Down on the Farm 12.19.20

 DOWN ON THE FARM 12/19/20

A gorgeous sunny morning with a 4” cover of light snow yesterday with temperature in the teens. The warmth of wood feels so good. A Saturday morning and what does a ‘farm wife’ do. Throw a load of towels in and of course make the bed…clean the bathroom. A good day to make a Salmon Stew. Oh, how I dislike cutting up veggies but …potatoes and onions in the pot. I use mushroom soup with milk and butter…yum yum! A raisin custard pudding in the oven that most of the family loves. A new bread machine holding a cinnamon/raisin loaf. An finally a cranberry/pineapple mold.

9:00 am time for coffee and time-out. We put a new bathroom window in last week and it has been waiting for me to fill the holes and paint. Yesterday was the day and I will finish off the second coat today. I have always done all my painting/papering etc. and found great joy. We have an old farmhouse built in the 1800’s and nothing is straight, so my papering has always been a challenge. But I have always found great satisfaction in it. Of course, most of it needs a re-do but just too old to deal with it. But I found this window was so relaxing and had forgotten how much I enjoyed doing this type of work.

Christmas is a few days away and I still am working on some of the ‘gifts’. A procrastinator am I and realized the things I had not done before I had to take time to work out in my brain as to ‘how’. Well, it is crunch time so I must get it done! Christmas cards are taking a backseat this year. Sent a few but not like I usually do.

A challenging year as I enjoy doing all the craft stores and shopping even if I do not buy much. But this year it has not happened. But it is okay and I have great joy in Him, the reason for the season.

The scripture says, Mary pondered things in her heart. And as a woman, I ponder many things with Jesus and me. My heart is full knowing I know Him and He has ALL things in control and I can LEAN on Him. HE IS the answer to all things. ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS’ Treasure the little things. He speaks in a still small voice. Listen for Him in the hustle and bustle of the season.

HUBBY

Hubby doing the things he enjoys:

Down on the Farm March 28.19

DOWN ON THE FARM: 3.28.19

A gorgeous day to go to the barn. Mud greeted me as I trudged my way over…. we will probably get some more rain…more thawing…then the gentle Spring winds and hopefully soon will dry up.  I was checking out the new calves; Three Black Angus mother’s and thankfully their healthy babies. Richard added  3 Holstein calves from the auction this week. What a joy to watch the mothers protect and feed them. And the new ones to learn to eat.

Richard’s love for cows began around 14 years old. His father offered him a 1929 Model A Roadster with a rumble seat that was part of a barn full of stuff he purchased. The man also had a calf and that was what R really wanted but his father would not let him have it and R would not take the vehicle. It would be a couple of years before he would buy himself a cow. Yes and here we are today! We raise our own organic beef. I have never had to buy any for 50+ years and would not know how to look for the best cuts.

 Last Fall when the leaves dropped  their old leaves  miraculously a new one sits right behind it waiting for the call of Spring. Each day we watch for new life to come forth in the trees…flowers…just one little morsel of life gives us such joy. The Robins are arriving along with the Blue birds, Sparrows, and Martins they will soon choose their housing to lay their eggs. Pretty soon we will hear the peepers in the cool of the evening. Exciting life down on the farm …it is every changing.

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.  Eccl. 3:11 NLT

Note: I have not posted for awhile but decided I would start again.  

STUCK IN THE MUCK

‘Stuck in the Muck’

          Have  you ever got bogged down in the muck and mire of the day.. You arise early in the morning with energy to ‘get those things done’ that have been facing you.  And with determination you decide to get  shower, …oops the telephone rings….nothing really important ….  but you reason with yourself…”I will make myself a cup of coffee …and just sit for a minute and listen to the morning news”….1/2 hour passes then an hour…..  Then you say to yourself ‘I need to do my devotions,  get some Word into me’…..I’ll just go get another cup of coffee and maybe a tad-bit to eat.  Guess I’ll throw a load of laundry in and at least get something started for the day.  Well, I will sort through these magazines.  Wow, this is a great article, so you sit down and read for a few minutes, reasoning with yourself you are getting something spiritual.  Wow, I know I need to get some things done but oh, I feel so tired, maybe just a little catnap and then I will get up and get started

I do not know who wrote this but it was on a floppy disk and it is so relevant to my lilfe at times that I thought it would be enjoyed. 

