views from my pasture

Inspired

2010-09-05T14:48:00.000-07:00

What a lovely evening gathering. The guests had arrived early for a communal dinner, setting on the back deck of a friends house celebrating a birthday and where we could watch the sun set on the glassy waters of the lake in the background...As we sang songs with scattered scripture verses staggered between the melodies, it made my heart thankful for and comforted to bask in the love of a family of like believers. Now that the food and melodies had vanished, I turned to the couple on my left and struck up some conversation of themes of a possible choir that could be created from our acapella renderings. Somehow the subject changed into writing and books and all that entails. The themes became the "Cookbook" and I shared my dream of creating a calendar-story-poetry-life experiences-kind of a journal, kind of book. I was so inspired when I got home I could hardly get to sleep, and I remembered that I hadn't even written on my blog for over a year. So here is my desire and my commitment to do some real writing and organizing and creating of a book that has been in my head for many months. So I pray that the Lord who has helped me in everything else in my life, helped me find a gal years ago to type up the manuscript for " In Pastures Green" would show Himself faithful and help me get started and create and make the book of my dreams,literally become a reality. So today was the day I put on those walking shoes and took a walk with Grayson, made a big breakfast for my sweet husband and made my first entry for over a year in my blog...Now does that sound like I'm inspired or what?

The Table Tops

2009-09-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful, warm evening, perfect for an outdoor gathering. I had been so busy that day. I had forgotten to clean the glass table tops on the deck and back porch for our 40 plus guests that were invited to a Bridal Shower as a surprise for a friend. So when the first guests arrived I took them up on the sentence..."What can I do to help?" Perfect, they could clean the table tops...Handing them paper and cloth towels and some window cleaner in a bottle, sent them out to do the duty at hand...Some time passed before I remembered the ladies with the cleaning supplies. As I passed them en route to another area, I saw that the tables looked smudgy and uncleaned...Stopping by briefly to see the problem of why they didn't sparkle and shine, I found that they were using sparingly the spray which would do the job in an instant...Mentioned that and moved on to the other guests needs...Forgetting all about the unclean table tops until every one had gone home. Somehow it seemed to me as I thought about the tables, that it is somewhat like me and the holy spirit. God provides an abundance of the Spirit to wash and cleanse us through the blood of Jesus, but we don't let Him apply it in it's fullness, thus making smudges on our character that any one can see as they pass by our lives...Oh Father, please wash and make me fully clean is my earnest plea so a reflection can be seen of Jesus as people pass by.

Running with the Coyotes

2009-08-16T17:49:00.000-07:00

It seemed impossible that our big Great Dane would not chase the coyotes, but instead just ran with them...Two ahead and one behind him...I, in the mean time was calling him back to me...He thinking he would just follow along on this run kept running...Realizing this was not a good plan for my dog as big as he is, he is still a dog and those were coyotes...Finally going inside the house to fetch something from the fridge, I made my way out the back gate into the forest to call Grayson off his focus...The coyotes had gone into under brush in the manzanita, that he couldn't get through, thankfully...He finally came when he saw a treat in my hand that smelled like a hot dog...Beef of course...As I brought him into the safety of our fence line the thoughts started coming in quick succession...After I posted a short blurb on Facebook found that the trick for coyotes is to let the dog run with them and they will take them to a secluded place and then turn on the dog and kill it . So thankful for this information, now I will keep closer eye on him when he is out on the big acreage...However these thoughts kept pressing on my mind...We as humans can run with the devils imps thinking it is just a game and then we are lured into something much deeper and death can be the end of us...Maybe not so much physical, but spiritual death...For His Holy word says , "the wages of sin is death". So if the Lord is out hunting for you to bring you back to him with some wonderful treat, made and designed especially for you to respond to, come to Him for He will bring you back into the protection of His fence line...The commandments are His perfect fence line...For when we are safely under his protection we will know that it isn't wise to run with "coyotes" even if it only is a frolic in the woods, death may there await.

