When life gives you lemons...go to New Wilmington--Amish country.
Going to visit Amish friends is a guessing game. Are they home?? Is it some special auction day?? They don't have phones so an impromptu trip 50 miles away is a big gamble. Saturday was just such a beautiful day and I have missed my friends. Knowing that my husband was gone until after dark, it seemed a perfect choice. I just prayed the entire way that Providence would provide that at least one of my friends would be home.
I arrived at Sarah's first. Clothes on the line, buggy out...all good signs. Of course the poor girl was horrified that her house was dirty--you know the usual stuff that happens when you have four little boys; dirty dishes and toys. My house has looked like that before (even post-kids). She was relieved it was me and not her mother-in-law. It was a great time to give her a hand cleaning up a bit, for which I counted it a privilege. (Who wouldn't want to say that they could do dishes in a dry sink!!?--OK, just me.) We had a wonderful visit. Next I was off to see if Lizzie was home.
At Lizzie's house I hit the jackpot because her mom was there, too! Church was to be held at David and Lizzie's so the crowd has just left from pie baking, moon pie making and cleaning EVERYTHING!! And I do mean EVERYTHING! (Sarah said that church will be at her house in four weeks and she needs to paint the kitchen!) I was able to pitch in drying dishes.
Lizzie's mom, Katie, is a delightful woman. I don't think I've ever seen her without a smile. And she has had some rough times. We were able to sit for a bit and visit, but it was close to dinner time and the benches had to be set up for the morning service.
So, I was able to see them all! Everyone was home! And...this is what I was fortunate enough to do that day:
Sing (try to sing) hymns along Rt. 422 and 19 -- note to self: take the Trinity next time--you mess up the verses!
Feel the warmth of the sun in the car.
Wash dishes in the dry sink
Sweep the floor
Dry dishes
See that Lizzie's daughter, Martha, has grown so much!
Hear about how Lizzie loves teaching in a one room school!--and even being all-time pitcher for baseball at recess
See that Wallie just plowed the garden
Buy fresh eggs for $1
Get the good news that Sarah is expecting another baby later in the summer--#5
Get "take-out" moon pies
See Sarah & Wallie's newly designed laundry area--it even has a hot water tank and a bathtub!
Drive Katie home
Sit with dear friends
A very good day for which I am very thankful.
A Poem by John Newton:
1 I ask'd the Lord, that I might grow In faith, and love, and ev'ry grace, Might more of his salvation know, And seek more earnestly his face.
2 'Twas he who taught me thus to pray, And he, I trust has answer'd pray'r; But it has been in such a way, As almost drove me to despair.
3 I hop'd that in some favour'd hour, At once he'd answer my request: And by his love's constraining pow'r, Subdue my sins, and give me rest.
4 Instead of this. he made me feel The hidden evils of my heart; And let the angry pow'rs of hell Assault my soul in ev'ry part.
5 Yea more, with his own hand he seem'd Intent to aggravate my woe; Cross'd all the fair designs I schem'd, Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.
6 Lord, why is this, I trembling cry'd, Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death? "'Tis in this way," the Lord reply'd, "I answer pray'r for grace and faith.
7 "These inward trials I employ, "From self and pride to set thee free; "And break thy schemes of earthly joy, "That thou mayst seek thy all in me."
(thanks, Stephen)
Showing posts with label ramblings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ramblings. Show all posts
Monday, April 12, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Thoughts on Getting Older and Eating (of course)
My dear husband and I have always been notoriously slow eaters. When the kids were young, meal time was an opportunity to catch up on things, take stock of needs for the remainder of the day, and enjoy a quiet respite from the day.
The kids are now grown and gone most with families and starting traditions of their own. Even now that it just two instead of five, meal time remains a time for us to talk over the comings and goings of the day, the latest political disaster or the news of the family.
No doubt, when we were younger we were in a hurry to run somewhere and do something. There is much to be done with young families. I am finding that, as time goes on, mealtime has increased in importance as well as duration...even when it is just the two of us. Older folks, I believe, grow up and find value in things that lacked importance when they were younger. Things like visiting on the porch of a neighbor over a cup of iced tea, watching babies, satisfaction in a dish drainer of hand-washed dishes, enjoying the learning of a new skill or lost art.
