Garden of your heart

Selling our land!

05:57, Wednesday, July 23, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

Sometimes you have to do what you don't really want to do, and that is what is happening with our land. We know it is the wise thing to do, however, it brings a bit of sadness too! This land is in Bonanza, OR (near Klamath Falls). If you check out the link, click on "More Photo's, and the first picture will be of the view from our land. I just love that view and imagined that one day I would be sitting on our big porch drinking coffee and viewing that gorgeous view. Well.....maybe in another location one day! :) Now we wait for a buyer. We know that it is in God's hands! :)

http://www.oregonranchland.com/land235.htm

The essentials in the garden and in our spiritual lives

05:57, Tuesday, July 22, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

I have been observing several things in the garden that are essentials!

Sun - my sunflowers are beautiful! They are tall as if stretching to the sun to soak in as many of the rays as it can get. Their large beautiful flowers brighten up the entire garden.

Rain or water - The plants would die without the rain or in my case the water that comes from the hose. They need this to stay alive.

Beneficial insects and birds - bees pollinate......lady bugs eat aphids (go get em).....birds eat ants and other insects.

lizards - eat insects (thank the Lord I don't have snakes...I would have a heart attack). I will take a desert lizard anytime! ;)

fertilizer - I use fish emulsion, blood meal, compost, horse manure (essential for the nutrients)

Our spiritual life is the same. We have essentials that we need in order to grow and bear fruit.

God the Father - Who is sovereign and in control

Jesus - He is the way, the truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him.

Holy Spirit - who guides, who comforts, who lives within us, who convicts, etc.

God's Word - The source of our spiritual food. "All scripture is God breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." II Tim 3:16 It never returns void (Isaiah 55) His word is lifechanging!

Other Believers - Scripture says to not give up meeting together, but all the more as we say the day approaching of Christ's return to encourage one another. We need each other. We make up the church...we have been given gifts to share with one another.

Prayer - What a wonderful opportunity to speak and listen to our Heavenly Father. What a wonderful opportunity to humble ourselves before Him each day....and to remember who is REALLY on the throne!

As we enjoy our summer gardens, let's remember who makes all things grow! :) Let's praise Him and thank Him. Let's humble ourselves before Him. He is a great provider! :)

Photo's of garden...

11:29, Thursday, July 10, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

I do not know how to download those photo's onto my blog so that it is easy to see...but I did just download the photo's to the photo section of my garden this year. I will update some more in a week or two as the sunflowers are getting ready to bloom, etc. :)

The garden is growing! :)

06:51, Tuesday, July 8, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

Yesterday I picked my first two yellow crooked neck squash and one tomato! WHOOHOOOOO! I told my husband....we are finally getting something for all the work we have been putting into it! Now it is more fun! :)

Isn't that the same way it is in our spiritual life? Often times it is work! It is work to put aside all distractions in our minds to sit at the feet of Jesus. It is work to read the Word daily and spend time in quality prayer time for others, etc. It is work to overcome our sinful nature......and in reality it is only with the help of the Holy Spirit that we can. But, it doesn't always come easy! We don't always "feel" like it! We don't always "choose" to do the right thing. We get sidetracked by distractions....like a garden, cleaning house, caring for husband and family, worldly desires, etc. Oh....it is work!

But then the fruit of pushing through the "weeding" of our sinful desires, "weeding" through our selfishness, "weeding" through the distractions for that moment of connectiveness with Jesus, "weeding" through our own "lack of discipine or desire", "weeding" through our "feelings".....ahhhh that fruit of peace, joy, contentment, love, etc that just oozes in us....beyond our own natural self....we know it is something more....it is something that only the Lord can give. We don't always have those feelings....we can't always rely on our feelings...but we can rely on our Lord who promises us the fruit of the spirit as we walk in the spirit.

Let's not give up in seeking Him today or any day! Let's continue each day, knowing we cannot handle ANYTHING on our own. We must abide in Him......then the fruit will be evident! :)

This is a great song....

08:09, Friday, July 4, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

Sweetly Broken by Jeremy Riddle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBaOlSPPK2c

May God use this in your life to draw you closer to Him!

Happy 4th of July!

In pursuit of simple living....

