I am Loved Deeply, from the Heart

I was on an outing with this five year old cutie pie we call Super Girl on our blog.  She came with me on a fabric shopping excursion today.

I hadn't really planned on shopping for fabric...I thought I had all I needed in order to make a one-year photo quilt for Mini Maiden but when I began laying things out I decided I needed more pink...a girl can never have too much pink!  So I texted Rock Star to see if Super Girl might be available and she was!

I picked her up and we headed out.  It wasn't until we were actually on way that I decided where to go.  Super Girl hadn't had lunch yet and I thought that would be our first stop but she said she wasn't hungry yet and wanted to wait to eat.  I'm flexible so I steered the van toward Hobby Lobby because I love that store!

We found some perfect fabric choices right away and were just looking at lots of things because there are lots of things to look at there!  I thought several times I should tell Super Girl we needed to go but we were having such a good time and I don't get her to myself very often so we took our time.

As we were headed toward the front, I saw a familiar face...

This beautiful woman is a friend from years ago.  She mentored me when I was younger and still had four daughters in my nest.  We lived in the same town and attended the same church.  She loved me unconditionally and radiated the love of God.  I basked in her presence then and she has continued to love me (and I her) from a distance since we no longer live in the same town.  Some day I will see this face in heaven and get to spend more time with her.

She noted today that God brings special people into our lives.  I know what she means.  From a human perspective there is no rhyme or reason for the great love we share; yet God knit our hearts together years ago in a way that I am convinced will endure forever.

As we visited, my sweet little Super Girl was SO very patient!  She browsed the displays on either side of us being careful to always keep in my sight and never once fussed about taking so long (and I know she was getting hungry).  She even took this picture of us for me.

Some days, God smiles or winks at His children to show His great love; and today He brought me so much joy I could hardly contain it!  It was a simple miracle just for me that we were in the same place at the same time...I know without a doubt that He orchestrates our lives.  Thank You, Father!  I love You too!

1 Peter 1:22

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.

A Lesson Learned from a Little One

Pop and I love our grandchildren beyond any love we could have ever imagined and have learned a little bit about the nature of God through our children and grandchildren.  

As we gathered for Thanksgiving this year, Rock Star's and PhoJo's only daughter illustrated a truth about God that I will always treasure.  

You see, there is something special about our little Super Girl...something very quiet, very sweet, something that draws you into her world.  She shares herself in a way that children seem better at than adults.  She is open and transparent.  She is kind and gentle.  She gravitates towards the babies and sweetly talks to and touches them. 

She also has a heart for her Pop that is just precious.  When we are all gathered and there is total chaos all around, she makes her way to her Pop and climbs up in his lap to visit with him.  Nothing big.  No production. No wanting her own way.  She just wants to be close to him.

"Thanksgiving Pilgrim Super Girl"

So in the crazy time before we sat down to eat, Pop asked the grandchildren to share their favorite thing about Thanksgiving.  He started with the oldest and worked his way down the line.  We heard sweet things like "coming to the farm" and fun things like "I'm thankful for the pilgrims who settled in America."  When Supergirl's turn came, the bigger kids were ready to move on to eating and were not so quietly listening...

While Pop and I tried to hear her (be still my heart), she stepped over close to him with her eyes locked on mine (sniff), she leaned in and wrapped both arms around Pop's leg as he leaned against the kitchen counter, gently laid her head on his thigh and said what she wanted to say...confident that she was being heard by both her Pop and Grammy (tears falling and lump in my throat).  That sweet image is seared on my brain and heart forever.

As Pop and I talked that night, I related that I saw in that moment a full-color illustration of  what our relationship can be like with our heavenly Father.  When there is chaos all around us, all we have to do is lean into the Father.  We don't have to worry.  We don't have to compete.  We simply draw near, knowing full well that we are welcome and loved and heard.

Hebrews 4:16 (Young's Literal Translation) puts it this way "...we may come near, then, with freedom, to the throne of the grace, that we may receive kindness, and find grace -- for seasonable help."

One of my favorite authors of late, Ann Voskamp who ties being thankful with being in God's presence put it this way in her book One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, "The practice of giving thanks...eucharisteo...this is the way we practice the presence of God, stay present to His presence, and it is always a practice of the eyes.  We don't have to change what we see.  Only the way we see."

I want to be with God the way Supergirl is with Pop.  I'll keep watching and learning from the children.  They have much to teach me. 