Does a more rural life style help to promote a more relaxed frame of mind and lifestyle? There are times that life in the country or down on the farm is anything but relaxing. I do believe that most rural folks have a good handle on what is important to them in their life and what is the fluff that may be fun to look at, but at the end of the day, is just that...fluff. (Not saying that you have to live in the woods to grasp the concept, however.) Is it just plain better for us to let go of the stuff of the day over a well made meal and a good cup of tea (okay, or coffee and let's add some Mozart)?
The older generation from every age have probably always wanted the younger folks to slow down and relax, desiring the next generation to find what they had found sooner than they had come to realize--the joys of a relaxed life.
I am sure that my Grandmother told me more than once, "Sit down and visit with us and enjoy your supper!"
The kids are now grown and gone most with families and starting traditions of their own. Even now that it just two instead of five, meal time remains a time for us to talk over the comings and goings of the day, the latest political disaster or the news of the family.
No doubt, when we were younger we were in a hurry to run somewhere and do something. There is much to be done with young families. I am finding that, as time goes on, mealtime has increased in importance as well as duration...even when it is just the two of us. Older folks, I believe, grow up and find value in things that lacked importance when they were younger. Things like visiting on the porch of a neighbor over a cup of iced tea, watching babies, satisfaction in a dish drainer of hand-washed dishes, enjoying the learning of a new skill or lost art.
Does a more rural life style help to promote a more relaxed frame of mind and lifestyle? There are times that life in the country or down on the farm is anything but relaxing. I do believe that most rural folks have a good handle on what is important to them in their life and what is the fluff that may be fun to look at, but at the end of the day, is just that...fluff. (Not saying that you have to live in the woods to grasp the concept, however.) Is it just plain better for us to let go of the stuff of the day over a well made meal and a good cup of tea (okay, or coffee and let's add some Mozart)?
The older generation from every age have probably always wanted the younger folks to slow down and relax, desiring the next generation to find what they had found sooner than they had come to realize--the joys of a relaxed life.
I am sure that my Grandmother told me more than once, "Sit down and visit with us and enjoy your supper!"
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Date is Set...
Whooohooo!! Our financial planner was in today and Keith has authorized a bunch of stuff and we are scheduled to go sign his retirement papers on December 16! Of course, even at that point, we can still back out, but it looks like we are on track to retire on January 9th.
Exciting times. The new year brings much to be excited about...a new pastor and his family--who we already love and a new phase in our lives. It will be exciting to see where God leads us.
Of course, the poor financial planner who has to put up with me wanting to crawl into a hole and cover up. I don't think he quite gets that I've canned enough food for a family of, say 10. I read more and more of women that are concerned about the future of the economy. Why is that??? Are we by nature worriers? Is it a God-given gut feeling? Or, is it what that great theologian, Barry Woolner would say..."gas". :-) The way I figure is that if things get ugly, I am prepared to feed any number of people that need to be with us and/or be fed. If I am dead wrong, I probably won't need to plant beets for the next two years.
Slowly the Christmas decorations are getting put out and the fall ones removed. This weekend is a busy one but I still hope to get the tree out of the box and up. I still have a few gifts to buy and I need to get to it. Things need wrapped up, literally and figuratively, very soon. Plus, there is still sewing to do. There are two aprons to make and one that just needs a pocket and some embellishments added.
I am very thankful for many things today. One is the sunshine. I sat outside and did my devos at lunch. The wind is pretty chilly, but the warm sun on my face was worth putting up with the wind.
"Thou has begun a good work in me and canst alone continue and complete it. Give me an increasing conviction of my tendency to err, and of my exposure to sin....Give me to distinguish between the mere form of godliness and its power,...If I am not right, set me right, keep me right; And may I at last come to thy house in peace." portions from New Beginning from The Valley of Vision
Exciting times. The new year brings much to be excited about...a new pastor and his family--who we already love and a new phase in our lives. It will be exciting to see where God leads us.
Of course, the poor financial planner who has to put up with me wanting to crawl into a hole and cover up. I don't think he quite gets that I've canned enough food for a family of, say 10. I read more and more of women that are concerned about the future of the economy. Why is that??? Are we by nature worriers? Is it a God-given gut feeling? Or, is it what that great theologian, Barry Woolner would say..."gas". :-) The way I figure is that if things get ugly, I am prepared to feed any number of people that need to be with us and/or be fed. If I am dead wrong, I probably won't need to plant beets for the next two years.
