Inspired

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Event

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

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

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...