Jesus said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Super Girl with her Dad, Mom, and brothers

Rooted and Established as Winter Lingers

My fascination with the intertwined trees continues.  Each time I pass these trees, I pause and take them in.  Sometimes I snap a new picture.  This pair...this couple has become representative of marriage in my mind; and there is often a new thought when I gaze upon them.  Sometimes it is a fleeting thought and other times requires some pondering.  I love their pose...they depict a lifetime of commitment...joined together...an embrace of sorts.  Us against the world, the elements, whatever comes...we will stand together.

With snow on the ground right now and spring imminent, our weather has been wildly unpredictable.  I don't seem to know how to dress for the day and realize I'm not the only one.  If you look closely at the trees, they are wearing buds...dressed for spring but standing in the snow.  Regardless of the weather, they are still together...making it work...planning for the next season...arms uplifted and praising their creator.

I know God has the seasons in His hands...not just for the trees, but for me and those I love as well.  I will try to enjoy each season, each day, looking to Him for what comes next and knowing that He will provide what is needed.

Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said:  "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.  He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.  He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.  He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him." (Daniel 2:21b-22)  

Songs in the Morning...Unclouded Day

Many mornings I wake up with a song running through my head...usually it is a praise/worship song of some kind.  I feel like it is God waking me up...sort of like my Mom waking us kids up by singing "Wake up, wake up, you sleepy head. Get up. Get up. Get out of bed!"...but not exactly.  ha ha  As we grew older and were harder and harder to rouse, she resorted to an 8 track player located in our formal living room at the bottom of the stairway that led up to our bedrooms.  I haven't verified it, but I think she used Danny Davis and the Nashville Brass most often because she knew at least one of us would race downstairs to stop the noise!!  

The songs I hear in my head are a much more gentle wake up!

Now I know that at the last trumpet there will be all kinds of waking up happening (1 Corinthians 15:35-58); however, I'm fairly confident it will NOT sound like Danny Davis and the Nashville Brass (here's a clip in case you're curious)!!

So a while back, I woke up with a song playing in my mind from the previous Sunday's praise time at church.  It was an old song...not one of my very favorites...but a good one nonetheless.  We attend a church where you are likely to hear all genre of music at some point.  I think there may not be an instrument that the music minister there cannot play; so there is a place for everything from the cello to the banjo,the piano to the accordion, and the bongo to the washboard! When we heard this song, Unclouded Day at church, Pop leaned over and said that his mom and aunts used to sing this one sometimes when he was a kid.  Sweet memory for him. 

Anyway, I thought I'd share the lyrics and a snippet of this oldie for you.  I hope God wakes you up with a song in the morning...it's a great way to wake up.

Unclouded Day (listen to a clip here)

Words & Music: Jo­si­ah K. Al­wood, cir­ca 1880

O they tell me of a home far beyond the skies,
O they tell me of a home far away;
O they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise,
O they tell me of an unclouded day.

Refrain

O the land of cloudless day,
O the land of an unclouded day,
O they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise,
O they tell me of an unclouded day.

O they tell me of a home where my friends have gone,
O they tell me of that land far away,
Where the tree of life in eternal bloom
Sheds its fragrance through the unclouded day.

Refrain

O they tell me of a King in His beauty there,
And they tell me that mine eyes shall behold
Where He sits on the throne that is whiter than snow,
In the city that is made of gold.

Refrain

O they tell me that He smiles on His children there,
And His smile drives their sorrows all away;
And they tell me that no tears ever come again
In that lovely land of unclouded day.

Refrain

Oakley is Hip

So my good, long-time friend Oakley had hip replacement surgery recently.  She's not old enough to need a joint replacement but no one remembered to tell her hip that!

I asked her if I could come help out...after all, my mom had her hip replaced this past fall and I was there...just sayin' I am qualified to help.  She accepted my offer and I headed up the road to their home...more accurately the hospital, because she was still there.  The surgery had gone well and her hubby, Big Dog (the real, true, original Big Dog before motorcycles, large & tall clothing, or beer brewers stole his identity), was sitting in her hospital room as she slept off the effects of the anesthesia.

