Cold is on the Way!

The skies one morning recently looked as if they might give way to some stormy weather. Looking out the window at the break of dawn told me that it was going to be a cold day, just like the weather people predicted. We have been experiencing some freezing temperatures for over a week now. The day time temps would not be so bad without the chilling winds blowing in your face and seeping through our clothes. Lows at night have caused us to cover the garden more than once in an effort to save the rest of our fall harvest. Dipping down into the low 20's caused the few tomatoes on the vines to freeze. Some of the less than hardy plants in the flower beds succumbed as well. Winter is not officially here till the 21st. of December, but one look at the landscape around the house would speak of something different. Fluffy white clouds I love to see in the season to come, as they hold the possibility of snow. Not that we get it very often in our neck of the woods. But the grey skies are not so pleasant to look at in winter. Devoid of color they lead to a gloominess that matches the flatness of the world around us and I get tired of so quickly. So accustomed to color through out the rest of the year we seem to walk around in shock. So I have decided that making, finding, enjoying the list of Fall Favorites should be repeated this winter season as well. I plan to start compiling the new list and will post it a few days before December 21st, so look for it. In the mean time start your own list and let me know in the comment area, what you will be looking forward to, as all creation goes into hibernation. We can compare notes, inspire each other and look for the blessings in this season of life as well.

It is surprising to me that the chickens are still eager to get out of the pen for some foraging with the COLD winds blowing these last few days. Feathers are easily ruffled with each blast of air, their little yellow legs exposed with out warm coverings. Makes me shiver just looking at them and the trek across the yard in the cold doesn't help. Egg production has dropped a little as the daylight hours have dwindled with the setting of the sun coming earlier with each passing day. I too hate to loose the evening hours to darkness. After all these years, you would think I would have come to grips with darkness falling at 5 - 5:30 this time of the year. The girls may be suffering from diminished light or as the poultry books have stated, they maybe getting ready to molt. Not that their feathers are worn or anything, but dropping them at this time of the year doesn't sound like good planning on their part. I haven't seen any stray feathers floating around though. Could be because of the strong winds or the fact that they are looking for what few bugs that are still above ground, deeper in the woods that separate us from our neighbor. We have had as low a count as 6 eggs one day, averaging around 9-11. Every so often that will kick back into gear and our egg basket will be filled with 12.

The gas logs in the fireplace are lit every morning to chase away the cold and warm our toes as we shuffle into the kitchen for some hot tea. Lon has joined me in my delight for the beverage and to the amazement of friends, has stopped drinking coffee all together. We frequently encourage the other in another cup throughout the day. Green tea is a given, along with a box of "Apple Cinnamon" and "Constant Comment", we have been going through quite a number of boxes. Supplies are getting low and I have the desire to order some favorites from the "Republic of Tea" company, like "Blackberry Sage", "Cinnamon Plum" and "Pomegranate Green" tea I am out of right now. Though with the start of December I always pull out my Christmas favorites to enjoy, so I can probably hold off on that order till some time in January. That is when I will really need a lift to my spirits in endless days of grey.

Reading has been come the norm for our evenings here, as we have fully forgotten about t.v. viewing. Watching an occasional movie is the only change we have made. Acquiring an old VHS player has pleased Leah as well and we have enjoyed some old Disney films I had purchased for my future grandchildren before DVD's took over. "Aladin' seems to be her favorite so far and has been watch by us all more times that I care to count. All the dancing and singing really captures her attention. I am sure as the days go by, Lon and I will find ourselves also engrossed in an some old VHS tape from our collection. Maybe we will make Friday nites our Movie and homemade popcorn date night.

It won't be too long before the garden will be closed for the winter. Our time will be spent instead with seed catalogs and making plans for our Spring garden. But that is another 2 seasons away, so for now I will focus on the highlight of next week. . . Thanksgiving. Turkey, dressing, veggies, salads, cranberry sauce and the favorite desserts of yester year. Then before I can catch my breath it will be time to decorate the tree and add the trimmings that turn our home into a Christmas celebration.

Enjoy the time as you have it, it is a gift.

Deborah

Deer Camp and Wonders

Lon and I took a short trip down to his deer camp in south-east Georgia for a few days at the beginning of the month, where we have our camper set up for a getaway "B&B". We always enjoy our time there in the woods, with the quietness and God's creation all around us. Time in the past has been spent on relaxing, reading, crafting, scouting for deer activity, hunting, visiting with other camp members, backwoods 4-wheeling, sleeping and just being plain"sorry" as Lon calls it, over the years. This trip was no different, as our intent was to get out of our usual routines for a quick low-cost vacation. It has been a busier month so far than I had realized. First we enjoyed a day trip to Lumpkin, Ga. on the 30th of October(previous post), then a trip to Hiawassee for a birthday surprise, Nov. 4th (look below for post)with this trip to the woods landing on Nov. 5th, rounding out our travels thus far. We have one trip planned this month and that should be all for awhile.

I love going to stay in the camper in such peaceful surroundings. Even though the preparations and journey will cause me to not come at times. Being away from home can be both exciting and tiring, as more is required of my energy and time. To do not only the everyday routine activities, but also those things necessary for travel. I wondered while there with so much to do back home, should I have been away from it. Remembering that my home tasks will always be there whether at home or away, left me with an important realization. So the best thing I could do was simply set the thoughts aside and take full advantage of my reprieve from them. The opportunity to spend time with family and Lon may not always be available, so I need to seize the days at hand. Time is an item always in demand, something we seek for more of, the very thing that we are guilty at times of wasting. But know one thing it will pass by as surely as the ticking of a loud clock on the wall. A sound that could be easily ignored with practice, but will serve as a noisy reminder if we let it ~ to seize each moment of time we have to live.

Another way for me to look at trips away is, I personally gain a fresh perspective on my life and a renewed commitment towards my purpose or calling on my life, when I am away from it's daily demands and influence. An added bonus for me also is the amount of free time I acquire for personal pursuits like reading, crafting and journal writing. Sleeping out in the fresh unpolluted air of rural America is not without merit either.

We recently purchased our own 4-wheeler for ease of hunting for Lon and "play therapy" for me, after years of enjoying Daddy's. Which led to sore bones on day 2 of our backwoods adventure. But my, o, my it was fun riding trails through the woods, feeling the air in my face and the Fall sunshine on my head. It was just the two of us, Lon and I enjoying the quiet stillness of the woods when we stopped for a rest near his deer stand. Not a sound could be heard, not even the rustling and chattering of squirrels that frequently visit him when he is trying to hunt. By the way how do you like my ansemble for the trip? Now when I tell you that I go hunting with my sweetie, there will be no more doubt for you scoffers of the past.




Surrounded by the hush of the deep woods around us, it's beauty untouched my human hands, crafted instead by heavenly ones was beyond words. You just have to experience it to truely understand it's drawing of your soul to it. There were some other hands or should I say feet busy also nearby his deer stand. They had been very busy as you can see by the size of their construction.




The leaves were just beginning to change into their warm hues of Fall. It seemed unusual that in the course of 2 days that week, I witnessed 3 phases of colors. At deer camp it looked like the beginning of changes, back home we left the woods around Heartland Farm a jump ahead, about midway in their march towards spectacular color. Then at Mom's the day before the North Georgia Mountains looked to be at full peak. All due to the temperature and geographical differences in each area.

While there I was able to check off a few more Fall Favorites off my list, hiking in the woods, camping, and deer hunting. The last night we were there Lon shot a doe, which will give us meat for our freezer stash to eat this winter. It reminded me of the people who lived in this area before us in history. They were very much dependant on what food sources they could find to feed their families. If you were not a good hunter or woodsman your family could and often did go hungry. Back then there wasn't much trading available and no supermarket to stock your cupboards with , like we have to shop in now. I believe society as it is today would not survive, for most lack the skills to feed themselves. Growing, foraging and hunting are lost skills that were once past down from father to son.

The interest in simple living is bringing back the teachings of many skills and ways of doing things that were taught to Lon and I. Library books are helping to further our learning as is meeting new people who are willing to share what they are already doing, that which we hope to do in the future. I am so glad I grew up in the era when it was still a lifestyle for my parents and grandparents, being able to learn first hand from family is a great gift that I treasure. Thanks Moma and Daddy. You can't stop being a student I believe and I am still learning with each new interest we embrace for Heartland Farm.

To me the equation for living is easy:

Simplified living = simple pleasures =
abundant life = fulfilled purpose.

You just can't beat that!

Deborah

Thanksgiving is Coming

A shift in focus was upon us as the new month rolled into view. November traditionally is viewed as the last month of Fall with Thanksgiving being the highlight for celebrating. Days seem to pass by at an ever increasing rate on the countdown to a new year. It is a shame that the celebrations are lumped together in such a way that we do not see them as individual holidays. Each one special in it's own right and with importance attached to it that should cause us to pause and consider the reasons we celebrate in the first place. I believe the retail market is the main culprit in blurring the identities of major holidays, but we are not absent of fault either. Most people, guilty in the past myself, see the next two months as one long to-do list. As we march into Thanksgiving, right through Christmas on our way to a New Year. In doing so we loose the opportunity to keep our focus crisp, clear and with the intent on seeing the blessings of each one, as they slip away. Rushing through the days in pursuit of the next thing on the list either written or circling in our heads. We miss out on the beauty, the simplicity of focus, the spirit of gratitude & love, the joy of remembering and every aspect wonderful to each holiday.

I for one want a different view from the ones I have had in the past about Thanksgiving. Slowing my steps will ensure a better, clearer focus of what is around me. Granting me the time to soak up the goodness of God and cultivating a heart of gratitude. Not only for the too big to miss things in my life, but the ones so small, quietly tucked into it as well. They are the ones I believe hold the most joy at times. For only when our focus is sharp and our spirit still, do we get to see all that God wants to show us. I still have several more of my Fall Favorites to yet enjoy off the list I've posted. Many thankfully have been experienced already and thoroughly enjoyed. Each one will give me plenty to be thankful for, along with this past year's blessings. Not to mention all that possibly lies before me this Thanksgiving. That's what the day is really about you know, giving thanks to God for where HE has brought you to and for all of His provisions along the way. What do you have to be thankful for? Be sure to. . . .

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Taken from a treasured 1940 Broadman Hymnal that always sat by my Granny's chair.

Deborah

Birthday Surprise

Celebrating birthdays are always exciting, but a surprise celebration makes them extra special. On Tuesday, November 4, Leah and I drove to Hiawassee, Georgia to surprise my mom. Her birthday was on the 5th of November and she had no idea I was coming up, much less with a little redhead in tow that she dearly loves. I had plotted my kidnapping weeks before and talked with Daddy the Monday before we left to make sure they would be home. The drive up was beautiful as the North Georgia Mountains were showing off with their vibrant Fall colors, (another Fall Favorite checked off my list). We stopped in town to pick up some flowers and a birthday balloon for momma and had been practicing saying "Surprise Meme!" all the way up. Unfortunately shyness jumped into the scene the moment the front door opened. None the less momma was quite surprised that we had come up and were going to spend the night with her.

Being the only greatgrandchild, Leah and Mom had a wonderful time together once the hello's were made. Meme/Momma gave her an old fashion doll that she could play with and take home, which thrilled Leah to have a new baby to add to her collection.

After naptime was over for the two travelers , we strolled outdoors with Mom for some harvest photos of Leah in the yard. Momma likes to take pictures as much as I do. It's probably where I learned the trade, one that captures memories for later viewing. Though of this trip momma has the only camera with a picture of the two of them together.

Afterwards we walked down the driveway to visit the cows across the road. Leah was excited to see them in the flesh, compared to her picture books and she wanted them to come over the fence so she could pet them. I don't know if it was her small cries of "Come here babies" or the fact that she was the same size as the calf in the pasture, but they finally did come near enough to the fence for her to offer them some grass.

Sitting on the front porch with a treat in hand was a perfect way to end the day in Leah's opinion.

Some day soon I hope to convince our little carrot top that hairbows are a good thing and will be a beauty asset she will want to use. That is if you can improve on crystal blue eyes, strawberry blond hair and the sweetest smile you've ever seen. Seeing her love for the outdoors, God's creatures and creation puts a pretty big smile on my face and warms this tom-boy heart too.

Deborah

Busy October

October marched by us about as fast as the winds that blew that month. I keep wondering who is responsible for speeding up the clocks. How can a month, any month zip by without us noticing it. I mean you turn the calendar page to day 1, blink your eyes a few times and look again to see it is about the middle of the month. One good yawn and the month is gone. I thought a little trip down memory lane would be in order. Don't worry, with my memory it will probably be a short trip.

The month started off with our long anticipated trip to Perry, Georgia for the State Fair. It was an inspiring trip to look at livestock and to enjoy some simple pleasures at our own leisurely pace. One that we often had to remind each other of, in our quickened steps to see as much as we could during our 3 day visit there. While at the motel we rested and spent time reading nutritional books and ones on self-sustainable living, which fueled an even higher desire to live simply and of one day hopefully owning a larger plot of land. Discussions abounded as we gathered, revised and talked out new information learned. We had a wonderful visit with some dairy goat farmers and watched the judging for some categories of cattle, sheep and goats. To hear us debate the merits of the candidates before us you would have thought we knew what we were talking about. That is until the official judges announced the blue ribbon winners, which by the way were not the ones we had picked out. Oh well, we have lots to learn and we know it. We did alot of walking and ate some of the typical fair foods, saw some lovely quilts on display and heard 2 concerts, along with seeing the usual fair exhibits.

Even though sickness hounded every step of our trip, which caused us to wonder about our health and food choices being connected. We enjoyed the time away from the everyday schedule we keep. Every time one of us made a negative statement about a new healthy choice option, the other would counter with a "why not?" Every one of us spends our hard earned money on something, why not invest it into something that leads to a productive health and ministry?

What at first glance may appear to be a contradiction against simply living, is at the heart of it. Those things frequently seen on a farmstead like dairy goats or cows, raising chickens for eggs and meat, baking bread, making cheese, harvesting a garden /herb bed, knitting, quilting and other types of handiwork, tending bee hives and a host of other options are the skills necessary to live with little influence from those whose main goal is to steal our time and money. Two resources that everyone declares to be in short supply of. Though often fail to make any changes necessary to remedy their individual circumstances. Such a sad state of living, to be in pursuit of more, which keeps us all in bondage for even more of the same. I believe Lon and I have seen the dawning of a new day for us and are ready to say enough to that which seeks to steal life from us. Odd looks are sure to ensue as we make the changes we feel are needed in our lives. It will be full of ups and downs and a few failures I am sure. But a sweet journey of really living life as I believe God intended for us.

Another trip closed out the month of October for us as we took a day trip down to "Westville", below Lumpkin, Georgia. It is a 1850"s living community, where you can see the homes, trades and lifestyles of the early settlers. They were having their "Pioneer Days" and the cool fall weather made it a wonderful outing for us. We were able to watch cotton being ginned, cane syrup cooked, candles being hand dipped (which I bought one of), quilting, cooking over an open hearth, and other examples of pioneer day to day activities. A few farm animals were on display, like a pair of hogs from Spanish decent, sheep and mules working in various jobs. I tasted fresh squeezed cane juice and bought a sample of hot from the fire ~ gingerbread. YUM! It seems that where ever we travel now, we are meeting new people who encourage us in homesteading. Westville was no different as we met a potter who also raises meat goats, gardens organically and homeschools her children. Talking to Nea was so enjoyable that she gave us her email address to stay in touch.

After leaving we traveled west to Providence Canyon, also near Lumpkin. I wanted to show Lon the beautiful little grand canyon as it is sometimes referred to. Years ago when I homeschool the boys we went on a field trip with other homeschoolers to see it and Westville too. How I remembered it was not the same as we saw it. Fifteen plus years had seen alot of growth to the surrounding undergrowth and trees. Only small glimpses of the canyon walls could be seen and we some how missed the path to the canyon floor. Which led us on a 3 mile hike through the woods surrounding the rim of the canyon, it was a God-send as we actually was able to see more from above. Our exercise done for the day (or week) and another Fall Favorite marked off my list and we headed towards home. Stopping along the way at the "Country Store Restaurant" at Callaway Gardens. Boy did we pig out on some of the best country fixins around and their legendary Muscadine Preserves on hot biscuits. The ride home was long due to a traffic holdup but it gave us a chance to digest our supper meal before bedtime. Giving us one satisfactory day of fun, not to mention the extra jars of Muscadine preserves that rode home with us.

Deborah

September Notes 2008

Monday, September 1, 2008
Labor Day

For most people this was a holiday, for us we the day became it’s title. We worked in the garden, cut down some limbs, built a compost bin, picked muscadines, cleaned out a few flower beds, put leaf net on pool and split a little firewood. Whew ! ! ! With all this activity our barbeque dinner came in handy as we collapsed at the end of the day.

Our winter greens are up and some showing is being seen in the spinach and Swiss chard beds. The peanuts are looking thicker and taller since the extra water was given to the garden. The okra is nearly head high and still cranking out tender pods which I am packaging for the freezer. We still have the Kale and Rutabagas to plant along with transplanting some spring onions to winter over. I still want to plant some winter squashes but have only found butternut seeds so far.

The crabapples are getting a darker red and so far the deer either have not found them or don’t like the taste. Which I find hard to believe since they liked all of our other apples this year. Jason’s fig bush is loosing more fruit to the birds and ants than we hope to harvest ourselves. Fingers are staying crossed that we may finally get to taste both of these fruits.

Clara is looking better every day and has become quite spoiled with the extra attention she has been getting in the form of tasty treats. Extra protein helps with the healing of her wound and I have taken a few of the “girls” eggs to boil up some for her.

Which after the rest got a taste of she had to practically get in my lap for her generous share. Egg production is up to 7 a day, which nets us a dozen plus every 2 days. I will definitely be able to have a small income off the extras when they get larger and when getting a dozen a day will be the norm. Which will be good to help buy feed with. Right now they are foraging for most of their food needs and the bags we bought over a month ago still has plenty in them. Come winter when the bugs go into hiding and the natural greens are dormant they will eat more purchased grains I am sure.

Deborah



Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Farm Animal?

Outside play was a highlight for Leah except when her PAPA started cutting grass. She does not like the loud sounds that the mower makes and is the only thing that will persuade her to go inside, for a short while at least. Her new companion of play is a doll she has started carrying around the yard with her. Dolly slides down the slide, rides in the stroller and gets to swing with her 2 year old mother in the front yard.

Leah is becoming more comfortable with the surroundings around our home, which is great on one hand but makes us uncomfortable when she does her magic trick and disappears into thin air. Little legs can move oh so fast when motivated by curiosity.

During one search she had “followed the leader” with the chickens rambling about and had discovered a nook tucked under the large azaleas in the front yard. Close to where they had decided to rest for awhile in the shade. Grinning from ear to ear, she sat quietly while I searched and called out her name.

Nana could not get upset for she remembered her fun times of pretend in the “houses” of green of her own childhood. Such fond memories of innocent play. Self play is important in every child’s development and pretend play fuels their creative side to imagine beyond the obvious.

The real surprise of the day was the new “farm animal” that crossed paths with our little hobby farm. Lon was going down to put grass clippings in the compost bin when he spied a moving log. At second glance it’s true identity was revealed. A very large green iguana was moving rather quickly for it’s size across the front yard towards the lake. We could not believe our eyes! From it’s size it looked to be an expensive pet store specimen or from the Amazon jungle. The thought crossed this girl’s mind to try and catch it for the person who lost it. But with second thought I realized I had nothing to keep this 5 foot lizard in and it might not let go of me if I did catch it. It lumbered off towards the swampy end of the lake and left us wondering how long had it been around the house. Whether it could have been what attacked and killed our chickens recently, and guilty of stealing the meat out of the trap we set for the villain that did.

I know that I have been wanting a diverse farm to enjoy the fruit and labor from. But I think I will draw the line in lizards with the little chameleons and pine lizards that play peek-a-boo among my flowerbeds.

I really felt the part of a farmer’s wife after completing the activities of the day, while sitting down to a scrambled egg sandwich courtesy of the girls and hot coffee for dinner this evening. What could be simpler or more satisfying than to graze from the goodness of your own flock.

Deborah



Thursday, September 4,2008
ERRAND DAY

Early morning risings are cutting into my sleeping time. For this girl needs her full night’s sleep in order to be “bright eyed and bushy tailed” for the next day. Sipping coffee on the porch this morning was the needed wake-up call to my body to get in gear for the day. Thursdays have typically been my grocery buying day and I try to run all my errands in the same trip to save time and gas.

Lon was agreeable to go with me for part of my rounds, with eating out breakfast tucked into the trip. He had a couple of stops he wanted to make himself, so after all was said, we decided to get it all done together. After letting the chickens out in the pen with fresh water and feed we were off to get as much done as quickly as we could. Leaving the house well before Jason got home from the station after 8am.

Back home by lunchtime we settled in for a quick nap to refresh our sagging bodies which did not last as long as we had hoped. It seems we both see several things at any given time to be done and sleeping away daylight hours doesn’t feel quite right.

Grocery shopping was a breeze today, my list was shortened to only 2 departments, dairy and produce. I have issued a challenge to myself and my family regarding our grocery buying for the month of September. The goal is to eat out of our full pantry and stuffed freezer for the next month, planning our meals from what we have already purchased. With no buying except for dairy, fresh produce and a weekly loaf of bread for Leah. As I plan to bake all of the bread we will need on a weekly basis. This will be an interesting experiment for us and an opportunity to simplify our eating habits more towards a healthier direction.

One of the books I had placed a hold on at the Library came in and I picked it up today. Reading just the first few pages out loud to Lon this afternoon and we both heard the sanity in the writing. The author echoed the same sentiments we have read from other Christian authors and we ourselves have felt strongly about. I can’t help but believe that we may be at a point in our lives that we are ready to embrace the knowledge and make it a real part of our lives and health. To eat as close to how God created our food sources has to be the ultimate way to eat. For He has packed each of them with all the nutrition we will need to lead healthy lives, productive for His purposes. I have always believed that every vitamin, mineral, nutrient that our bodies need to live and heal its self is present in the natural world God has given us.

Man in his quest for more has sacrificed his health for happiness. It is evident that happiness is fleeting for all of mankind in a mad rush to acquire more at the expense of their families, health, time and ideals for their lives. Living instead a hollow image of what they could be.
Lots of information to be reasoned over, decisions to be discussed and commitments to be made before any one of us can be able to stand and declare enough is enough. I confess it is something that I believe we can no longer ignore and live long lives freed from the diseases of the modern century. I for one am ready for a healthy change. It won’t be easy to ignore ingrained habits of 50 years or more. But that does not mean it can’t be done. It will just take a focused commitment one day at a time.

The Chicken Coop got a new look today as the hospital cage was removed and the natural carpeting fluffed and sanitized. Extra bedding was added to the nesting boxes which I am sure the girls will love on their little behinds at laying time. They can thank their Papa for that bit of housekeeping. Now we can step inside without the fear of bringing a piece of them home with us if you know what I mean.

A wonderful surprise greeted me right before I left for the evening. We had been watching some fat lime green and yellow worms munch on the pot of parsley by the backdoor. Only to disappear before I could place them in protective custody and watch them spin their magic. Or else they may be the appetizer the chickens were looking for. Lon had spot a chrysalis just yesterday on one of the porch post and low and behold it burst forth right before my eyes. I scooped it up to keep it from being eaten and called Lon to come see our new livestock. It was such a thrill to have it crawl over my hands as it prepared to take flight. I guess now we can add home-grown black swallowtails to our list of farm produce. Such joy in simple pleasures, thank you Lord.

Dinner out with my “circle of friends” was a refreshing break in my day today. They never fail to make me laugh, think about new things, we share our lives and enjoy the friendship we have still managed to hold on to despite that we are now located in 4 different churches, when at one time we were all together in one. Choosing my dinner was colored by the reading I did earlier and to look honestly at the menu left me with few options to dine on. I chose the salad bar as my choice as the restaurant has always had a great many items on it to choose from. It was both healthy and filling, leaving me with room for my nightly glass of milk before bed.

A habit I never want to abandon, one that has carried me all of these years since my childhood into sweet sleep. A fact that I am often teased about by my family. One that my mother has commented on in the past. . . “I got her off the bottle as a baby but never off her milk.” Giving my granny cause to come to my aid and state to leave me alone, it was good for me. And through the years it has been stated by the advertising media that “YES, it does a body good !” So to all who question or snicker I am a living testimony that milk does a body good and the heart also. Sweet dreams yall!

Deborah



Friday, September 5, 2008
Wonders never cease

Poor planning had me going back out today to finish up some birthday shopping for family. Stopping long enough to add the first from my FALL pleasure list to my day. Bright sunny yellow Chrysanthemums x 2 for our porches, purchased at a good price at a local grocery store near our house. To give the place a lift to the changing light of day now occurring on the horizons. A sight that makes me smile every time I look at them and that I will add to my flower beds when spent for next year's beauty too.

When what to my wondering eyes should I see but a brownish gray spotted lump in the road in front of our mailbox. Upon refocusing I saw what looked like a saw-whet owl sprawled out on the pavement. Immediately I was afraid it had been hit or would be if left where it laid. Where was my camera? On my desk at home, where else! Opening the door to get out of my car and gather our mail was enough to cause it to decide it had all the sunning it needed for one day and flew gracefully up into the trees across the road. Relief that it was not hurt turned into wonder at the sight of a night creature parading itself out in the daylight. A rare blessing indeed.




Calling Lon to share the news, I told him I had no idea that we would see so many different animals when we began Heartland Farm. But in all honesty I believe the Lord knows my Heart for this Farm and continues to give me the desires of it in the little blessings of newly hatched butterflies, wayward lizards and sunbathing owls. Just for my enjoyment because He loves me so.

Deborah

Playing Catch-Up

Is it really possible to "play catch-up"? We all have those days where we feel we are or may actually be late in carrying out our scheduled tasks or plans. Possibly due to conditions beyond our control, but mostly due to choices we have already made. Another term heard used for this syndrome is 2 small words with a big impact ~"Too Busy".

Psalm 127:2 was a devotional verse I read recently in the quiet moments of my day. At first glance I thought it referred to a meaning that was speaking about chasing the "mighty dollar", so prevalent in today's society. Those who keep long hours away from home, at home or both in the pursuit of financial gains they feel they need to have in order to be happy and survive.

"In vain you get up early and stay up late" Ps. 127:2

But upon a more focused look, I saw how it could also be applied in a multitude of ways. With one in particular addressing the pursuit of many a homemaker, wife, women with jobs outside of the home, and mothers of the world. All around me, myself included at times, I see people, especially women trying in vain to stuff more and more into their daily schedules. We are so busy doing that we fail at just being. I have come to see multi-tasking as a tool of the devil that causes us to loose sight of what is really important at any given moment in time.

I am sure some of you have heard the story about how the devil was seeking a way to keep some Christians from being effective in the kingdom of the Lord. His helpers tried many ways to tempt them into stopping what they were doing. Being the committed people that they were they kept right on helping the needy, teaching God's word, caring for their families and friends, reaching out to others, preaching, witnessing and a host of other acts of service. Upon the next meeting of the forces against them, it was decided that the best way of making them inefficient was to just give them more to do. Just "keep them busy" was the battle cry and with the plan in action, we have been too busy ever since.

Staying too busy keeps us pulled in too many directions, that hinders us from giving our best to the task at hand, the one that really counts for all of eternity. I have seen where trying to do 2 or more things at the same time divides our energy and attention, so that we do the job halfway and most often not to the best of our abilities. Even at times to the expense of our health if we are not careful. I now see that in order to fully appreciate and enjoy the task before me, I have to be focused and aware of it at the precise moment I am participating in it. Active participation requires a conscience effort, not mindless activity that steals God's riches from us. Trying to juggle a multitude of thoughts in our minds leads to stressful thinking. Just as easily as trying to muli-task can and will lead to stressful living or as I have renamed it ~ half living.

For I see the best life has to offer us as either living in abundance (alive) or deceased and at home with the Lord. The choices we can chose from are alive, half-living, or deceased, of which we seem to easily chose half-living most often as the option for us. Do we find ourselves like a walking zombie, one who is really dead but don't know it? Are we walking around in our lives half-living, but also half-dead to the possibilities before us?

I believe this verse speaks of trying to do more than we were created to be about. The end result is decreased sleep which gives way to health issues and fatigue, then leading to "burn out" and unloving service to others. God has ordained our days, each one of them, HIS plans have been set into motion, and we have a purpose before us to glorify HIM with our lives. I don't think we can accomplish what HE has for us as Zombies or even Biblical Marthas. There are blessings to be enjoyed this side of heaven, but we will miss them when we are too busy to see them.

Deborah