Patricia Miller - From the Farm

Work in progress

2011-10-26T11:14:00.001-05:00

As I was rereading a comment from a previous post, I realized I had promised to take a picture of the plaque in my writing cabin, but had never done it. It is about 12 inches square and hangs over one window. The verse is from 1 Corinthians 10:31. Here it is...

While the sky is overcast, the pond is still pretty with some fall leaves still clinging to the trees. With colder temperatures expected this week, they may all be gone by the end of the week.

In the past month, I've been able to submit a children's magazine article, submit a biography for critique at a November SCBWI conference in Pennsylvania, and now I've been revising an historical picture book. Here's what my workspace looks like. (Caveat: the pictures in this blog are copyrighted by me and may not be copied, saved, or used without my written permission.)

I cut the manuscript into what I think are the page turns. It is helping me to see where there's too much going on for one page, not enough (for illustrations) on others, and where it just plain needs to be changed.

Overall, it's been a good writing month. Writing has been squeezed in between homeschooling, harvesting, and other obligations, but "where there's a will, there's a way."

1 Cor 10:31 "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

A Time of Rest

2011-09-27T09:33:00.000-05:00

This past summer was not a productive one for me writing-wise. It culminated with my having surgery a month ago. I thought I could work on several projects while recuperating, but didn't have the energy for it.

I really like the home-school program we purchased for our 6 y.o. daughter. It is A Beka Academy's 1st grade program. Our 6 y.o. watches a teacher and participates with her classroom online and then has lots of workbook pages to complete each day. My daughter is writing in cursive and reading two-vowel words. Quite an accomplishment this young. (Perhaps "normal" for this day and age, but above normal compared to when I was in 1st grade many moons ago!)

In the last few days, I was able to revise a children's nonfiction magazine article that had gotten rejected back in June. My critique group tore it apart and I've incorporated the suggested changes. Today I need to print off the manuscript and bibliography and then label the photographs that go with it.

After I've mailed off that submission, I can get started on revisions for an historic picture book I wrote at the beginning of the year. I have done a lot of research in order to make it historically accurate and plausible.

On the farm-front, harvest has started. We are praying for a better harvest than this year's weather conditions warrant.

Hopefully this period of enforced rest will result not only in a healthy body, but renewed writing projects.

Psalm 34:8 "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."

3rd Annual Oakdale Farms Writer's Retreat

2011-07-25T12:10:00.000-05:00

Here's the group of generous, funny, kind, smart, talented ...children's authors who came for the 3rd Annual Oakdale Farms Writer's Retreat. The picture was taken at a local cafe.

I think everyone had a good time and I think they were able to get some productive writing in. I'm always concerned about: are they too hot, too cold, is there enough food that everyone will like, do I have too many "rules of the house," are their beds too hard, too soft, etc. etc. etc. Then after they leave, I think, "Oh, we should have played board games or talked more, or we should have done this or that."

There weren't any new calves born while they were here this year. There were, however, tons of tadpoles and minnows in the pond for some side entertainment.

One highlight for me was the surprise launch party for author Wendy Henrichs' debut book: I am Tama, Lucky Cat. Wendy is one of the kindest, warm, loving people I know - and she gives awesome critiques for my manuscripts!

We all crowded into Pilcrow Place (my writing cabin) and showered Wendy with gifts, a gorgeous cake, and our heartfelt support. She would be the first to suggest a launch party for any of the rest of us, so it was nice to be able to do this for her!

I think everyone had a chance to write in the cabin if they wanted to. It still smells a little like varnish from the last bookshelf my husband made, but hopefully, it didn't bother them too much. It was nice having an air conditioner out there since we are in the middle of a heat wave!

Here's a little side entertainment after dinner on Saturday night. It was going to be, "How many children's authors fit in a phone booth?" but since it was so hot, we opted for just trying to fit everyone in the picture! (Last year a kind, local police officer who just happened to be walking by took the picture.) There are 13 women in the picture if you can find them all!

It was especially nice that my purse was still on the park bench after I realized I'd forgotten it there! (Thanks Judith for turning around and getting us back there quickly!)

It's a little sad that everyone is gone and I'm here writing alone. Wondering how I can manage two retreats in one year! It's also sad that I can't have more women here for the retreats... but I only have so many beds.

The sign on the mailbox even looked sad when I took it down.

Well, now I have the 4th Annual Oakdale Farms Writer's Retreat to look forward to! Perhaps I will be more relaxed for that one.... you think?

P.S. Hopefully one of the other ladies will blog about the retreat. They always give a better recap than I do!

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T12:59:00.001-05:00

Service to our country is a prevalent theme in my family. I have pictures of seven family members who have served, but there are many more I don't have photos for. For instance, I don't have a military picture of my sister Carolann who retired after 20 years in the Air Force. She died of a syndrome called C.R.E.S.T. in 2003. My step-brother, Dan Jalbert, just retired from the Air Force last week after 26 years. My brother, Alan Dombrowski served in the Navy. My grandfather, John Montgomery, served in the Boer War for Great Britain. My Grandfather Woodward served during WWII. I have cousins and uncles and probably other family members who I'm forgetting, who also served.

We have to remember that being a member of this country is not free. There is a price. It comes at the cost of our loved ones. Pray for those who are serving. Thank one of them today.

Here is my dad, Neil I. Montgomery. He served in the Army in North Africa and Italy during WWII. He was wounded over there and received the Silver Star for his actions.

Here is my brother Richard Montgomery. He served in the Marines for two tours of duty during Vietnam. I don't know what decorations he received, but I do know he didn't wait to be drafted, but volunteered for duty.

Here is my sister, Paula. She spent twenty years in the Air Force and retired as a Technical Sergeant.

Here are my biological father Harding Coolidge Mason and his brother (my uncle) Leslie H. Mason. They both served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. They also both left high school early in order to enlist. My Uncle Leslie died in the war.

Here I am. I spent five years in the Air Force. I was a E-4 Sergeant when I got out. I trained in Texas and Colorado and I was stationed in Guam, England, and Florida. I did several temporary (short) assignments to Germany.

Here is my little brother, Eric Beauregard. He is currently in the Navy Reserves. He has had a tour of duty in Bahrain in the recent past - among other duty assignments.

There is also a price for our spiritual home. But thankfully, One paid the ultimate price for our eternal freedom: Jesus Christ. He died so that we might live.
John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

Writer's Cabin update

2011-05-18T09:03:00.000-05:00

My writer's cabin is finished!! Yesterday, I used it for the first time:

Here's the view out the window that's to the right of my desktop overlooking the pond:

Wildlife I saw out my windows: two Canada Geese, a (huge) snapping turtle, bluegill and catfish, 7 Painted turtles (they vie for prime basking space on the tire in the pond), at least three hummingbirds, and many other birds.

"Did you get any writing done?" you ask? YES! I wrote the first draft of a magazine article that I want to send to Highlights for Children magazine.

I hope to (soon) make a video of the building process and the finished cabin.

I haven't taken a picture of it yet, but our oldest son and his fiancée made a plaque for me that hangs over the big window. Its from 1 Corinthians 10:31 and reads: "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

Spring and New Book

2011-03-17T22:35:00.000-05:00

Spring arrived a few days early. Yesterday, the first two calves for this year were born. Here's one of them and her mother:

We raise Shorthorn beef cattle. The best part is that both calves came on their own and my husband (or I) didn't have to "assist."

Today, I was looking at some photos of a friend of mine on Facebook. It made me think up a new picture book story! I spent the day working on the first rough draft. This picture of my daughter (taken when she was almost three) has a part in the story:

I think I got the editing and formating revisions done for a Mennonite woman's memoir that I have worked on for about one year now. I tried to print it out but there was some "operator error" involved. I will try again tomorrow. I need to make sure that the document will print if I put it on a disk for her. She'll find a printer who will make it into the actual book.

I've started on the book of Psalms. Here's one of today's verses from Psalm 19:14
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."

It pays to do the dishes...

2011-03-10T09:06:00.000-06:00

It pays to do the dishes, or take a walk, or doodle, or watch eagles nesting, etc. (Have you seen this webcam of two eagles and their three eggs? Decorah Iowa Eagle cam )

I've been trying to come up with a more cohesive arc for the biography I've been working on (it seems) forever. While I had a few ideas that would possibly work, I wasn't really satisfied with any of them. Then this morning while I was washing the dishes, the solution came to me (at least I HOPE this is the solution).

Why would I find the answer when doing something totally unrelated to writing? The answer is pretty simple: I allowed my brain to relax and my thoughts to wander. Some writers, when they get stuck on a particular manuscript will switch to another manuscript for a while. It has the same effect.

My next piece of advice is to always have paper handy so you can jot down your "bright ideas" as they hit you. I keep my iTouch on my nightstand because I frequently get ideas right before I go to sleep (once again, it's when I'm letting my brain relax).

So, if you are stuck on a manuscript, or problem in your life.... go do the dishes!

Verse for the day from Biblegateway:
1 Peter 3:15-17 "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. ¹⁷ For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."

New Picture Book

2011-02-24T23:02:00.000-06:00

Last week ended on an up-note writing-wise. I had researched the information for an historical fiction picture book off and on for four months. Last week, I wrote the manuscript and then, thanks to my critique partner, did some heavy editing. It's exciting having a new project to submit for the April writer's conference. I do wish the biography I've been working on for over two years would sell!

There's an old saying, "If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride." It will take more work on my part to finish the edits I need to do. Wishes won't get it done.

On another note: I helped my husband put up some of the inside pine siding in my writer's cabin. We had to stop before finishing the ceiling because of fading daylight (the electrical isn't hooked up yet) and because of snow. Now, we will have to wait for this snow (4-6 inches predicted) to melt and the ground to dry out again. Reason: to hook up to the electricity and so the cabin isn't full of sawdust, my husband sets up the saw outside. We have to keep going in and out of the cabin to cut the boards. I don't want a bunch of mud in there. After the ceiling will come the trim, then the flooring, the desktops/drawers, and the bookcases.. I'm hoping it can be finished before planting season. A woman can dream, can't she?!

Totally off-topic... is there ever just one topic in my blog? ... many people frequently say they have one word that describes their year. I've never thought about that for myself. But this year, if I were to choose one word for myself, I would hope it would be "grounded." I want to be grounded and purposeful in everything I do and say. It's easy to "go with the crowd" it's harder/challenging to be deliberate and focused on what your life goals are.

Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."

Choices and Hope

2011-02-07T11:40:00.000-06:00

For lack of a better word, I've been feeling gloomy for the last week or more. Perhaps it's the death or memories of loved ones. For instance, I missed my mom and dads at Christmas. This month, my mom would have been 90. Or perhaps it was the deaths of two members in my husband's family last week. Maybe it's the lack of sunshine or all the cold/snow. Perhaps it's because of my failure to accomplish my goal of reading through the Bible in a year. Or maybe, it's from having to re-edit my WIP for the umpteenth time - and now it looks like it will be closer to the first version. Or perhaps it's because I haven't been writing because I know I will get interrupted before I get very far.

Probably a combination of all of the above. There's a quote I love from the movie Facing the Giants. It's part of a prayer that Grant Taylor's character is praying: " Lord Jesus, would you help me? I need you. Lord, I feel that there are giants of fear and failure staring down at me, waiting to crush me. And I don't know how to beat 'em, Lord. I'm tired of being afraid. Lord, if you want me to do something else, show me. ... But You're my God. You're on the throne. You can have my hopes and my dreams. Lord, give me something. Show me something."