Slowly the Christmas decorations are getting put out and the fall ones removed. This weekend is a busy one but I still hope to get the tree out of the box and up. I still have a few gifts to buy and I need to get to it. Things need wrapped up, literally and figuratively, very soon. Plus, there is still sewing to do. There are two aprons to make and one that just needs a pocket and some embellishments added.
I am very thankful for many things today. One is the sunshine. I sat outside and did my devos at lunch. The wind is pretty chilly, but the warm sun on my face was worth putting up with the wind.
"Thou has begun a good work in me and canst alone continue and complete it. Give me an increasing conviction of my tendency to err, and of my exposure to sin....Give me to distinguish between the mere form of godliness and its power,...If I am not right, set me right, keep me right; And may I at last come to thy house in peace." portions from New Beginning from The Valley of Vision
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Catching Up
As I continue to struggle with, what may be, the next Great Depression, I also think it is important to think and plan ahead.
There were sweet potatoes for sale in bags at Aldi's for a decent price. So they are waiting to be canned. If you are interested in learning more about canning sweet potatoes, here is a website I found that I'm going to use because, of course, it has pictures! http://canningusa.com/IfICanYouCan/PotatoesSweet.htm
My apple guy had some more Cortland apples that I dried yesterday. I am thankful for my "dryer" that my in-laws were finished with. Dried apples make great snacks and then there are Amish Moon Pies. I love these! Although, I must confess, that I still have not perfected them. Keith says he will happily eat all the experiments! If you are interested in drying apples, here is a website: http://www.pickyourown.org/apples_dried.htm It explains things very well and has pictures! Like I said, I prefer the Cortland apples because they don't darken like other varieties. I don't care to treat my apples--just one more step that I don't think is necessary. This site has pictures and How-To's for doing this in the oven, in a dehydrator and even your car on a hot day. I store mine in big 1/2 gallon canning jars that I got from my daughter's mom-in-law.
I'm still wondering if Keith and I should find someone to plow our "back 40" to plant more stuff either for us, for the kids or to sell. (I'm already anxiously awaiting the seed catalogs.)
It has been cold here the last couple days. A bit of snow, but not much yet. What little we get is gone in a short time. The roads were horrible coming home from our small group on Monday. The road was covered with black ice. Flipped cars and trucks and skid marks everywhere! I went 35 mph down Rt. 422. Butler County was the worst. Once I arrived in Armstrong, the roads had be faithfully taken care of by our PennDot.
This time of year everyone around here hibernates. We'll see each other either at the store or when we shovel snow. It is kind of a lonely time, but we will celebrate when we see each other in the Spring. This is a time to quilt and watch movies and get some reading done. I also want to can some vegetable soup and more chicken, when it is on sale. That worked great!! All I'm missing is my wood stove, which, on days like this, I miss so very much.
The following is something to which I want to aspire--I have not arrived yet:
I want not the favour of man to lean upon, for I know that thy electing grace is infinitely better. Excerpt from Election, from the Valley of Vision. It is my prayer that I can get over being concerned about what people think.
There were sweet potatoes for sale in bags at Aldi's for a decent price. So they are waiting to be canned. If you are interested in learning more about canning sweet potatoes, here is a website I found that I'm going to use because, of course, it has pictures! http://canningusa.com/IfICanYouCan/PotatoesSweet.htm
My apple guy had some more Cortland apples that I dried yesterday. I am thankful for my "dryer" that my in-laws were finished with. Dried apples make great snacks and then there are Amish Moon Pies. I love these! Although, I must confess, that I still have not perfected them. Keith says he will happily eat all the experiments! If you are interested in drying apples, here is a website: http://www.pickyourown.org/apples_dried.htm It explains things very well and has pictures! Like I said, I prefer the Cortland apples because they don't darken like other varieties. I don't care to treat my apples--just one more step that I don't think is necessary. This site has pictures and How-To's for doing this in the oven, in a dehydrator and even your car on a hot day. I store mine in big 1/2 gallon canning jars that I got from my daughter's mom-in-law.
I'm still wondering if Keith and I should find someone to plow our "back 40" to plant more stuff either for us, for the kids or to sell. (I'm already anxiously awaiting the seed catalogs.)
It has been cold here the last couple days. A bit of snow, but not much yet. What little we get is gone in a short time. The roads were horrible coming home from our small group on Monday. The road was covered with black ice. Flipped cars and trucks and skid marks everywhere! I went 35 mph down Rt. 422. Butler County was the worst. Once I arrived in Armstrong, the roads had be faithfully taken care of by our PennDot.
