Faith Family Farm

Last Day for Giveaway!!!

Today is the last day for the giveaway!!!
Sign up for the book!

I will post the winners on the 1st of April, so send me a comment, become a faithful friend and you will be entered.  Pass the word so others may enter as well.  
Remember, today is the LAST DAY!!!


Here is an excerpt

     "The Holy Spirit is a person; He lives within you.  'Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?' (1 Cor. 6:19)  So many times we ask for what we already have!  We pray for the Holy Spirit, and He is already here.
     Have you ever analyzed your prayers?
     You pray, 'God give me more love for so-and-so.'  The Bible says the 'love of God is shed abroad in our heart.' (Rom. 5:5).
     You say, 'God, I need more grace.'  God says that the grace He has already given you is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9).
     You cry, 'O Lord, I need more strength.'  The Bible says you 'can do all things through Christ' who strengthens you (Phil. 4:13).
     'O God, guide me,' you say.  And He is thinking, 'I'm trying.  Why don't you follow?'
     'God, I need power,' you cry.  In fact, you have had power since the Holy Spirit came upon you (Acts 1:8).
     When will Christians realize that they have everything?  Peter wrote, 'According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness' (2 Peter 1:3).  You do not lack anything!  
     The Apostle Paul said to the Colossians, 'And ye are complete in Him' (Col. 2:10).  Complete!"

Wow! God is so good; He already has given us everything we need to be effective as a witness for Him!  Blessings to you today!


I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have!

Remember, all you have to do is comment or sign up as a faithful follower!!!  Enjoy!

Have a blessed day!
God is so Good!!!

Always Experiencing Him,
Jody

1st Picnic of the Season

The Lost Sea

Our family went on our first picnic of the season!  We loooovvvve picnics!!!  Our first trip was to the Lost Sea and walked around.  We didn't go in the Lost Sea because we have done that before, it costs a bit, and some of ours, including my dad, does NOT like being underground.  There is a picnic area, some little shops and a nature trail to walk on.  The kids played some frisbee after we ate, then we went for a walk.

The General Store was the first place we visited and bought some homemade soap the girls wanted.  Next, we toured the glass blowers shop and then on to The Sweet Shoppe!   Dad bought us all some hand dipped Mayfields's ice cream!  Ummmm ummmm!  I had Moose Tracks Extreme!  Chocolate!!!

We went to see the glass blower and what a small world, my dad had been to his house when he delivered propane years ago.  He even remembered the guy having a large ship he had made and displayed it in a cut out in a wall.  He said it is still there.  He had lots and lots of items, everything you could think of and so beautiful!  You can see some of his works at glassworksmfg.com.


The nature trail was about 3/4 of a mile long, but a good little hike, for those of us who haven't walked in awhile.  Lots of wildflowers already blooming.  My mother is an avid wildflower person.  On our farm we have a place with a concentrated amount of wildflowers, over 100 different varieties.  We call the area, The Secret Garden.  It started out that way with just mom and the grandchildren, but it really isn't a secret anymore. *grin*


These were on the nature trail.  Bluebells.  Aren't they beautiful?

The next two pics are of a Twin Leaf.  They have a pretty white bloom, but the leaves look like twins.  You can see the leaves better in the next photo.



This is a Trillium at the old railroad tracks.  They use to ran a little train you could ride around on, but that was a long time ago. 

Trillium in an old dead log.

Just some moss covering an old log.  I love the looks of a moss carpet, so soft.

Trees are my favorite, and this is a Redbud Tree.  Yes, it has purple blooms, but if you catch it right as it is first budding, they are red.

Hope you enjoyed sharing our first picnic outing with us.  Go plan a picnic, and enjoy being out with your family, and some friends, as well.  It's always fun with more!


"Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth,
Sing praises to the Lord,
To Him who rides upon the highest heavens, 
which are from ancient times;
Behold, He speaks forth with His voice, 
a mighty voice.
Ascribe strength to God;
His majesty is over Israel
And His strength is in the skies.
O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary.
The God of Israel Himself gives 
strength and power to the people.
Blessed be God!"
Psalm 68:32-35

2 days left for the giveaway, comment or sign up, go here!!!  It's a great book!