06:20, Friday, June 27, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

One of the things that my husband and I have been evaluating is the outgo of money! Today there is much more that goes than stays compared to just a year ago. With the rising cost of gas, food, and everything else it is not hard to go beyond what is budgeted.

Almost 2 years ago, we purchased some land. We were so excited about the possibility of setting up a homestead on this land when we retire in over 24 years. We were eager, excited, and able to make the payment. However, what we are realizing was that we were foolish. Yup....I hate when I am foolish. I think it is great to own land for retirement....I think it is great to have plans for a homestead, I think it is wonderful to plan ahead, etc. But here is where we have been foolish: We own the land outright, but we got a 2nd on our home. Now if you talk to most financial people they would say that this is a good thing and okay! Here is where we have been convicted. We want and believe we need to be DEBT FREE! We are watching people in our area lose homes one right after another as the economy, job changes, etc have made it where they cannot keep their home. Now, we are not in that situation....we had good equity in our home, my husband has a good job, etc. BUT every month we are pouring out this money and only 1/3 is going to the principal! So, we are placing the land up for sale! When we are ready to buy again, next time we are going to save and pay cash! No more paying more for the land through interest than what it is worth.

What this will also do for us is allow us to apply the payment to our first mortgage. This way we can get this paid off sooner! We are also seeing so many around us who are suffering and need help. When we have too many payments, etc. it makes it harder for us to help others as we desire.

All of this is to our goal of living more simply!!!!!! We do not feel we "need" a bunch of stuff....matter of fact, our "wants" are changing too! We are even going to sell our pool table that is hardly ever used in order to continue this process of paying off, living more simply, etc. We listen to Dave Ramsey and a lot of what he says is so good! He mentions that if you are making the goal of being debt free do whatever it takes. Live like no one else....that means not trying to keep up with anyone else, not trying to model your life after others, not needing all the latest and new gadgets, etc. Then....we can leave like no one else: DEBT FREE! We are many, many years from debt free since it will take a long time to pay off our first mortgage, but we are taking steps closer!

Simple living....owing no one, helping and loving others, working hard, and living for the Lord!

Back to simplicity!

07:38, Wednesday, June 25, 2008 .. 3 comments .. Link

Remember at the beginning of the year I had set a goal of simplifying my life. A friend from my favorite forum started a post again about how we are all doing with simplifying our life and reducing costs. So, I thought that it would be good to review some of the things we have done.

Simplifying:

1. Saying no to a lot of outside activities

2. Enjoying reading a good book or watching a movie rather than going out.

3. Gardening......I cannot wait to eat that first tomato of the season! They are growing well.

4. Enjoying the fellowship of family and friends in a home environment rathern than going out.

5. Appreciating each day our God who loves us, cares for us, disciplines us, and reveals Himself to us.

6. Enjoying dog sitting for our friends and having fun cuddling with those cute little dogs! They are here with us overnight and we just have so much fun with these little dogs....since we have 3 big dogs. It is fun to watch them play together! :)

I know there is more...but these are on the top of my head!

Cost savings:

1. Making own laundry detergent and then the joy of helping friends learn to do that as well. Cost savings........lots! ;)

2. Using Hydrogen Peroxide to whiten teeth instead of buying those fancy kits at the store!

3. Making own cleansers that are just as good if not even better since they do not have all those cancer causing, lung sickening chemicals.

4. Not going out so much! It is so hard to say no to others about going out, but we have had to. We are learning that it is not a need, but a want. We have to plan ahead, choose carefully, etc.

5. Not driving as much......making the most of our trips out.

6. Buying everything (or almost everything) on sale through Azure Standard because we are well stocked up and can now make the most of our money. This is a co-op that I am part of that has really helped provide healthy, organic foods, supplements, etc for my family. We save so much more money buying through there than the health food store. We are now even buying our dog food through there. The food is so much healthier for our dogs and we are saving $9.00 a month! We just started this.

7. Revising how much we spend on gifts! This is hard! We love to buy people gifts, but you know, it is just getting so expensive. We already have plans to just purchase gift cards for Christmas this year so that we are not tempted overspend! This saves on gift wrap too! And we know our families really have fun getting to spend those cards!