Hello Again

2009-01-25T15:48:00.000-08:00

Can it be this many months since I have shared my heart with you...Yes time has in some ways dragged by and then it has also moved so fast I couldn't catch up with the threads of a day as they seemed to slip through my fingers. These last four or five months were shattered by the illness and death of my very best friend, whom I met in the early 1980 when we were both raising black wool sheep. We had met by a phone call placed by me the day I received my Natural Colored Wool Growers Assoc. booklet that I had just gotten in the mail box that day...I had thumbed through and found another farm just about a mile and a half from my farm... I had called her to ask if I could meet her and she invited me right over...I jumped in my old orange pick up and drove the short distance between us and found she had beautiful sheep and young lambs too...We were both eager to share the beauty of our individual flocks and the fine quality of the wool they produced. She called her "girls" into the low shed barn, calling sweet nothings, rattling a can of grain to entice them to come close, for they were afraid of me, a stranger standing beside her and they wouldn't come. So I enjoyed their beauty from afar. I asked her if she would like to see my flock and she agreed. We both traveled in my truck and I took her to my farm yard and rattled the can of grain, calling my "girls" by name and they each brought their lambs and dutifully went into their stalls as if they were robots following some uncanny magnet to arrive at their assigned place in the barn...We both laughed and she said to me "I think I hate you"...how can your sheep be so obedient? Well neither of us never knew how that happened for it never happened again for me...But that was the day I met Delores and we were friends from that day forward...I purchused a spinning wheel like hers, thinking that if I had a wheel like that I could spin like she did. She did teach me how to spin and in some ways the yarn I spin does look simular to the yarn she spun, but spinning is something like making potato salad...Giving 5 recipes out to 5 different gals will provid 5 different flavors, because no one does things exactly alike...We had many things in commen which caused our bond to be stronger year by year. We started Sierra Shepherds together in 1983 which included all the farm families in the area that belonged to the Natural Colored Sheep Growers Assoc...Kind of a Placer County chaper...We were at the local fairs, winning prizes and earning enough as a group to attend with a beautiful booth at the Spinners and Weavers Conferences that came about once per year...We were very visiable and did as a group much more than we could have ever done as a single farm enity...As the years brought on a more quiet life style and the selling of our flocks we had grown in friendship to be like sisters. Then one day the Doctor gave her the tragic news that she was filled with cancer and after Chemo and radiation, things took a turn for the worse...We planned her funeral together and it was my privilege to honor that request to faithfully fulfill the plans we had made. So part of me has been made numb by her loss. Part of me rejoices in the knowledge that she suffers no more and I can bask in the promises of our Shephed that we both loved, that He will take us through the valley of the shadow of death, and I will fear no evil . Psalms 23 The promise of God's holy word gives me hope and courage for the future..."I can tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not rise to meeti him ahead of those who are in their graves. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the call of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, all the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with him forever, so comfort and encourage each other with these words." 1Thessalonians 4:15-18

It's Been a Long Time

2008-09-21T10:56:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a long time it's been since I sat here to share the thoughts of my heart. It is now September and time is continuing to fly at a pace I've never experienced before. Wonder if it is my age? Could be, but I have suffered with a bad back that has caused much pain down the back of my leg for several months and have just recently begun to seek medical help. The Physical Therapist is wonderful and makes me feel as good as new for several hours, making it possible to stop at the grocery store en route to home to pick up the items necessary for daily living. So here I sit hoping that the sitting won't cause more pain when I stand up. Speaking of hope, it is wonderful to know that the hope of my grand daughter and her husband was realized in the birth of their healthy and beautiful baby daughter. We all share in the hope of her living a life filled with hope for others well fare, as she matures into the person God has created her to be. We will travel to her dedication to the Lord this next Sabbath. What a joy it will be to see her for the first time and hold her close to my body giving her Great Grammy hugs and kisses. Oh the love we have for the newborns in our families, and our church families as well...Praise be to God. "And now these three things remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Cor 13 (last part)

The Anniversary Present

2008-07-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

June is gone forever...We celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary yesterday, signing up to leave for a 14 day cruise to Alaska...The trip starts the sixth of July...Are we ready for a time away from home...My dear husband today, has been told he must have a major surgery when we return...Maybe it is good to get away and see the beauty of God's creative handiwork in the far reaches of the north country's different ports of call...To reminisce of how great our God is...That everything is in His hand and he reigns supremely over good times and bad...For my God is good in what ever times we find ourselves in...So dear reader my prayer for you is that no matter where your life path leads, you will look up and find a gentle Shepherd looking in your eyes, giving assurance that He will lift you up if you need to be carried until the journey ends. Praises for knowledge that we are the sheep of His pasture.

Plain Wrapping

2008-05-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

Time has flown it seems faster than usual...Busy with spring activities that come bunched up in everyday life...Sometimes with no ribbons or bows tucked round the day. Just plain wrappings will have to do for most hours of my life recently...The very hot weather has made me long for the coolness of the past several weeks, where all the roses were happy in their opening of fresh buds of color and grandeur...The bird bath however is still being sought after by a variety of winged creatures including the birds...And of course the feeders are emptied every other day by birds of song and rivalry...The hummers almost touch my face with delight when I come to refill their sweet red water...The baskets full of cascading flowers hang from tree limb or other metal crooks that make the "bird sanctuary" so lovely to behold as I spend my morning worship time outdoors on the cooler mornings...praises to our Lord who gives us seasons in our life as well...Today seemed like a hot dry spell...Needing much water of the Spirit to refresh me from wilting in the heat of the day...Both spiritually and physically...Tonight I do feel nourished and my droopy edges have been uplifted by God's grace...Praises and thanksgiving ascend even in a brown paper day...

Coincidence

2008-04-08T18:38:00.000-07:00

The pondering for many days had been in how I want to re-vamp my cook book and how to go about it...The jotting down in my journal all the things I'd like to see in print have been whirling around in my brain for many days...Then I wrote it all down again, the very next day I was in one of our Big Box stores in the area perusing through the books and there before my eyes was the concept...Printed, finished, completed with however some minor details, it wasn't my work nor did it feature what I had tended to think was the theme I had wanted to celebrate...Was this a coincidence or was the Lord seeking to speak to me in words of assurance that the idea was timely and perfect for the market now for cook book sales and reader interest...Wow. was I ever amazed, pleased and challenged to continue to seek the path that I had thought was the right one laid out before me...What an affirmation...Now the hard work begins...Doing it! So my prayer is that I will be able to allow the Lord to complete the work He has before me...There is a song, built on a text of scripture... "He who began a good work in you, is able to complete it..." Paraphrase of Philippians 1:6 So the work begins.