Each day is a new day and we awake with choices...."What will we do". I am sure like myself I have a plan but most of the time it changes especially if you walk with the Lord and He directs. My mornings have looked like the above writing and I laughed as I read it. Good intentions always, but sometimes they go " a muck". He always has a perfect plan but sometimes I find myself wasting a day and not really accomplishing a lot. 

ANNIVERSARY - 59 YEARS

DOWN ON THE FARM - January 17, 1958 – January 17, 2017. Our 59th Anniversary
I sat down this morning and began to reminisce about our lives and the memories started flooding of our humble beginnings ….our love for God….provision over the years….a son with impetigo healed and another son with a broken leg that when Richard prayed ‘In the name of Jesus’ and to get up and walk and he was healed. In 1998 my cancer healed miraculously….the last meal I put on the table and God’s provision.
God took 2 shy people and opened powerful ministries for the Glory of God ….we traveled many miles and have also given many hours of ministry to our local church. We stand amazed! It has been our joy!
Well I could write a book….maybe someday! Richards saying over the years has been, ‘the family that prays together stays together.’ We made a vow to one another 59 years ago …a trust for one another and an unconditional love that nothing can break…We have know the mountains and the valleys but ‘Never seen the righteous forsaken or his seed out begging for bread.’ We have grown because of the hard places in life. An old song the Happy Goodman’s use to sing ‘I Wouldn’t Take Nothin’ For My Journey’.
Richard’s favorite scripture is, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever’. Mine has been, “In Him I live and move and have my being.’ So today we begin our journey to the 60th year. Our trust is in Him knowing He will never leave or forsake us. A blind trust that says our faith is in the One who leads us. We love Him more today than yesterday!

DOWN ON THE FARM - Dec. 12.16

DOWN ON THE FARM – December 12, 2016

A snowy day outside!! A great day for a pot roast/veggies in the crock pot. We have been securing everything for the Winter Season. Buy and selling cattle…. 5 young to restock the herd. Our beautiful bull sold and off to Pa. A younger one will join them soon.

This season is always so busy. Christmas gifts purchased and wrapped today. Cards…Mailing packages…and cooking still to be done. of His birth….Tree up and decorated. Wreaths hung outside. Angels on my piano…. House village up….Manger scene...Garland down the stairway and Poinsettia’s every other step. Festive we are!!!. We are celebrating the Birth of a King. A simple truth ‘FROM THE MANGER TO THE CROSS’

A large cross in the field that is lit reminding others of this Christmas Season.

New storm door and side windows for the front door. And of course, all the little things that always need to be done when you own your home. It is never ending. But we are thankful for the blessings each day. Richard always busy in her new barn/shop. God took the ashes and turned it into something good. But of course he is still missing that special tool…still purchasing to replace things lost in the fire.

40 years of tree stumping still amazes us. God’s gift of witnessing wherever he goes . He could write a book of all those God has led him to…Camden, Rockland and all the areas in between. He has seen many accept Jesus and some who ponder what he says. ….truly amazing….a claimed Buddhist said they would try Jesus for 3 months. Jesus will never fail a heart open to Him. God takes your life’s work and uses you for His Kingdom.

We attended a dear friends funeral Tuesday and realize more than ever, “ONLY ONE LIFE, WILL SOON BE PAST, ONLY WHAT’S DONE FOR CHRIST WILL LAST” CT Studd. What will your legacy be when He calls you home HIS BLESSING THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON.

My Thoughts

I awoke this morning with part of a song that says, 'all things work together for my good.' That is not always easy to receive when you are in pain and the days ahead do not look much different. But with eyes of faith we realize we are in a battle and it is a spiritual one against the powers of darkness and He has given us the power to take a hold of negative thoughts that would be in the forefront of our mind and cast them down in Jesus Name. 

