Country Living In My Backyard
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Psalm 30: 11-12
Thou hast turned my mourning into joy: thou hast loosed my sack, and girded me with gladness. Therefore shall my tongue praise thee and not cease: O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever!
As I awakened after a peaceful sleep.. I gave thanks. When I walked into the kitchen and found my babies and Joe greeting me with smiles... I gave thanks... as I prepared breakfast in a beautiful kitchen with electricity... I gave thanks. As we ate our meal, gathered together- all healthy.... I gave thanks. As I sat in my chair with children at my feet and read from His Word...I gave thanks! As my little one prayed and lifted up others he has never met to the Lord and prayed with confidence... I gave thanks. As we went about our chores and worked cheerful... I gave thanks! As I walked the property with my Joe and dreamed of some day plans and Momma and Daddy being here with us.... I gave thanks!
I thank Him for all He has done and continues to do in our lives... He has filled my heart with gladness!!!
With much love,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
P.S. The move has went wonderful! Thank you for all your prayers!!! ! We are all unpacked and getting started on projects to prepare for our new farm animals arrival. We love you dear friends and thank the Lord for you continually! Have a wonderful week as you abide in Him!
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Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Good Morning
I got my bottom braces on yesterday afternoon and so im in pain plus this weather is making my sinues act up and is making me plain miserable please have a blessed day
Alyssa
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11-18-2008
Give Thanks
I really enjoy working on little handicraft projects during the long, chilly evenings of fall and winter. I just finished this cute little 7"x7" primitive-style counted cross stitch just in time for Thanksgiving.
This coming Thanksgiving day, and every day, I give thanks for all my blessings, especially my precious family. They are truly a blessed gift from God.
Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life . . . a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year - and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God.
~ Ray Stannard Baker
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Thursday, November 13, 2008
A new Season...
A new Season has arrived in the Wood home! I have been waiting to share until I had the formal photos however, they seem to be taking a tad longer than I would like. Let me share a few updates with you.
1. We will be moving this weekend. Please keep us and the family we have purchased the home from in your prayers- they too are family in Christ!
2. The internet will be going to satalite so I am not sure when we will be on to share with you again. If we miss you for the Thanksgiving Holiday... please know the Wood family sends our love to each of you and will remember you at our table this year! If you have a dish you would like to share with us please send it to me or post it here before the week ends. As you all know we love having your family traditions at our table- it makes us feel like our friends are at our table!
3. The girls and I have started a new blog to share ideas of how we live out our days ministering to our family. You can join us at: www.homesteadprincess.blogspot.com
4 THE BEST NEWS OF ALL.... I am soon to have a new daughter! My oldest son, Jedidiah, is engaged to a sweet young lady, Aubrey. I was honored to pass on my wedding ring to her as they begin their lives together. I was also given the privilege of handwriting her a letter that was given to her, with the ring, after she accepted Jedidiah as her husband to be. I have posted the typed version here for you. Perhaps it will give you ideas for welcoming a new daughter or son into your family through marriage.
Dearest Aubrey,
You have been on my heart a great deal these last few weeks. I have been praying about my letter to you, for it is my true desire for the words I write to be so much more than mere words. I wish to share my heart, encouragement, wisdom and love with you.
17 years ago I found myself walking in similar shoes as you. Without purposing to do so, I fell madly in love with my best friend and agreed to take his hand and walk this journey to life with him. Our wedding was simple - no wedding gown, fancy church or crowd of friends witnessed the night we made our oath to God. Mr. Wood didn't have the money to buy me a ring, and resisting the temptation of debt, purchased me a costume ring for four dollars and ninety-nine cents. The ring turned my finger green within the first month. However, I didn't care! I wore the ring proudly! The ring served as a symbol to the world of the oath we had made; in no way did its price reflect the value of that oath. I have witnessed others who made the Sacred Oath of Marriage, only to forget their duty to God and to each other in keeping that oath. Many women have rings whose price is great and yet their relationship with their spouse is utterly bankrupt. I've never envied those priceless rings; a ring could never reflect the value of a Godly marriage. No matter a ring's price, number of diamonds, or weight in gold - one day, it too will be destroyed. However, the work done in a marriage is eternal.
It was our first year anniversary when Mr. Wood purchased the ring that I wear today. It is the same ring that I pass on to you. You may notice the scratches, chips and age of the ring. Don't wish them away, Sweet Child, for they are a reminder of the effect life can have on the Soul. Remember, the ring is merely a symbol of the eternal work God is doing and has done in the lives of those that chose to take this Sacred Oath of Marriage.
