What keeps us practicing a habit? What motivates us? How do we establish a routine, a task, a habit and stick with it? Gratitude. A habit I have practiced for more than 10 years. Naming. Intentionally. Giving praise. Even in the hard. Even through the ache. Recording. Seeking and searching. Yet somehow, this year, I have found myself more unsettled and frustrated. . . Until I realized I have forsaken a habit. I have neglected the intentional practice of naming my praises and Thankfulness. It may sound trite or insignificant. Yet, there is great wisdom in this ... View Post
Finding Peace in the Fall Foliage
She waves as she pulls away. It's Friday afternoon and she's full of life and plans. She is navigating friends, classes, work and this thing we call life. I look at her and she smiles. I wonder as she pulls away if I will ever see her again. Will she too never come home? I think of that with all the kids. Especially as they drive away. Not always. Sometimes. It flashes before me. And the gut wrenching desire to hold them all right here with me rears. I turn to go back into the house. I don't want to descend into worry or fear. But, Oh, how easy it would be. I take a moment to ... View Post
Until Then . . .
Gone is the sunshine streaming through my window at 4:30 am beckoning me to the day. Darkness now permeates the waking hour. It is a welcome respite in many ways. I hunker down for a few extra minutes relishing the warmth under the covers. My farmer has been long gone to the barn. Rising early to milk the cows. I could stay here longer; but I don't. My feet hit the cold floor and I make my way to the kitchen. Hot coffee awaits; grateful for my farmer. I head to the Ancient Word. Moments of quiet and restoration. I begin to prepare for the day. These quiet moments nourish my ... View Post
Do You Feel Depleted? Need Renewing? Day #2 of Thankfulness
In the deep place I rest. Knowing that He who made me can also calm me. I rest. In His unfailing love. I gingerly step forward. In hope. Clinging to what I know. Pressing forward, not in my own strength. But that of the One who gave all. We make changes in feed for the farm. We discuss plans for the land. What does it require to be fertile? To yield all that it can. How do we replenish nutrients lost from cropping? Good management is critical for survival. Our relationship with the Almighty is just as ... View Post
I Have Placed Before Him My Very Best
Nineteen years ago, I awoke to a gorgeous fall day. The sun was shining. The air crisp. Leaves vibrant in color. I drove to work. I was 14 weeks along. I carried within me, life. I remember it like it was yesterday. I took a more scenic route. I praised the LORD the whole way to work. My heart sang for joy. Later that night my joy turned to utter desolation as I began spotting and would ultimately lose the child I so desperately wanted. I would look for someone to drive me to the hospital because Gary was spreading manure and I couldn't get in ... View Post