8. Gardening and canning! What a great way to know that you are eating healthy, organic foods than growing it yourself. This year we only planted those things that we eat often and throughout the year so that we could make the best use of our garden space. :)

9. Use coupons when going out! We are noticing a lot of fast food restaurants are now offering coupons with buy one get one free! You can still eat healthy! My friend and I went out and got salads at Jack in the Box (buy one get one free) and water. For just a couple bucks we each had a healthy meal! My husband and I like the BBQ Chicken Sandwiches at Carl's Jr. They have had coupons for those buy one get one free. It's such a treat! :)

10. Give....I know that this isn't always saving money! But, I find that as we share with others in need, help others, give of our time, etc. that the savings in the long run (for eternity) are so awesome!

Well....that's what we have been doing! How are you all doing at simplifying and saving money! I think we are all thinking more and more of these things as the gas prices keep increasing! Let's turn this difficult time into a huge blessing! :)

Lack of words.....

10:06, Friday, June 20, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

I guess I haven't had much to say lately! I have thought about posting, but haven't thought of a thing to post.

We just came home on Tuesday after visiting some friends. Matter of fact, this is the family whom just found out the husband has cancer. We were overjoyed to spend time with them before he started his chemo. It was very difficult though to see him so sick. We want to take it away from him. We want to help make it easier. We want to just make it all go away. But, reality is that our friend has to go through this. I don't know if I would go through it with as much dignity and trust in the Lord as he has. I don't know that anyone understands the why's. We were so blessed to see his wife care for him. We were so blessed to see him attempt to do normal things, even though he was feeling terrible. We were so blessed that they would allow us to be there with them when going through something so difficult. We are so blessed to be able to stand in the gap for them in prayer! One praise report is that he started chemo on Monday and by this morning (Friday) the Dr. said the tumor had already shrunk a little. Praise God! :) It is a long, hard road.....but I praise God that He gives those little things of hope when needed.

I guess I haven't had much to say as my heart has been so grieved for what our friends are going through! I am so thankful that we have a Lord and Savior to trust our lives and the lives of those we care for. We have a God who is faithful! We have a God who is able. We have a God willing to hear our requests. We have a God who knows what is best. This brings me so much peace!

So.....not having much to say....I do want to say if you are going through a difficult time, or if someone you love is, put your trust in Him and allow Him to do what He does best......take care of His children!

Dave and Geri....we love you guys, will continue to pray, and we know that our Heavenly Father will carry you through, because He loves you so much! He will meet each and every NEED you have! :)

Gardening Day, preserving, etc.

07:20, Saturday, May 31, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

Today we will be out in the garden to weed (pathways and a few boxes) and plant! We already have the following growing: Tomato's (Roma, Celebrity, cherry), watermelon, canteloupe, zucchini (although I still have 3 more plants to pop up), yellow crooked neck squash, onions, flowers (marigolds, cosmos, nasturtiam), herbs (sage, parsley, feverfew, yarrow, lavender, basil, oregano, rosemary). We also have grape bushes that have an abudance of grapes growing. The berries aren't doing as well. I have blackberries and raspberries. I think that I may have not planted them in the best place....next to a block wall. We live in a hot climate, so I think it isn't doing well for the plants. So....I am already eyeing another area for next year! We have apple trees and peach trees. We will only get a little peaches this year. The apple look like they may have a problem, so I will take a few leaves in to show the nursery and ask for advice!

Today I want to get planted a bunch of bush green beans, corn and winter squash (spaghetti, pumpkin).

I plan within a week or two to finish prepping a couple areas that I will plant items for a fall garden: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, turnips, beets, lettuces, peas, etc. My garden is expanding this year!

I have already started to do some canning from items in the freezer: I canned cranberry sauce and beef broth. I hope to can some chicken, chicken broth, pinto beans, black beans, bbq beans, sppaghetti sauce and chili soon too! If I had been smart, I would have had all of those done this winter, but I wasn't! But, it is getting me back into the swing of things.

Today I plan to cut some oregano to dehydrate.

I love to watch things grow in my garden from those little seeds. I begin to anticipate the produce that we will get. It's the same when we "sow to the spirit" as talked about in Galations 6. When we spend time in prayer and Bible Reading, we can anticipate the fruit that God will bring in our life. Sowing takes work....it takes tilling the ground (God stirring up and changing the heart), planting (with God's Word and prayer), watering (with good godly teaching and fellowship) and as the sun (Son) shines the seeds germinate and a plant produces and eventually the fruit grows and is ready to be picked, eaten and shared!