This time of year everyone around here hibernates. We'll see each other either at the store or when we shovel snow. It is kind of a lonely time, but we will celebrate when we see each other in the Spring. This is a time to quilt and watch movies and get some reading done. I also want to can some vegetable soup and more chicken, when it is on sale. That worked great!! All I'm missing is my wood stove, which, on days like this, I miss so very much.
The following is something to which I want to aspire--I have not arrived yet:
I want not the favour of man to lean upon, for I know that thy electing grace is infinitely better. Excerpt from Election, from the Valley of Vision. It is my prayer that I can get over being concerned about what people think.
Sewing and such
Some one told me I could sew. In Junior High I was forced to take sewing in Home Ec. In 7th grade I made a pillow case and an apron. I think it took me the whole six week period. It's a wonder there was anything left of the fabric with the amount of time I needed to rip stuff out. In 8th grade I made a jumper and top. I actually got an "O", which means outstanding. I couldn't believe it!! I loved that thing. What I made in 9th grade is long forgotten. When Emily was tiny, I made a couple dresses--one had french seams!!--while she was napping. I made the kids shorts and stuff when they were little. We were blessed with hand-me-downs for the kids, for which I continue to be thankful.
When my Martha Stewart Living magazine arrived with directions for a cute little apron, I thought, "I made one of these in 7th grade, this will be a piece of cake!" What I learned about sewing aprons must have been in the one or two brain cells that I killed off enjoying the few adult beverages I've enjoyed in my life. While Martha's apron calls for grosgrain ribbon for a waistband/sash. Just try and find 2 in. grosgrain ribbon! No doubt Martha has it all stashed at her house. So, I figured, I know how to sew, I'll just adjust! Yeah, well, one would think I could adjust. However, "adjusting" includes knowing how to do something that most folks can do--SIMPLE MATH. Long story short--after much ripping and frustration, my waistband/sash has exposed raw edges on the back side because I did not make it wide enough. I'm not sure what to do with it--I wanted to make it for a gift, now it is probably mine. If I had only known I was going to be making such a mess out of a simple project, I would not have made my "trial run" out of nice fabric. At least the next two should be done better--I hope!! I know that I need to make the waistband/sash 4 in. wide in order to have a decent width front and back and no exposed seam edges. What makes me nuts is that THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE EASY!
There is at least one moral to this story...learn how to do math. My sister, Ann, and I have always said that it is a hereditary problem, but I think I just gave up a long time ago. Years ago someone told me I just couldn't do math, and I believed them. Bad idea.
I think I'll quilt today.
When my Martha Stewart Living magazine arrived with directions for a cute little apron, I thought, "I made one of these in 7th grade, this will be a piece of cake!" What I learned about sewing aprons must have been in the one or two brain cells that I killed off enjoying the few adult beverages I've enjoyed in my life. While Martha's apron calls for grosgrain ribbon for a waistband/sash. Just try and find 2 in. grosgrain ribbon! No doubt Martha has it all stashed at her house. So, I figured, I know how to sew, I'll just adjust! Yeah, well, one would think I could adjust. However, "adjusting" includes knowing how to do something that most folks can do--SIMPLE MATH. Long story short--after much ripping and frustration, my waistband/sash has exposed raw edges on the back side because I did not make it wide enough. I'm not sure what to do with it--I wanted to make it for a gift, now it is probably mine. If I had only known I was going to be making such a mess out of a simple project, I would not have made my "trial run" out of nice fabric. At least the next two should be done better--I hope!! I know that I need to make the waistband/sash 4 in. wide in order to have a decent width front and back and no exposed seam edges. What makes me nuts is that THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE EASY!
There is at least one moral to this story...learn how to do math. My sister, Ann, and I have always said that it is a hereditary problem, but I think I just gave up a long time ago. Years ago someone told me I just couldn't do math, and I believed them. Bad idea.
I think I'll quilt today.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Cleaning Day
Another beautiful November day--in the 70s; who would believe it??!!
With the weather so beautiful, I was hit with the urge to clean. While my mother always says that when that happens one should sit down and wait for it to pass, I thought I would take advantage of the day. I washed a few windows, washed the curtains in the kitchen, ironed them and hung them back up, washed the throw rugs, did a load of regular laundry and hung it all out, cut the grass around the house and enjoyed some reading in the sun.