Our biggest battle is our mind that allows negative thoughts to take root. In view of that what does the Bible say. We need to learn to stand on His Word. 'And by His stripes we are healed' Isaiah 53:5 

2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

DOWN ON THE FARM

DOWN ON THE FARM: 10.4.16 

Looking out the back window… the Fall season is upon us. The trees are beginning change little by little to their different hues. The leaves will soon be gone. There is a great anology, when that leaf falls off there is a new one sitting behind it ready to spring forth when our maker gives the command in the Spring. And so for us, there is always hope wherever you find yourself in life where death of anything has occurred… there is new life waiting at His command to spring forth in newness.
Farm changes….last field mowed yesterday. Manure being spread. Our beef born the beginning of the year went yesterday to our buyer. They grow quite big but you can still hear the momma’s cry for a couple of days for their young, who have been nursed from birth until sold. The cows have been killed for the freezer. Soon the house will be secured for the winter. Our summer clothes have been switched out for the winter ones, now we are ready for the colder weather. We have such a short season it almost takes your breath away because it seems you just put out the summer furniture…planted the gardens and now we wait for our first frost. The wood furnace has not been started and oil is not as warm so wrapping in the homemade quilts in the evening feels good.
Life is quick …here today….gone tomorrow. We both had birthday's and realize life goes very fast. What we do for Christ is the important thing and that is what will last for eternity.

THOUGHTS TO PONDER

1.  Make peace with your past so it does not foul up your future.
2.  What others think of you is none of your business.
3. Time heals almost everything ...give it time.
4.  Don't compare your life to others and don't judge them. You have no idea what their journey is all about.-7
5.  Stop thinking too much. It's alright not to know the answers. They will come to you when they least expect it.
6.  No one is in charge of your happiness except YOU.
7. You don't own all the problems in the world.

He will give you peace ...pursue it. What others think of you is not important...your reputation others can attack but your character no one can touch. Give God time to heal the wounds and memories. Comparison and judgment will bind you up. Jesus will give you what to say when you need it. You do not always have to know everything just HIM. Happiness is fleeting but the Joy of the Lord is your strength so embrace it. You cannot solve or fix the problems in the world. Leave it to the Lord. 

Just some thoughts for you to ponder. It has been awhile since I posted. Seven points were taken from Whisper of the Heart. Comments are my own. 

He will give you peace whose mind is stayed on Him!

PUMPKINS

How is being a Christian like a pumpkin
-God picked you from the patch.
-brings you in and washes all the dirt off of you.
-cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.
-He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed etc.
-then he carves you a new smiling face 
-He puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to pray the sinner's prayer  
with a relative who was so bitter from the past and I
watched as her face began to shine and He began to wash
all the past and a smile took the place of hurt and bitterness.
It was a beautiful sight.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away, behold all things have become new. 2 Cor. 5:17

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Peter questioning The Lord asked, "how many times do I forgive a brother who sins against me?" Jesus answers, "seventy times seven" Matthew 18:21-22.

BIBLE - What is it?

WHAT IS THE BIBLE?

• "THIS BOOK contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers.

• Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.

• Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe and practice it to be holy.

• It contains light to direct you, food to support you and comfort to cheer you.

• It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword and the Christian's character.

• Here paradise is restored, heaven opened and the gates of hell disclosed.

• Christ is its grand object, our good is its design and the glory of God its end.

• It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.

• Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.

• It is given you in life and will be opened in the judgment and will be remembered forever.

• It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labour, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents."

— Anonymous (found on the flyleaf of an old Bible.) It was posted on FB

Shammah

This is one of my favorite scriptures...one of David's mighty men, Shammah. My seed is my family and the Philistines represent the enemy. He fought the enemy with the sword (Word of God) and won. This is a beautiful truth and I use it in prayer to battle when the enemy comes against my family.

11 Sam. 23:11 And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines.

12 But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the Lord wrought a great victory.

CHILD'S FAITH

A child is like a butterfly in the wind.
Some can fly higher than others.
But each one flies the best it can.
Why compare one against the other?
-EACH ONE IF DIFFERENT
-EACH ONE IS SPECIAL
-EACH ONE IS BEAUTIFUL

Jesus words, "Let the little children come to Me, 

and do not forbid them; for of such is the
Kingdom of heaven."