Before the Day Ends

2008-03-31T11:40:00.000-07:00

Time is fast fading into a new month called April...A month that brings showers and delightful hues in the colors of display from flowers, trees buds unfurling in all their beauty and fresh spring green on the black oak leaves to begin a canopy over my walking path. Even the pine needles are fragrant and bright green. The lawns smell good after being mowed, the weeds send out a sweet aroma after the mower runs a path to walk on...Spring is here... Just returned from a wonderful Prayer Retreat up in the mountains. The time spent there was refreshing and precious to my soul. Visiting with old friends and new. Praying together for mutual needs and concerns...Reaching out to those who were hurting. Using James 5:13 and onward as a format to pray with and for others and the same in return to nurture and help heal the broken places in our souls...Praises for a new and glorious day with sunshine, clear blue sky...Help me remember before the day ends that I will continue to praise you no matter what happens, for I have just come from a mountain top experience back to the low-lands of life, and the troubles have come already...I will keep looking up to Jesus and not be dissuaded by what I see around me...Praise His name forever...

It's Been A While

2008-03-24T20:03:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been several months since I've been able to be on my blog...Travel, commitments, house guests and a failure to remember how to connect with my password and other small matters have kept me from a weekly visit...Thankfully it is nice to be home, sharing news and views and a slice of life from my pasture. Just returned from a delightful short visit with two of my grand-girls. One had flown with her husband and young daughter from Texas, the other had flown from Oregon for a gathering of family and friends...Delightful moments to cherish and remember with photos from the newish camera that we purchased to take pictures when we went to the Galapagos Islands. We went there on a mission trip to help build a school for the many children who live on San Christabel Island. It is almost the end of March and the spring flowers are blooming in the yard and buds in the trees and on a wooded path where a previous neighbor had planted daffodils. Their bright yellow bonnets made me smile as I walked past on my morning walks with Grayson who is still growing at 15 months. The new tulip tree which has the most beautiful pink buds and blossoms was brought home from the nursery today and our yard man will plant it on his next visit. The spring green of the black oak trees is almost golden in the glow of the early morning sunlight. Wonderful to be alive and bask in the beauty of the freshness of the season change from winter to spring...And of course we just celebrated in music and scripture the beauty and thankfulness of the resurrection morning...It has been awhile for some who haven't been committed followers of Jesus...Praise our Lord that He welcomes us back the minute we turn toward Him. The free offer of mercy is given to all as found in Isaiah 55:1-3 "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money;come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money, and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and labor for that which satisfieth not? harken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me, hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David." (KJV) Oh Jesus, I come to Thee, for it has been a while.

New Beginings-Again

2008-01-02T12:55:00.000-08:00

The year is brand new. 2007 has gone from my world forever except for memories fond recall. The holidays are behind us and what a delightful time it was. Family gathered for both Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and festivities. Had 15 guests at the Thanksgiving Feast...My son Chris made an extension to the table that would sit 16 comfortably...What fun it was to decorate it and I used real pumpkins, Cinderella type purchased at a farm some miles away that had these beautiful bluish-green, pumpkin color...All in all the table was inviting and it was so good to have friends and family gather for this much loved holiday...I left the table in it's long addition and put together Christmas tree boughs down the middle with candles galore and a pretty sitting reindeer for the center piece which I removed this morning and took the table down and it is now in the regular size and shape for my dining room...With the new rug placed under the table legs which is a nice holiday addition which I will leave...Christmas day brunch was a delight since we usually celebrate on Christmas Eve...But this year we choose something different too by choosing names..It was hard for me to stay faithful with the one gift idea...But all in all it was special to create new memories during this wonderful time of the year in which to celebrate our Lord's birth over 2000 years ago...And now it is time for new beginnings-again...Some of which I've made many times before... I still seek to follow that Star that led the Wise Men to Bethlehem so many years ago. I've made that commitment anew on New Years day...Lord please help me to be strengthened by Your Spirit to remain faithful day after day and year after year. I seek to open the door of my heart. Please come in to sup with me... For I hear Your voice call through Your Holy Word. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20 Praises forever and ever, Amen

Not Remembering the Past

2007-10-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

We are almost to Graysons eleven month birthday. He is huge and has been neutered, weighing in at over 125 pounds so far. He has another 6 months or so before he no longer is considered a puppy. He eats well his puppy chow, made for pups that have large bones and he is sleek and shinny with a massive head and huge white teeth, which he doesn't use on people, just tree limbs, tennis balls, old shoes, old leather objects like gardening gloves or anything he can get his teeth into. He starts "dog college" tomorrow night and has already learned to heal, sit and down, but has a hard time "staying". We walk an hour each day and that helps him be socialized more with car noises in the distance, neighbors dogs and any other distraction that can happen. He is learning. I'm learning. And good things are beginning to happen. The challenges have arisen too. It has been many years since our last Dane puppy. We have noticed that we don't have the energy we did in the past. So I'm thankful my choice has been to see the good improvement that Grayson has made. Not remembering the past bad behavior. And it reminds me that is how the Father in heaven has looked at me. Not remembering the past, when I have been distracted by anything that came my way and I lost my concentration on what He was trying to teach me. Yet He still focuses on the person I will become by His marvelous grace. Praises forever and ever, Amen

The Fragrance of Fall

2007-10-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

The smell of rain on the dusty leaves creates memories in my mind of the farm and all the creatures that dwelt amongst the pasture fence lines that were their habitat. I see Jubilee who was my rescued burro. Brando our son's horse of many years, happy with his pasture mates, the other horses that boarded at our place. The fall rain that created new shoots of green to sprout forth after several days of wet sky's for the sheep to graze upon. Even the dogs and cats were sniffing the cool crisp air. The fragrance was as perfume. Now the apple and pumpkin pies will be baking and the rooms here will be filled with other aroma's of the season.
The autumn spices in the candles are being lit on rainy evenings.The pumpkin decor is on the front porch with appropriate colored mums. The wreaths of leaves are hanging from the front doors to greet everyone that visits. Thank you Lord for the changing of the seasons...and the gift to be able to smell.