Then, I remember my blessings. I have a 5 y.o. with a vivid imagination - who makes me laugh and gives me joy. This morning I watched her play in the snow. She picked up two long branches that had broken off the lilac bush. She put them on her head as antlers and pranced around. Then she made a slide down one of the mountains of snow. Another blessing is my 19 y.o. It can be aggravating having to tell him the steps for a task a million times before he can do something. But he has such a loving spirit. He loves showing affection. He loves telling life stories to people or telling them about movies he's watched. While he annoys his little sister, he also loves to make her laugh. I have been blessed with two "bonus children." I am also blessed with a husband who loves me and provides well for our family. He loves spending time with his family.

It all comes down to choices. I can choose to say, "poor me, why can't I 'catch a break'." Or, I can realize how blessed I am and keep working toward my goals. It's up to me. My joy is not dependent on anyone or anything else but my relationship with the Lord - but that in turn will cycle around and make my relationships and life better. Selling a book won't make me happy, having the best marriage in the world won't make me happy, having the best kids in the won't make me happy. All those things are fleeting. Yes, I want those things and I hope I'm working hard at those things - but my hope is in things that are unseen. My joy is in my Savior.

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." Psalm 42:1

Our church was blessed yesterday with the presence of four people from Central Christian College of the Bible (Moberly, MO). The students there can get degrees in many areas, but many of them will become missionaries. Am I doing enough for the mission field? Am I bold enough in my faith? Does my writing lift up the Lord? Perhaps my discontent for the last week is the Lord's way of having me reevaluate my priorities - or to focus more sharply on my goals.

As a writer, I hope I'm communicating effectively. I'm not at all saying the people and "things" in my life aren't important. I'm not saying I want to be so heavenly minded that I'll be no earthly good. I want there to be balance. I will take the joy with the pain. I will take the laughter with the sorrow. I will take the triumphs and the tragedies.

I am reading the book of Job this week. Here is a passage from Job 5:17 where Eliphaz is talking to Job: "Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty."

Psalm 51:10 says: "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Home

2011-02-01T12:02:00.000-06:00

Saturday morning, our niece's husband, Nathan Bryan Dunn, passed away from complications of cancer treatment. He would have been 26 years old yesterday.

Viewing the many tributes and comments about this young man is heart-touching. Everyone knew him for his smile, his kindness, his love for his wife, his passion for Christ - among many other things. What a blessing to have known him.

I prayed so hard for his recovery and don't understand why the Lord took him, other than the fact that none of us wanted Nathan to continue with the pain he was in. I saw him the day before he passed away. He was hooked up to a myriad of tubes and machines. His body looked nothing like the Nathan we knew. He has a new body now - and he is without pain or tears. He is surrounded by the love of God - in the presence of the Savior.

Jim Reeves sang a song that says in part, "This world is not my home, I'm just a-passing through..." It's how every Christian should feel. We won't be "at home" until we are in heaven. But the dilemma is that we leave our loved ones behind. Will they be okay without us? Will they remember how much we loved them?

I saw a link today for a Michael Buble song called "Home" (To hear it, click on the word, "home") While it made me cry, it also renewed the feeling that, "this world is not my home." How has your life affected those around you? Have you been a peacemaker? Are you a joy to be around? Would I want to be my own friend?

Rest in peace, Nathan. Heaven is richer for your presence and earth, duller without your smile.

Revelation 21:4 "‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Project Life

2011-01-12T18:13:00.000-06:00

I bought the Project Life 2011 kit this year. I want to take pictures, journal, and include tidbits from our everyday lives. Part of the reason is because, other than a few vague memories, I don't remember anything of my biological parents (my mother died when I was 3 1/2 and I got adopted just before I was 5.) Another reason, is to journal what I've learned each day from my Bible reading (although that's another New Year's Resolution that isn't happening daily like I planned it to). Another reason is because I want to remember those special moments/blessings that happen on a daily basis. The last reason, that I can think of right now, is because there aren't any personal recollections from the person I finished writing a biography about, and I want my children and grandchildren to have those from me.

On the writing front, I finished the biography (again) and submitted it to the agent I met at a conference. He called me to let me know he wouldn't be representing me, but gave me some direction on how to work on the manuscript. He gave me the names of several editors to submit to once I'd finished revising it (again). In the end, he did leave the door open for me to resubmit to him. I made changes/additions and just sent it this week to a professional editor so she can do line edits.

The writing cabin sits - empty - by the ice and snow covered pond. The weather has precluded finishing it, for now. The outside is done but not the inside. My bonus son and his fiancée made a sign to put over the door: Pilcrow Place. One of my sisters named it. Look it up - I had to! :o) They also made a plaque to hang inside that quotes 1 Corinthians 10:31 "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

I ended last year and started this year off with a sinus infection and bronchitis. While the bronchitis is gone, I'm still having trouble with my sinuses and swollen glands. Wah. Those things are a large part of the reason I've broken my New Year's Resolutions. I was going to begin each day with my Bible reading, then write for about 2 hours, then homeschooling for my 5 y.o., then do household/family stuff the rest of the day. Thankfully, each day is a new gift so I can strive to get into the routine I hope will work for the rest of the year!

Happy New Year everyone,

God bless you indeed.

Procrastination or Success

2010-10-09T09:28:00.000-05:00

Procrastination is usually the product of fear. If you don't try, you won't get rejected. We try to avoid pain or rejection. Life involves both risk and opportunity!

As with muscles, however, if we don't work them, they won't get stronger. If you have a project you need to start or finish... get to it! In my writing, if I don't submit what I've written, I won't know if it will get published. When I receive a rejection letter, sure it doesn't feel good, but at least I know I've tried. I nurse my wounds for a while, eat some dark chocolate, and then rework the project until it once again shines. After studying another publisher, I can submit it to the new "house".

Although I've only sold one article, I've completed a lot of steps toward publication. I've taken a year-long writer's course, attended conferences, been a part of writer's critique groups and writer's groups, worked draft after draft of the same manuscript, and then researched and submitted the manuscripts. These steps have made me a better writer.

Is there a project you been meaning to get done or even started? Is there a junk drawer, counter, table, room that you've been planning on cleaning up? Commit today to getting even one tiny section of it done. When I break a large project into smaller ones, it seems more attainable to complete.

Ask yourself what the worst thing is that could happen if you either got rejected or didn't complete the project.

I commend my husband for his "stick-to-it-iveness". He is a farmer. He has to research what seeds to plant, work the fields, plant, fertilize, check for weeds, repair/upkeep equipment, harvest, and then either store the grain or sell it. None of it happens overnight or without vigilance. He has to plan - and it's that way with the hay fields and the cattle.

Make a list for the project you need to work on. Get step one done today. Tomorrow, you can work on step two. Don't let the fear of rejection or failure hinder you from trying. There probably won't be a "perfect" time to start - you have to jump in today!

Yesterday, I was reminded of several verses in Ecclesiastes 11: 4-5 that Solomon wrote toward the end of his life: "Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap."

Wildlife, Writing, and Time

2010-09-16T15:04:00.000-05:00

Here's a critter my 18 y.o. found in one of our window wells. We put a wooden fence post in and it climbed out during the night.

We've been busy since I last blogged. Among other things, the kids started school, we went on a float trip to southwest Missouri, we finished making hay, my 5 y.o. contracted whooping cough (yes, she had had her immunizations!) and my husband has been working on a workshop.

I've been diligently working on several manuscripts. I submitted the photobiography I wrote to a major publisher. I made major revisions to the rhyming picture book I started about 10 years ago. I am finishing (today) the revisions on an ABC book (and took hundreds of photos) and two days ago, I started a new concept book and took over 100 photos for it (many duplicates). I received critiques on those manuscripts (and just requested another) and have implemented many of the suggested changes.

Where do I find the time? Well, today, I got a lot done while in town waiting for my husband to do several errands. I also try to write first thing in the morning before my 5 y.o. is up and then I write some more after I've finished her home schooling. If something is important to you, you will find the time you need. Pretty soon, I will be helping with harvest - either driving a tractor or delivering implements and meals. There will be a lot of waiting time. That's when I will have my handy-dandy notebook to write or make revisions.

Colossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward."

2nd Annual Oakdale Farms Writer's Retreat

2010-08-09T23:14:00.000-05:00

We had a fun/productive weekend with ten authors/friends from Iowa. They were able to write by the pond or in the house, traipse around a pasture looking for a cow about to have a calf, and eat/talk/laugh in abundance.

Dori Butler described the weekend well in her blog: http://dorihbutler.livejournal.com/

I finished the (very) rough draft for my current work-in-progress (WIP). I need to research publishers now so I can work on the slant. All I'll say for now is that it is another nonfiction manuscript.

I haven't heard from the agent I queried about the biography I wrote. I'm not sure if the problem I had with a hacker blocked any reply from her or if she is just not interested in representing me. Since my phone number was on the query, I'm presuming the latter. Perhaps if I sell the manuscript on my own, she will be interested in representing me for future projects.

Psalm 145:8 "The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy."

Tiger Salamander

2010-06-26T13:19:00.000-05:00

Our area of Missouri has received more than nine inches of rain over the norm so far this year. (It feels like we've received nine FEET over the norm.) We haven't been able to cut/rake/bale any hay yet this year; and the garden is the consistency of quicksand.

The ponds are full of tadpoles and frogs, as well as mosquito larvae and many other plants, animals, and insects. My son, Mitchell, was able to capture a Tiger Salamander I had found hiding in one of our window wells.

It was about eight inches long and had yellow spots on a brownish/black background. After I took the pictures, I researched them online at the National Geographic website and the Missouri Department of Conservation XPlor website.

On another website, which I can not locate right now, I found out that it's not good to handle the salamanders because it hurts their protective slime layer. Hopefully we haven't damaged this one - the kids didn't handle it very long.

We released it in a shadowy, wet area next to the pond. Since they can live up to 16 years in the wild, perhaps it has many more years to go.

Genesis 1: 20, 24, & 25b "And God said, 'Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.' And God said, 'Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.' And God saw that it was good."

Flag Day

2010-06-17T11:27:00.000-05:00

I've had trouble updating my blog. It is most likely "operator error," but, just the same, I haven't been able to get it working. This was supposed to post last week.

June 14th is Flag Day in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the American Flag. Over the years, there have been many "human flags" formed.

This picture is of school girls carrying umbrellas for a "Human Flag" Altoona, PA - Sept 25, 1912. The parade celebrated the semi-centennial (50 years) of the Conference of Loyal War Governors. This conference occurred on Sept 24-25, 1862 during the Civil War. It included governors from fourteen states. After the conference, the governors sent an address (letter) to President Lincoln saying they pledged their support and extra troops. This enabled the North to win the war. From: Altoona Mirror Souvenir Booklet

I don't have the picture, but, "at the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, located in Baltimore, Maryland, a “Human Flag” first lived and breathed on Defender’s Day, September 12, 1914. That date was the one-hundredth anniversary commemorating the War of 1812’s successful defense of Baltimore from the British. The date also honored the anniversary of Francis Scott Key’s penning the words to what is now our National Anthem.”

Another "Human American Flag" was formed c.1916 by 2500 school children in the Pageant of Escanaba, (Michigan) measuring 46’ x 75’. The entire school district put on a pageant of the town’s history. There were skits or speeches about all the inhabitants from the Indians in 1634 to the melding of immigrants from sixteen countries by 1916.

