Our family made the newspaper once again. This time it was honoring those that have come to cut and split wood. Those that have spent hours of their time on our farm trying to make things a little easier for us.  I was honored and blessed by this article. The reporter listened to what was said. And she wrote it. She didn't compromise.  Or cut the parts of faith out.  You can read the Burlington Free Press article here. There were more teammates here stacking wood. It makes my heart ache a little when I see them.  It is a reminder of what is no ... View Post

It's been 7 weeks without my red headed boy. 7 weeks since we had unexpected visitors. 7 weeks of waking up with the agony of the truth that he is gone. 7 weeks of, how can this be?  I remember everything about the day he left us. Every detail so crisp. . .  The looks. . .Each time Elijah looked at me that day. . .I recall. There are things I want to think about, but can't yet.  It is too raw. Today the farm was visited by more of that wild grace. I can't grasp why so many people. . .busy with mountains of their own tasks, would so freely come here. More wood; ... View Post

Come with me.  Deep into my grief.  Into the place that aches.  Come see where the rough appears.  Feel the loss. It is dark and loud. . .anguish, screams.  The pain is hot and searing. . . The child I birthed lies in the sod. 17 years too short.   I can hear the faint echo of the cadence, yet he doesn't march. . . dreams are stilled. . .the life abruptly ended. But do you see?  Comfort being poured out?  The hope that rises.  Taste and see the quietness of the One who called that life into being.  Who gives breath to ... View Post

Oh how the earth of this farm longs for the boy to walk in its cool grass. To gaze upon its meadows. There is a silence A stillness. One that aches if left too long The river cries for her boy.  Wading and exploring have ceased. How the woods echo with the laughter of years of exploration, created towns and air soft wars.  How does a farm grieve the loss of a beloved son? There is a hush over the barn where the boy and friends once hung from rafters, played hide and seek in the bales and searched for newborn kittens. Gone are the wee morning hour walks with Father ... View Post

The sun is shining. Its streaks illuminate my space.  Shadows dance as the breeze plays with the leaves. It is almost 90 degrees out today.  Unseasonably warm. I wait to feel the warmth.  My soul longs for relief from this grief. I run to the LORD. A repeat of yesterday is not part of the plan.  The site where Elijah met Jesus is littered with flowers long gone by.  The area needs to be cleaned. I don't want to. It reminds me that time is moving on. I wait to do this task. When I finally do, I am met with the sweetest of  grace.  A friend, ... View Post