And the Angels Sang

2007-09-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

The mood was exhilarating. The orchestra superb. The choir rehearsed, and the angels sang for joy and celebration with us. You could hear the deep notes of the bass and high soprano sounds as the music wafted through the huge auditorium, even the sound system which was working well couldn't keep the angel voices from being heard. They sang with us in rich melody and harmony as we did out human best to praise our Lord and Redeemer with songs of praise and adoration. Under the gifted skill of Ralph Carmichael, a christian composer and orchestra leader of many years we sang unified and in one accord. It was a once in a life time experience for my husband and my self. We had sung many years with the symphony choir and many years after in our own church choir, however where we attend now there is no choir and the joy of being able to practice and be in this very special event was worth all the miles to drive for rehearsals to prepare for a mass choir of over 400 voices from all over the northern part of our state. A foretaste of heaven was my thought as we drove home last Sabbath evening...People from every kindred tribe and nation...Young and old alike standing side by side singing praises to our Lord. My mind mused at the thought of the day's activity. The heavenly choir will be like that too and "What a joy that will be, when my Saviours face I see, when I look upon His face, the one who saved me by His grace. Other words and ends with, what a joy, glorious joy that will be." (song) I don't know the author... but the sentiments are so true for all of us. There is a mass choir being prepared for all those who want to sing in it and the Angels will sing with us. Jesus himself will sing too. And it does not matter if you have a singing voice, only if you have a singing heart. God will give you the voice when we all get to heaven...Praise Him for ever and ever...Amen

Back To Earth And Upward

2007-08-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

The whirlwind has calmed. The filming is completed and one program has been aired already. Three more in the future to be aired in their rightful time slots. Life has begun to take shape here at home again, after a wonderful Camp meeting and one daughters 30Th wedding anniversary celebrated last week end. So my feet are beginning to fit back on earth again. Walks in the woods await. Laundry being folded and put away after a good tumble in the dryer. Every day chores, such as doing dishes after meals and just basking in the reality of being home. New goals and activities to put in proper place and schedule end of summer picnics and creating a newer version of my cook book. Have some fun ideas and looking forward to the publishers response. Went to a wonderful gospel concert last evening in a dear friends back yard. She was celebrating the completion of her brick patio where all the round tables, linens,and crystal were displayed for guests to enjoy a lovely buffet and the music. All this over looked the lights of the many homes and roadways across the river. Lovely setting for an evening gathering. Gave me some good ideas. But the things I have learned over the last several months I do not want to forget. For I spent untold amounts of money, energy and time to be prepared, emotionally, physically and spiritually for my trip for the cooking show. I've thought about this much since my return. Have I or am I willing to do the same for the soon coming of my Lord in the clouds to take His children upward to their heavenly home?
To practice self denial of food, clothing or any other passion that would keep my focus distracted from being prepared. Would I give of myself of time and money to help prepare others for that glorious day as well. Oh, Father my prayer is that you take this earthen vessel and prepare me for that day of which we all long for. The coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen

The Stuffed Pumpkin

2007-07-27T22:46:00.000-07:00

The picture of the pumpkin is one I did years ago for a magazine shoot. I so wanted to do the demonstration again this year when I did the taping of a television cooking show called "Let's Cook". However the pumpkins were not ripe and so could not do it in the month of July!...However the beauty of the orb shaped vegetable is so lovely and it makes me think that I want to go home again for those festive meals gathered round a table with family and friends...Pumpkin pie, Mashed potatoes and all the trimmings for a Thanksgiving meal...No turkey anymore since we have changed our eating habits. But home anyway, because it really isn't about the meal as much as it is being together...But Mom and Dad, they rest in the grave, awaiting that glorious sound of the trumpet...And there will be a feast better than anything we know...No carved turkey or a stuffed pumpkin but the royal fixings of the food of the King of the ages...Jesus who we can live and reign with forever...Then instead of home again, it will be Home Forever. Praise God he is making the table ready.

