Blackberry Winter

     It is a good thing I am not depending on blogging to keep me fed, or I would be pretty hungry right now. My intentions to "get back at it"were good yet I find myself well into 2012 as I write my first blog for this year. Here in Kentucky we hardly had Winter and jumped right into Spring very early. I am so glad I took the time to plant bulbs at several different locations here on our new property last Fall. This Spring I have so enjoyed seeing all the Daffodils, Tulips and the Crocus peeking through the soil and later blooming so beautifully. Our place also has many, many Red Bud and Dogwood trees so this has been one of the most enjoyable Springs ever as I have taken the time just to soak in all the beauty. I am ever thankful to the Creator who has provided the lovely scenes of nature for us to enjoy.

                                                                                                        
     This year I started doing raised bed gardening, with help from my hubby, who built the beds. I love having fresh healthy veggies and  saving so much on food costs by growing my own. Yet, all the bending and weeding required with a regular garden just take more physically than I have ability to give these days. After doing some research in books on gardening and through internet search my first raised bed was started in March. I am happy to report it has been a success, so far. I have snow peas about ready to bloom, and lettuce, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli and green onions all preparing to be enjoyed in my salad bowl. It was a bit of work initally constructing the bed, working the soil beneath it and then filling it with rich topsoil and compost but it has already yielded dividends. I have pulled only 4 or 5 tiny weeds and the garden looks so neat and healthy.

                                                                                                        
     March was unusually warm this year many days in the 60's and 70's. By the first part of April the temperatures had soared into the 80's.  Last week the temperatures began to come down a bit and now have dropped into the low 30's! So the windows are closed again and the heat has been turned back on. As we took a stroll April 8th. we noticed that the blackberries are starting to bloom, a bit early it seems. Seeing those blooms, along with the drop in temperature, brought back memories of my dad telling me  it was "Blackberry Winter" when the weather would get cold about the time they bloomed in the spring. He said if I would watch the same thing happens every year. I must admit it does seem to happen that way. For sure this year that has been the case. I just hope all these blooms provide lots of delicious berries in a few weeks, yum. Looking forward to some Blackberry Cobbler.
     As soon as this spurt of cold weather passes I will forge ahead to the planting of my second garden bed, already built and hopefully get even another constructed and planted, too. I have seedlings started already of green pepper, yellow squash, zucchini, cucumbers, watermelon, tomatoes and several herbs to season them with. A small strawberry patch will be planted, too. As you may have gathered I am excited about Spring and all the new life it brings.
     With my thoughts on planting I am reminded of how God has planted each of us here in this garden "Earth". In order for us to grow spiritually and be fruitful for him we must have tilled soil (a receptive spirit), have soil that is kept moist (regular time in God's Word),  provide lots of sunlight (fellowship with Christ, or Sonlight), and keep the weeds pulled (remove things from our life that hinder our Spiritual growth). As with a vegetable garden, this all requires much diligence. We must be aware that there are times of "spiritual drought" and try as one might those "weeds" do appear. However, we have the promise in Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." The Lord does not give up on us and will be faithful to keep working on us helping us grow and become fruitful. One day the harvest will come. I want to have a bountiful supply of delicious, healthy vegetables and fruits. Christ wants to find us mature with "... the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (or patience), gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance (or moderation)... Galations 5:22,23
     I truly hope each of you, my readers, find much enjoyment in this most beautiful Spring. Also, may our God of grace and mercy prepare each of us for the harvest time which is to come.

17 days after planting

                                                                                                   

 
    
 

A New Path

     As I consider the end of 2011 and prepare to begin a brand new year, 2012 I find myself on a new path in my life as well. In October we purchased several acres of mostly wooded property from an Amish fellow in a nearby community. After finally getting a road built to a future home site, purchasing an older model RV from a former pastor and getting it set up, and getting electric service run to our site we were able to enjoy the last fleeting days of Fall and the beautiful leaves throughout the woods.

     Today while spending a quiet afternoon at home alone, not a frequent occurrence, I took the time to enjoy the view in front of my new home. Even though the leaves are gone I still find it awesome. I have a basket of books, all put aside when packing things for storage, waiting to be read over these Winter months. As I have this time to spend in our RV before our cabin is built and there is very little housework to do I must admit I look forward to curling up on the sofa under a favorite throw with a cup of hot tea and a good book.

     Besides reading I hope to get back to this new endeavor of blogging that I began last year and found there was just not enough free time then to devote to writing. I do enjoy writing very much and am in the process of writing a book compiled of stories from my childhood which will be dedicated to my grandchildren. I suppose the fact that I find myself on the far side of fifty is causing me to realize all the more the brevity of life. I want to slow down and learn to squeeze every sweet moment from this life I have been blessed with. I wish I could say I have lived my life with no regrets, I cannot do that. However, as I begin the journey of a brand new year I can choose to put forth the effort to live my future years without regret.

     If you stop to think about it just how would you go about living a life for which you would have no regrets? Surely this question would produce a host of varied answers. No matter ones age I should think it would be an achievement with great benefits. Every life I come in contact with may be affected either in a positive or a negative way by me, what an awesome thought.

     After some deep thought on how to go about making 2012 a fruitful, happy year without regret, for me; I have come up with a plan. Is it a perfect plan, one that is complete without need of additional steps? No, for sure it is not, but it is a start and one I am sure is in the right direction. Now I know that as a human with faults and weaknesses there will be times of failure as I seek to achieve these goals in my life, but there will be times of success as well. My prayer is that as I undertake to be diligent in some areas in my life that need improving I will be a blessing and inspiration to those around me and those I meet along the way.

                                  My Goals for 2012

1. Regular Bible Study: A must in order to learn principles, not just reading but study. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15 ,

     But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated,   full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

2. Be careful of my Speech:  Use words that help rather than harm. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in they sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

     These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor; execute the judgement of truth and peace in your gates: Zechariah 8:16

3. Seek a sweet Spirit:  Work on a mild and calm demeanor. But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is n the sight of God of great price. I Peter 3:4 
  

^{4. Guard my Thoughts:  Our thoughts strongly influence our speech and actions. Finally, brethern, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Phillipians 4:8} 

^{5.Work on being more Considerate: Thoughtfulness for others leaves an impression. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Colossians 3:12, 13
     But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:4
     Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. II Corinthians 1:4}

    <sup>I want to thank each of you who take the time to read as I put my thoughts and ideas to print. In the coming weeks and months I will post updates from this new path I find myself on. As I seek to get "back to the basics" and simplify my life in several areas I find I am learning so many new things and I expect to learn much more. I hope some of the things I share here will be a help or an encouragement or maybe an inspiration to you my readers.


Have a Happy and Healthy New Year,
Debbie</sup>
      
 

   

    

Friendship

                                                                                                        

   Recently I've found myself thinking about the value of friendships. As we go through life many friendships are formed.  In our ever mobile society so many people move about the country and even the world that often many of these friendships fade into memories. There are some who live in one area throughout their life. I believe they have an advantage in the keeping of lifelong friends. For those of us who have moved around several times over the years friendships are formed in many places. Some of these we lose contact with even though at one time we shared a close relationship. Those friendships maintained can be very special.

   I have been blessed in life with so many dear friends. I wonder sometimes what has happened to some of them which for one reason or another all contact was lost. We don't realize many times just how much our friendship means to someone. As I look back over my life I can think of so very many friends who have made an impact on me.

   During a time so long ago as a young single mother, I remember a couple who provided a nice little cottage on their farm for my family. Later when my car broke down, for the last time, they surprised me by leaving a really nice car parked in my drive along with keys as a gift. Though we've gotten together only once in over twenty years, we still keep in contact via email. Then there was an older lady who rented her upstairs apartment to me, along with my three young children, who always offered a smile and a word of encouragement. After more than thirty years I still receive a birthday card from her each year. Another dear friend during those years would often  pat my hand after we'd visited, leaving a twenty dollar bill, telling me she knew I could use it. How can you ever repay such kindnesses?

   Along this road of life there have been hard times, when help from others was a blessing. There have also been times of plenty when I have been able to do for others and hope to "pay forward" the goodness God has shown me. As a young woman I had many who encouraged me to further my education. The urging of those friends helped me realize a future that led me into over twenty-five years of nursing. I could never say enough about some of the fine friends I  worked with that literally gave their best years in the care of the sick and dying, the young and the old.

   There have been many spiritual friends in my life over the years who have been faithful to teach and guide me . What a joy it is to have good friends you can count on to pray for you and with you during times of loss and sorrow as well as share in your happiness in times of great blessings. How precious have been several Pastors wives over the years who have shared insight and teachings of God's Word. They may not realize how the words they shared helped carry me over the rough areas of life. Their dedication and sacrifice for others made a lasting impression on me.

   As I think on friends I've known "best friends" quickly come to mind. I've had several during my life and one most precious. About twenty-seven years ago I met a lady who instantly, it seemed, was my kindred spirit. We have shared watching our children and grandchildren grow up. We have shared marriage, divorce, rebellious teens, menopause and the births and deaths of many we've loved. Laughter and tears have been a part of our friendship. The glue in our friendship has been a love for the Lord and a desire to follow him. She has been ever steadfast and during times in my life that I "lost my way" she was always there to care and encourage me and to point me in the right direction. Though many miles have separated us over the years our friendship has been held close. Now as I enter the "Autumn" years of life I am so glad there is only a brief drive between us. We are able to get together for lunch, and spend hours talking, laughing or crying, whatever we need at the time. A true and faithful friend, I have found to be a rare treasure.

   I would surely be remiss in a discussion of friendship not to mention my very best friend on Earth. He is the one who is there every day to share the good and the bad. He is always there to encourage me in whatever I set out to do. He is a loving and kind man, one who has a most tender heart. He shares a love for and faith in God and is my prayer partner. He is a wonderful father and a most loved Papaw. My husband, my dear friend is the one I want to share all the days of my life with. His value to me is far greater than gold.

   I have saved the best for last in this discussion. A man that hath friends must show himself friendly and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.  Pro. 18:24  Ah, that friend that is closer than a brother, Jesus Christ. How very grateful I am to have been introduced to this friend at an early age by a loving grandmother. He accepted me "just as I am" and has been by my side always, the dearest friend I ever had.

   This has been a bit wordy, I realize. I  hope though, as you read you were reminded what a treasure a good friend is. I fear many are just too busy with life to invest in a close friendship. Take the time, maybe there is an old friend you need to contact just to see how they are. Maybe you have a friend who just needs to know how special they are. It is my prayer that most importantly every one that reads this has made the acquaintance of that friend which is closer than a brother.

   May you be blessed along your way with many good friends.A   

A Glimpse of Spring

   Finally, emerging from the long months of Winter! It is with excitement I look forward to the beauty and new awakening of another Spring. While walking in my yard a few days ago I found Tulips about five inches tall and Daffodills scattered about just waiting for a bit of warm sunshine in order to bring forth their blooms. Oh, how the mere discovery of these simple flowers brought a sense of renewal within me. We have had an unusual amount of snow, here in Kentucky, this winter. It has seemed a long wait for days of warm sunshine and the song of Robins in the air.

   As I looked at the flowers found in my yard it was if I were peeking through a cracked doorway gazing into days ahead. I was able to see beyond the lingering days of cool breezes and see the green leaves emerging from the huge Oak in my yard, Bluebirds building nests in their houses on the fence and the cows grazing in their green pasture just across the fence. I could hear the laughter of children flying kites and playing tag and smell the fragrance of Honeysuckle. I had caught a glimpse of Spring, my favorite season, a time of newness and beauty and now it is with anticipation I await its arrival.  I am so very ready for the new season.

   With the thoughts of Spring came also thoughts of Spring Cleaning. Now this is a chore in recent years I had most dreaded and somewhat ignored, in part. This year I came up with a schedule, of sorts, which has helped me get a head start. I hope to be finished before Spring officially arrives. If you find yourself wanting to really get your home clean and organized, yet feel overwhelmed, remember each person and each home are different. For me making a list of all the rooms and areas that needed to be cleaned and deciding how often each task needed to be done was helpful. By dividing the tasks into daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal duties and assigning them to specific days, I had my plan. The first few weeks were taxing, to say the least, for I was way behind on my cleaning. Soon, however, I saw "light at the end of the tunnel". Now with minimal time and effort I am able to wake each morning to enjoy a clean, good smelling home. This has been such a boost and encouragement to my state of mind. There are lots of websites that offer help with cleaning tips and organization. A few that I have found helpful are:  http://www.flylady.net/, www.dailyhousecleaningschedule.com/, www.cleaning.lovetoknow.com.  

    Recently I had opportunity to read a devotional presented by the daughter of an old friend. It was about "Spiritual Spring Cleaning" and was quite inspiring. Applications were offered comparing all the dust and dirt accumulated in ones home after months of neglect to the "spiritual" dirt and ugly clutter we allow to pile up within our spirits. I am reminded of Psalm 51:10 "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." As I ask the Father to point out areas in my life that need to be "cleaned out", he is faithful to do so. Just as in keeping a clean home requires some daily work it would stand to reason some time be devoted daily to spending time with the only one who can create within us a clean heart. As we read his Word, and seek his guidance through prayer our spirits will begin to shine with His radiance. A Happy Spring to all my friends.

                                                                                               

Farewells

     Since my last blog I have been thinking about farewells. These thoughts began as we watched my father-in-law lose his battle with Lymphoma. He waged a strong fight but in the end the time came for the family to bid him farewell. What a blessing it was for all his children and his dear wife of sixty-two years to gather around his bedside those last moments and have a chance to speak with him.
   As I watched my husband deal with his dad's illness my mind often turned to the days I spent with my own dad prior to his death. After a heart attack he was placed on life support while en route to a hospital that specialized in cardiac care. I spent most of my time for the following twenty-three days there, going in for my allowed visit every four hours. I realize now that I needed that time to be able to "let him go". Dad was never able to speak once in that hospital and there was not opportunity to share as I would have liked. In his last hour I was able to be at his bedside, to hold his hand and whisper to him that it was alright for him to rest. I had the grace to softly hum a few hymns to him as he slipped away following another massive heart attack.
   We must all deal with some farewells. Sometimes we have the opportunity to prepare while other times we don't. How important it is to embrace the moments we have to spend with our families and dear friends. Let us do our best to lay aside any ill feelings there might be and love as if we had no tomorrow. In truth, we might not. Many times we believe that others just know how much we love and care for them, while in fact they may not. Take the time to be sure and tell the ones you love, who are dear to your heart just how much they mean to you.
   As you travel along this path of life cherish each day with your family and friends. If you have had to bid farewell to a loved one embrace all the happy times you had. Let go of the negative memories as it will cause you unnecessary grief. May the Lord give us wisdom and grace to live our lives with joy, and to share this joy with all we meet.

Debbie

Late Summer Days

     Another beautiful day here in Kentucky, starting with a spectacular sunrise. The warm sunlight along with a gentle  breeze is perfect for being outside. This morning I was reminded in Colossians 3:2 "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." In looking around me I ask that my affection not be mis-directed. It is so easy to hold onto our possessions tightly even developing a bit of pride in them without realizing it. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing "wrong" in having nice things. It is just that when these "things" become more important in our lives than "Thy will be done" or even than our families they become a problem.
    Back to the lovely outdoors... and it was there I found our swimming pool with fallen leaves covering the floor, much neglected. Since the cool evenings began the water temperatures have kept me out of the pool, just can't take the cold. Even my four year old grandson, Matthew, decided it was "too cold". So this morning I faced the dreaded task of vacumning and cleaning the pool for shut down. The salt water filter my husband installed this year has kept upkeep to a bare minimum so I sure can't complain. Each Fall he has taken the pool apart and stored it for Winter. If anyone has had success in keeping theirs up all year I'd love to hear about it. That would save him a lot of work.
    Due to dealing with RA and some other health issues which have progressed I find myself currently on a path which has included retiring my nursing license last year. After twenty-six years that was a dramatic event for me. For any of you who deal with chronic illness you know how hard it is to come to accept the fact that you can no longer do all the things you used to do, at least I have had to deal with that fact. I can't say it has been easy. Although I have worked very little during the past seven years, I never wanted to admit I could no longer keep up. I am learning to slow down and more fully enjoy life around me. I can honestly say I have seen more sunrises and sunsets the past two years than in all my life. I have also read many dozens of books to my grandchildren, watched lots of Elementary Basketball, and Little League Baseball Games. I have sat in the swing talking with my husband and we have gazed at the stars many nights and wondered at God's creation. Life is good. No matter where you are along your path, I hope you will make the time to enjoy your life.   

Debbie