Finding Sisters in Unexpected Places

Lord, I don't know about all the other ladies out there, but I have trouble finding "like minded" ladies in real life.  Women who wake up each day, waiting to see what you have planned!  I have acquaintences at work.  I have friends at church.  I have even advertised for prayer partnes.  But people are so busy, too busy to pray or study the Word with me.  For a while now, I have had such a longing for this type of friendship.  Just one woman, Lord, who I can trust my heart with, and bare my soul.  And she will go with me in prayer, to bring my concerns before you, Lord.  She won't gossip about the things I share with her.  Prayers about my kids, my  marriage, the future of our Country.  A sister to share Bible study and accountability with.  Lately I feel so seperate and apart from others I know.  Why am I the only one who feels this way?  I know my children think I'm different from other moms they know.  I don't try to be different, Lord.  I just ended up that way, I guess.  I know that you said that "Straight is the gate and narrow the way that leads to heaven".  So maybe my lonliness is a good sign! 

Lord, I believe that I have found a few friends like the sort I have been looking for.  I found them on the internet!  My sister said, "I heard you have a twitter account".  She has been after me for years to get a facebook account.  I said, "yes, I do.  But really just for Bible study type things".  A few women (three in fact) have volunteered to pray with me.  And I have ladies (and gents)  that I am reading the Bible in 90 Days with, and have #B90Days twitter parties with.  I have a Maximize Your Morning Group for waking up early to study your word.  Yes, I would still like to sit over coffee in person and read, study and pray with friends.  But sitting by my computer is almost as good!  I can still bring my coffee!  Thank you, Lord, for this unexpected blessing.  Let me see where you are leading me, Lord.  Amen.  Honey

Bible in 90 Days - Check-in 3

Tonight was our third Bible in 90 Days check in.  About half my group have checked in , and I am so grateful for their continued reading and support.  I have had 5 withdraw at this time.  For what ever reason, this program was not working for them at this point in their life.  Maybe the next time we start it will be right for them.  Or maybe they wish to read at a slower pace.  We don't all have to do everything the same, as long as we are all headed to the same goal.  I hope that goal is a closer walk with our Lord. 

It means so much to me to see so many women, from different walks and stages of life, come together to read God's word and to praise Him.  To support each other, pray for each other, offer what ever they can to help another toward this shared goal.  That is as life should be.

But during the days we are not involved in Bible in 90 Days, do we notice when someone needs an encouraging word or prayer?  Do we look for ways to mentor and lead others to Christ?  I know I am no different than anyone else.  But maybe these are things we should look at and ponder in our hearts.

I am really enjoying this time with the other ladies (and some gentlemen).  But I know before we know it will be over again.  Another successful group of women now familiar with the complete Bible.  So I guess all I can do is enjoy this time we have together, and savor what this session has to teach me!  Honey

BIble in 90 Days - Check-in 2

This Bible in 90 Days session is going great!  This is the third time I've participated in B90 Days, and the second year I have mentored.  I am amazed at the comradery and excitement of this group of participants.  Everyone jumping in, giving advise and encouragement to each other.  It is a great environment and is encouraging to say the least.  There have been times in years past when I felt like a misfit.  When I felt close or noticed by only a few.  But this year is special.  I feel that there is a plan set in place by God, and we are all here to be a part of it, and see what great things are ahead.  I hope you are seeing this too, and feeling the same thing. 

More importantly, its not how close we become, but how close to God we end up!  God does want us to have Christ-like friends for encouragement and companionship.  Give this group of readers a chance.  You'll be surprised at what you may find.  But most important, just keep reading. 

If there is anyway I can help you, if you need prayer, encouragement, or advice.  Please let me know.  I'm a great prayer partner.  I talk to God so often He knows my voice!  Have a great week and keep reading. 

Media and My Marriage

Today electronics and media in various forms are a part of all areas of our life.  There are very few places anymore, in the US, that you can get away from cell phones.  These electronic devices are attached to us, and we are expected to be accessable 24 hours a day. 

How does all this affect our marriage?  My husband and I are not the most technical people you've met.  We are probably the last people to update or get new devices.  We have a desk computer that we share which is on line for Internet.  My husband has a laptop that is Internet accessible, but he does not connect to the Internet.  We do not email each other, because Pappy doesn't have email.

