Living the Simple Life

Growing Little Chicks

The sad news is that Bonnie passed away. We don't know why or what happened. One minute she was fine, the next, our Abi came upstairs and told Dad she "thought one of the chickens was dead..." So DH went and saw that she was, indeed, gone.
When we went to the store to replace her, we ended up buying two, so now we can't have a Bonnie and Clyde (although I think Clyde will still be and always be a Clyde~ if you know what I mean...) but now we need new names. Already they are growing and eating.... and perching. We took them outside for awhile today to let them roam a bit....
I never realized what a natural beauty that my daughter has until I saw this picture. I guess I have... but it really struck me today for some reason.

Anyway....  I started my online classes today. Just orientation, but exciting, nonetheless.... it took the better part of the day, but I think I have the online stuff mastered! LOL!

DH and I are going to go pick up our motorcycle tomorrow and go riding for a bit. Wind in our hair... sun in our faces... and my arms wrapped around my best friend... who could ask for more?  :)

Well, I had better get off for now. I just wanted to update on the chicks.

Hope you all had a blessed St Patty's Day!

Blessings!

Feeling Grief, Anger, Doubt---But God is Good.

This evening, while reading, I came across inspirational words by David Jeremiah in My Heart's Desire:

Well here it is...

Wordless Wednesday

Kitchen Chat...Happy St. Patrick's Day

Today looking out the farm kitchen window,
the grass is green, the sun is bright in a clear blue sky.
The hens and roosters, are sunning themselves.
Lazily rolling over to sun one side, then the other.
The birds, oh the birds are so plentiful, and  awaiting fresh seed
that sits now on the kitchen table, soon to fill up their feeders.
A  few snowdrops and crocus dot the landscape.
Spring hasn't sprung completely, but we will certainly rejoice!

Be joyful in hope.
Romans 12:12
Spring is such a hopeful season.
New , wonderful, fresh.
Father God gives us this season,
A season of hope on the farm.
Hope that the cold, bitter winter weather is behind us.
Hope that the sowing of seed will be bountiful.
Hope that the new animals will grow strong.
And hope that our loved ones will be blessed,
Hope  we have through our Savior.

Have a wonderful day!

Blessings,
Herbs & Honey

A quick kitchen tip.

This morning I have been prepping for tonight's dinner.  I always make an Irish dinner on St. Pattie's Day.  My family did that growing up (being Irish) and I have continued the tradition.

The lamb stew is simmering, veggies to be added later this evening.  Dessert is in the fridge, cooling and will be assembled shortly, so that it can chill some more before serving.  I decided not to make the Irish Soda Bread, as I have spinach basil bread left from last night, and seeing that it is green in color and was very good, I think I'll save some time and serve that.  It may not be Irish, but it's green.

As I was cleaning the prep mess I remembered that something I read on one of your lovely blogs this morning.  You were making chicken stock the Nourishing Traditions way.  Last week I too made chicken stock using the NT recipe.  I have been using this recipe for quite some time. 

So what's my tip?  Ice cube trays!  This tip may not be new to some of you, but I use ice cube trays a lot in the kitchen and not for making ice.

When the chicken stock cools I pour into several trays and pop them in the freezer.  Just like you would ice.  I let them freeze real well for a couple of days.
Then I pull them out, let sit on the counter just a few minutes to thaw a bit.

Pop them out onto a plate or tray.


Lastly,  place in ziplock bags and label.  These make great flavorings for soups, casseroles, sauces, rice, potatoes, anytime you need a small amount of broth for flavoring.  Could also make a quick healthy broth for that loved one who is sick in bed.

I also use this method for my pesto.  Add pasta or rice for a really quick dinner use for a nice flavorful change from the usual red tomato pizza sauce.  I used ice cube trays  years ago to make and store homemade baby food.  The possibilities are endless.

So next time you make broth, set some aside for chicken stock ice cubes.  You'll be glad you did.
Now, back to my St. Pattie's Night dinner so can get outside to enjoy this beautiful spring afternoon.

Blessings to you all,
Lori

Video

This is a new song to me. I was listening to it this morning after I finished listening to Dr. McGee and I still had time on the exercise bike. I like all the words, but the chorus is a great reminder to all of us.

"All is well with my soul

He is God in control

I know not all His plans

But I know I'm in His hands."

Happy St. Patrick's Day and a Quick Tour of Ireland

It is my dream to someday visit the countries of my ancestors, Ireland and Scotland.
But for today I simply dream.  Please enjoy a cup of coffee or strong black tea and enjoy  the beauty of Ireland...and an Irish blessing too!

Cliffs of Moher, County Ireland.  They plunge 700 feet to the sea for 5 miles.

 

Dingle, Ireland

Keem Bay, Achill Island

Wicklow Mountains

Cork,   Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Some of Ireland's beautiful countryside.

Wow!  Now that's a homestead!


May your days be many and your troubles few.
May all God's blessings descend upon you.
May peace be within you, may your heart be strong.
May you find what you're seeking, wherever you roam.

An Irish Blessing

Lori

Let Everyone Say Amen

Blessings HSB bloggers. I pray that all is well with you and your precious families.

This early morning, I have returned from work, and as I sat here praying, and thinking over the last few  days and hours, something is on my mind, and heart, rather heavily.  I recently wrote a blog titled "Be Careful Little Eyes What You See." The reason I wrote that blog was two-fold. First, because it disturbs my spirit when I see or hear that others are being less than Christ-like to friends or neighbors, and because I see myself often failing that mark.  The seond was because in times of great stress, this nation has always been wise enough to call out for the mercy of God, and that has brought mecry and change, and helped us maintain our heritage, and our freedom. But, as I see many of the things now accepted as the "norm",  I wonder, am I crying out loud enough? Am I doing what I should?  Now, I am not speaking of tirades and anger or protest marches, or writing some great treatise on political or spiritual matters.  I am talking about speaking straight to the Heart of the Matter...to the Father. I am talking about face-down, or on my kness, (at least figuartively), crying out for wisdom and mercy for the people of this nation, and leaders, and my own family and friends.

I think back to the time when I visited a church, and the pastor there read passages of Scripture, and the members of the body read back a passage to him.  Called "responsive readings," this signified that the members were actually hearing the message preached. At the end of the readings, the congregation would always say "Amen."   I think I need a little bit more of that "responsiveness" in my own life, as I read God's word.  I need that "Amen" moment!

Amen, literally translated means, "So be it." So, when I say a prayer, and I end it with Amen, that is really what I am saying...it is speaking in faith.  The problem is, I am learning I need to do less "amening," and a lot more speaking~!

Prayer changes things.  Why?  Because when we pray, we are speaking in faith, and faith moves the heart of God!  Building faith is simple. Walking in it is not always so easy.  But, we know that "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God," so, if I want those "Amen" moments to be witnessed and seen by all who know me, then I had better get my "speaking" in better order! I had better learn to speak as He says that I should, and when He says I should.

That is what is in my heart today. And, I know, if I am obedient, then when I say  "Amen!", it will really be "SO be it!"

Let everyone say, "Amen."

May the Lord bless you as you seek to follow Him in all of your ways!

Bev

Tragedy

Good evening friends,

The eighteen year old son of a friend was killed yesterday in a car accident.  Please pray for Jacob's family.  Words fail me.  This is just heartbreaking.

May the Lord of all creation bless you with the peace and grace of Christ.