In my devotional "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers this morning it left me with this food for thought: "Am I allowing my natural life to be slowly transformed by the indwelling life of the Son of God? God's ultimate purpose is that His Son might be exhibited in me."

"You Are God Alone"

07:50, Wednesday, May 28, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

This reminder can be so crucial in our lives, especially when things happen in life that are difficult. On Saturday we found out a dear friend of ours has cancer. He and his wife were just married a couple years ago, they have 4 children between them. What a wonderful family that we were so blessed to see God bring together. Now, they face that big "C" word.

Sunday we were in church and this song was sung at the end. Tears filled my eyes. What a great reminder of who God is! When life seems to dish out something "unfair" we can remember that God is God alone, unchangeable, unshakeable, etc. He is on the throne!

I pray that this song will encourage you to trust Him in whatever circumstances you or your loved ones are facing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMjMDxPkXkI&feature=related

Tornado's in California

09:27, Thursday, May 22, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

Who would have thought? Down in the Riverside area they had at least a couple tornado's touch ground. Now, this is about an hour from our home...but my hubby happened to be down there. He had no idea he was in a tornado warning for over 1 1/2 hours, but I sure did! Yikes! I do not know how you all do it that live in Tornado alley! They were saying the safest place to take cover is in a basement......there aren't many basements in California.

Well, hubby is home safe and sound which is good! He had an enjoyable time at a work type workshop and came home excited about it. I however, need to work on not worrying so much! I just have always feared having some sort of 'natural disaster' when we are apart from each other. Such foolish fears!

Things I have done....

02:26, Tuesday, May 20, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

This is a long list of things that has been going around some blogs & I thought I'd participate too. So here goes...

Copy and post on you're own blog. What have you done? The pink ones are things I've done.

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
08. Said “I love you’ and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game (and survived the crush afterwards)
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
42. Had amazing friends
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
26. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life

151. Seen a bear in the wild

152. Shot an animal

153. Fallen out of a tree

154. Eaten a grasshopper

"Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden...

06:13, Tuesday, May 20, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Sometimes life can be so hectic! There is so much to do! For instance, here is my "things to do list" for the summer:

Keep home maintained and clean (okay this is something I always do)

Plant my garden (which I am doing now)

Keep up on all the weeds in the garden (I am already getting behind)

Can, freeze and dehydrate produce from garden

Spend Quality time with hubby this summer while he is on vacation for 6 1/2 weeks (this starts in about 4 weeks)

Write a Bible Study (I am already studying, reading, etc)

Prepare for our fall study (Starting June I will begin the study on the book of Daniel).

Continue to encourage small group leaders for women's ministries throughout the summer with cards, etc.

Continue to encourage others and support hubby as he leads the small group that meets in our home.

Spend some time with family (hubby's sister, mom, etc) as life can get too busy and we don't see them enough.

Spend some fun time with dad (playing games: horseshoes, phase 10, etc)

I was finding I was already tired. Matter of fact, this past year has been one where I have really struggled to keep balance in my life. One thing that I was feeling frustrated over was "feeling" connected with the Lord. I just felt as if life was so hectic that I was feeling "rushed" when I met with Him, my head swimming with all the things to get done, etc.

So........yesterday, since it was going to be over 100 degrees (it was somewhere near 107+ yesterday) I decided to take a day off fromt he hustle, bustle, etc. I had a few things to do to keep maintaining the home in what was necessary to be done, but everything else I put aside. I spent the day with the Lord. Now, as we heard on Sunday from our Pastor, spending a day with the Lord doesn't make us spiritual, but how we live out our faith. But, I do know that sometimes we need a jump start, we need that personal relationship renewed now and again to help us live our our spiritual lives. So, that's what took place yesterday. I have such a heart of peace today! I experienced so much joy just sitting at the feet of Jesus, being in His presence! Now, yes we can experience that each day of our lives as we spend with Him, but I don't know about you, every once in a while, I need a much longer period. I am a "needy" person for the Lord. I can't get out of bed without Him each morning. I know that I can't be the wife I need to be, the daughter, the family member, the friend, an encourager, faithful, etc. without the Lord.

