Faith Family Farm

Waiting


Our lives are full of waiting.
We wait for snow, can't wait for spring, wait for summer days,
then, we wait for the cool days of autumn, and we are back full circle.
As a child, we wait to be a youth, then wait for adulthood. We can't wait to get married. Then wait for the birth of the firstborn, the second, third and fourth. We wait for their first step, first tooth, to run, ride a bike. Wait as they become a teen, and continue into adulthood.
We turn from when we were that child, waiting for adulthood,
and our own are grown in the blink of an eye.
But, our waiting is ongoing, from grocery store lines, doctors' offices, stop lights and signs. My last long wait was for my son, our fourth and last child to take his driver's license written test for his permit (which he passed). We waited and waited and waited, literally, but as we did, we heard all the grumblings and complaints of others, with other places to go and things to do. We had hoped to eat with the Dad for lunch but didn't get finished in time, which meant we had a nice lunch with mother and son. Of course, we missed the Dad, but it was nice.
The waiting gives us time to pause, to think, to remember, to gather, to catch-up, to forgive, to repent, to pray. Let us not become entangled in the worlds' thinking every time we must wait, but let us relish the extra time as a God-given gift in a rush-rush world. He gives us the time, let's use it wisely in whatever manner it comes.
Amazingly His,
Jody
#68 for waiting
#69 a proud son
#70 for snow
#71 being content
#72 for the coming spring
#73 friends to wait with
#74 for repentance and forgiveness
#75 the Dad checking on us
#76 the gift of waiting on His Return
#77 the joy of gifts

Daughters - Maidens of Virtue

The young Maidens of Virtue and their Brother Protector.

Psalm 144:12
"Let our sons in their youth be as grown-up plants,
and our daughters as corner pillars fashioned as for a palace;"
Join our daughters as they strive to be pillars, upholding and supporting, in a culture against Biblical femininity, desiring to be the godly young maidens God has commanded them to be.
You may link to their blog on the sidebar, or the address is:
maidensofvirtue.blogspot.com
They are still working on their blog, so it may change from time to time, but go ahead, check it out and visit again.
Join them as they "...walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory." 1 Thess. 2:12
So Very Blessed,
Jody
#66 young daughters desiring God's best
#67 a son in training for Knighthood

His workmanship

On my way to one thousand #58 the quietness of the night #59 for forgiveness #60 the washing away of all bitterness #61 the chance to begin again #62 I was created for His glory
"Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory
and honor and power; for You created all things, and
because of Your will they existed, and were created."
Rev. 4:11
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for
good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we
would walk in them."
Eph. 2:10
#63 for being God's workmanship
Never have I thought myself pretty, but God says I was created in His image and I am His workmanship. When I begin to implode because of magazines and TV...I look nothing like those women, I am telling God He failed. How dare I tell the God of the universe, the Creator, the Almighty Maker, He did not fare well with who I am? I then ask forgiveness, for being made in His image is an honor and I ask again to be washed, to pour over me His love. And, once again, I receive. Forgiven.
#64 His cup of forgiveness never running out
#65 constantly being amazed with God's Word and learning anew

Amazingly His,
Jody

Wash Over Me

At times our thoughts go in a direction where they do not need to be. Where do they come from?
For out of the heart come evil thoughts...
Matthew 15:19
My heart? No. Not mine. I just read Your Word a little while earlier. But, there they are. As large and loud as a loudspeaker at a football game.
The Lord knows the thoughts of man,
that they are a mere breath.
Psalm 94:11
He knows MY thoughts! No! I don't want You Lord to know that. Or, do I? Yes. I do. Know my thoughts. Take them. Wash me.
We are destroying speculations and every thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
2 Cor. 10:5
Captive, yes, every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Thank you, Lord. Take them and wash me.