I have a Blackberry, which Pappy bought for me so that when we travel so I could access Internet and email.  My husband has a basic cell phone.  I text because I have to.  Our tenants will do practically anything to avoid talking to me when they owe rent.  But Pappy doesn't like to text.  He worked third shift for years, and we would talk to each other every night at 10:00 when I would call him; and then he would call me in the morning if he wasn't going to be in before I left.  Now that he is retired, I do text him through out the day, mostly about our properties or the kids, and he will text a short answer if needed.  Usually he just reads what I have to say. 

So Media has not affected my marriage a great deal, accept that we are available to each other at all times.  Every once in a while my husband will text me a sweet message, and I know it is a big deal, and he made a special effort to let me know how much he thinks of me.  And I want to melt, and be certain I am being the wife he deserves.

Currently we are struggling a little with media and our marriage.  Since Pappy doesn't use the Internet, he doesn't understand a lot about it.  Lately I have been spending a lot of time online, trying to develop a blog, mentoring a B90 Days group, etc.  Yesterday he told me he wished the computer would blow up.  So I need to get a better schedule going so I can get what I need to do, done.  And still be sure that I am able to take care of my family, my home, and make certain my husband realizes how important he is to me.

Open Heart Open Home Week 1

If anyone is still here, I have been away a while. I got away from posting daily during the spring Bible in 90 Days reading session with Mom's Toolbox. A new session starts soon if you'd like to sign up. I was a mentor, and also a reader. Those activities took up more time than I planned. When that group ended, I immediately went into another B90 Days reading session with Raising Olives and family. More about Bible in 90 Days in another post. So here I am, back again.







Today at The Common Room, the Headmistress started reading a book entitled Open Heart Open Home by Karen Mains. I believe I already own this book, but since I couldn't find it, I had to order another copy. I find myself purchasing duplicates a lot lately! One day I will have a large library room so all my books can live together and I can find them. But that day will have to wait.





When Pappy and I bought the farm house and land we live on today, we looked forward to being able to entertain and share our home with others. Each year we have a Large 4th of July celebration. Our family and friends, our daughters' friends, and lots of police officers are in attendance each year. People are in and out all day. Some just come in time for the fireworks show at dark. Pappy spends way too much on fireworks each year. But it is his favorite holiday of the year, so I turn my eyes and try not to notice.





On other holidays we always have extra people around our table. Some times it is people who don't have family here. Other times it may be "friends of friends". But they are always welcome at our table and we can always add another seat. A friend of mine once said that if I had left overs each night, I cooked too much. I said "no, if I didn't have any leftovers, I'd think I didn't cook enough! I always want enough to feed any "angels" who show up at my table.





One time when my youngest was in high school, she asked me if she could bring home "a girl and her baby" that she met at work. She said the girl was living in her car with a baby. I said, yes, bring them home. Imagine my surprise when the "girl" turned out to be a 30+ year old woman and her new infant son. They stayed with us about a week. That is an interesting story for another day. But my daughter wanted to share what we had, and I didn't want to discourage her from that. I was proud that she noticed their need.





This week we covered the first two chapters of the book. These chapters were titled "Company's Comin" and "On Entertaining". One of the stories shared in this book talks about the young preacher's wife always taking care of others in her home, and learning how to let them serve her as well, by preparing a meal, sharing in the cleaning, etc. I remember as a young bride away from home with my army husband in a place far from the South where I grew up. Other soldiers would come home with my husband each weekend and hang out at our home. My husband was one of the few married guys in his group, and we lived off post. The soldiers would bring steaks, or other food items, and say "Ms. Cindy, do you mind if we have ..." Of course I didn't. And they would clean up, and do a better job at that than I did. My husband told me not to be uncomfortable when this happened, because the guys were used to doing this at the barracks, and wanted to be able to come back to our home, and come often. And so they did. Watch for the next installation of "Open Heart Open Home! Come back soon! Honey

I Need an Appointment with God

Photos my #2 Daughter sent me of her new journal and Bible study.

Today is a check-in day for B90 Days. I fell behind this week in my reading, about 5 days behind. But I know I can and will catch up. I plan to be caught up by next week. My family have all been sick this week, and we slept a lot. So not as much reading going on! But I did attend the #B90days twitter party which ended a minute ago. I always learn so much by seeing what the other ladies are learning from their reading. I have decided that I need to be more disciplined and scheduled in my relationship with God. I try to spend time with the Lord every day. But I have decided that I will be much richer in my relationship if I plan my time with God, instead of just letting it happen. I try to get up at 5:30, but when you don't go to bed until 12 or later, that is hard to do. Actually, it has not been more than a "thought" at this point. So if this is important to me, I have to plan my whole day around meeting God in His word. Maybe make a point of being in bed by 11? My husband would love it! I'll keep you posted how this journey is going.