This Living Flag photo was taken of 10,000 men at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station Nov 1917 by Arthur S. Mole. He stood near the top of the Administration Bldg. The photo was taken for the Dec. issue of the Great Lakes Recruit magazine.

On June 14, 2010, Flag Day, 7,500 Sailors from Training Support Center, Naval Hospital Corps School, Recruit Training Command, Naval Station Great Lakes and other commands onboard the installation, formed up to create a living flag. (Photo credit: Naval Station Great Lakes Facebook page)

The U.S. might do well to heed the words God spoke to King Solomon. 2 Chronicles 7:14, "...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

A day in the life of a farmer's wife

2010-05-28T19:30:00.000-05:00

Today was a typical "farmer's wife" day.

Get up

make breakfast for 4 y.o.

do dishes

put in a load of laundry

Sit down to edit current WIP

Call from husband - soybean wagon needed so they can fill up the bean drill & planter

On way to field, auger bolt shears off and the whole auger falls to the ground (while I'm driving)

Husband and two co-farmers come to where I'm parked in the middle of a gravel road, disconnect auger, take it home to weld it, (luckily I had my netbook computer and was able to edit the WIP for a little while!), reattach everything and we get to the field

While filling the planter, I notice the top of the auger is about to come off. End up reattaching it twice.

Go home (2 miles), fix lunch for kids, self, and husband

Bring husband his lunch and drive home

Lay down with 4 y.o. and read her a book

Knock on the door-- grrr --- (husband is the financial secretary for a local cemetary) Guy who mows the grass at cemetery would like to be paid

Drive back to field to get husband

Lay down with daughter --- fall asleep!

Just as I'm waking up, husband calls - needs me to come get him again because they need to move to another field

Get home and sat down to look at some photos a relative of the person I'm writing the biography about had sent me - VERY COOL!!!

Realize I need to make supper for guys in the field

Make supper - two calves are in the yard - help the kids lead them (haha) back to the pasture

Take supper and 4 y.o. out to the field for a "picnic"

Get home, put laundry in dryer, put dishes away

Sit down to work on WIP..... but it's only 7:30pm ... a lot could happen before bedtime!

Rest in Peace

2010-04-12T00:42:00.000-05:00

Almost every Sunday for the last three years, I, and my family, have visited my mom at the nursing home. If we happened to be in town during the week, we would drop in on her then, too. One month ago, she entered the hospice program because of advanced dementia. Friday morning I got a call that she was unresponsive and that I should come in.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that she knew who I was when I got there and I gave her funny kisses on her cheek from my son which made her smile. I told her that I loved her and she whispered back that she loved me too. There was an hour or so that I was able to talk to her before she needed pain medicine to stop the coughing from another case of pneumonia. At one point, when I was trying to help her get on her side, she was concerned for me (because a month ago I had hurt my back doing farm work - but she didn't know it was better now) and her concern was touching in the midst of her own pain.

I will cherish that last day with her perhaps more than any other. Saturday morning at 8:55am, she went home to be with the Lord. I know that many people don't get the chance to say a last "I love you."

Hazel Ruth (Mason) Montgomery 1921-2010, may you rest in peace. I love you Mom.

Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Research

2010-03-02T09:26:00.001-06:00

Last week, I went to the Chicago area to finish some research for a biography I'm working on. I was able to get information at the Lake County History Museum (Curt Teich Archives), Great Lakes Naval Museum, Shiloh House Museum in Zion, IL (pictured); and the Chicago Historical Museum archives.

Museum curators are great sources of information. One of the best pieces of information I found at the Chicago Historical Museum. I was so excited, I did a "happy dance". Guess that shows I am passionate about my subject? I also saw a 1918 newsreel that had to do with the subject of my WIP. Very cool!

The return trip was a little stressful when I found out my mother was in the ER with a possible stroke (she had a bad infection that was mimicking the symptoms of a stroke). She is better now and also trying to get over pneumonia - again.

Now, if I would just recieve some research books I ordered 6 weeks ago - it would be great! I need to finish organizing the info I found in Chicago and get the manuscript written!

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Diamond Glint on Snow

2010-02-23T10:15:00.000-06:00

Back in the 1980's I read a poem in a "Dear Abby" column. I have a copy of the poem next to my biological mother's photo (she died when I was 3 1/2). The poem is by Mary Elizabeth Frye. I've been thinking of the poem since my aunt just passed away - and today I see some "diamond glints on snow". Ms. Frye changed the poem a little, but I like this version:

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

It's hard to see, but click on the photo and look toward the bottom portion for the "diamond glints on snow".

Best of the Best

2010-02-16T09:40:00.000-06:00

I made a trip to Kansas City Sunday to pick up my 18 y.o. The ground was warm enough to make the snow very slippery. A 6-7 hour round trip drive took over 8 hours. Several cars that passed me were in ditches further up the road.

Meanwhile, the farm is under a blanket of 4-5" of snow. I can see animal tracks across one of our ponds and along the tree line. With a bright blue sky and the white snow - the scene is very striking.

A writer-friend of mine is on the Chicago Library Best of the Best list for two of her children's books. Her name is Jill Esbaum and her books are published by National Geographic Books for Kids. They are Picture the Seasons: Apples for Everyone and Picture the Seasons: Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie. Way to go, Jill! Here's the link to the list: http://www.chipublib.org/forkids/kidsbooklists/bestofbest_list.php

Jill has some great rhyming picture books too. My daughter's current favorite is: Stanza.

I'm hoping to pitch the photobiography I'm writing to National Geographic Books. I'll be in good company - they have some very nice nonfiction books - and of course, great photos to go along with them. I need to go to Chicago soon to finish my research. I'm looking forward to seeing where the subject of my book lived and worked.

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Happy Birthday Mom

2010-02-12T08:18:00.000-06:00

The kids and I sang "Happy Birthday" to my mom yesterday. She was having a pretty good day.

At the end of the video, my son is motioning to me that Grandma needs a shave. I don't know how to edit a movie to take it out!

Valentine's Day

2010-02-11T13:39:00.001-06:00

Today is my mom's birthday. My 4 y.o. and I made her a "heart" cheesecake. (We added some food coloring to some of the batter.) Since one of her son's birthday is Valentine's day (and the other's birthday is Feb 8) we decorated with hearts.

On New Year's Day, two bald eagles visited our farm. Last week, when one of my sisters was visiting, we drove to Keokuk, IA. We saw several HUNDRED eagles. They just flew past in wave after wave. Quite awesome!

About a week ago we had 15 turkeys travel past. A day before I took these photos, there were four tom turkeys. Two had quite long "beards".

These three were scrounging around the pond bank for seeds or something.

Deuteronomy 5:16 "Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you."

Writing

2010-01-28T10:05:00.000-06:00

For a blog that I was going to update at least once a week, I'm not doing a very good job. Perhaps I will do better this year!

I've been conducting more research for the photobiography I'm working on. I hope to make a trip to Chicago in February to complete the final research. Of course, that will depend on the weather - of which we've had a lot of rain, sleet, snow (only about an inch on the ground) - but mostly VERY cold temperatures. The wind chill today is -13 degrees Fahrenheit. My 18 y.o. has had nine days off from school because of the weather and flu. They will be going to school until almost June.

I've read some good books for writer's lately. One is: The Giblin Guide to Writing Children's Books by James Cross Giblin. I gleaned a lot of good information from it. The other is: Nonfiction Book Proposals Anybody Can Write by Elizabeth Lyon. It was a step-by-step guide to writing a proposal.

I'm traveling to Massachusetts next week for a memorial service. My aunt lost her battle with cancer. A fine lady who will be missed.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2, 4 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, ... a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance..."

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T20:01:00.000-06:00

Christmas Eve 2009 - presents under the tree, stockings ready, youngest child with 101 fever, and snow in the forecast.

Praying for sickness to go away very quickly and the snow to hold off until after the family get-together on Saturday!

Praying that everyone realizes the real reasons to celebrate Christmas: Jesus came to earth so everyone could have a relationship with God; presents to remember the gifts given by the wisemen (and by God), lights to remember the Light of the World, and the tree to remember the cross. We are blessed.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:16-17

Merry Christmas

2009-12-17T11:44:00.001-06:00

My last post was quite a while ago. We've been trying to get the harvest done but the weather hasn't cooperated. My husband is on the combine again today trying to get as much done before more possible snow tomorrow.

I've gotten the Christmas shopping done and the house is ready for the large family get-together. Other than wrapping presents, I can relax until Christmas and enjoy the Season!

My 17 y.o. is doing pretty good in school. He is starting a new seizure medicine today. If he does okay on it, we will lower one of his other meds.

4 y.o. is very excited about Christmas to say the least. She keeps asking me if I want to open my presents yet and she wants to know where her presents are.

I worked very hard on the biography this Fall and I received a lot of great research information and photographs.. I won't be able to work on it any more until after New Year's Day.

I pray God's blessings on you this Christmas season as you follow Him.
Matthew 1:20-21 “But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Rain

2009-10-29T11:23:00.000-05:00

While rain is good to be able to get work done on my WIP, it's not good when we're trying to harvest. We've only gotten three days of harvesting done.

I had a birthday last week. My kids sang happy birthday. 4 y.o. wanted to "help" me open my presents - don't think I'm that feeble that I can't open my own presents!

I attended the SCBWI-IA Fall conference this past weekend. Had a great time. I didn't have anything critiqued this time so there's wasn't that type of pressure.

I finished the second version of the first draft of the children's biography. A friend did some research for me in Washington DC at the Library of Congress. Got a couple of good pieces of information. Now, I'm waiting for my mentor to get back to me on the first draft. Today I will work on the next lesson for ICL (Institute of Children's Literature).

More wildlife outside my window this morning. Four tom turkeys. One of them had a pretty long beard.

Four year old practiced writing her letters this morning and now wants to work on a computer-based learning program.

Bookshelf: (What I've been reading) Lighthouses for Kids by Katherine House great book on Lighthouses with activities for kids to do; Stanza by Jill Esbaum 4 y.o. loves this book - great rhyming story; The Adventurous Life of Myles Standish by Cheryl Harness fun way to tell an old story with perhaps some new information; and other National Geographic Books for Kids

1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

Wildlife, Biography for Children, & Harvest

2009-10-17T13:31:00.000-05:00

I don't understand Blogger. I have the blog entry formatted the way I want it but when I publish it, Blogger removes my paragraphs and it's all squished together. Then, the next time, there will be too many spaces between paragraphs. Anyone have any advice?

(Second photo) Days before the buzzards (vultures) migrated, they would warm up each morning by spreading their wings while perching on the hay barn or the fence posts. In this picture taken October 4th, there are 8 buzzards in the foreground and 5 turkeys in the background. I think there were a total of 13 buzzards that day, but I couldn't fit them all in one photo.

(First photo) For the past week, there have been 5 does eating (acorns probably) under a tree across the road. One day, three of them crossed over to our side of the road. One brave doe came right up to the basement walk-out. This photo is from this morning. As I write this blog entry, two does just came to eat more acorns.

A couple of weeks ago, I saw a raccoon cross the road. The next thing I know, it was swimming in the pond by our house! I didn't know raccoons liked to swim. The digital camera wasn't in the house so I used my 35mm camera. The film is so old, I'm hoping the pictures come out well when I get it developed.

