John 14:27

"I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart.  And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.  So don't be troubled or afraid."

Encouraging Words: Wonderful

Let's use an encouraging word today.  Share it with someone you love, with a co-worker, with a friend, with a clerk at the store, or with a complete stranger anywhere.

Wonderful- (adj.) astonishing; very good

Try these also... marvelous, amazing, astounding, surprising, cool, glorious, super, terrific, fabulous

Chickens Will Eat Anything

Chickens will eat anything.  I've heard it said many times.  Obviously, these people have never met my chickens.  Mice, yes.  Squash bug, NO.  Snake, yes.  Potato beetle, NO.  Brown june bug, yes.  Furry caterpillar, NO.

What's the point of having chickens if they won't eat the pests in my garden.  Oh, yeah!  Eggs and eating.

(Father God, thank you for providing my daily needs.  Amen.)

Away

I've been away from my blog while I settle in to life in the country.  Raising chickens and planting a garden have taken most of my time.  But, I'm getting that writing itch again.  So, I'm back.

There's been a lot of things on my mind over these past months. I have many ideas for posts. Keep praying that God will reveal what needs to be developed and shared. Expect several garden lesson entries and maybe a chicken note or two.

(Father God, thank you for the time away. I pray that You will guide this blog as always.  In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.)

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

I enjoy "Share a Song Monday" on Eileen's blog.  So I decided to do my own share-a-song.  I really don't spend a lot of time on youtube.  I can eat up my download limit pretty quick.

I'm sharing this song because it has been a special reminder to me during a long drawn out process that I'll talk more about later.  My goal is not the rapture, or even heaven.  My goal is to submit to Christ my Lord daily.  When I do that, I don't have to worry about tomorrow (as the song says).  I know the One who knows and holds.

"I Know Who Holds Tomorrow"  
Written by Ira Stanphill.  Performed by Signature Sound Quartet.


(Father God, thank you for holding this child's hand through every tomorrow that you have planned for her.  Thank you for knowing those plans and prospering those plans according to your great mercy and grace.  I praise you in the name of Jesus, Amen.)

Wealthy

From my garden onto my table.

Yesterday I verbalized out loud that I am the richest I have ever been.  It wasn't an epiphany or even a revelation.  It is just something that I know.  I've even known it for awhile.  I just had never spoken it out loud.

I am rich and wealthy and it has nothing to do with money.  My heavenly father has provided a garden of marvelous food and beauty.  He has provided a home.  He has provided a husband who loves me!  He has provided stability.  He has provided.  I am rich and wealthy.

(Father God, thank you for the riches and wealth that you provide.  In the name of Jesus, I praise you.  Amen.)

Garden Lessons: Heat

August 2011.  Our part of the country is gripped in a massive heat wave.  It is oppressive.  The temperatures are in excess of 100 degrees early in the day and continue that way through the night.  It is tiresome.  The grass is dry and crispy so that our dog can hardly walk on it.  It is severe.  We eagerly look to the skies for some indication that there might be some rain.  It is relentless.  It hurts us.  It hurts our garden.

Our nation is in the grip of sin.  It is oppressive.  We proudly proclaim our homosexuality with parades and celebrations while God calls it an abomination.  It is tiresome.  Our government is borrowing money to pay it's debts but regulates the individual in an attempt to stop such a practice.  It is severe.  We dismiss life through abortion, euthanasia, alcohol, and drugs trying to find something to relieve the shame of our sin.  It is relentless.  It hurts us.  It hurts our garden.

(Righteous Father,  I beseech you in the name of Jesus, your only begotten Son, my Savior.   Forgive us for the grievous sin that offends you.  Turn our hearts, soften our hearts, cause us to be ashamed of the sin which our nation so proudly displays.  Let your people, called by your name, humble ourselves, pray, and turn from our sins so that you can heal our land.  Amen.)