The power of Marriage in the Spiritual realm is one we do not fully understand and yet, we see this battle raging to discredit the union between a man and woman. It is my prayer that my marriage and my children's marriages will illuminate the World. That it makes the Lost hunger for God because of what they see Him doing in each of our lives. Let there be no doubt that your marriage will encounter tests, trials and tears. Hold fast to His Truth Aubrey. Do not be deceived, marriage is not built on feelings or emotions, as those come and go like the tide of the ocean. Marriage is built on His Truth - it is a decision to honor Him, to grow in grace together. It is a decision to become joint heirs together in the grace of life. The beauty of marriage is unspeakable. The power of marriage is eternal. Oh, how blessed we are to enter into such a covenant.
Aubrey, I have prayed for you for twenty years. Since the day Jedidiah was born I have prayed for you, your parents, your dreams, and your future. I used to sing a lullaby to Jed as I would rock him to sleep about God preparing his spouse for him. Although, I didn't know your name, what you looked like or where you lived, I have had a love in my heart for you since Jedidiah's birth.
It is my honor to pass this ring to you, the love of my son's life. I wish I could share all the memories of my journey with Mr. Wood. The joys, the sorrows, the trials and the victories for they have been many. I can tell you that Mr. Wood and I no longer have two hearts, rather one heart that resides in two places at the same time. May the Lord bless you and Jedidiah as you now become one for His Glory and His Service.
With much love,
Momma Wood
Photo of Jed and Aubrey... this is simply a photo they grabbed quickly to share with me. I have formal photos coming soon and will share with you then.
You have been on my heart a great deal these last few weeks. I have been praying about my letter to you, for it is my true desire for the words I write to be so much more than mere words. I wish to share my heart, encouragement, wisdom and love with you.
17 years ago I found myself walking in similar shoes as you. Without purposing to do so, I fell madly in love with my best friend and agreed to take his hand and walk this journey to life with him. Our wedding was simple - no wedding gown, fancy church or crowd of friends witnessed the night we made our oath to God. Mr. Wood didn't have the money to buy me a ring, and resisting the temptation of debt, purchased me a costume ring for four dollars and ninety-nine cents. The ring turned my finger green within the first month. However, I didn't care! I wore the ring proudly! The ring served as a symbol to the world of the oath we had made; in no way did its price reflect the value of that oath. I have witnessed others who made the Sacred Oath of Marriage, only to forget their duty to God and to each other in keeping that oath. Many women have rings whose price is great and yet their relationship with their spouse is utterly bankrupt. I've never envied those priceless rings; a ring could never reflect the value of a Godly marriage. No matter a ring's price, number of diamonds, or weight in gold - one day, it too will be destroyed. However, the work done in a marriage is eternal.
It was our first year anniversary when Mr. Wood purchased the ring that I wear today. It is the same ring that I pass on to you. You may notice the scratches, chips and age of the ring. Don't wish them away, Sweet Child, for they are a reminder of the effect life can have on the Soul. Remember, the ring is merely a symbol of the eternal work God is doing and has done in the lives of those that chose to take this Sacred Oath of Marriage.
The power of Marriage in the Spiritual realm is one we do not fully understand and yet, we see this battle raging to discredit the union between a man and woman. It is my prayer that my marriage and my children's marriages will illuminate the World. That it makes the Lost hunger for God because of what they see Him doing in each of our lives. Let there be no doubt that your marriage will encounter tests, trials and tears. Hold fast to His Truth Aubrey. Do not be deceived, marriage is not built on feelings or emotions, as those come and go like the tide of the ocean. Marriage is built on His Truth - it is a decision to honor Him, to grow in grace together. It is a decision to become joint heirs together in the grace of life. The beauty of marriage is unspeakable. The power of marriage is eternal. Oh, how blessed we are to enter into such a covenant.
Aubrey, I have prayed for you for twenty years. Since the day Jedidiah was born I have prayed for you, your parents, your dreams, and your future. I used to sing a lullaby to Jed as I would rock him to sleep about God preparing his spouse for him. Although, I didn't know your name, what you looked like or where you lived, I have had a love in my heart for you since Jedidiah's birth.
It is my honor to pass this ring to you, the love of my son's life. I wish I could share all the memories of my journey with Mr. Wood. The joys, the sorrows, the trials and the victories for they have been many. I can tell you that Mr. Wood and I no longer have two hearts, rather one heart that resides in two places at the same time. May the Lord bless you and Jedidiah as you now become one for His Glory and His Service.
With much love,
Momma Wood
Photo of Jed and Aubrey... this is simply a photo they grabbed quickly to share with me. I have formal photos coming soon and will share with you then.
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Sunday, November 9, 2008
A move in progress..
Hello Friends!
We have already began our move! Yippee!!!
