alone and oppressed.
The troubles of my heart are growing and growing;
bring me out of my distress.
See my affliction and suffering,
and take all my sins away.

Consider my enemies, how many there are
and how cruelly they hate me.
Protect me and rescue me;
don't let me be disgraced,
for I take refuge in you.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
because my hope is in you.

I found this to be a powerfully moving prayer today. I really appreciated the specific wording of this translation. 'inmost being' feels more personal than 'soul' to me, and what a blessing to know that the Maker of the universe 'relates intimately with those who fear him'! This whole psalm touched me today, just wanted to share!

A Prayer

Adonai, I look to you for everything I need in my life. Help me to put all of my expectations in you.

My soul, wait in silence for God alone, because my hope comes from him. Psalm 62:5

A Very Happy Birthday!

Yesterday was my birthday and it was great, thank you to my wonderful family and friends! Who could resist being happy if they are greeted first thing in the morning with this cheerful face and an enthusiastic "Happy Birthday!"?


Here is the beautiful display of gifts from Val, Amol, Sam and my parents.

We have started a great birthday tradition- cake for breakfast! Here is the cake Val and Amol got for me:


One of my gifts is a beautiful shawl my mother crocheted, it is very soft. Thank you Mom!


We also had Matt over for our weekly lunch. This week I made multi-grain pizza dough, and we each made our own personal pizza, just the way we wanted! Matt was excited at the idea and promptly donned an apron, what a kitchen whiz!


We had a terrific 3 hour lunch packed with delicious food and even better company. That afternoon my friend John came up from Grove City to join Val, Amol, Sam and me for ice cream and a movie. (Insert contented sigh here) Thank you all again for a wonderful time, my day was made special by all of you!!

A Tribute to the Wonderful Things

There are many wonderful things to experience in this life, and I believe one of these experiences is having a small child fall asleep on you. How comforting it is to feel the weight of their body pressed against yours. How sweet to listen to their soft breaths as they slumber. How mesmerizing it is to watch their expressions as they dream-of what, we know not. Today I spent three hours with Sam as he napped in my arms. (This was a special occasion, for this is the first time he has fallen asleep for me!) I treasure these times, and I enjoy taking the opportunity to lay hands on the special sleeping wee one and pray over them.

For Samuel:

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26

I pray that you will be conscious of the Lords guiding hand, and still that you may hear the Spirits whispers; I pray that you will be bold and courageous for Adonai your God, and observant of His commands all the days of your life.

Samuel, you not only have the potential, but the ability to accomplish many amazing things. I am blessed to watch you as you grow, and I am ready to support and encourage you in any way possible. I am proud of you, and I love you very, very much!

Roses are Red, Violets are

Goats!

We are now the proud owners of two goats! Val and Amol finished the structure today, then we all piled into the cars, drove to a nearby farm and collected our goats from a generous friend who is helping us stock our new farm with animals.

Introducing Violet


and Lavender


(No mom, we did not name them, they already had names. These two are special anyways, they are the first ones!!)

A Birthday, a Girl and a Violin

Valerie had her birthday on Saturday, so naturally we had cake for breakfast! I got an angel food cake (I know, I am a slacker, I should have made it myself, but lets not dwell on my short-cut.) and made fresh whipped cream to smear all over the cake then I filled the center with fresh sliced strawberries and decorated the edge with more strawberries. It was a very tasty breakfast!


Then she opened her gift from Amol...


a violin! She was so happy, and truly surprised! She couldn't wait to have Matt help her tune it and give her a lesson. She took it to church with us the next day and watched with much excitement as Matt assembled, complimented, and tuned her new instrument.

On Loan

As I mentioned in my previous post, Matt lent me a book today entitled DECISION MAKING BY THE BOOK How to Choose Wisely in an Age of Options by Haddon W. Robinson. This book gives an outline for helping you make biblical decisions. Many good points are made troughout the text, but here are a few points I jotted down to share.