Assuredly I say to you, whoever does not receive

the Kingdom of God as a little child will by

no means enter it.

Mark 10:14-15

When you think of a child they are trusting, fearless, they will
receive love and follow your instructions. 

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way

that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.

"Because narrow is the gate and DIFFICULT is the way which leads to

life, and there are few who find it. 

Matthew 7:13-14

We come as a child in faith believing that He will lead and guide us and love us unconditionally.

'We will' face difficult places in our walk with Him but He will never leave or forsake us and will

strengthen us each moment of the day when we put our trust in Him.

John Wesley

A Diligent Preacher: John Wesley preached three sermons a day for 54 years, preaching more than 44,000 times. He travelled by horseback and carriage more than 200,000 miles (around 5,000 miles a year), knew 10 languages, published a four-volume commentary on the Bible, an English dictionary, five volumes on natural philosophy, four volumes on church history, histories of England and Rome, grammar books on Hebrew, Latin, Greek, French and English, three works on medicine, six volumes of church music, seven volumes of sermons and controversial papers, edited a library of fifty books, arose at 4 a.m., and worked solidly to 10 p.m. ARE YOU GETTING TIRED? He said, "I have more hours of private retirement than any man in England." At 83 he was irritated because he could no longer write more than fifteen hours a day without hurting his eyes. On his 85th birthday he wrote that he felt no weariness while travelling or preaching. But at 86 he was ashamed that he could no longer preach more than twice a day. He complained in his diary that he had an increasing tendency to sleep in till 5:30 a.m. 

Moses

STRATEGY....building a plan for success

Exodus 17

vs. 1 Israel set out for their journey at the command of the Lord.

vs. 2 They contend with Moses asking the question "why".

vs. 3 'Why have you brought us up to kill us, our children and livestock with thirst'.

Moses seeks the Lord and God gives a strategy. vs. 6 tells him to take his rod and strike the rock. He obeys and the people drink.

To me it is a bitter sweet victory because they questioned whether the Lord was among them.

Vs. 8 Faced with Amelek(means, warlike, dweller in the valley) whose intent is to fight.

Moses again gives direction and take the rod to the top of the hill. He tells Joshua to fight and he obeys. When Moses held up his hands Israel prevailed and when he let down his hand, Amelek prevailed. Aaron and Hur put a stone under him and he sat and they held his hands up. Joshua defeats Amalek and his people with the sword. Moses rod represented the authority and Joshua's sword the Word. Victory is won on the mountain not in the valley.

Moses build an altar and its name is The Lord is my Banner (JEHOVAH NISSI).

Moses, the leader sought God in the face of trouble and God gave the strategy in both cases and the Lord prevailed.



Abram-Lot

 SACRIFICE..Giving up in order to gain

Genesis 13..Abram and Lot go up from Egypt. Abram and Lots herdsmen fight because there is not enough space for the animals.

Vs 4 Abram seeks the Lord. He states the land will not support both of them. Abram gives Lot first choice of land and he 'lifts his eyes' and chooses land close to Sodom. (this speaks to me of a fleshly choice as it does not ...

say he sought the Lord) BUT God speaks to Abram says, 'lift your eyes' from the place you are, northward,southward, eastward, and westward. All the land God gives to him and his descendants....He speaks and tells him to walk the land the length..its width and he will give it to him. He obeys and move his tent and dwells and build an altar. Both lifted their eyes and the end result was blessing on Abram and Lots choice led him into captivity (chap 14). Abram allowed another to choose first and in the end became the Father of God's chosen people. First choices are not always the best BUT seeking the Lord is the key to choice even if you feel you have to sacrifice the best.

Joseph

RESPECT a lesson in humility. 

GENESIS 37,39, 42-45


JOSEPH a young man whose father showed him partiality...but his brothers e
vied..hated...stripped and sold him...lied and became deceivers to his father. Joseph sold into Egypt to Potiphar..his wife tries to seduce him and sets trap..untruth...but husband believes and puts him in prison for 2 years. Finds favor with the guard and because

 of God's mercy uses him. Famine comes to brothers land and they go to Egypt where there is grain unknowingly, to their brother who elevated by God is now governor. They present themselves as honest men to him...He puts them to the test. Amazing he holds no judgment...bitterness..anger or any of the emotions that were rightly his. He saves them from themselves. He respected others no matter where he found himself and now respects the brothers who betrayed him and in humility is used of God to restore. A key is that he knew it was God that had allowed it all in his life...much more to the story and lots of lessons...it can speak volumes to our lives today.