Oakley is the Thelma to my Louise or vice versa (except for that whole driving over the edge of the cliff thing)...she is more likely to keep me from going over...she is more likely to talk me down from the edge.  She is calm and rational and generally able to see the big picture.  She is loving and loyal.  She flew to South Carolina when Pop and I were in the process of moving back to Kansas to make the long drive home with me.  (Here's a link to that story.)

And she has a giggle that when I just think about it, I have bubbles that start in the pit of my stomach and work their way up and out as the kind of hysterical laughter that only great friends can share.

While she was in the hospital, the "Blizzard of Oz" hit.  Kansas gets snow but it had been a while.  It was beautiful.  Serene.  Calm.  Peaceful.  I had heard it was coming and made sure to travel before it arrived.  It blessed me to help out...a little cleaning...a little laundry...a tiny bit of cooking (because Oakley and Big Dog had purchased smart, easy foods to keep it simple).  Then Oakley's parents arrived...they met her Aunt and Uncle there so the "girls" could attend a two-day conference and the brothers could visit.  It was a pleasant event for me.

On a side note, God orchestrated a chance meeting of another long-time friend who happens to work at that hospital...I came out of Oakley's room and came face to face...we've stayed somewhat in touch but it was a sweet meeting.  I love it when God does that!

The first night they were there, Oakley and I had dinner with the two gentlemen while their wives were at the evening session of the conference...these men are polite and soft-spoken...they are quick to smile and are apt conversationalists.  Of course, they weren't there to visit with me but Oakley had to rest and recuperate; so I was the happy participant in some of her Dad's and Uncle's conversations.  Her folks and Pop and I have some common acquaintances (some of them happen to be related to Oakley) and we share a common faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  At one point, my question to him about a news story on the television eventually routed to his beliefs and his faith.  There is nothing I love to talk about or hear about more.

I found this picture of some of her extended family to share...

Big Dog, Oakley, and their two precious daughters are on the left.  Oakley's Mom and Dad are to the right of her.
Her aunt and uncle who came to visit are also in this picture.
You might also recognize The Cowboy (Oakley's brother) and Mrs. Cowboy from a previous blog post.
The tall brunette is their daughter and she just happened to play volleyball with my niece.
My worlds are colliding like Seinfeld's George Costanza's - except that I like it!)

Oakley is recovering just fine...better than fine...she is stellar, actually...a veritable poster child for joint replacement surgery.  She had been in so much pain before the surgery that she hardly needed pain medication (which is really good, because they make her dizzy and sick to her stomach).  I had to keep reminding her NOT TO DO things.

I would have loved to stay longer but there was another snow storm coming and Oakley was in good hands with her Mom and Dad there to help her and Big Dog.  And the Four Sisters Farm cats were probably hungry.

So I am holed up at the farm...the cats fed...the ground mostly blanketed by snow...a fire in the fireplace...catching up on paperwork and some sewing.  I am also basking in the glow of time shared with a great friend.  I did tell her I thought surgery was way above and beyond what most friends do to get together for friend time...she just giggled.

I love Oakley.  I love her family too.  That is all.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12a says,

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.

But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.

But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves."

True Cleaning Confessions

It's "true confession" time...my name is Grammy and I used to be a slob. If you've seen pictures on the Four Sisters Farm blog, most likely you have seen me at or near my best (unless we were blogging about a project we were working on). My Mom can testify (and indeed she has) that I used to loathe cleaning of any kind.  I could pretty much walk over, around, or through the same mess multiple times with no desire to do anything about it.

Even as a young wife and mother, I was terribly inconsistent about cleaning...I knew HOW to clean...Mom made sure of that...I just didn't do it often enough!  Our first apartment when Pop and I moved away from our folks to go to college was a dark, depressing dungeon of a place that was built around an octopus of a heating system. It was such a small dwelling that we warmed the bathroom with a blow dryer! The kitchen wasn't really big enough to be called a kitchenette...the sink was a small bar sink...try doing dishes in that!

But somewhere along the line I gradually got better...probably because I had to teach the Four Sisters how to keep house.  I now LOVE living in a clean house and even enjoy the process of cleaning.  I keep a pretty clean house now...which leads to the whole reason for this post...

I recently decided it was time to mop the floor...the whole hard surface floor...and I still believe I can clean it best the old fashioned way...on my hands and knees with a bucket and a rag...that way I can see and feel what needs cleaning.