Always Experiencing Him,
Jody

Nephew's Life with Diabetes

What is life like for an infant diabetic?
Baby K is my ittlest nephew, and he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 8 months old.  I feel it had been coming on for a couple months before because there had been no weight gain, as a 6 and 7 month old should have had.  These are some pics when my sis and her family were in this past summer.  He was 4-5 months old, I believe.  Go over to my sister's blog to read "A Life in the Day of an Infant Diabetic."
Isn't he cute!


Jenny

Julia


Me-Aunt Jody

My darlin' hubby - wish you could see Baby K's face too!

Grandmommy and Sarah

Poppy

Even through trials like diabetes, we still look to the One who gives life and are blessed there is a treatment for Baby K and others to live a happy life.  Going through trials are hard, and my sister and her husband will have many and will walk together, but God promises to always be with them and us each step of the way, and In the Valley is where we find life!  And joy!  And where He makes us more like Christ Himself!  Blessings and gratefulness for you all!

The giveaway will end soon, the end of March.  Check it out!

Always Experiencing Him,
Jody

Happy St. Patrick's Day!


Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!
Don't forget to wear green!



Go over to my girls' blog to watch a video on the history of St. Patrick's Day.

Don't miss the giveaway!  Here to enter!  It ends the last of March!

Don't miss the video on the last Faithful Fridays post, here's the link - Isn't it Amazing!!!


Always Experiencing Him,
Jody

A Walk on the Farm

Bluffview Spring Farm

When life seems to have you down, sometimes you just need a good walk on the farm.

Our children are the 5th generation being raised on our family's Century Farm.  There are close to 300 acres for us to roam.  That is alot to some and for others it is only a fraction of their farming operation.  It is simply perfect for us.  My parents are still farming the land and the beef cattle.  We help whenever they need a hand.

It is called Bluffview Spring Farm, because of the large Spring, and the overlooking bluffs.  The "pond" you see is not a pond and calling it a pond can be an irritant for my mother, because it is totally fed by underground springs, hence a Spring, not a pond.  So, here are some pictures of the spring, the amount of water coming out of the tile from the spring, the creek and the big barn at the dairy.  We do not have dairy cattle, but still use the dairy barn for many purposes.  Enjoy!











Hope you enjoyed a bit of our farm.  Getting out for a walk can cure almost anything.  I think it is also seeing God's amazing creation which does the heart good, as well.  Thanks for letting me share a piece of where we live.

If you haven't entered the giveaway, go here to read and enter.  Can't wait to hear from you!

Always Experiencing Him,
Jody

Faithful Fridays

Faithful Fridays


Oswald Chambers has said, "Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God Whose ways you cannot understand at the time.  'I don't know why God allows what He does, but I will stick to my faith in His character no matter how contradictory things look.'  Faith is not a conscious thing; it springs from a personal relationship and is the unconscious result of believing someone."

"Faith is the indefinable certainty of God behind every thing, and is the one thing the Spirit of God makes clearer and clearer as we go on."

"Faith never knows where it is being led, 
but it loves and knows the One Who is leading."

"The great thing about faith in God is that it keeps a man undisturbed in the midst of disturbance." 

"for we walk by faith, not by sight"
2 Cor. 5:7

"but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail;"
Luke 22:32

As Jesus prayed for you, for me, I pray that your faith may not fail today.  Trust in the One who holds the future, not knowing where it leads; that is faith.  
                             One day we will have our entire lives before us; we will see how God worked everything according to His plan, and had a purpose for every event under Heaven.  Trust in the God, the Lord Jesus Christ, who holds our lives in His hands, 
                    Who holds us even when we aren't strong enough to hold on, He continues to hold us tight in His grasp.  

Thank You, Jesus for never letting go, for loving me, 
a sinner saved by grace, 
who is safely in the clutches of Your Almighty hand.

So Thankful!
Sarah-great visit with Amanda
new friends
3 days til Jenny and Julia are home
choir singing, "Hallelujah, He's Worthy!" 
Jenny and Julia are safely home
safe trip to and from Nashville
having respectful children
study "Evenings with Victoria Botkin"
orthodontists
a fixed retainer
asked to be a mentor? not of only 1 but many???
feeling like Moses-needing Aaron
God's will-to reach out
another good test result
weak-dependence on Him
McDonald's smoothie for sick daughter
warm salt water
comforters and throw to snuggle in when sick
time for a good book
a Godly doctor for a friend
a friend for a Godly doctor
doctor who speaks truth
concern
sons' piano and guitar lessons-Wow! 
praying for strength-to do His will
words-right words-His words

Always Experiencing Him,
Jody

Giveaway! Giveaway! (OVER)

This giveaway is over...still read the excerpt from this marvelous little book.