"How do we know the will of God for life's tough decisions?" isn't a biblical question! ...But God did give us the Bible, which in itself is sufficient to guide us...One of the things that the Bible teaches us, for example, is that God is working out his will. The God whom we worship is sovereign in the affairs of men and nations, and He works out all things according to His purposes. (p. 37) We need to remember that when we talk about making decisions, God is not at the mercy of our choices. God is not limited by what we decide to do. But in God's sovereignty, He can work in our choices, through our choices, and in spite of our choices, to accomplish His will. (p. 39-40) We must come to this book [the Bible] determined to submit to it's teachings; only then does God make His will known. (p. 67)

All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

So basically Mr. Robinson points out that the Bible never prompts us to ask the will of God, nor does it give any direct answer as to His will, therefore we need not ask that question. Rather, we should ask "How do we develop the skills necessary to make wise and prudent choices?" Through the book, he suggests a list of six principles that can be used to help make good decisions. These principles are:

1. Make decisions in submission to God's sovereign will.
2. Make decisions in submission to God's moral will.
I thought I would like to define a few word for us here.
submit- v. accept or yield to a superior force or to the authority or will of another person.
sovereign- adj. possessing supreme or ultimate power; acting or done independently and without outside interference.
moral- adj. concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior; concerned with, based on, or adhering to the code of behavior that is considered right or acceptable in a particular society rather that legal rights or duties.
3. Make love and concern for others the motive.
4. Focus on your strengths and gifts.
5. Consider the circumstances, but don't be mastered by them.
6. You must include wise counsel in the process.

So, in conclusion I am going to put in a brief story of how I try to apply biblical standards to decision making as well as governing my thoughts, emotions and interactions with others, rather than being caught up in trying to decipher the specifics of God's will. When I Moved to PA I needed to find a job. I applied to several places at which I felt I was equipped to work. I interviewed with a few potential employers. And I prayed continually. I was, as most people in that situation are, stressed about my finances during my unemployment. However, I had peace that God would provide for my needs, and because of that I was never concerned with which position I should accept. I was so excited when my current employer called and offered me the position. ( I screamed a lot and engaged in much happy dancing, as did Val!) I do not remember ever thinking "Now this is the job God willed me to have.", but I do feel He is blessing me, and the residents, through my employment there. Everyday is a new opportunity to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, and I am trying to be the best soil I can for them to be abundant.

Thank you Lord for your countless blessings, may I continue to open my eyes to them each day. Help me to be conscious and sensitive to the needs of all those whom I come into contact with. Amen.

Thank you Matt for loaning me your book!

Serving up Leftovers

Today was a great day. I got up fairly early and got to work in the kitchen preparing multi-grain bread to have with our lentil soup and baklava (all three from scratch) for our lunch guest, Matt (visit him at: http://42funeralslastyear.blogspot.com/). Matt is a friend we met at church and he is an all around super-great guy, and also one of our pastors. My cousin, her husband and I all really enjoy his company as well as the entertaining and stimulating conversations that ensue. Matt also lent me a book that I read today (more to come in another post). So, as I mentioned, it was a great day. I cooked, entertained a friend and read; all of which are among my favorite things to do!

And since I forgot to get a picture of everything before hand, here is a pic of our leftovers!


Thank you for your time today Matt, we look forward to your next visit!

Dreaming and Living

I have many hopes, dreams, and desires. I desire to marry a godly man, I dream of having children, and I hope to be a homemaker. I currently live with my cousin, her husband, and their young son. I also work outside the home full time. Lately I have been trying to balance my dreams with the current reality of my daily life, which I know is possible, thanks to my amazing mother who was in this position for many years! Visit her at: wwww.patentingmyre-invention.blogspot.com. My conundrum is: how do I effectively put into practice my homemaking skills while maintaining a tiring full time job outside of the home? I have been praying about this balancing act, and a few scriptures were given to me.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

I may not know exactly why I am here at this time, but God does! If I rely on and follow him, and allow his light to shine through me to the world, I will end up in the place the Lord has set aside for me.

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Here I see that if I take great pleasure in the Lord and obeying his commands, he will grant me the desires of my heart.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23

No matter what task I am set to do, I must do it fervently and with great love. When I remember that I am doing everything for the glory of God, mundane or undesirable tasks become more important and joyful.

While I have been meditating on these scriptures and the definitions of these words, I have come to the conclusion that I am not to worry about or plan out my future, as long as I am pursuing the goals God has currently placed for me I am on the right path (even if I don't know where it is going!). Right now that looks like taking care of my cousin and her family by helping keep the house clean, cooking, and watching over her son, then going to my job and being a dependable coworker and a loving aide!