I've been working diligently on the biography for children. The first draft is close to completion. I keep finding more interesting facts to include and I'm not sure if I can use them all. A friend of mine went to the Library of Congress and researched newspaper articles for me. He found one article from 1919 that I can use and he will be going back to research some more. Yea!

It's been so wet this year - and when it isn't raining, there hasn't been much sun. Hopefully, we can start today.

Proverbs 17:1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.

Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

View from a tractor

2009-08-29T11:00:00.000-05:00

Here's the view I had this week while working. My sister pointed out that it is a convertible. It was a gorgeous day and it was great that we were able to finish the first cutting of hay. (Normally, at this time of year, we would be working on the 3rd cutting of hay.) We haven't had many periods of three days without a forecast of rain.

Not the prettiest tractor, but it works great for raking hay. It is also forgiving for a novice tractor driver like me!

2 Thessalonians 3:6-10 "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." '

Massachusetts August 2009

2009-08-27T10:58:00.000-05:00

Make way for ducklings bronze statues in Boston. We bought the book, posed with the ducks and bought the t-shirt!

4 y.o. with the Auntie A

On the tractor with Uncle B

Me and my oldest brother

My husband on the T-boat from the Boston aquarium to the U.S.S. Constitution.

Us at the Boston aquarium. (I'm posing kind of funny because I was trying to keep the 4 y.o. from falling off the ledge!)

Eating at Quincy market in Boston.

Oldest brother, niece, Memere, nephews, kids.

We had a great trip to Boston August 12-18th. We went to the graduation party of one of my nephews, visited Boston with one of my sisters, and my husband was able to meet most of my family for the first time. There were several things I wanted to do, but we didn't have time - like visit several friends I haven't seen in years and visit the Calvin Coolidge historical museum in Vermont. Perhaps next year when I go back for one of my nieces weddings!
The day after getting home, 17 y.o. started public school. I've home schooled him for the last three years, but felt it was best at this point for him to go back to public school. New teacher, new curriculum, etc. He is a junior.

We hoped to come home to finish the first cutting of hay. However, between the day before we got home and the day after we got home we had 5.5 inches of rain! We did finally finish the first cutting this week.

I did get some more story ideas while I was in Boston. I also worked on an article since I've been home. I hope to submit it to my instructor (Institute of Children's Literature) today.

This is the verse I am trying to instill in my 17 y.o. so he has a strong work ethic: Colossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Writer's cabin

2009-08-09T23:36:00.001-05:00

IMG_4768, originally uploaded by 2009 Writer's Retreat.

Here's the temporary "writer's cabin" that we set up for the retreat! Perhaps if I sell a book or two, I can erect a more permanent structure?!

Writer's Retreat

2009-08-09T22:41:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, we had the 1st Annual Oakdale Farm Writer's Retreat! Attendees were from Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri.

Just as half the women arrived, a calf was being born. The women enjoyed watching and seeing the newborn calf. One author, Dori Butler, helped with chores and bottle feeding a calf. Her last two blogs were about the weekend as well (with lots of photos). Go here: http://dorihbutler.livejournal.com/

Several of us wrote in the "portable writer's cabin" (which was a tent!) next to the pond. Two ladies writing under the pear tree (not in the tent) had pears dropped near them by a squirrel. The fish and frogs were jumping a lot. The weather was very cooperative and beautiful.

We wrote a lot, ate some terrific food and award-winning pies, played several loud games, and just had fun getting to know each other better. The women, perhaps, got an appreciation for farming - or at least some some fodder for future writing projects! I got some work done on the biography I'm writing (rewriting).

Farm news: haven't had many periods of three dry days in a row. We should be on the third cutting of hay and we are still on the first! The garden has suffered a little from not being able to get in there and weed, the tomatoes have some blight from all the rain, but overall it's doing pretty well. Will be canning beets, pickles, green beans, corn, salsa, tomato juice, in the next couple of weeks.

Colossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Rain

2009-06-24T22:33:00.000-05:00

Rain...a day passes... more rain... another day or two.. more rain. This describes Spring this year. Not good when you can't get a tractor into a field.

We planted about 14 rows of corn in the garden the other day -- in the rain. Last night we had heavy rain and winds.. it blew over the corn in the garden we planted a month or so ago. I planted flowers today... it sprinkled (but it poured 10 miles from our house). I would really like some nice weather so we can finish the crops and get the first cutting of hay done!

Looking forward to having my husband's family reunion this weekend. barbecue, watermelon, homemade ice cream and to top it all off.... a fireworks display.

I haven't been able to work on a scrapbook I wanted to finish by this weekend and I haven't worked on my "WIP" (work-in-progress) lately. Hmm, perhaps next week?!

Psalm 24:1-2 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.

Busy as usual

2009-06-15T11:42:00.001-05:00

Many days have gone by since I've posted. We have been extremely busy on the farm. Unfortunately, we are not done planting the crops. There's been just enough rain to keep us out of the fields to finish. Even our garden is only half planted.

Most of the cows have calved - but the heifers haven't. Heifers are cows that are having their first calf. Only 5 our of 18 or so have calved and we've lost several of those babies. (They've been too big for the heifers.)

There are so many projects to work on - we are slowly getting some done. It's hard to plan on a farm. Most things are dependant on the weather - and in our case - the cows. We've been busy from 6:30am until after midnight and just falling into bed.

My husband and daughter both had birthdays last week. 3 y.o. is now 4 y.o.

I still have more of a scrapbook to finish for my husband's niece. It was supposed to have been done a month ago, but that didn't happen. Now, I want to have it finished by the end of the month.

I've done a few little writing things for my work-in-progress. Mostly information I can get via email. Haven't actually worked on the manuscript since May. I also have an article that's supposed to be finished this week for the class I'm taking. I'm going to have to ask for an extension on it.

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

First writing contract!

2009-05-18T22:34:00.000-05:00

Last week, I was at the Colorado Christian Writer's Conference. It was located in Estes Park - right in the Rocky Mountains. This was the view from our room.

I called my husband one night and he told me that I received a contract from Highlights for Children!! This will be my first published piece. Whoooohooooo. I am very excited, to say the least. I don't know the actual publishing date yet.

Other good news that happened there: an agent told me to submit my young adult novel to him when it was finished; an author/speaker is going to get me in contact with a magazine editor for a young adult fiction article I wrote; and another author thinks the biography I wrote will go over well with kids. I had seven appointments with either authors, editors, or agents.

Each evening, 5 elk walked right past us as they grazed. I took their picture and then sat in my car to check my email. I looked up and one of the bull elks had walked right between my car and the next! By the time I got my camera, it was in front of my car.

I didn't get home until 12:30am this morning. I spent the day catching up on the 80+ emails I had, trying to figure out how to interface a new twitter account and my Facebook account, unsuccessfully trying to change my website - in between all that, I drove 2 hours round trip to get a new tractor seat for my husband. It's been a long day.

part of Psalm 23: "He [the Lord] restores my soul..."

Mentorship

2009-05-01T23:10:00.000-05:00

Although we weren't able to do any planting this week because of rain, it seems like it was a really busy week. Which is why I haven't posted my great news yet.

Last weekend, I attended a SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators) conference in Iowa. I had applied for a mentorship for a non-fiction book I wrote.

(Drum roll, please.....)

And the winner was ME! Yea. I'm really excited about having the opportunity. For the next year, I will work with a published author. She will help me with the few pieces of research I haven't been able to find, help me with getting the manuscript in the best shape and then help me with my query letter or package to send to an editor or agent. (At least, I think that's what she'll help me with!)

I also found out a couple of weeks ago that a non-fiction magazine article I wrote for Highlights for Children goes to it's final submission approval meeting next week. (I may have previously blogged that, if so, SORRY!)

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Deer and fish

2009-04-22T19:59:00.001-05:00

I was working in the office and looked out the window. This is what I saw next to one of our ponds:

On the pond closer to the house, there are lots of ripples from fish jumping. We had two ducks this morning and then two Canadian geese. The grass is green, the leaves are emerging on the trees and our beets, onions, and spinach are coming up in the garden. Love it, love it, love it.

I am going to the Iowa SCBWI conference on Saturday and Sunday. That is after I help my husband with some planting. He says I might be using a new piece of equipment, a Salford, to cultivate a field. Yikes! Guess I will just embrace change and enjoy a new experience.

I'm working on a scrapbook project that I want to get done soon and I have to print a copy of the nonfiction book I wrote. I'm taking the copy to the conference to work on.

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God." Psalm 42:1

Bunk bed

2009-04-20T13:42:00.000-05:00

My 3 y.o. loves dressing up just to play.

My husband made a queen over queen bunk bed out of pine for one of our guestrooms. I helped varnish it. He put it on wheels so we can move it around if needed. It looks great!

It takes up a lot of the room --- but a lot less than when we had three mattresses spread out for my sister-in-law and her family!

We may be able to start planting corn this week. We have almost 30 calves already. However, none of the heifers (first year for calving) have had any calves yet. There are 20 heifers, I think. It will be hard on my husband if the heifers start calving while he is out in the field planting. He normally "helps" a heifer have it's calf - and also ensures it's not having problems with the delivery.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

"He Is"

2009-04-10T17:54:00.000-05:00

I can't think of a better post during the Easter season than to describe who God is. There's a song by Aaron Jeoffrey (father/son duo) called "He Is" It's the best description I've found.

Here's a YouTube link to a dramatic version of it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efi4c2UqMDg&feature=related

You can also find a link of Aaron Jeoffrey themselves singing it on YouTube.

Here are the lyrics:

He Is
In Genesis, He's the breath of life
In Exodus, the Passover Lamb
In Leviticus, He's our High Priest
Numbers, The fire by night
Deuteronomy, He's Moses' voice
In Joshua, He is salvation's choice
Judges, law giver
In Ruth, the kinsmen-redeemer
First and second Samuel, our trusted prophet
In Kings and Chronicles, He's sovereign

Ezra, true and faithful scribe
Nehemiah, He's the rebuilder of broken walls and lives
In Esther, He's Mordecai's courage
In Job, the timeless redeemer
In Psalms, He is our morning song

In Proverbs, wisdom's cry
Ecclesiastes, the time and season
In the Song of Solomon, He is the lover's dream

He is, He is, HE IS!

In Isaiah, He's Prince of Peace
Jeremiah, the weeping prophet
In Lamentations, the cry for Israel
Ezekiel, He's the call from sin
In Daniel, the stranger in the fire

In Hosea, He is forever faithful
In Joel, He's the Spirits power
In Amos, the arms that carry us
In Obadiah, He's the Lord our Savior
In Jonah, He's the great missionary

In Micah, the promise of peace
In Nahum, He is our strength and our shield
In Habakkuk and Zephaniah, He's pleading for revival
In Haggai, He restores a lost heritage
In Zechariah, our fountain

In Malachi, He is the son of righteousness rising with healing in His wings

He is, He is, HE IS!

In Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, He is God, Man, Messiah
In the book of Acts, He is fire from heaven
In Romans, He's the grace of God
In Corinthians, the power of love
In Galatians, He is freedom from the curse of sin

Ephesians, our glorious treasure
Philippians, the servants heart
In Colossians, He's the Godhead Trinity
Thessalonians, our coming King
In Timothy, Titus, Philemon He's our mediator and our faithful Pastor

In Hebrews, the everlasting covenant
In James, the one who heals the sick.
In First and Second Peter, he is our Shepherd
In John and in Jude, He is the lover coming for His bride
In the Revelation, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords

He is, He is, HE IS!