We all hope that this is our last move for a very long time yet ,our hearts our fixed that we will go where ever He calls us! This move has once again been both exciting and yet peaceful! Mom and Dad are just as eager as we are to have this move finalized! Mom and I chat daily about the garden plans, animals, and farm projects already in the works!
The family we have purchased from is allowing us to move items into the barn now. They are still working on moving out of the house since they have so much to accomplish with the home they are building. This family is amazing! I thank the Lord for allowing our paths to cross and look forward to the friendship that He is developing. Being allowed to move items over to the barn now has been extreamly helpful. Joe has had the last few days off from work and has accomplished much! Most of the rental home is empty. We have already moved and stacked everything nicely in the barn. Lord willing, we will have all the remaining items moved over to our new home next weekend. The girls and I will take the next week to clean this home and make it ready for the new renters. I have already been praying for the new tenants and neighbors. It is my hope that we have been a blessing to everyone we have come in contact with and we will leave behind us a testimony of His grace! The boys enjoyed an afternoon with the neighbor boys last week playing boy games while I enjoyed the most precious tea time party prepared by our neigbors little girl. Our girls were busy with daddy and didn't realize that their friend had prepared such treats- I was quite impressed by Miss Keillors smiles, conversation and sweet hospitality! I always love my friendship chats with her mommy and treasure them since they are priceless moments inbetween ministering to our families! These days are precious dear friends!
Well, this note will have to be short. My Joe just walked in and invited me to sit with him. Have a wonderul week as you minister to your families!!
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11-5-2008
Kingdom of Home
White Cottage Dooor by Dwayne Warwick
I would like to share a beautiful and timely blog post I read today by Lady Lydia at Home Living. I hope you will enjoy and appreciate this post as much as I did; and may it uplift, encourage, and bless you. 
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Saturday, November 1, 2008
A Virtual Date?
Hello Friends!
My Joe is on the road and will be returning in the wee hours of Sunday morning. I had a fun chat with him this morning, sharing our hearts, activities and singing songs together, he is such a wonderful husband- so tender and sweet to me! Joe and I treasure each moment we are together. Earlier this week, before he left for this trip, we had a virtual date. I purchased the finest beef and prepared it to his desire. Adding twice baked potatoes, green beans and home made bread to the plate! In the midst of all the children and home noise we enjoyed five star dinning. While at the dinner table, the children gently suggested that their turkey sandwiches weren't quite the same as our steaks. However, at 10.99 a lb there was no way I could get everyone a steak. Joe informed the children that it just looked like we were sitting at the same table with them. Actually we were on a date eating at a fine restaurant and we could no longer hear or see or hear them. :-) If we had really gone out to eat they wouldn't know what dishes we were eating and would still be at home eating turkey sandwiches (which were made on home made bread with the works.. hardly a meal to bawk at! ) The little ones looked a little puzzled and the older children just gave us "that look". Joe and I both laughed and continued on with our date. We had a delightful dinner and then went to sharing and dreaming together. Each time a child would come to interrupt our conversation Joe would inform them that we were still "out" on our date. The child would then smile, giggle or do both and then reply, "When you get home tell me okay?" What joys we have!! Those of you with many children understand the creativity we must put into practice as we minister to our husbands and many blessings! We may not always have the ability or funds to go on "real" dates however, I would like to suggest that we can make dates at home even more precious than if we were to leave the home. My mother called while we were "out" and the children informed her that we were on a virtual date. She giggled over our creativity and wondered if it would work with Joe's employer.. he could go in and tell the guys, "I'm really not here. I am on a virtual vacation." Okay, so maybe not... we want the real thing when it comes to my Joe's vacation!
Enjoy your husbands dear friends.. take a date, virtual or not, just enjoy the man that God has fashioned you perfectly for!!
With much love,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
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Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Picking Pears and preparing the Farm
Hello Friends!
The Wood family was richly blessed to join friends yesterday for a morning of picking pears. The children had a delightful time sharing with friends and eating yummy organic pears! I believe we came home with eight 10 gallon buckets full of pears that we will be processing today. The wind made the morning air quite crisp so I enjoyed much time in the warm car, with all the babies from both families, handing out animal cookies. After picking pears, we packed up the car and headed out to our new home for Joe to get some barn measurements and make a list of projects he wants to get started on. We stayed out there for hours enjoying a picnic as a family and sharing our thankfulness of all the Father is doing in our lives. He has done an amazing heart work in each of us- how blessed I am to be His child!