So I was dunking, wringing, scrubbing, and thinking (it seems to me that thinking is one if the luxuries associated with mundane tasks like mopping). I was thinking as I mopped that I could use an actual mop...but down on the floor on my hands and knees I could see so much more clearly what needed cleaned up...I even cleaned things off the table legs and chairs that I hadn't noticed...things that had definitely been there a while!

Then the parallels began coming to mind...in my walk with God, when I am in a position of humility, I am more aware of the things that need cleaning up in my life...thoughts and actions that need to be dealt with, people I need to forgive, grace and mercy I need to extend, wrong thinking that needs to be exposed to the truth of God's Word. 

In a position of humility, I can make choices about whether or not to allow God to work in me...letting Him convict me by His Holy Spirit...hearing Him tell me He loves me enough to come alongside me to provide what I need to affect change...and sometimes even witnessing Him making the changes for and in me, simply because I was willing.

When it comes to deep cleaning, God is the Master Cleaner.

Psalm 51:1-3 says, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.  Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.  For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me."

What to do for Valentines Day

Pop and Grammy at
Pretty Princess' and Romeo's Wedding

Pop and I celebrated Valentines Day early this year because our schedules are wacky and we won't be  together on "the" day this year...so what to do???

Pop came home with roses...steaks for the grill...and a small container of strawberry ice cream to share (he got out two spoons...one for me and one for him).  I believe Pop is getting more and more sentimental and romantic as we get older.  I like it.  A lot.

I brought home a surprise for him too.  He had a print he had been wanting to frame for his office that neither of us had gotten around to doing...so I did it.  He was surprised and pleased that I took care of it for him.

So if you are thinking about what to do for your sweetie for Valentines Day this year, you are welcome to borrow some ideas from Pop.  Or think of something your darling has wanted to get or do and take care of it for them.

Happy Valentines Day, Everyone!

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:18 NIV)

The Blessings of Choosing Obedience (I'm Not an Expert)

I was reading in John 9 about a man who had been blind since birth. Some thought he had been born blind due to his sin or the sin of his parents.

Jesus said that neither had sinned...that the man was born blind so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.  Wow!

What struck me as I read this passage is that after Jesus put mud on this man's eyes He told him to go wash...which means that the man had a choice. He could have continued on His way, ignoring Jesus' words; but instead, he obeyed and was healed.

There is much more to the story and to how this chapter of Scripture could apply to our lives; but it makes me wonder how many of us are choosing to wander around blind...needing Jesus' healing touch...but too stubborn or proud to just "go wash" or do whatever it is that Jesus is telling us to do.

I hope you will take the time to read and ponder this chapter ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+9&version=NIV).

I would also love to hear what you think and/or how this story relates to something in your life.

A Safe Place

A precious young friend of mine came to visit us at Four Sisters Farm recently.  She has an incredible heart for the Lord and for His children.  She works as a Children's Pastor at her church several hours away from us and takes her job very seriously.  She was in need of some refreshing and we were privileged to have her here.

I enjoyed feeding her, visiting with her, and just basking in sweet fellowship. I had an opportunity to love on her and to pray over her. She got some rest....even a short cat nap in the hammock...literally...as our cat Boots snuggled up with her! I hope she will be able to return soon as her schedule allows. I was blessed beyond measure to see God use Four Sisters Farm as a safe haven for her and pray that He will continue to bless this place as He uses it for His glory and the good of His children.

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 

Mark 6:31b (NIV)

Not for Us

Pop and I had a busy day today.  He was off work, so of course we worked at home!  He has had plans for some time to clean up the "mountain" by our pond.  I helped him for part of the day planting grass and clearing brush. What Pop sees as he does the work is our children and our grandchildren enjoying the pond, the dam, and the hill.  He sees sledding in the winter and picnics in the spring, summer, and fall.  He envisions a bench atop the hill for us to enjoy watching the kids as they play.  The work he does is not for him.

Later in the day, I left Pop still working on the hill and headed back to the house to do one of the things on my list.  I needed to seal the porch decking today so it will be ready for winter.  In the quiet of the afternoon I thought about the work we do at Four Sisters Farm.  As I applied the sealer, stroke by stroke with a wide paintbrush, a thought came to me softly from somewhere deep within..."The work you are doing isn't for you."  

I paused and pondered that thought and realized how true it is.  Oh, it is "our" place; "our" house; "our land."  In reality, it belongs to God like all things and we are the grateful stewards of what He chooses to give us.  

