HORSES ARE THERAPEUTIC

...and sometimes that's just what we need around here.

Thankfully Elka loves such things and has no problem dropping everything to get right in there.

There's something about working with horses that can turn a frown upside down.

Which is just what we were hoping for today.

Horses are therapeutic.

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Galatians 6:2

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

We've been blessed with wonderful neighbors!

It's a gift to show them love.

And be loved by them in return.

{special neighbors, special friends}

{special memories}

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

James 2:8

SPATCHCOCK

He raised his first batch of broilers all on his own.

He built a special coop and portable run, moved them to fresh pasture each day,

took excellent care of them, and learned a ton...together with his dad.

And we're all finally able to enjoy the benefits.

Truly pasture raised, organic, homegrown, antibiotic free, etc., etc., chicken.

The guys are getting creative in the kitchen lately,

learning new ways to cook and serve, and last night it was...

Spatchcock.

Thanks guys! Your hard work and efforts for our family are a blessing!

"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof."

Psalm 24:1

GOAT CHEESE

With all our baby goats, Elka has been able to milk the mama goats more each day now.

(usually surrounded by quite a few "helpers")

And her goat cheese making dreams have finally come true!

(using green onion she grew in her garden box)

"There will be enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household."

Proverbs 27:27

BROTHERS & BEST FRIENDS

These 3...

{brothers & best friends}

For like ever.

"Let brotherly love continue."

Hebrews 13:1

HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY NOBLE!

Today as I reflect, I remember...

We've been through a lot together.

Words can't capture the depth of your story.

Oh Noble, you are loved...

...always have been.

Always will be.

I look back on these photos from early years...

...and a lifetime of memories flood.

Indeed, we have been through so much.

You have been through so much.

And the Lord has been with you.

His hand of great LOVE has always been upon you and will continue to be.

It's been a journey.

And it's only just begun.

When I consider ALL that God has done...and ALL that I am certain He is yet to do in your life, I marvel at the weaving of your story. You have come so far in your life and you've grown in ways that most 8 year olds have never even given thought to. For that matter, you've grown in ways many adults never do and for that I admire you, my son. I admire your willing heart. Your tenderness. Your deep compassion. Your gentleness. Your vulnerability to trust the Lord. I know that His plans to use you to bless others will sing of the faithfulness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. He has done a beautiful work in your life already in these 8 years of yours. I can only imagine what all He has yet in store for His glory!

HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY TO OUR NOBLE!!

God is FOR you!

We are FOR you!

Today and always, you are dearly loved.

"In him we have redemption."

Ephesians 1:7

{Praise the Lord!}

MOTHER'S DAY 2018

Memories were made...

{my people}

Thank you Lord for these most treasured gifts from you.

I couldn't feel more blessed.

"Children are a gift from the Lord."

Psalm 127:3

SHE STILL NEEDS ME

Even though she can "do it herself" these days...

...she still asks to sit on my lap "when we get to the mailbox".

Every time.

"As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you."

Isaiah 66:13

And even though she's busy being big now, I'm so thankful she still needs me.

I pray ALL of my children to a certain extent always will. I pray to be the encourager they need,

the mentorship I didn't have, the one who cheers them on as they grow, and loves them faithfully no matter what.

By God's grace, may this foundation that's being daily set 

point them to Christ above all because the truth is they need HIM most.

May they grasp that in a special way through the catalyst of trustworthy parenting, that we might have the honor of participating in their drawing near to Him. As they seek Jesus, may they find His love alive and flowing out through us along the way. May they see our love for Him and want more of that with each wafting day, week, month, year themselves.

I'm grateful for the opportunities I have as a mother to love and serve like Christ, to know more of my need for Him, to see how He loves me, His child, through the lens of parenting my own. I sense His forgiveness when I forgive, I see His mercy when I'm given the chance to be merciful, I learn His grace when He calls me to be gracious, to bless, sacrifice, give and give. I want to obey Him, honor Him, joyfully submit to Him as I encourage my children to do the same. I want to accept His commandments and strive to please Him all the time and I want to learn what He desires through His loving discipline and pruning when I need it, knowing it's for His glory and my good, knowing He sees a wide angle view that far surpasses mine. I want to trust Him with childlike faith because He's worthy of my trust. And in the midst of the gift, I cherish these days more with each that passes and I'm thankful as I pour (and receive) to know that she (and they) still need me.

And oh, how I need Him.

"No one has ever seen God; if we love one another,

God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."

1 John 4:12

HEARTS & HANDS

{& SEA GLASS}

So many memories...

"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Colossians 3:14