Home Again

2007-07-27T19:14:00.000-07:00

The Event

2007-07-02T20:56:00.000-07:00

The day had arrived and the food prepared for the big event of friends 50th wedding anniversary. The morning was spent in last minute doings, such as loading the car with all the needed items for decorations, food and any other thing that would be needed for a festive afternoon. My friend Pat, who helped was a novice in regards to catering, but willing to lend a helping hand when and wherever she was needed. We arrived at the church at the appointed time, gathered another 2 gals who were helping, for prayer to help things run smoothly.About 6 hours later we were packed again and heading home. We both were so tired we could hardly talk. I had jammed my right thumb nail and pulled it backwards, causing a large hematoma at my nail line and grabbed a falling glass just as it broke and cut the top of my right palm just under where the fingers begin. We were so thankful the injuries would heal and a nice time was had by all guests. They never knowing the behind the scene drama. The food was abundant, the hall looked elegant in the candle glow, roses in big vases provided beauty in soft shades of peach and off white "Bride and Groom" were a handsome couple in their 80's. What a precious honoring of their years together with children and grandchildren sharing moments of closeness and fun in growing up in the same household.
There is a banquet being prepared by our Lord and He is sending out His servants to call everyone to the table prepared for them. Surely there will be roses and candle glow and food in abundance. I think I hear His call right now. Let's go together

Time is Running Out

2007-06-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

The schedule is fast paced and there's more to do than I can really accomplish. Oh, Lord help me to do the duty at hand and do the tasks that I have taken on...Big catering event on the weekend. Plus going to spin at our monthly spinning meeting mid week...How did I ever get so over extended? I ask Lord for You to help me, there is also the 10 days of fasting and prayer starting at our mid-week service at church... Making our sanctuary a House of Prayer. Actually I'm so thankful that this is happening for we don't want to make it a den of thieves, but a safe place were our characters are not stolen by gossip and unkind surmising but a place where we can all come and kneel at the foot of your cross and be covered by the spilt blood of the Lamb...Give us love for one another, genuine love that radiates out to warm others hearts and souls and a desire to help those who know You not, for all of us to be ready for Thy return and when You come in angel clouds so very soon, may we all be able to say, "...Lo, this is our God, we have waited for Him and He will save us; this is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." Isaiah 25:9

It's Cookin Time

2007-06-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

Well my journey has made an about face and I'm seeking to be up for the adventure...Going to the gym and walking the now 6 months Dane pup every other day. The weight has begun to fall away and my gal friend who is helping me has come over to our home and we have been testing new and old recipes for demonstration and filming...So will show some fun pictures soon...So we will begin a new series of stories and pictures from the Creative Country Cooking that I will be doing for filming in July...Come along for the trip...

Now and Forever

2007-05-29T20:08:00.000-07:00

The months have passed quickly since I first started my journey with you my dear reader...For now I'm recovering the sudden loss of my dear Bearonnes, a beautiful tortis-shell cat we had for 16 years...She was a great joy and a lot of fun as a constant companion. Her special ways of talking to us in her bark like meows...Her love she shared by being present and on my lap when ever I'd sit to write in my prayer journal or the times she would be near my feet as I was on the computer or on my lap here as I typed an article or did my blog...So the laundry room is empty where her food bowl sat on the sink so the dogs wouldn't get her food. She no longer greets me in the early morning schedule she knew so well. She was the cat of my heart. She was loved and treasured by all the family members too, for she loved to be on their laps as well, purring her soft musical notes of contentment of being held. The bed seems lonely with no Bear between us. The long bubble baths have no creature on the edge waiting for her drink of warm water to start her morning...But we have the memories and thankfully they were all good ones. Will I ever have a cat again? I would think so when the time is right, however no one can be replaced whether human or animal. All God's creatures are precious snowflakes of His design, no two alike and that's the way it should be. So treasure the ones you love. Love the one's you treasure . For you never know when death takes hold and snatches a loved one away forever in the scheme of earthly existence...But thankfully we have a hope beyond the grave for our human family and friends. The Holy Word speaks to that issue.

"I can tell you this directly from the Lord: that we who are still living when the Lord returns will not rise to meet him ahead of those who are in their graves. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a mighty shout and with the soul-stirring cry of the archangel and the great trumpet call of God. And the believers who are dead will be the first to rise to meet the Lord. Then we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with Him forever. So comfort and encourage each other with this news."I Thessalonians 4:15-19 (TLB)

I don't know about our pets and animals, but there is some comfort in the words in Revelation that speaks to my heart for all the lost pets I have had.

"He will wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. All of that has gone for ever. And the one sitting on the throne said," See, I am making all things new!" And then He said to me, "Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true." Revelation 21:3-5 (TLB)

So my heart is comforted and there will be a new day tomorrow and yesterday is gone forever. But we have the now and that is why it is called the Present.

The Bear In the Bowl

2007-05-08T20:45:00.000-07:00

When I first found her
Oh such a dear.
She looked just like
A tiny wee bear.
She was light as a feather
Cute as a fox.
She loved to sleep
In a small wooden box.

She's not a gopher
She's not a mole,
She is however
The Bear in the bowl.
She's not from a den
Nor from a lair.
But she is indeed
My Cinnamon Bear.

A basket a bucket
Or anything round,
She'd rather sleep there
Than on the cold ground.
She trades places with pillows
When on my bed.
She wraps herself round
The top of my head.

A cat or a bear?
Oh what do you see?
This fluffy dear creature
Who lives here with me.
Her coat is so pretty
Soft orange and black.
She eats from her dish
A tuna meal snack.

I'm sure you have guessed it,
And have it down pat.
Yes, yes she's the dearest
My lovely "bear" cat.