'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,' declares the Lord. 
Isaiah 55:8
I so desire Your thoughts. I long for Your ways. Lead me. Wash me. Pour over me. Time and time again, I repent. I am drenched with Your forgiveness.
I ask.
You pour.
Until I ask again,
Amazingly His,
Jody

1000 Gifts

More gifts on a dreary day #47 for responsible daughters #48 rain...slowly soaking into God's earth...readying for the coming spring #49 for grace...I so desire and give thanks #50 prayer for a friend #51 a free answers in genesis conference - great #52 The Return of the Daughters DVD #53 for popcorn and a movie

#54 recognizing God's goodness in all things

#55 my husband beside me

#56 a quiet morning with snow flurries falling

#57 for God's creation - snow silently falling softly on the ground

Amazingly His, Jody

Children and the Church



One of the lessons God has impressed on me since my children were young was how they and the church related to one another. In our mid-sized congregation I was looking forward to us being able to have a "children's church," alongside our "big people service." It did not take me long to know that this was not how God had intended for children to learn. Through Sunday School and every other program, our family was divided on a regular basis. We kept our children with us as much as possible, really having no other basis than "knowing it wasn't the best." I began to think about Jesus being at our church, which He is always present in, then, I thought if Jesus actually, physically walked in our building called the Church, would we send our children off to the "children's church?" It was then I recalled Scripture that says, "they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, 'Permit the CHILDREN to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.' And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them." Mark 10:13-16 (emphasis mine) One quote I just can't get away from is, "Tell me what the world is doing and I will tell you what the church will be doing in seven years." Francis Schaeffer Where are we searching for the design of the church, for what we do? It should always come from the Word of God, remember His plan is always best, and, there is usually a reason for His plans and order. Wanting to know why we do what we do, God's Word is now at the forefront of every decision our family makes. I received an email from Nancy Campbell who is with the Above Rubies website and magazine I receive and it opened my eyes with nothing but how God's Word deals with children and the church. It may be a bit long, but well worth the read.

