Uncategorized

To everything there is  a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: 

A time to be born, and a time to die;

A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

 

A few years ago Olin decided to grow a plot of corn and harvest with his antique equipment. Another year we grew a plot and harvested by hand. It was an adventure. Our neighbors came over to help pick the corn and then we celebrated with a picnic on the front porch.

The farmers in our neighborhood are beginning to harvest the corn crop. It is a busy time for them -hard work and long hours in the fields. We pray for good weather for the harvest season.

In the garden it is a different story. We enjoy a longer harvest season, beginning in the spring with the asparagus, lettuce, radishes, spinach, kale, onions, and peas.

Then the carrots, green beans, lima beans, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and squash.

We also have apple and peach trees, red currant bushes, and blackberries.

 

We are blessed! It does take effort but it is well worth it. Nothing tastes better than something fresh picked from your own garden.

HAPPY HARVEST!

 

And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden . . .

I love to ride the country roads in the springtime and see the ground being plowed and planted. Then all summer long we watched to see the progress of the wheat or corn or soybeans, or whatever the crop may be. Riding down the road I listen for my husband to comment “Too wet.”, “Need rain.”, or “Looking good!” Then in the fall we watch as the harvest begins and finally the fields are put to bed for the winter. The cycle of life is played out before us on those farms that surround us.

I guess that is why have always loved gardening. There is something special about planting a seed and watching it grow (or not – as sometimes happens with me). We have always had a garden. I started out small but over the years it has grown. Even though our children are grown with gardens of their own – my garden has not gotten any smaller.

In fact it has gotten quite a bit bigger. Do I really need five rows of lima beans? Maybe not – but someone can use them and I love to grow them.

These pictures are from our Garden of 2016. Everything laid out in neat long rows, although some may be a little crooked.

This year, however, we made a change. Last August I read an article about Len Pense and his raised-bed revolution. It sounded interesting so I made a phone call and he invited us down to Strafford, Missouri to see his garden and to learn about his system.

We had a great time touring the garden and listening to Len’s story of how this all came about and before we left he had converted us. We decided to try his system in our garden.

This spring we put down the black weed protection fabric and began building our beds.

I did make one mistake. The beds are supposed to be 4 feet wide by 16 feet long (inside dimensions). My first beds are 4 feet by 16 feet – outside dimensions.  A little smaller than his but they functioned well for this season!

 

These are the rice hulls which we mix with cotton burr compost, peat moss and trace mineral elements to make up the planting medium.

Olin bought a Feed Grinder-Mixer to mix our ingredients. It works pretty well as long as he doesn’t stick his head down in while it is running!

It made it easier and quicker to fill all those beds.

We used tubs for some plants – squash, zuchinni, peppers, cantaloupe, watermelon, cucumbers, and some tomatoes.

 

We spread mulch in between the beds to help with weed control – and it makes it look nice! Olin also made me three new composting bins.

And let the planting begin!

In addition to the benefits of fresh produce I also had a great exercise program lifting concrete blocks and shoveling mulch!

Stay tuned for the next installment of our gardening adventure!

 

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.                           In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.             Proverbs 3:5-6

In this past week I have been reminded of the importance of trust. And it was a tiny bundle of fur (only 12 ounces) who brought the lesson home to me in a personal way.

We live on a farm and our barn cats are an important weapon in the battle against the field mice. Our feline population ebbs and flows with the seasons. Last winter we were down to only five but this summer we have experienced an increase with several litters of kittens. One little kitten went exploring and managed to fall down between the slats of the horse barn. She was there for several days before my husband was able to get her out by removing a portion of the wall. He brought her to the house where we began “operation rescue” with an eye dropper and Kitten milk replacer. One week later she has moved on to a tiny bottle and is thriving. She is determined to be friends with our black lab but Ms. Pepper is not about to have her personal space invaded.

It amazes me that this tiny kitten has totally accepted the situation. She trusts me to feed her and care for her. What an example of faith.

Look at those eyes. She has accepted me as her caregiver and follows the sound of my voice.

And seek not ye what ye shall eat or drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.                                                                                                                                                                       Luke 12:29-32  

I have been reminded in this that my Father in heaven knows all of my needs and He will provide all that I need.        I can rest in the thought that He loves and cares for me. I need not be anxious for anything. My God is able!

When we cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge I know that I’m returning to my roots on the Delmarva Peninsula and looking forward to time with family and friends. The trip we made in June was bittersweet. 

We celebrated our oldest grandson’s high school graduation. How quickly the years have passed.

The baby became a little boy.

The little boy is now a young man.

In the fall he will begin his college years and I am confident he will make his way in the world.

We also celebrated our youngest grandson’s 14th birthday. Another reminder of how quickly time passes.

 

 

With the anticipation of seeing family comes the realization that there will be a face missing from our family circle.

 

As we gathered to remember my father’s life we laughed and cried as stories were told of a life well lived.

Going home will never be quite the same again.

 

 

On this first day of summer there is a hymn running through my mind – This Is My Father’s World – so appropriate for this beautiful summer day. The flowers are in bloom, the vegetable garden is growing, we’ve already enjoyed spinach, kale, lettuce, summer squash, zuchinni, and two peas! Thank You God for Your amazing creation!

This is my Father’s world,

And to my listening ears

All nature sings, and round me rings

The music of the spheres.

This is my Father’s world:

I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;

His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world,

The birds their carols raise,

The morning light, the lily white, 

Declare their maker’s praise.

This is my Father’s world:

He shines in all that’s fair;

In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,

He speaks to me everywhere

.