The prince of peace
The Son of man
The Lamb of God
The great I AM

He's the alpha and omega
Our God and our Savior
He is Jesus Christ the Lord
and when time is no more
He is, HE IS!

Calves

2009-03-30T10:36:00.000-05:00

Calving season has been going hot and heavy. We had twin calves one day. There were two calves this morning. One day, we had four calves. (Well, the cows had the calves!)

None of the heifers (we consider a heifer a cow that either hasn't had a calf before or who's had only one.) They are in a separate field so husband can put them in a shed and help them get the calf out.

We've had nice green grass for a week or so. Then, this past weekend, we had crazy weather: snow, sleet, rain, ice pellets, etc. Sometimes all at once. It's all but gone now.

I saw four pheasants along the road when I drove 17 y.o. to Kansas City on Friday. Also saw, turkeys, deer, several cranes (the bird type), a muskrat, a yellow bird (oriole?), buzzards, etc. I love spring!

Easter is less than two weeks away! Jesus was the sacrificial lamb who takes away sins once and for ALL (who ask Him to be the Lord and Savior of their lives). Through Him, we have an advocate with the Father.

I listened to several good sermons and talk shows on the way to and from Kansas City. One woman talked of the Bible verse, "if you have the faith of a mustard seed...", and that she had prayed but her 4 y.o. daughter still died of cancer. The host of the show pointed out that the "faith preachers" say that the Bible mandates God do what we pray for. However, (as the host pointed out) - they don't take into consideration Jesus' own experience/words. In the garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus knew in just a short time he would be crucified, he cried out to God, "if it be Your will let this cup pass from me." But, and this is an important exception, Jesus said, "But not my will, by thine be done." In other words, yes, we are to ask and pray for what is in our hearts. However, God's will may be for that person to be in heaven with Him or in other circumstances, for your prayer to be answered differently than you've asked.

Make sure your faith is in God and not in your own faith.

Spring

2009-03-14T20:23:00.000-05:00

This past week, husband and I were out separating the cows and heifers to different pastures. We saw lots of robins - they must have been migrating. We also saw the first calf of the year - it was a few days early. Spring has sprung.

My work in progress goes quickly one day (research wise) and at a stand-still other days. It's frustrating when I can't find the information I'm looking for - especially when I have the exact newspaper article title, author and date!

Family and farm are doing fine - just busy with spring and homeschooling. Hence, the less than normal blogging.

The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness faithfulness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22 from memory - so it might not be word for word.)

Research, research, research

2009-03-03T17:08:00.000-06:00

I have been doing a lot of research for the non-fiction children's biography I'm writing. It's a lot of fun, but sometimes I can get pulled on a wild goose chase and end up wasting my time. I've found several really good sources in the last couple of days and they are sending me information that will help.

I've written an outline, introduction and the first three chapters - about 7 chapters to go. This is just the yucky first draft - it will most likely change quite a bit when it's finished.

Husband is making a new computer desk. He's almost done with the construction part of it. He is awesome!

James 3:17-18 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Writing scholarship

2009-02-28T10:00:00.000-06:00

I applied for two different writing scholarships. I found out last week that I was chosen for one of them so far. It is in Estes Park, CO in May. I am really excited to have gotten it.

I submitted a non-fiction article to a children's magazine. Now, I am working on the research to make the same subject into a picture book/biography. I was blessed to be sent a self-published book by the great-nephew of the man I'm writing about. Once I read the book, I researched a different way and found out even more information. I pretty much have an rough outline of what I want to write and I hope to get it done in the next week or so. I am submitting it for a possible year-long mentorship program for a non-fiction children's book. I admire the woman who will be the "mentor". She has done a lot of non-fiction work and is great with research.

Proverbs 16:3-9 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. The LORD works out everything for his own ends— even the wicked for a day of disaster. The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil. When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him. Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Snow cherub

2009-02-26T22:52:00.001-06:00

Saturday, Feb. 21, we had 3-4 inches of snow. 3 y.o. wanted to make "snow angels". Here are a couple pictures:

Below is a picture I took through the window and the screen made lines on the pic... but it was really neat the way the wind made a "snow dune".

No verse this time, just an observation: do you know that the Bible never mentions angels having wings? A cherub is spoken of as having wings (plural = cherubim).

Grandma's Birthday

2009-02-26T22:26:00.001-06:00

Yes, I'm way behind on posting to my blog! The problem is that for some reason I can't log on to the blog from my laptop - and 17 y.o. uses the computer most of the day for his homeschooling.

My mom's birthday was last week. She insisted she was 87 not 88. I reminded her what year she was born and what year it is now. She wasn't very happy with me, but since I brought lobster casserole and chocolate cake, she forgave me! Here is a photo and a video:

Ephesians 6:1-4 "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

Better picture

2009-02-07T23:37:00.001-06:00

16 y.o. turned 17 y.o. in January and I didn't post any pics. This is a better hair day -- right after a shower. Among other things, he got some game boards from one of his aunts. He loves playing chess or checkers.
His little sister had to get in on the act. They were eating "Grandma Alice's Black Bottom cupcakes" -- hence the black face and teeth.

After her brother having a birthday, 3 y.o. now says, "I'm three but I'm going to be 17 on my birthday."

Colossians 4:2-6 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Farm and Writing

2009-02-04T21:24:00.001-06:00

Here's husband, 17 y.o. and 3 y.o. hauling corn from the bin to the barn. It was COOOOOLD. Although the snow is gone here, I think the high was 16 degrees. I like having the four seasons, I just wish winter were shorter :o)

I found out the the magazine I wanted to send a manuscript is closing. The one I originally wanted to send it to, Brio and Beyond, was discontinued by Focus on the Family but has been taken over by someone else (as have Breakaway and Brio). The new magazine will only be online - not in print. I may still send it to them.

I sent another article to Highlights for Children yesterday. The research spread out over the last year. My two critique partners encouraged me to rewrite it for a picture book or easy reader. Highlights for Children buys "all rights" so (if they buy the article) I would have to change it completely for a picture book. I hope to start it tomorrow. Today was taken up with homeschooling and other things.

Writing

2009-01-22T22:57:00.001-06:00

I was able to get several writing goals accomplished Monday and Tuesday. I sent off for some magazine samples. I've written an article and am trying to make sure I'm targeting the correct magazine for it. I also finished rewriting a picture book manuscript and sent it to an agent I met this past Fall at a conference in Iowa. Then, I rewrote the ending for a non-fiction magazine article (for kids) and sent it to my ICL (Institute for Children's Literature) instructor.

Other than that, I got most of the craft room organized. I still need to finish cleaning 3 y.o.'s room, so she can actually use her own room!

Yesterday and today, we went to a visitation and a funeral. It was for my husband's great-aunt. She was a sweet woman.

Tonight, I had Bible study. Before hand, I went shopping and got a present for 16 y.o. He will be 17 on Saturday.

Hebrews 13:20-21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Hat Hair

2009-01-19T22:12:00.001-06:00

The other day when I posted how cold it was, I didn't post this picture. It is 16 y.o. after he came in from the below-freezing cold. (It ended up -14 that day!) He had one of those face covering hats on. Can you say, "Bad hair day?" haha He's probably 6' tall with this hairdo.

We went to St. Louis for him to have an appointment at Children's Hospital. It went well. I haven't gotten the final report yet. It showed that the homeschooling I am doing with him has really benefited in some areas - especially math. Now, I have to decide whether to send him to the public school for his last two years of high school. There are some programs that are not available for kids who are home schooled. Arghh.

Matthew 11:25-26 At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure."

Brrrrr rrrr rrrr

2009-01-15T10:39:00.000-06:00

Wow, it's -10 degrees (MINUS 10!) today (not including the wind chill). Husband and 16 y.o. are out hauling hay to the cows. Hope they come in soon. They were bundled up to the hilt.

I'm taking 16 y.o. to St. Louis today. Tomorrow, he will have some testing done at the St. Louis Children's Hospital. Hopefully, this will give me some direction on whether to continue homeschooling or have him return to public school - and where he is academically. His seizures seem better lately, but then anything is better than 4000-6000 per day!

Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Facebook

2009-01-12T19:40:00.000-06:00

Found some family, friends and high school friends on Facebook. Not sure how often I will go on there. Like a lot of things on the Internet, it's fun -- but it can consume too much time.

Husband and 3 y.o. went sledding today. It looked like it was going to snow a lot, but we only ended up getting about 1/2 inch. Oh well, 3 y.o. had a blast - she doesn't mind the cold which is totally unlike me. I can hold a soda and my hands hurt from the cold!

16 y.o. helped to feed the cows/bulls/calves/steer with husband and then they hauled hay. I think the high tomorrow is supposed to be 3 degrees. Brrrrr

I am going to work on a picture book manuscript. I'm trying to get it finished to send off to a publisher that I met at a conference this fall. Her deadline is February - so I want to finish it this week.

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Cleaned up

2009-01-07T15:54:00.001-06:00

I spent the day cleaning the house.

Stepson helped me move the mattresses in the downstairs spare room. Then, I moved furniture around because that will become my craft room. Last week, husband put up a long shelf for my rubber stamps. (All this is so 3 y.o. can get her room back!)

Tables we had put out for the Christmas party were put away.

I dumped the toy box downstairs and separated out 16 y.o.'s toys he wanted to keep, baby toys to give away, toys that were supposed to be in a different place, and the rest went back into the toy box.

Next, we took the decorations off the tree and the tree was brought outside. Then I vacuumed the house.

Right now, it is snowing out. It's a very fine snow and there's a dusting on the ground. Husband and stepson are going to a men's night out tonight. Not sure if 16 y.o. will go too.

Tomorrow, I will be helping at the local food pantry (unloading boxes for distribution on Monday). There's other things I did today, but that's the gist of it. Tomorrow night, I have the Bible study that was postponed during the holidays.

I've GOT to get some writing done.... but right now, I'm tuckered.

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..." Matthew 6:33

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” - Ephesians 5:1-2

Three planets visible New Year's Eve

2008-12-31T18:16:00.000-06:00

Tonight, there were three planets visible just after sunset. By the time the clouds got out of the way, my camera was complaining that it was too dark. Here's Venus (blurry dot under the moon)
Here's Mercury and Jupiter. Jupiter is the one on the right. Again, it was so dark that the tiny movement I made make the planets look like streaks instead of dots.

Here's the moon and Venus again. Venus is the teeny, weenie dot below and to the left of the moon.

Christmas weekend was full of family and fun. One of my husband's sisters and her family and also husband's mom are the only ones remaining. There were 45 people here on Saturday. I got some writing done last night (started around 10:30 and went to bed after 2am). I'm having to rewrite the ending to a teen magazine article. It's almost there. I'd like to bring in the new year by writing.... and hope that the next year has a lot of writing (and published articles/manuscripts!) Happy New Year to all.

Psalm 8 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Safe

2008-12-20T09:43:00.000-06:00

We got to Kansas City and back safely. I delayed our departure by three hours to give the road crews time to clear the roads and they were fine. The worst part was from my driveway and the first two miles. After that, it was clear.

My husband and 3 y.o. went out while I was gone and they scraped the driveway with the tractor and loader bucket. I almost called to see if I should park at the grain bin - but I was pleasantly surprised to see gravel on the driveway instead of sheet ice.

I am blessed.