Now for farm news. We have LOTS of baby animals to tell you about. Saturday, my husband found a new calf at one of the rented pastures. Then today Pappy found twin lambs (one red and the other smoky like the Barbedos) and another baby calf. So we are doing pretty good for January. I think another lamb will probably come in the next day or two. One of my ladies is staying by herself today, so that is usally a sign. We still have a lot of births to come! But in my opinion, nothing is cuter than baby lambs! I will try to have pictures soon.

The Grand-boy went home today. We always miss him when he is not here. I picked up his toys and put away his clothes. We'll see him again in a few days.

Its getting late. May be more snow here Wednesday. I'll keep you posted. Pray for my progress in scheduling Bible time, and in catching up on my reading. Talk soon! Honey

Bible in 90 Days Check In - Day 8

Today is Day 8 of the Bible in 90 Days Reading group. It is also check in. Tonight before I go to bed, I will be caught up for the week. I tend to finish my reading before I go to bed. I just read through the postings of the other members of my group. They are all amazing and so informational. What is really interesting to me is that we are all reading the same material, but we get different important ideas out of it. This is because the Lord speaks to each of us as we need to hear. That is what is so amazing about this activity. We will all hear what we need. I learn so much from reading what the other ladies have to say. I'm so happy to be a part of this.

Bible in 90 Days - Day 1, and Farm Living

Pappy and the Grand-boy!

Our barn. Our sign says "Five Feathers Ranch" and shows an Indian dream catcher with five feathers, for us and our three daughters. It also says "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord". Our horse, miniature donkey, and some Brahman cattle are in this photo.

Today was a rushed tiring day. Back to work after two long holiday weekends. This was the first business day of the year, so when you are in real estate, that means running around trying to collect rent! I thought it would be a good collection day, but I was mistaken! Usually when the first of the month falls on a Saturday, the month is good. I guess that doesn't hold true if the weekend is a holiday!

Today the Grand-boy came and spent the day with Pappy, as I told you yesterday. He had so much fun he didn't want to leave. He came in his PJ's at about 5:30 am, and went back to bed. I forgot to lay out some clothes for him. When I got home, his red button-down church shirt had paint on it! Oh, well. I guess I'll lay out his clothes next time.

Today is Day 1 of Bible in 90 Days reading group with Moms Toolbox. I am a mentor to one group of ladies who will be reading the Bible in 90 days. I'm excited to be cheering them on. If you would like to jump in with us, email me and I'll tell you how to get started. It is an awesome experience!

Tomorrow some children from church are coming for dinner. I promised them I would take them to lunch while on holiday break as part of their Christmas present. So instead they are coming for sloppy joes tomorrow night, and getting their presents. They are always good kids.

This afternoon the tire man came to fix tires on the tractor and two trailers. While he was here he fell in love with Pappy's German Shepherd. I tried to give it to him, but he can't have pets. Pappy said, " you tried to give away my dog? " I reminded him he wanted to give it away a few weeks ago, but I would have asked him first.

This morning while watching the Grand-boy, it was too cold to take him out. So the chores were done inside. My husband wants you to know he cleaned the kitchen! He also cut up and started jerkey for the smoker, cracked and shelled more walnuts, and worked with his retirement funds.

Around lunchtime it warmed up and the Grand-boy went out to play. My husband started dragging the driveway. When we have a lot of rain, it gets rutty, and this has to be done. The next thing I know, my Husband will be wanted to order more gravel! He also painted the ladder for the water tank.

After Grand-boy left, Pappy went to pick up more firewood, but someone had already taken it. We have started planning a little of the garden. Pappy wants me to come by an empty rental house of ours that we actually lived in. He thinks there may be some of my roses that I'll want to move to the farm while the house is empty. I hope so. If there is still a rose there, it was my mothers peace rose, and must be 40 years old. This will be its second move, and definitely the last. We'll never move again, Lord willing. Pappy also went to check our leased pastures, to look for calves. No Calves yet for 2011!

One day down, four more work days to go! Have a blessed week! Honey