This is my Father’s world,

O let me ne’er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong,

God is the ruler yet.

 

This is my Father’s world:

Why should my heart be sad?

The Lord is King:

Let the heavens ring!

God reigns: let the earth be glad! 

 

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness,

Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low:

And the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain.

And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together:

For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.         Isaiah 40:3-5

Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people:

But the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee.

And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.    

Isaiah 60:1-3

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.

In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.

And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.  

John 1:1-5

Dear God, on this day You remind us that when all seems darkness – You bring Light – the Light of the world – Jesus. You call on us to share that Light. Not just to talk about Jesus but to let Jesus shine through us – to be the hands and feet of our Lord. If we are disciples then all should see Jesus in us – in our actions – in our speech – in everything we do and say – in who we are – every moment of every day.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Matthew 2:1-2

The wise men from my nativity have been on a journey this Christmas Season. They have made it as far as the cabinet in our dining room – not quite to the stable yet – Jerusalem perhaps? And of course, they are coming from the east. I have four wise men because scripture never tells us how many were in that caravan. There could have been two, or ten, or twenty. We simply don’t know. We do know that they brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gifts for a king.

God has given us a gift in the Book of Proverbs. Wise words to teach us.

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

Yea, if  thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

If thou sleekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.    

Proverbs 2:1-6

Will you join me on a journey this year. A journey to deepen our relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Let us seek His wisdom. Ask God to lead you on your journey. Make it a priority to study His Word that you will know His voice when he speaks to you. I have gotten away from the habit of reading through the Bible each year and I  find that I miss it. But we must read with the right motive. Don’t simply read to check off the required number of verses for the day. Instead read prayerfully, asking God what lessons He has for you in the reading. Chew on the words. Digest the words. Then will you be fed.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endureth forever.  Psalm 111:10

Let me end today’s blog with the words from a hymn I discovered in an old hymnal.

 

As with gladness men of old

Did the guiding star behold;

As with joy they hailed its light,

Leading onward, beaming bright;

So, most gracious Lord, may we

Evermore be led to Thee.

 

As with joyous steps they sped

To that lowly manger bed,

There to bend the knee before

Him whom heaven and earth adore;

Wo may we with willing feet

Ever seek Thy mercy seat.

 

As they offered gifts most rare

At that manger rude and bare,

So may we with holy joy,

Pure and free from sin’s alloy,

All our costliest treasures bring,

Christ, to Thee, our heavenly king.

 

Holy Jesus, every day

Keep us in the narrow way;

And, when earthly things are past,

Bring our ransomed souls at last

Where they need no star to guide,

Where no clouds Thy glory hide.

William C. Dix, 1837-1898

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:               Ecc. 3:1

We awoke this morning to a cold gray dawn and the weather man announcing a winter weather advisory. Snow! I pray for those who have to travel or work outside in those conditions but I have to say that I love to see the ground all covered in white. There is a certain stillness in a snowstorm that invites you to slow down and consider the world around you. Make a pot of soup. Bake a loaf of bread. Curl up with a good book. And even as we are in the midst of winter, the violets in my window are blooming profusely, the hint of the spring to come.

Before you take another step there’s something you should know
About the years ahead and how they’ll be
You’ll be living in a world where roses hardly ever grow
Cause all I have to offer you is me
There’ll be no mansion waiting on the hill with crystal chandeliers
Then there’ll be no fancy clothes for you to wear
Everything I have is standing here in front of you to see
All I have to offer you is me

Sweetheart I’ll give you all my love in every way I can
But make sure that’s what you want while you’re still free
The only gold I have for you is in this wedding band
Cause all I have to offer you is me
There’ll be no mansion waiting on the hill with crystal chandeliers
Then there’ll be no fancy clothes for you to wear
Everything I have is standing here in front of you to see
All I have to offer you is me

Written by Dallas Frazier, Arthur Owens Sr. • Copyright © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc

All I have to offer You is me . . . .

Those words have been running through my mind for several weeks. At the oddest moments they will appear out of nowhere, seemingly unrelated to what is going on at that moment. But there they are – All I have to offer You is me.

I capitalize the Y in you because while the words are the title of a popular country song that is not what brings them to mind. I’m not thinking of a romance but of a commitment. A commitment to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. During Advent and Christmas these words come reminding me – nothing in my hand I bring – simply to the cross I cling.

Lord, all that I have is me – my self – and nothing else.

But that is what I give to You.

All of me.

Use me as You choose, whenever You choose, however You choose.

I am Yours.

O Lord, open Thou my lips; and my tongue shall shew forth Thy praise. For Thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51:15-17

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:2-3

For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6

But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Matthew 9:12-13

   And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well Master, thou has said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. Mark 12:29-33

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2

But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven. A land which the Lord thy God careth  for: the eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year. Deuteronomy 11:11-12

We don’t know what the new year will hold but God does and even more important we can trust that whatever comes God is with us. We should greet each day with anticipation, eager to see what God will do.

He leads us on by paths we did not know;

Upward He leads us, though our steps be slow,

Though oft we faint and falter on the way,

Though storms and darkness oft obscure the day;

Yet when the clouds are gone,

We know He leads us on.

 

He leads us on through all the unquiet years;

Past all our dreamland hopes, and doubts and fears,

He guides our steps, through all the tangled maze

Of losses, sorrows, and o’erclouded days;

We know His will is done;

And still He leads us on.

-N. L. Zinzendorf   Streams In The Desert

We do not know what lies around the bend but even in the tough times we are assured of His presence, providing strength to overcome the difficulties we face. Trust in God to lead you throughout 2017.