Should Children Be In Church?
I am reminded of William Bradford's 1623 Thanksgiving Proclamation: "All ye Pilgrims with your wives and little ones (emphasis mine), do gather at the Meeting House on the hill...there to listen to the pastor, and render Thanksgiving to the Almighty God for all His blessings." As you read the following Scriptures, you will notice how Biblically familiar this proclamation sounded.
Joshua 8:33-35, "Joshua read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded, which Joshua read not before all the assembly of Israel, with the women and the LITTLE ONES..."
2 Chronicles 20:4, 13, "So Judah gathered together to seek help from the Lord; they even came from all the cities of Judah to seek the Lord.
All Judah was standing before the Lord, with their INFANTS, their wives and their CHILDREN."
Do you notice that when there was an important prayer meeting, when the Word of God was to be read, or when God wanted to speak to His people, it was not only the adults who gathered-the children came too, even the little ones! This actually means the toddlers! Help! The Hebrew word for 'little ones' is 'taph.' The term comes from the tripping gait or short steps of little children. We generally tend to exclude the toddlers from our midst because they can make a distraction, but God wants them there.
Deut. 31:11-13, "When all Israel comes to appear before the Lord your God at the place which He will choose, you shall read this law in front of all Israel in their hearing. Assemble the people, the men and the women and CHILDREN (once again the Hebrew word here is 'taph' meaning the little toddlers)...that they may hear, and learn and fear the Lord your God, and be careful to observe all the words of this law. Their CHILDREN, who have not known, will hear and learn to fear the Lord your God..."
As I have come to understand God's heart for children and the guidelines He has set down in His Word, I have had to change my thinking about the way we program our children in church. Most churches today, with good motives and the best of intentions, divide the children into separate classes and take them away from their parents. My husband has pastored churches for forty years and we have also done the same thing. But is this what God wants? Is this the example of Scripture? Let's continue searching...
Ezra 10:1, "Now while Ezra was praying and making confession, weeping and prostrating himself before the house of God, a very large assembly, men, women and CHILDREN gathered to him from Israel; for the people wept bitterly."
Joel 2:15-17, "Blow a trumpet in Zion, consecrate a fast, proclaim a solemn assembly. Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the CHILDREN, and the nursing infants."
Once again, everyone is included, even the babes who are nursing. It is usually the solemn assembly where children are excluded in case they make a sound, but even in the most solemn assembly God wants them included. We do not find any Scriptures in the Word of God that encourage us to separate the children from the main congregation.
However, this puts greater responsibility upon parents. We have to teach our children to listen and to behave in church. We cannot use the Children's Church as a baby-sitter! I had plenty of experience of this. As a child, I was taken out of church every Sunday and spanked for misbehaving. If you have a difficult child, do not despair and do not give up. As a little child I was called the "devil incorporated!" But my parents didn't give up on me and I ended up walking with the Lord all my life.
Psalm 144 talks about our sons growing up as "plants in their youth." Is it possible to have children that are mature even when they are young? I believe that they can grow into greater maturity when they are part of the church family, sitting with and observing older godly young people, the mothers, fathers and grandparents.
Proverbs 13:20 (a scripture that I constantly impressed upon my children) says, "But he who walks with wise men shall be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." When children are in the company of wise people, they will grow into wisdom. If they are constantly separated into the company of other children their own age, they will stay at the level of foolishness because "foolishness is bound in the heart of a child." When you have a lot of children the same age together, you have multiplied foolishness! (Proverbs 22:15)
Recently, I was reading the account of Jesus cleansing the temple by overturning the tables of the money changers and driving out all who were buying and selling. You know this story, but do you know what happened immediately after this event? I hadn't noticed it before and was quite amazed. Immediately "the blind and lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the CHILDREN shouting in the temple and saying, Hosanna to the son of David, they were sore displeased...And Jesus saith unto them, Yea, have ye never read, "Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise for Yourself?" (Matthew 21:12-16)
The chief priests and the teachers didn't want the children in the temple. They didn't want them making a noise and crying out praises to the Lord. They were angry and indignant! But Jesus wanted them there and after the temple was cleansed the children were back in the midst, praising God. Do you think that maybe one of the cleansings of the church is to repent from our disassociation with the children and receive them back into our midst?
There were always children around when Jesus was teaching. On many occasions he used a child to illustrate a point and gathered a little one in his arms as he spoke. He didn't have to send a runner to a nursery or Sunday school class to retrieve a child. No, they were right beside him and that's how He wanted it. Mark 9:36-37 says, "Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me."
How many preachers in our churches today teach with a child in their arms? Of course, we do not expect this to be a normal procedure, but it would be nice to see from time to time,wouldn't it? It would remind us a lot more of Jesus.
The Message Bible translation of Mark 10:13-15 is powerful. "The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: 'Do not push these children away. Do not ever get between them and me. These CHILDREN are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in.' Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them."
Jesus says that children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Shouldn't they be at the center of the gathering together of God's people too?
Nancy Campbell
aboverubies.org
"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,
the fruit of the womb is a reward."
Proverbs 127:3
Amazingly His,
Jody

Daily Family Worship

"A family on its knees, agreeing as touching anything, has power to claim anything within the will of God for nations, or individuals, or for the Church." "It used to be that fifty percent of professing Christians had a daily family altar of worship and prayer. When these praying families came together in church it was like "adding power to power"...Nowadays it is estimated that only five percent (that was back in 1951!) of professing Christians maintain daily family worship. It isn't enough that the churches we go to exalt Christ and teach the Word; the homes we come from must likewise exalt Christ and teach the Word. Families which ignore God and His Word six days a week will not be likely to know God "in the power of His resurrection" on the seventh day of the week!" "The devil cannot ruin nations of men until he has destroyed the homes of prayer." 

What is daily family worship? It can be a myriad of things for different people. I will tell you what it is for our family and what it has done for us. It has absolutely been the most amazing thing! It is simple...yet, difficult. God's Word touches every fabric of our lives when we allow Him to permeate everything about us, who we are, what we are, our design, our purpose. It even changes how we view our speech, our conduct, our dress, our character, our entire lives.