GIVEAWAY!!!

I won this booklet from a blog and it has been an eye opening read.  

I wanted to host my own giveaway!

Found: God's Will

Through the end of March I will give away 10 of these booklets to those who have commented or signed up as one of my "Faithful Friends" (followers) throughout the month.  You may comment on any of the posts.  It will begin today, the 6th of March and end the 31st.  I will post the winners on the 1st of April, so send me a comment, become a faithful friend and you will be entered.  Pass the word so others may enter as well.


Here is an excerpt

     "The Holy Spirit is a person; He lives within you.  'Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?' (1 Cor. 6:19)  So many times we ask for what we already have!  We pray for the Holy Spirit, and He is already here.
     Have you ever analyzed your prayers?
     You pray, 'God give me more love for so-and-so.'  The Bible says the 'love of God is shed abroad in our heart.' (Rom. 5:5).
     You say, 'God, I need more grace.'  God says that the grace He has already given you is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9).
     You cry, 'O Lord, I need more strength.'  The Bible says you 'can do all things through Christ' who strengthens you (Phil. 4:13).
     'O God, guide me,' you say.  And He is thinking, 'I'm trying.  Why don't you follow?'
     'God, I need power,' you cry.  In fact, you have had power since the Holy Spirit came upon you (Acts 1:8).
     When will Christians realize that they have everything?  Peter wrote, 'According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness' (2 Peter 1:3).  You do not lack anything!  
     The Apostle Paul said to the Colossians, 'And ye are complete in Him' (Col. 2:10).  Complete!"

Wow! God is so good; He already has given us everything we need to be effective as a witness for Him!  Blessings to you today!

If you simply cannot wait, it is an inexpensive booklet and you can go to here to see it.
I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have.

Always Experiencing Him,
Jody

Responsibility


We know as mothers we have a major impact on our children; how they respect their fathers, and anyone in authority over them.  We are to respect our husbands; we are created to be their helpers, to help them fulfill whatever vision God has given them.  Even when we think they have no vision, we are to be there for them, as God is the head of Christ, Christ is the head of every man, and man is the head of a woman (his wife).  We know God's plan, and the order of His design is always best; that is His will.

Let us look at responsibility.  Being responsible for those God has put under our provision, protection, guidance, and discipleship is a great honor and privilege.  Until we as parents, and mothers in particular, step into our role God has given us, our future generations will continue in the same rebellious, disrespectful attitudes we see in our society as a whole.  Our children are gifts from God, our Father.  Psalm 127:3 says, "Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward."  Let us step up, take responsibility, teach and train them to lead future generations for His glory.

There are many books on parenting, some good, some not, but what I am going to discuss will be practical ideas, hands-on tips, we can actually put into practice.  We all know the many different development stages of children, and there are times in a child's life to deal with different issues, but I will say most things a child needs to learn, starts at the beginning, when we bring them home.  This can be something as simple as reading to them as an infant.  

I have learned over the past 20 years, from our own parenting strategies, God given discernment, and observations of many, many different families, that the earlier you begin to train your child in every area, the easier it will be.  Don't wait til a certain age to teach them to be nice, to respect others, to obey, to keep their cup upright, respect others' property, or not tear up books and toys.  Waiting til they are 2, 3, or 4, or even later, you have already taught them it is OK for that behavior and you confuse them when all of a sudden you tell them they cannot do that anymore.  When you let bad behavior go for any length of time it makes it much more difficult to discipline and re-train them to the right behavior.  By "right" behavior, I mean the Godly behavior God expects from them, to obey their parents, and treat others better than themselves.

Ephesians 6:1-3 says, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth."  When we as parents do not teach our children to obey us, we could be shortening their life. 

I want you to do a little math with me now.  Moms, I want you to figure up the many different people who "help" take care of your children.  Be sure and count daycare workers, whether they are family, grandparents, or not, SS teachers, Children's Church workers or nursery workers, Sunday night study or small groups, Wednesday night workers, or any extra curricular activities they may be a part of.  I now want you to figure up the hours you are actually with your children.  Do not count the hours they are asleep or with any of the aforementioned people.  Add up the hours your children are with all the other people, and compare the numbers.  Whichever number is the highest, that is who is raising your children.  We must take the responsibility in raising our own children for His glory, not pass it off for others to do.  Pick and choose carefully, those activities that are beneficial to them and to your family as a whole.  Do more with other families, not splitting the family at every turn.  God will bless your efforts!

