I step outside to collect greens for centerpieces. It is dark and quiet. There is a chill in the air. I glance up. "Oh!" The early morning sky takes my breath away. Stars upon stars. A glorious sight. I marvel at the sheer number. I turn and turn; I can't seem to grasp the magnitude. Each direction is filled with the luminous, shimmering, light. I wish I knew more of the constellations. Stargazing in the city was quite different than the country. I stand in awe. It's cold. I need to gather greens. I feel small. This great sky looming before me. I feel insignificant beneath ... View Post
What Preparations Do You Need To Make To Be Ready?
The frost wasn't too hard this morning. We kept the house warm enough. My farmer turned the fire on before he left. I shudder to think how much propane we have used. We need to be prepared. As winter looms ahead. Wood needs to be cut. Air conditioners stored away for the heat of the summer day. Screens removed and the storm windows placed. All in preparation for winter. My freezer is partially full of summer's glow. Harvesting some of the bounty for later use. Still not quite there with all that needs to be ... View Post
A Sunday Journey To The Grave
I haven't been to the grave all winter. The grave that holds my first born. My son. The snow piles high and there is no passage to the cemetery except on foot. I know he is not there. I know he reigns above. He is in joy beyond all measure. He will never experience pain, or heartbreak. His journey complete. He's home. Waiting for us. But we are here. And to the grave I travel. This day when the sun warms the earth to the high 40's. The Sabbath. The day of rest. Someone had placed a wreath I never ... View Post
God’s Not Dead
God's Not Dead It's a movie. It's a song. It's the cry of some; to all, for all. To listen. To take note. The movie was great. A young man is asked to write, "God is dead" in a Philosophy class, by the professor, to dispense with the rigmarole of having to prove that God is dead. If they all agree, then that section is complete, they will all be working from the same world view. This young man couldn't bring himself to write those words. He chose to not comply with the teachers' request. He requests a challenge to prove ... View Post
It Is Work To Find Rest
I wake indifferent. There is danger in apathy. I wage a war continually. If I don't feel then I can't hurt. If I close my eyes tightly against all the pain and struggle I will survive. That is hardly living. There is relief. There is an anecdote. There is a place where peace reigns. Where our feet are firmly planted. To remain in that place is work. There is work in grieving. There is work in surrendering a life to the One who longs to hold you. This work can leave you exhausted and spent. But we will work. We will work to ... View Post
Cooking, Cook Books and Grief
I read cook books like they are novels. I love them. Especially ones with pictures. I often just look at the pictures and won't use the recipe. I may glance at the ingredients. I am finicky too. If it has too many ingredients, I won't cook it. My brother on the other hand. He is amazing. He will make fun stuff that tastes so good. Like Hot Weinies, just like the locals make. I need it to be simple, quick; what I have on hand. Mostly I have been a meat and potatoes girl. Lately, I have branched out. It began with ... View Post