"Day by day" is a continual theme in Scripture, and it doesn't seem to be an option if we want to be in obedience to God. Coming before the throne of God "day by day" is wonderful, and eye opening.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord

Open the eyes of my heart

I want to see you 

I want to see you 

For two years we simply read through the entire Bible. The first year we took turns reading straight through on a one year plan, and yes, it was this mother's first time reading all the way through. I was ecstatic, and God's Word began to take hold of several areas in my life.

The second year we read through again with a one year chronological Bible. I would recommend anyone beginning a daily family worship time to read through for two years. His Word becomes alive when you have it before you, and you begin to savor each moment and word. The closeness of the family, coming together the way He designed, is none other than amazing.

We now have a devotional, reading through Proverbs in a month, and are digging deeper into His Word. Coming before His throne in prayer for the needs around us and needs we may have, is always a must. We like to have a song if it isn't too late, but that hasn't been a permanent feature yet. Worship can take on many forms...letting His words fall upon us is enough at times.

Always Experiencing Him,
Jody

The Very Beginning

"Let's start at the very beginning, it's a very good place to start." (The Sound of Music) What a wonderful movie with songs that certainly stand the test of time. This is also true of our Christian life. If we don't know where to start, then we never know how to move on. We must move from the milk to the meat, but if we try to eat meat first, we may get choked and become afraid to move on, so we feel safer and more comfortable to stay with the milk. When we start at the beginning, things are always easier to move on from there. Let's look at Genesis 1. God created man on the sixth day and told them to "rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." vs. 26 Verse 27 says, "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." We are image-bearers; we possess an immortal spirit and have qualities that are reflective of God Himself. Wow! Image-bearers of God, our Maker, our Creator; qualities that reflect the One who made us? That is enough to bring me to my knees. Forgive me Lord, for not being a proper image-bearer. Help me to reflect who You are.
Let's continue for a moment. In verse 28, "God blessed them; and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth." Man's first job was to have dominion over the earth and all the animals. Being an image-bearer of God is who He made us to be. Tomorrow, or soon following, we will look at man and woman separately to see where He leads. We must be willing to follow. Will you join me in this journey past the spilled milk? #43 the quietness of the night and a roaring fire in front of me #44 for daily guidance and promptings #45 children all nestled snug in their beds #46 girls who strongly desire God's plan and who know there is "So Much More" than what our culture tells us Amazingly His, Jody

More Daily Ponderings

From time to time you will read of the lessons God has taught me through the study of His word. Some have been difficult, others have been refreshing to finally have an answer to what I was in search of. I will say, nothing I write is without total authority through God's prompting and thorough study and prayer. God is simply Amazing! His ways are always best!
He had a plan from the very beginning of time. We must return to His Word and His plan to know how to live in obedience to the One who gave us life and breath and salvation.
What if God's Word was the ONLY book we had to show us how to live? What if it was the ONLY book where we looked to for guidance and the answers we long for? Do we really believe it is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, that it is eternal and unchangeable? If we truly believed this, our daily lives would change dramatically. I have no authority to disciple someone if my life is not in line with God's plan. I would be a hypocrite and a liar. I want No Compromise; I desire to be in Total Obedience to God's Plan while instilling Multi-Generational Faithfulness through our Daily Family Worship times within our family. Then, and only then will I be able to reach out to others with the True Love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. So, be patient as I put down the words God has taught me over the years, and I pray what you read will be a blessing and a gift from the One who sent them. I am truly nothing without Him, thank You, Jesus, for my life. My sister has asked if there is nothing I have been thankful for in the past few days. Well, of course there are many things, I just haven't faithfully written them all down. So, here are more gifts that we are continually inundated with from God's cup of overflowing blessings. #35 watching our daughter swim her last swim meet and winning 1st in her last event #36 my family who looks forward to our daily family worship time #37 my son who enjoys helping his Poppy (grandfather) work on the farm #38 for at least 100 years of multi-generational faithfulness and "remembering" to continue on #39 a Christian doctor who really cares #40 my husband who is our provider and protector, and training our son to be as well #41 a good pinto beans and cornbread dinner with my parents #42 for how my attitude changes when I look for the gifts in life

Thanks for stopping by. I pray you will be "encouraged in God." 