In tribute to our" Bearonness" 1991-2007

Thoughts

2007-04-29T16:31:00.000-07:00

How the month has flown by and I have not been able to write my thoughts. Birthday celebrations, travel to and from each activity and a growing puppy to keep me sharp and on track to teach him his boundaries. He loves leather shoes, my husbands, guests or mine. I have given him my slippers and a variety if shoes, one at a time! Maybe that is the problem. Never give him a shoe he has destroyed to play with for then he feels shoes are his territory...Good idea. My resolve to lose some weight and tighten up the muscle tone by walking has been encouraged by joining a gym to help me realize my goal by mid-July, has started to show some signs of progress. I will be filming a television cooking school then with a very dear gal friend who will help and encourage me to be ready...Thoughts race through my mind regarding my title of a cook book expose' "Thoughts from a Born Again Health Nut" sharing the roller coaster ride of eating meat, to eating vegetarian, to being a vegan and back again several times in my life. So this time I pray that it is the final choice that will help me no longer be on the up and down ride. I want victory for my own body, mind and spirit.

Oh Lord of kitchen, spoon and knife-
Please give me victory in my life.

Make of me a person pure
For in this fight I must endure.

Not for position, place or fame
But to be a credit for Thy name.

Please help me as I loose this weight,
For I will be just what I ate...

Time Out

2007-04-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

The last several weeks have been busy ones for us. Grand daughters wedding in another state, travel to and fro. Safety in coming and going...Company staying over night and the joy of raising a now four month Great Dane puppy...He has grown with great amazement, as I watch his huge front paws seem to become bigger every day. Friends and family enjoying his awkward going up and down steps and learning to grasp the reality of the word. NO!!! He has carved a place in our hearts as we watch him become larger almost moment by moment... The buds are blooming and the leaves sway in the soft breeze...The tulips and other bulbs speak in color that is is spring...Working with my remaining wool and knitting with my knitting circle of friends who have gathered monthly to spin, knit or bring something to show and tell from the weavers loom inspired me to write this poem

Threads of Promise

Weave O Lord of heaven and hearth, a thread of promise,
Dropped from the spindle of Thy word. Shuttled with Hope,
Encouragement, Love and Joy. Prompting my heart with
Compassion, to reach and touch the cord of humanity.
As You create a tapestry of beauty in each life this day.

Faithful

2007-03-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

The vacation had been short. The trip was relaxing with mountains and streams beckoning to my emotions. Alfalfa fields were green with expectation of a rich fall crop.
We had been looking for a summer home or a getaway from the scorching valley heat. Finding an oasis of a cozy cabin and a small trout-filled lake with wild Canadian geese afloat the glistening water, cried out to my heart and soul.
This was the place of our dreams, more than my mind could grasp. Could this be for us? We would have to wait patiently for the Lord to create a way for all the legal maze we would have to go through to acquire this beautiful piece of property.
Arriving home in the late afternoon, I soon discovered that the horses had no water and the temperature was hovering around the 100 decree mark. My first response was anger for the person who had said they would water the horses. Somehow they were unable to follow through with their commitment. However the tub was still empty, good intentions or not, my horses were thirsty.
Then my frustration turned to the realization that I had done that to my Lord on different occasions. When asked to be a helping hand, or a friend in deed, to a friend in need, I had either forgotten or was too busy. "Oh Father, I pled, please forgive me for I have been an unfaithful servant too. Not going where you wanted me to go, watching things on T.V. that was unhealthful to my thoughts and emotions. Also eating food that was unhealthful for the temple of Your Holy Spirit. So I come to ask forgiveness again. Please help me to be a servant who truly listens to You and then faithfully follows the instruction given by Your gracious promptings, for I long to hear those precious words spoken to my heart." "Well done thou good and faithful servant, thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord" Matthew 25:21
p.s. The land and log home were subsequently sold on the court house steps at auction to someone else several years later.

The Glossy Image

2007-03-06T19:53:00.000-08:00

The image on glossy photographic paper stirred my imagination. It was a small lodge like building, beautiful in the woods, mirrored by a lake and lush green grass in abundance. The trees looked full and tall as if standing as sentinels around the meadow. Perfect for sheep I thought. So far away. Could we travel that distance to a new home? Would our family come to visit for the holidays? I continued to look longingly at the picture in the brochure the agent had sent. The roof line was steep suggesting snowy winters. The windows large, inviting sunlight to travel across the rooms. How delightful I thought. I had been drawn into the picture. The forest beckoned, also the boat on the dock called to me. The sunlight drew shadows through the trees creating streams of brightness that played across the path. I longed to be on the path...

I heard my husband call me back to reality. "Let's go and look for ourselves." He encouraged me. So we went on the journey seeking a new place to live.

But photos and dreams are different than real life. The house was ordinary, the pond could not be seen even from the third floor bedroom window. The path and trees were so small and uninviting. Oh how disappointed I was.

"Father, I'm so thankful that this earth is not our home. That You truly are preparing a place for us, where the trees do stand as sentinels about the meadow, making safe pastures for the sheep of Your fold. Where the lakes and water will be abundant.
Where the River of Life flows for all to drink. Where the lush verdant grass will be like carpet under our feet. Until then, You give us a small glimpse, even if taken by a clever photographer to sell some real estate, to allow us to see a vision of Your handiwork in the heavenly land. Where eye hath not seen nor ear heard what You have gone to prepare for us.* Praises for imagination and beauty and the constant whisper in my heart that Your love is more precious than houses and lands. Keep my eyes fixed on You as I continue on the journey to my heavenly home."

