She asked for a banana and she was given 92. Just one. That's all she asked for. An impossible situation. She was a prisoner in New Guinea during the war. A missionary placed in a prison camp. Then accused of being a spy. Faith like a mountain. In the cold hard cell, Darlene Deibler Rose gave thanks for the tile. It meant she was out of the dirt. A blessing. She counted her 1,000 gifts right there in the prison cell. A woman alone. Her husband taken from her and gone the way of the saints. She was starving and ... View Post
The Only Way To Live When All Else Is Falling Apart Around You
Our first calf of the New Year is born on the coldest day. I don't understand the ways of this world. I never will. The calf survived, thanks to the quick thinking of our helpers. New life. Fresh starts. I have a cousin that is mourning the loss of her sweet unborn baby. Oh how my heart resonates. I too have lost what I did not know and have lost the prayed for child after that loss. New life. It's what God gives us when we surrender to him. When we lay it all down because we can't do it alone. It ... View Post
The Juxtaposition of Life And Death, Welcome Lilah Rose
New life. It has been six years since we wrote this post. This beautiful Farmette is now turning six and in Kindergarten. She is a joy and a reminder of beauty from the ashes. She is hope and sunshine. She is the future and grace all wrapped together. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- October 24, 2013 It is the middle of the day. I am at the grocery store doing a full shopping for the first time. My phone rings. It is Adam, our son in law. It is 12:43 p.m. I feel warm and peaceful inside. The first time in almost 3 ... View Post
Happy First Anniversary Chelsea and Adam
A year ago, on a dreary day such as today. We created our own sunshine. Vows were exchanged and a new journey began. A beautiful little girl. Grew to love this man. And when he came to us to ask if he could have her hand in marriage. . . Her daddy said, "No, no, no." And then after a conversation and hugs. We both gave our blessing. Such a beautiful bride. So many dreams. Such a future before them. And even though you know she is arriving by tractor. . . When you hear the engine start, your heart, for a moment wishes she were young ... View Post
The Honor of being the Ugly Step Mom. . .who came up with that term anyway?
Today she turns 26. She came into my world in a different way. Her blue eyes and precious smile captivated me right away. Her long blonde hair flowing in the breeze. Her hand tucked snugly into mine. Bedtime stories and afternoon walks. These stole my heart. Along with the father who loved her so. Years of Field Hockey games, homework, playdates, road trips to see her in college; all done now. That precious young child has grown into a beautiful woman. All the girls. And then a wonderful young man stole her heart. But ... View Post