Ice storms

2008-12-18T18:22:00.000-06:00

Well, we are scheduled to get up to an inch of freezing rain tonight. I'm supposed to take 16 y.o. to Kansas City tomorrow - where he will continue on with his father to Arkansas. Then, I go back on Sunday to pick him up. I'm also supposed to pick up a local girl who is attending the Job Corps near Kansas City and bring her back to Memphis for the Christmas break.

Husband says he doesn't think I will be going anywhere tomorrow. I hope he's wrong this time.

Several of my family members were without power for 5 days last week with the bad weather in New England. The first year I moved to NE MO, we had no power for 3-4 days. It was miserable. Parts of New England are not supposed to get power back until after Christmas. They definitely need prayer!

Husband and I got our (short) Christmas letter written, printed, addressed, and brought them to the post office -- all BEFORE Christmas! Of course, that's always the goal, but it's not always what happens. Smile.

Praying that you stay warm and that you have food to eat.

Proverbs 30:7-9
"Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD ?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

Weather

2008-12-16T11:02:00.000-06:00

We have had a range of weather conditions since my last post. Rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow. We even had thunder the other night. Today, the prediction is for 4-6 more inches of snow.

3 y.o. went out with husband and 16 y.o. to feed the bulls and calves this morning. She came back with very rose cheeks and nose! They had hot cocoa when they came in.

Last night, I typed out family recipes for some Christmas gifts. I'm trying to get husband to show 16 y.o. how to make a couple simple recipe boxes. Not sure if that will get done before Christmas - it's COLD out in the shop!

I think we got all our Christmas shopping done this past Saturday. Now, I need to wrap them. I have a Christmas party to go to at the nursing home for my Mom tomorrow - weather permitting! Friday, I will drive 16 y.o. to Kansas City and then I will pick him up on Sunday. I am also the hostess for a Christmas dinner at church on Sunday - so I had to get some helpers for the clean up (I will have to leave right after the food is served - it is buffet style).

I got my writing assignment done at midnight on the deadline day. I need to start on the next assignment so I don't have to ask for an extension again.

We made homemade noodles last night. I made the dough and husband rolled them out and cut them when they were dry. It's his family recipe and he makes them frequently.

Today, between helping with homeschooling, I need to get my Christmas card envelopes addressed and get them in the mail!

"And Mary said: 'My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name'." - Luke 1:46-47, 49

Beauty beyond description

2008-12-11T22:32:00.000-06:00

Yesterday afternoon, I happened to look out the window and saw a beautiful sunset. My picture actually doesn't do it justice. We have had snow on the ground since before Thanksgiving - just and inch or two - but it's COLD here!
Today, I did a bunch of errands in town and then came home and finished updating three accounts in Quicken. Also, worked with 16 y.o. on his homeschooling. He had a test in math that he got an A on and he had a quiz in History that he got a B on. That doesn't show the agony sometimes of him learning something. There are times I feel like hitting my head against the wall - but, 1) it would only give me a headache and 2) it wouldn't help him learn any better!

I have procrastinated far too long on this writing assignment. What happened, the magazine I was going to send it to will no longer be in publication after February, so they aren't taking any submissions. They used to allow up to 2000 word fiction stories. Well, I've found two other possible magazines to "pitch" the story to. However, they only allow 1000-1200 word stories! That means I not only have to finish the story, but cut it in half! Ouch. I better get after it!

Tomorrow afternoon we will be separating the bulls, cows/heifers, and calves. I think tomorrow night we are having a young man over for dinner. He attends Central Christian College. He is from Haiti. He is leaving on Monday to go back to Haiti; then return in mid-January when the new semester starts. Saturday morning, someone will come pick up the calves we are selling at auction. Saturday late morning, we are going to Quincy, IL to finish our Christmas shopping.

Matthew 16:2 'He replied, 'When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red'..."

Accomplishments

2008-12-08T21:36:00.000-06:00

I accomplished several things today over and above the norm.

I finished my Mom's Christmas cards and they are in the mail. I haven't started ours yet... there was a problem getting the photo cards made. Hopefully, I will be able to pick them up on Saturday. I'm hoping to have my Christmas shopping done that day too. Only a few presents left to get... whooohoooo! Then I can concentrate on the Reason for the Season.

I also updated my mother's and my bank accounts on Quicken. One account left to get updated. Maybe tomorrow. I also got some filing done.

On the writing front, I researched places to send the teen girl fiction story that I almost have finished. I wanted to send it to Brio, but I just found out that the February 2009 issue will be the last one unless someone buys the magazine. It's a good magazine and I hope it gets to continue. It's the same for Breakaway magazine. I found two possible magazines to submit to. My instructor wanted me to find three. Will have to look some more tomorrow.

I have two verses concerning the word "Work"
The first is from 2 Thessalonians 3:10 "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." (I quote this one to 16 y.o. quite often!)

The second is from Colossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Holocaust survivor

2008-12-04T23:03:00.000-06:00

(I had this post all done but it had an error when I tried to post it - I think this is what I wrote!)

Tonight, 16 y.o. and I went to hear Erika Mandler talk about her experience during the holocaust. There weren't many seats empty in our small-town theater - and she talked for about two hours. I learned some things I didn't know - for instance, I thought all the concentration camps were in Germany. Erika and her family, however were in a work camp in Czechoslovakia. It gave 16 y.o. some things to think about and among other things, it reminded me to be thankful for all the little things in life, like having water and food.

Both my biological father and my adoptive father were in WWII. One was in the Pacific in the Navy and the other was in North Africa and Italy in the Army. My adoptive father received the Silver Star - which relatively few people received. Both fathers are now gone - but definitely not forgotten. I have a long list of family members who proudly served in the military (myself included). Every branch of the military has been represented. I've probably mentioned this before, but my younger brother is currently on a Navy ship off the coast of Somalia. He is a photojournalist in the Navy reserves.

Last night I was able to work on a fiction magazine article. I made some progress but have some more work to do on it before I submit it to my online writing instructor. I hope to submit this article to Brio magazine.

“Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”- John 10:7, 9-10

Harvest complete

2008-12-02T23:12:00.000-06:00

Well, the harvest is finally complete as of the day after Thanksgiving. We celebrated Thanksgiving at my sister-in-law's house in Illinois. Had a fun time visiting and eating. It was a long drive home though - we didn't get home until almost 1:30am. It snowed, but thankfully, it didn't stick to the roads. I drove most of the way - husband was tired from having little sleep for weeks during the harvest.

Tomorrow, I will help my mom with her Christmas cards. I actually have them addressed, I just need to write down what she wants to say in the cards.

I started on a project tonight. It's a Christmas present, so I can't say what it is or who it's for! Maybe I will post a picture after Christmas. :o)

It seems I have way too much to do these days and not enough time to do them. I need to de-stress! I want to update this blog 2-3 times a week - that hasn't been happening. I want to get several magazine articles that I am working on completed - that hasn't happened. Like I said, I need to de-stress and figure out a better system.

I pray all is well with all who read this. I like when people comment on my blog, because then I know someone is actually reading it!

I love the book of James. Chapter three is about taming the tongue and about wisdom. Here's the last verse of the chapter:

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18

Eagles

2008-11-26T10:03:00.000-06:00

One day last week, I thought I saw a bald eagle flying high in the sky over our pasture. Two days ago, 16 y.o. said, "Mom is that a bald eagle up there?" It was! The sky was clear and the eagles head and tail feathers gleamed bright white. It got even better though, there were TWO of them. Very beautiful birds. They were flying off as I got a picture, so it's not clear.

Harvest is still going slow with several setbacks, i.e. broken axle one night, broken tie rod last night, some fields still too wet, etc.

Prayers going out to husband's niece who is in Panama in the Peace Corps. They are having bad flooding and mud slides. Niece has been evacuated for a time to another part of Panama.

Thankful for each new day and for each breath I take.

Psalm 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

Grandma

2008-11-19T13:02:00.000-06:00

Here's a picture of 3 y.o. and Grandma. It was taken in June, when Grandma gave 3 y.o. her birthday present.

A week

2008-11-19T01:28:00.000-06:00

Yikes, it's been a week since I have posted a blog. When I started this blog, I wanted to update it at least three times a week. Perhaps that was too ambitious during harvest time.

Yes, we are still in the middle of harvest. The weather has not cooperated. We've been getting enough rain that it's too muddy to be in the fields with the combine. Monday and Tuesday of this week they were able to finally get out there. A field that they were going to do today (Wednesday) is too muddy, so we will have to try a different one.

Life has been pressing down on me in several areas lately. I need to find a quiet place and rejuvenate my soul. I reallllly want to be finishing two magazine articles. I possibly got a good lead for some information on one of them. It's a non-fiction article about something that happened during WWI. Hopefully, I will get an email about it today.

The other article is a fiction story for teen girls. I have most of the story done, but it's not all there yet. It's annoying that I can't seem to finalize it. Will continue to give it thought. It's also the story I am doing for my writer's course and I think I am past-due (again). Thankfully, this is a self-paced course and extensions are allowed.

My mom seems to be doing better after having been in the ER last week for a mini-stroke. She didn't remember my name at one point in the ER. That's weird for lack of a better term.

I've been thinking a lot lately about the areas of good counsel. Here's a verse that was the verse for the day at biblegateway.com

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2

Choose to live well

2008-11-13T00:58:00.000-06:00

Once again, my plans for writing were superseded. I spent most of the afternoon at the emergency room with my mother (who lives in a nursing home attached to the hospital). The doctor thinks that she possibly had a TIA - or mini-stroke for those of us not in the medical field.

At one point, she asked what my name was. As hard as it is not to concentrate on her situation these days (she's 87, blind, and has dementia among other health problems) I chose to remember some happier times.

I remember a picture of the two of us in her wing-back chair - it must have been shortly after they adopted me. I remember her teaching me ceramics. I remember all the stained-glass mirrors, lamp shades, and window sun-catchers that she made. I remember Thanksgiving dinners she cooked. Although she didn't have patience to teach us cooking - she was a TERRIFIC cook. She also tried her hand at oil painting, knitting/crocheting, and if I remember correctly, pottery. Although she didn't like to put her head underwater, she taught me to dive - that was after hours of belly flops from my dad trying to teach me! I also remember her taking photos and movies of my sister and I water skiing, snow skiing, ice skating, and riding our bicycles.

Was she a perfect mom? No. But then, none of us are perfect. She had a difficult childhood and she made the best choices she knew how. We all make choices with each minute we are given in life. What choices are you making? Are you spending your days with regrets and unforgiveness or are you choosing to look at the glass as half full? You will only hurt yourself harboring regrets and being unforgiving. Let them go and live life well.

Linda Ellis wrote a poem in 1996 called The Dash. Hopefully, if I've done it correctly, you can read it here (at the bottom of the post, you'll see the poem). It's WELL worth it. http://lindaellis.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/11/the-dash.html

Matthew 6:27 and Luke 12:25 both say:
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

Hay Ride

2008-11-11T11:36:00.000-06:00

We had a houseful this past weekend for a family get together/hay ride. We made homemade pizza one day (I have a recipe I made from combining two other recipes plus an addition of my own.) The left over pizza was actually better the next day because I didn't have time to pre-cook the dough before adding the toppings. The night of the hayride, we broiled hamburgers and hot dogs. It was too cold to stand out at the grill! I think everyone had a good time - and it's always nice having family visit.