Noah

PERSEVERANCE finish what you start....

Genesis 6-7


God sees the wickedness of Noah's generation....God decides to destroy all mankind and animals. He speaks to Noah to build an ark...giving specific instructions...saving his family and male and female of all he animals...Noah walked with God ....obeys and enters the ark. GOD SHUTS THE DOOR. The Lord does what He said he would do. He knew the man to choose ...one that would do as He said and persevere through all the challenges set before him. Noah did his job and God did his and victory was wrought.

Nehemiah

 TEAMWORK: The foundation of success

Nehemiah 1-6
Chapter 1
Nehemiah has a burden and is in great distress...
       vs. 4 seeks the Lord for answers. 
       vs. 7 repents for himself and the people...
       vs 8-11 reminds God of his promise.


Chapter 2 Comes before the King and is very sad and fearful.
               He requests to rebuild and is granted it.
       vs. 6 Time is set to go and rebuild the wall.
       vs. 7...resources required and set to attain.


NOTE THE PLAN OF THE ENEMY- Tobiah...Sanballet and others.
        Chapter 1: vs. 10  The enemy hears the plan and it is interesting to me they are deeply disturbed. (Enemy is always there when the plan of God is given to us)
       Chapter 2:19 Enemy HEARS AND LAUGHS


Chap. 4:1 Enemy was furious and very indignant and mocked the Jews.
        vs. 2 He taunts them
        vs. 3 makes fun and says whatever they built it will break down.
        vs.5 Enemy provoked God
        vs. 7-8  Enemy very angry and conspires to create confusion.
        vs. 11 Enemy thinks God's people are blind and will come into midst and kill and cause work to cease.


Chap 6 Enemy wants to infiltrate them with a purpose to do harm. They were determined and persistence
        vs. 6 sends a letter.....5th time after asking them to meet    
        vs. 9 Trying to raise fear and weaken their hands.
        vs. 10 Send what I call the big gun's...a persuader wanted to meet in the house of the Lord secretly
                  trying to put fear and trepidation in them.
        vs. 13 they were hired by Tobiah and Sanballet.


NOTE; GODS PEOPLE:
Cahpter 2:18 'Let us rise up and build.' Then they set their hands to this good work.
Chapter 2:20 Confident in their God - they knew enemy had no right.
Chapter 3      List of workers and specific jobs
Chapter 4:4 Nehemiah seeks God
         vs. 9  set a watch against the enemy
         vs. 13 they positioned men .....according to their families (it took 
                   everyone to complete the rebuilding)
         vs. 16 Some built...some had weapons
Chapter 6;  The wall was FINISHED in 52 days!


The point of this story is that God will give a burden to do something and give the resources and the enemy is always there trying everything he can to stop us. But we need to be persistent and continue the burden of the Lord and finish His work.


Many more truths in these passages.  

Our thoughts

Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19.

Our minds can be the playground of the enemy unless we choose and sometimes we have to contend that 'I will not allow those thoughts'. Make a list and put into remembrance all that HE has done.

Prov. 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart so is he. We live in a world that is being shaken on every level. Our thinking is key to our spiritual health. People sometimes start their day with the news and find fear gripping them or the unknown playing in their minds or the 'what if'. We need to choose as the scripture says, 'think on the things noble, pure, lovely, good report...if there is any virtue and if there is anything praise worthy-meditate on these things. Phil 4:8.

David said, 'I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinks upon me. Psn, 40:17a

A portion of scripture that I always stand amazed at Psm. 139:17-18 where it says, 'How precious are Your thoughts to me....how great the sum of them! If I could count them they would be more in number than the sand.' My mind is boggled at that thought...oh how much He loves us and thinks about us. Let our minds be on Him always. Today is the first day of your life. Think on Him and forget yesterday and know He has something new today.l