So....what was most important at my "homestead" yesterday.....to sit at the feet of Jesus! If you are feeling overwhelmed, weary, heavy laden with a burden, I encourage you to find some extended time with the Lord. It says "Come near to God and He will come near to you...." James 4:8 How does that help? I found I was more patient with my husband yesterday when he got home from work, I have a heart full of peace (not worry, strife, etc), it allows Him to direct our paths, it allows me to be rejuvinated in order to continue to be an encourager and minister to others.

If you are in need of rest....spiritual, emotional, etc. it can be found in Jesus!

The Heat is on!

01:24, Saturday, May 17, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

Whew...it is hot outside! It is in the upper 90's here! What happened to spring? Tomorrow is supposed to be 100 degrees. I think it cools down again next week. I do not tolerate the heat well, so I am trying to figure out what to get done this afternoon, and I came up with the ideal chore! Wash the dogs! I have 3 big dogs that all desperately need a bath, so I am getting ready to go out and bathe them, which will mean that I will get drenched! They love the attention they get and they love to be wet when it is so hot!

I also need to water my garden again as I have seeds that were planted this week! Have you ever noticed when the weather changes that it takes quite the beating on the plants? They wilt, they shrivel up, etc. Sometimes our spiritual life can be the same! When the heat is on, we need to constantly drink from the God's Word to keep us standing and our fruit sweet! We need the sweet fellowship of other believers. Just this morning I met a friend for coffee and that was what we had....sweet fellowship, encouragement, accountability, etc. It's nice to have friends like that!

With that being said.......my friend who is on vacation (you know who you are).....HURRY HOME! I miss you greatly! I miss our sweet time's of fellowship talking and studying God's Word together and the spurring on of one another!

My friend in Michigan, just know that I will be calling you soon because I miss you greatly too! It's time we get caught up on the happenings in life!

Cherish the friendships, cherish the marriage you have, cherish the little things (washing dogs, watering the garden, having coffee with someone, etc), and most of all cherish God's Word (it's thirst quenching!)

Have a blessed day!

Baking Day!

02:40, Thursday, May 15, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

Today was a good day! I baked 1 1/2 dozen blueberry muffins, 1 1/2 dozen sourdough rolls, 3 loaves of sourdough bread and 8 mini loaves of Banana bread. For the banana bread and the blueberry muffins I used the recipe from "Nourishing Traditions." These recipes involve some extra planning and preperation, but I think that is worth it for more nutrious foods. If you are looking for healthier ways to cook this cookbook is worth getting! It also has a lot of nutrition info, etc in the book.

I received some sourdough starter from our Pastor It has been passed down through his family for many, many years and it is a privilege to have it. Instead of using all white flour I did add in some wheat flour. He cautioned me to not add too much because it doesn't work well with the recipe. I added 4 cups out of the 9 + cups it calls for. I think it did quite well!

It's nice to have some time to focus on things at my home these days. I am hoping to get lots of canning done soon (besides just my gardening): beef broth, pinto beans, chili, bbq beans, etc. I figure I will do at least one big day in the kitchen per week during the summer (besides canning my garden produce when it is ready). It will be nice to pull these things off the shelf to eat in the wintertime.

Dinner tonight will be BBQ Chicken, Baked Potato's and Salad.

Tomorrow will be a big gardening day for me as I plant more seeds and plants!

Started the rest of the planting today!

10:18, Monday, May 12, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

I am so thrilled to have started to plant the rest of my garden. I hope to have it all finished by mid next week. I planted zucchini, yellow crooked neck squash, canteloupe, watermelon, marigolds and yarrow. I am going to buy some more tomato plants today as well for planting this week.

I think we have blocked the "culprit" from our yard that has been eating tomato plants. I am sure it must have been a rabbit. We have gone 3 days without anything having been eaten! Yeah! :)

It is a cool but beautiful morning here. The high is supposed to be in the low 70's but in a couple days it is suppoed to be in the low 90's. Our weather has been really weird....nice but such a flux in temps!

I enjoy my garden time! I enjoy the time of prayer and reflection on what I read in the Bible. I am reading Jeremiah right now. You know what stood out to me today was two things that the Israelites were not doing. 1. They were not listening to the Lord 2. They were not obeying. He had given direction, wanted to give more direction, but since they wouldn't listen and wouldn't obey, he told Jeremiah not to,. Yikes! I pray that my heart would not be so stubborn (and I know it has been before) that God decides to not speak. But, all it takes is repentance on our part if we are at that point.