Three things I'm thankful for (since this is the month for Thanksgiving):
1) My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
2) My family and friends
3) The "gifts" I've been given from God

The NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writer's Month) is already a "bust" for me. I have been out in the fields a good deal of the time. When I am in the house, I'm either helping 16 y.o. with his schooling or cooking a meal for those in the fields. After lunch, the kids and I are going to Pilot Grove, Iowa to get a belt for the combine. It's about a 2 hour round trip. Right now, the kids are helping Daddy put out hay bales for the cows.

I woke up to one of my favorite sounds - rain on the window. Unfortunately, rain is not a good thing when the harvest is not complete. If the rain stops, they could still harvest corn today.

I worked on two different magazine articles last night. I did some research on one - contacted a historical museum in Illinois. The contact person emailed me back and said he would email some information on Sunday. This article I want to send to Highlights for Children magazine.

The other article, I'm still mulling over in my head. I don't have an "inner conflict" for the main character - so I have to figure that out. I'd like to get that article done today. This article would be for Brio magazine.

Reading Proverbs 31 makes me look like a slacker (I probably don't do the best with time-management) but here's one of the final verses in that chapter:

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30

Transitions

2008-11-06T21:26:00.000-06:00

Transitions in writing get you smoothly from one paragraph to the next (hopefully). Transitions in life get you from one stage to the next. 16 y.o. will be 17 in a few months. He has definitely gone through a new stage this year. Trying to be more independent. Not wanting to listen to the adults in his life. Pushing against the status quo.; yet, he still relies on us for support and comfort. I'm trying to give him the tools he will need to be as independent as possible. He's also had a lot of bodily changes - he's 5' 9 3/4". Just in the last month, he's grown another inch and grown out of the jeans I just bought!

Unfortunately, the new medicine from Canada that he started on this year is not working. It seemed to do really well for a while. I'm not sure if he just got used to it or what. Disappointing to say the least. He will never be able to drive until he is seizure-free for one year.

On a totally different subject - we harvested quite a few soybeans yesterday for the guy my husband farms with. We did three fields in two days. The first field was really bad. The next two were better. I spent most of the past few days in the field - either on the combine with husband, in the pickup truck hauling the bean cutting head, or driving a tractor and auger wagon down the road. I'm not very good with the tractor, especially on the very bad dirt road. I felt like I was on a bull-riding machine. Luckily, I got the nice tractor -but it is still challenging to drive while hauling an auger wagon. Husband hopes to harvest more tomorrow. My mother-in-law will be here to babysit the 3 y.o. I have to take 16 y.o. to St. Louis for his quarterly neurology appt. Hoping to do something fun while in St. Louis too. We will have a houseful of husband's relatives this weekend and some friends for a hay ride. Hopefully, I will get some pictures taken.

Not happy with a good many of the election results. On a state level, there was good news and bad. I am trying to keep everything in perspective and remember that the Lord knows what's going on - although, He did give us that "free will" that gets us in trouble many times! I thought of this verse this morning:

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

NaNoWriMo

2008-11-03T23:55:00.000-06:00

National Novel Writer's Month or NaNoWriMo - what a crazy time! This is a month of attempting to write a 50,000 word novel. Is it expected to be good, perfect, publishable, etc? NO - the purpose is to get it down on paper and then use the next 12 months to perfect it. Most people say they want to write a book, but they never do. Here's your chance!

By the way, I'm WAY behind on my word count! Farm work comes first. :o)

10 Important Issues to Me

2008-11-03T21:23:00.000-06:00

Here are 10 issues I felt were important in making my decisions for this election. (Even though this is long, this is my condensed version.) They are not in a particular order.

1) National Security: (FYI - I spent 5 years in Air Force intelligence from 1983-1988 and I come from a long line of military family members - and one of my brothers is currently serving in the navy over in the middle east.) I want someone who believes in keeping the country secure. I don't want someone who will change American ways to conform to other countries' ideals or values. This is the United States of America, not the European Union, UAE, etc. That being said, I believe we need to work with our Allies and also help those who can't help themselves (like we did for WWI, WWII, Iraq, etc.). And for the record, this summer 550 metric tons of yellowcake were sent to Canada from Iraq; in 2004, Polish soldiers found 500 sarin and mustard gas laced missiles in an Iraqi warehouse (yes, they were old, but it shows that Hussein lied (again) about having gotten rid of such weapons); Hussein had human shredders and other torture devices for his own people and don't forget that tens of thousands of Kurds and Iranians were poisoned with gas bombs and napalm. Even though the US and our allies had incorrect intelligence at the beginning of this war, the people of Iraq are thankful to be out from under the tyranny of Hussein. I know our ally, Israel, is watching closely who wins the presidency. By the way, during my five years in the Air Force, there were many times I had to brief the base commander on daily intelligence. What you see/hear in the news is just a small portion of the truth and the whole story.

2) Abortion: Have you seen the picture of 21-week-old Samuel Armas? He was having surgery (in utero) for spina bifida and a photographer took a picture when Samuel's hand flopped out during surgery. He wasn't a bunch of cells or just a fetus - he was a human being. Women say they have a right to choose what to do with their bodies - but they are taking away the rights of the unborn. The democratic candidate voted 4 times in the Illinois State Senate to deny medical care to infants if they are born alive after an abortion (I read the transcripts from the Illinois Senate.) He also believes any abortion at any time is acceptable. I also abhor the fact that my tax dollars fund abortions.
One fact not thought of often by most people - 40+ MILLION children aborted since 1973 aren't paying taxes to pay for social security or any other government programs! Perhaps Social Security wouldn't be in the bind it is today if those children hadn't been murdered.

3) Family: I believe in traditional marriage. There are already ways for unmarried people to have legal contracts with each other for any number of reasons.

4) Stem cell research: Adult stem cells and umbilical cord blood are the only ones that have had proven success. Using embryonic stem cells has not worked and involves having to kill a human life first.

5) Economy & Environment: I want America to be able to utilize our own resources for energy. I have seen pictures of oil rigs in Los Angeles, California. The footprint is very small these days - and they've covered them to look like buildings. We should be able to drill off our own shores for these resources. Wind, solar, clean burning coal, ethanol, fuel efficient cars, etc - ALL are important to our economy and the environment.
I do not believe all the hype about global warming. Where was all the pollution after the ice age when everything melted? It's called cyclical climate change. Have gases and pollution possibly contributed? Most likely - but the main cause is cyclical.
The legislative branch of our government (House of Representatives and the Senate) has been under the majority rule of the Democrats for the last two years. I think we have all seen economic and moral decline during that time. Is it completely their fault - of course not, but they have contributed significantly to the problems. Historically, the decline started at the end of President Clinton's term of office. When stocks were very high, all the financial advisers warned that it wouldn't sustain that level forever; that there would be a "check" at one point or another. It happened and everyone seems surprised about it.

6) Health care: I have a friend in Sweden. 60% of their paychecks goes to taxes. They have socialized medicine. In Canada, England and other countries with "publicly funded" or socialized medicine, you have to wait your turn for procedures. Many Canadians come to America to have surgeries performed so that they don't have to wait, in some cases, years for a surgery. As farmers, my husband and I have no employer funded health care. Is it expensive, yes. Do I want the government deciding where I get my health care, NO.

7) "Share" the wealth - It is only sharing if you give it voluntarily. If the government takes your hard-earned money, it's not sharing - it's socialism. This country has thrived on free-enterprise and entrepreneurialism. Taxes should be fair and equal - one group should not pay a huge amount more than another group. If you only want to tax the rich, there won't be any incentive for new business.

8) Border security: Why should illegal aliens get free health care, college benefits, etc? I think the border patrol should be able to protect our borders - and be given the tools to do so. My Thai sister-in-law had to wait for her passport, visa and green card in order to legally live and work in the U.S. - all "visitors" should go through the same process. If they are found to be here illegally, they should be deported - with no amnesty.

9) Gun control: America has always allowed private citizens to own guns and protect themselves. Do I want machine guns and the like? No, I don't think they are necessary. However, criminals are not going to get their guns legally in the first place so if you take them away from one group, it won't matter to the criminals. There are times a gun is needed on a farm - if a cow is dying and needs to be put down (personally, we call the vet to give the cow a shot) or when a wild animal is trying to kill the livestock, etc.

10) Schools: I believe people should have the freedom to choose which school to send their child to and I don't believe the homosexual agenda needs to be "taught" in school. Children as young as Kindergarten are being indoctrinated into the homosexual agenda without notification to the parents to be able to "opt out" for their children. In our small county school, teachers were told not to discipline "same-sex" couples on the school grounds for public displays of affection, but the heterosexual "couples" could not kiss, hold hands or hug. (Mind you, I don't think ANY of the kids need to be showing PDA at school - but especially not one group over another.)

Those are just 10 of the issues I considered when choosing my candidates. Other issues are: judicial appointments (I don't think judges should change the laws, but ENFORCE the ones on the books - it's not their job to change the laws, but that is what they are doing.), housing issues, "don't ask, don't tell" in the military, jobs, trade with other countries, etc.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Remember, you will be required to give an answer to God for all you've done here on earth during your life.

Combine video

2008-10-30T21:33:00.000-05:00

Here's my sister and my husband combining soybeans. Toward the end of the video, I had to scoot out of the way before the chaff from the back of the combine blew all over me. The very end of the video is my brother-in-law sitting in the tractor of our friend who we plant and harvest crops with.

Harvesting help

2008-10-30T11:56:00.001-05:00

We had help this past Saturday with harvesting. My sister and brother-in-law drove here from Colorado and stayed until 4am Tuesday morning. On Sunday, we had a nice visit with our mother who is in the nursing home 12 or so miles from my house.

I am starting a new Small Group Study at church. The first class is tonight. (I am "leading" it.) It is called Boundaries with Kids. There will be 8 sessions in all. I hope there is a good turnout. 16 y.o. was such a compliant, easy going child to raise (well, at least until he hit 16!). However, 3 y.o. is very strong willed. I need some guidance on the best way shape her spirit gently and firmly - without snuffing her passion. I'll tell you how it went in a couple of months. :o)

"Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest." Exodus 34:21

Iowa, Illinois, Missouri

2008-10-27T11:02:00.000-05:00

We had a fun time on Saturday roaming around Iowa (10 miles away), Illinois (40 miles away) and Missouri. First we went to Cantril, IA. They have a Mennonite store called the Dutchman's Store. It is like an old fashioned general store. You can buy Muck boots, quilting material, food and spices in bulk, etc.

Next, we drove to a town called Bentonsport, IA. It is on the Des Moines River. There is an iron bridge from the 1800's that still spans the river. (pedestrians can walk on it, but no heavier traffic). There is also the foundation and arch from the old mill. Here are the pics:

We ate lunch in Iowa and had ice cream across the Mississippi River in Hamilton, Illinois. We saw the lock and dam at Keokuk, IA.

I didn't get any photos of the foliage, perhaps today. Sister and brother-in-law are going to help on the combine today while husband harvests soybeans. They are leaving by 5am tomorrow morning to get back to Colorado at a decent time.

Rainy days

2008-10-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

Not much has been happening this week. Well, I guess I have to take that back. I had a birthday and we spent half the day in Quincy. The next day, I went to Kirksville to help my mother in law figure out what prescription drug insurance she was going to get. Got some good information to use when I work on my mother's insurance. Yesterday, Friday, was rainy most of the day so we didn't do much. Last night, we went to a hay ride/wienie roast. Had a good time. Several minutes after we got home, my sister from Colorado and her husband arrived. They will be here until Tuesday morning.