The work isn't about us at all...this place is a tool to be used as God sees fit.  We bought the place knowing that God had plans for it that we knew nothing about.  It brings us joy to share it with our family and our friends; and to wait and see what God will do with it...and us.  

As I continued painting, I came across the dents in the porch decking made by our young superheroes with small hammers.  I had no idea how strong they were (and are)!  Then I came across evidence of spilled wine that Daina and I enjoyed as we played with tiny kittens one evening.  There are red marks from the rocking chairs I painted for EJ and Farm Chick when they lived here that defy being covered by the "honey oak sealer" and skid marks from a small bicycle that was ridden on the porch when it rained one day.  As I came across each of those "scars" on the porch, the memories associated with them warmed my heart.  We could sand out those stains and dents...but why?  

Those imperfections in the porch are hallmarks of our lives here.  They reflect the growth of our grandchildren.  They bring to mind times we have sat on the porch...We once sat there with friends on a summer evening, sharing funny stories until it was later than any of us intended to stay up.  Another time, Jewel and I sat in rocking chairs praying for her mom when she was taken to the hospital (glad to say she is fine and still baking pies).  Of course, our Fourth of July fireworks are viewed from the porch as well as our annual costume parade of the grandchildren at our family fall party.

I realize that the work Pop and I are doing out here at Four Sisters Farm, means so much more than just physical labor.

As we work, the images that come to our minds have far greater implications than completing the task at hand... We see our young grand children at play...our children visiting and drinking coffee on the porch...evenings spent with friends...sunrises and sunsets...changing seasons...new phases of our lives coming. 

Ecclesiastes 3:9-13, "What do workers gain from their toil?  I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race.  He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.  That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil -- this is the gift of God."

I Need a Sound Mind!

Chaos!! Craziness!! Do you ever have days when you can't seem to have a clear thought?  It is like having your brain short-circuit and it is misfiring all over the place...I recently had a day like that...I started jotting down the thoughts as they were coming.  Of course, in my mind, I don't make complete sentences because I know what I mean, right?  But for you, I even used punctuation.

I need to get groceries...what do we need?  I can't forget to turn that signed insurance form in to EJ's office.  Don't forget to pay that doctor's bill that came in the mail.  Did I shut off the water to the garden?  Check the calendar about the upcoming Walk for Life!  Call the missionary who called to see if he and his wife could meet with us to give us an update.  Maybe it would help me if made a list of all my uncompleted projects that keep popping into my head.  I can't forget to order pictures on canvas that I've already paid for through a groupon.  Record the receipts in the checking register.  Hmmm...I wonder how hard it is to write a screenplay.  We still haven't scheduled a party for all the folks who helped us with the renovation.  Oh, and we still haven't scheduled that small group reunion a friend and I talked about months ago...oh, but Pop said we need to wait until the weather is cooler...but the weather is getting cooler!  I still haven't sent a card and check to our family friend who recently graduated.  I need to remember to text Diana, call Janet, Ellen, Linda, Terry, and Debbie.  I miss them SO much!  We need to invite our friends over for dinner.  I can't forget to schedule eye, dental, and dermatology appointments.  Gotta call about that apple peeler I bought that doesn't work.

I could go on and on...trust me...but it is scary in my head sometimes!  When I feel like things are out of control, I have to stop myself and do three things:

1. Pray for God's help.
2. Focus on Scripture.
3. Make an organized list in priority order.

• Romans 12:2, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." 
• 2 Corinthians 10:5, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  
• Romans 8:6,  "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." 
•  2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV),  "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

"For God is not a God of disorder but of peace..." 1 Corinthians 14:33a 

Thank You, God for being a God of peace!   Thank You that my mind can be transformed and that I can make the choice to take my thoughts captive and bring them into order.

Firm Foundation

Yesterday Pop and I worked on the floor of our farm house.  We had a few squeaks and some loose nails and screws as well as some "toe stubbers" where the seams were uneven.  

We are preparing to put down a new floor in the house and as Pop says, "Every little thing in the sub floor will show up in some way in the new floor." So we set about pulling out old staples from previous floor coverings, hammering down loose nails, and screwing in loose screws...all in preparation for a new sub floor layer of thin pressed wood that will cover over the imperfections of the old floor and provide a smooth foundation for the new flooring. 