*1 Cor.2:9 KJV

Lot's Wife

2007-03-05T15:39:00.000-08:00

I am Lot's wife I know it...
I can feel it in my bones.
I keep looking back to Sodom
Where my children are alone.

Or is it just my children
My friends they are there too,
O dear Lord in mercy
Help me turn my face toward You.

And there's my house I treasure
With furnishings so fine
Please heal in my affliction,
So the praise can all be Thine

Help me make this journey
For these problems are my fault.
Please don't let me be paralyzed
In a pillar turned to salt.

(all rights reserved)
brc

Snow

2007-02-27T15:48:00.000-08:00

The fence posts are white on top. Large soft snowflakes drift earthward to fall gently on the ground. Winter weaves her beauty between the barren lilac bushes. Leafless oak trees look like and unseen hand has just painted them with an artists' brush. Beauty is drifting downward. Help those Lord who have no chains for this unusual change of weather, for this morning the sky was a cloudless blue, the sun warming the crisp winter day. Just a few hours can change everything. Do I have food enough to weather this storm?. Plenty of water stored in the cupboards . Am I ever prepared for an emergency? We have no snow removal equipment. But for now I bask in the beauty of it all. And trust.

Hope (part 3)

2007-02-26T15:27:00.000-08:00

She emerged from the barn door as if walking on stilts. Slowly like a robot she walked in front of us as we sat there with tears welling up in our eyes. Hope was walking! Praises to God. The work and prayers and effort had been honored by the Lord. She was a walking miracle.
About six weeks later a beautiful ewe lamb was born with an unusual silver colored fleece. I names her Miracle. Hope had provided two miracles...Herself and her new born lamb.
How true it is in daily life, hope does provide a miracle! But the lesson I learned from watching the drama being played out on my farm those months, was one the Lord taught me about standing. Hope stood during her attack which helped her not be gutted!
"Oh Lord, I thought, is it not that way with us, too? The enemy of our souls comes upon us like a roaring lion or a pack of wild dogs, seeking to kill and devour. But You tell us to stand. The fruit of a relationship with You, born by us, is the fruit of Thy sweet spirit. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and self Control. The devil wants to"gut" us so we no longer bear these attributes of intimacy! Oh. Father, praises You spoke to me in the drama of my farm, speaking also in the words of scripture that made sense to my heart. You place these armor parts upon my soul as I choose to accept them and stand. That You fight our battles, the battles is the Lord's and I am safe in Your tender care. When I fell and was damaged You cared and made me whole again, and thus a miracle was born.

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet filled with the readiness that comes form the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:11-18 NIV

"He said: 'Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's..You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you'" 2 Chronicles 2015.17 NIV

Hope (part 2)

2007-02-25T10:54:00.000-08:00

We made a straw bed in one of the largest lambing pens, water, alfalfa, and grain placed beside her. No interest in any of it I prayed and asked for wisdom. In all my years of raising sheep we had never had such an accident of this brutal nature.
Two long days passed. On the third day, seeking to encourage her to eat, I found she would only drink water so I held her bucket close and she sipped large gulps. As long as she was drinking I would help keep her alive. In time she ate from my hand and finally began the healing process of her wounds. However, she couldn't get up or even try. We'd roll her over, we'd put her on a tarp and drag her out to the pasture for sunlight and grass so she could nibble. The days she would try, I wouldn't. The days I'd try to help her, she was stubborn and difficult. Placing and removing bandages, Betadine for cleansing, and antibiotic's was a lot of daily care. One day a friend come by to help me removed the soiled and smelly bandages. I said to her, "Oh Kathy, I just can"t do this anymore, she's only a sheep!" Looking at me in despair, her words touched a cord of my heart, "You can't give up hope on Hope, can you?"
Two months had passed; we had just driven into the barn pasture with a load of bedding straw. Our old orange truck sputtered and strange noises emitted from it as we were ready to park outside the barn to unload the bales of hay, just then we saw Hope. (to be continued)

Hope

2007-02-23T08:11:00.000-08:00

That Friday started early! Lambs were being born in the soft glow of sunrise. By mid-morning I had returned from the veterinarians with a barn cat that had just been neutered. I was eager to get back to check on the newborns. As I walked toward the barn, my attention was drawn to the back pasture where some un-bred ewes were kept during lambing. Startled to see three unknown dogs in that pasture I yelled at them. I ran towards the ewes that were in a woolly clump looking intently towards the fleeing dogs. My ewes were safe. As I opened the gate to let the "girls" into the pond pasture, my eyes caught the form of one ewe fallen along the fence line separating the two pastures. I ran to her. In horror I realized that it was Hope,, a ewe sold at a barn sale early in her life, going to an elderly farmer who wanted to raise sheep again. However when he became ill. she was returned to me. She was now back on her birth farm in her older years. Thinking she had not been bred, I had put her with the small flock in that fateful pasture.
The neighbors' yard man heard my cries for help and came running to give assistance. Hope had been severely attacked. I thought she was dead. He assured me that she was alive, even though he spoke another language. He helped me realize she was still breathing. My husband arrived home from work and found us in the midst of this confusion. He and the gardener loaded Hope into the wheelbarrow and we put her in the horse trailer. I crawled in beside her and held her bleeding head. The dogs had torn off one ear and part of the hide on her nose, ripped her throat and the top of her neck severely, and damaged the two legs on her left side. She had stood against the fence line for most of her attack. I must have arrived about the time she fell, for she had not been gutted!
I heard the last words of the vet ringing in my ears, as I traveled home with her on Sunday following the accident. "If she's not up in two days, Bev, put her down" He had sewn her up the best he could and sonogrammed her as well and found she was pregnant. Now knowing her added condition I felt it was my task to help keep her alive. But two days seemed such a short time. Her legs were bad and how could I get her up? (to be continued)
.