Father God, Thank you for this opportunity to serve my family while learning and practicing the skills I will need for another chapter of life. I am humbled and excited by the promises in your word. Please give me the strength to not only accomplish the tasks that you have given me, but to be a testament of your unfailing love. Thank you for your tender words in quiet times, I pray that I will be ever vigilant in listening for and hearing them. Amen.

Amazing Provision

The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. Genesis 3:21

For some reason this verse has been on my mind a lot in the past week or so. I had never really bothered thinking about it very much before. Yeah, so Adam and Eve knew they were naked, it was their own fault. They ate the fruit they were told not to eat, but among all the punishments for their disobedience God still was providing for them. He had compassion on them even as he banished them from the garden. He didn't just send them packing in their fig leaves. He knew they were embarrassed and ashamed, so he made clothes for them. How awesome is that?! This has been encouraging to me because sometimes I mess up, but according to this, God will still provide!

Thank you Lord for your never ending love and provision in every aspect of life. Though I falter and wander, you are always there to guide and steady me. I am truly blessed indeed!

On Frustration, Joy, and Waiting

I am beginning to understand that all things really do come together for the good. Sometimes, it really does not seem that way, but it is true. The Bible is full of these promises. Many times I find that I am letting myself become consumed with frustration, anger, resentment, and disappointment, just to name a few. I will feel resentment when someone else seems to be happier than me. "Why can they be blessed with the things I want and not me?" I become angry when someone points out a way I can help. "Why are they telling me what to do, don't they see that I am busy with other things?" I resent others for their good fortune. "I have suffered, when do I get my share of good fortunes?" I am disappointed that I have not accomplished many admirable things. "What I do is meaningless. I go to work, come home, go to church and taxi my Amish friends around. Who cares?"

Psalm 103

1 Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise His holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him:
12 as for as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass,
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
17 But form everlasting to everlasting
the Lord's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children-
18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember his precepts.
19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Praise the Lord, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
21 Praise the Lord, a;; his heavenly hosts.
you servants who do his will.
22 Praise the Lord, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the Lord, O my soul.

This is a powerful Psalm. I am reminded of my fragility. I am reminded that the Lord heals, redeems and restores. I am reminded that instead of suffering and dying for my wickedness, I am blessed beyond comprehension. I am learning to see the blessings. I am learning the true meaning of changing the heart.

I am sure you are wondering ('you' being any readers I still have, if any, after my prolonged blogging silence!)how this all relates, well... Recently I was pondering ways I could purge distasteful thoughts and actions from my life. Unfortunately, as stated above, I can tend to have a bad attitude about some things, and even more unfortunate is the fact that I often wear my bad attitude for all to see and feel. I want to be salt and life, and smearing those bad feelings around is anything but. So I prayed, I asked how I could change my attitude, my thoughts, and my actions to better represent my Savior other that just feeling bad, saying I am sorry, and repenting when I mess up. I found my answer in a few familiar Scriptures I had learned as a child. I had learned the words, but I am just now grasping their meaning and trying to apply them.

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

I do not believe these verses are only referring to keeping the flesh pure, the mind of a temple of the Holy Spirit should also be kept pure.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Diligently striving to obtain these attributes in our every day moments will help maintain our defenses against the attacks and temptations of the enemy. Plus, there is no law prohibiting the frequent, even continual practice of these qualities!

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, -if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Philippians 4:8

By mindfully dwelling on the correct things, I am finding that I am feeling a real and significant change. I can look upon my frustrations and realize that I was distorting the situation. I can be truly joyful for someone who is celebrating a blessing in their life, knowing that I am truly blessed as well and that God has more in store for me than I could ever imagine. I can thank someone for their concern for others when they point out ways I could help, and I can be thankful for the opportunity to serve another. And what I do does matter. I am a friend and an assistant to the elders, and my coworkers in my workplace. I make a difference in their lives, and through that I am very blessed!

I am waiting for the next chapter God has for me, but in this season of waiting I must not be idle. Although I may not be doing great things outwardly, great things are being cultivated within. Praise God, O my soul!