I did my usual devos outside today (Tabletalk). I read a bit of "Respectable Sins" and got out a book I purchased not long ago, "The Mortification of Sin", by John Owen. As you can see, I follow Dan's blog and he is doing a study on this book. Today, I saw that he mentions it as one of his "Three Books", and seeing that it was a great day, I pulled it out and read the first chapter. It really goes along with my "Respectable Sins" class and I need all the 'mortification' I can get. I need to go back over his study notes, too. Thanks, again, Dan!
Tonight is our small group. We have not met in months and I am anxious to spend time and get caught up. We see each other on Sundays, but never long enough to really talk. I'm afraid I've worn myself out, though and there is a great deal of night left today...I hope that made sense :-).
Tomorrow I get my hair cut--not soon enough. I look overgown. There will be a visit to the chiropractor to repair the damage done from moving and all the other stuff I do and a visit to my brother's family in McCandless Twp., for an evening visit.
With the election still fresh in my mind, I am reminded of a study in Daniel our small group did with a sermon series by Tim Keller. The study begins with the letter to the exiles in Jeremiah 29:4 with instructions from God on how to live in Babylon. Keller goes on to explain how we live in a similar situation. We are in a similar situation where we are no longer in cultural power. God called them to become deeply engaged in the life of the "city", but still protect their spiritual heritage. Their dispersion among the pagan people was for the well being of the city and culture. Love the city of man for the sake of the city of God. Christians will need to be salt and light in a culture that may make it difficult for us. How will we live faithfully before God in an unbelieving culture that is hostile to God?
I highly recommend Tim Keller's series. You can check out his website and purchase tapes and CDs at : http://www.redeemer.com/.
"I am guilty, but pardoned,
lost, but saved,
wandering, but found,
sinning, but cleansed.
give me perpetual broken-heartedness,...
Open to me the springs of divine knowledge,
sparkling like crystal,
flowing clear and unsullied
through my wilderness of life." Valley of Vision excerpts from The Broken Heart
With the weather so beautiful, I was hit with the urge to clean. While my mother always says that when that happens one should sit down and wait for it to pass, I thought I would take advantage of the day. I washed a few windows, washed the curtains in the kitchen, ironed them and hung them back up, washed the throw rugs, did a load of regular laundry and hung it all out, cut the grass around the house and enjoyed some reading in the sun.
I did my usual devos outside today (Tabletalk). I read a bit of "Respectable Sins" and got out a book I purchased not long ago, "The Mortification of Sin", by John Owen. As you can see, I follow Dan's blog and he is doing a study on this book. Today, I saw that he mentions it as one of his "Three Books", and seeing that it was a great day, I pulled it out and read the first chapter. It really goes along with my "Respectable Sins" class and I need all the 'mortification' I can get. I need to go back over his study notes, too. Thanks, again, Dan!
Tonight is our small group. We have not met in months and I am anxious to spend time and get caught up. We see each other on Sundays, but never long enough to really talk. I'm afraid I've worn myself out, though and there is a great deal of night left today...I hope that made sense :-).
Tomorrow I get my hair cut--not soon enough. I look overgown. There will be a visit to the chiropractor to repair the damage done from moving and all the other stuff I do and a visit to my brother's family in McCandless Twp., for an evening visit.
With the election still fresh in my mind, I am reminded of a study in Daniel our small group did with a sermon series by Tim Keller. The study begins with the letter to the exiles in Jeremiah 29:4 with instructions from God on how to live in Babylon. Keller goes on to explain how we live in a similar situation. We are in a similar situation where we are no longer in cultural power. God called them to become deeply engaged in the life of the "city", but still protect their spiritual heritage. Their dispersion among the pagan people was for the well being of the city and culture. Love the city of man for the sake of the city of God. Christians will need to be salt and light in a culture that may make it difficult for us. How will we live faithfully before God in an unbelieving culture that is hostile to God?
I highly recommend Tim Keller's series. You can check out his website and purchase tapes and CDs at : http://www.redeemer.com/.
"I am guilty, but pardoned,
lost, but saved,
wandering, but found,
sinning, but cleansed.
give me perpetual broken-heartedness,...
Open to me the springs of divine knowledge,
sparkling like crystal,
flowing clear and unsullied
through my wilderness of life." Valley of Vision excerpts from The Broken Heart
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