As usual, I began to ponder what I was learning in our physical world and how it relates to our spiritual world.  Just like sub floor in our old house, a firm foundation is crucial for us as we "build" our lives...every thing we think, believe, and act upon has to have some basis.  If our foundation is shaky or built on things that are untrue, anything we build on it will not last.


1 Timothy 6:17-19 says, "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."

Life at Four Sisters Farm (including the renovation of the farm house) has been full of spiritual lessons for me.  Learning those lessons along with all the hard-knock lessons that come with renovating an old house has somehow made the work more enjoyable. 
Some days are more enjoyable than others and some days it seems everything goes wrong, but as Pop and I sat and looked out the front window and imagined ourselves in our "new" living space, all seemed right with the world.  


Thank You, God!  Help us to put our hope in You who riches provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  Help us to do good, to be generous, and willing to share what you have given us in and around Four Sisters Farm.  Thank You for the treasure of a firm foundation so that we may take hold of the life that is truly life!

Buyer's Remorse

Over the holiday, I went to the local variety store of my hometown with my mom, sister, and sis-in-law.  Our mission was to pick out fabric for a quilt for Mom to make my sis-in-law; but of course, we had to look at other things as well and we stumbled onto this wall hanging and thought it was cute and clever and would work perfectly in the future Four Sisters Farm kitchen...I was a bit smitten and I purchased it (along with a "God Bless Cowboys" plaque that will someday hang in the bunk room).

I decided to place it in Pop's Christmas stocking hanging at the mantle of my folk's house as sort of a silly joke.  Well...the way things worked out, Pop and I didn't get to stay long enough for the festivities of the evening as we had to make the several hour drive back home that night.  So I loaded up the contents of our stockings into a bag and we headed on home.  As we drove and I pondered the time we had just spent with family, I also pondered the sign and realized that I just couldn't do it...Pop DOES rule the roost but not in a bad way and I definitely do NOT rule the rooster at Four Sisters Farm.  It would be like advertising a lie if I hung up this cutesy little sign in our home.

Some folks would think it is just a joke...no big deal...but I believe otherwise.  Scripture says, "Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, 'I was only joking!'" (Proverbs 26:18-19).  One of the things I told the four sisters as they were growing up is that joking always has roots in what a person really believes.  I have found this to be true over and over.  Sarcasm (sometimes we call it joking) is rampant in our lives these days.  We hear it all around us...we see it on television in sitcoms and we refer to someone as "witty" when they have mastered the art of hurting someone in a way that makes others laugh.

I looked up the definition of sarcasm and it means "a sharply ironical taunt; sneering or cutting remark" so I also looked up irony which means "the use of words to convey a meaning that is opposite of its literal meaning".  Hmmm...so if we say things that mean the opposite, isn't that the same as lying?  I think so.

I will pass on cute and clever and tell you what I really believe about Pop...he is THE man here at Four Sisters Farm.  He takes his responsibilities to care for me and our family very seriously.  I very happily accept my place under his leadership knowing that he has my best interest at heart.  He understands that his role as a leader brings responsibility and accountability with God and his desire is please God.  I know he isn't perfect and I know he will make mistakes (me too); even so, I choose to follow him.

Maybe I can find a cute, clever sign with a rooster that says something like, "He rules the roost, and I love the rooster!"  That would be closer to the truth.  There is plenty to laugh about at Four Sisters Farm without making fun of anyone.  It is a safe place to be.  It's one of the things I love about Four Sisters Farm.

Love is a Sacred Trust

Oh a whim, Pop and I called the Superheroes after we had enjoyed dinner out last night.  We were not in need of any superhero feats; we just missed them and were not too far away.  We had heard they were going to see Arthur's Christmas earlier in the day and hoped to hear what the "critics" had to say about it.  So we called.  They were home...but not alone...Romeo and Pretty Princess had come for dinner. BONUS!  We got two of the four sisters in one "drive by visit."  But that is not what this post is about.

When we arrived, the superheroes greeted us warmly as did Pretty Princess and Romeo.  Then something amazing happened.  Something that possibly only I caught.  As I scooped up the Supergirl and talked to her, our eyes locked...not just for a second or two...but for a while.  This little, tiny (not yet two years old) girl...sweet, sassy, adorable little girl looked deep into my soul as I gazed upon hers through the windows we call eyes.  In just a minute or maybe a little more, we saw each other...completely...and loved each other.