Always Experiencing Him,
Jody

The Wise Woman

"The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands." Proverbs 14:1 Do you help to build up your house, or with words and actions tear it down? If we are not walking obediently with our Lord, we will not be aware of the construction work around us. Proverbs 15:1 tells us, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." As women we must learn to "let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God," 1 Peter 3:4. WOW! A gentle and quiet spirit is precious in the sight of our Lord? Instead of being so concerned with our outward appearance, He wants us to take notice of our "hidden person." It took me many, many years to learn this concept. I was not quiet, wanting all to know what I did, and why I did it. God used different situations in my life to teach me He was more interested in my obedience than all my "knowledge" I was so willing to share with others. It is refreshing to understand where God wants me to be, always in the center of His will with total obedience. And, it is God's Word where I find all He desires me to be as a Biblical woman of God. #31 a pastor who preaches Truth #32 friends to study God's Word with #33 a dishwasher washing dishes in the background #34 daughters making their brother a birthday cake Amazingly His, Jody

Daily Thoughts and Ponderings

Do we tend to dwell on the good or the bad? My mind can easily dwell on all the things that bring me down. But, when I focus on those things God gives me each moment, I then have 20/20 vision I struggled with only a few moments before. So, I have learned that most of my problems are not solved by talking and dwelling on what is wrong, but on what God has said in His Word. My sights must be set on the things above and NOT on things below.
Just like rushing water in a stream, when I dwell on the bad, it continues to pour and avalanche until I drown beneath the current. But, if I look to God's plan for who I am in Him, the rushing water will wash away all the impurities as far as the stream runs. I have the choice then, to turn everything over to Him and He graciously and patiently awaits my decision. Will you lean on man or God?
Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding."
On my way to one thousand gifts #25 for prayer
#26 spending an entire day with family
#27 a son's 15th birthday on the 15th
#28 daily family worship, even when we are tired, His word is refreshing
#29 holding another infant and getting spit upon, reminders of years gone by
#30 for memories
Amazingly His, Jody

Miles To Go

I have travelled many miles from where God and I began our journey together. Literal miles, no, metaphorically speaking, thousands. God has used many situations in my life to grow, water, and mature me. Have I arrived? No. If I ever think I have, it only means I have that much farther to go. Will I arrive? Only by God's grace and when He returns will I be able to say, "I have finally arrived."
More gifts
#19 friends to sit around our dining table with
#20 holding a baby and having him fall asleep in my arms
#21 watching multi-generational faithfulness
#22 a son excited about his birthday tomorrow
#23 children who forgive when mom gets overwhelmed at the last minute
#24 snow slowly melting and watering the earth
Amazingly His,
Jody

Walk with the Wise

"He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." Proverbs 13:20 wise - adj. 1 Having or showing good judgment. 2 informed. 3 learned.
Continually have the wise in front of and beside you, to guide and to encourage, to uplift and to reprove as needed.
"For whom the Lord loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights." Proverbs 3:12
"Therefore, encourage one another and build up one another." 1 Thess. 5:11
"...so that they may encourage the young women..." Titus 2:4
Be encouraged as we journey along this path together. Allow Christ to be our guide.
Amazingly in His Grace, Jody
#15-18 #15 watching my daughters create through string and knitting
#16 for much needed help in getting our home in order for company
#17 exercises for back pain
#18 again for God's Word to be open beside me and the words it holds