3 y.o. was so hyper after the cake/cookies/candy at the hay ride and then having her auntie arrive. 3 y.o. was bouncing off the walls and talking a mile a minute. Sister said it reminded her of me. I don't remember myself at that age, so I'm denying the whole thing! :o)

Not sure what we will do for this weekend. I want to try to get some pictures of the gorgeous foliage in the area.

One of my sisters-in-law has told me about a possible writing opportunity. It sounds exciting and challenging. I will write more about it when I find out more about it.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

Great Day

2008-10-22T22:53:00.001-05:00

I had a great day today with husband, 3 y.o. and 16 y.o.

They gave me breakfast in bed and a handmade card.

We went shopping and had lunch at a Chinese restaurant. I was looking for a dress and navy dress shoes. Guess what, dresses and navy shoes are not "in" this year.

I helped 16 y.o. with homeschooling when we got home while husband played games with 3 y.o. (it rained last night and early this morning, so there was no harvesting going on).

After that, husband and I listened to the scripture and worked on the questions for this week's Sunday School. I received two calls to wish me a happy day.

Nothing spectacular - just a wonderful day with my family. I will try to download pictures tomorrow - although, I just remembered that I am attending a meeting tomorrow with my mother-in-law about her supplemental insurance and then helping to pack some boxes for a shipment to hurricane ravaged Haiti.

I haven't gotten any writing done yet this week, to speak of . Guess I am still detoxing (digesting info) from the writer's retreat.

Psalm 100:3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Novel Retreat

2008-10-20T21:22:00.000-05:00

I was tired yesterday after returning from the SCBWI-IA Novel Retreat, so I didn't blog. The retreat was a lot of fun and very informative. Didn't get a very encouraging critique of the first 10 pages of my novel, but I talked to an editor and an agent and they gave some good advice.

I am going to rework (for the nth time) my dragon picture book manuscript and submit it to the agent. Many agencies don't represent picture books, but this one does. We'll go from there. (Didn't I just say a few days ago that I was going to put the picture book on the back burner until after I had the novel finished?) Okay, call me fickle!

I forgot to take my camera to the retreat, so no pictures on this post. The retreat was at the Die Heimat Country Inn in the German Amana Colony. It would be a nice day trip for the family - it only took 2 hours to get there.

Off to work...

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Good day

2008-10-17T00:06:00.000-05:00

Today ended up a good day - even though a certain person (me) was a little moody, but I won't go into that!

3 y.o. and I went outside and drew pictures with sidewalk chalk, blew bubbles, played with the barn cats (although, why I call them barn cats when I seldom see them in the barn, I don't know.), and enjoyed the great weather.

16 y.o. got his homeschooling done faster than usual - with good grades. Red-letter day.

Husband couldn't be in the fields today harvesting, so he did business in town after he helped me with some laundry - big kudos to him. Later in the afternoon, I went to an organic dairy and got milk. 3 y.o. insisted that her Daddy needed to take her fishing. I came home and snapped a picture right before they finished. The only catch today was some pond weeds. Several fish got away. We have some really big bass in the pond as well as some crappie (to those of you who are not from the Midwest or the South, it's pronounced croppie - I've mispronounced it before to much laughter.) :o)

After the kids got to bed, I did some research for my young adult novel. Got some great information; had some inspiration for a direction to go in for the ending of the book and thought up a great line or two for the beginning of the book. (I guess they will be "great" lines if they end up in the final draft!) All in all, a very productive, satisfying day.

Chinese Proverb: Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

In John 21:24-25, John says, "This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." This was after Jesus had performed the miracle of filling the fishing nets with fish and then "reinstating" Peter. Verse 14 of the same chapter says: "This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead."

Rain, rain

2008-10-16T00:42:00.000-05:00

I woke up to a sound I love.... rain on the window. Unfortunately, rain is not conducive to harvesting. Since we planted winter wheat the other day, I guess it will be good for that.

About a month ago, we had 7 inches in a 24 hour period. That's a lot of rain. I won't even talk about this Spring's rain. Whew!

Since it was such a dreary day, I didn't get much accomplished. Homeschooling for 16 y.o., some housework, and some reading.

Supposed to be cool tonight. The leaves are turning on the trees. The sumac is a bright red on the side of the road. Nice time of year.

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”- Psalm 19:14

Beef, school and writing

2008-10-15T00:31:00.000-05:00

Husband and I loaded up three grass-fed beef in a trailer this morning and then the four of us took them to the meat locker to be butchered. I took a picture, but haven't loaded it on the computer yet. Tomorrow I will update this post and add the picture.

Other than that, I just did housework, worked with Mitch on his schoolwork, took a nap with 3 y.o. (I'm going to miss when she doesn't take a nap anymore - it's a lovely tradition that I indulge in several days a week.), then we all watched "The Biggest Loser". Husband and I worked on the Sunday school lesson (he's the teacher) after the kids went to bed. I folded laundry after that and finally sat down to my young adult novel at 10pm. It was 12:30am before I finished for now.
One day, I love what I've written so far and the next day, I question whether anyone will want to read it. I've sent the next 8 pages to my critique group. They've already seen the first 10 pages and made some great revision suggestions.

Only three days to go before I go to the Iowa Novel Retreat. I hope to get some great info on plotting - and I'm getting the first 10 pages of my novel critiqued by a published author. The other two women in our critique group will also be at the retreat, so it will be nice to get together in person for the first time.

John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

Wheaties

2008-10-13T18:47:00.000-05:00

I should have eaten Wheaties this morning.

I went to a town 14 miles away THREE times today. Twice to get wheat seed and the last time to return the four bags we didn't use. I lifted about 70 of the bags from the back of the pickup to the drill (seed planter that is hooked to the tractor). Each bag weighed 50 pounds. Mitch lifted the other 10 bags.I got home from the last trip a little after 5pm. Then, I had to haul two bales of hay to the steer we are sending off tomorrow to be butchered. I'll try to take some pictures in the morning of that process. The hay was fresh and it was heavy! I wrote a little bit in between trips and worked with Mitch on his schoolwork.

I feel like it is midnight instead of 6:53pm. :o) On a good note, super unleaded gas cost $2.73. Hope it keeps going down.

Kids are watching a Christian video. I am going to do some research for my novel. It (the novel) seems to be drifting, so I am going to study a young adult novel I read recently to see how she handled each chapter. I love it when my writing and my love of reading merge. All the (published) writers say that you have to read a LOT of books to be a good writer. I like that.

Oh, here's a picture of 3 y.o. taken July 21st. Instead of a spelling bee... she's having a reading bee. I heard my mother loved to read. Wish I remembered her or had pictures with her and I together.

And here's the little "hayseed" back in May when "Auntie A" was taking pictures. There's a funny story about the two of them having a pic-a-nic all day. Those of you who know "Auntie A" ask her about it! :o)

Today's verse: “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Discovery

2008-10-10T19:06:00.000-05:00

Many days, there are various animals that fall into one of our four window wells. Several years ago, I heard something that sounded really weird. When husband investigated, it was one of our large lambs. He had fun getting a scared lamb up and over his head! 16 y.o. frequently gets frogs and turtles out. Several barn kittens keep falling in one of the window wells, so husband put a wooden fence post so they can climb out on their own.

Imagine my _______ (fill in the block, surprise, shock, disgust) when the kids came roaring in the house this morning to tell me this was in a window well....

What's a farm wife to do when her husband is not around? She gets a rake, backs the children up behind her and after several attempts, flings the snake onto the lawn! Thankfully, the garter snake must have been cold because it wasn't moving very fast. whew! I actually don't mind snakes. Now, when those huge, disgusting spiders get in the house - ACK!

All I got done so far today is housework, hauling the grain head (the reel thingy that cuts the soybeans - which was on a trailer) out to a different field, and taking food out to the two harvesters. I put a small roast, potatoes, some of last year's stewed tomatoes, corn from this year, etc into the pressure cooker and 25 minutes later, voila! I also whipped up some drop biscuits and chocolate jello. (Thanks, Marcia for the crock pot idea - it gave me the idea for the pressure cooker which I use quite a lot.)

Now, I hope to get some writing done for the next hour. The SCBWI IA Novel Retreat is one week from today.. whooohooooo!

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him." Psalm 62:1

Pics of the farm

2008-10-09T23:51:00.000-05:00

This morning I thought I would take some pictures of the farm and the house. Of course, I hadn't been out more than a few minutes and I got roped into opening gates, standing by said gate so the cows wouldn't get out, and then closing said gate. Later, I went to help husband just for a "minute" to get the bean head (a part for the combine to harvest soybeans). That ended up with me helping him load fence posts on the tractor tines. Still later, I brought 3 y.o. to the combine so she could ride with Daddy and so I could get my writing assignment done. Well, I ended up having to go help a friend of ours get one of our tractors, opening and closing more gates, etc. etc.
The sky was a beautiful, bright blue; although, the picture of the pond was at a bad angle to the sun so it doesn't show the blue sky.

One of our three bulls with a cow to the right.

On a happy note, I finally finished my writing assignment. I think it was actually due last week - or earlier. This morning, I read a post by Randy Ingermanson. He said to figure out ONE THING that you really want to accomplish in a day. If you get that one thing done, then consider it a great day. Well, I got my one thing done - plus a whole lot more. :o) Happy day!

I also read a good Bible verse this morning. It is Psalm 138:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Visitor

2008-10-08T23:24:00.000-05:00

Today, I remembered these pictures were on my digital camera. They were taken on August 28, 2008 when I was helping 16 y.o. with his homeschooling. The computer is next to a large office window that overlooks the north pasture and two ponds. I glanced out the window and saw this crossing the lawn. It was a large snapping turtle Just it's shell alone was about one foot long! The kids enjoyed seeing it - and we stayed well back.

Here it is keeping an eye on us.

The last several days we have seen a Great Blue Heron on the pond bank about 100 feet from the office window. It was fishing for frogs. I love being able to look out the window and see the awesomeness of God.

Psalm 24:1-2 "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters."

Genesis

2008-10-07T22:55:00.000-05:00

This is my first blog and I look forward to this new medium to write and connect with family and friends.

I was able to get half of my writing assignment completed today. My 3-year old spent the morning with Daddy working on the combine while I helped 16 year old with his homeschooling. It's hard sometimes to know if he's not learning because he's 16 and doesn't want to learn or if it's because of the many seizures he has each day. The three anti-seizure meds and several other meds don't help the mix. Some days he seems to be doing well and advancing while other days he can't remember some basic information.

The last visit to the neurologist wasn't very promising. She said that even if the meds do stop his seizures, 16 y.o. probably wouldn't catch up to where he should be. I know that the Lord has worked in 16 y.0.'s life constantly and I pray that He will continue to work miracles and that 16 y.o. will be used by God for His purposes.

I am concerned for my children's future when I see that many people of this country think it's crazy to have strong moral values. Although I know the Lord is in control, He does allow all people to make their own choices - be they good or bad. I pray I make good choices in my life and I'm thankful for forgiveness when I've made poor choices.

Now, I better get to the second half of my assignment because it is due. I also wanted to clean up a chapter I'm submitting to my online critique group of my young adult novel work-in-progress. I think our small group works well together and we strengthen each other's writing. I know I have been blessed by their insight in the short time we've been working together.

Hopefully tomorrow, I can contact some local people for research for my novel.

Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."