This phenomenon has happened at some precious point in time with each of our children and grandchildren when they were small and it takes my breath away each time.  With each child, it is new and different, yet old and familiar, warm and comforting, just as it should be.

I awoke in the wee hours this morning thinking about it and realize that the love I have for my family, my friends, my fellow human beings is a sacred trust...just as my precious little granddaughter completely trusts me and trusts in my love...I am obligated...by my love...the love given to me by our Heavenly Father that is true and good and perfect...to give my best.  Not out of guilt.  Not because I should.  Not because of any outward manipulation. Simply because I love.

I remember the very first time I felt this kind of love for Pop. I was in the fifth grade and he was in the sixth. I had seen him before and knew who he was but one day as I met him on the stairs at school (for some reason it was just the two of us – we must have been running errands for our teachers), I saw him for the first time as someone I loved. I awkwardly said, “Hi” and he nodded. I was deeply impacted. I can still see the sunlight streaming in the window highlighting his blond hair, blue eyes, and strong shape. We didn't date until high school but God firmly planted something in my heart that day I didn't quite understand. I didn't chase after him or stake any claims; but I was filled with a sense of assurance in the way I felt about this handsome boy.

Before I give anyone the impression that I have some kind of super power on my own to love, let me just say that "We love  because He first loved us." (I John 4:19) God IS love and love originates with Him.  I am grateful for that love and grateful that He chooses to love others through us.  God's Word says it best...I John 4:7-12 says, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.  Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.  This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.  Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us."

I am so grateful to God for His love and so grateful for the ways and the times that love is visible in my life.  It is a free gift and there is a reader happening upon this post who hasn't experienced it, you are not reading by accident...God set it up...He orchestrated it...He chose to use me to convey to you right now that He loves you.  Just say "Yes" to Him.  You will never be sorry.

Unless the LORD builds the house...

I was awakened at about 2:45am yesterday morning and laid awake until after 4:00.  What woke me up was a panicky feeling about where we had placed outlets upon a wall we were planning to place cabinets and because of space had made a decision not to.  Yikes!  Was there enough wiring to lower the outlets?  Should we revamp and modify cabinets to make it work in the limited space?  What should we do?
Seriously?

That should not keep a gal awake in the middle of the night.


Then I took it to God.  I said, "Lord, this is getting to me.  You are the one Who knows how things should be laid out.  You are the One Who knows what we need in order to accomplish Your purposes at Four Sisters Farm.  Please help us!"  As I pondered what God might want, Psalm 127 came to mind:


Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.
Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.

I want the LORD to build this house.  I want the LORD to watch over our farm.  I want the LORD to grant sleep to me (because I know He loves me).  We do believe our children and grandchildren are a heritage from the LORD and we feel so rewarded and blessed by them.  It is exciting to think about them being like arrows...shot out by us into this world to spread the Good News of God's love.

THAT is what Four Sisters Farm is all about!  I don't have to know the whole plan right now.  I don't have to second guess things.  I know we have to physically do the work...but I don't have to worry or fret.  That outlet is probably right where God wants it.  We will see...He will make it evident.  It will all work out and will be a blessing...and I will sleep better knowing that.

Blessings...Like King David!

I feel a little like King David today!

Psalm 21:1-6


The king rejoices in your strength, LORD. How great is his joy in the victories you give!  You have granted him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips.  You came to greet him with rich blessings   and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.  He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—   length of days, for ever and ever. Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;   you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. Surely you have granted him unending blessings   and made him glad with the joy of your presence.  For the king trusts in the LORD;   through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.

This past weekend found us busy as most weekends working on the renovation of the Four Sisters Farm house. It feels overwhelming to Pop and me at times. We are grateful for the skills to be able to do much of the work ourselves, but with Pop's work and the fact that I'm a "girl" and don't know how to do many of the things that need doing, it sometimes seems like we will never be past this first phase of preparing for the sheet rocker to come do his thing!

Some weekends it is just Pop working, sometimes it's Pop and me, other weekends find our children and grandchildren in the mix.  This past weekend, the main project was wiring (electrical, phone, antenna cable).  We didn't get it all done but we came a LONG way with help once again...most of the day on Saturday and Sunday afternoon and evening as well!
Thanks to Doc, DW, EJ, and Farm Chick at Heart.  The guys worked hard, the women rode herd on the kids and fed us.  Lou also helped some - she pulled wire with her dad and picked up staples, screws, and nails with the big magnet.  You all bless us!!