Raining

2007-02-22T08:58:00.000-08:00

It seems drab today...Rainy weather. The sky dark and dreary. The house however is warm and cozy with a fire ablaze in the wood stove. Life is good even on a day of enclosure from the elements. The puppy is having a hard time following me under the umbrella for potty breaks, he much prefers the warmth of his soft bed near the heat of the fire. He is a Great Dane of 11 weeks. I do miss the farm and all the activities there, but today it is nice to remember the people, pastures and places that really are my source of writing for this column. So in future days there will be a variety of poems and short stories that are from my pasture at large. the sphere of the life that has brought me insights and treasures of the heart that beckon to be shared with you my dear reader. Thank you for reading and encouraging me.

The Rescue

2007-02-21T14:46:00.000-08:00

The day was hot! My neighbor gal and I were driving to a farm close by in my pickup with her horse trailer attached. Other farm friends had sold their place and needed a shelter for their four older ewes. To the rescue we were going!
Having sold the majority of my spinners flock, I had plenty of pasture and a sturdy barn, built by my husband, to care for the new additions.
It was more difficult than we expected to get the sheep loaded and before we had finished, one ewe had fallen when her master tried to pick her up and then another one knocked him down when rushing head long over him because she saw the other ewes already safely in the space provided in the trailer. We got them in without injury to anyone and the door finally closed. Opening the trailer door in my pasture, the ewes just stared at the open space looking out to my large, dry acreage, they were frozen with fear. They were more afraid of me however, and as I entered the trailer, they rushed out to their new home. In a clump of gray wool, they seemed to move in unison, a quartet of frightened woolly creatures who knew not the right from the left! Sheep hate change I mused. As I stood there watching them, I was so aware of my own dislike of things being altered or different or changed.
The next morning my ewes sought to check out the new additions. However there wasn't a hospitable ewe among them, as each was bonking the other's head, causing a sudden dislike for the new ewes and visa versa. Thankfully, the ewes did become acquainted and became relaxed in each other's presence.
"Oh, Father, are we like that? You go out to rescue us, bring us into a place of safety, built by Your own hands. We bang on each other's emotions and spirituality causing great harm and pain for all of us. Change is so hard. Help us to be loving and lovable Christians. People who are safe to be with and safe to save. And when you bring in the other flocks to the fold, may we rejoice in Your precious wooing love, to save us all."

"He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom

of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness

of sins" Colossians 1:13,14 NIV

"I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen, I must bring also. They too will

listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."

John 10:16 NIV

Morning

2007-02-20T10:50:00.000-08:00

I found her lying in a pool of her own blood, cast in her stall,my precious ewe named Morning. She was old and I realized she had banged her head with repeated force over and over again trying to right herself, but she couldn't get up. Her many strokes over the past year had left her weak in her hind quarters and frail even on good days and now-this! She looked stiff and dead as I climbed over the stall side wall. Reaching down, I found she was still breathing. I lifted her bloody body to a correct position and saw her swollen eye and damaged ear. She was still alive-still breathing. I washed her wounds and put antibiotic ointment in her swollen, damaged eye.
Oh Lord, how many times have You come down to step over the wreckage of my life and found me wounded almost beyond repair and You have held my head up and noticed in Your infinite love that I was still breathing in the sense that my prayers were still ascending to Your throne of grace. I praise You for the text in Your Word that speaks to me:

"Then I passed by and saw you kicking about in your blood and as you lay there in your own blood I said to you. 'Live.' Later I passed by and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you declares the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine. I bathed you with water and washed the blood from you and put ointment on you and dressed you in fine linen" Ezekiel 16:6,8,9 NIV

2007-02-19T14:18:00.000-08:00

The pasture is long gone now where this story begins...However memory creates a weaving of threads of lambs being born...Water buckets filled to the brim...Alfalfa stored in my barn...Cats and chickens roaming free to the sound of water being agitated by the geese flapping their wings as they play goose games on the pond...Today is my first day to share these thoughts with you whom I've never met...But we can become friends by the sharing of stories from the heart...Given us from the benevolent hand of the Good Shepherd...For now, this is my beginning.

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him." 2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV

The Lone Honker

The lone Canadian honker came flying low over our pond, honking wildly. It was obvious he was searching for his mate. He'd fly low, not landing, going off in the directions of the another pond nearby, coming back again, and beckoning with his clarion call for some response to his broken heart.

I sat and watched from my rocking chair that early Fall morning the drama that played before my eyes sensing God's voice speaking to my heart.

"That's the the way it is with you my child. I come searching over the whole earth calling each morning for you to respond to My clarion call of mercy and love. To search and strengthen your resolve to be fully committed to Me."

Oh Father, thank you again for that picture of the lone goose who taught me so vividly that You come searching anew each morning as I surrender again my life to you in prayer.

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself. "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him." Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV