Road Trip

   Loading up the truck with a travel pen - today we make the trip out of town to pick up a young buck. Seems it's about time our ladies had a man around. So off we go with coffee and maps and stuff in our laps, can't wait to show you the pictures of our blue eyed, black and white buck, Typhoon!

simplychele

She Taught Herself....

  

   Tatting. Oh, how I have tried to learn. Finding someone still practicing the art of tatting has proven impossible. Such persons are either at a point in life they are no longer able, or they have passed on. We have read about groups of gals gathering and reviving this art; they just don't seem to live anywhere near us. Knowing this, I took the book route and the video route - failing miserably each time. Personally- I gave up.




tatting supplies

   Leaving the items laying about, one of my girls sparked an interest in the beautiful craft. Packing a tote bag with supplies and a book with only one small article about tatting, off we went to church service. Not wanting to discourage her, I said nothing of my woes in this endeavor..let her be, I thought.




a sample of tatted lace

   Wouldn't you know- she aced it on her first attempt! By the time we arrived for church last week that girl had a nice start to hand tatted lace. Needless to say I am impressed and slightly jealous. A gift, such an amazing ability to pick up a pattern and just make it happen. Lacework does seem to suit her. 



ready to tote and carry

   Self-learning is a skill I truly wish we saw in more people today. The drive to pick an endeavor, research it, prepare for it, and do it. Our current society seems more bent toward a "do-for-me-attitude" instead of a "I-can-do-it-attitude." Teaching yourself a skill stirs up a satisfaction in our souls that nothing else can give. God made our hands to work, and He is honored when we use them wisely. Even the simply beauty of handwork can honor our Heavenly Father.

   Our family has "self-taught" many unique and dying arts. These endeavors do not have to be expensive or tedious. Seek things that accommodate your natural bent; your interests or style. Where do your passions lead you? What sparks a memory of a loved one? Challenge yourself to grow in a new area this week...teach yourself something new.

simplychele 

Thoughtful Thursday..Ponderings of the Accidental Pastor's Wife

                                                                 Life in the Blender

   Have you ever made a smoothie or iced coffee drink in the blender? We made some the other day and boy they were good. Ice, fruit, fresh milk swirling around the blender in a vortex of tasty goodness. The end result was sweet and very tasty, but many changes had to happen to the ingredients before the end result could be achieved....kinda like life.

   Here on the farm, the family has been facing "life in the blender"; a season of bumps and bruises that will change the shape of our being. Difficult decisions, doctor's visits, family discord, resurfacing of an oppressive situation, ministry, a drought, a storm and loss swirl around us- leaving us to feel out of control. As we sink in the vortex, unable to stop the motion, despair and discouragement fight to overtake us.

   In the midst of such a time as this, two questions for the Lord come to my heart: 1. Am I harboring a hidden sin that needs addressed and confessed? 2. Is this a proving, a time for my growth and Your glory? For the past few weeks, this has been my heartfelt prayer- which one is it? and where do I go from here? Show me..

   The answer is personal; a deep peace in my heart...a knowing..He is with me..He will lead us through. Whatever the answer is, He will provide..His grace is sufficient...His promises are true. We will get through this...we will have joy in the midst of trial....we will praise Him in this storm- we know the end result is a life will much sweeter.

   If sin is the culprit, we must recognize it for what it is- sin against a Holy God, then address it and confess it. Only in His precious Son are we able to do this..yet, until we do this..He cannot bless our service; our offerings.

   If it is a proving, we must accept God's decision and allow His will, His grace to carry us through- always keeping our humble spirit in communion with His. He cannot receive the Glory if we fail to allow His divine Hand.

   If you are experiencing life in the blender, let me share our steps to peace: 1. Breathe, 2. Bow the knee, 3. Believe. First, stop everything and take a deep breathe..be still before God. Then, bow the knee; unburden your heart to a Holy, Loving God- cry, yell, scream, groan- He already knows...you just need to let it go before Him. Now, believe: His grace is sufficient, His Word is pure, His promises are true..He will guide you through- you will have peace.

   Though none go with me, still I will follow.......even when life is in the blender.

Farmboy's First Deer

   Last weekend was Youth Hunt Weekend and our farm boys were out in the stands staking out the scenery.  Low and behold, they got them a deer- cute spike. Needless to say, he is now done up in our freezer. Job well done, boys, keep up the good work!

Saying Goodbye to Peppy

   Severe storms and strong winds swept over our farm last evening. When the fury ceases, we found our dear Peppy beneath a pine tree in our pasture. He had, once again, broke free of the stall and was apparently out in the storm when the wind came. Today, we say goodbye to Peppy.

simplychele