I feel a little like King David today!!

Ninja Turtles and other "good things"

Bubba: "Mom, I had a bad dream last night."

Me: "You did.  I'm sorry buddy.  When I have bad dreams I pray and ask God to help me think of good things.  Did you know there is a verse in the bible about thinking on good things?

It goes like this...

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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)
 
Me: "Does that make sense?  Think about good things?"
 
Bubba: "Yes.  Like Ninja Turtles!!!"
 
Hmmm...
 
Not exactly what I was thinking but it made him feel better.

Wisdom

Sometimes life is tricky.

Sometimes navigating a semi-open adoption is really tricky.

Sometimes knowing what to do next is overwhelmingly tricky.

I am so grateful that God's word says this...

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

James 1:5

Father, give us wisdom.

wedded bliss

Today EJ and I celebrate 9 years of wedded bliss.

You are laughing already, right? 

Honestly, who made up the phrase "wedded bliss"? 

Clearly they were never married.

Marriage is messy. 

It takes tons of commitment, prayer and WORK.

You have to compromise and fight and grow.

The process can be painful at times.

Honestly, EJ makes me crazy and I make him crazy.

Like I told you in our love story, Grammy often uses the phrase, "iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17) in regards to marriage.

That makes EJ and I a very SPARKY couple.

You know what? 

Sparky can be kind of fun.

We are both passionate people who have a lot of spunk.

The passion comes from a deep love for one another.

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins."

1 Peter 4:8

Good thing because we are two imperfect people.

The goal will never be perfection.

The goal will be transformation.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Romans 12:2

I know that God uses our marriage to grow us. 

I know I have a lot more growing to do.

But today is about celebrating the adventure so far.

It has been an amazing 9 years!

I am beyond blessed by EJ. 

I am so proud to be his wife. 

I am so grateful that God gave him to me.

Happy Anniversary to the love of my life!

Thank you for loving me at all times.

Thank you for forgiving me when I need it.

Thank you for bringing indescribable joy to my life.

Thank you for laughing with me.

Thank you for dreaming with me.

Thank you for choosing me.

I love you like crazy.

Even when we make each other crazy.

May we be blessed with many more years to celebrate our anniversary!

Gettysburg - The Battle Comes Alive

Pop recently attended a leadership institute in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and I was blessed to tag along.

Neither of us had been there before and it was truly amazing. The Battle of Gettysburg came to life for us. Pop is a bit of a history buff but a love of history eluded me when I was a kid...it just never seemed to stick. I always learned enough to pass the tests in school but it wasn't meaningful to me. Gettysburg changed me...history came alive while we were there. It wasn't a reenactment of the battle that brought it to life. Instead it was brought to life by Abraham Lincoln and a young woman named Jennie Wade.

We lived in Charleston, SC for about four years and heard how some folks there still call the Civil War "The War of Northern Aggression". I always knew there were people who still fly the Confederate flag but I thought it was just for fun. I had no idea that there are people who don't hold to the notion that "all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights" as our Country's constitution states.

As I pondered the historical events of 1863, I became convinced that President Lincoln's motivation was love for his fellow man and his heart's desire was for our Country to be unified. In spite of much opposition, he held firm to his belief that slavery was wrong. He was a wise man and the words of his Gettysburg Address are powerful even today. I didn't retain from my girlhood history lessons that Lincoln's speech on November 19, 1863 was part of a ceremony commemorating a burial place for the soldiers who gave their lives that others might know freedom. He must have been heavily burdened as he led the Union during war time. The weight of all the men who died surely rested squarely on his shoulders.

Then there was Jennie Wade - the only civilian who was killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. She was shot by a sharpshooter's rifle through two wooden doors as she was making biscuits for some Union soldiers. I toured the house where she died and learned that in her devotion that morning, she prayed a prayer asking God that if anyone had to die in their house that day, she wanted it to be her.

Abraham Lincoln was the right man, in the right place, at the right time to ensure freedom for all in this great country. Jennie Wade was also where she was meant to be - feeding soldiers. Both of these people are heroes in my mind - both motivated by LOVE for their fellow man - both died having fulfilled God's purpose for their lives.

I know there are many other "players" in the drama of war whose hearts were and are pure...whose motivation was and is love...who unselfishly gave and are giving of themselves. I am grateful.

John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."