Always Experiencing Him,
Jody

Satisfied

Are you truly satisfied? Could you truly be satisfied if all your family had in your living room to sit on was the floor? Would you complain because it wasn't comfortable enough? Or could you sit and play games with your family and laugh, and maybe sing a song of praise to God? Are we honestly satisfied with Jesus and Jesus only, or do we continually search for things to make our home better so we will be happy? Let's realign our priorities and begin with Jesus. When He is the First, the second and third will come on their own. More gifts 11-14 #11 the sun glistening on the snow like diamonds #12 a daughter to walk throught the snow with following deer tracks #13 a son gathering wood around for our warm fire #14 piles of laundry, for there are loved ones in our home Amazingly His, Jody

One Thousand Gifts


#1 For warm fires in the fireplace
#2 The quietness of a white snowfall
#3 For snow cream
#4 A Husband who loves me
#5 4 wonderful loving children
#6 Friends to go sledding with
#7 A daughter who makes a great homemade hot cocoa
#8 Listening to another daughter sing, and sing with her guitar
#9 For God's Word sitting next to me on the sofa
#10 A warm bed with extra blankets to crawl into
Will you begin your "One Thousand Gifts" with me?
There is so many things to be thankful for, join us on this endeavor.
Amazingly His,
Jody

Be Still

"Be still, cease striving, relax, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 The still and quiet of the snow gives us a reflection of our Lord. There is a special quietness associated with a snowfall; it reminds us to "be still," to reflect on the love our Savior has shown. Still; Relax, be content in all seasons, for it is just that, a season He has given. Always enjoy the gifts God gives, because all too soon it will disappear and the noisiness will take over. Look for times to ponder on all He is. "for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." Phil 4:11 Amazingly His, Jody

Narnia

Books of the Week:
The Chronicles of Narnia
I am currently re-reading the Chronicles of Narnia, now on the third book of the series, The Horse and His Boy, and just had to put this pic on when I saw it. =]

I thought it fitting to put some quotes of C.S. Lewis onto this post, also. So, here they are:

“Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight, At the sound of His roar, sorrows will be no more, When He bares His teeth, winter meets its death, And when He shakes His mane, we shall have spring again.” -The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

“If you are a foe we do not fear you, and if you are a friend your enemies will be shown the fear of us.” -Reepicheep, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

“You would not have called to Me unless I had been calling to you.” -- Aslan, The Silver Chair “In our world too, a stable once had something inside that was bigger than our whole world.” -- Polly, The Last Battle

"A tree is known by its fruit; or, as we say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. When we Christians behave badly, or fail to behave well, we are making Christianity unbelievable to the outside world. The war-time posters told us that Careless Talk costs Lives. It is equally true that Careless Lives cost Talk. Our careless lives set the outer world talking; and we give them grounds for talking in a way that throws doubt on the truth of Christianity itself." -- C.S. Lewis

“You don’t have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.” -- C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis truly had a way with words. A dedicated follower of Christ and a good friend of J.R.R. Tolkien, he was, among many other careers, an accomplished novelist. I would definitely recommend the Chronicles of Narnia to children (maybe ages 10 and up) as well as adults. Mere Christianity, voted best book of the twentieth century in 2000, is also a recommendation of mine. Last, but not least, the movies. *Muahahahahaha* "Oh, sorry. Did I write that out loud?" *ahem* Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (film), was incredible and followed the book better than the second film, not perfect of course, have you ever seen a movie that followed the book to the tee? Very rarely, if ever, do you see that. The second film, Prince Caspian, was okay... The third, Voyage of the Dawn Treader, in my opinion, ranked equally alongside the first, yet blew the second film out of the water. =] These films make for a great family movie night. And afterwards, as a family, you can discuss the various allegories represented in them.

Well, thank you for reading my rambles and thoughts and opinions. =] Enjoy the books and movies if I have somehow persuaded you to watch and read them. In Christ, Sari

Snow Day: Day 2

The snow is still here! Day 2 of our days in the snow and this is the result: Say hello to Mr. Thimble-Thessington IV! (don't ask where that came from, I do not know...) My pics are a little out of order and I didn't have the patience to rearrange them... So, here's Jamin on the snowboard. First pic and it's a wipeout... =D
Whoa! Shreddin' it, dood. =3
Nice.
Mr. Thimble-Thessington and Ma.