Ask yourself if your children are obedient and respectful, if not, this is the biggest part of your problem.  Even if your child is only with a couple of these other people, no one can have exactly the same disciplinarian ways as you.  This causes confusion in your child.  Children are not capable of comprehending why one will let them do one thing and another will not.  Their "bad" behavior is the result.  They simply do not understand, are confused, and will act out.  I have seen some of the sweetest and happiest children do a 180 when their mothers decided to go to work, for whatever reason.  Again, step up to the plate of responsibility.

Mothers, I beg and plead with you to take this responsibility God has gifted you with, love and train your children as God had planned; the end results on how they relate to you and to their future spouses will be greatly affected.  If you "must" work, find a job you can work from home with a few hours, there are many opportunities now, have a yard sale and get rid of  "stuff," do without eating out, or even cell phones.  Who knew we once survived without them.  Do what it takes to be there for your children, believe me there are only a few short years you are blessed with this responsibility.  There are many seasons in our lives and this is only one, accept this season and really enjoy it.  When they are grown, then you can go and live your "dreams" if you so desire, but the question should be, if God so desires.

Yes, I realize there are many single moms who must raise their children and provide for them.  We live in a fallen world, and there are consequences as a result of our actions or the actions of others; some have no control over what has happened, a spouse has died or may have left.  You must know yourself what God's plan is for you in those situations and I pray for those who have this added burden, but remember, God works all things for good, to those that love Him.  (Rom. 8:28)

My desire and what God has continuously placed on my heart is to help you see the importance of this God ordained job in His Almighty plan.




If you missed the first couple posts, go here:
Motherhood and Respect


I will be hosting a giveaway of an "old" new book I just read.
John MacArthur's Found: God's Will has been an eye opening read, and I wanted to share it with others.
Check back tomorrow, March 6th for how to enter.



Always Experiencing Him,
Jody

Faithful Fridays

"Have faith in God"
Mark 11:22


C. H. Spurgeon says, "Faith is that which enables the soul to march victoriously along the road of the commandments.  Love can make the soul move more swiftly, but it's faith that carries it.   With faith you can do all things, without faith you will neither have the inclination nor the power to do anything in the service of God.  If you would find the people who serve God the best, you must look for those with the most faith. 
Would you be comfortable and happy?  
Would you enjoy Christianity?  
Would you be a cheerful Christian and not a gloomy one?  
Then 'have faith in God.'"

Still counting beyond "1000 Gifts."
My #1375 - #1435
fear * Faith * What really is there to fear? * strong winds coarsing by * autoimmune? * RA? * grateful THROUGH it all * for insulin pumps * continuous glucose monitors * sound of the mighty rushing wind * wrap around porches * new grass bursting forth from the ground * a new life in Christ * God using a daughter in a new life * willing hearts * hearts longing for Him * turkeys on the hill * cow coming to watering trough * deer running across the road * sharing pictures with a friend * husband home from work * warmth of a sunny day * son seeing 1st butterfly of this year * ooh, I saw MY 1st butterfly * gentle walk to the spring * daughter taking pics of a newly budding red maple * geese flying overhead in a perfect V * calves grazing near creek * water rushing out of the tile * sun dancing on the water * can hear turkeys down the road * tractor in the distance * the bugs are out - sign of spring * grass is getting greener * I won a book from a blog! * John MacArthur's book Found: God's Will - an eye opening read *  I have His grace * I have enough strength * I am full of His Spirit *  I can love all I need to * He is ALL * when tests are good & there really isn't a reason * the sun - the perfect distance away * son working on math * prescription vitamin D * daughters having a wonderful time in AZ * my sister loving the assistance * the cool at the end of the day * husband taking off couple extra days * owls calling from the ridge * windows open for the day * clothes hanging in the sun * chicken, rice, & steamed broccoli * discussing movie for literature * ordering pure maple syrup from a friend * sleeping, curled up kitty-Nala * Nala chasing her tail & rolling * new pillows - cheap but fluffy * trying to find new tennis shoes to fit my feet * a new morning * safe from tornadoes which touched down elsewhere near us


Join me again next week for Faithful Fridays, and start counting your own 1000 gifts.  Simply buy a journal and start counting.

Always Experiencing Him, 
Jody