The children(yes! Joe and I included!) are excited as we look for and find the animals we need. We have our sheep picked out; we will be getting four bred Katahdin Ewes at the end of Nov. and then a Katahdin ram from another blood line come Spring. We have also found our goats. Kinder does that are bred and waiting for the results of their CAE test to come back. We hope to get the goats by the middle of Dec. We have also found our farm dog again- Yippee! Bekah was blessed to find a Border Collie whose father is from Wales and a bloodline she had been hoping to get. We will be picking up "Bly" on the 19th of Nov. The woman selling him was in TX but has agreed to meet us half way- what a blessing!! In fact, all our animals are coming from far away places.... the sheep are the shortest drive, only an hour away however, the goats will be a five hour drive! We will all be delighted once the animals start coming home! Oh, by the way... Timothy and I will be attending our first Bee meeting! This next monday there is a group of beekeepers meeting to share information about Winter management. Timothy is going to be floating on clouds- he loves bees and is eager to get his hives started here in KS.
I have some photos of picking pears and of our new puppy, Bly to share with you. I will post photos of the goats and sheep later. I have them on my computer but not in my photobucket, so I need to get them uploaded.
Until our next chat dear friends....
Myself with the Roberts sweet baby
Baby Japh picking pears too!
Sarah Grace and Mr. Roberts Picking Pears
Bekah and Ezekiel (Ezekiel was fighting a cold and you can see it is in his eyes yet he would never admit it! He was having way to much fun to sit in the car with momma and the babies)
Busy picking pears
Bly (a Blue Merle Tri colored Border Collie registered with ABCA- all these details were very important to Bekah and exactly what she was looking for as well as being from Wales)
Rebekah has been pouring over her books and DVD's! She is so excited to train another dog to work the farm. She loves everything about training dogs to work!
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10-25-2008
The Daily Plate
The Daily Plate is a free online weight management tool that I discovered a while ago. I have noticed that a few ladies on HSB are trying to lose some weight, and I'd like to recommend and share this website with you.
At The Daily Plate you can journal the foods you're eating daily, count calories, watch nutrients, and record and track your weight and weight loss goals. It's a great tool for weight loss, and weight maintenance. The Daily Plate can also figure out how many calories you should consume daily for the amount of weekly weight you'd like to lose based on your age, activity levels, sex, and height. As you lose weight, your calories needed are adjusted automatically.
I try to use The Daily Plate almost every day, mostly to maintain the 20+ pounds I lost earlier this year, and to be more aware of what I am eating, especially during this comfort food/holiday season. I think there's just about every food listed in their calorie food list. All of the dinners I make are from scratch, which can be difficult to count calories per serving, so I choose the generic item on the list with the most calories per serving, because I tend to cook with heavy, rich ingredients and probably too much salt. That seems the simplest, and works for me.
Let me know what you think. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
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Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Like them that dreamed....
The Lord has blessed us abundantly!!! The blessings have been better than anything we could have ever dreamed!
I have been busy with my babies and packing up the house. All of you that have walked with us through a move know that, "The Wood family CAN PACK a house!" I have never been one to have a task and put it off. It drives me bonkers. When I know what we are doing and where we are going... I want to get it done! I think my personality has made the work of patience a tad challenging for me. However, the Father has always been more interested in my holiness than my happiness and continues to call me into situations where I have to wait on Him. I am learning.... slowly... . but I am learning- Praise God!! I really want to learn this lesson and let patience have her perfect work in my life!
With all that said, now is the time that the Lord has said..."Get moving!" So here we go! I have a few more of the utilities to call and get transferred. I will be sending out emails today with our new address and phone number- so keep an eye out for it and let me know if you don't get your update. As I was busy yesterday with moving details I saw a most wonderful picture in my mind. I shared it with my Momma and wanted to post it here for you too. If there are "giants" in your life, obstacles that seem impossible, continue to trust in Him! He will bring you back from your captivity! He will deliver you just as He has done for the Wood family- He is no respecter of persons! It is my husbands prayer, and mine, that we are a testimony of His faithfulness- may you be encouraged by what you see Him doing in our lives!
With much love dear friends,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
I have CONFIDENCE IN HIS FAITHFULNESS!!! All these blessings are better than anything I could have dreamed... I trust Him that He can do a miracle and sell our home in CA too... just look at all He has done! No matter what happens I WILL TRUST HIM! He has destroyed my enemies...the giants that came against me, they taunted me, laughed at me and took pride in their weapons; now they all lay dead! They are scattered on the battle field with no one to help them.. I hid in the cover of His shadow and saw Him defeat them... It was by His sword they were destroyed and not by any strength of my own! He alone is victorious!!!
Pslams 126
When the Lord brought again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dreamed. Then was our mouth filled with laughter and our tongue with joy: then said they among the heathen, THE LORD HATH DONE GREAT THINGS FOR THEM! The Lord hath done great things for us, wherof we rejoice. O Lord bring again our captivity as the rivers of the South. They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy. They went weeping, and carried precious seed: but they shall return with joy, and bring their sheaves.
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