Mr. Thimble-Thessington with JP and J-dawg...
J-dawg is putting on the finishing touches.
Winter Wonderland!
These look like celebrity pics taken with the snowman!







This is the grandfather driving a friend around on the four-wheeler...
Ju-Ju snowboarding.
Wipe-out! We had a lot of those. =]
Poppy and JP.
Ju-Ju again...
Go, J-dawg, go!!


And that concludes the second day. Not as exciting as the first, but we still had fun. And we still have snow after four days!
Have a wonderful weekend! I may have more pics soon, thanks for stopping by! Sari

Snow Day: Day 1

Finally, here are the pics of the beautiful snow sent to us this past Sunday night. We recieved 7-8 inches of it in some places. It's gorgeous. Below, is a pic of our house. This is just a random pic of the trees, there may be more following. I just thought the curly vine was neat. =D Here's a pic of my feet, well, where they are supposed to be... Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous.

I don't know if you can tell, but those are deer tracks in the snow. Our early morning visitors were not seen by us, but their path was clear.
This is one of my favorites. =]
As is this one. I like mittens. ^ - ^
This is a snow-covered log... *suddenly breaks into song* "There's a flea on the wing on the fly on the frog on the bump on the log in the hole in the bottom of the -- snow! There's a hole, there's a hole, there's a hole in the bottom of the snow!!!"
Ahem. *clears throat* This is our creek, or as some say, crik. =]
And the other side of the crik.

More deer tracks.


Ah, and this is the Pearl (for those who do not know, we call our van the White Pearl).
Walnut tree.
This and the other picture below is of the tree located at the corner of our house. Actually there's a really funny story behind this tree. When my parents were building this house they purchased and planted what was supposed to be a 3-foot dwarf tree of some kind... Well, it is definately not a 3-foot tree, more like 30-foot... Anyway, in the spring it's blossoms are some of the prettiest flowers I have ever seen, and we still don't know what kind of tree it is.


If you remember the last post published after Christmas, you would have seen the birdbath with a piece of glass on top and a purty heart drawn by none other than me. Well, this is the birdbath now covered in 6 inches of snow.

Below, is my luverly rain/snow boots. Can you see the cat prints? =3
Here's our little flower bed.
Here's the Pearl again.
Winter Wonderland! Heavy laden with snow, the trees are beautiful.
Trampoline: Closed until further notice. Jump at your own risk. =]
Here's my boot again, I'm trying to show you how deep it was. I've never had snow this deep, it was wonderful!
We took our sledding gear and had a ball on top of one of our mini mountains. It was snow much fun! *heehee* I specialize in cornyness... We had at least 20-22 people up there all at one time. Then we squeezed them all into our little strainer room down at the dairy barn, which you can see in the pic below, to get warm.



Layout of the land.
We used the four-wheelers to ferry everyone back up the steep hill.
Here's one of the three red barns located on our beautiful farm. This was behind us as we were sledding.
And this is my grandparents house and workshop.

The barn again...
Oo, that's me on the right of Poppy and my brother, J-dawg, on the left. Check out my fuzzy toboggan. So warm...



There's the cabin, silos, dairy, and barn. The spring for which our farm is named is a little ways off and behind the silos.
That's the shed, which stores hay and a good number of farm equipment.



That's JP, she's on the old fashion wooden sled with metal runners. Surprisingly, that sled was the best. Once there was a path, you really gained speed on that thing. It even allowed you to steer.

That's me again! I'm SNOWBOARDIN'!!!! Took several falls at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's be-awesome. ^ - ^
There's JP and Ju-Ju. Hahaha, wipeout! (you can sing the song with that)


Here's the mountain. Doesn't look like much, does it? Ah, but we had fun!
Beautiful. God's creation never ceases to amaze me. Love to all,
Sari