I am missing my friend who is on vacation! We would e-mail every day and often talk during the week as well as have lunch. I am hoping she is having a great time!

I am also missing my friend who is in Michigan. Why is it those precious friends are so far away!

I am thankful though for the friends that I do have!

Tomato Plants

11:54, Thursday, May 8, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

Something is eating my tomato plants! I have had 6 totally eaten to the ground! One plant had a tomato that is no longer there. I think it is a rabbit! Yesterday we blocked off all the ways into the yard that a rabbit could fit into (or so we thought). There was a partial plant gone this morning (unless I missed seeing that yesterday). So, I took inventory of all the remaining plants and wrote it down. I raked an area near the boxes as to see what feet tracks we have. I am leary of planting any more until I get this resolved, although I really need to start my seeds this weekend out in the garden. We have checked under the shed....no rabbits! I even brought two of my dogs into the garden area at different times to try and see if they could sniff out a rabbit...nothing! Hmmmmmmm.........It's a dilemma! :)

The weather is beautiful here! I have so much to get done, but am working inside today. I have some organizing/filing to do in my office today. Then I can do some easy cleaning (dust, vacuum, floors, etc).

Priorities for May - August!

11:38, Thursday, April 24, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

Women's Bible Study is winding down! Matter of fact, next week will be the last week. I find it sad in once sense as I have enjoyed the studies, enjoyed the fellowship and will miss the weekly gathering. However, I am also looking forward to refocusing my attention on new things. In order for me to hold to the priorities that I believe God is setting before me, I am going to have to say 'no' to other things. This is a tremendous difficulty for me. I love to be involved! I love to help others! I love to serve! So, I need to look at it differently! I get to be involved with more home things! I get to help my husband and dad! I can serve them each day! Here are my priorities for the four month!

1. Spend quality time with husband. He has 7 weeks left of work and then will be off for the summer! Enjoy it, relax with him, watch a baseball game on tv once in a while with him.

2. Garden - I am going to plant a big garden again this year, but this time I want to be able to keep up on it. So, this will be a big part of each of my mornings! :) I plan to can/freeze produce as well!

3. Daniel Study - Prepare this study for the fall Bible Study. I wlil be taking 12 weeks to go through the Beth Moore Study so that I am prepared for leading! This will involve also hanging with my co-leader, discussing, spending time in prayer, time holding one another accountable.

4. "Garden of your Heart" study - I have been feeling God giving me direction for writing this study for a couple years, however, I haven't been obedient! (gulp) That will no longer be the case. Starting this next week I will be putting time each day into studying, researching, praying, writing, etc.

5. Community Group - we will continue to lead our small group that meets in our home and being flexible to their needs.

6. Most important: Allowing God to break me, teach me, lead me in obedience, etc. I don't want to have a proud heart, a disobedient spirit (even in the little things), but instead to have an ear that discerns His voice, learns from Him and an immediate obedience!

Lord, I surrender my life to you! I will obey! I will do what is important to you, and not allow myself to get distracted (which is so easy for me to do). It's hard when I get pulled in many directions, but I ask Lord that you will guide my steps, keep my focus straight ahead, and above all through it all may you get ALL the glory! In Jesus loving name! Amen!

I encourage each of you to allow God to guide and direct your priorities as well! :)

Sunflowers!

08:06, Friday, April 18, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

One of my favorite flowers to grow in my garden is the sunflower! Sunflowers are so beautiful! They brighten up an entire garden, or a room in the house with a vase of cut flowers. Have you ever thought about how these grow? They need the sun! They thrive on it! Some of them grow as tall as 10 feet (Wasn't Goliath over 9 feet tall?). You will see the head of the sunflower always changing to follow the sun! They know where their source of growth, strength, energy comes from!

How about you? Where do you look for your growth, strength, energy, worth, etc come from? Is it the Son or is it our circumstances? Is it the Son or our own ideals? Is it the Son or material things? Is it the Son or our own way? As we keep our eyes focused on God, we may turn and go directions that we might not normally go, but as we do that, we are given strength, energy, growth opportunities, etc. but the key is keeping our eyes on God.

Hebrews 12 says "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith."

Where is your focus today?

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